What do you think?
Rate this book
The Immortelle #2
At First Blush
(Note: This book is an independent title and can be read separately from the rest of the series.)
As a child, Dawn Fitzpatrick spent her summers at her family's holiday home on the beach. While playing at the edge of the ocean one sunny day, she met a mysterious young boy named Cijal, a child who was both frightened of her and fascinated by her because they were so very different.
Although they did not even speak the same language, Dawn was just as fascinated by the strange boy from the sea. They found friendship together over the course of the years - until a terrible family tragedy separated them.
Now eighteen years old, Dawn just can't forget her childhood friend. She goes in search of him, hoping to recapture the one last happy memory of her childhood from before she lost her parents.
There is just one problem: Cijal is from a completely different world. He is not human. He is a Nereidis, a member of a powerful, pseduo-human species that live beneath the waves. They survive in secret, hidden from the rest of the world except on the rarest of occasions.
She has no choice but to look for him. In her heart, she desperately needs to see him again. But how can an ordinary human being hope to find an amphibian that has the entire ocean to hide in?
And if she does find him, then how could they possibly construct a life together?
As a child, Dawn Fitzpatrick spent her summers at her family's holiday home on the beach. While playing at the edge of the ocean one sunny day, she met a mysterious young boy named Cijal, a child who was both frightened of her and fascinated by her because they were so very different.
Although they did not even speak the same language, Dawn was just as fascinated by the strange boy from the sea. They found friendship together over the course of the years - until a terrible family tragedy separated them.
Now eighteen years old, Dawn just can't forget her childhood friend. She goes in search of him, hoping to recapture the one last happy memory of her childhood from before she lost her parents.
There is just one problem: Cijal is from a completely different world. He is not human. He is a Nereidis, a member of a powerful, pseduo-human species that live beneath the waves. They survive in secret, hidden from the rest of the world except on the rarest of occasions.
She has no choice but to look for him. In her heart, she desperately needs to see him again. But how can an ordinary human being hope to find an amphibian that has the entire ocean to hide in?
And if she does find him, then how could they possibly construct a life together?
ebook
First published December 5, 2013
About the author
Abigail Hawk
7 books12 followersPen Name of V.L. Dreyer
Victoria L. Dreyer (preferred name Vic) was born and raised in Auckland, New Zealand. She grew up in a home that valued literacy above all else, and she learned her love of books during childhood.
At the age of 14, she penned her first novel in the form of the original draft of the yet-to-be-published “The Gyrath’s Gate Chronicles”, which is in the process of being adapted to graphic novel format. Since then, she has written and illustrated five graphic novels, dozens of short stories, and goodness knows how many discarded manuscripts.
Shortly after high school, she co-founded the graphic novel publisher Blue Scar Productions with the aid of Alexandra “Blue” Saunders. Between the two of them, they recruited sixteen volunteers united by their love of comic books. Although Blue Scar Productions ceased to operate as a commercial entity in November 2011, Ms Dreyer has since gone on to pen numerous novels under her own name, and her pen name Abigail Hawk. Her preferred genres are science fiction, post-apocalyptic survival and romance - and sometimes all three at once.
Due to a medical condition that is making it difficult for her to work her day job, Ms Dreyer is currently fundraising to self-publish her first speculative fiction novel, a four part post-apoc survival epic called "The Survivors". If you're interested in helping, please visit her website, or head straight to her IndieGoGo campaign!
Victoria L. Dreyer (preferred name Vic) was born and raised in Auckland, New Zealand. She grew up in a home that valued literacy above all else, and she learned her love of books during childhood.
At the age of 14, she penned her first novel in the form of the original draft of the yet-to-be-published “The Gyrath’s Gate Chronicles”, which is in the process of being adapted to graphic novel format. Since then, she has written and illustrated five graphic novels, dozens of short stories, and goodness knows how many discarded manuscripts.
Shortly after high school, she co-founded the graphic novel publisher Blue Scar Productions with the aid of Alexandra “Blue” Saunders. Between the two of them, they recruited sixteen volunteers united by their love of comic books. Although Blue Scar Productions ceased to operate as a commercial entity in November 2011, Ms Dreyer has since gone on to pen numerous novels under her own name, and her pen name Abigail Hawk. Her preferred genres are science fiction, post-apocalyptic survival and romance - and sometimes all three at once.
Due to a medical condition that is making it difficult for her to work her day job, Ms Dreyer is currently fundraising to self-publish her first speculative fiction novel, a four part post-apoc survival epic called "The Survivors". If you're interested in helping, please visit her website, or head straight to her IndieGoGo campaign!
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
May 6, 2014
This book was provided to me for free in exchange for an honest review.
I enjoyed this second installment in the Immortelle series! This one has an innocent quality to it. The main characters meet as children and manage to become the best of friends despite their very obvious differences. Years later they connect again and face serious obstacles that could keep them apart.
I felt just a little old for this one (compared to books #1 and #3 which feature more experienced characters) but I enjoyed the story.
It was a fast, enjoyable read, with a little extra something for people who read the first book. :)
Looking forward to more from Ms. Hawk!
I enjoyed this second installment in the Immortelle series! This one has an innocent quality to it. The main characters meet as children and manage to become the best of friends despite their very obvious differences. Years later they connect again and face serious obstacles that could keep them apart.
I felt just a little old for this one (compared to books #1 and #3 which feature more experienced characters) but I enjoyed the story.
It was a fast, enjoyable read, with a little extra something for people who read the first book. :)
Looking forward to more from Ms. Hawk!
October 5, 2013
Short version: this is a sweet story about new love between two life-long friends.... who just happen to be different species. The building romance took up most of the book, and when things went sideways I had pretty much forgotten that this book was supposed to tie in with the rest of the series. It will be interesting to see if these characters will make appearances in other Immortelle books.
Okay - here's a little more in-depth review.
This book meets the quality writing that I have read in other books by this author. Ms. Hawk's writing is warm and inviting. It is very easy to submerge myself in her stories. Not so easy to come back to real life.
I really like the progression of the love story. Dawn's tragic history and Cijal waiting faithfully for her for so many years.... It is sweet and tender. Their exploration of sexuality with each other is both innocent and hot. At First Blush is primarily a story of first love. And as such, it is really super sweet; a well told story.
Since I read the ebook version, I'm not sure how far into the book it was before things went sideways, in a really big way. The story going from 'sex in the shower' to was super shocking. As I mentioned above, I had pretty much forgotten that this book was part of a series - part of a bigger picture. The percentage of the story in which the rest of the series gets 'remembered' seems short in comparison to the love story, so I sure hope these characters make a reappearance later on in the series to 'justify' this story's place in it.
The main characters are well drawn, if uncomplicated, and very likeable. Which makes
To sum up, At First Blush is a fun, quick read, and an interesting side-bar to the other Immortelle book.
Okay - here's a little more in-depth review.
This book meets the quality writing that I have read in other books by this author. Ms. Hawk's writing is warm and inviting. It is very easy to submerge myself in her stories. Not so easy to come back to real life.
I really like the progression of the love story. Dawn's tragic history and Cijal waiting faithfully for her for so many years.... It is sweet and tender. Their exploration of sexuality with each other is both innocent and hot. At First Blush is primarily a story of first love. And as such, it is really super sweet; a well told story.
Since I read the ebook version, I'm not sure how far into the book it was before things went sideways, in a really big way. The story going from 'sex in the shower' to was super shocking. As I mentioned above, I had pretty much forgotten that this book was part of a series - part of a bigger picture. The percentage of the story in which the rest of the series gets 'remembered' seems short in comparison to the love story, so I sure hope these characters make a reappearance later on in the series to 'justify' this story's place in it.
The main characters are well drawn, if uncomplicated, and very likeable. Which makes
To sum up, At First Blush is a fun, quick read, and an interesting side-bar to the other Immortelle book.
September 15, 2013
This is the second in this series that I've had the pleasure of beta reading.
It's a good one. We're introduced to another faction of immortals that might just be the most interesting "beings" I've ever read. Move over vampires, shapeshifters, and other sexy creatures, we've got a new one, or rather a spin on an old myth with a little human evolution, and their envoy is just...delicious.
I'm not sure if it was Ms Hawk's intent, but it was the fairy tale allusion that sucked me in, but I'm a sucker for those. The romance between Cijal (swoon)and Dawn (and how I loved that she seemed a bit of a wilting flower, but no, not so much, she's just a Good Girl, unless the situation calls for otherwise) is just beautiful really.
We're still teased about the worlds of the Immortelle and introduced to some diplomatic relations between the Cabal and the Nereidis and we get to see William Logan again, and we get an answer from an unanswered question in the first book. I might actually reread the first book so that I can see Logan in this light.
But I have a feeling that we're supposed to still be cautious of the Cabal.
I think the only thing that this story lacked was a good shanking scene, but my morals might be dubious at best.
And I can't wait to see the cover for this one! I've got expectations. :P
It's a good one. We're introduced to another faction of immortals that might just be the most interesting "beings" I've ever read. Move over vampires, shapeshifters, and other sexy creatures, we've got a new one, or rather a spin on an old myth with a little human evolution, and their envoy is just...delicious.
I'm not sure if it was Ms Hawk's intent, but it was the fairy tale allusion that sucked me in, but I'm a sucker for those. The romance between Cijal (swoon)and Dawn (and how I loved that she seemed a bit of a wilting flower, but no, not so much, she's just a Good Girl, unless the situation calls for otherwise) is just beautiful really.
We're still teased about the worlds of the Immortelle and introduced to some diplomatic relations between the Cabal and the Nereidis and we get to see William Logan again, and we get an answer from an unanswered question in the first book. I might actually reread the first book so that I can see Logan in this light.
But I have a feeling that we're supposed to still be cautious of the Cabal.
I think the only thing that this story lacked was a good shanking scene, but my morals might be dubious at best.
And I can't wait to see the cover for this one! I've got expectations. :P
October 3, 2013
I received this book in exchange for an honest review.
Readers are introduced to a new type of immortal being, the Nereidis, human-like beings who live not in the water, but actually underneath of it. Cijal is a young boy when he first meets Dawn on the beach outside of the summer house where Dawn and her parents vacation each year. Even with a language barrier between them, they still manage to become best friends, and spend just about every day together during Dawn's summer vacations, until the one summer when Dawn doesn't come back.
More than 7 years have passed and neither one has forgotten about the other. And when the opportunity arises, Dawn manages to make her way back to the beach house with her best friend Jessica, and after a bit more time passes, Dawn and Cijal are reunited. But do they get their HEA?
This story really didn't focus much on the Immortelle as the first book did (the reader doesn't hear anything about the Immortelle until close to the end of the book); the story was more about two young people, although different, and the love they've had for each other over the years.
Readers are introduced to a new type of immortal being, the Nereidis, human-like beings who live not in the water, but actually underneath of it. Cijal is a young boy when he first meets Dawn on the beach outside of the summer house where Dawn and her parents vacation each year. Even with a language barrier between them, they still manage to become best friends, and spend just about every day together during Dawn's summer vacations, until the one summer when Dawn doesn't come back.
More than 7 years have passed and neither one has forgotten about the other. And when the opportunity arises, Dawn manages to make her way back to the beach house with her best friend Jessica, and after a bit more time passes, Dawn and Cijal are reunited. But do they get their HEA?
This story really didn't focus much on the Immortelle as the first book did (the reader doesn't hear anything about the Immortelle until close to the end of the book); the story was more about two young people, although different, and the love they've had for each other over the years.
October 13, 2013
I received and ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
It is definitely a different approach from the first Immortelle book but there ends up being a tie back into things towards the end. The characters, plot, ending have pretty much no parallel to the first book so it kept me on my toes as I had no clue what to expect. This is the story of a sweet an innocent love that develops into much more but, unfortunately, there are numerous obstacles along the way.
The initial part of the story is from a child's perspective, a foreign child. It's a little difficult to grasp because of the communication issues. The naivety works but it is difficult to believe that they can manage to communicate to the extent that they do. I enjoyed it nonetheless because it further emphasized the sweet and innocent beginnings.
There was passion, as expected, and the contrast between passion and innocence only makes it more pronounced. This is also a book where the innocence is believable.
The conflict is, well, deeply upsetting for a number of reasons and the ending was a little more ambiguous than I would have liked but it was still happy and plausible.
It is definitely a different approach from the first Immortelle book but there ends up being a tie back into things towards the end. The characters, plot, ending have pretty much no parallel to the first book so it kept me on my toes as I had no clue what to expect. This is the story of a sweet an innocent love that develops into much more but, unfortunately, there are numerous obstacles along the way.
The initial part of the story is from a child's perspective, a foreign child. It's a little difficult to grasp because of the communication issues. The naivety works but it is difficult to believe that they can manage to communicate to the extent that they do. I enjoyed it nonetheless because it further emphasized the sweet and innocent beginnings.
There was passion, as expected, and the contrast between passion and innocence only makes it more pronounced. This is also a book where the innocence is believable.
The conflict is, well, deeply upsetting for a number of reasons and the ending was a little more ambiguous than I would have liked but it was still happy and plausible.
October 15, 2013
I received a copy from the author for my honest review, so here it is. Another great story by Abigail Hawk. This Immortelle series is so good. It will take you to another place and you will be lost until the very last page. Dawn meet a "boy" on the beach at the summer home her parents own when she is 5 and he is 6. He is different from her but she doesn't care, he is her best friend. They meet each summer for years and then she stops coming. Cijal goes to the beach every year looking for her, and just when he is about to give up on seeing her again. There she is, back on their beach seven years later. He is now 19 and all male and she is 18 and a beautiful flame-haired maiden. Cijal has loved her from the time they met and Dawn realizes she has loved him that long too. The reason she was away so long will break your heart. Can they find a way to live together? will people from their clans approve for them to be together? If you want to loose yourself in a great read then pick up The Immortelle series. Can't wait for book 3.
October 11, 2013
I loved loved loved this book!!!!! Extremely creative and well written with great characters and a great twist it takes you on a red hot romance between two humanoids species and shows you that love conquers it all!!! The story made me think of certain scientific theories (atlantis....) that made it really interesting!!!! Contrary to certain paranormal or fantastic stories this one is not exaggerated!!!! I adore Cijal and Dawn!!!! I just wish for more!!!! The end was a little too abrupt for me i need MORE!!! Great job I loved it!!!! Thank you for the opportunity to read it!!!!
July 28, 2013
OMG the beginning of the of this book is so heartbreaking. Even knowing that it would end I could not help but let my heart go out to Cijal. There story is a great love story that starts in childhood. Loving how the author brings in Logan from the first book.
October 9, 2013
I am completely hooked I these books they are so awesome an addictive I can't get enough of reading these peoples stories and falling in love with them and even crying through some parts it's a defiant must read series
January 3, 2014
4.5 Stars
Dawn and Cijal met as children at her parents summer vacation home. But while Dawn was human Cijal was different and could never be seen by any other person for fear of exposure. When she is 12 her parents die in a car accident and she is never able to say goodbye. Now that she is 18 she goes back to the small town back near the ocean where she met him so long ago.
Cijal was not supposed to ever expose himself to the human world but as a child he found a great friendship in Dawn. As he got older his feelings changed and when she went missing it devistated him. Now years later they find their way back to each other and their love grows. Can they overcome their differences and be together?
This story is about a different clan in the Immortelle world, and while you do see a familiar name near the end this could be read as a stand alone. However I loved the first book too and definitely recomend it. This starts as a coming of age story and turns into a tale about the love of two people despite their differences. Though both are young Cijal and Dawn's love for each other shines through in their actions and they are not afraid to be themselves with each other. Great read I enjoyed seeing more of the Immortelle world and can't wait to see more.
Dawn and Cijal met as children at her parents summer vacation home. But while Dawn was human Cijal was different and could never be seen by any other person for fear of exposure. When she is 12 her parents die in a car accident and she is never able to say goodbye. Now that she is 18 she goes back to the small town back near the ocean where she met him so long ago.
Cijal was not supposed to ever expose himself to the human world but as a child he found a great friendship in Dawn. As he got older his feelings changed and when she went missing it devistated him. Now years later they find their way back to each other and their love grows. Can they overcome their differences and be together?
This story is about a different clan in the Immortelle world, and while you do see a familiar name near the end this could be read as a stand alone. However I loved the first book too and definitely recomend it. This starts as a coming of age story and turns into a tale about the love of two people despite their differences. Though both are young Cijal and Dawn's love for each other shines through in their actions and they are not afraid to be themselves with each other. Great read I enjoyed seeing more of the Immortelle world and can't wait to see more.
July 23, 2016
Imagination Come to Reality
This book describe the beauty of Love perfectly. The writer wants us to realize that there is no boundaries in Love. She express the feeling of Dawn and Cijal perfectly. Even though both of them come from different culture and ancestor, they tried to unite their differences in the name of Love. The writer describe the Neridis with goof prespective, although i found something strange in part when Cijal look very astonished with television. Because in previous chapter She Said that Neridis has a lecturer Pads. And I found something strange about the ability of telephathy that Neridis had. The writer nerver write that these ability can be used to talk between the Neridis themself.
But overall , the writer succeed to describe the neridis very well, how they live and where they live. It makes me feel that we are not alone in this planet, perhaps there will be another Cijal . :D
Wonderfull book for those who looks for the beauty and the power of Love....
This book describe the beauty of Love perfectly. The writer wants us to realize that there is no boundaries in Love. She express the feeling of Dawn and Cijal perfectly. Even though both of them come from different culture and ancestor, they tried to unite their differences in the name of Love. The writer describe the Neridis with goof prespective, although i found something strange in part when Cijal look very astonished with television. Because in previous chapter She Said that Neridis has a lecturer Pads. And I found something strange about the ability of telephathy that Neridis had. The writer nerver write that these ability can be used to talk between the Neridis themself.
But overall , the writer succeed to describe the neridis very well, how they live and where they live. It makes me feel that we are not alone in this planet, perhaps there will be another Cijal . :D
Wonderfull book for those who looks for the beauty and the power of Love....
March 3, 2016
Brilliant. A must read.
I've been waiting for this book forever. I had extremely high expectations and it did not disappoint. I couldn't put it down! Another excellent book by a very talented lady.
I've been waiting for this book forever. I had extremely high expectations and it did not disappoint. I couldn't put it down! Another excellent book by a very talented lady.
February 11, 2014
I loved the first part but this was even better. A romantic story with a difference, think twilight but with immortals of the watery kind.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews