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Gemini Rising #1
Ethereal Fury
BEWARE! THE PLANET IS WOUNDED... THE GEMINI ARE RISING AND OUR TIME ON EARTH IS LIMITED
Angry at the human race and its methodical destruction of her resources, Mother Earth recruits souls who have just left their bodies to serve Her, and turns them against humanity. Gemini, a clan of paranormal beings, picked from these possessed humans, emerges. A powerful, rising force proceeds to carry out Mother Nature’s plan to systematically destroy towns, cities, states… and eventually, the world. Amidst the chaos, a forbidden relationship between a human girl, Violette, and Onyx, a lead Gemini, begins. They will both find themselves in the middle of a revolutionary war that will either save, or destroy our world.
Angry at the human race and its methodical destruction of her resources, Mother Earth recruits souls who have just left their bodies to serve Her, and turns them against humanity. Gemini, a clan of paranormal beings, picked from these possessed humans, emerges. A powerful, rising force proceeds to carry out Mother Nature’s plan to systematically destroy towns, cities, states… and eventually, the world. Amidst the chaos, a forbidden relationship between a human girl, Violette, and Onyx, a lead Gemini, begins. They will both find themselves in the middle of a revolutionary war that will either save, or destroy our world.
263 pages, Paperback
First published April 13, 2013
3 people are currently reading
3346 people want to read
About the author
Jessica O'Gorek
2 books410 followersJessica was born in Chesapeake, Virginia. She was raised within the Native American culture and was taught great respect for the earth and all its living beings. Powwows, sweat lodges and vision quests were commonplace. She describes herself as "the weird kid who would confront kids on the playground in elementary school when they squished a bug."
She grew up admiring her father, Barry Weinstock, as an author. He took her around the country to different places so he could research his books. When Jessica was twelve she started
hand writing novels. Her first one was two thousand pages. Her daughter, who is fourteen, is currently working on her first novel and hopes to continue the legacy.
She grew up admiring her father, Barry Weinstock, as an author. He took her around the country to different places so he could research his books. When Jessica was twelve she started
hand writing novels. Her first one was two thousand pages. Her daughter, who is fourteen, is currently working on her first novel and hopes to continue the legacy.
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June 16, 2013
Want a book with a new paranormal theme? Tired of vamps and wolves? Want something different than angels and demons? Look no further than Onyx...
May 28, 2013
(This review can be found on my blog The (Mis)Adventures of a Twenty-Something Year Old Girl).
I thought the blurb to this book sounded super interesting and different. I was hoping this book would be interested, and luckily, it was.
When a human who polluted the Earth dies, they become a Gemini and belong to mother Earth. Onyx is a Gemini. His mission is to help destroy the human race. Everything is going smoothly until he comes across Violette, a 16 year old human girl. Geminis aren't really supposed to feel anything, yet Onyx feels drawn to Violette. He possess the body of an acolyte to befriend her. What follows will make Onyx question everything he's ever known.
I didn't know what to expect with this title. I figured it had something to do with Ethereals, but that was all I got from the title. After reading the book, the title matches what the book's about.
I'm not really a fan of the cover. To me, the cover makes it seem like the book wouldn't be good which isn't the case at all. I just think that the cover could've been made to entice readers to pick it up.
The world building is good, but there are a few things that left me confused such as how the book says that Geminis don't have feelings. However, a few of the Geminis had feelings such as worry and anger. Onyx seemed to have more feelings than all the Geminis. Hopefully, why Onyx is the way he is will be explained in the next book. Another thing that made me confused was the fact that Geminis are ethereal beings. However, they were able to move things, pick things up, etc in their natural form. Perhaps I just missed something along the way. Oh, and one more thing. I was confused whether these things were demons or something else. I get that they're Geminis, yet it mentions in the book about how exorcisms seem to work on the Geminis. I also don't really get why the Geminis wanted to start with churches first. I get that they wanted to start small, but why pick churches? Other than those things, I enjoyed the world building.
The pacing started off a little bit slow but quickly picked up. Before I knew it, I was quickly sucked into the world of Geminis versus humans. Every chapter ending left me wanting to know more, so I'd quickly start the next chapter. Even the ending of this book left me wanting more.
When it comes to humans versus something that wants to wipe them from the face of the Earth, it's been done before. However, Miss O'Gorek brings a refreshing twist on the common theme. I loved how it was beings who were angry at the humans for not taking care of the Earth that wanted them gone. It may sound like a hippie story line, and I thought it was going to be just that at first, but it quickly turns into a sound plot line.
The characters were written fabulously! I loved Violette. I loved her vulnerability and her child like innocence. She is a very naive girl, but this is only because she's been stuck inside an orphanage for mostly her whole life. The only problem I had with her is how she couldn't tell that something was up with Slate especially after what had happened to her. I enjoyed the character of Onyx. It was interesting to see how he wrestled with what he wanted and what he was supposed to do. I hated the bishop...not because he was poorly written but because he was just so mean! The author did a fantastic job of making us hate the bishop.
The dialogue was really interesting, and I enjoyed reading about all the characters. I especially enjoyed Onyx's point of view and dialogue the most. There are some sexual references though, so if that's not really your cup of tea, just be warned. However, the sexual references are mild.
Overall, Ethereal Fury (Gemini Rising #1) is an interesting read that will leave readers wanting more (in a good way). It certainly left me wanting more. I will definitely be reading the next book in the series.
I'd recommend this book to everyone aged 16+ who want to get sucked in to a great read.
(I was given a paperback copy of this title for free from the author in exchange for a fair and honest review).
I thought the blurb to this book sounded super interesting and different. I was hoping this book would be interested, and luckily, it was.
When a human who polluted the Earth dies, they become a Gemini and belong to mother Earth. Onyx is a Gemini. His mission is to help destroy the human race. Everything is going smoothly until he comes across Violette, a 16 year old human girl. Geminis aren't really supposed to feel anything, yet Onyx feels drawn to Violette. He possess the body of an acolyte to befriend her. What follows will make Onyx question everything he's ever known.
I didn't know what to expect with this title. I figured it had something to do with Ethereals, but that was all I got from the title. After reading the book, the title matches what the book's about.
I'm not really a fan of the cover. To me, the cover makes it seem like the book wouldn't be good which isn't the case at all. I just think that the cover could've been made to entice readers to pick it up.
The world building is good, but there are a few things that left me confused such as how the book says that Geminis don't have feelings. However, a few of the Geminis had feelings such as worry and anger. Onyx seemed to have more feelings than all the Geminis. Hopefully, why Onyx is the way he is will be explained in the next book. Another thing that made me confused was the fact that Geminis are ethereal beings. However, they were able to move things, pick things up, etc in their natural form. Perhaps I just missed something along the way. Oh, and one more thing. I was confused whether these things were demons or something else. I get that they're Geminis, yet it mentions in the book about how exorcisms seem to work on the Geminis. I also don't really get why the Geminis wanted to start with churches first. I get that they wanted to start small, but why pick churches? Other than those things, I enjoyed the world building.
The pacing started off a little bit slow but quickly picked up. Before I knew it, I was quickly sucked into the world of Geminis versus humans. Every chapter ending left me wanting to know more, so I'd quickly start the next chapter. Even the ending of this book left me wanting more.
When it comes to humans versus something that wants to wipe them from the face of the Earth, it's been done before. However, Miss O'Gorek brings a refreshing twist on the common theme. I loved how it was beings who were angry at the humans for not taking care of the Earth that wanted them gone. It may sound like a hippie story line, and I thought it was going to be just that at first, but it quickly turns into a sound plot line.
The characters were written fabulously! I loved Violette. I loved her vulnerability and her child like innocence. She is a very naive girl, but this is only because she's been stuck inside an orphanage for mostly her whole life. The only problem I had with her is how she couldn't tell that something was up with Slate especially after what had happened to her. I enjoyed the character of Onyx. It was interesting to see how he wrestled with what he wanted and what he was supposed to do. I hated the bishop...not because he was poorly written but because he was just so mean! The author did a fantastic job of making us hate the bishop.
The dialogue was really interesting, and I enjoyed reading about all the characters. I especially enjoyed Onyx's point of view and dialogue the most. There are some sexual references though, so if that's not really your cup of tea, just be warned. However, the sexual references are mild.
Overall, Ethereal Fury (Gemini Rising #1) is an interesting read that will leave readers wanting more (in a good way). It certainly left me wanting more. I will definitely be reading the next book in the series.
I'd recommend this book to everyone aged 16+ who want to get sucked in to a great read.
(I was given a paperback copy of this title for free from the author in exchange for a fair and honest review).
July 2, 2013
Ethereal Fury (which I still just call Gemini Rising most of the time) was a wonderful read that had me speeding along the pages in a very different adventure from most YA novels. Gemini was such a good idea and I am anxious to learn more about them in the sequel, Gemini in Retrograde.
The characters that went along with the wonderful ideas were also nothing short of spectacular. Gemini such as Onyx and his sister Lilly, were created in just the right way. They were cold but it seemed like they could show affection and maybe even feel guilt.
For a more detailed explanation of Gemini, I should say that they are paranormal beings under the wing of Mother Earth, who is, as stated in the synopsis, angry at our people for polluting and causing the slow destruction of her natural resources. Gemini are meant to destroy the human race, although the twist is that the Gemini were humans first.
Most of Gemini Rising (Ethereal Fury) was spent in the midst of a church. This church has knowledge of the Gemini, although it was very limited. Onyx, a Gemini, decides to try to figure out exactly what and how much the church knows. The church setting is something I found surprisingly intriguing. The ideas of priests, nuns, orphans, confessions, and other churchly things among the gemini spread a layer of suspense and a dreary, nearly desperate background to the story as the church tries to ward of the "demons". At this point may I point out that in the book I was appalled by human actions as well as gemini?
Other important characters in the church include Slate, Violette, Father Darius, and Bishop Phillips. Violette was sweet and had character growth, as did somewhat cautois Slate, although he has a lot to learn. I am not sure what to think of Father Darius but I will say right now I am not a fan of Phillips. And, of course, the romance. I thought the chemistry between Onyx and Violette was quite good. I do hope in the next book we get to hear more real conversations between them. I am not sure what to think of Onyx, as he has done some evil things . (I mean, he is a Gemini. But does that excuse him from everything he has done. Uh-uh, Not even close. If he is to even think of redeeming himself he will have to work mighty hard to please me.) I did like how real and vivid his character seemed though. I really enjoyed the chapters from his view point.
This book is truly unique and the ideas presented were fresh and different. Jessica O'Gorek not only didn't miss the mark, she arrowed her story straight into the center. I would not hesitate to recommend this book to anybody, teen or older, looking for a different, beautiful book in the paranormal/supernatural genre.
Overall this book earned 4 stars. I really, really enjoyed Etereal Fury, also known as Gemini Rising. The sequel cannot be released fast enough!
The characters that went along with the wonderful ideas were also nothing short of spectacular. Gemini such as Onyx and his sister Lilly, were created in just the right way. They were cold but it seemed like they could show affection and maybe even feel guilt.
For a more detailed explanation of Gemini, I should say that they are paranormal beings under the wing of Mother Earth, who is, as stated in the synopsis, angry at our people for polluting and causing the slow destruction of her natural resources. Gemini are meant to destroy the human race, although the twist is that the Gemini were humans first.
Most of Gemini Rising (Ethereal Fury) was spent in the midst of a church. This church has knowledge of the Gemini, although it was very limited. Onyx, a Gemini, decides to try to figure out exactly what and how much the church knows. The church setting is something I found surprisingly intriguing. The ideas of priests, nuns, orphans, confessions, and other churchly things among the gemini spread a layer of suspense and a dreary, nearly desperate background to the story as the church tries to ward of the "demons". At this point may I point out that in the book I was appalled by human actions as well as gemini?
Other important characters in the church include Slate, Violette, Father Darius, and Bishop Phillips. Violette was sweet and had character growth, as did somewhat cautois Slate, although he has a lot to learn. I am not sure what to think of Father Darius but I will say right now I am not a fan of Phillips. And, of course, the romance. I thought the chemistry between Onyx and Violette was quite good. I do hope in the next book we get to hear more real conversations between them. I am not sure what to think of Onyx, as he has done some evil things . (I mean, he is a Gemini. But does that excuse him from everything he has done. Uh-uh, Not even close. If he is to even think of redeeming himself he will have to work mighty hard to please me.) I did like how real and vivid his character seemed though. I really enjoyed the chapters from his view point.
This book is truly unique and the ideas presented were fresh and different. Jessica O'Gorek not only didn't miss the mark, she arrowed her story straight into the center. I would not hesitate to recommend this book to anybody, teen or older, looking for a different, beautiful book in the paranormal/supernatural genre.
Overall this book earned 4 stars. I really, really enjoyed Etereal Fury, also known as Gemini Rising. The sequel cannot be released fast enough!
July 11, 2013
Ethereal Fury (Gemini Rising) is a unique masterpiece I was not expecting. The first couple of pages didn't exactly draw me in, though. While the concept was definitely interesting, it was a little bizarre for my taste and it took me a while to adapt to that change, but that's just about the only setback in this book.
I was not so used to seeing Mother Earth personified in such a pissed off manner, but it was pretty cool. And when the churches and the Catholic orphanages came in, I started to worry that this would take a religious turn-about. I'm not so comfortable with those. Thankfully, the story stayed within its line of sci-fi (added with a romantic twist, of course). My doubts on this book instantly vanished, I was hooked before I even reached the half-way mark. The characters were written beautifully, the plot had some very unexpected twists, and the level of refreshment this book provided was like a spa getaway. It had it's cliche moments, don't get me wrong, but they seemed vague most of the time.
Character-wise, Onyx was... different. For starters, he's not human, he's a Gemini. And Geminis are like thin wisps of smoke. They can posses human bodies, but without a body, they aren't much. Onyx himself starts out as an unfeeling jerk and stays like that for a while, but there's this sweet side to him that bubbled to the surface (especially when Violette was around). Seeing things mostly through his point of view was exciting. I liked the way his struggle towards humanity were executed. And his jealousy. ;)
Although, the character that surprised me the most was Violette.
See, Violette isn't the sort of female character that I usually root for. She was uncommonly naive for a 16 year old (but she spent most of her life in an orphanage so that was understandable) and incredibly vulnerable. I just don't have patience for these sorts of characters no matter how reasonable their excuse is. I get annoyed with them easily and it doesn't take much to make me hate them. So one of the main reasons why I love this book is the way Violette's character was written. I wanted to hate her, really I did. She was the sort of girl who was abnormally beautiful and didn't even know it, that's the biggest cliche ever! But seeing things mostly through Onyx's perspective was the smartest way to deflect my hatred.
The romance between them was slow and mainly driven by lust. It was a little discomforting that Onyx was a middle-aged man when he died and he was crushing on a teenager, but I got over that. He wasn't human anymore, he could only posses human bodies.
Overall, I wasn't expecting to like Ethereal Fury as much as I did. Besides, the fact that Violette's character caught me off guard, the entire story was deliciously unique. Delicious because I was hungry for something new, and now that I got it, I'm starving to have the rest.
But be warned, the ending is one of THOSE. It's not exactly a cliffhanger, but one book won't do. Uh-uh, I need the rest and I need it now (spoiled much, I know).
I was not so used to seeing Mother Earth personified in such a pissed off manner, but it was pretty cool. And when the churches and the Catholic orphanages came in, I started to worry that this would take a religious turn-about. I'm not so comfortable with those. Thankfully, the story stayed within its line of sci-fi (added with a romantic twist, of course). My doubts on this book instantly vanished, I was hooked before I even reached the half-way mark. The characters were written beautifully, the plot had some very unexpected twists, and the level of refreshment this book provided was like a spa getaway. It had it's cliche moments, don't get me wrong, but they seemed vague most of the time.
Character-wise, Onyx was... different. For starters, he's not human, he's a Gemini. And Geminis are like thin wisps of smoke. They can posses human bodies, but without a body, they aren't much. Onyx himself starts out as an unfeeling jerk and stays like that for a while, but there's this sweet side to him that bubbled to the surface (especially when Violette was around). Seeing things mostly through his point of view was exciting. I liked the way his struggle towards humanity were executed. And his jealousy. ;)
Although, the character that surprised me the most was Violette.
See, Violette isn't the sort of female character that I usually root for. She was uncommonly naive for a 16 year old (but she spent most of her life in an orphanage so that was understandable) and incredibly vulnerable. I just don't have patience for these sorts of characters no matter how reasonable their excuse is. I get annoyed with them easily and it doesn't take much to make me hate them. So one of the main reasons why I love this book is the way Violette's character was written. I wanted to hate her, really I did. She was the sort of girl who was abnormally beautiful and didn't even know it, that's the biggest cliche ever! But seeing things mostly through Onyx's perspective was the smartest way to deflect my hatred.
The romance between them was slow and mainly driven by lust. It was a little discomforting that Onyx was a middle-aged man when he died and he was crushing on a teenager, but I got over that. He wasn't human anymore, he could only posses human bodies.
Overall, I wasn't expecting to like Ethereal Fury as much as I did. Besides, the fact that Violette's character caught me off guard, the entire story was deliciously unique. Delicious because I was hungry for something new, and now that I got it, I'm starving to have the rest.
But be warned, the ending is one of THOSE. It's not exactly a cliffhanger, but one book won't do. Uh-uh, I need the rest and I need it now (spoiled much, I know).
October 1, 2013
"The Mother is our ruler. She is all powerful and merciless, as merciless as the humans have been to her. We have been given a chance to repent. Our human sins will be wiped clean, we will be forgiven, but first, we must complete our mission."
3 stars.
*I received this book free in exchange for an honest review*
I was so hyped to read this book. I remember hearing about it, then finding the R2R thread a month late but still requesting a copy, and then being SO happy when Ms. O'Gorek generously gave me one. I expected big things; I mean, this was something different for once. We're all sick of the cliche vampires and werewolves, right?
Unfortunately, this book failed to meet my expectations. But I'll start this review off on a positive note...
THE GOOD:
The concept. I reeeaaally enjoyed the concept of the book. Little god-like creatures, sent by Mother Earth, to finally come and kill off our godforsaken, worthless, trouble making, human selves (that's how we're portrayed, anyways). Whats better than that?
How Mother Earth was portrayed. Can you say Bitch, with a capital B? Yeah, that's Mother Earth. She was mean (for completely understandable reasons) and she got shit done. I loved that.
Aaaaaaannnnddddd moving on.
THE BAD:
The writing. It didn't flow well and there were numerous grammatical errors. I came across multiple misspellings, run on sentences, and improper usage of commas. But that's nothing that can't be fixed with a bit of editing, However, the book lacked much needed details and descriptions of the settings, surroundings, and minor characters. I grew tired of hearing descriptions of the 3 main characters; I just want to know what the building looked like, what the surrounding area looked like, and most importantly what the supporting characters looked like. But no, all I got was what Onyx, Slate, and Ms. So Fucking Perfect (aka Violet) looked like. Which brings on my next issue...
Violet. Violet. Oh, darling, sweet, innocent, perfect Violet. I was so SICK of reading about how Violet's eye were purple, and how her hair was lusciously dark and long and beautiful, and how apparently her shit doesn't stink. Oh god by the middle of the book I was so tired of Violet this and Violet that that I was tempted to just give up. She was portrayed to be so innocent and young, but she was trying to get in Slate's/Onyx's pants just as much as he wanted to get in her's. Oh, and don't even get me started on the sexual tension in this book. Either Violet was constantly thinking about banging Slate/Onyx or vice versa. And then they would finally get together, and be ready to do it, and Slate/Onyx would back off. This happened like 3 times. Look its realy not that hard, you either do the dirty or you don't, but constantly being on the whim about it was ANNOYING.
Misleading synopsis. I was told this book had "a revolutionary war that will either save, or destroy our world." I didn't get this. :( All I got was a dramatic romance between a Gemini and a human. No action, nothing. /sadface.
Oh and also, I couldn't decide whether I liked Onyx or not. He was a strong, independent character, but I feel like his love for Violet was more of a sick obsession. He had stalker-like habits that I found to be unnerving.
Well that's really all I have to say. Solid 3 stars. In conclusion, the majority of the problems in this book aren't terrible, and they can be fixed with a strong sequel that contains character evolution, better writing, and a more defined plot. I plan on reading the sequel when it comes out, because the sample chapter I read had me hooked.
THAT IS ALL.
3 stars.
*I received this book free in exchange for an honest review*
I was so hyped to read this book. I remember hearing about it, then finding the R2R thread a month late but still requesting a copy, and then being SO happy when Ms. O'Gorek generously gave me one. I expected big things; I mean, this was something different for once. We're all sick of the cliche vampires and werewolves, right?
Unfortunately, this book failed to meet my expectations. But I'll start this review off on a positive note...
THE GOOD:
The concept. I reeeaaally enjoyed the concept of the book. Little god-like creatures, sent by Mother Earth, to finally come and kill off our godforsaken, worthless, trouble making, human selves (that's how we're portrayed, anyways). Whats better than that?
How Mother Earth was portrayed. Can you say Bitch, with a capital B? Yeah, that's Mother Earth. She was mean (for completely understandable reasons) and she got shit done. I loved that.
Aaaaaaannnnddddd moving on.
THE BAD:
The writing. It didn't flow well and there were numerous grammatical errors. I came across multiple misspellings, run on sentences, and improper usage of commas. But that's nothing that can't be fixed with a bit of editing, However, the book lacked much needed details and descriptions of the settings, surroundings, and minor characters. I grew tired of hearing descriptions of the 3 main characters; I just want to know what the building looked like, what the surrounding area looked like, and most importantly what the supporting characters looked like. But no, all I got was what Onyx, Slate, and Ms. So Fucking Perfect (aka Violet) looked like. Which brings on my next issue...
Violet. Violet. Oh, darling, sweet, innocent, perfect Violet. I was so SICK of reading about how Violet's eye were purple, and how her hair was lusciously dark and long and beautiful, and how apparently her shit doesn't stink. Oh god by the middle of the book I was so tired of Violet this and Violet that that I was tempted to just give up. She was portrayed to be so innocent and young, but she was trying to get in Slate's/Onyx's pants just as much as he wanted to get in her's. Oh, and don't even get me started on the sexual tension in this book. Either Violet was constantly thinking about banging Slate/Onyx or vice versa. And then they would finally get together, and be ready to do it, and Slate/Onyx would back off. This happened like 3 times. Look its realy not that hard, you either do the dirty or you don't, but constantly being on the whim about it was ANNOYING.
Misleading synopsis. I was told this book had "a revolutionary war that will either save, or destroy our world." I didn't get this. :( All I got was a dramatic romance between a Gemini and a human. No action, nothing. /sadface.
Oh and also, I couldn't decide whether I liked Onyx or not. He was a strong, independent character, but I feel like his love for Violet was more of a sick obsession. He had stalker-like habits that I found to be unnerving.
Well that's really all I have to say. Solid 3 stars. In conclusion, the majority of the problems in this book aren't terrible, and they can be fixed with a strong sequel that contains character evolution, better writing, and a more defined plot. I plan on reading the sequel when it comes out, because the sample chapter I read had me hooked.
THAT IS ALL.
January 4, 2017
Review also appears on my blog Misadventures in Wonderland
Well, I have been procrastinating big time on finishing this review. I enjoyed the book, shockingly more than I anticipated. The main issue is I have not exactly been sure what to say. My initial reaction to the book was just...
Pretty much the entire premise of the novel is Mother Nature is ticked we are destroying the world, so she is fighting back. The Christian church is on the front lines of the attack. So its almost like a basic good vs evil, except in this instance is the evil truly evil or is it correcting acts of evil?
Basically, the story begins with an oil tycoon and all of the wrong he does. Then he dies and comes back as a Gemini, which is an ethereal being made of a wispy, smoke like material. They also want to destroy humans. The Church refers to them as demons and exorcisms work on them, but I'm not positive if that is what they are technically. Honestly, it is not a far stretch from a man that was bad in life to become an evil creature after death.
Then the story flips to the protagonist, Violette. She is an extremely naive girl of 16 who is being raised in a Catholic orphanage after a fire claimed her parent's lives. The nuns take care of the orphans (who are all females apparently) while the priests go about their daily lives.
Unfortunately, the daily lives of priests is demon hunting. Enter Slate, a young man who is a priest in training (or just the protege of a priest) who gets sucked into this whole Supernatural-esque down with the demons thing. Which is pretty bad ass if I must say so myself. The story then flips back to Onyx the Gemini and his whole must destroy the humans evilness. That is, until he see Violette and starts creeping on her.
To avoid spoilers, let's just say a lot of chaos ensues including a love triangle between Slate/Onyx/Violette. There is also a douche bag of a bishop. Seriously, I hate him more than the Gemini who are created to be the evil ones of the story. Bishop does something to Violette but Slate puts an end to it.
The entire story concludes with the mother of all cliff hangers. Lucky for me, my copy had an excerpt of the beginning of the next novel so that helped make it not as rough for me. Over-all it was an entertaining novel that I am eagerly awaiting the sequel to.
This next area is spoiler filled, be warned.
Well, I have been procrastinating big time on finishing this review. I enjoyed the book, shockingly more than I anticipated. The main issue is I have not exactly been sure what to say. My initial reaction to the book was just...
Pretty much the entire premise of the novel is Mother Nature is ticked we are destroying the world, so she is fighting back. The Christian church is on the front lines of the attack. So its almost like a basic good vs evil, except in this instance is the evil truly evil or is it correcting acts of evil?
Basically, the story begins with an oil tycoon and all of the wrong he does. Then he dies and comes back as a Gemini, which is an ethereal being made of a wispy, smoke like material. They also want to destroy humans. The Church refers to them as demons and exorcisms work on them, but I'm not positive if that is what they are technically. Honestly, it is not a far stretch from a man that was bad in life to become an evil creature after death.
Then the story flips to the protagonist, Violette. She is an extremely naive girl of 16 who is being raised in a Catholic orphanage after a fire claimed her parent's lives. The nuns take care of the orphans (who are all females apparently) while the priests go about their daily lives.
Unfortunately, the daily lives of priests is demon hunting. Enter Slate, a young man who is a priest in training (or just the protege of a priest) who gets sucked into this whole Supernatural-esque down with the demons thing. Which is pretty bad ass if I must say so myself. The story then flips back to Onyx the Gemini and his whole must destroy the humans evilness. That is, until he see Violette and starts creeping on her.
To avoid spoilers, let's just say a lot of chaos ensues including a love triangle between Slate/Onyx/Violette. There is also a douche bag of a bishop. Seriously, I hate him more than the Gemini who are created to be the evil ones of the story. Bishop does something to Violette but Slate puts an end to it.
The entire story concludes with the mother of all cliff hangers. Lucky for me, my copy had an excerpt of the beginning of the next novel so that helped make it not as rough for me. Over-all it was an entertaining novel that I am eagerly awaiting the sequel to.
This next area is spoiler filled, be warned.
October 21, 2013
*I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review*
I was immediately drawn to the blurb for Gemini Rising. The concept is so intriguing and not something I've run into before. This is the first book of a series, and features an abrupt ending. I'm not exaggerating. It ends in the middle of a scene, in the middle of a conversation, and just as it was starting to get really interesting. I hate being left dangling, like the computer died and rather than finish the novel, it was published as is. There's a preview for the next book in the series, and it does pick up in the exact spot this one ended.
The prologue is strange. Oliver designs oil production equipment that is destroying the environment. When he dies, he is taken to Mother Earth to perform penance for his sins against Her. So we've got this old man that's turned into one of the Gemini, Mother Earth's warriors against humanity. His new name is Onyx and he becomes taken with teenage orphan Violette when he seeks to infiltrate the church where she resides. I couldn't stop thinking of him as this crotchety old man, though he has no memoires of his past and is no longer human. Strange indeed.
The entire story concept is interesting, but I was left with so much confusion and lots of unanswered questions. The romance between Onyx and Violette is just plain creepy, considering he's possessing a human being to be near her. His obsession is not normal for a Gemini, the fact of which he is well aware. I find it ironic that Oliver. the human, held nothing but disdain for humanity and the environment, yet when he is reborn he develops an unnatural obsession with one.
Gemini Rising is suitable for everyone high school and up. If you are looking for a unique concept consider adding it to your to-read list.
I was immediately drawn to the blurb for Gemini Rising. The concept is so intriguing and not something I've run into before. This is the first book of a series, and features an abrupt ending. I'm not exaggerating. It ends in the middle of a scene, in the middle of a conversation, and just as it was starting to get really interesting. I hate being left dangling, like the computer died and rather than finish the novel, it was published as is. There's a preview for the next book in the series, and it does pick up in the exact spot this one ended.
The prologue is strange. Oliver designs oil production equipment that is destroying the environment. When he dies, he is taken to Mother Earth to perform penance for his sins against Her. So we've got this old man that's turned into one of the Gemini, Mother Earth's warriors against humanity. His new name is Onyx and he becomes taken with teenage orphan Violette when he seeks to infiltrate the church where she resides. I couldn't stop thinking of him as this crotchety old man, though he has no memoires of his past and is no longer human. Strange indeed.
The entire story concept is interesting, but I was left with so much confusion and lots of unanswered questions. The romance between Onyx and Violette is just plain creepy, considering he's possessing a human being to be near her. His obsession is not normal for a Gemini, the fact of which he is well aware. I find it ironic that Oliver. the human, held nothing but disdain for humanity and the environment, yet when he is reborn he develops an unnatural obsession with one.
Gemini Rising is suitable for everyone high school and up. If you are looking for a unique concept consider adding it to your to-read list.
February 17, 2014
I received this book in exchange for an honest review from Lovers of Paranormal group and the Author.
When i read the blurb of the book i thought "ohh cool a love story with some paranormal" and waited a sweet story boy meets girl they fall in love reveals paranormal end story kind of thing and though in general thats how the story goes the book was way different that i expected.
I loved the characters.
Both Violette and Slate are sweet innocnet children that are forced to grow up and face the reality which is not that good.
You get to see them both transform brom children into adults and how the face this changes.
Also Onyx the Gemini is already and adult who had to ajust into being a teenager for a period of time.
All the character and the world were beautifully writen.I liked how the author built the world and how the story unfolded.
I have to say that looking at the cover i was not sure at all that i would like the book.
This is the first book of a series, and features an abrupt ending.
i really really hate abrupt endings in the middle of a freaking intresting scene!
The only things that saved this whole thing was that at the end of the book there was a preview of the next one that started from the exact scene where it stopped so it made things a little better.
(still i hate books that leave me hanging!)
I enjoyed the writing style once the book really got rolling and could see the potential growth of the character in the future book.
Still too many questions have been left unanswered and still can't understand the importance of the girl in this whole story.
I would definetely recommend this book to everyone that is 16+
When i read the blurb of the book i thought "ohh cool a love story with some paranormal" and waited a sweet story boy meets girl they fall in love reveals paranormal end story kind of thing and though in general thats how the story goes the book was way different that i expected.
I loved the characters.
Both Violette and Slate are sweet innocnet children that are forced to grow up and face the reality which is not that good.
You get to see them both transform brom children into adults and how the face this changes.
Also Onyx the Gemini is already and adult who had to ajust into being a teenager for a period of time.
All the character and the world were beautifully writen.I liked how the author built the world and how the story unfolded.
I have to say that looking at the cover i was not sure at all that i would like the book.
This is the first book of a series, and features an abrupt ending.
i really really hate abrupt endings in the middle of a freaking intresting scene!
The only things that saved this whole thing was that at the end of the book there was a preview of the next one that started from the exact scene where it stopped so it made things a little better.
(still i hate books that leave me hanging!)
I enjoyed the writing style once the book really got rolling and could see the potential growth of the character in the future book.
Still too many questions have been left unanswered and still can't understand the importance of the girl in this whole story.
I would definetely recommend this book to everyone that is 16+
October 24, 2013
Given the story and what it withholds, the book held me captive with wanting to know what was to come. There are some areas where the story has a science fiction feel to it and at first I was not willing to turn another page. There were a few scenes with the Gemini that were a bit gruesome even for my imagination. The cover itself doesn't give away the story but does represent it quite well. There is so much compacted into this book that you never know what will come next or where the author will take you with each turn of the page.
The characters have a battle to fight, not only with others but within themselves. They are well developed and likeable. The romance that comes into play was a refresher but found in the midst of battle and war makes it hard. Onyx and Violette come together in the most unimaginable place and time.
Our precious Earth is being destroyed, used up and damaged.... But ever wonder how Earth would feel being neglected? Wanting back what has been taken - Earth fires back and sets out to destroy the very beings that have taken advantage of her.
The characters have a battle to fight, not only with others but within themselves. They are well developed and likeable. The romance that comes into play was a refresher but found in the midst of battle and war makes it hard. Onyx and Violette come together in the most unimaginable place and time.
Our precious Earth is being destroyed, used up and damaged.... But ever wonder how Earth would feel being neglected? Wanting back what has been taken - Earth fires back and sets out to destroy the very beings that have taken advantage of her.
October 25, 2013
To say that I enjoyed Gemini Rising would be an understatement. I found myself drawn into the tangled web of the story and held tight on the edge of my seat! I fell in love with Onyx who is this brutishly beautiful character who does have a heart but it takes a lot to get into his hard shell. I found myself spinning between loving the Gemini or loving the humans each had their own failings that were beautifully brought out as the story went on. I also have a huge respect for the earth, who I believe the mother character was and I loved her she was like an unforgiving god in a way. This story has serious undertones that make you think and touched my heart in ways I didn't think a book could. This is a 10 star book on my list and I know I will be assigning it to my daughter and sons to read, Jessica is such a talented wordstress and she knows how to tell a story for sure!
August 17, 2013
Wow, this book was good! Ethereal Fury is a YA paranormal novel. It's Paranormal theme but there are no vampires or werewolves. It is completely different from any I've read. In this book Mother Earth is angry at the human race. The Gemini are paranormal beings with the goal to destroy the world.
When I started reading Ethereal Fury, I was lost and I wasn't really sure what was going on. That didn't stop me from being drawn into the story. The reason I was drawn into the book even though I was confused at time was because the characters were so wonderful written, I wanted to learn more about them. Ethereal Fury is well written. I would recommend it.
I received a copy of this book from the Lovers of Paranormal group in exchange for a review.
When I started reading Ethereal Fury, I was lost and I wasn't really sure what was going on. That didn't stop me from being drawn into the story. The reason I was drawn into the book even though I was confused at time was because the characters were so wonderful written, I wanted to learn more about them. Ethereal Fury is well written. I would recommend it.
I received a copy of this book from the Lovers of Paranormal group in exchange for a review.
July 21, 2016
Humans are destroying earth with their selfish ways. Mother Earth decided that she has had enough and she wants to destory them. She starts to recruit the souls that have helped destroy it from the beginning.
I loved this book so much and I thought it was greatly written. When I first started to read the book it didn’t exactly draw me in right away and it took me sometime to get used to the change. I loved the take on mother earth and how she was pissed off at people for destroying earth. I loved the flow between the pages. I loved Onyx and Violette. Violette has become one of my favorite book heroins. I recommend this book to everyone!
I loved this book so much and I thought it was greatly written. When I first started to read the book it didn’t exactly draw me in right away and it took me sometime to get used to the change. I loved the take on mother earth and how she was pissed off at people for destroying earth. I loved the flow between the pages. I loved Onyx and Violette. Violette has become one of my favorite book heroins. I recommend this book to everyone!
February 7, 2014
Wow this book is really really good and very addictive, each chapter is like a drug you just want to read it more and more.
The writing and the story are perfect i really did not want to put this down, i felt like i was being drawn into the book and there world and i did not want to leave.
I love paranormal books that are written like this they are so different but Fantastic to read.
the characters are all great especially Onyx and Lilly there is something Sweet and kind about the (I HOPE
i love Slate what a sweet heart oh and Violette there is something about her
The writing and the story are perfect i really did not want to put this down, i felt like i was being drawn into the book and there world and i did not want to leave.
I love paranormal books that are written like this they are so different but Fantastic to read.
the characters are all great especially Onyx and Lilly there is something Sweet and kind about the (I HOPE
i love Slate what a sweet heart oh and Violette there is something about her
May 22, 2013
If you are thinking about it stop and just read it!!!! Damn when does 2 come out
November 13, 2017
**Disclaimer: the author provided me with a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Had I realized this was a romance novel, I would not have agreed to review it. I've read just enough romance novels to know I don't like the genre - at all. So keep that in mind!
While the novel's description does mention romance, it places a much more interesting sci-fi concept front-and-center. It's an exciting description and I was quite intrigued by it. Unfortunately, Ethereal Fury spends almost no time exploring its sci-fi ideas. Instead (as is typical of romance novels), the book fleshes out its setting as thinly as it possibly can in order to move on to the, well, actual flesh.
So I felt a little bait-and-switched. If you happen to be a reader who likes both the bait and the switch, that won't be a problem for you; but for someone who cares more about exploring a new world/concept then reading about yet another teen romance, this was a little annoying.
But to be fair, there was only one real gap in the exposition: for some reason the Gemini, who are otherwise practically all-powerful in their ethereal form, cannot enter buildings owned by the Catholic Church without possessing a living person. This is never explained. Is God real in this setting? Does this fictional Catholic Church have some other source of supernatural power? We're never told.
Unfortunately this is a big gap, since the premise of the whole story hinges on this fact.
I have one other objection, this time on the romance end. There's a sexual assault scene by our male protagonist, Slate, against the female protagonist, Violette.
(Slate is possessed by the other male protagonist, Onyx, at the time. Yeah, there's an awkward supernatural love triangle thing going on.)
Although the scene itself is relatively tame, and the romance throughout the book is generally kept to the "sweet-and-sensual" realm, there's a broader cultural issue here.
These kinds of scenes resonate with readers because the supernatural possession (the "excuse") acts as a metaphor for sexual assault by male teens who are (or at least feel) possessed by their hormones. Anyone who has had such an experience, male or female, enjoys reading a story where a similar experience is redeemed.
But in the United States, one in four college-age women has been sexually assaulted at least once since she turned 14. On average, a woman is raped every 2 minutes, and most of the time the rapist is someone she knows. (Read statistics.)
My problem with this scene, and with most romance novels that include similar scenes, is Violette's/the female lead's response. In the stories our female protagonist forgives, and resumes her romantic relationship with, her attacker - and things work out. It might make for titillating reading, but it's the exact opposite of good advice for survivors and at-risk readers.
It's not that happily-ever-afters aren't possible. It's that happily-ever-after with that person isn't.
In reality, we should practice a one-strike-and-you're-out policy. Nobody should ever return to a partner (or potential partner) who has been abusive, even once, ever, for any reason. Yet people do, all the time. It's happening somewhere right now, as I write this, and somewhere else again, as you're reading it.
I'm not saying romance novels are to blame - that's not it at all. And I really am sorry to soapbox Gemini Rising like this, because it's a fine story that has clearly been enjoyed by many people. But we do have a serious problem with sexual assault in this and probably every country, and it's difficult not to conclude that the romance genre, in general, mishandles the topic and treats it far too lightly.
Had I realized this was a romance novel, I would not have agreed to review it. I've read just enough romance novels to know I don't like the genre - at all. So keep that in mind!
While the novel's description does mention romance, it places a much more interesting sci-fi concept front-and-center. It's an exciting description and I was quite intrigued by it. Unfortunately, Ethereal Fury spends almost no time exploring its sci-fi ideas. Instead (as is typical of romance novels), the book fleshes out its setting as thinly as it possibly can in order to move on to the, well, actual flesh.
So I felt a little bait-and-switched. If you happen to be a reader who likes both the bait and the switch, that won't be a problem for you; but for someone who cares more about exploring a new world/concept then reading about yet another teen romance, this was a little annoying.
But to be fair, there was only one real gap in the exposition: for some reason the Gemini, who are otherwise practically all-powerful in their ethereal form, cannot enter buildings owned by the Catholic Church without possessing a living person. This is never explained. Is God real in this setting? Does this fictional Catholic Church have some other source of supernatural power? We're never told.
Unfortunately this is a big gap, since the premise of the whole story hinges on this fact.
I have one other objection, this time on the romance end. There's a sexual assault scene by our male protagonist, Slate, against the female protagonist, Violette.
(Slate is possessed by the other male protagonist, Onyx, at the time. Yeah, there's an awkward supernatural love triangle thing going on.)
Although the scene itself is relatively tame, and the romance throughout the book is generally kept to the "sweet-and-sensual" realm, there's a broader cultural issue here.
These kinds of scenes resonate with readers because the supernatural possession (the "excuse") acts as a metaphor for sexual assault by male teens who are (or at least feel) possessed by their hormones. Anyone who has had such an experience, male or female, enjoys reading a story where a similar experience is redeemed.
But in the United States, one in four college-age women has been sexually assaulted at least once since she turned 14. On average, a woman is raped every 2 minutes, and most of the time the rapist is someone she knows. (Read statistics.)
My problem with this scene, and with most romance novels that include similar scenes, is Violette's/the female lead's response. In the stories our female protagonist forgives, and resumes her romantic relationship with, her attacker - and things work out. It might make for titillating reading, but it's the exact opposite of good advice for survivors and at-risk readers.
It's not that happily-ever-afters aren't possible. It's that happily-ever-after with that person isn't.
In reality, we should practice a one-strike-and-you're-out policy. Nobody should ever return to a partner (or potential partner) who has been abusive, even once, ever, for any reason. Yet people do, all the time. It's happening somewhere right now, as I write this, and somewhere else again, as you're reading it.
I'm not saying romance novels are to blame - that's not it at all. And I really am sorry to soapbox Gemini Rising like this, because it's a fine story that has clearly been enjoyed by many people. But we do have a serious problem with sexual assault in this and probably every country, and it's difficult not to conclude that the romance genre, in general, mishandles the topic and treats it far too lightly.
February 5, 2014
Gemini Rising by Jessica O’Gorek
Gemini Rising: Ethereal Fury by Jessica O’Gorek
MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS
The main premise in this book is that Mother Earth is furious at humanity’s blatant disregard for the health of the planet and has decided to wipe out mankind. She recruits newly departed souls, generally those who were evil during their lives, and remakes them into the Gemini. These creatures have the power to kill and destroy. They can take over or “possess” other humans and thus wreak havoc on Earth. They plan to destroy towns, cities, and entire nations.
Onyx is assigned a mission within a tiny village church and hears a beautiful voice. He goes to investigate, and sees a girl that fascinates him, though he does not understand why. This fascination grows and grows over the course of days until he realizes he has begun to experience emotions again.
Violette, the girl Onyx is obsessed with, can sense Onyx’s presence and becomes fascinated herself. She is never frightened of him, in spite of his alien appearance and massive size.
The men of the cloth in this church have been fighting “demons” for decades. These demons have slaughtered men, women, and children of the church without mercy, sometimes killing entire congregations at once. The priests know the demons are getting closer, so they are now training Slate in how to detect and battle them.
Violette has had a crush on Slate for a very long time. Slate has finally begun to notice her, if only to briefly discuss daily activities with her. Slate has been sheltered his entire life, so social interaction is difficult for him. Onyx possesses Slate so he can be around Violette, while snooping around the church.
SPOILERS START HERE:
I had several issues with the premise of this novel. Why would Mother Earth focus her battle on the churches? There is no explanation, nor is there any explanation why Mother Earth is so evil she’d slaughter innocents, such as children who have no knowledge of the destruction of the earth.
Also, the relationship with Violette and Onyx was disturbing. I disliked the fact that Violette was portrayed as someone who’d want to continue any type of relationship with a being who tried to rape her. I also was offended that the myth of women liking to be raped was perpetuated. This may not have been the author’s intent, but this was distinctly what Violette repeatedly communicated.
The author created a good hero in Slate, but then completely demolished him. Slate had strong morals, was intelligent, kind, thoughtful, and brave. This was the person Violette was originally in love with but he was squashed, humiliated, and immolated. Instead, an evil being was offered as a hero.
Another issue I had with the book was the comparison of virgins versus non-virgins. Virgins are portrayed as “pure,” good, etc. Violette is a virgin. The implication is that non-virgins are not pure, and they are the destroyers of the world.
THE OVERALL SCORE AND WHAT IT MEANS…NO SPOILERS HERE:
These issues just decrease the rating of the book for ME. For others, these things may not matter at all. The writing is good. The author has good writing skills and can pull the reader into the story. I simply was distracted by the many questions/issues I discussed above. Perhaps many of these issues will be resolved in the sequel.
2 ½ stars rounded up to 3 stars
I won this book in a competition. All opinions are my own.
Gemini Rising: Ethereal Fury by Jessica O’Gorek
MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS
The main premise in this book is that Mother Earth is furious at humanity’s blatant disregard for the health of the planet and has decided to wipe out mankind. She recruits newly departed souls, generally those who were evil during their lives, and remakes them into the Gemini. These creatures have the power to kill and destroy. They can take over or “possess” other humans and thus wreak havoc on Earth. They plan to destroy towns, cities, and entire nations.
Onyx is assigned a mission within a tiny village church and hears a beautiful voice. He goes to investigate, and sees a girl that fascinates him, though he does not understand why. This fascination grows and grows over the course of days until he realizes he has begun to experience emotions again.
Violette, the girl Onyx is obsessed with, can sense Onyx’s presence and becomes fascinated herself. She is never frightened of him, in spite of his alien appearance and massive size.
The men of the cloth in this church have been fighting “demons” for decades. These demons have slaughtered men, women, and children of the church without mercy, sometimes killing entire congregations at once. The priests know the demons are getting closer, so they are now training Slate in how to detect and battle them.
Violette has had a crush on Slate for a very long time. Slate has finally begun to notice her, if only to briefly discuss daily activities with her. Slate has been sheltered his entire life, so social interaction is difficult for him. Onyx possesses Slate so he can be around Violette, while snooping around the church.
SPOILERS START HERE:
I had several issues with the premise of this novel. Why would Mother Earth focus her battle on the churches? There is no explanation, nor is there any explanation why Mother Earth is so evil she’d slaughter innocents, such as children who have no knowledge of the destruction of the earth.
Also, the relationship with Violette and Onyx was disturbing. I disliked the fact that Violette was portrayed as someone who’d want to continue any type of relationship with a being who tried to rape her. I also was offended that the myth of women liking to be raped was perpetuated. This may not have been the author’s intent, but this was distinctly what Violette repeatedly communicated.
The author created a good hero in Slate, but then completely demolished him. Slate had strong morals, was intelligent, kind, thoughtful, and brave. This was the person Violette was originally in love with but he was squashed, humiliated, and immolated. Instead, an evil being was offered as a hero.
Another issue I had with the book was the comparison of virgins versus non-virgins. Virgins are portrayed as “pure,” good, etc. Violette is a virgin. The implication is that non-virgins are not pure, and they are the destroyers of the world.
THE OVERALL SCORE AND WHAT IT MEANS…NO SPOILERS HERE:
These issues just decrease the rating of the book for ME. For others, these things may not matter at all. The writing is good. The author has good writing skills and can pull the reader into the story. I simply was distracted by the many questions/issues I discussed above. Perhaps many of these issues will be resolved in the sequel.
2 ½ stars rounded up to 3 stars
I won this book in a competition. All opinions are my own.
July 3, 2013
http://readtomyhearts.blogspot.com/20...
Looking at the cover, I wasn't too sure if I would like Gemini Rising or not. The cover didn't really incite any strong feelings for me and the blurb made me think it was really too science fiction for me.
But I have been trying to get out of my comfort zone and try new and different stories that I normally would have skimmed over.
I am glad I did pick this one up.
There is so much going on in this book than what the blurb explains, what the cover reveals, and what I even considered it to be about. Yes it does have a little science fiction y aspects to it but nothing that made me want to jump and scream. Actually, it made me look at other scifi stories in a different light now.
Then there is the romance factor. It does play a huge part in the story but it is told in a way that makes it seem so innocent and yet alluring at the same time. Violette is like a siren and yet so demure that she has no idea she is this gorgeous human being. The only thing I had a slight problem with was how the male characters: Slate and Onyx, kept switching "woman" and "child" interchangeable together while trying to explain Violette. I guess at the age she was becoming, she could be considered a "woman-child" but it was just uncomfortable when they were lusting after her and then compare her to a child.
Other than that, I really liked how the romance progressed through the story. Slate is an okay guy but Onyx is the more interesting one. Slate just seemed so stale to me. But I usually go for the underdog anyways.
The plot is a really original and creative one. We hardly ever see Mother Nature personified in a pissed off tone before. Usually, she is the all knowing all understanding one that will always forgive us.
Not so with Gemini Rising. She has had enough and sends out her force of Gemini to stop the chaos. And how ironic how she picks out her "killers" to fulfill her demands. Very creative twist!
I also enjoyed the religious questions that are raised in the story, Gemini Rising. If the bishop and other lesser priests are supposed to be doing God's work, then why do they have the right to act the way they do. That could be considered a little controversial but I, personally, loved it! I think we should all question everything around us so we can continue to learn about the world. Great job!
I also thought it was a great way to tie everything in together on how people came together. And the ending? Let's just say you will be salivating for the next book in the story. Yes, it is one of those endings. One of those where you want to pull your hair out but at the same time, have to give props to the author for leaving it like that. Definitely hooked me!
All in all, Gemini Rising is a great read that flows really well and will have you stuck to the pages wanting to see what else Onyx has up his sleeve. I expect big things from Jessica O'Gorek and I know many others will love this original concept with a pretty amazing story line.
I give it four hearts~
Looking at the cover, I wasn't too sure if I would like Gemini Rising or not. The cover didn't really incite any strong feelings for me and the blurb made me think it was really too science fiction for me.
But I have been trying to get out of my comfort zone and try new and different stories that I normally would have skimmed over.
I am glad I did pick this one up.
There is so much going on in this book than what the blurb explains, what the cover reveals, and what I even considered it to be about. Yes it does have a little science fiction y aspects to it but nothing that made me want to jump and scream. Actually, it made me look at other scifi stories in a different light now.
Then there is the romance factor. It does play a huge part in the story but it is told in a way that makes it seem so innocent and yet alluring at the same time. Violette is like a siren and yet so demure that she has no idea she is this gorgeous human being. The only thing I had a slight problem with was how the male characters: Slate and Onyx, kept switching "woman" and "child" interchangeable together while trying to explain Violette. I guess at the age she was becoming, she could be considered a "woman-child" but it was just uncomfortable when they were lusting after her and then compare her to a child.
Other than that, I really liked how the romance progressed through the story. Slate is an okay guy but Onyx is the more interesting one. Slate just seemed so stale to me. But I usually go for the underdog anyways.
The plot is a really original and creative one. We hardly ever see Mother Nature personified in a pissed off tone before. Usually, she is the all knowing all understanding one that will always forgive us.
Not so with Gemini Rising. She has had enough and sends out her force of Gemini to stop the chaos. And how ironic how she picks out her "killers" to fulfill her demands. Very creative twist!
I also enjoyed the religious questions that are raised in the story, Gemini Rising. If the bishop and other lesser priests are supposed to be doing God's work, then why do they have the right to act the way they do. That could be considered a little controversial but I, personally, loved it! I think we should all question everything around us so we can continue to learn about the world. Great job!
I also thought it was a great way to tie everything in together on how people came together. And the ending? Let's just say you will be salivating for the next book in the story. Yes, it is one of those endings. One of those where you want to pull your hair out but at the same time, have to give props to the author for leaving it like that. Definitely hooked me!
All in all, Gemini Rising is a great read that flows really well and will have you stuck to the pages wanting to see what else Onyx has up his sleeve. I expect big things from Jessica O'Gorek and I know many others will love this original concept with a pretty amazing story line.
I give it four hearts~
January 10, 2015
**I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review**
Wow, ok I'm not actually 100% sure I understood that but what I did understand was actually very good. I think this may be the kind of book I'm going to have to read more than once to truly get to grips with the story.
The story revolves around onyx and Violett and kind of slate. Onxy is the spirit of a very successful oil tycoon who damaged the earth so severely that once he has died Mother Nature decides to use him to seek vengeance on the humans for damaging herself. In order to achieve this she reprograms his mind to work for her and collect other souls in order to build her army. Onxy finds the very few first stages of the transition very difficult and even after that still finds it difficult to do as mother nature wants especially when it comes to harming innocent children, his ultimate rebellion however comes in the form of falling in love with Violett while in the body of slate the young priest to be. Slate is 20 years old and has spent all of his life in the church, while in the church he befriends a young girl Violett who he finds attractive and at the same time is learning all about the 'Demons' possessing humans body's. Slate is the body onyx chooses to possess as a way to learn more about what the church is doing to prevent demon attacks. All the while slate puts up a fight and often tries to protect Violett from onyx who is in his body. Violett is merely a teenager who has not yet completely fallen under the illusion the church is trying to push across. She often questions what the church isn't telling her all the while being extremely attracted to slate and wanting to act on impulse to satisfy her hormonal cravings. The three of them come together in the strangest circumstances and I feel that in the next book these three characters working very much together will bring about the most change.
As far as secondary characters go I think there are primarily two groups there is the church and the priests, nuns and bishops who seem very controlling and quite cruel and there is Mother Nature a d her army with all the souls who fight on her side. I have not yet come to. a decision about who is the good / bad side and I'm not sure I will as I really hope in book 2 the three main characters rebelling against both causing all he'll to break loose.
In terms of pacing this book was excellent, it is very clear to see that this is the first book in the series as the in depth character descriptions allows the reader to Turkey understand the state the world is In as well as the main conflicts to come without actually having a great deal more happening. It was exactly in my opinion how a first in the series should read easy and fluid.
The storyline was great allowing us to really get to know each and every character and what drives them with subtle character developments along the way. I feel I am very much equipped and prepared to read book 2.
3.5 stars rating right now due to change depending on how well I understand it after second reading.
May 30, 2013
In this debut book of a new series, Mother Earth is but one word...ticked. She is ticked off that people are so disrespectful to her and are destroying her and her natural beauty with stupid modern ideas. To fix this problem of hers she has created the Gemini, paranormal beings that are out for the blood of those destroying Mother Earth. They were once, themselves, a person who had "great ideas" that only caused Mother Earth damage and heartache. They now, having had their memories wiped, are fighting with Mother Earth to save and preserve her from future damages. How? By killing off those who are hurting her. They are out for, not only groups of people, but whole towns, cities, and states. They are going to make sure Mother Earth is treated with respect like she should have always been even if that means killing the people that inhabit her. One thing is forbidden, love between a Gemini and a human. When Onyx, one of the Gemini, sees Violette, a human girl, he is drawn to her right away. He knows any kind of relationship is forbidden, but he can't seem to stay away from her. How can he keep this a secret and still do his job for Mother Earth? Is Mother Earth planning to rid herself of all humans? Will Mother Earth inadvertently be destroyed in the mission of saving her? Can love overcome rules?
This was a book with a whole new twist to the plot. A plot that I have never read anything like before. This is what makes it a good read from the start, the idea of a "new" kind of read. I think it intrigues the reader from the start with the concept of Mother Earth taking herself back, so to speak. Most paranormal reads now, seem to be all about vampires and/or werewolves, where as this one is about the Gemini; human souls brought to Mother Earth for helping her rid herself of the people harming her. It took me a couple chapters to really get into the book, I must admit, but it was more because it was outside of my "comfort zone" than it was a problem with the book. I was trying to decide in those chapters if it was really a good idea and a worthwhile read. Bottom line was, yes, it was worth the read and a read that, once I gave a chance, I enjoyed. It was so different that I felt like I was reading a whole new genre of book. Not the usual Paranormal read that it was said to be. How can a book be bad when you are dealing with an angry Mother Earth, Gemini, destruction, chaos, and love? The writing was well done, with great flow for most of the book. There were a few times I was confused at first, but was easily put back on track after a few sentences. The characters were unique and fun too. I liked watching them become who they wanted to become. Would I recommend this book to others? You bet I would, if for nothing else but the uniqueness of it all. Will I read on in the series? Probably, it was a good story.
4/5 Stars!
Received free via author for honest review
This was a book with a whole new twist to the plot. A plot that I have never read anything like before. This is what makes it a good read from the start, the idea of a "new" kind of read. I think it intrigues the reader from the start with the concept of Mother Earth taking herself back, so to speak. Most paranormal reads now, seem to be all about vampires and/or werewolves, where as this one is about the Gemini; human souls brought to Mother Earth for helping her rid herself of the people harming her. It took me a couple chapters to really get into the book, I must admit, but it was more because it was outside of my "comfort zone" than it was a problem with the book. I was trying to decide in those chapters if it was really a good idea and a worthwhile read. Bottom line was, yes, it was worth the read and a read that, once I gave a chance, I enjoyed. It was so different that I felt like I was reading a whole new genre of book. Not the usual Paranormal read that it was said to be. How can a book be bad when you are dealing with an angry Mother Earth, Gemini, destruction, chaos, and love? The writing was well done, with great flow for most of the book. There were a few times I was confused at first, but was easily put back on track after a few sentences. The characters were unique and fun too. I liked watching them become who they wanted to become. Would I recommend this book to others? You bet I would, if for nothing else but the uniqueness of it all. Will I read on in the series? Probably, it was a good story.
4/5 Stars!
Received free via author for honest review
September 3, 2013
So Mother Earth is pretty ticked off at people in general. And can you blame her? We are destroying precious resources with no way to replenish them. So what does she do? From the looks of it, she takes the people who seem to be doing the most damage and, when they die, their souls are recruited in to her "army". An "army" that's sole purpose is to eradicate human existence and take back the planet. Only Onyx, previously an oil tycoon named Oliver Weldon, does something unthinkable to those he calls his family. He falls in love with a human.
When I first started to read Gemini Rising by Jessica O'Gorek, I was kind of disgusted at the Gemini and their purpose. Even more than I was disgusted at the fact that people like Oliver Weldon were causing seemingly more harm than good and not caring about it. I started out agreeing with the premise of the book and ended up shortly after beginning with a bad taste in my mouth because of Onyx's actions shortly after the first few pages. Because of that it took me a while to make it through the initial chapters of the book.
Once I'd done that though, it kind of did a 180 on me and I found myself sympathizing with the "demons", as the church called them, and feeling more disgusted with the people who were supposed to be trying to fight them off. I was really conflicted throughout the entire book. On the one hand, I did NOT like that the Gemini were just going to kill off everyone without any consideration for the good ones in the bunch. While the part in me that likes scary stories enjoyed the ones that were told by the church parishioners, the rational part of me was completely creeped out by the things the Gemini had the humans do when they possessed them. Totally horror movie material.
I liked Violette. And Slate. At first, Slate annoyed me. He seemed to be following Father Darius almost blindly, despite his objections to the actions an behaviors of his superiors. His character developed quite nicely though and he really grew on me. Violette was sweet and innocent. And she played the part perfectly. But she wasn't the sickly sweet kind of person that you want to slap because they're super annoying. She's incredibly kind and trusting and it makes you just want to hug her and be her friend.
Onyx... sometimes he made me angry, sometimes he made me wanna pat him on the back and say "Nice one". The more he uncovered about the goings on in the bowels of the church the more I was rooting for him, if not for the rest of the Gemini.
I enjoyed this story. Once I got past the first couple of chapters I flew through the rest of the book. I don't recommend it for younger readers as there are some mature situations that end up going on. But overall I'd recommend it for anyone who likes paranormal reads. Go check it out!
When I first started to read Gemini Rising by Jessica O'Gorek, I was kind of disgusted at the Gemini and their purpose. Even more than I was disgusted at the fact that people like Oliver Weldon were causing seemingly more harm than good and not caring about it. I started out agreeing with the premise of the book and ended up shortly after beginning with a bad taste in my mouth because of Onyx's actions shortly after the first few pages. Because of that it took me a while to make it through the initial chapters of the book.
Once I'd done that though, it kind of did a 180 on me and I found myself sympathizing with the "demons", as the church called them, and feeling more disgusted with the people who were supposed to be trying to fight them off. I was really conflicted throughout the entire book. On the one hand, I did NOT like that the Gemini were just going to kill off everyone without any consideration for the good ones in the bunch. While the part in me that likes scary stories enjoyed the ones that were told by the church parishioners, the rational part of me was completely creeped out by the things the Gemini had the humans do when they possessed them. Totally horror movie material.
I liked Violette. And Slate. At first, Slate annoyed me. He seemed to be following Father Darius almost blindly, despite his objections to the actions an behaviors of his superiors. His character developed quite nicely though and he really grew on me. Violette was sweet and innocent. And she played the part perfectly. But she wasn't the sickly sweet kind of person that you want to slap because they're super annoying. She's incredibly kind and trusting and it makes you just want to hug her and be her friend.
Onyx... sometimes he made me angry, sometimes he made me wanna pat him on the back and say "Nice one". The more he uncovered about the goings on in the bowels of the church the more I was rooting for him, if not for the rest of the Gemini.
I enjoyed this story. Once I got past the first couple of chapters I flew through the rest of the book. I don't recommend it for younger readers as there are some mature situations that end up going on. But overall I'd recommend it for anyone who likes paranormal reads. Go check it out!
October 19, 2013
Can I just say…NOOOOO!!!! That was the world’s hugest cliffhanger ever! That right there is my biggest complaint about this book! People, people, people. You NEED to read this book - if only so that I can read the second book, Gemini in Retrograde (which will only be published once Ethereal Fury gets a stronger following).
Gemini Rising started out a little slow, but quickly gained tons of momentum. I was able to part with it after the first few chapters. But once I picked it back up again, I struggled to put it down (hey, a girl’s gotta sleep at some point . . . unfortunately). I think the thing I found most alluring about Ethereal Fury was the attachment I felt for Onyx. Yes, he’s supposed to be the weapon of mass destruction for all human kind, but I found myself cheering for him. I guess it’s that hopeless romantic thing in me that likes bad boys and thinks there’s hope for them, or that they can be “saved”. Yeah, that’s gotta be what fascinated me about Onyx. That’s not to say the other characters fell flat. Far from it. I was completely intrigued by what could be the underlying cause of Violette’s charisma. I wanted to know what was so special about her that drew Onyx to her. Okay, I admit it – the “forbidden love” angle snares me every time.
Other than the love story aspect, we get to experience the fight from both sides (the Geminis and the humans). It was strange that I found myself rooting against the church – because after all, aren’t priests supposed to be good, and soul-snatching entities supposed to be evil? Shouldn’t we always cheer good over evil? But this book completely flipped that idea on its head. After all, I can’t say I blame Mother Earth for being a little peeved and wanting to eradicate the source of the damage that’s been done to her. I suppose it also helps that some of the human characters (and the politics and hierarchy in the church) in the story are really easy to dislike. At this point, it’s hard to say where the story is going to go because O’Gorek has left so many options open – and I really like that!
There were a couple parts where the POV (point-of-view) shifted unexpectedly, and I spotted a minuscule amount of typos – but none of these distracted me from the overall story. The words flowed smoothly and the imagery was beautiful. Gemini Rising is one of those stories that gets into your head, churns your imagination, and makes you think, “hey, this could be real.”
As I said at the beginning of this review, the ending was a killer cliffhanger! I only wish the second book were available NOW! I’d scoop it up in a heartbeat!
Overall rating: 4 out of 5 stars.
Appropriate for ages 15 & up.
Gemini Rising started out a little slow, but quickly gained tons of momentum. I was able to part with it after the first few chapters. But once I picked it back up again, I struggled to put it down (hey, a girl’s gotta sleep at some point . . . unfortunately). I think the thing I found most alluring about Ethereal Fury was the attachment I felt for Onyx. Yes, he’s supposed to be the weapon of mass destruction for all human kind, but I found myself cheering for him. I guess it’s that hopeless romantic thing in me that likes bad boys and thinks there’s hope for them, or that they can be “saved”. Yeah, that’s gotta be what fascinated me about Onyx. That’s not to say the other characters fell flat. Far from it. I was completely intrigued by what could be the underlying cause of Violette’s charisma. I wanted to know what was so special about her that drew Onyx to her. Okay, I admit it – the “forbidden love” angle snares me every time.
Other than the love story aspect, we get to experience the fight from both sides (the Geminis and the humans). It was strange that I found myself rooting against the church – because after all, aren’t priests supposed to be good, and soul-snatching entities supposed to be evil? Shouldn’t we always cheer good over evil? But this book completely flipped that idea on its head. After all, I can’t say I blame Mother Earth for being a little peeved and wanting to eradicate the source of the damage that’s been done to her. I suppose it also helps that some of the human characters (and the politics and hierarchy in the church) in the story are really easy to dislike. At this point, it’s hard to say where the story is going to go because O’Gorek has left so many options open – and I really like that!
There were a couple parts where the POV (point-of-view) shifted unexpectedly, and I spotted a minuscule amount of typos – but none of these distracted me from the overall story. The words flowed smoothly and the imagery was beautiful. Gemini Rising is one of those stories that gets into your head, churns your imagination, and makes you think, “hey, this could be real.”
As I said at the beginning of this review, the ending was a killer cliffhanger! I only wish the second book were available NOW! I’d scoop it up in a heartbeat!
Overall rating: 4 out of 5 stars.
Appropriate for ages 15 & up.
July 24, 2013
Humans are destroying earth, one catastrophe at a time, and Mother Earth has had enough. Fed up with all the destruction the human race is wreaking on the planet she has set out to destroy them. How exactly does she plan on doing that? By recruiting some of the very souls that helped destroy it in the first place. With their memories wiped and their new mission accepted they become apart of the Gemini. Powerful beings that will rid the earth of humans, all humans. But for Onyx a lead Gemini, the idea of destroying all humans becomes a struggle when Violette graces his path. Now he struggles with himself, his race and everything he has been trained to do.
From the minute you pick up Ethereal Fury you instantly know you are in for a totally different kind of read. Jessica O'Gorek gives us a totally different side of Mother Earth. One that I have to say I would be frightened to face. But really how many people haven't thought about what it would be like if Mother Earth took her revenge. And with Jessica O'Gorek's Ethereal Fury we get to see her wicked, wicked revenge.
In Ethereal Fury we get a brief glimpse into the kind of man that Onyx was before his recruitment into the Gemini army and let's face it, he is not a good man. And one would think he even deserved what he got. I know I did. Then his memories are wiped and he is just Onyx. And with his memories gone he becomes a cold and heartless killing machine. But when the Gemini decide to try and take out a large church they are met with a resistance they have never seen before.
Suddenly the Gemini are meeting resistance and they discover that the humans are learning how to fight them. But for Onyx his resistance came in the form of the 16 year old Violette. An orphan living at the church, with the voice of an angel suddenly has Onyx rethinking everything he has ever thought about the human race and everything he ever thought about himself.
I loved the way that Jessica O'Gorek unfolded this story. Ehtereal Fury starts off harsh and is full of jagged edges. And by the time the story is unfolded the jagged edges have been smoothed some and we see hope and the possibility of more shine through.
Ethereal Fury offers up a story that's full of darkness, revenge, hope, love, and suspense and will take you right to the edge of wanting Mother Earth to win her war and wanting the humans to stand victorious. One thing is certain, Ethereal Fury will definitely leaving you wanting more.
*Received a free copy in exchange for an honest review
From the minute you pick up Ethereal Fury you instantly know you are in for a totally different kind of read. Jessica O'Gorek gives us a totally different side of Mother Earth. One that I have to say I would be frightened to face. But really how many people haven't thought about what it would be like if Mother Earth took her revenge. And with Jessica O'Gorek's Ethereal Fury we get to see her wicked, wicked revenge.
In Ethereal Fury we get a brief glimpse into the kind of man that Onyx was before his recruitment into the Gemini army and let's face it, he is not a good man. And one would think he even deserved what he got. I know I did. Then his memories are wiped and he is just Onyx. And with his memories gone he becomes a cold and heartless killing machine. But when the Gemini decide to try and take out a large church they are met with a resistance they have never seen before.
Suddenly the Gemini are meeting resistance and they discover that the humans are learning how to fight them. But for Onyx his resistance came in the form of the 16 year old Violette. An orphan living at the church, with the voice of an angel suddenly has Onyx rethinking everything he has ever thought about the human race and everything he ever thought about himself.
I loved the way that Jessica O'Gorek unfolded this story. Ehtereal Fury starts off harsh and is full of jagged edges. And by the time the story is unfolded the jagged edges have been smoothed some and we see hope and the possibility of more shine through.
Ethereal Fury offers up a story that's full of darkness, revenge, hope, love, and suspense and will take you right to the edge of wanting Mother Earth to win her war and wanting the humans to stand victorious. One thing is certain, Ethereal Fury will definitely leaving you wanting more.
*Received a free copy in exchange for an honest review
October 2, 2013
For more reviews visit: http://livinginabookworld.blogspot.gr
The story
We are all aware of global warming.We also know who is responsible for it.We are,of course because we can't appreciate the planet that we consider home.Well,that's about to change because even if we can't believe it,we're not alone.
Mother Earth won't survive much longer if the pollution and destruction of the planet continues so she recruits souls who have just left their bodies to serve Her and turns them against humanity. Some of these people took advantage of Earth and its natural resources like Oliver,an oil tycoon, who after his death became a paranormal being called Onyx and belongs to a clan named Gemini.
Their purpose is to protect Mother Earth and in order to accomplish that,they will kill every single human that stands in their way...
The characters
Oliver was an ambitious engineer that after years of work,was the first person to strike oil in the Niger Delta.Years later,he's one of the richest men alive but all the money and the fame can't save him from a heart attack.He thought he'd died and he did but his soul didn't and now he belongs to the Gemini and he must serve the one thing he didn't respect,Earth.
In the beginning,you'd think that Gemini are here to help Mother Earth survive which is a good thing but they are willing to kill everyone in order to do so without taking into consideration that they also kill innocent people like little children.Oliver didn't care about people as well but that changed when he met Violette.
Violette is a seventeen year old orphan girl who lost her parents in a fatal fire.Now,she lives in a church with other girls just like her and goes to school there too.She's pure,innocent,young and sweet.Everything that Onyx isn't.Maybe that's what attracted him to her in the first place.
But Onyx isn't the only one that cares deeply about Violette.There's also Slate,who used to agree with everything Father Darius told them about these demons that possessed people and that they should destroy them once and for all.Little did he know that the Gemini want the same thing for them.Just because Slate agreed with Father Darius,didn't mean that he actually thought it was the right thing to do.
Verdict
I liked reading Ethereal Fury because it was something I had never read before.It's also about a sensitive subject that we should all take into consideration because whether we like it or not this is our only home,for now.
The story
We are all aware of global warming.We also know who is responsible for it.We are,of course because we can't appreciate the planet that we consider home.Well,that's about to change because even if we can't believe it,we're not alone.
Mother Earth won't survive much longer if the pollution and destruction of the planet continues so she recruits souls who have just left their bodies to serve Her and turns them against humanity. Some of these people took advantage of Earth and its natural resources like Oliver,an oil tycoon, who after his death became a paranormal being called Onyx and belongs to a clan named Gemini.
Their purpose is to protect Mother Earth and in order to accomplish that,they will kill every single human that stands in their way...
The characters
Oliver was an ambitious engineer that after years of work,was the first person to strike oil in the Niger Delta.Years later,he's one of the richest men alive but all the money and the fame can't save him from a heart attack.He thought he'd died and he did but his soul didn't and now he belongs to the Gemini and he must serve the one thing he didn't respect,Earth.
In the beginning,you'd think that Gemini are here to help Mother Earth survive which is a good thing but they are willing to kill everyone in order to do so without taking into consideration that they also kill innocent people like little children.Oliver didn't care about people as well but that changed when he met Violette.
Violette is a seventeen year old orphan girl who lost her parents in a fatal fire.Now,she lives in a church with other girls just like her and goes to school there too.She's pure,innocent,young and sweet.Everything that Onyx isn't.Maybe that's what attracted him to her in the first place.
But Onyx isn't the only one that cares deeply about Violette.There's also Slate,who used to agree with everything Father Darius told them about these demons that possessed people and that they should destroy them once and for all.Little did he know that the Gemini want the same thing for them.Just because Slate agreed with Father Darius,didn't mean that he actually thought it was the right thing to do.
Verdict
I liked reading Ethereal Fury because it was something I had never read before.It's also about a sensitive subject that we should all take into consideration because whether we like it or not this is our only home,for now.
June 13, 2013
Review originally published at Love, Literature, Art, and Reason Book Review Blog
Gemini Rising was probably one of the most unique YA paranormal premises that I’ve ever come across. I can honestly say that I’ve never read a book like it and it’s absolutely impossible to compare it to anything. The unique plot is what kept me interested throughout the book and it was hard to put down.
The earth was dying thanks to the carelessness of humans. The Gemini served Mother Earth on a quest to revitalize the planet and restore balance. Unfortunately, the objective was to destroy human civilizations, typically by possessing humans and wreaking havoc. The Gemini were unlike typical paranormal creatures. And one of them fell in love with a human…
If you are a fan of YA paranormal romance, but you’re tired of the same plot over and over, Gemini Rising will be a surprising read for you. There are so many creatures out there and variations of the same creatures and always a reason why they can’t fall in love with a human. There’s always a reason the two can’t be together and don’t mix. Gemini Rising involves the same conflict, but because the creatures are unique to the paranormal genre, the conflict is unique and the solution less clear.
How would the strange Gemini creature meet a human girl? How would she meet him? What will their conflict be? How will it be resolved? These were the questions going through my mind while reading the book. I enjoyed not knowing how things would turn out and seeing how the story would unfold in front of me.
Gemini Rising was short, though some parts of it dragged and were lacking in action. The beginning was confusing and, though it tied into the book later on, the connection wasn’t fully made. I also thought some more information about the way of life of a Gemini could have been expanded more. Some more character development could have been added in virtually every area, though Onyx and Violette were relatively developed and clear.
Overall, I enjoyed Gemini Rising and I’d recommend it to fans of YA paranormal romance who are searching for something new. In that area, it doesn’t disappoint.
Gemini Rising was probably one of the most unique YA paranormal premises that I’ve ever come across. I can honestly say that I’ve never read a book like it and it’s absolutely impossible to compare it to anything. The unique plot is what kept me interested throughout the book and it was hard to put down.
The earth was dying thanks to the carelessness of humans. The Gemini served Mother Earth on a quest to revitalize the planet and restore balance. Unfortunately, the objective was to destroy human civilizations, typically by possessing humans and wreaking havoc. The Gemini were unlike typical paranormal creatures. And one of them fell in love with a human…
If you are a fan of YA paranormal romance, but you’re tired of the same plot over and over, Gemini Rising will be a surprising read for you. There are so many creatures out there and variations of the same creatures and always a reason why they can’t fall in love with a human. There’s always a reason the two can’t be together and don’t mix. Gemini Rising involves the same conflict, but because the creatures are unique to the paranormal genre, the conflict is unique and the solution less clear.
How would the strange Gemini creature meet a human girl? How would she meet him? What will their conflict be? How will it be resolved? These were the questions going through my mind while reading the book. I enjoyed not knowing how things would turn out and seeing how the story would unfold in front of me.
Gemini Rising was short, though some parts of it dragged and were lacking in action. The beginning was confusing and, though it tied into the book later on, the connection wasn’t fully made. I also thought some more information about the way of life of a Gemini could have been expanded more. Some more character development could have been added in virtually every area, though Onyx and Violette were relatively developed and clear.
Overall, I enjoyed Gemini Rising and I’d recommend it to fans of YA paranormal romance who are searching for something new. In that area, it doesn’t disappoint.
June 18, 2013
Before I reveal my thoughts, I would just like to thank Jessica for giving me the opportunity to read her book. It is unique and very well written.
Gemini Rising is definitely different from my usual paranormal reads which are most often centered around Vampires, Werewolves and Angels. As soon as I read the blurb, I was fascinated by the concept of the Gemini and was immediately interested to read this story. I must admit, I was also drawn in by the cover, which I believe Jessica designed herself. Great art work!
So how does it begin? In the prologue we are introduced to a human - Oliver, who due to selfishness and greed, has caused harm to Mother Earth (along with many others). Shortly after his introduction, he dies. Upon his death, he becomes a Gemini and is renamed - Onyx. Now a paranormal being, (kind of like a floating soul) he must serve Mother Earth in a whole new capacity.
In his new role, Onyx's mission is to help destroy the human race before they cause further damage to the planet. In the midst of carrying out his duty, he encounters a young girl - Violette - and does the unthinkable. He falls in love with her. (This is totally against the rules - Gemini are not allowed to form any kind of relationship with humans). As he grapples with his feelings, he begins to falter in his duties.
Violette - orphaned at an early age and living with nuns and priests, is both innocent and naive. Able to sense Onyx's presence, she is curious to learn more about him and what he is.
There are other intriguing characters in this story. Lilly, another Gemini who is assigned to help Onyx. Slate, a young man who lives at the orphanage with Violette and is her 'crush' (he is also the vessel through which Onyx communicates his feelings to Violette). Father Darius and Bishop Phillips, who are aware of the Geminis' existence, and are plotting against them.
Overall, it is a complex read but it flows well. I really enjoyed this story. It was different and held my interest right to the end. If you are looking for something unique, then this might be the read for you. Can't wait for Book #2 - Gemini In Retrograde.
My Rating 5 out of 5
Gemini Rising is definitely different from my usual paranormal reads which are most often centered around Vampires, Werewolves and Angels. As soon as I read the blurb, I was fascinated by the concept of the Gemini and was immediately interested to read this story. I must admit, I was also drawn in by the cover, which I believe Jessica designed herself. Great art work!
So how does it begin? In the prologue we are introduced to a human - Oliver, who due to selfishness and greed, has caused harm to Mother Earth (along with many others). Shortly after his introduction, he dies. Upon his death, he becomes a Gemini and is renamed - Onyx. Now a paranormal being, (kind of like a floating soul) he must serve Mother Earth in a whole new capacity.
In his new role, Onyx's mission is to help destroy the human race before they cause further damage to the planet. In the midst of carrying out his duty, he encounters a young girl - Violette - and does the unthinkable. He falls in love with her. (This is totally against the rules - Gemini are not allowed to form any kind of relationship with humans). As he grapples with his feelings, he begins to falter in his duties.
Violette - orphaned at an early age and living with nuns and priests, is both innocent and naive. Able to sense Onyx's presence, she is curious to learn more about him and what he is.
There are other intriguing characters in this story. Lilly, another Gemini who is assigned to help Onyx. Slate, a young man who lives at the orphanage with Violette and is her 'crush' (he is also the vessel through which Onyx communicates his feelings to Violette). Father Darius and Bishop Phillips, who are aware of the Geminis' existence, and are plotting against them.
Overall, it is a complex read but it flows well. I really enjoyed this story. It was different and held my interest right to the end. If you are looking for something unique, then this might be the read for you. Can't wait for Book #2 - Gemini In Retrograde.
My Rating 5 out of 5
July 14, 2013
At first,when I agreed to participate in the book tour I was a little uneasy. This book pushed the boundaries in what I am normally interested in reading.However one of my goals in doing this book blogging thing was to expand my horizons and read books that I wouldn't have ordinarily picked up.
At the beginning the book is sort of slow and usually when it starts off slow I end up having to throw it in my DNF pile.Not with this one. Yes it had started slowly but when the book picked up,it REALLY picked up.I ended up absolutely loving it by the end,despite feeling like I was going to have to put it in my DNF pile when I started.
I love the name Onyx.It seemed to fit him so well.Normally I don't like it when main characters have funky names but in this case,it totally worked.I think he was a very complex character and I liked that. I suspect that in a book like this one,the characters have to be somewhat complex or it would read like a terrible fan fiction.
Oh Slate,dear sweet trusting Slate. How much I adore you.He has that whole knight in shinning armor thing going on.He's definitely crazy about Violette but he is several years older than her. I love that he's starting to question things about his surroundings and about the people he thought he could trust.
Violette has a sad story about how she came to live at the home for orphans but she seems pretty normal. That is until she starts to feel things.Not only for Slate but also for this strange body-less spirit that seems to be around her more and more.Watching her begin to distrust those who took her in was very interesting.At the beginning she appeared shy & quiet and by the end of this book she was more willing to question things.Even to authority members.
This book is NOT just a love story.If it were I wouldn't have loved it as much.It's about good & evil.It's about doing the right thing even if you will stand alone.It's about realizing that what may seem bad isn't bad at all and what some see as good may not be good at all. I give this book 5 stars.It has everything that a great YA \fantasy has to have and I cannot wait to read the next book in the series.
At the beginning the book is sort of slow and usually when it starts off slow I end up having to throw it in my DNF pile.Not with this one. Yes it had started slowly but when the book picked up,it REALLY picked up.I ended up absolutely loving it by the end,despite feeling like I was going to have to put it in my DNF pile when I started.
I love the name Onyx.It seemed to fit him so well.Normally I don't like it when main characters have funky names but in this case,it totally worked.I think he was a very complex character and I liked that. I suspect that in a book like this one,the characters have to be somewhat complex or it would read like a terrible fan fiction.
Oh Slate,dear sweet trusting Slate. How much I adore you.He has that whole knight in shinning armor thing going on.He's definitely crazy about Violette but he is several years older than her. I love that he's starting to question things about his surroundings and about the people he thought he could trust.
Violette has a sad story about how she came to live at the home for orphans but she seems pretty normal. That is until she starts to feel things.Not only for Slate but also for this strange body-less spirit that seems to be around her more and more.Watching her begin to distrust those who took her in was very interesting.At the beginning she appeared shy & quiet and by the end of this book she was more willing to question things.Even to authority members.
This book is NOT just a love story.If it were I wouldn't have loved it as much.It's about good & evil.It's about doing the right thing even if you will stand alone.It's about realizing that what may seem bad isn't bad at all and what some see as good may not be good at all. I give this book 5 stars.It has everything that a great YA \fantasy has to have and I cannot wait to read the next book in the series.
June 26, 2013
“Ethereal Fury” is the first in the “Gemini Rising” series by author Jessica O’Gorek, following in the footsteps of her father, author Barry Weinstock, and inspiring her next generation. Set in modern-day America (and four thousand miles below the surface of the earth), O’Gorek soon pulls you into a world where Mother Earth is getting her well-deserved revenge.
The earth, perishing due to the carelessness of the human race, takes matters into its own hands through the Gemini – an army of souls recruited by ‘the Mother’ to destroy the human’s world.
O’Gorek writes dialogue excellently (frankly, this is something that I struggle with), and her characters are generally well-developed. There are some technical flaws in the writing which come down to the editing process, and I would love to see the book with a different cover design – one that really reflects the quality of the narrative.
The concept of the book, and of Earth turning against us humans, is by no means unique. However, O’Gorek tackles the theme in a very unique way. I offered to review this book as I was intrigued by this concept – she has combined YA fiction with the very serious issue of conserving the land that gives us livelihood, and she has done so wonderfully. The supernatural theme and the forbidden romance are present (you can see Meyer’s influence here) but a more sombre tone that persuades the reader to do something about the state of our planet is also felt throughout the novel.
It is clear that the author feels very strongly about this topic. After a little digging I discovered that O’Gorek has been raised in the American Indian religion, and is a very spiritual person. Writing about her personal battles, one can see that is it both spiritual and personal strength that has helped her overcome these, and be where she is today.
I recommend this book to readers who enjoy YA supernatural fiction, and to those who share O’Gorek’s passion for natural conservation.
The earth, perishing due to the carelessness of the human race, takes matters into its own hands through the Gemini – an army of souls recruited by ‘the Mother’ to destroy the human’s world.
O’Gorek writes dialogue excellently (frankly, this is something that I struggle with), and her characters are generally well-developed. There are some technical flaws in the writing which come down to the editing process, and I would love to see the book with a different cover design – one that really reflects the quality of the narrative.
The concept of the book, and of Earth turning against us humans, is by no means unique. However, O’Gorek tackles the theme in a very unique way. I offered to review this book as I was intrigued by this concept – she has combined YA fiction with the very serious issue of conserving the land that gives us livelihood, and she has done so wonderfully. The supernatural theme and the forbidden romance are present (you can see Meyer’s influence here) but a more sombre tone that persuades the reader to do something about the state of our planet is also felt throughout the novel.
It is clear that the author feels very strongly about this topic. After a little digging I discovered that O’Gorek has been raised in the American Indian religion, and is a very spiritual person. Writing about her personal battles, one can see that is it both spiritual and personal strength that has helped her overcome these, and be where she is today.
I recommend this book to readers who enjoy YA supernatural fiction, and to those who share O’Gorek’s passion for natural conservation.
August 5, 2013
Ethereal Fury is an entertaining start to the new and original series, Gemini Rising by Jessica O'Gorek. Mother Earth has decided that the human race has abused the planet for too long and wants to exterminate us all. She is using her Gemini recruits – souls that she takes from some unworthy humans – as the tools to bring peace to earth. The Gemini are souls from humans that can possess other humans and bend them to do their will. While in possession of a human they wreak havoc, cause destruction and eliminate people with any means necessary. What Mother Earth and her Gemini don’t expect is that there are people within the church that suspect what the Gemini are doing and that one of her recruits harbours feelings for a human.
There are some great characters in this book, Slate is the protégé of one of the priests and they want to use him to get rid of the Demons. The more he learns about them the more sceptical he is. Violette has lived in the orphanage since the death of her family when her town was wiped out. She is becoming a little suspicious of the priests and begins to suspect there are other things out there. Onyx is a Gemini and in the beginning of the story we see why he was chosen to become part of the group. He has been one of the best recruits for the Gemini and is quite heartless. I think that he still has a bit of humanity though.
I liked how the author built the world and how the story unfolded. I was quite intrigued by the unique storyline and was easily swept away with the plot. Just when I was getting right into the story, I ran out of pages and the book was left open for the next one in the series. I almost threw my iPad away, until I realised there is a sneak peek into the next book in the series in the back!! It was an enjoyable read and I look forward to seeing how things unfold in the future.
I received a copy of this book from the Author in exchange for an honest review.
There are some great characters in this book, Slate is the protégé of one of the priests and they want to use him to get rid of the Demons. The more he learns about them the more sceptical he is. Violette has lived in the orphanage since the death of her family when her town was wiped out. She is becoming a little suspicious of the priests and begins to suspect there are other things out there. Onyx is a Gemini and in the beginning of the story we see why he was chosen to become part of the group. He has been one of the best recruits for the Gemini and is quite heartless. I think that he still has a bit of humanity though.
I liked how the author built the world and how the story unfolded. I was quite intrigued by the unique storyline and was easily swept away with the plot. Just when I was getting right into the story, I ran out of pages and the book was left open for the next one in the series. I almost threw my iPad away, until I realised there is a sneak peek into the next book in the series in the back!! It was an enjoyable read and I look forward to seeing how things unfold in the future.
I received a copy of this book from the Author in exchange for an honest review.
February 14, 2014
I got this book in exchange of an honest review.
Ethereal Fury is the first book from the series Gemini Rising. It’s about how Mother Earth became fed up with the human development that leads to the destruction of the Earth. She then created an army called Gemini from the people who have died and greatly contributed to the said destruction. As they became a Gemini, their memories were wiped out and be taught of nothing else but to destroy humans. Onyx observes the St. Augustine’s Church for their group so they can plan their attack and destroy it. But the much unexpected thing happened when he saw Violette outside, singing. He then struggles to fight for his mission and the safety of the very captivating human.
This book was a fresh concept. Apart from the vampires, witches, and werewolves that dominated the paranormal category. It’s amazing how the author somehow related the exorcism to the destruction of Earth. I am really interested to what will be the conclusion to this. For me, after reading the book, I think that it serves an introduction to something great. There are lots of explanations and introductions to what was happening and what will happen. Even though Onyx is the evil here, I really liked him. As a human, he was selfish, but as a Gemini, the gentle side of him emerge and he has no clue on what to do with it.
What I hate was the bishop. I know not every human was perfect but I admit that I’m not comfortable to the representation. I just don’t like it but I understand that this is a work of fiction so I respect that. Just wanted to point it out. Another is that ending. It was like some pages are missing but when you read the first chapter for the second book, there ‘s thee missing pages. It is a total cliffhanger. I am so pumped up and then, the end. I was like, WTF?!
Recommended for Paranormal readers who wanted to have a break with the usual.
Ethereal Fury is the first book from the series Gemini Rising. It’s about how Mother Earth became fed up with the human development that leads to the destruction of the Earth. She then created an army called Gemini from the people who have died and greatly contributed to the said destruction. As they became a Gemini, their memories were wiped out and be taught of nothing else but to destroy humans. Onyx observes the St. Augustine’s Church for their group so they can plan their attack and destroy it. But the much unexpected thing happened when he saw Violette outside, singing. He then struggles to fight for his mission and the safety of the very captivating human.
This book was a fresh concept. Apart from the vampires, witches, and werewolves that dominated the paranormal category. It’s amazing how the author somehow related the exorcism to the destruction of Earth. I am really interested to what will be the conclusion to this. For me, after reading the book, I think that it serves an introduction to something great. There are lots of explanations and introductions to what was happening and what will happen. Even though Onyx is the evil here, I really liked him. As a human, he was selfish, but as a Gemini, the gentle side of him emerge and he has no clue on what to do with it.
What I hate was the bishop. I know not every human was perfect but I admit that I’m not comfortable to the representation. I just don’t like it but I understand that this is a work of fiction so I respect that. Just wanted to point it out. Another is that ending. It was like some pages are missing but when you read the first chapter for the second book, there ‘s thee missing pages. It is a total cliffhanger. I am so pumped up and then, the end. I was like, WTF?!
Recommended for Paranormal readers who wanted to have a break with the usual.
June 9, 2014
**This book was sent to me by the author in exchange for an honest review.**
A paranormal novel with a different take. This is was written in such a unique way with a concept I've never read before. I was drawn to this book because the synopsis sounded great to me.
Picture it: Mother Earth, an evil being upset with mankind for the destruction they have caused from greed. She decides to build a supernatural army by killing people to have them join her army called the Gemini. Sounds mind blowing!
At first, I was going to give this book 3 stars because it started off extremely slow and dull for me, but as it progressed and things began to change for Onyx I gave it 4 stars.
This follows Onyx and his mission to wipe out humans. He was once human himself, but because he polluted the Earth without care Mother Earth killed him and made him one of her soldiers. The Gemini's are paranormal beings unlike any other. They are thin smoke that radiate heat. They can possess a human body and do as they please similar to demons.
Onyx seemed like a cold hearted man for a while until he came across Violette, a 16 year old Catholic orphan girl who starts to make him think and feel completely different almost human again. The fact that the romance was driven by lust between a middle aged man and a sixteen year old I was sort of shocked, but it was a bit realistic so I enjoyed it in the end.
The setting of the book mostly took place at a Catholic church which thankfully didn't make this story turn into a complete religious take. Other characters I enjoyed are Lily, Onyx's Gemini sister. Slate and Father Darius, both members of the church who work with a secret group of high priests to fight off the Gemini.
Overall, I enjoyed this book. I'm a big paranormal /supernatural lover, so this book was a great change from the standard paranormal beings read in most books. If you are looking to try something different then give this book ago.
A paranormal novel with a different take. This is was written in such a unique way with a concept I've never read before. I was drawn to this book because the synopsis sounded great to me.
Picture it: Mother Earth, an evil being upset with mankind for the destruction they have caused from greed. She decides to build a supernatural army by killing people to have them join her army called the Gemini. Sounds mind blowing!
At first, I was going to give this book 3 stars because it started off extremely slow and dull for me, but as it progressed and things began to change for Onyx I gave it 4 stars.
This follows Onyx and his mission to wipe out humans. He was once human himself, but because he polluted the Earth without care Mother Earth killed him and made him one of her soldiers. The Gemini's are paranormal beings unlike any other. They are thin smoke that radiate heat. They can possess a human body and do as they please similar to demons.
Onyx seemed like a cold hearted man for a while until he came across Violette, a 16 year old Catholic orphan girl who starts to make him think and feel completely different almost human again. The fact that the romance was driven by lust between a middle aged man and a sixteen year old I was sort of shocked, but it was a bit realistic so I enjoyed it in the end.
The setting of the book mostly took place at a Catholic church which thankfully didn't make this story turn into a complete religious take. Other characters I enjoyed are Lily, Onyx's Gemini sister. Slate and Father Darius, both members of the church who work with a secret group of high priests to fight off the Gemini.
Overall, I enjoyed this book. I'm a big paranormal /supernatural lover, so this book was a great change from the standard paranormal beings read in most books. If you are looking to try something different then give this book ago.
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