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The Heart-Shaped Emblor
For Aislinn Moore, attending college at seventeen isn’t a big deal. Not when compared to the difficulties associated with seeing ethereal beings and having prophetic dreams.
As Aislinn learns to surmount the obstacles of her talents, she awakens something inside herself—an ancient memory, long forgotten. She senses there are reasons for her gifts, but remains unable to understand them.
When Alexander Welch enters her life, she learns of the Ewlishash—the hope bringers—and thinks she may have found her answer. Alexander is sexy, sweet, and his talents are like something straight out of a Sci-Fi flick. Aislinn wonders if she may be like him, but the more she tries to fit his mold, the more her instincts scream that her destiny holds something even greater.
As Aislinn learns to surmount the obstacles of her talents, she awakens something inside herself—an ancient memory, long forgotten. She senses there are reasons for her gifts, but remains unable to understand them.
When Alexander Welch enters her life, she learns of the Ewlishash—the hope bringers—and thinks she may have found her answer. Alexander is sexy, sweet, and his talents are like something straight out of a Sci-Fi flick. Aislinn wonders if she may be like him, but the more she tries to fit his mold, the more her instincts scream that her destiny holds something even greater.
270 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2013
45 people want to read
About the author
Alaina Ewing
2 books7 followersLover of life and all things fantastical, Alaina Ewing’s tales cross genres and allow her to explore her deepest beliefs about humanity. She wrote The Heart-Shaped Emblor, a tale of the Ewlishash (bringers of the light), and authored “Blood of the Mother” that appeared in the anthology Witches, Stitches & Bitches. Her flash and nonfiction have appeared on several websites like happiness.org and sweatpantsandcoffee.com. Her additional titles are under a pen name.
Alaina is the former President of Cascade Writers, a nonprofit writing workshop in the northwest. She also manages social media and branding for several industry professionals, freelance writes for KBTC, runs a small press, and is currently in school to become a therapist.
Alaina is the former President of Cascade Writers, a nonprofit writing workshop in the northwest. She also manages social media and branding for several industry professionals, freelance writes for KBTC, runs a small press, and is currently in school to become a therapist.
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
February 21, 2017
Check out my blog post for this book! Includes an excerpt from the book! Check it out here!
Mystery, secrets, and personal growth. These three words come to mind, when thinking of how to describe this book. The challenges Aislinn is forced to face, mixed with the personal growth and coming-of-age issues most of us deal with at 17, mix to make an interesting sci-fi story. Granted, she has to deal with college, ghosts, and freak-out worthy supernatural experiences, so that adds a bit of interest too...
The book starts off with a big dose of realistic issues and, as with any teen girl, drama. Friend drama, boyfriend drama, and personal I-can-see-ghosts drama. Not necessarily unpleasant, especially for those of us who read a lot of Young Adult books, but was definitely more apparent than with other books I've read. You're pulled into the emotional roller-coaster that Aislinn is dealing with at the moment, as she finds out who she is, and faces personal secrets she wasn't entirely prepared for.
As a leading character, Aislinn was alright. She's honest, quirky, gives into peer-pressure some times, but tries to do the right thing...or at least, knows what the right thing is, and wants to do it. Surrounding her are quite a few characters, some who leave quite early in the story, and others who stick around. The most note-worthy character, Alexander, is one I enjoyed. He's mysterious, strong, and charming. Not a bad mix, for a leading man. Plus, he has a dimple...don't you just love guys with dimples?
Overall, I enjoyed this book. Alaina Ewing's writing is very smooth and fluid, and she quickly pulled me into the world she's created. I enjoyed her way of describing things, surroundings, emotions, and situations. There were things I would have changed, or didn't care for completely, but the overall entertainment value was there, and I'd be happy to read the sequel. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes a good supernatural YA romance.
*I was given a complimentary eCopy of this book, from the author via Reading Addiction Book Tours, to read in exchange for an honest review.
