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Romani Realms #1
Released
The discovery of an ancient bottle unleashes a Genie - and the wrath of the Demon Gypsies chasing her...
When Suzette (“Suki”) is released from her bottle by two teen girls, she is more than a bit surprised that a Genie of her calibre is beholden to two average high school students. After dealing with dignitaries and noblemen, however, she believes this will be a welcome break.
Until she discovers the teens’ hidden powers and that one will come to possess the Amulet of Pollox, a necklace that contains the secrets from some of the greatest minds throughout history. Unfortunately, she’s not the only one who notices. The Amulet draws the attention of the two powerful and vengeful Demon Gypsies who have pursued Suki through time and will stop at nothing to snatch the girls and the Amulet.
Suddenly, Suki is not just helping the girls navigate high school crushes, she’s safeguarding them from danger unlike anything they’ve ever known. To make matters more complicated, she must also fight her attraction to James - her protector through the ages - whose sudden arrival threatens her resolve and her heart.
A time-traveling Genie and her unrequited love...
Demon Gypsies with an insatiable quest for power...
And the teen girls whose existence threatens them all.
This is the world of “Released,” book one of The Romani Realms series by Mia Fox, a Young Adult trilogy featuring elements of paranormal romance and steampunk.
When Suzette (“Suki”) is released from her bottle by two teen girls, she is more than a bit surprised that a Genie of her calibre is beholden to two average high school students. After dealing with dignitaries and noblemen, however, she believes this will be a welcome break.
Until she discovers the teens’ hidden powers and that one will come to possess the Amulet of Pollox, a necklace that contains the secrets from some of the greatest minds throughout history. Unfortunately, she’s not the only one who notices. The Amulet draws the attention of the two powerful and vengeful Demon Gypsies who have pursued Suki through time and will stop at nothing to snatch the girls and the Amulet.
Suddenly, Suki is not just helping the girls navigate high school crushes, she’s safeguarding them from danger unlike anything they’ve ever known. To make matters more complicated, she must also fight her attraction to James - her protector through the ages - whose sudden arrival threatens her resolve and her heart.
A time-traveling Genie and her unrequited love...
Demon Gypsies with an insatiable quest for power...
And the teen girls whose existence threatens them all.
This is the world of “Released,” book one of The Romani Realms series by Mia Fox, a Young Adult trilogy featuring elements of paranormal romance and steampunk.
314 pages, Paperback
First published April 9, 2013
20 people are currently reading
1030 people want to read
About the author
Mia Fox
21 books405 followersMia Fox is a romance author dividing her time between Los Angeles and England.
Her time spent in England inspired the Bourton Bridge Series, which is loosely based on the Cotswold Village of Bourton on the Water.
In Los Angeles, Mia lives with her husband and their sweet poodle. When not writing, you can find Mia in a yoga studio or experimenting with recipes.
If you're interested in advanced book release news and giveaways, simply sign up for my newsletter here:
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You can also find me on...
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Her time spent in England inspired the Bourton Bridge Series, which is loosely based on the Cotswold Village of Bourton on the Water.
In Los Angeles, Mia lives with her husband and their sweet poodle. When not writing, you can find Mia in a yoga studio or experimenting with recipes.
If you're interested in advanced book release news and giveaways, simply sign up for my newsletter here:
https://dashboard.mailerlite.com/form...
You can also find me on...
http://www.amazon.com/Mia-Fox/e/B00CX...
http://www.bookbub.com/profile/mia-fox
http://www.facebook.com/MiaFoxBooks
http://pinterest.com/miafoxbooks/
https://x.com/MiaFoxBooks
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
May 31, 2015
I received a free copy of Released by Mia Fox in exchange for an honest review.
When I first read the blurb of Released I was drawn by the series name Romani Realms & of course, the types of supernatural beings featured - Genie & Demon Gypsies.
Suzette "Suki" as a protagonist was old-fashioned & sweet, despite her too kind a heart & helpless ability that really sets her apart from the typicality of being a Genie, she was believable with an ability to make one relate to her in both feeling human & feeling different at the same time. She was very well written & it was only added to her character building whenever one of her past stories was told.
Charlotte as a protagonist was intelligent & practical, despite her defiance about Phineas & her stubborn personality, she was exactly the type of girl with a one-track mind of her own. She was well written albeit maybe the story was a little too centered around her despite her being one half of two Releasors.
Samantha as a protagonist was natural & wild-hearted, despite her fiery essence she was a true teenager & beloved friend which was proved true more than once throughout the book, making her very important. She was a character that left much to be desired, despite her seemingly important presence, I felt she was written as more of a passing character rather than her being one half of the two Releasors.
Raven as an antagonist was vicious & heartless, despite her moments of jealousy regarding Phineas & her vendetta toward Suki, she was portrayed as having an inkling of humanity despite her selfishness & her cruelty. She was very well written as a character along with the facts that she had been wronged whereas she originally was meant for having a good heart.
Phineas as an antagonist was kind-hearted & sincere, despite his loyalties to Raven & his past wrongdoings, he was proved to have unanimous humanity within him & be as good as Charlotte originally believed him to be. He was very well written, his good nature made it hard to believe him to be an antagonist from the very start & I'm glad he wasn't.
James as a supporting character was swift & obvious, despite his initial mystery it was easy to figure out that he was different, a Shade, but for some reason I couldn't understand his timing in everything. He was well enough written although I felt a bit lacking in the depth department of his relationship with Suki.
Josh as a supporting character was a nuisance & felt me wondering what importance did he have within the book? Dislike his character. Ashley & Jessica were an inconveniences. Ryan was much left to be desired.
P.S. I liked Suki on the cover; the style of writing was new & intriguingly attractive. It's originally a four & a half stars because of the lacking but deserved the five it got nonetheless.
Released was an easy book to read with a contemporary feel despite the fantasy elements, it featured wonderful backstories to the characters & was definitely more NA rather than YA which peaked my interest, it had good characters albeit, there was lacking in one of the characters I felt that could have had more involvement into the story & basically, the book felt more like a prequel than an actual beginning to the story.
Overall Review ::: Great New Style of POV, Well Enough Written, Contemporary Styled Fantasy, Easy to Read & Filled with Miniature Stories, A Prequel type of Beginning, Fairly Well-Made Characters, Invokes Continuation.
Worthy of being Recommended.
When I first read the blurb of Released I was drawn by the series name Romani Realms & of course, the types of supernatural beings featured - Genie & Demon Gypsies.
Suzette "Suki" as a protagonist was old-fashioned & sweet, despite her too kind a heart & helpless ability that really sets her apart from the typicality of being a Genie, she was believable with an ability to make one relate to her in both feeling human & feeling different at the same time. She was very well written & it was only added to her character building whenever one of her past stories was told.
Charlotte as a protagonist was intelligent & practical, despite her defiance about Phineas & her stubborn personality, she was exactly the type of girl with a one-track mind of her own. She was well written albeit maybe the story was a little too centered around her despite her being one half of two Releasors.
Samantha as a protagonist was natural & wild-hearted, despite her fiery essence she was a true teenager & beloved friend which was proved true more than once throughout the book, making her very important. She was a character that left much to be desired, despite her seemingly important presence, I felt she was written as more of a passing character rather than her being one half of the two Releasors.
Raven as an antagonist was vicious & heartless, despite her moments of jealousy regarding Phineas & her vendetta toward Suki, she was portrayed as having an inkling of humanity despite her selfishness & her cruelty. She was very well written as a character along with the facts that she had been wronged whereas she originally was meant for having a good heart.
Phineas as an antagonist was kind-hearted & sincere, despite his loyalties to Raven & his past wrongdoings, he was proved to have unanimous humanity within him & be as good as Charlotte originally believed him to be. He was very well written, his good nature made it hard to believe him to be an antagonist from the very start & I'm glad he wasn't.
James as a supporting character was swift & obvious, despite his initial mystery it was easy to figure out that he was different, a Shade, but for some reason I couldn't understand his timing in everything. He was well enough written although I felt a bit lacking in the depth department of his relationship with Suki.
Josh as a supporting character was a nuisance & felt me wondering what importance did he have within the book? Dislike his character. Ashley & Jessica were an inconveniences. Ryan was much left to be desired.
P.S. I liked Suki on the cover; the style of writing was new & intriguingly attractive. It's originally a four & a half stars because of the lacking but deserved the five it got nonetheless.
Released was an easy book to read with a contemporary feel despite the fantasy elements, it featured wonderful backstories to the characters & was definitely more NA rather than YA which peaked my interest, it had good characters albeit, there was lacking in one of the characters I felt that could have had more involvement into the story & basically, the book felt more like a prequel than an actual beginning to the story.
Overall Review ::: Great New Style of POV, Well Enough Written, Contemporary Styled Fantasy, Easy to Read & Filled with Miniature Stories, A Prequel type of Beginning, Fairly Well-Made Characters, Invokes Continuation.
Worthy of being Recommended.
April 28, 2013
Released by debut author Mia Fox is brilliantly witty, charming and fresh! Remember the tale of the genie in the bottle who must grant three wishes to the person who releases them, you know, when the big genie with the turban and crossed arms kind of smokes out of the bottle? Well, forget that guy, Suki, is anything but the stereotypical genie and hot on her tail is her an ex-friend on a mission of revenge! This genie has style, a quirky attitude and has kept up on the world throughout the years while imprisoned. Seriously, she even has investments, fashion connections and a keen sense of style! Best friends, Samantha and Charlotte, two lonely teens with equally sad pasts pool their money to buy Suki’s bottle at a secondhand shop. Meanwhile, lurking in the background is Raven, once Suki’s best friend, now her bitter enemy, out to destroy her, chasing her through the centuries since the Salem Witch Trials. Along with her sidekick, Phineas, Raven will do anything to break Suki, including attacking Samantha and Charlotte, who thanks to Suki, are being transformed from plain Janes to beautiful butterflies and are getting noticed by the guys they are crushing on!
Mia Fox has created a loveable and warm character in Suki! Her dialogue alone is worth the read as she narrates for us! Each character is well developed and fit perfectly in place. Some have their own secrets that even Suki doesn’t know! James sounds just plain hot! The plot is great, the story flows by with never a dull moment or a “snag” to slow you down. This is just a delight to read! Definitely fun, with that final hook at the end that I actually NEVER saw coming and has me waiting anxiously for book two in this series! Wow!! Mia has set the bar high for herself, but with Suki's help, and her own talent, it shouldn't be a problem to beat!
Mia Fox has created a loveable and warm character in Suki! Her dialogue alone is worth the read as she narrates for us! Each character is well developed and fit perfectly in place. Some have their own secrets that even Suki doesn’t know! James sounds just plain hot! The plot is great, the story flows by with never a dull moment or a “snag” to slow you down. This is just a delight to read! Definitely fun, with that final hook at the end that I actually NEVER saw coming and has me waiting anxiously for book two in this series! Wow!! Mia has set the bar high for herself, but with Suki's help, and her own talent, it shouldn't be a problem to beat!
November 4, 2013
The first book the the Romani Realms trilogy starts out fast. Suki is a genie, trapped in her bottle and awaiting her next released. Charlotte and Samantha are two teenage girls, best friends and Suki's next Releasors. Raven, Suki's ex best friend, will stop at nothing to destroy them all, once and for all.
I received this book through Netgalley, though I have just now gotten around to reading it. I enjoyed the unique story line as there are not many books written about genies or gypsies these days. It was a nice change from vampires and werewolves. The characters were a bit bland aside from Charlotte, Raven, and Phineas. I felt Suki was more a party girl than a genie bent on protection. I felt Samantha was only in the story as a negative to Charlotte. Her character never really went anywhere aside from a few scenes in the middle. Though I enjoyed this book, it surely should not be considered Young Adult.
I received this book through Netgalley, though I have just now gotten around to reading it. I enjoyed the unique story line as there are not many books written about genies or gypsies these days. It was a nice change from vampires and werewolves. The characters were a bit bland aside from Charlotte, Raven, and Phineas. I felt Suki was more a party girl than a genie bent on protection. I felt Samantha was only in the story as a negative to Charlotte. Her character never really went anywhere aside from a few scenes in the middle. Though I enjoyed this book, it surely should not be considered Young Adult.
September 17, 2013
I'm still slightly mystified by how many good reviews Released by Mia Fox got. Don't get me wrong; a genie a bottle is always intriguing. And this genie isn't one who gives out just any three wishes to any person on the block. Suki helps people who are destined for greatness. She acts as their guide, and only when they make unselfish wishes will she go back into the bottle for the next person to find.
That being said, Suki annoyed me. She had this weird Southern accent going on which does not translate well into text. Every "honey" and "sweetheart" made me cringe. And while she was supposed to be a guide, she was a total know-it-all about everything. (This is probably due to the writing style - it was supposed to be third person, but Suki ends up almost being an omniscient narrator who sees all.) The author eluded that this genie was the girl telling stories in One Thousand and One Arabian Nights. I would have loved for some more backstory of that character than the one we ended up with. Suki is very narrow for having lived all over the world. And why for the love of everything did she pick a Southern accent to use? I love the South. I'm from the South. But no...just no. The antagonist, the beautiful Raven - was the only interesting woman in this story and had a lot of potential for future character development. Maybe we'll see more in the next novel. (You guys will have to let know how that goes.) The girls - Charlotte and Samantha - were introduced in a very normal setting, a thrift shop, which was refreshing. They were usually melodramatic and tended to get on my nerves at times (but I guess most girls do). Both went into stereotyped roles. Both never listened when they should. The girls were likeable, but not loveable.
I suppose the characters are forgivable (especially in these types of YA novels), but it was the writing itself that made me question other reviewers. I was already in "editor" mode in the first five chapters. There is an abnormal amount of passive voice (telling vs. showing), and the writing was very unpolished. I was not a fan of how the story was presented to the readers, and a lot of eye-rolling accompanied many of the phrases.
When it comes down to it, I am not a fan of Released. If you are craving a genie fix, go for it. If you want something of substance, don't. I received this copy from NetGalley, however all opinions are my own.
That being said, Suki annoyed me. She had this weird Southern accent going on which does not translate well into text. Every "honey" and "sweetheart" made me cringe. And while she was supposed to be a guide, she was a total know-it-all about everything. (This is probably due to the writing style - it was supposed to be third person, but Suki ends up almost being an omniscient narrator who sees all.) The author eluded that this genie was the girl telling stories in One Thousand and One Arabian Nights. I would have loved for some more backstory of that character than the one we ended up with. Suki is very narrow for having lived all over the world. And why for the love of everything did she pick a Southern accent to use? I love the South. I'm from the South. But no...just no. The antagonist, the beautiful Raven - was the only interesting woman in this story and had a lot of potential for future character development. Maybe we'll see more in the next novel. (You guys will have to let know how that goes.) The girls - Charlotte and Samantha - were introduced in a very normal setting, a thrift shop, which was refreshing. They were usually melodramatic and tended to get on my nerves at times (but I guess most girls do). Both went into stereotyped roles. Both never listened when they should. The girls were likeable, but not loveable.
I suppose the characters are forgivable (especially in these types of YA novels), but it was the writing itself that made me question other reviewers. I was already in "editor" mode in the first five chapters. There is an abnormal amount of passive voice (telling vs. showing), and the writing was very unpolished. I was not a fan of how the story was presented to the readers, and a lot of eye-rolling accompanied many of the phrases.
When it comes down to it, I am not a fan of Released. If you are craving a genie fix, go for it. If you want something of substance, don't. I received this copy from NetGalley, however all opinions are my own.
April 9, 2013
ARC REVIEW
This is Mia Fox Debut Novel, The Romani Realms Series is a Trilogy with RELEASED being the first book in this series.
And look at the Cover it's just beautiful.
My first thought is...
Holds up a big sign with flashing words saying....
If you’re looking for something a little unique and different from what you have been reading lately then this wondrous book is for you.
This book is so good and so different you get entranced from the first page till the last this is one you can't put down till you have finished.
The back story to this book is about two best friends one a Genie (Suki) and one a Demon Gypsie (Raven) one feels betrayed; the other thought she was doing the right thing. And over the centuries there has been a battle going on between them.
Now we are in the present day where we meet best friends Samantha (great name by the way) and Charlotte who both have tragic pasts and have formed a great bond they are BFF and that shows all the way through this book. Mia writes their friendship beautifully, they are very close and will do anything for each other and this proves to come true as the story goes on. They are your typical teenage girls who both have crushes on the popular boys at school Ryan and Josh. The boys play a small part in this book but I’m hopeing in book two we find out more about them.
When the Girls find a bottle in a shop and end up taking it home something happens to them which ends up tragically for Samantha and she ends up in Hospital. When Charlotte goes to the hospital she takes the bottle to and when said bottle is in both their hands a wish is made and Suki is set free.
And this is when the fun starts they are both thrown into a world they know nothing about but Suki is there to protect them on their Journey. I have to say I really liked Suki she is a great character she ends up finding something she has longed for but still holds back a little from letting James in. She protects the girls the best way she can and she really does end up loving them.
I love the way Mia used history in this book and I did laugh a few times with Suki telling her stories about past releasers and how she made them famous I thought how genius of Mia to use famous names and add that twist.
Raven and Phineas are the bad guys in this book and Raven is pretty evil she uses Phineas for her own gain and instructs him to get close to Charlotte. So he does in more ways than one.
Raven wants that Amulet and will do anything to get it she really wants to hurt Suki for what she did in the past and I can see in book two things are only going to get worse.
This is an awesome start to another series I can see myself becoming hooked on.
This is Mia Fox Debut Novel, The Romani Realms Series is a Trilogy with RELEASED being the first book in this series.
And look at the Cover it's just beautiful.
My first thought is...
Holds up a big sign with flashing words saying....
If you’re looking for something a little unique and different from what you have been reading lately then this wondrous book is for you.
This book is so good and so different you get entranced from the first page till the last this is one you can't put down till you have finished.
The back story to this book is about two best friends one a Genie (Suki) and one a Demon Gypsie (Raven) one feels betrayed; the other thought she was doing the right thing. And over the centuries there has been a battle going on between them.
Now we are in the present day where we meet best friends Samantha (great name by the way) and Charlotte who both have tragic pasts and have formed a great bond they are BFF and that shows all the way through this book. Mia writes their friendship beautifully, they are very close and will do anything for each other and this proves to come true as the story goes on. They are your typical teenage girls who both have crushes on the popular boys at school Ryan and Josh. The boys play a small part in this book but I’m hopeing in book two we find out more about them.
When the Girls find a bottle in a shop and end up taking it home something happens to them which ends up tragically for Samantha and she ends up in Hospital. When Charlotte goes to the hospital she takes the bottle to and when said bottle is in both their hands a wish is made and Suki is set free.
And this is when the fun starts they are both thrown into a world they know nothing about but Suki is there to protect them on their Journey. I have to say I really liked Suki she is a great character she ends up finding something she has longed for but still holds back a little from letting James in. She protects the girls the best way she can and she really does end up loving them.
I love the way Mia used history in this book and I did laugh a few times with Suki telling her stories about past releasers and how she made them famous I thought how genius of Mia to use famous names and add that twist.
Raven and Phineas are the bad guys in this book and Raven is pretty evil she uses Phineas for her own gain and instructs him to get close to Charlotte. So he does in more ways than one.
Raven wants that Amulet and will do anything to get it she really wants to hurt Suki for what she did in the past and I can see in book two things are only going to get worse.
This is an awesome start to another series I can see myself becoming hooked on.
November 8, 2013
*Review copy granted via netgalley in exchange for an honest review*
I never abandon a book once I've started reading it. It's my rule. I will finish every book I start to read but it might take me a while depending on how the book goes.
This book took me weeks (ok, it was actually months) to read. A book this length I could easily finish in a day if I found it interesting enough but by the time I hit around a quarter of the way through I was forcing myself to read a chapter or so every so often just to finish it.
I found this book extremely disappointing.
The book blurb sounded so exciting but the book just wasn't.
It started off ok - slow but ok - but it just went downhill the minute Suki was released from the bottle...
She is annoying. Extremely annoying. She has been with important people all her existence. She has travelled the world, seen different time periods. You'd think she'd come across worldly and wise. She doesn't. She is an idiot.
And the whole Southern Belle thing she has going on... Argh!
Charlotte and Samantha I liked well enough, I suppose, but in the way I would expect to like a secondary character not a primary character... I didn't emotionally connect with them.
The shifting POV was annoying.
The poor pacing and lengthy internal monologues caused me to zone out alot...
The time line of this book made no sense.
Suki is supposed to be around 350 years old (cant remember the exact age) but she saw Columbus land in the Americas. That makes her alot older than 350ish...
Never mind some of the other places and people she comes out with.
I couldn't quite work out if Suki bounces around different time periods rather than following normal time progression or if the author just couldn't be bothered to hit wikipedia for some date checking...
Or maybe just couldn't count. Or maybe it all gets explained later in the series. I don't know, but it is annoying as hell and ultimately I don't care because I won't be reading anymore of this series.
I can't recommend this book. I hate to say it but it's true.
I mean no disrespect to the author, I realise alot of work goes into writing a book and I respect anyone for putting themselves and their worlds out there, but this isn't going to be a world I revisit.
Sorry.
2 out of 5 stars
www.where-did-the-sun-go.blogspot.co.uk
I never abandon a book once I've started reading it. It's my rule. I will finish every book I start to read but it might take me a while depending on how the book goes.
This book took me weeks (ok, it was actually months) to read. A book this length I could easily finish in a day if I found it interesting enough but by the time I hit around a quarter of the way through I was forcing myself to read a chapter or so every so often just to finish it.
I found this book extremely disappointing.
The book blurb sounded so exciting but the book just wasn't.
It started off ok - slow but ok - but it just went downhill the minute Suki was released from the bottle...
She is annoying. Extremely annoying. She has been with important people all her existence. She has travelled the world, seen different time periods. You'd think she'd come across worldly and wise. She doesn't. She is an idiot.
And the whole Southern Belle thing she has going on... Argh!
Charlotte and Samantha I liked well enough, I suppose, but in the way I would expect to like a secondary character not a primary character... I didn't emotionally connect with them.
The shifting POV was annoying.
The poor pacing and lengthy internal monologues caused me to zone out alot...
The time line of this book made no sense.
Suki is supposed to be around 350 years old (cant remember the exact age) but she saw Columbus land in the Americas. That makes her alot older than 350ish...
Never mind some of the other places and people she comes out with.
I couldn't quite work out if Suki bounces around different time periods rather than following normal time progression or if the author just couldn't be bothered to hit wikipedia for some date checking...
Or maybe just couldn't count. Or maybe it all gets explained later in the series. I don't know, but it is annoying as hell and ultimately I don't care because I won't be reading anymore of this series.
I can't recommend this book. I hate to say it but it's true.
I mean no disrespect to the author, I realise alot of work goes into writing a book and I respect anyone for putting themselves and their worlds out there, but this isn't going to be a world I revisit.
Sorry.
2 out of 5 stars
www.where-did-the-sun-go.blogspot.co.uk
April 9, 2013
I had the pleasure and privilage to have beta read this book for Mia Fox. I have also read an ARC of the book and wanted to share my review here. Mia is a new author and has written a really creative and interesting story! I have read many many paranormal romances but, none about a genie!!!! This book is classified as YA but, doesn't have to be just for the younger gen readers! The characters Ms. Fox has created are very believeable and likeable. The main character, Suki, is quirky and funny. Ms. Fox puts a funny, unique spin on historical events and characters in this book, which constantly made me laugh!!! The girls (Charlotte and Samantha)find Suki's bottle in a thrift store and aren't aware of everything that will happen to them afterward!!! Lots of excitement, danger, deceit, and a bit of love happening. By the end, you will sympathize with a bad guy and root for a good guy (or three or four!). Great start to a new series of books! The end of book one will leave you ready for book two!
November 4, 2013
Released is a fantasy novel.
I read this book because my friend was reading it and I wanted to read it with her.
The main plot is for the main character, Suki, to understand why her Releasors had Released her, and also to stop her enemies, Raven and Phineas, from getting what they wanted.
I liked Suki because she's really protective and is a Genie. She got along really well with the other characters in the book, and didn't keep her past secret. I didn't like Suki because she always believed she knew better, and I felt she pushed things upon her Releasors really fast.
I liked this book because it was an idea I hadn't thought about before; Genies and their Releasors. I also liked it because there was just the right hint of mystery and romance. I didn't like it because Suki's Releasors accepted her story and the fact that she was a Genie really easily. There could have been a bit more resistance.
This book is going to be published this year. I got it from Netgalley so it's not been published yet.
Overall, I recommend this book for fans of fantasy and fast-paced books.
I give it a 4/5.
I read this book because my friend was reading it and I wanted to read it with her.
The main plot is for the main character, Suki, to understand why her Releasors had Released her, and also to stop her enemies, Raven and Phineas, from getting what they wanted.
I liked Suki because she's really protective and is a Genie. She got along really well with the other characters in the book, and didn't keep her past secret. I didn't like Suki because she always believed she knew better, and I felt she pushed things upon her Releasors really fast.
I liked this book because it was an idea I hadn't thought about before; Genies and their Releasors. I also liked it because there was just the right hint of mystery and romance. I didn't like it because Suki's Releasors accepted her story and the fact that she was a Genie really easily. There could have been a bit more resistance.
This book is going to be published this year. I got it from Netgalley so it's not been published yet.
Overall, I recommend this book for fans of fantasy and fast-paced books.
I give it a 4/5.
January 5, 2018
This was a really enjoyable book. I can't remember the last time I got so hooked from the first chapter that I could not put the book down until the end. Time travel, romance, history, forbidden attraction, the threat of demon gypsies and the quest to control destiny are only some of the obstacles Suki - a three hundred year old genie has to contend with in her effort to grant her releasors' wishes. Suki's friendship and loyalties are tested by her attraction to her protector James. It is refreshing to see that school girl crushes don't just happen to teenagers but can also happen to genies!
I thoroughly enjoyed the author's fresh and witty style of writing which drew me into the story. I would gladly recommend this book to young adults who enjoy reading steampunk novels infused with elements of paranormal romance.
I thoroughly enjoyed the author's fresh and witty style of writing which drew me into the story. I would gladly recommend this book to young adults who enjoy reading steampunk novels infused with elements of paranormal romance.
October 31, 2013
Genies are real, all you have to do is believe in them.
Suki became a genie in order to save her life after her husband got bored with her. For centuries she is unleashed onto a new releaser until her time to go back into her bottle. She's seen the entire world because of this. Now, here in 2013 she is released to two average teenage girls.
That was until something out of the ordinary happened. From there it's a tale of survival, love, and adventures for Suki and the two high school girls that released her.
Mia Fox did an extraordinary job with this book. It's a tale unlike any other that I've ever read. I was glad that I got to read it.
Suki became a genie in order to save her life after her husband got bored with her. For centuries she is unleashed onto a new releaser until her time to go back into her bottle. She's seen the entire world because of this. Now, here in 2013 she is released to two average teenage girls.
That was until something out of the ordinary happened. From there it's a tale of survival, love, and adventures for Suki and the two high school girls that released her.
Mia Fox did an extraordinary job with this book. It's a tale unlike any other that I've ever read. I was glad that I got to read it.
June 18, 2013
I was given the unique opportunity to beta read this new book by Mia Fox. I gotta say I immediately fell in love with it! The story is a fresh new take on the genie "fairy tale." I'm always looking for interesting plots and well-developed characters in my stories. Released has an exciting combination of both that just keeps you reading and reading. I can't wait to see what happens in book two of this series! Fun work from an up-and-coming author!
September 2, 2013
I liked the concept of the genie. Was fun to read.
August 19, 2013
After thinking this through, I've decided on giving Released 3.5 stars. While I really enjoyed the book, there were a few aspects of it that were confusing, annoying, and frustrating. Allow me to explain.
Possible spoilers!
Exhibit A: Suki's POV
This is the first genie story I've read in quite some time. And what really had me excited was that, instead of the book being in the Releasors point of view, it was instead in the genie's. The general concept of Suki's powers and story was well-thought out. She grants her Releasors three wishes, but they have to be used for selfless reasons. For good. It's a rule that Suki herself has never wavered from or changed, no matter what the cost.
Suki definitely had personality, but I didn't think the author executed her point of view very well. Many of the chapters were in 3rd person, but it makes it seem like Suki is seeing everything happening. And that is the part that felt odd to me. It was hard to go from reading about the other characters, and then to what Suki is doing at the same time. Not only do the two girls get the spotlight, but the two villains do as well. It was sometimes hard to go back and forth between all of them, especially when plot points were interwoven together.
Exhibit B: Flashbacks
Suki is over 300 years old, and she's lived and traveled all over the world. She's been with a lot of different Releasors over the years, and some who were very influential people. She's always been a good friend, giving them advice on love and life, making sure that they were doing their best. She's the type of genie who uses her powers to bring out a person's potential and best qualities. She helps them live a good life, and she never leaves until they're gone (most of them don't use up all three wishes until later on in life).
I didn't think the flashbacks were handled very well. They were not clearly separated from the present, and some of them seemed like fillers in the story before the major plot points were revealed. And when Suki was telling stories, she tended to get side-tracked and start talking about something else. The girls would have to remind her about what she'd started talking about in the first place. Let's just say, I don't remember very much about her past lives. There was just so much history told, both through flashbacks and in conversations. And some of it didn't seem essential to either the story, or why Suki is the way she is now.
Exhibit C: The Characters
The characters are the most important part of the story, aside from the plot. If the characters seem weak, annoying, or I essentially end up hating them, then the author is doing something wrong.
Don't get me wrong, I liked the characters. But I didn't end up loving any of them. Except for Raven, who was a fantastic villain, I was confused by some of their personalities. Especially Charlotte. When she finds out that the guy she's crushing on was involved in her best friend's accident, she's all like, You must be wrong. Oh, he's so hot, I don't care. I was not a fan of her and Phineas' relationship, nor the fact that she didn't listen to Samantha's or Suki's advice to stay away from him. He was not the good guy here. Charlotte's personality is made up to her being the sensible and safe one out of the two best friends. Instead, hers and Sam's personality and roles are reversed throughout the story.
I also wasn't totally convinced of Suki. She's lived everywhere, yet she has a very clear southern US accent. She said the south was one of her favorite places on earth. But if she's lived all over the world, one would think that her accent might include all sorts of different dialects and speech, as well as with the way she talks. Her accent was not the only part of her personality I wasn't keen to agree with. I also didn't like the advice that she gave the girls. She told Samantha to go after a taken guy. I'm sorry, but this is coming from the woman who wouldn't have sex with the very hot and protective James because she still had her southern morals? I didn't like that, or the fact that she had them get makeovers to win over the guys they were crushing on. So, you're essentially telling them that if they didn't look like you, no guy will want them? Yeah, I wasn't a huge fan of Suki, actually. And it sucks, because she is the main character.
Exhibit D: The Ending
Am I the only one confused by the ending? What did Charlotte do? (I'm probably missing the whole point and it's right in front of my face).
***
Before you maim me for all the negative, I really did enjoy the story!
I loved how Suki wouldn't grant wishes unless it was for the most unselfish of reasons. As long as it was for good. I liked where the story was heading, although I'm still confused by a lot of the aspects. I liked James and Sam the most. Although, who James is and why he was there was a little hard to understand. I thought Raven was a brilliant villain, and I was intrigued to find out her motivations for everything. And that ending leaves me wanting to know more! :)
Possible spoilers!
Exhibit A: Suki's POV
This is the first genie story I've read in quite some time. And what really had me excited was that, instead of the book being in the Releasors point of view, it was instead in the genie's. The general concept of Suki's powers and story was well-thought out. She grants her Releasors three wishes, but they have to be used for selfless reasons. For good. It's a rule that Suki herself has never wavered from or changed, no matter what the cost.
Suki definitely had personality, but I didn't think the author executed her point of view very well. Many of the chapters were in 3rd person, but it makes it seem like Suki is seeing everything happening. And that is the part that felt odd to me. It was hard to go from reading about the other characters, and then to what Suki is doing at the same time. Not only do the two girls get the spotlight, but the two villains do as well. It was sometimes hard to go back and forth between all of them, especially when plot points were interwoven together.
Exhibit B: Flashbacks
Suki is over 300 years old, and she's lived and traveled all over the world. She's been with a lot of different Releasors over the years, and some who were very influential people. She's always been a good friend, giving them advice on love and life, making sure that they were doing their best. She's the type of genie who uses her powers to bring out a person's potential and best qualities. She helps them live a good life, and she never leaves until they're gone (most of them don't use up all three wishes until later on in life).
I didn't think the flashbacks were handled very well. They were not clearly separated from the present, and some of them seemed like fillers in the story before the major plot points were revealed. And when Suki was telling stories, she tended to get side-tracked and start talking about something else. The girls would have to remind her about what she'd started talking about in the first place. Let's just say, I don't remember very much about her past lives. There was just so much history told, both through flashbacks and in conversations. And some of it didn't seem essential to either the story, or why Suki is the way she is now.
Exhibit C: The Characters
The characters are the most important part of the story, aside from the plot. If the characters seem weak, annoying, or I essentially end up hating them, then the author is doing something wrong.
Don't get me wrong, I liked the characters. But I didn't end up loving any of them. Except for Raven, who was a fantastic villain, I was confused by some of their personalities. Especially Charlotte. When she finds out that the guy she's crushing on was involved in her best friend's accident, she's all like, You must be wrong. Oh, he's so hot, I don't care. I was not a fan of her and Phineas' relationship, nor the fact that she didn't listen to Samantha's or Suki's advice to stay away from him. He was not the good guy here. Charlotte's personality is made up to her being the sensible and safe one out of the two best friends. Instead, hers and Sam's personality and roles are reversed throughout the story.
I also wasn't totally convinced of Suki. She's lived everywhere, yet she has a very clear southern US accent. She said the south was one of her favorite places on earth. But if she's lived all over the world, one would think that her accent might include all sorts of different dialects and speech, as well as with the way she talks. Her accent was not the only part of her personality I wasn't keen to agree with. I also didn't like the advice that she gave the girls. She told Samantha to go after a taken guy. I'm sorry, but this is coming from the woman who wouldn't have sex with the very hot and protective James because she still had her southern morals? I didn't like that, or the fact that she had them get makeovers to win over the guys they were crushing on. So, you're essentially telling them that if they didn't look like you, no guy will want them? Yeah, I wasn't a huge fan of Suki, actually. And it sucks, because she is the main character.
Exhibit D: The Ending
Am I the only one confused by the ending? What did Charlotte do? (I'm probably missing the whole point and it's right in front of my face).
***
Before you maim me for all the negative, I really did enjoy the story!
I loved how Suki wouldn't grant wishes unless it was for the most unselfish of reasons. As long as it was for good. I liked where the story was heading, although I'm still confused by a lot of the aspects. I liked James and Sam the most. Although, who James is and why he was there was a little hard to understand. I thought Raven was a brilliant villain, and I was intrigued to find out her motivations for everything. And that ending leaves me wanting to know more! :)
March 10, 2017
I was blessed with a free copy of this book, and have chosen of my own volition to share this review.
I truly wanted to rate this book higher, but had some trouble following the story line. I felt like it jumped about a bit too much to keep track of where and when the characters were.
The premise of the story is strong, and I am interested in seeing what happens with Suki in the next story. The book kept grabbing my attention, and then loosing me.
I truly wanted to rate this book higher, but had some trouble following the story line. I felt like it jumped about a bit too much to keep track of where and when the characters were.
The premise of the story is strong, and I am interested in seeing what happens with Suki in the next story. The book kept grabbing my attention, and then loosing me.
April 20, 2017
*I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review*
Suki is a Genie and is released from her bottle by two teenage girls just as her oldest enemy arrives in town seeking to destroy the three of them before they can fulfil an ancient prophecy.
I wanted to like this book because I loved the idea of it and I don't see too many Genie or Djinn novels around, so I wanted to read this. Sadly it fell way below expectations on too many levels and it was a struggle to finish it. It was not badly written-by that I mean the author is not terrible, I just didn't like the way it was all presented.
Firstly, I did not like the style of the book or the way the story was being told. It was full of huge info dumps in the form of stories told by Suki, Phin and James, some of which were totally unconnected to the point of the story. If the plot centres around the two girls releasing her, why do we care if she helped Jack Nicholson get the role in Easy Rider or if she slept with Christopher Columbus or the guy who painted American Gothic? The plot seemed to be more about Suki's great historical adventures and her sex life through the ages than the advertised story that I wanted to read. When we were following other characters the POV got screwed up. Phin was in his car driving so we are seeing what he is thinking about a future with Charlotte, then halfway through the next sentence, Suki is narrating his thoughts! Here is the passage:
'..but the way she looked at him gave him hope in himself. He knew that I must have warned her off..'
Sorry but two narrators in one sentence does not work for me. If we are following Phin here, he should be referring to Suki by name. If Suki was so clever that she could narrate his mind then she would have known his intentions towards Charlotte and Raven's evil plans and would be one step ahead of them. So, no, doesn't work!
There was too much telling instead of showing which is annoying and slows down the book. There is also too much chat and repetition. Raven and Phin keep talking about their master plan every few chapters but don't seem to do anything about it. Raven constantly has the same conversation about her jealousy evey chapter but it's not moving the story on because we know how she feels already. The constant history lessons, Suki and James seducing each other, Raven seducing Phin, Phin seducing Charlotte, Ryan and Josh chasing both girls...it was all so slow and took the story away from the so called main plot of why these girls were picked to release Suki. That was remembered for the very end of the book where it was squeezed into a small section to set up the cliffhanger for book 2. By that time I was disengaged from the book and wasn't really caring what happened to anyone.
I liked Samantha but she was vastly underused in this book as the author was too busy promoting Charlotte and the adventures of Suki and James. Suki as a Genie did not seem to possess much power or common sense. Leaving the girls unprotected so she could keep seeing James was hardly the actions of a great protector. The way she kept saying that Phin and Raven were siblings bugged me as well. That would hardly put Charlotte off! She should have been telling Charlotte that the two were lovers from the start and nipping it in the bud! Charlotte was also pretty dumb with her obsession with Phin despite his demon gypsy roots and the warnings from Suki and Samantha.
This book had great potential story wise but I feel that the author deviated too much from this plot for other less interesting things. I would not be interested in reading the next book in the series and can only give this 2 stars.
Suki is a Genie and is released from her bottle by two teenage girls just as her oldest enemy arrives in town seeking to destroy the three of them before they can fulfil an ancient prophecy.
I wanted to like this book because I loved the idea of it and I don't see too many Genie or Djinn novels around, so I wanted to read this. Sadly it fell way below expectations on too many levels and it was a struggle to finish it. It was not badly written-by that I mean the author is not terrible, I just didn't like the way it was all presented.
Firstly, I did not like the style of the book or the way the story was being told. It was full of huge info dumps in the form of stories told by Suki, Phin and James, some of which were totally unconnected to the point of the story. If the plot centres around the two girls releasing her, why do we care if she helped Jack Nicholson get the role in Easy Rider or if she slept with Christopher Columbus or the guy who painted American Gothic? The plot seemed to be more about Suki's great historical adventures and her sex life through the ages than the advertised story that I wanted to read. When we were following other characters the POV got screwed up. Phin was in his car driving so we are seeing what he is thinking about a future with Charlotte, then halfway through the next sentence, Suki is narrating his thoughts! Here is the passage:
'..but the way she looked at him gave him hope in himself. He knew that I must have warned her off..'
Sorry but two narrators in one sentence does not work for me. If we are following Phin here, he should be referring to Suki by name. If Suki was so clever that she could narrate his mind then she would have known his intentions towards Charlotte and Raven's evil plans and would be one step ahead of them. So, no, doesn't work!
There was too much telling instead of showing which is annoying and slows down the book. There is also too much chat and repetition. Raven and Phin keep talking about their master plan every few chapters but don't seem to do anything about it. Raven constantly has the same conversation about her jealousy evey chapter but it's not moving the story on because we know how she feels already. The constant history lessons, Suki and James seducing each other, Raven seducing Phin, Phin seducing Charlotte, Ryan and Josh chasing both girls...it was all so slow and took the story away from the so called main plot of why these girls were picked to release Suki. That was remembered for the very end of the book where it was squeezed into a small section to set up the cliffhanger for book 2. By that time I was disengaged from the book and wasn't really caring what happened to anyone.
I liked Samantha but she was vastly underused in this book as the author was too busy promoting Charlotte and the adventures of Suki and James. Suki as a Genie did not seem to possess much power or common sense. Leaving the girls unprotected so she could keep seeing James was hardly the actions of a great protector. The way she kept saying that Phin and Raven were siblings bugged me as well. That would hardly put Charlotte off! She should have been telling Charlotte that the two were lovers from the start and nipping it in the bud! Charlotte was also pretty dumb with her obsession with Phin despite his demon gypsy roots and the warnings from Suki and Samantha.
This book had great potential story wise but I feel that the author deviated too much from this plot for other less interesting things. I would not be interested in reading the next book in the series and can only give this 2 stars.
August 25, 2013
I received Released in return for an honest review as part of the tour hosted by B3 Tours. Suzette known as Suki is a Genie in a bottle and has been for centuries. In the past she has inspired men to do great things now she’s been released by two teenage girls who are being stalked by Suki’s enemy Raven and her partner. As Suki attempts to figure out why the girls are special Raven and Phineas try to lure them away so that they can steal the powerful amulet.
Both Charlotte and Samantha may be in high school but they are living on their own so when they happen to open a bottle that releases Suki a powerful Genie good thing start happening like a new place to live and shopping. Yet darkness is looming all around then, even threatening their lives as Samantha is almost killed in an accident. Suki will have to save the girls from Raven the gypsy dead set on revenge. Yet as the girls are different in Suki’s life she also finds a man who sparks her interest stirring new emotions but he has secrets that could change everything. Will Suki be able to stop Raven and save the girls before it’s too late?
Suki is a Genie who married a man who grew bored with her after she had told him stories for 1001 days, where as she was turned into a Genie granted a second life but forced to live in the bottle until someone opens it. Unlike your traditional grant wishes and gone type of Genie she grows attached to those who release her from the bottle, she’s more a muse then a Genie. The girls are interesting, they are a little frustrating but it’s because they aren't your popular girls but in the end I was cheering them on.
I jumped at the chance to read a book about Genies I've always been a fan since “I dream of Genie” which is how I picture Suki. She’s an awesome character I found the concept for her character unique and very interesting plus the little tidbits of history. The girls aren't bad but I felt the spotlight went to Suki which is maybe why I really loved her story. I think the author has done a fantastic job of putting her own little spin on a Genie story. The characters are all engaging you can’t help hating Raven even though her reasons are understandable even though I think she needs to move on. Released is a captivating fast paced story filled with time/realm travel, romance, mystery and enough action to keep you on the edge of your seat. I actually read this one during an afternoon on the beach it’s a perfect way to spend a lazy day. This is my first book by Mia Fox but I’m looking forward to checking out more books. A truly enjoyable read that teens as well as adults will enjoy plus a beautiful cover. What can I say I’m a cover girl love them!
September 10, 2013
Released by Mia Fox
Print Length: 315 pages
Page Numbers Source ISBN: 162378087X
Publisher: Evatopia Press (April 9, 2013)
I bought this book from amazon.
Warning- some mature scenes are written inside this book.
My Review~
I adore the cover! It is beautiful! This was an amazing fast paced read that is full of magic, romance, unrequited love, danger, suspense, and intrigue. I love the unique take on genies and their magical abilities. I also love that the author done a lot of research in writing this novel. It shows very clearly in the writing and also makes the story come together better. The characters are wonderful and I loved how the girls would banter between each other. I wish that the genie did more in protection besides whats in the book. It was hard after a few turn of events in the book, but alas made the story better and will continue into book 2 of this series. I can't wait to find out what will behold our characters- Phin, Suki, and James. Will they reunite with Sam or is it all for not?? This authors writing is simply superb and magical in and of itself. I can't possibly wait until the next book comes out. This is a great budding series for all that love time-travel.
Amazon Book Description~
The discovery of an ancient bottle unleashes a Genie - and the wrath of the Demon Gypsies chasing her...
When Suzette (“Suki”) is released from her bottle by two teen girls, she is more than a bit surprised that a Genie of her calibre is beholden to two average high school students. After dealing with dignitaries and noblemen, however, she believes this will be a welcome break.
Until she discovers the teens’ hidden powers and that one will come to possess the Amulet of Pollox, a necklace that contains the secrets from some of the greatest minds throughout history. Unfortunately, she’s not the only one who notices. The Amulet draws the attention of the two powerful and vengeful Demon Gypsies who have pursued Suki through time and will stop at nothing to snatch the girls and the Amulet.
Suddenly, Suki is not just helping the girls navigate high school crushes, she’s safeguarding them from danger unlike anything they’ve ever known. To make matters more complicated, she must also fight her attraction to James - her protector through the ages - whose sudden arrival threatens her resolve and her heart.
A time-traveling Genie and her unrequited love...
Demon Gypsies with an insatiable quest for power...
And the teen girls whose existence threatens them all.
This is the world of “Released,” book one of The Romani Realms series by Mia Fox, a Young Adult trilogy featuring elements of paranormal romance and steampunk.
Print Length: 315 pages
Page Numbers Source ISBN: 162378087X
Publisher: Evatopia Press (April 9, 2013)
I bought this book from amazon.
Warning- some mature scenes are written inside this book.
My Review~
I adore the cover! It is beautiful! This was an amazing fast paced read that is full of magic, romance, unrequited love, danger, suspense, and intrigue. I love the unique take on genies and their magical abilities. I also love that the author done a lot of research in writing this novel. It shows very clearly in the writing and also makes the story come together better. The characters are wonderful and I loved how the girls would banter between each other. I wish that the genie did more in protection besides whats in the book. It was hard after a few turn of events in the book, but alas made the story better and will continue into book 2 of this series. I can't wait to find out what will behold our characters- Phin, Suki, and James. Will they reunite with Sam or is it all for not?? This authors writing is simply superb and magical in and of itself. I can't possibly wait until the next book comes out. This is a great budding series for all that love time-travel.
Amazon Book Description~
The discovery of an ancient bottle unleashes a Genie - and the wrath of the Demon Gypsies chasing her...
When Suzette (“Suki”) is released from her bottle by two teen girls, she is more than a bit surprised that a Genie of her calibre is beholden to two average high school students. After dealing with dignitaries and noblemen, however, she believes this will be a welcome break.
Until she discovers the teens’ hidden powers and that one will come to possess the Amulet of Pollox, a necklace that contains the secrets from some of the greatest minds throughout history. Unfortunately, she’s not the only one who notices. The Amulet draws the attention of the two powerful and vengeful Demon Gypsies who have pursued Suki through time and will stop at nothing to snatch the girls and the Amulet.
Suddenly, Suki is not just helping the girls navigate high school crushes, she’s safeguarding them from danger unlike anything they’ve ever known. To make matters more complicated, she must also fight her attraction to James - her protector through the ages - whose sudden arrival threatens her resolve and her heart.
A time-traveling Genie and her unrequited love...
Demon Gypsies with an insatiable quest for power...
And the teen girls whose existence threatens them all.
This is the world of “Released,” book one of The Romani Realms series by Mia Fox, a Young Adult trilogy featuring elements of paranormal romance and steampunk.
June 19, 2015
It's a story about a genie and her two masters who hide out from two gypsies who want vengeance, so it has a great premise but not so much on the writing portion.
If the book has been edited, then that's great. I bought this a year or two back and its on my list of to-do's to finish reading. If not, I like to lend my opinion on what the story needs for it to be engaging and easy to flow through.
First, Suki, the genie, tends to tell a lot of the past and instead of showing it. I wouldn't mind if she doesn't let everything about her past to the young girls. It can help be a twist to the story later on or just a part of the genie that is just assumed. Most of the book is basically Suki telling a story and it gets tedious and sometimes boring. Instead of telling a whole back story about her rival, Raven, Suki could have just said she did something bad to her in the past. Maybe even said, "I killed her true love." Then left it there for the girls and the audience to piece the puzzle to what kind of person the genie is.
Second, the point of view in the story switches depending on the chapter and it gets very confusing for the reader, well for me. Suki is the obvious person narrating but when it gets to the enemies, it hard to pinpoint who's narrating then.
Also I know it's young adult, but it reads almost like a kid's book to me so when scenes came about reaching underneath clothing and some casual grinding, it felt slightly weird for the scene to be there. The romance seems rushed to me too and there wasn't enough build up for either Suki and James or the other couple. I forgot their names...
I did find the beginning of the book very engaging, it just needed to carry that same feeling throughout the rest of the pages. There needed to be more action, as in interactions with characters to show Suki blending in the real world again, the girls being more like regular students getting attention from their school, the enemies acting more on their plans instead of talking it out. Time traveling thing I never really understood, but I felt like too much of the story focused on it when it should focus on the characters development.
Anyway, I hope that was helpful. The story has potential and I wish it well. After being worked on and rewritten, it should be a better novel as a result.
If the book has been edited, then that's great. I bought this a year or two back and its on my list of to-do's to finish reading. If not, I like to lend my opinion on what the story needs for it to be engaging and easy to flow through.
First, Suki, the genie, tends to tell a lot of the past and instead of showing it. I wouldn't mind if she doesn't let everything about her past to the young girls. It can help be a twist to the story later on or just a part of the genie that is just assumed. Most of the book is basically Suki telling a story and it gets tedious and sometimes boring. Instead of telling a whole back story about her rival, Raven, Suki could have just said she did something bad to her in the past. Maybe even said, "I killed her true love." Then left it there for the girls and the audience to piece the puzzle to what kind of person the genie is.
Second, the point of view in the story switches depending on the chapter and it gets very confusing for the reader, well for me. Suki is the obvious person narrating but when it gets to the enemies, it hard to pinpoint who's narrating then.
Also I know it's young adult, but it reads almost like a kid's book to me so when scenes came about reaching underneath clothing and some casual grinding, it felt slightly weird for the scene to be there. The romance seems rushed to me too and there wasn't enough build up for either Suki and James or the other couple. I forgot their names...
I did find the beginning of the book very engaging, it just needed to carry that same feeling throughout the rest of the pages. There needed to be more action, as in interactions with characters to show Suki blending in the real world again, the girls being more like regular students getting attention from their school, the enemies acting more on their plans instead of talking it out. Time traveling thing I never really understood, but I felt like too much of the story focused on it when it should focus on the characters development.
Anyway, I hope that was helpful. The story has potential and I wish it well. After being worked on and rewritten, it should be a better novel as a result.
September 25, 2013
Released by Mia Fox is a NA paranormal story about a Genie name Suzette. Suzette, who likes to be called Suki, has served many distinguished and notable gentleman throughout history. But this time, she is released by 2 high school girls - Charlotte & Sam. With her release, she realizes that Charlotte & Sam are being targeted by 2 demon gypsies, Raven & Phineas.
The story concept was interesting and had some unique ideas. The idea that Suki is a genie who will only grant selfless wishes is different. And the idea of someone who protects and watches over a genie is something I had never heard of before. The plot moved slowly at times, especially when Suki would tell a story from her past and get sidetracked. Although I did enjoy how real people from the past were placed in the story to show how Suki influenced people and helped them in the past.
The characters were likeable but they could have been a little more developed. Suki mentioned a lot about her past, but it was a bunch of tidbits that didn't quite explain her fully. Charlotte and Sam were both emancipated high school students living on their own which gave them a lot of freedom and no limits. This part of the storyline seemed unrealistic to me. Raven was a wonderful villain - she was evil and took pleasure in hurting Suki & the girls. She also took pleasure in forcing Phineas to do things he didn't want to do. Her character had a lot of depth and is easily a villain that you love to hate.
The ending of the book was a cliffhanger and has set up book 2 rather nicely. I'm definitely intrigued enough to want to read book 2 and see what happens to the characters and how they evolve.
Although the story focuses on Suki and the 2 high school girls, I would not recommend it
for anyone under 18 because of the sexual situations and the violence in it. If you're
looking for a unique take on the genie genre, then pick up this book.
The story concept was interesting and had some unique ideas. The idea that Suki is a genie who will only grant selfless wishes is different. And the idea of someone who protects and watches over a genie is something I had never heard of before. The plot moved slowly at times, especially when Suki would tell a story from her past and get sidetracked. Although I did enjoy how real people from the past were placed in the story to show how Suki influenced people and helped them in the past.
The characters were likeable but they could have been a little more developed. Suki mentioned a lot about her past, but it was a bunch of tidbits that didn't quite explain her fully. Charlotte and Sam were both emancipated high school students living on their own which gave them a lot of freedom and no limits. This part of the storyline seemed unrealistic to me. Raven was a wonderful villain - she was evil and took pleasure in hurting Suki & the girls. She also took pleasure in forcing Phineas to do things he didn't want to do. Her character had a lot of depth and is easily a villain that you love to hate.
The ending of the book was a cliffhanger and has set up book 2 rather nicely. I'm definitely intrigued enough to want to read book 2 and see what happens to the characters and how they evolve.
Although the story focuses on Suki and the 2 high school girls, I would not recommend it
for anyone under 18 because of the sexual situations and the violence in it. If you're
looking for a unique take on the genie genre, then pick up this book.
October 20, 2013
This book was provided by the publisher via Netgalley. Thank you.
Unfortunately this wasn't my type of book. I was attracted by the story. So far I'd never read about genies. But "Released" wasn't able to deliver what it had promised.
All in all it felt very much like a "first novel", that needs some more editing.
Be aware of some minor spoilers from the first chapters of the book!
In the beginning we get to know Suki, a genie in a bottle who feels that she's about to released soon. The story is told from her point of view...and Suki tells us a lot. Too much or at least at the wrong points of time.
Her antagonist ist her former best friend Raven, a demon gypsy who is still angry, because Suki once decided to save her life and sacrifice that of Raven's lover instead. Suki tells the story within the first chapters and I felt like: Okay. Why did she tell us? Wouldn't it be more exciting to find out later why a demon gypsy hunts the Genie? I don't feel the urge to read on know.
The telling goes on the moment after Suki is released. If I'd release a genie I'd have more important things to ask than about her lofe life. Suki is willing to tell though, and so we get to know the story about a man she loved in another century, although earlier we were told she witholds from falling in love because of that story with Raven.
Speeking of illogicalness: How come Suki emphasizes she's lived 300 years but was born back in Mesopotamia and was the one who told the stories of the One Thousand and One Nights? I tried to find a solution: Maybe she only counts the years, while she's released? But then she explains she normally stays with her releaseres till their death...
I think you get the point. Too many out of place stories and illogical statements. Mia Fox lost me early on the way.
Maybe some last words about the characters of Charlotte and Samantha. Somebody else here on goodreads wrote they are likeable but not loveable. That hits home.
Unfortunately this wasn't my type of book. I was attracted by the story. So far I'd never read about genies. But "Released" wasn't able to deliver what it had promised.
All in all it felt very much like a "first novel", that needs some more editing.
Be aware of some minor spoilers from the first chapters of the book!
In the beginning we get to know Suki, a genie in a bottle who feels that she's about to released soon. The story is told from her point of view...and Suki tells us a lot. Too much or at least at the wrong points of time.
Her antagonist ist her former best friend Raven, a demon gypsy who is still angry, because Suki once decided to save her life and sacrifice that of Raven's lover instead. Suki tells the story within the first chapters and I felt like: Okay. Why did she tell us? Wouldn't it be more exciting to find out later why a demon gypsy hunts the Genie? I don't feel the urge to read on know.
The telling goes on the moment after Suki is released. If I'd release a genie I'd have more important things to ask than about her lofe life. Suki is willing to tell though, and so we get to know the story about a man she loved in another century, although earlier we were told she witholds from falling in love because of that story with Raven.
Speeking of illogicalness: How come Suki emphasizes she's lived 300 years but was born back in Mesopotamia and was the one who told the stories of the One Thousand and One Nights? I tried to find a solution: Maybe she only counts the years, while she's released? But then she explains she normally stays with her releaseres till their death...
I think you get the point. Too many out of place stories and illogical statements. Mia Fox lost me early on the way.
Maybe some last words about the characters of Charlotte and Samantha. Somebody else here on goodreads wrote they are likeable but not loveable. That hits home.
March 22, 2016
This is a difficult review to write because on one hand I loved the idea of the story, there were many things to like. On the other hand there were so many things that confused me, that a book that could have been four or five stars ultimately only received three.
The story is fun. Suki is a Genie that is released from her bottle by two seemingly ordinary teenage girls. I loved the twist on the current teen fantasy genre that led to a Genie being the main character. This was a very fun story with Genies, Demon Gypsies, Warlocks and Shades. Although we have no knowledge of how Suki acquired her powers, there is some understanding of how Raven, at least, acquired hers. I am looking forward to reading the rest of the series, although I'm hoping some of the flaws, which I've explained below, will be fixed.
On the other hand, the timeline was way screwed up. She mentioned that she was 21 during the Salem witch trials, but that she's now 352 years old. This puts her birth in 1661 and she would have been 31 in the witch trials. Supposedly she AND Raven were 21 during the witch trials, yet Raven says she's 250 and they were both supposedly present for Columbus' discovery of America. Then when Phineas takes Charlotte back to 1850, he says something about taking her over two centuries back in time. I found this all so confusing that is drastically decreased my enjoyment of the book. The author should have made a firm timeline and followed it, rather than hopping around and wanting the Genie to be associated with as many significant events as possible.
Also, the point of view kept shifting around wildly. I think the goal was to make everything be from the Genie's POV in an omniscient way, but it would show what was happening between Raven and Phineas and she would have no knowledge of it later.
The story is fun. Suki is a Genie that is released from her bottle by two seemingly ordinary teenage girls. I loved the twist on the current teen fantasy genre that led to a Genie being the main character. This was a very fun story with Genies, Demon Gypsies, Warlocks and Shades. Although we have no knowledge of how Suki acquired her powers, there is some understanding of how Raven, at least, acquired hers. I am looking forward to reading the rest of the series, although I'm hoping some of the flaws, which I've explained below, will be fixed.
On the other hand, the timeline was way screwed up. She mentioned that she was 21 during the Salem witch trials, but that she's now 352 years old. This puts her birth in 1661 and she would have been 31 in the witch trials. Supposedly she AND Raven were 21 during the witch trials, yet Raven says she's 250 and they were both supposedly present for Columbus' discovery of America. Then when Phineas takes Charlotte back to 1850, he says something about taking her over two centuries back in time. I found this all so confusing that is drastically decreased my enjoyment of the book. The author should have made a firm timeline and followed it, rather than hopping around and wanting the Genie to be associated with as many significant events as possible.
Also, the point of view kept shifting around wildly. I think the goal was to make everything be from the Genie's POV in an omniscient way, but it would show what was happening between Raven and Phineas and she would have no knowledge of it later.
November 23, 2013
A copy of this book was provided to me by the publisher Indie Inked, on exchange for an honest review.
My biggest problem with this book was the beginning. It was really slow and just didn't captivate me. I had to force myself to read it, and almost DNF multiple times. The only reason I didn't was because a friend told me it got better and because the last 3 or 4 e-arcs have been DNF and I felt guilty.
The main character, Suzette (Suki) is a genie about to be released from her bottle by a pair of seemingly ordinary teenage girls. Thing is, Suki's personality is completely shallow. She cares too much about clothes, and doesn't seem to be mature like someone who has lived several hundred years. I would've appreciated Suki to be more likable; she was nice but she was the MC so she should've had a more friendly tone.
The amount of time it took her to love and be completely trusted by the girls seemed too quick, and not genuine. I did like Charlotte and Samantha's personalities, but I wish we could've found out more reasons why they were so special and talented.
With all the information and back stories of Raven (the bad, but not totally bad antagonist)-- it's like ok, we get it, she's not 100% evil. She's a villian with depth. *rolls eyes*
James and even Phineas were definite cuties and crush worthy. There were some steamy scenes which were cool.
Also surprising was the genie legend and time travel element. I had no idea this book had a little dabbling of time travel (Victorian England) and I really enjoyed that part. I feel there will be more travel through time in the sequel.
The ending...or should I say, "Segway to sequel." The ending didn't feel finalized. It felt like a chapter break. I would have liked a cleaner ending. Will I read the sequel? Maybe. I won't go out of my way, but I feel the sequel has potential to be great.
My biggest problem with this book was the beginning. It was really slow and just didn't captivate me. I had to force myself to read it, and almost DNF multiple times. The only reason I didn't was because a friend told me it got better and because the last 3 or 4 e-arcs have been DNF and I felt guilty.
The main character, Suzette (Suki) is a genie about to be released from her bottle by a pair of seemingly ordinary teenage girls. Thing is, Suki's personality is completely shallow. She cares too much about clothes, and doesn't seem to be mature like someone who has lived several hundred years. I would've appreciated Suki to be more likable; she was nice but she was the MC so she should've had a more friendly tone.
The amount of time it took her to love and be completely trusted by the girls seemed too quick, and not genuine. I did like Charlotte and Samantha's personalities, but I wish we could've found out more reasons why they were so special and talented.
With all the information and back stories of Raven (the bad, but not totally bad antagonist)-- it's like ok, we get it, she's not 100% evil. She's a villian with depth. *rolls eyes*
James and even Phineas were definite cuties and crush worthy. There were some steamy scenes which were cool.
Also surprising was the genie legend and time travel element. I had no idea this book had a little dabbling of time travel (Victorian England) and I really enjoyed that part. I feel there will be more travel through time in the sequel.
The ending...or should I say, "Segway to sequel." The ending didn't feel finalized. It felt like a chapter break. I would have liked a cleaner ending. Will I read the sequel? Maybe. I won't go out of my way, but I feel the sequel has potential to be great.
March 18, 2015
The book Released by Mia Fox was a very good book. It was about these two teenage girls who found this bottle in a store and it didn't just look like a normal bottle. The bottle was very pretty it had a butterfly on it and it was the color blue. It caught the girls attention because they have never seen a bottle like this before. They had no clue that there was a genie inside of the bottle until one day. The two girls names are Samantha and Charlotte, they are in high school, and have been best friends throughout high school. Also they both live by themselves because neither of them have parents. So one day Samantha was walking home from Charlotte's house and a tree fell right in front of her then a car hit her. She went to the hospital and then Charlotte found out and went to the hospital to see her. When she was there she brought the bottle and the genie came out.
In my opinion I thought that this book was a very good book. But, for the first few pages I was a little confused because it just didn't make any sense. More and more that I read the book it got more interesting and it made me want to read this book. Also it talked about things that I like to read like sometimes school and girly things. If I could read this book again I probably would because it was a good book. I don't think that this book is in a series so I couldn't read any more of them.
I would recommend this book to girls because the main characters are girls. But also boys could read this book to if they wanted too. The girls that are in 6th grade to high school would be a good age to read this book. Well that is all I have to say on the book Released by Mia Fox.
In my opinion I thought that this book was a very good book. But, for the first few pages I was a little confused because it just didn't make any sense. More and more that I read the book it got more interesting and it made me want to read this book. Also it talked about things that I like to read like sometimes school and girly things. If I could read this book again I probably would because it was a good book. I don't think that this book is in a series so I couldn't read any more of them.
I would recommend this book to girls because the main characters are girls. But also boys could read this book to if they wanted too. The girls that are in 6th grade to high school would be a good age to read this book. Well that is all I have to say on the book Released by Mia Fox.
August 17, 2013
I had to grin during the first chapter – honestly Ms. Fox could have been describing my best friend from high school and me! Cheryl Caliguiri had fire red hair and an avant garde style, while I was white-blonde and conservative, yet we were completely inseparable! In this book, it is Samantha who had the fire red hair, and her best friend with the straight blonde hair is Charlotte. That was enough to hook me into this story.
While Sam was browsing through the racks of a local thrift store in search of the perfect dress, Charlotte happened upon a beautiful, blue bottle with filigree details and a butterfly of clear, delicate stones.
Before they even know that they own a Genie’s bottle, the Demon Gypsies have the girls in their sights and Sam is in a scary accident with a car that the demons have set in motion.
Their story is of young adults, senior year crushes, time travel, magic, and tragedy.
This is the first book in a trilogy, so, of course, we are left with questions at the end with hints of what is yet to come, but Ms. Fox has weaved a story of intense dynamics between the characters. This book can stand alone, but why would you want to deny yourself more and more of this unique universe. There is more to be said and you won’t want to miss it. I know I won’t be missing it!
Grammar/editing: B – a few small errors
Other books in The Romany Realms Trilogy:
1. Released
2. Resurrected (not yet released)
3. Returned (not yet released)
Other Books from this Author:
• Alert the Media
While Sam was browsing through the racks of a local thrift store in search of the perfect dress, Charlotte happened upon a beautiful, blue bottle with filigree details and a butterfly of clear, delicate stones.
Before they even know that they own a Genie’s bottle, the Demon Gypsies have the girls in their sights and Sam is in a scary accident with a car that the demons have set in motion.
Their story is of young adults, senior year crushes, time travel, magic, and tragedy.
This is the first book in a trilogy, so, of course, we are left with questions at the end with hints of what is yet to come, but Ms. Fox has weaved a story of intense dynamics between the characters. This book can stand alone, but why would you want to deny yourself more and more of this unique universe. There is more to be said and you won’t want to miss it. I know I won’t be missing it!
Grammar/editing: B – a few small errors
Other books in The Romany Realms Trilogy:
1. Released
2. Resurrected (not yet released)
3. Returned (not yet released)
Other Books from this Author:
• Alert the Media
December 11, 2013
I was given the opportunity to read Released, by Mia Fox, through Netgalley for reviewing purposes.
I was interested in the concept of this book because you don't find too many good genie books (or I haven't). I'm still not sure how I feel about the book, or if I'll be reading the next book in the series.
There's just so much that I really don't know what to type out for a review. The genie, Suzette -Suki-, is motherly protective and wants to be friends with (not one) but two releasers. Two teenage girls that are living on their own, buy a genie from a thift store (I'm going to thift stores more often!) and now have her until they use up their three wishes.
Two enemies are added, one being the genie's out best friend from the Salem witch trials (I think). This, female and male team are either trying to kill the girls or the genie...I'm not really sure. Although, there was a predictability with the male part of the team (romance department).
Throw some teenage lust and long bottled up (pun intended) lust...some magical and elemental throw downs, and awkward sexual moments with messed up time lines and famous names throw around - that's the book.
I gave up trying to follow the time lines with Suki talking about the past, and all these famous people she knew, because nothing really added up. One moment I think everything is about one thing, then something else is mentioned, then another thing is added in.
The ending was just bizarre. I may just go ahead and read the second book just to see if things are ironed out. I'm still debating on that.
I was interested in the concept of this book because you don't find too many good genie books (or I haven't). I'm still not sure how I feel about the book, or if I'll be reading the next book in the series.
There's just so much that I really don't know what to type out for a review. The genie, Suzette -Suki-, is motherly protective and wants to be friends with (not one) but two releasers. Two teenage girls that are living on their own, buy a genie from a thift store (I'm going to thift stores more often!) and now have her until they use up their three wishes.
Two enemies are added, one being the genie's out best friend from the Salem witch trials (I think). This, female and male team are either trying to kill the girls or the genie...I'm not really sure. Although, there was a predictability with the male part of the team (romance department).
Throw some teenage lust and long bottled up (pun intended) lust...some magical and elemental throw downs, and awkward sexual moments with messed up time lines and famous names throw around - that's the book.
I gave up trying to follow the time lines with Suki talking about the past, and all these famous people she knew, because nothing really added up. One moment I think everything is about one thing, then something else is mentioned, then another thing is added in.
The ending was just bizarre. I may just go ahead and read the second book just to see if things are ironed out. I'm still debating on that.
July 10, 2013
This book had great potential. I loved the concept of a genie, but with a twist. The idea that the genie influenced, but didn't grant whatever was requested was good given who she was dealing with. The fact that her influence led to a wide array of talented and famous people with some tragic results was actual pretty twisted yet human. Suki's background and how she told snippets of her past at times was great, but also had me a little baffled about her actual relationship with her past releasers. She is very strict about getting involved with James - whom I loved - but sounded a bit flaky otherwise. I admit that I wasn't completely sold by her. I was also not 100% happy about her limits at times. And I definitely think the girls were a pain in the @#*. That is probably why I had a hard time loving this book. I spent more time frustrated with the girls. Raven was probably the only other character outside of James that I thought was true to character and actually made sense even if she was the villain. The whole true love thing causing her to lose it and her blind faith in that love is definitely believable although not what I would have done. Phineas just seems weak to me, but with potential in future books.
I know others loved it and I can see why, but I just couldn't get there myself. I think this book fits great with YA, but I don't think it will appeal to all ages. I hope I'm wrong because I do think it was interesting.
I know others loved it and I can see why, but I just couldn't get there myself. I think this book fits great with YA, but I don't think it will appeal to all ages. I hope I'm wrong because I do think it was interesting.
September 27, 2013
For some reason I haven't come across very many books about Gen, in fact, I have only come across one other in the YA genre (but I don't actively seek them out either) so I went into this one hoping for something completely different and fun and hopefully just as equally entertaining.
Okay, and the cover whore in me loved the colors and softness of the cover so of course I had to pick it up.
I got way more than I bargained for that is for sure! Gypsy demons, curses, amulets, black magic, adventures, danger and a little history lesson (Salem Witch trials!) thrown in for good measure.
This isn't your typical genie in a bottle story, in fact, Suki is what is actually an Intuitive (a muse). She inspires people more than anything else she does and the wishes you make as ones that have to be pure of heart and ones that help others not yourself. And of course there are the bad guys, the two that are out to get Suki and kill her once and for all because of course no good story would be complete without some kind of opposition.
I admit, I had a hard time getting into this, a really hard time. For whatever reason I just wasn't connecting with the story or the characters and I was sad about it, I really wanted to like this story and to get into it, so I pressed on.
Sadly that aspect never changed for me. While this book could be called unique and interesting and I belive based on other reviews, many people will fall in love with it, it just wasn't for me.
Okay, and the cover whore in me loved the colors and softness of the cover so of course I had to pick it up.
I got way more than I bargained for that is for sure! Gypsy demons, curses, amulets, black magic, adventures, danger and a little history lesson (Salem Witch trials!) thrown in for good measure.
This isn't your typical genie in a bottle story, in fact, Suki is what is actually an Intuitive (a muse). She inspires people more than anything else she does and the wishes you make as ones that have to be pure of heart and ones that help others not yourself. And of course there are the bad guys, the two that are out to get Suki and kill her once and for all because of course no good story would be complete without some kind of opposition.
I admit, I had a hard time getting into this, a really hard time. For whatever reason I just wasn't connecting with the story or the characters and I was sad about it, I really wanted to like this story and to get into it, so I pressed on.
Sadly that aspect never changed for me. While this book could be called unique and interesting and I belive based on other reviews, many people will fall in love with it, it just wasn't for me.
September 17, 2013
Recommended for: Young adults (and those of us who just think we're still young)
I had to grin during the first chapter – honestly Ms. Fox could have been describing my best friend from high school and me! Cheryl Caliguiri had fire red hair and an avant garde style, while I was white-blonde and conservative, yet we were completely inseparable! In this book, it is Samantha who had the fire red hair, and her best friend with the straight blonde hair is Charlotte. That was enough to hook me into this story.
While Sam was browsing through the racks of a local thrift store in search of the perfect dress, Charlotte happened upon a beautiful, blue bottle with filigree details and a butterfly of clear, delicate stones.
Before they even know that they own a Genie’s bottle, the Demon Gypsies have the girls in their sights and Sam is in a scary accident with a car that the demons have set in motion.
Their story is of young adults, senior year crushes, time travel, magic, and tragedy.
This is the first book in a trilogy, so, of course, we are left with questions at the end with hints of what is yet to come, but Ms. Fox has weaved a story of intense dynamics between the characters. This book can stand alone, but why would you want to deny yourself more and more of this unique universe. There is more to be said and you won’t want to miss it. I know I won’t be missing it!
I had to grin during the first chapter – honestly Ms. Fox could have been describing my best friend from high school and me! Cheryl Caliguiri had fire red hair and an avant garde style, while I was white-blonde and conservative, yet we were completely inseparable! In this book, it is Samantha who had the fire red hair, and her best friend with the straight blonde hair is Charlotte. That was enough to hook me into this story.
While Sam was browsing through the racks of a local thrift store in search of the perfect dress, Charlotte happened upon a beautiful, blue bottle with filigree details and a butterfly of clear, delicate stones.
Before they even know that they own a Genie’s bottle, the Demon Gypsies have the girls in their sights and Sam is in a scary accident with a car that the demons have set in motion.
Their story is of young adults, senior year crushes, time travel, magic, and tragedy.
This is the first book in a trilogy, so, of course, we are left with questions at the end with hints of what is yet to come, but Ms. Fox has weaved a story of intense dynamics between the characters. This book can stand alone, but why would you want to deny yourself more and more of this unique universe. There is more to be said and you won’t want to miss it. I know I won’t be missing it!
August 18, 2013
At first I was intrigued with the idea that this was going to be through the eyes of a female genie, and two teenage girls who released her. It was interesting to see the world through the eyes of a third party that neither of the girls knew was there. Then learning about the years Suki had been 'alive' who she had met, and what she had done. Charlotte and Sam were fun to listen to, and they are a bit of a contrast, both of them in high school, both slightly immature but yet both are on their own, and have been for sometime. Unfortunately I feel like Suki is a bit shallow and she does think of her self as quite something, for living over 300 years she doesn't seem to have learned much about emotions. Plus she still talks like a high school girl who never learned a thing about maturity. James was a welcome addition I think grounding Suki and even though I despised Raven and Phin, Phin started to grow on me. But every time I felt this may go well, Raven would throw a wrench in the plan. The ending was perfect for this story, and it completely easily sets up another story to follow. There are questions unanswered which will be eagerly awaited to be in the next book.
I give this book 3.5 stars.
I give this book 3.5 stars.
January 13, 2014
This is a very well written book. The author writes in a very descriptive way without being overly wordy. The premise of the book is interesting and the story kept me captivated throughout.
However, I kind of felt like this book was almost more of a prologue for most of it. We got to know the characters, understand how they behave and what their motives are and then it wasn't until the last few chapters that the plot sped up to have a little more action. I wish this has gotten moving faster to get to the action. I do look forward to reading Resurrected to see how the plot continues though.
Suki is an extravagant genie who lives life and like to inspire her Releasors; she does seem like she acts a little childish at times though. James is still a mystery. Samantha and Charlotte are the Releasors and have special abilities of their own; we find out their abilities in this first book, but are still left wanting as to what exactly their role is beyond defeating Raven. Raven is the ultimate villain and a good one at that. Phineas is the villain's sidekick, but I'm hoping the little bit of good he still seems to cling to will come out more; he's actually a very likeable character.
However, I kind of felt like this book was almost more of a prologue for most of it. We got to know the characters, understand how they behave and what their motives are and then it wasn't until the last few chapters that the plot sped up to have a little more action. I wish this has gotten moving faster to get to the action. I do look forward to reading Resurrected to see how the plot continues though.
Suki is an extravagant genie who lives life and like to inspire her Releasors; she does seem like she acts a little childish at times though. James is still a mystery. Samantha and Charlotte are the Releasors and have special abilities of their own; we find out their abilities in this first book, but are still left wanting as to what exactly their role is beyond defeating Raven. Raven is the ultimate villain and a good one at that. Phineas is the villain's sidekick, but I'm hoping the little bit of good he still seems to cling to will come out more; he's actually a very likeable character.
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