The PureLights of Ohm Totem

PureLights #1

by Brandon Ellis

"Two children from a forgotten land, ancestors of the Island of Ohm Totem, one being of the night walkers and the other of the sacred heart, will purify the energies, bring back the old ways, and unite the PureLights once again, putting an end to the coming Shiver."

~ Windstorm Prophecy

Zoey and Coda are like everyone else in their small town of Gladstone, but that's about to change - forever.

Zoey has a dream, one that feels far more real than it should. A strange wolf with a beautiful violet crystal embedded in his forehead visits her. "Please help us," the wolf implores with sad eyes. "Remember, Zoey, who you truly are." Zoey wakes up, dismissing it as a silly dream. However, she soon realizes that it was far more real than she could've ever imagined.

Coda is Zoey's older brother. Like many boys his age, he has a craving for adventure and a loathing for his younger sister. He can't stand it that she constantly gets in his way, joining in on all his fun, and ruining it in the process. The worst, according to Coda, is that Zoey gets all the attention from their parents. A big drag in his mind.

Then destiny arrives, one that Zoey and Coda must face together - if they want to survive.

Together, they journey to a place deep in the Cornell Forest, beyond the Snow Tree, through a patch of blackberry bushes concealing a secret portal that leads them to an ancient world called Ohm Totem - to the place of the PureLights, the race beckoning for their help. There, Zoey and Coda discover something so unique, so magical, and so sacred within themselves, that even those who called for them could not have known how powerful these two children really are.

Caught between an age old war and finding their way back home, Zoey and Coda go on an amazing adventure, taking them beyond the veils of everything they once knew, and into the terrifying grasp of the unknown.

Genres: Fantasy, Fiction, Paranormal, Amazon, Young Adult, Young Adult Fantasy

284 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 27, 2013

About the author

Brandon Ellis was born in Portland, Oregon and grew up on the outskirts of the city in a little town known as Gladstone, where he graduated high school and moved on to college. After studying Therapeutic Bodywork at East-West College of the Healing Arts, he excelled in his field, becoming one of the Pacific Northwest's leading Therapeutic teachers and bodywork professionals. After several years, the love for writing tugged at his heart so much that he decided to put things aside and live his passion - write. He's now fashioning story after story, creating imaginative worlds of inspiration and art.

The PureLights of Ohm Totem

Reviews

[Mindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clever story with great moral that children will learn without even realizing that they are learning. I love the underlying idea that only you can make yourself angry, fearful, etc. That you choose, consciously or unconsciously, how you react and if you choose to react with your heart rather than your head you can be calmer and not be angry or fearful.

Besides the concept of choosing your response, the story is charming. It is filled with animals that strive to bring light and love back to those who have lost it.

I give this story 5 out of 5 clouds. I highly recommend it.

This product or book may have been distributed for review; this in no way affects my opinions or reviews.

[L · Rating 4 out of 5]

A spiritually uplifting fantasy tale that is a highly enjoyable read!

This cleverly crafted story is one that fills you with warmth and hope, as you are whisked off on the most exciting journey of discovery. The characters learn and develop as the adventure unfolds, with truth-drawing clarity and connotations disclosed to you. Targeted towards the younger reader (the younger, YA reader) this is a highly readable, pleasant story that I found suited its readership. Utterly charming and enthralling, this book is filled with animals that bring both love and light back into the hearts of those who have lost their way…

“For, not all those who wonder are lost”
- Quote. JRR Tolkien

10 and 11 year old brother and sister, Zoey and Coda are likeable characters whom you grow to care about as they journey to a magical land and physically become their ‘spirit animals’. Talking animals, the Purelight citizens and shiny Jewels – this is a fantasy story of what dreams are made from! I would have been enchanted by this story when I was 11 or 12 years old (around the age I first read the phenomenal ‘Harry Potter & Philosophers stone’ by JK Rowling), for at that tender age one’s mind is open to magic. I would have to say that this story has a similar ‘feel’ to it as those “great” children’s stories which stand-out for many avid readers, and so I cannot highly recommend it more. With impressive creativity and imaginative scope Omon Hart showcases her skill as a writer and assured storyteller.


"Two children from a forgotten land, ancestors of the Island of Ohm Totem, one being of the night walkers and the other of the sacred heart, will purify the energies, bring back the old ways, and unite the Purelights once again, putting an end to the coming Shiver."

~ Windstorm Prophecy

4.5 star rating!

*I won a paperback copy of Brandon Ellis' novel ‘The Purelights of Ohm Totem’ through a Goodreads, first-read book giveaway*

[Jane McBride · Rating 4 out of 5]

I got a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair review.
I think that the story is basically a good one. 10 and 11 year old brother and sister, Zoey and Coda, go through a portal in the woods where they cross over into a magical land and physically become their spirit animals. There are many other animals there, and all of them can speak. It turns out that there is a war going on between the Purelight citizens (they are what they sound like, the good guys)and the Dims. All of the animals are born with a jewel in their forehead. The jewels of the Purelights are brightly colored, but when one becomes a Dim (like turning to the Dark Side), their jewels become dull and without luster. They live in shadows. Their leader is a big lizard, aptly named Crepus.
When Zoey and Coda arrive, they soon find out that they are very special, and that they are needed in particular. Luckily, their parents won't have much time to wonder where their children are because time passes differently there. What may be hours or even days in Ohm Totem will only be mere moments in our land.
I won't say anymore about the story but will just share my thoughts. I think the premise is very good. What kid doesn't already dream about going into the woods and turning into an animal? And the animals are lovely and kind (well, the Purelights are). The villains are subtle and mesmerizing. Coda and Zoey usually do not get along very well, as is often true with siblings. When they are in this situation, they realize that they love each other, must work together and help each other in order to succeed and survive.
I could not help but wonder if the book wasn't too long for the target age group, which I believe is 12-16 or so. The brother and sister shared a room, which was explained, but is still a little odd. I think that this is basically a well written story with just one or two sticking points for me! Thank you for letting me read it and I am interested to see what else you may have out!

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book from Goodreads in exchange for an honest review.

While I was reading the first chapter, I had to check again to see at what age level this book was intended for. It seemed to be for young teens at first. But as I got further into the story, I realized that it was reminding me of who I was myself. A lot of the "lessons" given by the indigo and violet light spirit animals are lessons I was actually given in real life while trying to find my own spirituality. This book just presents it in a way that the younger generation can understand. Sometimes we lose our way and need a child to help put us back on the path. Zoey and Cody are wonderful, so innocent children. I LOVE the spirit animals. I think that is what drew me to the book in the first place. I had no idea how metaphysical this story was actually going to be.

It was a pleasure to read this book. I look forward to the sequel.

[Karen Voitik · Rating 3 out of 5]

>Book Review – The PureLights of Ohm Totem
>This young adult fantasy book is the 1st in the PureLights series and ends in a cliffhanger. The story follows siblings Coda and Zoey. The children are pulled into a fantasy realm where they are transformed into spirit animals. The story is basically one of good versus evil. Zoey is the savior of the realm and Coda is her body guard. The children have a lot to learn to overcome their natural jealousy of one another.
>Different characters, both good and evil, teach the children about love, kindness, and understanding. The fantasy characters give constant explanations of different terms and philosophies to the children. The constant teaching really drags the story down. There is a bit of excitement, but always tempered with some type of lesson.
>The descriptions of the different characters and land were vivid. The elephant character added a bit of humor to the dull interactions between the children and the fantasy animals. I am a reviewer for Romance Authors that Rock. This book is appropriate for a young adult (14+) audience. I am giving this book 3 stars. I don’t believe there is enough action to hold the attention of a young adult.

[Lisa Denn · Rating 2 out of 5]

The PureLights Of Ohm Totem, written by Brandon Ellis, incorporates all the elements needed for a good fantasy but fails to deliver.

The bulk of the book was spent establishing the magic elements of Ohm Totem and its physical landscape and environment leaving me not only with a huge case of "brain fog" but also bored.

Ellis assembled a great cast of characters but instead of letting them tell his story the story seemed to dictate the actions and dialogue of the characters, if that makes sense. The fictional world was the driving force behind the story not the characters. As a result the story was in large part nothing more than a stiff and boring narrative describing Ohm Totem.

[Nicky Marriott · Rating 4 out of 5]

Highly imaginative and world building extraordinaire! Free book for an unbiased review.

Thoroughly engaging world building, characters discovering that world, and, who they might be!
Well worth taking your time reading this story... really good, bite-sized chunks worked best for me as there is a world to digest.
Children who are set to become heroes, but with their flaws and inconsistencies laid bare for us all to read...makes this one even more appealing to read.

[Gea · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a new favorite!
Also one I know I’ll have to read again.
There are some wisdoms in it that I’m not yet awake enough for.
Like reading books from Isabelle Alende (also about Totem Animals, but totally different), Paul Coelho or Kayla Curry; this is a lifechanger for me.
Thank you so much Brandon!

I can’t really explain why, because it’s a feeling (yes, a positive one).

I received a free copy and this is my honest review.

[Rene Averett · Rating 3 out of 5]

Regrettably, I abandoned this book about mid-way through. It's a young people's book, but I just couldn't get into the story although I tried to stick with it. For mid-grade readers, I think it might be a fine read, but as an adult interested in getting a feel for the interest for these readers, it didn't have enough appeal.

[Lillian I. · Rating 3 out of 5]

I actually ended up abandoning this book. I think it's probably a great book for young readers, but it just didn't pull me into the story. I made it about half-way, but found other stories waiting to be read more interesting.

[Barb VanderWel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this & I can't wait for more.
I will be also leaving a review on Goodreads @ Amazon.
And letting everyone know about it.
So i gave it a 5 Stars.

[Jayne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Briefly, the PureLights is about siblings Zoey and Coda. After a strange dream, Zoey is led towards the forest where she and her brother enter a parallel world, inhabited by talking creatures with crystal set into their foreheads. These are the PureLights. They lived uneasily alongside the Dims, who are the same but live in the Fog,a perpetually gloomy place where war and violence take precedence over diplomacy and peace.

In this strange world, Zoey and Coda are no longer human, but bird and big cat respectively, and they have to learn how to use their power so that they can become PureLights and save the land from destruction by the Dims.

That is how I understood it anyway. The book is Part 1 of a series, and is aimed more at young adults than cynical grown ups, with a message of peace and hope that does not sound too preachy.

For the most part, the writing is excellent. Ellis has created a wonderful, magical world full of talking animals with cool superpowers, and a credible reason for them to want to fight the seemingly evil Dims, including Crepus, a formidable Komodo dragon. When describing the fight scenes and creating a mystical atmosphere, Ellis is at his best, but the dialogue could use some work. I would even go so far as to say 50 percent of it isn't necessary. It definitely needs sharpening up and judicious editing, as I found myself flicking through it, which is a real shame. It took too long for anything to happen, and when it did, it was somewhat confusing and cluttered with too much blather.

Also, at the begining of the book, Zoey and Coda are human, but do they go back to their human world? I hope this happens in Book 2, even if it just helps to ground the plot a little. There's a certain Narnian wistfulness that I loved, although I did not feel I knew Zoey and Coda any better at the end than I did in the beginning. There was some mention that Zoey had some kind of problem with speech, so changing into a skylark was a spark of genius and I could see what he was trying to do. But Code remains a mystery, despite him turning into a cool cat with top notch fighting skills. Let's hope that Book 2 answers some of the questions that were left hanging in Book 1, with less idle chat and more plot definition. That way it will change a good book into an exceptional one.

[Claudia Harbaugh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fantasy is not a genre I gravitate towards as a general rule, being more a fan of historical fiction and mysteries. But, for me, reading The Purelights of Ohm Totem proved that every now and then we should all step out of our comfort zone and try something new. There was a serenity and strength about the story that was captivating.

If you've read the other reviews, you know that it's a story of a brother and sister who find themselves in a strange land of talking, crystal-bedecked animals. Much to their surprise, Zoey and Coda each take on an animal form as well. But it is so much more than a story about talking animals. It is an allegorical tale for young teens that stresses the importance of being yourself and the fact that true strength is found in love, not anger and hate.

On a slightly negative note, their were sections of "philosophical wisdom" that perhaps went on too long for the age group...okay, I'll be honest, for me too. I would have preferred a little less talking and more doing. But, that is because I don't have a philosophical bent. There is plenty of action, don't get me wrong and the storytelling is charming and engaging.

I didn't always fully agree with the authors world view, but that is hardly necessary. It is important for all of us to listen to each other, though we may not always agree on the fine points. And Ellis made his point well. He has a fluid writing style and his caring and concern ooze through the pages. It is a magical tale with real insight. I recommend you give it a whirl!

[Theresa El-Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is AMAZING!!! This book should be made into a movie. I loved the storyline the characters and the lessons and values it displays to its reader.

This book was magical and mystical. It will take you to another realm. This book comes to life. I was drawn into its pages and could not put it down. I can not wait to read part 2.

This is a book for all ages and is FIVE stars. It has a moral code within its pages that I wish we humans could learn to live by. I simply did not want this book to end. Filled with love and from the heart you are transported to Ohm Totem. I was on the edge of my seat when those Dims attacked. This book has all the elements of a GREAT story.

This book is written with care and understanding that will be passed to the next generation.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a wonderful way to explain concepts like Buddhism to children! The story is rich and easy to follow, and the characters are cute and interesting, when they're not dark and menacing. Unlike many other books aimed at young readers, this book doesn't hide the sad results of anger and jealousy, instead using it as an illustration to teach those who might be struggling with those feelings, themselves. Even the opponents of the Purelights are somewhat sympathetic, as we're shown that no one is all good, nor all evil. Lovely book, and I can't wait to read the continuing story!

[Lynnaurya · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book through Goodreads First Reads and this was my second Goodreads giveaway book and I was really excited with this book. After I started, it was a bit hard for me to put it away. At first I was shocked to see it's reading level to be that of like one of the Harry Potter books but it was an excellent read. The characters were unique and I connected with it because of the different animals portrayed as characters.

[Naomi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great read, couldn't put it down. But rather disappointed by the handbrake stop at the end which was actually halfway through the story rather than part one of an ongoing saga, I would still recommend it but don't just buy part one.........

[Lynda French · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. Zoey and Coda got me in touch with memories from my childhood and reminded me of my own children. It left me wanting more! I can't wait for book two!

[Cathy Ehrhart · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyed the story

Good read, but comparing it to the Chronicles of Narnia is a far stretch. Good book for kids, and a good story

[Teresa Lauster · Rating 1 out of 5]

Ohm totem

One of the most boring books I've ever read and I will not be reading the other books in this series