Mystery, secrets, and personal growth. These three words come to mind, when thinking of how to describe this book. The challenges Aislinn is forced to face, mixed with the personal growth and coming-of-age issues most of us deal with at 17, mix to make an interesting sci-fi story. Granted, she has to deal with college, ghosts, and freak-out worthy supernatural experiences, so that adds a bit of interest too...
The book starts off with a big dose of realistic issues and, as with any teen girl, drama. Friend drama, boyfriend drama, and personal I-can-see-ghosts drama. Not necessarily unpleasant, especially for those of us who read a lot of Young Adult books, but was definitely more apparent than with other books I've read. You're pulled into the emotional roller-coaster that Aislinn is dealing with at the moment, as she finds out who she is, and faces personal secrets she wasn't entirely prepared for.
As a leading character, Aislinn was alright. She's honest, quirky, gives into peer-pressure some times, but tries to do the right thing...or at least, knows what the right thing is, and wants to do it. Surrounding her are quite a few characters, some who leave quite early in the story, and others who stick around. The most note-worthy character, Alexander, is one I enjoyed. He's mysterious, strong, and charming. Not a bad mix, for a leading man. Plus, he has a dimple...don't you just love guys with dimples?
Overall, I enjoyed this book. Alaina Ewing's writing is very smooth and fluid, and she quickly pulled me into the world she's created. I enjoyed her way of describing things, surroundings, emotions, and situations. There were things I would have changed, or didn't care for completely, but the overall entertainment value was there, and I'd be happy to read the sequel. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes a good supernatural YA romance.
*I was given a complimentary eCopy of this book, from the author via Reading Addiction Book Tours, to read in exchange for an honest review.
December 22, 2013
Aislinn Moore is starting college at 17, and that can be quite a challenge in it's own right, but add in the fact that she has supernatural powers and sometimes has some super weird paranormal moments, and life gets a little bit skewed. I was immediately grabbed by the uniqueness of her powers from the touching of physical things and being able to know things about the owner and the visions of the future, it was a great combination that led to some great story telling. She has to deal with a lot in this book and Aislinn did a very good job at keeping together even when everything blew up in her face.
As a character I found it refreshing that Aislinn seemed to be, well, normal. Of course her powers are anything but normal, however as a teenage kid she doesn't seem out of place. I liked that is this case because it brought the character down to Earth, instead of being an outrageously fantistical superhero, she was like you and I. It felt like even I could overcome all the obstacles that Aislinn faced, and that is not ofter something you read with in books like Heart-Shaped Emblor. She was going through the process of growing up right along side with cosmic beings and it seemed natural. Aislinn is strong enough for you to believe she is capable of all the feats that she pulls off, but normal enough that you could picture her walking down the side walk in college.
The supernatural aspect of this read was really great too. It was a unique story that I felt I never really read before and that is always something to be commended, because I do feel like I'm reading the same reprocessed stories a lot. Not in Heart-Shaped Emblor. Aislinn and her romantic ties could have been flushed a little further but I thought her love interest her really had an organic feeling to it and never felt forced. If you like supernatural stories with twists that are grounded in the real world, I think you'll love this book just as much as I did!
As a character I found it refreshing that Aislinn seemed to be, well, normal. Of course her powers are anything but normal, however as a teenage kid she doesn't seem out of place. I liked that is this case because it brought the character down to Earth, instead of being an outrageously fantistical superhero, she was like you and I. It felt like even I could overcome all the obstacles that Aislinn faced, and that is not ofter something you read with in books like Heart-Shaped Emblor. She was going through the process of growing up right along side with cosmic beings and it seemed natural. Aislinn is strong enough for you to believe she is capable of all the feats that she pulls off, but normal enough that you could picture her walking down the side walk in college.
The supernatural aspect of this read was really great too. It was a unique story that I felt I never really read before and that is always something to be commended, because I do feel like I'm reading the same reprocessed stories a lot. Not in Heart-Shaped Emblor. Aislinn and her romantic ties could have been flushed a little further but I thought her love interest her really had an organic feeling to it and never felt forced. If you like supernatural stories with twists that are grounded in the real world, I think you'll love this book just as much as I did!
May 21, 2014
Aislinn Moore is in the early start program at college, trying to earn an internship at and and art gallery, and in a tumultuous relationship with a boyfriend who's less than good to her. Aislinn also has a gift (or a curse, depending on how you look at it), she sees spirits and has visions. Upon losing her boyfriend to a frenemy after sharing a vision in an attempt to help, Aislinn feels very lost. Leaning on her roommates and newfound friend Hope, she tries to make sense of her gifts and her life. After trying to hide her abilities, it becomes no longer possible when her life changes forever. A man she's had visions of since childhood appears on her college campus and is very much real. Alex becomes her guardian and liaison to the world of the Ewlishash, where her abilities are not strange. They are important tools that she needs to enter the world of the Celestial Bodies and fight the Tirates. Aislinn is finding out that morality isn't as cut and dry as she thought. She doesn't like being kept out of the loop and being required to have blind faith in things she doesn't understand.
Aislinn is a lovely and paradoxical character: vulnerable and strong, young yet wise beyond her years. The world of the Celtic Ewlishash is enthralling and mysterious. Alaina Ewing brings you the beginning of a great adventure with the caliber of the Wicked series by Nancy Holder and Debbie Viguie. For the first time in a long time, immediately upon finishing this book I went online to purchase the second book, but alas, I will have to exercise patience.
Though technically a young adult work, this is easily enjoyed by adults. Aislinn will find a place in readers' hearts and they will want a best friend like Hope, and of course a steamy protector/boyfriend like Alex. With an amazing sense of mystery an suspense that propels readers through this book Alaina Ewing delivers a rich and fast paced modern tale of a unique sort. Bring on book two!
Aislinn is a lovely and paradoxical character: vulnerable and strong, young yet wise beyond her years. The world of the Celtic Ewlishash is enthralling and mysterious. Alaina Ewing brings you the beginning of a great adventure with the caliber of the Wicked series by Nancy Holder and Debbie Viguie. For the first time in a long time, immediately upon finishing this book I went online to purchase the second book, but alas, I will have to exercise patience.
Though technically a young adult work, this is easily enjoyed by adults. Aislinn will find a place in readers' hearts and they will want a best friend like Hope, and of course a steamy protector/boyfriend like Alex. With an amazing sense of mystery an suspense that propels readers through this book Alaina Ewing delivers a rich and fast paced modern tale of a unique sort. Bring on book two!
January 1, 2015
The Heart-Shaped Emblor by Alaina Ewing is a young adult fantasy read I got ages ago from the publisher, but I never seemed to find the time to sit down and read it until this past December. If I'd known I would like this novel as much as I did, I would have made the time sooner. Alas, we all have regrets. That aside though, I definitely found The Heart-Shaped Emblor to be a wonderful read with colourful descriptions and a gripping plot.
The story revolves around a seventeen-year old girl (Aislinn), who's in an early college program, but she's not at exactly a regular seventeen-year old. She's a complex character, which I liked a lot, and she's not similar to most cliched heroines in YA novels. Her gifts include: seeing ghosts, clairvoyance, seeing memories of others, and an array of other abilities. Regardless of her gifts and talents though, she's surprisingly normal and relatable. Aislinn is also very human for a character, so that's another reason why I liked her so much.
Readers can expect a myriad of intrigues from this novel, including but not limited to: teenage angsty-ness, Celtic lore and mysticism, some witchery, star-crossed lovers, mystery, adventure, et cetera. What's more is that The Heart-Shaped Emblor covers a lot of real-life issues. In other words, it's definitely a well-balanced read.
I can't wait for a sequel!
Review originally posted at:
The story revolves around a seventeen-year old girl (Aislinn), who's in an early college program, but she's not at exactly a regular seventeen-year old. She's a complex character, which I liked a lot, and she's not similar to most cliched heroines in YA novels. Her gifts include: seeing ghosts, clairvoyance, seeing memories of others, and an array of other abilities. Regardless of her gifts and talents though, she's surprisingly normal and relatable. Aislinn is also very human for a character, so that's another reason why I liked her so much.
Readers can expect a myriad of intrigues from this novel, including but not limited to: teenage angsty-ness, Celtic lore and mysticism, some witchery, star-crossed lovers, mystery, adventure, et cetera. What's more is that The Heart-Shaped Emblor covers a lot of real-life issues. In other words, it's definitely a well-balanced read.
I can't wait for a sequel!
Review originally posted at:
November 19, 2013
I received this book free from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Originally posted on Extaordinaryreads.com
Aislinn Moore, can see ghosts, she can see the fate of others in the objects she holds, she can experience the memories of others, but can she manage her own unusual karma, her path to her ultimate destiny. The lyrical lilt of Celtic mysticism trails throughout this tale, and it puts an entirely new spin on the concept of soul mates who may not have found each other if their body clocks were not in sync. Take a pinch of mystery, a measure of excellent metaphor, a swirl of mist in an energy filled vortex, a sprinkling of witches, a girl adrift in a sea of emotional uncertainty, and a spooning of a pair of star-crossed lovers and you have a spell cast that will hypnotize you with its power and poetry, which will bind you to The Heart-Shaped Emblor. The story glows with conflict and creativity, idealism and nativity, but none of these are as prevalent as the tread of magic that spins this story together. Sit back and treat yourself to a beautiful book that will transport you into a realm of fantasy you would not be able to imagine without the benefit of this author's wonderful mind.
Originally posted on Extaordinaryreads.com
Aislinn Moore, can see ghosts, she can see the fate of others in the objects she holds, she can experience the memories of others, but can she manage her own unusual karma, her path to her ultimate destiny. The lyrical lilt of Celtic mysticism trails throughout this tale, and it puts an entirely new spin on the concept of soul mates who may not have found each other if their body clocks were not in sync. Take a pinch of mystery, a measure of excellent metaphor, a swirl of mist in an energy filled vortex, a sprinkling of witches, a girl adrift in a sea of emotional uncertainty, and a spooning of a pair of star-crossed lovers and you have a spell cast that will hypnotize you with its power and poetry, which will bind you to The Heart-Shaped Emblor. The story glows with conflict and creativity, idealism and nativity, but none of these are as prevalent as the tread of magic that spins this story together. Sit back and treat yourself to a beautiful book that will transport you into a realm of fantasy you would not be able to imagine without the benefit of this author's wonderful mind.
January 2, 2014
I got this book from the author, free of cost, in exchange of an honest review from my side.
Firstly I would like to thank the author and the tour organizers for giving me this opportunity of reading and reviewing this book.
Well, this book was full of surprises for me and the awesome story really grabbed my interest from the very first. The pace is good and I enjoyed the read very much. The characters are awesome and Aislinn just won my heart. she is having a hard time coping up with her powers and trying to adjust in her college life and her strange yet awesome powers aren't helping much though. Then comes Alexander and changes her life completely.
The mysteries really gave me chills and the suspense was really eerie to be honest but I finished this book quite fast just to know the end and to my complete astonishment I never ever predicted that coming and I loved the ending very much.
The emotions are portrayed quite well and the writing is very good which was a treat in itself. Over all a great read that I would definitely love to recommend to others as well and I sure every one will love this story just like me.
Firstly I would like to thank the author and the tour organizers for giving me this opportunity of reading and reviewing this book.
Well, this book was full of surprises for me and the awesome story really grabbed my interest from the very first. The pace is good and I enjoyed the read very much. The characters are awesome and Aislinn just won my heart. she is having a hard time coping up with her powers and trying to adjust in her college life and her strange yet awesome powers aren't helping much though. Then comes Alexander and changes her life completely.
The mysteries really gave me chills and the suspense was really eerie to be honest but I finished this book quite fast just to know the end and to my complete astonishment I never ever predicted that coming and I loved the ending very much.
The emotions are portrayed quite well and the writing is very good which was a treat in itself. Over all a great read that I would definitely love to recommend to others as well and I sure every one will love this story just like me.
October 21, 2016
Delightful!
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews