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Eleusis
2012 Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award Quarterfinalist! Macy needs a break. Her parents are dead and a moody trespasser has set up camp on the property she has inherited. When the stranger confesses himself to be an ageless sea-god and tells Macy she has been guarding a secret she never knew existed, her once simple life takes a drastic turn. Just when she thinks it can’t get any stranger, a back door to the Underworld opens up and it’s time to run like hell. Mythology and contemporary life collide as this fast-paced novel explodes and dark forces tracking Macy surface to capture her. In the transatlantic chase that follows, she learns of her forgotten past and a centuries-old connection to the sea-god who helps her escape. A tragic miscalculation derails Macy and in a moment of self-sacrifice she ends up where it all began, trapped in the Underworld. Has she learned enough about her past to forge a meaningful future? Utterly alone, she realizes that to gain real freedom, she must reject her assigned place in history and in doing so risk everything. Events challenge her whilst she comes to grips with her legacy and decides what she wants in life. Family betrayal, sinister plot twists, and unlikely friends fill this exhilarating story of one woman’s journey to shape her future as she learns her true identity and strives to become a force in her own right. Eleusis by Genevieve Fairbrother is one-of-a-kind contemporary paranormal adventure novel that narrates a unique perspective on women and relationships using the life of one immortal woman moving through time. If you love losing track of time inside a Contemporary Paranormal adventure romance then order this book today!
274 pages, Paperback
First published February 1, 2013
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
July 31, 2013
2.5 stars
As reviewed by Melissa at Every Free Chance Book Reviews.
Did I enjoy this book: I did. Sort of. Maybe.
Macy was likeable enough (though her medical skills felt contrived once I realized she needed them to further the plot), and Jason was all kinds of intriguing and beguiling. This was a fun book – full of mysteries, Greek gods, adventures, and yes, even a bit of ancient Egypt (although I’m still trying to figure out why exactly). Unfortunately, once I took off my “reader” hat and put on my “writer/reviewer” hat, I found a few problems I couldn’t ignore.
First there’s Jack. Jack and Macy’s relationship could have been much more robust; Jack’s only distinguishing feature – his unrequited love for Macy - felt contrived as well. Wasn’t there any other dynamic in which Macy could get him to ready her boat overnight? She was wealthy enough to own two homes and a boat; couldn’t she have just paid him a ridiculous amount of money instead of dooming the poor lad to life as a stock character? And whatever became of Jackie, anyway? He disappeared entirely about half-way through the story. He didn’t even make a comeback at the end. Poor guy.
I also want to know more about Macy’s childhood. Sure, she was adopted, but when? How? Does she remember her childhood? When she forgot her immortal identity, did she somehow also de-ageify herself so she could grow up again with her adoptive parents? Was she reincarnated as, um, herself? Did she put her adoptive parents under a spell so they would only think they raised her? Jason said she looked different than he remembered. Why? And why was Jason starving in the woods if immortals don’t need to eat (as evidenced by Macy’s six month foray in the underworld)? Don’t the gods all have to follow the same laws of nature? I’m all for willingly suspending my disbelief, don’t get me wrong, but you’ve got to make the disbelief BELIEVABLE. Um. So. Maybe there’s a simple explanation. Maybe one sentence would do it. But I want that sentence.
Macy and Jason were annoyingly cute, but I didn’t feel that tingle in the pit of my stomach that I wanted them to make me feel, and I’ll be honest – I’m pretty sure the only reason they waited so long to hit the sheets was so Macy would remember her other identity at the appropriate time in the plot line.
I’ve been accused of being difficult to please. Well, it’s true (and it’s much easier to review than to actually write, goodness knows), but I don’t hate this book, and I’m not giving up on it. It’s got the dreaded “p” word… potential. I want more. I want more of Jack, more of Macy, more intensity, more everything (except sweet little kisses. There were plenty of those). Mostly, I want to sit down with Ms. Fairbrother and edit the heck out of her book. If she won’t let me edit, then I want her to sell the story to Hollywood. It would make a great summer blockbuster.
Would I recommend it: I would recommend it to the Hollywood folk in charge of making movies. I would also recommend that Jason be played by Johnny Depp. Yum.
Will I read it again: Maybe. I’d love to see Fairbrother streamline her story, expand her characters, and get rid of those pesky e-book typos. This book was a great idea (I think it would make a killer movie), but as a work of fiction it needs some work.
(I received a copy of this book for review purposes.)
http://everyfreechance.com/2013/07/re...
As reviewed by Melissa at Every Free Chance Book Reviews.
Did I enjoy this book: I did. Sort of. Maybe.
Macy was likeable enough (though her medical skills felt contrived once I realized she needed them to further the plot), and Jason was all kinds of intriguing and beguiling. This was a fun book – full of mysteries, Greek gods, adventures, and yes, even a bit of ancient Egypt (although I’m still trying to figure out why exactly). Unfortunately, once I took off my “reader” hat and put on my “writer/reviewer” hat, I found a few problems I couldn’t ignore.
First there’s Jack. Jack and Macy’s relationship could have been much more robust; Jack’s only distinguishing feature – his unrequited love for Macy - felt contrived as well. Wasn’t there any other dynamic in which Macy could get him to ready her boat overnight? She was wealthy enough to own two homes and a boat; couldn’t she have just paid him a ridiculous amount of money instead of dooming the poor lad to life as a stock character? And whatever became of Jackie, anyway? He disappeared entirely about half-way through the story. He didn’t even make a comeback at the end. Poor guy.
I also want to know more about Macy’s childhood. Sure, she was adopted, but when? How? Does she remember her childhood? When she forgot her immortal identity, did she somehow also de-ageify herself so she could grow up again with her adoptive parents? Was she reincarnated as, um, herself? Did she put her adoptive parents under a spell so they would only think they raised her? Jason said she looked different than he remembered. Why? And why was Jason starving in the woods if immortals don’t need to eat (as evidenced by Macy’s six month foray in the underworld)? Don’t the gods all have to follow the same laws of nature? I’m all for willingly suspending my disbelief, don’t get me wrong, but you’ve got to make the disbelief BELIEVABLE. Um. So. Maybe there’s a simple explanation. Maybe one sentence would do it. But I want that sentence.
Macy and Jason were annoyingly cute, but I didn’t feel that tingle in the pit of my stomach that I wanted them to make me feel, and I’ll be honest – I’m pretty sure the only reason they waited so long to hit the sheets was so Macy would remember her other identity at the appropriate time in the plot line.
I’ve been accused of being difficult to please. Well, it’s true (and it’s much easier to review than to actually write, goodness knows), but I don’t hate this book, and I’m not giving up on it. It’s got the dreaded “p” word… potential. I want more. I want more of Jack, more of Macy, more intensity, more everything (except sweet little kisses. There were plenty of those). Mostly, I want to sit down with Ms. Fairbrother and edit the heck out of her book. If she won’t let me edit, then I want her to sell the story to Hollywood. It would make a great summer blockbuster.
Would I recommend it: I would recommend it to the Hollywood folk in charge of making movies. I would also recommend that Jason be played by Johnny Depp. Yum.
Will I read it again: Maybe. I’d love to see Fairbrother streamline her story, expand her characters, and get rid of those pesky e-book typos. This book was a great idea (I think it would make a killer movie), but as a work of fiction it needs some work.
(I received a copy of this book for review purposes.)
http://everyfreechance.com/2013/07/re...
April 2, 2013
I’ve said this before…. I love stories that incorporate the Gods, be it Roman or Greek. I enjoyed the plot and the characters. I loved the main characters Macy and Jason. Macy is strong and resilient. Instead of having a break down for her losses she moves all alone to wide and open spaces. She is a female character with a back bone but still feminine. But when a moody trespasser who claims to be an ancient sea god, and collectors and seekers, that work for Hyades? start to show up on her land….yes it’s time to run like hell or sail away to the ends of the earth.
The story had romance; it had action and adventure. When Macy decides to help the moody trespasser, Jason, go back home after being hurt, she didn’t realize this trip was not only going to help him but the trip was going to help her as well. I loved it!!
A supernatural romance action packed novel with a hint of Greek gods thrown in the pot and sailing adventure for good measure. Eleusis, I can’t even pronounce it but the story flows well with a good pace. I can’t recall a dull moment. I recommend Eleusis to mature young adults and older since the characters are two adults that share a beautiful intimate moment, not too descriptive and not at all vulgar. The intimate scene only occurred once as far as I remember.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion and review.
Title: Eleusis
Author: Genevieve Fairbrother
Format: eBook 5466 characters
Genre: Mature YA and older
Cover: 5 stars
Characters: Kayson, Sabrina & Emma
Rating: 5 stars
Series: Yes!
http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
http://www.amazon.com/review/R1WW89WD...
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/eleus...
May 9, 2013
A wonderful take on one of my favourite Greek myths, the tale of Persephone and Hades. I usually can be found cheering on team Hades but this story has a twist. Characters and dialogue were well written and the tale enjoyable. A fantasy tale suitable for New Adult/Older YA.
April 23, 2013
I really liked this book. I like Macy a lot. She was strong but not stubborn to the point it was just dumb. She was smart and Loved Jason a lot. It was really a great read!!
April 30, 2013
Compelling, easy read. Draws you in. The twists and turns in the storyline make this novel a page turner. Fresh and wonderful.
May 12, 2013
I loved this book, very clever bringing the ancient Egyptian culture into a modern day love story about the Ancient Greek gods! Will definitely look for more books by this author.
May 16, 2020
I’ve been looking forward to reading this book for the past five year, so I’m more than disappointed to say I have so many qualms with this novel I don’t even know where to start. It was just so poorly written it, an especially awful discovery because I loved the premise and was pretty excited about the plot.
First of all, the author made a classic error of telling the story instead of illustrating it. From mundanely describing irrelevant actions to proclamations of love during the third encounter (third! literally how) between characters, it was all in all awfully executed.
Furthermore, the main character frustratingly perfectly fit into the role of a damsel in distress, even after obtaining the means to fight for herself. Crying every other page, it was annoying to read and as excited as I was to get my hands on this novel, I ended up devouring it only to finish it as quickly as possible.
First of all, the author made a classic error of telling the story instead of illustrating it. From mundanely describing irrelevant actions to proclamations of love during the third encounter (third! literally how) between characters, it was all in all awfully executed.
Furthermore, the main character frustratingly perfectly fit into the role of a damsel in distress, even after obtaining the means to fight for herself. Crying every other page, it was annoying to read and as excited as I was to get my hands on this novel, I ended up devouring it only to finish it as quickly as possible.
September 18, 2019
Mythology retold
It is hard to review this book after just finishing reading Circe. I did not realize this book was based on Greek gods mainly Persephone. Is an entertaining tale which kept me reading but I didnt feel there was much depth to it. Light reading, great summer book. Would recommend it if you like fantasy romance.
It is hard to review this book after just finishing reading Circe. I did not realize this book was based on Greek gods mainly Persephone. Is an entertaining tale which kept me reading but I didnt feel there was much depth to it. Light reading, great summer book. Would recommend it if you like fantasy romance.
April 1, 2019
I was so disappointed with this one. The cover is gorgeous (it should teach me to never trust a book by its cover 😱) and it’s all about Greek mythology. But it really didn’t grab me. Nothing about the story, the main characters or the villain. It was all ‘meh’.
May 15, 2018
Good
Not quite what I expected, however good just the same. A twist on the Persephone story. Some parts of the story felt like filler, otherwise pretty good. Enjoy!
Not quite what I expected, however good just the same. A twist on the Persephone story. Some parts of the story felt like filler, otherwise pretty good. Enjoy!
August 7, 2013
It grew on me.
I was certainly intrigued with all the Greek mythology references (title, intro...) and without reading synopsis just dove in. Then comes Macy, North American girl, figuring out her place in this world, on her own, and my eyebrows furrow. What does that have to do with ancient Greece? So, I did not put the book down until I have read it all.
Overall, it starts a bit slow as the main characters are being introduced and there seems to be quite a few players, and that made it a bit tough as I had to make myself read on. But book does pick up once the events unfold and new rhythm evolves, fleeing from one and running towards the other. That's when I started noticing that writing changed as well, you feel more urgency, and you feel the lull, so the second half of the book, excellent.
It was visually appealing and it was easy to imagine the scenery, the smells, and the warmth as described as I am from Mediterranean parts and it all felt real and homey.
One last thing I question, build-up to mad, deep, everlasting love; I did not get it. They met, few events and tense moments later, they were in love. Yes it is love based on years of history and past yearnings... still, Jason wows that he loves Macy as Macy not Persephone, then I don't see it. I'd expect him to be more conflicting about what he feels for Macy and letting go of Persephone after all these years... I may have to give it a second read.
Light, visually appealing, lovely. I give it 3 out of 5 stars.
Tanja
I was certainly intrigued with all the Greek mythology references (title, intro...) and without reading synopsis just dove in. Then comes Macy, North American girl, figuring out her place in this world, on her own, and my eyebrows furrow. What does that have to do with ancient Greece? So, I did not put the book down until I have read it all.
Overall, it starts a bit slow as the main characters are being introduced and there seems to be quite a few players, and that made it a bit tough as I had to make myself read on. But book does pick up once the events unfold and new rhythm evolves, fleeing from one and running towards the other. That's when I started noticing that writing changed as well, you feel more urgency, and you feel the lull, so the second half of the book, excellent.
It was visually appealing and it was easy to imagine the scenery, the smells, and the warmth as described as I am from Mediterranean parts and it all felt real and homey.
One last thing I question, build-up to mad, deep, everlasting love; I did not get it. They met, few events and tense moments later, they were in love. Yes it is love based on years of history and past yearnings... still, Jason wows that he loves Macy as Macy not Persephone, then I don't see it. I'd expect him to be more conflicting about what he feels for Macy and letting go of Persephone after all these years... I may have to give it a second read.
Light, visually appealing, lovely. I give it 3 out of 5 stars.
Tanja
June 18, 2013
I was intrigued with the story as I read the summary. I like reading books with Greek mythology. Eleusis is about Macy who came to Eleusis to check out the property she inherited from her parents. But strange, dangerous things began to occur. When Macy met Jason, who then confessed that he is a sea-god, Macy wouldn’t believe him. It can’t be true, can it?
Eleusis started out a bit slow in my opinion. But the author had her way to build up the story slowly. At first I was interested to know the story behind Eleusis and whatever strange things that happen in Macy’s life. When Macy decided to help Jason to get back to his home… this was when things begin to get much more interesting.
I love Macy. She’s strong and smart. I love the romance part with Macy and Jason. At first I thought that things were happening too fast between them, but then I started to enjoy watching them together a lot.
Genevieve had her way with writing. Her writing style was captivating. I love her description on places and things that occur around Macy. She made it sounds so vivid! I really enjoy Eleusis. It was a book packed adventure, fantasy and a little bit of romance.
:: I received a copy of Eleusis by Genevieve Fairbrother from CLP Blog Tours as part of the blog tour.
Eleusis started out a bit slow in my opinion. But the author had her way to build up the story slowly. At first I was interested to know the story behind Eleusis and whatever strange things that happen in Macy’s life. When Macy decided to help Jason to get back to his home… this was when things begin to get much more interesting.
I love Macy. She’s strong and smart. I love the romance part with Macy and Jason. At first I thought that things were happening too fast between them, but then I started to enjoy watching them together a lot.
Genevieve had her way with writing. Her writing style was captivating. I love her description on places and things that occur around Macy. She made it sounds so vivid! I really enjoy Eleusis. It was a book packed adventure, fantasy and a little bit of romance.
:: I received a copy of Eleusis by Genevieve Fairbrother from CLP Blog Tours as part of the blog tour.
November 18, 2013
Are you a fan of Greek Mythology ? Love reading renditions as much as I do ? As a voracious reader , I have so many books on my Ipad to read so every now and again unless one jumps out and says READ me. I pick a random title to read and today's was Eleusis. Eleusis is a modern rendition of the tale of Persephone and Hades.
Eleusis starts off with Macy's parents dying and now she has to settle all of their estate which includes a little farmhouse out in the middle of nowhere. One look at the place and Macy feels right at home , however odd things are a-happening and she is sensing strange things around her. Eager to know the history of her property , while out to dinner with her new friend Dory and her family - she asks them and discovers that her land was an ancient indian burial ground. Turns out though that it was more than that , it is also a portal to the underworld and Macy is or so everyone in the underworld and spirit world believe is the reincarnation of Persephone and Hades wants her back in the Underworld where he believes she belongs. Can Macy with the help of her other newfound friend Jason save herself from being pulled into Hell with Hades or will she have to accept this as her fate and destiny ?
Find out in Eleusis by Genevieve Fairbrother.
Eleusis starts off with Macy's parents dying and now she has to settle all of their estate which includes a little farmhouse out in the middle of nowhere. One look at the place and Macy feels right at home , however odd things are a-happening and she is sensing strange things around her. Eager to know the history of her property , while out to dinner with her new friend Dory and her family - she asks them and discovers that her land was an ancient indian burial ground. Turns out though that it was more than that , it is also a portal to the underworld and Macy is or so everyone in the underworld and spirit world believe is the reincarnation of Persephone and Hades wants her back in the Underworld where he believes she belongs. Can Macy with the help of her other newfound friend Jason save herself from being pulled into Hell with Hades or will she have to accept this as her fate and destiny ?
Find out in Eleusis by Genevieve Fairbrother.
July 31, 2014
ELESUIS - by Genevieve Fairbrother
After the death of bother Macy's parents she had wanted a change of pace. Macy left Baltimore, MD and headed towards SC. Her parents had owned 20 acres near a lake. Macy happens upon this man who has been living on her land for years. He holds a secret? The place is spiritual and calming for Macy. Then out of nowhere Macy is hunted down by this "Collector". The strange man, Jason tells her about the Goddess Persephone who had escaped the underworld to live of her own free will. What does this all have to do with Macy? Macy is a little bit skeptical of this story. What if there is some truth behind it?
I loved how the author took a book and merged Mythology with the real word to create this great story. Hard to put down was quite an enjoyable read.
After the death of bother Macy's parents she had wanted a change of pace. Macy left Baltimore, MD and headed towards SC. Her parents had owned 20 acres near a lake. Macy happens upon this man who has been living on her land for years. He holds a secret? The place is spiritual and calming for Macy. Then out of nowhere Macy is hunted down by this "Collector". The strange man, Jason tells her about the Goddess Persephone who had escaped the underworld to live of her own free will. What does this all have to do with Macy? Macy is a little bit skeptical of this story. What if there is some truth behind it?
I loved how the author took a book and merged Mythology with the real word to create this great story. Hard to put down was quite an enjoyable read.
June 27, 2013
Magically told, these character forge to life with identifiable personalities and believable events of both fantasy and true everlasting love. The writer had me hooked within the first few pages and desperately trying to imagine the plot with a head full of possibilities of which all were put to shame with the true essence of the story. Don't read any of the reviews that reveal the plot, but rather pick up the book and surrender to an amazing adventure of self-awareness and self-realization...and experience all the emotions in the spectrum of good versus evil and the triumph of true love.
This is my 7th review for BookRooster.com and I did receive a complementary copy of this book to review...but I am very much looking forward to purchasing more stories from this author!
This is my 7th review for BookRooster.com and I did receive a complementary copy of this book to review...but I am very much looking forward to purchasing more stories from this author!
June 13, 2013
Genevieve Fairbrother is now on tour with CLP Blog Tours and Eleusis
I like stories that seem unique and original, and that is why I was drawn to Eleusis. Clearly there is a lot of plot points and story to work through, and I think if you read this book with an open mind you can really enjoy it. There are some beautiful descriptions in the book, along with an interesting love story, a fantasy twist, and a strong heroine with a chance to be a legend. Sometimes the dialogue was a bit choppy almost and there were parts I had to re-read to make sure I was understanding everything, but intriguing concept for a book overall!
I like stories that seem unique and original, and that is why I was drawn to Eleusis. Clearly there is a lot of plot points and story to work through, and I think if you read this book with an open mind you can really enjoy it. There are some beautiful descriptions in the book, along with an interesting love story, a fantasy twist, and a strong heroine with a chance to be a legend. Sometimes the dialogue was a bit choppy almost and there were parts I had to re-read to make sure I was understanding everything, but intriguing concept for a book overall!
May 9, 2013
I really liked the premise of this book and I loved the way that Ms Fairbrother described the environments that Macy and Jason found themselves in and particularly enjoyed their ocean voyage! The one jarring note for me in this book was that while the surrounds were lovingly described and the story itself was interesting and involving, I found the conversations to be entirely stilted and rushed. It was almost to the point that I wanted to skip reading when ever one of the characters spoke. Otherwise an enjoyable read.
June 20, 2016
Good beginning and good ending. In between was not challenging enough.
This "God", Jason, was too wimpy and needed rescuing himself too much. Just did not keep my interest. I thought the relationship between Jason and Macey was a little childish. This book was only "okay" for me.
This "God", Jason, was too wimpy and needed rescuing himself too much. Just did not keep my interest. I thought the relationship between Jason and Macey was a little childish. This book was only "okay" for me.
July 29, 2016
Eastern American woods across the Atlantic to Grecian gardens and Egyptian deserts. The rich descriptions and sense of place painted the mood...the characters kept the action building. Eleusis is a timeless love story. And, it's always fun to read about gods -- great to have a modern twist.
April 26, 2013
I loved this book!
May 18, 2013
Ephesus had great premise but it didn't hold me. The story was good but could have been better. I did enjoy the Greek mythology in there... a surprise because I thought I was reading a mermaid book.
May 24, 2013
It grabbed me from the beginning. I felt all of the emotions as Macy felt them throughout the novel. It is a very empowering novel as well. Loved it!
Read
October 27, 2013A fun, fantastical read bringing mythology into today's world. Of course, I'm biased - I went to high school with the author.
June 10, 2015
I loved this book. I like finding out what ancient gods are doing in modern civilization.
Waiting for the next one.
Waiting for the next one.
June 6, 2013
Review to come after blog tour.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews