Reality

The Arie Chronicles #1

by Dani Hart

An Urban Fantasy Romance Series
Young Adult mature (15+). Some adult content and language.
I am Arie Belle and up until my mother’s unexpected and mysterious death my life had been pretty simple, but then things became dark and, at times, hopeless. Even my uncanny ability to communicate with nature had turned its back on me. My only saving grace is my lifetime friendship with the boy next door, River, whom I had always thought of as my soul mate up until my eighteenth birthday when everything seemed to change. My body tingles with heightened sensations and my emotions veer out of control. They are further tested when Ashe, a beautiful stranger with a powerful draw, enters my life and challenges my heart and soul. Amidst the rush of feelings after years of numbness, my true destiny slowly unravels and my journey to find out what I am, to find my mother’s killer, and stop my own death becomes a frantic rush before the next full moon.
This powerful story encaptures the true meaning of love and the dark corners of life that can either suck you in or save you.

Genres: Fantasy, Paranormal, Romance, Young Adult, Ebooks, Fiction

258 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 31, 2013

About the author

I am a self-published multi-genre author with an emphasis on YA (young adult) paranormal, dystopian, and fantasy. I also write Contemporary with an emphasis on NA (new adult) and women's fiction.

I grew up in southern California and graduated with a B.A. in Theatre Arts from the University of Southern California. I married my high school sweetheart who is a firefighter for LA City and we settled into a quieter life with our two kids in Utah. I returned to my artistic passion for writing in 2013 and am loving every second of my art, kids, and husband.


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MY LIST OF BOOKS:

Young Adult:

Paranormal
Midnight Rose
Midnight Winters
Midnight Hunter

Dystopian
Reign of Crowns (In Revision)

Fantasy
Reality: The Arie Chronicles
Dreams: The Arie Chronicles

Contemporary:
Forgotten Treasures (aka Memories of Me)
A Firefighter's Flame

Reviews

[Jessica's Totally Over The Top Book Obsession · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads.

First off let me start by saying this is the first book I have read by Dani Hart and I loved it!


This book is different from any of the paranormal books I have read. I enjoyed the world the writer created and the plot was great. I could not put the book down! Twice this book had me tearing up!



I loved Arie, River, and Ashe, but let it be said right now that I am totally Team ASHE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

There was a few times I wanted to shake Arie because I felt she didn't handle things with river right and I want River to have his own love story "Hint Hint!!"

by the end of this book was freaking out I don't want to spoil anything but I will say what happens to Ashe and river had me yelling



Can't wait til the next book!!!!!!!

[Natasha · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to be beta reader for this book! I'm gonna TRY to do my best to review it without being too spoilery! Hope I do it justice :)

Arie has had a hard few years to say the least, the loss of her mom has her secluding her self from everything she loves. Feeling alone she doesn't know how to bounce back to her former self.

She goes out with a friend one fateful night (Which just happens to be her birthday) and sees a mysterious man watching her. He seems to start showing up in the most unconventional places and times. She can't help but be intrigued by him and how she feels around him!

Arie starts having strange and weird things happen in her presence and cannot figure it out. I love how she seems to take in stride tho as if its the most normal thing in the world.

This book has the most insane love triangle I have ever read. I find myself bouncing back and forth and cannot decide what love I want her to pursue! One minute I'm Team River and the next I'm Team Ashe!

River the handsome athletic boy that literally lives next door, and worships the ground Arie walks on. He is all she has ever known and will do anything to protect her.

Ashe is the sexy mysterious boy who makes her feel all tingly and gives her butterflies. She feels different when he is around and not so on her own. He seems to fill a void that she is desperate to fill.

Arie soon finds that not all is as it seems and that she is going to be faced with some very hard truths and difficult decisions on the coming months. Will she be able to do what's right for her as well as her loved ones?

I cannot rave enough about this story. I adore everything about it. The secondary characters are so endearing and you find yourself getting just attached to them as you do the main ones! Love the storyline and how it unfolds. You will find you cant put it down and get very invested in what happens. It's a very very emotional read. (had me crying at work MULTIPLE times) What Arie had/has to go through is so gut wrenching. I don't know how she has survived and remained as strong as she does!!!!

There's not a dull moment. Can't wait till everyone can read it! You will not be disappointed!! A solid 5+ stars from me!!!

Congrats Dani .... Thank you for allowing me to see into this world a little before everyone else and be a tiny part of it ❤ I am honored!

[Necrotic · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not even sure where to even begin with this book. Finally a book that stands on it's own and a story apart from the mundane and repetitive literature. At first I jumped on attaining it because of the huge mark off price amazon was offering. Secondly the cover drew me in it's simple yet eye catching. It took me two days to complete this captivating book. I absolutely fell in love with the characters and not only got attached but was able to picture it all as I read.The structure of the book is easy to follow and simple writing yet leaves no stone upturned. As others have said it will evoke much emotion so keep a box of kleenex at hand. But that is a good thing a great story does bring forth emotion yet it be sadness, happiness, anger, regret. Reality has it all... now if i could just have the sequel already hehe .

[Tabby · Rating 5 out of 5]

First of all let me say this before I start this review…
Take a nice long nap before you start reading Reality because you are going to be up all night long reading. Secondly, have a box of tissues handy because plenty of tears will be shed while reading this book! You have been warned! Don’t blame me when you are not prepared 
It’s going to be hard to write this review without spoilers so pardon my vagueness, because if I give the slightest hints about what happens you will not have the jaw-dropping, OMG! moments that this book is guaranteed to cause.
Arie Belle is a beautiful happy girl whose life is full of happiness and light… that is until her mother suddenly dies, leaving her world dark. Her best friend River is there for her constantly, guiding her, and standing by her when she needs him the most. River professes his love for her, and she has no doubt that he means it. In walks Ashe, the mysterious guy who rips her heart to shreds. Arie not only has to deal with loving two but she also has to solve the mystery that is her life.
This book had me questioning everything, and just when I thought I had it figured out…BAM a twist. However Dani did find a way to drop answers to my questions here and there throughout the book. I found myself wanting to slap Arie aside the head for some of her decisions, “What are you thinking Arie, really?” I may have screamed a few times, and maybe scared my boyfriend a few times. My kindle almost flew a time or two, but then I wouldn’t be able to read anymore so I just screamed instead.
Dani Hart transported me to a world I never expected to be taken to. Her writing flowed flawlessly, and I was hooked from the first page to the last page. This is a book that will stick with me for some time, if not forever. This is not the usual genre book that I read but I will forever make an exception for one of Dani Hart’s books. I can’t wait to continue Arie’s journey, and see where Dani takes me next.

[Trina · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a great quick read for me, the story flowed very well and plot was very intriguing. A lot of the story deals with Arie's grief from the death of her mother, her unrelenting visions, and Arie learning she is not who she thought she was or quite sure what she is. I can't say too much because there is a big reveal at the end of the book. The story is full of twists and turns and keeps you guessing and wondering about Arie and her family until the very end. And even then there's a lot left to learn. Let us not forget about her best and life long friend, River, who is completely committed to Arie. Then there is Ashe, another possible love interest, I'm looking forward to learning more about him, hopefully in the next book; I can't say I'm a fan of him yet. You could say I'm Team River at this point. There is some sexual content in Reality. There is a good versus bad vibe to Reality which reminded me of Lauren Kate's Fallen series. I have to add that I love the artwork on the cover of Reality. It's beautiful and mysterious. I'm really looking forward to the next installment in this series.

[Darlene · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG! DANI HART HAS DONE IT FOR THE YOUNG ADULT READER IN THE MOST AMAZING AND CREATIVE AWAY POSSIBLE !!!
*** I received an ARC from the author , Dani Hart in exchange for an honest opinion. This is Mismousey's very honest opinion of " REALITY (THE ARIE CHRONICLES #1).****
First let me say this about this amazing & very talented author Ms. Hart. I have read her adult books " Forgotten Treasures and Firefighters Flame both are amazing books. Now I have started reading "THE ARIE CHRONICLES" and i must say I am not one bit disappointed at all. Matter of fact I am shocked by her imagination and creativity. Never would I have believed that I could I have been taken to a whole new level of excitement an thrill. I never saw this coming from her pen on paper. Ms. Hart is a genius when it comes to making worlds appear out of thin air .But let me tell you about ARIE and what happens to her without spoiling the book for you.
Arie is a young teenager who just has her mother. Her father left her when she was just a wee babe. They live near the meadows and love to go there . It is their favorite spot. Arie is comfortable with nature - the creatures come up to her and let her pet them like they are normal pets. ( can you imagine petting a deer or squirrel or even having a bird in your hand?) Her mom and her go to what they call butterfly circle. It is called this as all the butterflies land there . They even land on them. ( kewl huh?)
Any rate, arie has a friend by the name of River - he is her best friend they do everything together. It is even thought that maybe oneday they might hook up- but Arie doesn't think of River like that.
Arie's mom owns a book store and Arie does the story hour. She has a girlfriend that has a dress shop that work's next door . Her name is Starling.
Now this one day while River and Arie are in the meadows when her mom is killed. This takes her on a downward depression. During this time she finds out she is part of another world reality all together. One where she had lived before. Her father Tevi lives there - She meets a young man by the name of Ashe - she is drawn to him. River and his family try to help over her grief of her family. When she turns 18 she gains controls of the book store and River's parents a card that contain her mother ring in it. It is a unquie gem stone. Once she puts it on her finger she starts to glow. They also have left her a letter from her mother. In the letter her mother tries to explain how special Arie is - an how she met her father. She was a special gift from her father and one she will always cherish- she had wanted to say goodbye to her. But she will always be apart of her. At that moment Arie runs out of the store to her butterfly meadow to be close to her mother there she stays until dark. When River finds her. He tells her that she needs to leave - when they are walking away she feels someone watching them and yells run. They get into her house- he tells her that he - he has been protecting her. And that's all he can say at the moment. Arie needs to speak to his mother. She is away- when she comes back home she is very ill. Not knowing what is wrong. They speak - she she try's to explain about her mother and the fact that she is dieing to give her Arie her energy.
As the story progress's you will find out that someone is trying to kill her. And that Tevi her father has taken her to the other vail. This is in order to protect her.Now I am not going to tell you what happens in the vail . Or to Arie-River- Starling- or the others. There are a lot of twist and turns in this amazing - FANTASTIC-TERRIFIC-OMG HOT FANTASY READ OF THE CENTURY!
Mismousey recommends this book to all young adults / adults and to all fantasy and paranormal lovers out there! I give this a different and firm 60 out 5 stars. Yeah I know you might think this mouse crazy. But I don't rate normal. The way in which the writing - creativity- characters- scenes-cover- blurb- it all comes together. It is so awesome- in this Mismousey's mind it deserves a 60. Ms. Hart girl you rock!! Can't wait for the next book!!!

[The Book Trollop · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of my followers on Facebook told me they were reading this book and that it was GOOD and it was SAD..
Pssshhh SOLD I love me some books that can make me sad, I LOVE the feels, even when I am cursing the author for making me FEEL!!

So I ask the author politely if I can read and review this book for her before it was released.. I needed something different, I was being burnt out from the same 'ol book/love story/HEA and I thought this one was right up the alley of what I wanted to get me out of my slump..
I was RIGHT!!

I am going to start with the dislike because I want to end this review on a good note.. The only thing I did not connect with was the main character, I thought Arie was...I don't know the right word for it.. I know she was a lost soul since her mother died and she was trying to find herself in the world/nature, trying to figure out her past, where she came from. I understood all of that but I just couldn't connect with her like I wanted too. I liked her but I wasn't in love with her, its one of those I need to read the rest of the series to be able to really connect and know her..
DISCLAIMER: I also didn't like Bella when I first read Twilight, she actually got on my last nerve in New Moon and I wanted to shank her and steal Edward for myself but that's just me ;) (def not Rob Pat though, EW NO).. So, it is not like I won't like Arie, I just need more from her.. She needs to grow a little more and I think I will fall for her..

Ok enough of that, let's move on to the one thing I absolutely, positively, ADORED in this story..
The originality was SUPERB..
The concept and plot was just incredible..
I don't know if I should explain it or not, this is what I was struggling with when thinking about what to write. The big reveal is what Arie is and what she means to nature, in general so if I talk about what she is I don't want to ruin it for all of you who have NOT read it..
so I am going to keep this kind of vague..

Arie is very important, there are things that only she can restore back to order and it is up to her. She has to make decisions and these decisions affect (effect? I never freaking know the difference) her kind...
But with all of this, there is a deeper message on a deeper level than what we are reading. The author kinda dives deeper into the essence of life and how everyone has an essence that lives on, even if our physical bodies do not.
But we also can't mess with destiny and fate, only they can decide what happens. Even if we want to blame ourselves for things happening, we can't, we have to trust and believe that fate and destiny know what they are doing.
It's kind of being blind, while living your life.
You just have to have trust and faith.
INCREDIBLE

I also couldn't put this book down once I got really into it, it was a little slow at first but when it picked up, I was eagerly turning the pages to find out more.
I LOVED River, absolutely loved him!!
He was Arie's best friend and biggest confidant, he was always there for her and I really hope.... well we will leave it like that ;)

This book was very whimsical, always keeping you guessing, it was a little confusing at times but if you keep going you will eventually figure it out. It also sticks with you long after reading it..Leaves you wondering about life in general and whether or not our essence can really live on through nature..

This is also YA-Paranormal.. some steamy moments but its pretty PG13..

I give this book a 4/5 and if you want to check it out for yourself, it is set to be released on September 23rd, 2013
(my brother's birthday ;)

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

*I WAS GIVEN THIS ARC FOR AN HONEST REVIEW!

Reality will captivate you from the first page! Your imagination will be on fire! I still can not believe how much this story has stuck with me!!! Let me start by saying this is not my normal genre I read. But I have read several paranormal/dystopian books and for me Dani's story is in a class all its own! You have the paranormal feel but the love story and descriptive details just set this book apart! If you love paranormal and romance then you will be IN LOVE WITH THIS BOOK!!!

Arie's life has recently been filled with darkness and she is struggling to connect to her old self! Arie was a vibrant child who grew up with a loving mother! Her mother taught her everything while living in their beautiful house in the meadows. She discovers as a child that she has a strange connection to nature.

"My mom always said that if you listened hard enough that you could hear nature talk to you.  In my case, I could feel it."

Animals are always coming up to her and she feels as if they are always looking to her for something. But then her mother mysteriously passes away on her 16th birthday and since then everything has turned dark! Her best friend and the man she loves, River, and his family have tried to help her find her way but she keeps pushing them away. But on her 18th birthday strange things start to occur! The biggest mystery she is trying to figure out is the man who seems to show up and disappear during the most random moments. But she feels this immediate connection with him (Ashe) and she doesn't know how to handle the feelings she is having for both River and Ashe!

"If River was home, Ashe was my heart.  Two parts of me that I needed and could never live without."

She feels like both of these boys have a special place in her life! But she is not prepared for the hard truths!!! Arie soon finds out that she has many other things to worry about and some hard decisions to make. Everything she has ever known is about to change and she will have to face her REALITY!

Okay, so to say I LOVE THIS BOOK would be a huge understatement! I have never felt so apart of the scenery in a story! Dani writes this so gracefully that she makes you be able to picture where the character is and how they truly feel! IT IS AMAZING! Every character has their own personality and I loved every one! The story is eye opening and I absolutely can't wait for more! Dani you did an amazing job and I can't wait to read the finished book!

Congratulations on your debut novel Dani Hart!!! You are amazing and a breath of fresh air!!!


4.5 IMAGINATIVE & LOVING STARS!

[Mikky · Rating 3 out of 5]

Originally posted at:
Nocturnal Predators Reviews

* Free eCopy was provided by the author in exchange of an honest review.

Let the ranting begin C:

I really, really, really wanted to like this book. I tried so hard! But it just wasn't for me. Even I can't explain why I started getting annoyed at the end. I stopped around Chapter 21 and even before that I was skimming, A LOT. My original rating would have been 2 stars (I'm just not a fan of this book), BUT for originality I'll add on a star.

This book started off really depressive. I didn't really mind, but Arie was just sooo URGH! She acted like the world revolved around her, her actions were really confusing and she was a push over. Especially with the love triangle added on. One moment she's in love with the first guy, but can't stop thinking about contender #2 and vise versa. That got on my nerves, fast. She also cried A LOT. Every other page she was crying for her mother, her father, River....on and on it goes. She had these visions that would cause her to lose hours of her day and she never second guessed anyone about them. Any rational persons reaction, would be to go to the hospital and get checked out first.

I also didn't get where the love triangle came from. River was the childhood BFF. I have one of those and I could NEVER see him as more then a friend. Ashe, on the other hand, was boyfriend material and the story even hinted at something more (though I never got my answer to that....-sign-). But, Ashe, in some scenes, also acted like an insecure teenage boy around 14-15 years old and that was strange.

Starling was OK. She was the only rational female character in this book. She was Arie's backbone. She always helped her, guarded her and pushed her to be with River. That was her only misstep.

One other problem I had while reading this book was "destiny". I just HATE when the character finally starts asking the important questions and the author just gives the "it must be revealed to you when it's time". That right there just ruined the moment for me.

Favorite Quotes:

"I wish I could live in my dreams and sleep in my reality."

"Nature speaks if you listen."

"I don't know what's real and what's a vision."

[Staci Bailey · Rating 5 out of 5]

WARNING: Grab some tissues and be prepared to stay up all night reading because you won’t be able to put this book down!

I am so fortunate to have received this book as an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I do not like spoilers, so I am going to be very vague with my review. I want you to experience this book the way I did; going in with NO CLUE about what this book is really about!
Arie Belle is just a quirky, beautiful girl with a happy life; then, when Arie is sixteen, her mother dies very suddenly. Thankfully, she has her best friend, River and his parents to keep her company. Even though she is surrounded by people who love her, nothing ever seemed the same. Her world, which was once full of light and happiness, became dark and distant. On her 18th birthday, she learns that the past she knew wasn’t exactly what she thought it was.
River, Arie’s best friend, guides her through the new path her life is taking. He is there for her when she needs him the most. He pledges his love to her and she knows that he means it. However, she doesn’t expect to meet Ashe, the mysterious guy who tears her heart into pieces. She learns that it is, in fact, possible to be in love with two people.
In my mind, this book has everything a book should have. The entire time I was reading, my husband had to check on me. I yelled a lot. I wanted answers. “Why, ARIE?” “What is going on”? Then, magically, I had my answers. Dani Hart must be a mind reader. She perfectly described Arie’s life and encounters with the most beautiful imagery I’ve ever read.
I’d like to thank Dani Hart for creating this amazing piece of art. Not only it is beautifully written, but it transported me into a world that I never could’ve imagined! This book is unlike anything I’ve ever read. Years from now, we will look back and say “Remember when Dani Hart first created the Life of Arie series?” It’s that good. I’ll give you a simple comparison to show you what I mean: When I first read Twilight, I thought “This book is going to be something. Stephanie Meyer just put a new spin on Vampires. I hope this one makes it big.” THAT is how I felt after reading this book. I think; No, I know that not only is this going to be a wonderful book series, it is going to be an incredible movie.

[Mike · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Funny thing is in this story butterfly bushes are referenced, which I just took to be bushes that butterflies are attracted to. But the next day I saw an article about “buddleja davidii” or a "Butterfly bush"! What are the odds?

This is one of those books that left me feeling pretty conflicted about... well about almost everything really! The writing is so very descriptive that I couldn’t help but be pulled into the story and yet at the same time it was almost too much description. Our main character is so emotional and heart breaking (and rightfully so!) but it’s almost too much at times. (And she really should look into wearing a helmet. I’m just sayin’)

Normally I might throw in a quote from the book around now, but instead I’m going to quote my own notes that are generally much more jumbled than this.

“57% in... Arie’s frustration is palpable, and mine is along with it. Very few answers and so many questions. And right now I can’t help but feel torn between being annoyed with the book for stringing me on so long or glad that I’m getting sucked into it so much.”

And that really sums up most of the story. You’ll be frustrated, but so is she until the truth all comes out. Stick with it! And the ending! Phew! Obviously I’m not going to tell you anything. But it’s like my heart got ripped out, crumpled and smashed, then someone stuffed it back in and gave me a lollipop. Take that however you’d like!

So get in on this new series (Yes! Series! Book two is in the works as of now) and enjoy a healthy dose of Reality :)

[Shasta Mosley · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are some books that you read that will captivate you from the very beginning. You will fall in love with the characters from the very start. Share their joys, sorrows and triumphs. Dani Hart has done just that with her book: Reality (The Life of Arie). From the very beginning I was so emerged into the book that I did not want to set it down. Thank you Dani for allowing me to beta read this book I love it so much. You have my 5stars!!!!

In Reality (The Life of Arie), you will follow Arie's journey to discover who and what she is. Arie has always been one with nature, but suddenly all of these strange things occur in her life that she has no way to control or even know why they are happening. After the death of her mother and never knowing her father, there are only so many people she can turn to for the help she needs in her journey to not only find out about these strange occurrences, but also to keep her safe.

I can tell you that you will fall in love with the characters in this book, and you will laugh and of course I cried because this book has one of the best love triangles that I have ever read! You will not be disappointed at no point in this book, Dani has done such an amazing job with this book and I am just so glad that I have had the opportunity to read it.

[Cat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reality by Dani Hart is a fabulously intricate fantasy! A definite 5 stars.
Arie is so alive, so connected to nature and growing up fast. She is having to live in a world without her mother who was her world. When she turns 18, her life becomes even more confusing and mysterious. River who has been her rock and support as she deals with her mother's death as well as as her long time childhood friend is asking for more. And the mysterious Ashe draws Arie into feelings she has never experienced.
The story is so unique, I can't even come up with another story close to it. It is a mystery, a romance, a coming of age and an epic fantasy all mixed together. The best of each! It is dark and filled with angst. At times it is heart wrenching. The characters are so real and so intense. I want to learn more about each of them, jump into the story and help them. They grow and make really difficult choices.
I highly recommend this intense read. But, make sure you clear your calendar, you won't want to put it down.

[Marinda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. I fell in love with Arie and River. I laughed, I cried and couldn't put it down. Thank you Dani for allowing me to beta read this book. It is a lovely story about Arie trying to cope with the loss of her mother with the help of River. She starts to have visions and realizes something is wrong with her. No more can be said as I don't want to put any spoilers out. The story is well written, the characters are very developed and the story flows. This is a great book for anyone into young adult stories I strongly suggest you grab this when it comes out in Sept.

[Stacy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was given an ARC of this for an honest review. I don't think I can write a review that will do it justice. It was beyond amazing. I have read books with fairies, angels, spirits or whatever you want to call them but I can't honestly think of one that has been so emotional or captivating as this one. It had me crying without even realizing I was until it was so bad I couldn't see. My heart broke and ached as I read Arie's story. I can't wait to be transported back to Arie's reality in the next book. Congratulations on an amazing book and I am a fan for life.

[Angie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn't know what to expect when I got this book. The characters, the story, it's all so amazing! The world Dani created is so fantastic. I sat down and read the book in a day, I couldn't put it down. Love, heartbreak, passion, action. All in one amazing fairy tale! One of my favourite books! It's so different from any fariytale story I have ever read. Simply fascinating!!

[Maari · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can't wait to see where this goes!!

"I wish I could live in my dreams and sleep in my reality."

This book was so mystical, yet so real.. Everything about it ran me over with emotion, past my heart deep into my soul!! <3 Hold on.. get ready for a ride, this is quite a journey.. SO ready for book 2!!!!

*I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*

[Alicia Huxtable · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic

Dani Hart is a brand new author to me and I'm so glad I took a chance on this book. I absolutely loved it and didn't want to stop reading. I can't wait to continue the series

[Rebecca · Rating 3 out of 5]

"I wish I could live in my dreams and sleep in my reality."

"The first time I realized I wasn't like my friends was my seventh birthday."

Reality was Dani Hart's debut book and what a great job! Reality is about Arie, a girl on the cusp of womanhood, who loses her mom at the most important juncture of her life. She has an uncanny ablility to be "one" with nature. Her next door neighbor and best friend River is her only shining light and Knight(hehe). They have been friends since they were babies and have always had a deep connection.

"Our eyes locked, and this was when we both knew we would be together forever."

"I won't be as bold to say that this was the first moment we knew we loved each other because what seven year old knows what love was? But we definitely had a pivotal moment inside the shelter of the butterfly circle."

Arie's only family is her mother and they are very close. She never met her father, though her mother speaks very fondly of him and Arie can tell that they were very in love when he "disappeared" before she was born. When Arie's mother dies suddenly on her sixteenth birthday, Arie is left to take care of herself and sort out what is happening to her, or so she thinks.

"A day I will never forget and, until now, would never realize how important it was."

"What I discovered was that faith couldn't be taught and that most people turn to a God to keep from going insane and killing themselves when the realization of death takes hold of them."

River helps her get through her mother's death and stands by her side even when she becomes confusing and distant towards him. She soon find out that River knows more than she thinks about what is going on around her and that he is actually part of her past.

When Arie turns eighteen, two years later she starts noticing strange occurrences happening in nature when she is around and starts blacking out and having strange visions about herself and family. Everyone around her seems to know what is going on but will not fill Arie in on the "secret", after a while it got kind of infuriating. Just TELL her already!! Arie meets mysterious Ashe during all of this. She has this instant deep connection to him but doesn't understand why. Arie feels like she is betraying River by having these feeling for Ashe. You will also meet her friend Star, that was recruited to protect Arie until the time was "right."

"I was scared to take a step towards him, knowing that if I took this path I might be tearing apart the road that River and I spent eighteen years building, but I couldn't deny what my body needed and right now it was Ashe."
"In that moment I realized he was familiar and not a stranger. If River was home, Ashe was my heart."

Arie soon learns that she will change forever at the full moon and it is up to her to decide whether it will be good or bad for everyone. Arie meets many people from her past and fights to learn who she is and what she is to become.

"Which is what exactly? No one has given me a clear answer, River, I hate riddles with a passion and I suck at them, so if my whole purpose is wrapped up tight into one big riddle than we aer all screwed."


Some people in your reality call us fairies, angels, or guardians, but that wouldn't be completely accurate. We are the essence that lives in nature. Some here call us nature spirits."

I feel that this story could have been even better if this secret that everyone was keeping from Arie was told a little sooner. She knew she was different and I'm not sure why it was dragged out for so long before she was told. There were many things left open, that I would assume will be answered in the coming books.

"I felt empty, confused, and lonely. My destiny might not be fully realized yet, but this was mine and Amary's home now, and I had to find a way to start over and to make the best of what time we had together."

[Lily · Rating 4 out of 5]

I recieved a free copy of this novel from the publisher throught NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This novel is hippy-ish, Utopian and fairy-filled. We're talking butterflies, meadows, valleys. It is impossible to feel sad while reading this witches' brew of: best-friends-for-life, meditating, lying in meadows, unusual bonds with animals, nature spirits, and sitting in the moonlight.

Plot:

Arie has a close relationship with her mother. Their world is perfect: they lie among butterflies in the meadow that is their front yard, meditate until approached by friendly purple-eyed foxes, have bedrooms inspired by fairy tales, own an independent bookshop named after even more butterflies (the book really loves butterflies). Then, on Arie's sixteenth birthday, her mother passes away. On the same day Arie has just shared her first kiss with her best friend under a cloud of butterflies in the meadow. In the aftermath of her mother's death she lives alone in an empty house, too emotionally unstable to open her mother's bedroom door, and is mostly looked after by best friend and sometime-boyfriend River's family. She runs the bookshop but lives in a depressive, grieving, guilty haze. She feels horrible about herself, mainly because of River, who loves her deeply but she feels too far into grieving to return his feelings.

The book picks up on her eighteenth birthday (after a slightly confusing flashback to her seventh) and the two-year anniversary of her mother’s death. On this particular day River is being his usual loyal self and inviting her to a concert for her birthday and she feels guilty because she can't be as happy as she wants to be. The guilt intensifies when she forgets about the concert and shows up late. When she does show up she doesn't look for or contact River. Instead she lets go of her grieving and lets the song take over, dancing ike a crazy person and catching the eye of a tall, dark and handsome stranger. Then things start getting weird. She falls for said stranger, Ashe, who appears only sometimes and seems like her soul-mate even though she feels as though she owes it to River to love him. She has panic attacks, is haunted by a faceless shadow and an achingly familiar voice. She then feels sure that she saw the same shadow the day her mother died and decides her mother was murdered.


About halfway through the book she meets a little girl, Amary, whose mother also died and Ashe transports them both to a world that can only be described as a fairyland. Flowers are bright, butterflies are many, valleys and meadows are in abundance. Nature spirits, souls, light and dark, love triangles, meditation, forbidden love, resurrection. This book is insane. The plot of this novel was enjoyable and original but felt, to me, a bit too unrealistic for an urban fantasy. There was no shadow here. There was good and bad, light and dark. The whole thing felt a touch too perfect. I prefer my urban fantasy with a little bit more reality and Reality lacked that.

The full review cna be found on my blog at http://www.lilyreadsbooks.com/lilywri...

[Lesley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Several days out with this one and I am still not sure where to go with this review. This one is very original and layered. It had me crying, sad and yet, it left me with hope. It’s not cupcakes and candy. Nor is it spiders and snakes. It’s a little bit of both. It’s about coming into your own. Discovering who you were meant to be, while life is plays tug of war with your reality.

What is Reality? * The quality or state of being actual or true. * One, such as a person, an entity, or an event, that is actual.

Arie has been shattered. Her mother has passed on and she is left alone at the tender age of 16. She has her best Friend River and his family to look after her but there is still an empty void. Not knowing what happened to her father, she assumes he is dead as well. She has shut herself off refusing to feel. The hurt is too great for Arie.
Strange things start happening to Arie. Making her question the only reality she has ever known. Following the clues left by her mother, she tries to piece together the puzzle with no idea how it goes together.

The one constant love in her life, River, is there supporting her as always. However, she’s met a mysterious boy who draws her like no other, Ashe. The one who sets her on fire as no one has, not even River. She feels as though her body is coming back to life. She’s torn and elated about her new found feelings. Arie sees the heartbreak she is causing River but can’t deny the magnetism to Ashe.
Between the love triangle building, the magical and strange things happening, Arie has a full plate and her life is about to change in a BIG way. You might say her reality is shattered and new one put in place. But in every reality there is heartbreak and pain. Arie’s trials and tribulations have only just begun. Even in this sadness there is a glimmer of hope.

I really enjoyed the originality and mystery to Arie’s story. It starts out slow and drags you deeper into the layered story. I will say that I felt slightly confused about some parts of the story. However, as the story progressed I felt most worked themselves out. This one had me crying from the pain in Arie’s life but it didn’t leave me in despair. I thank the author for not leaving us there. I am anxious to see where this adventure is going to go. I am rooting for Arie’s HEA. I mean how much heartbreak can someone take? If you are looking for something original, different and clean you most definitely should read this. I give this book 4 stars.

[S.F. Benson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads in exchange for an honest review.

"The Arie Chronicles: Reality" was the first book I’ve ever read by Dani Hart and it won’t be my last!

Hart delivered a great contemporary fairy tale. It included magic, fairies, and the concept of good vs. evil. But, she took a different approach with it. We didn’t get the atypical story about mythical beings creating havoc through use of magic. There were no fairy godmothers, no witches, no typical villains. "The Arie Chronicles: Reality" was about a young girl stumbling into her heritage. She didn’t cast any spells. She didn’t spend the book discovering strange powers. It was refreshing to say the least.

Arie’s story had the potential to be disheartening and very depressing though. For a good part of the story she was dejected. I just wanted to kick some sense into her. I wanted her to wake up and realize she still had to live despite her loss. She had a handsome guy in love with her who was willing to do anything for her. She just couldn’t get on board. Fortunately, her eyes were opened when she was forced to make choices. By the end of the book I was liking her character. She finally realized putting a wall around herself was creating danger for everyone.

My favorite character was Ashe. He was determined and desperately in love with Arie. He wasn’t afraid to admit when he was wrong. Ashe had the potential to be a great book boyfriend.

River was my second favorite character. He was like a Timex watch. He took a beating and kept on ticking. He stuck around through all of Arie’s bull. He stayed true to her even when her heart embraced another. Just like Ashe, everything River did was done out of love. He’s another great book boyfriend.

I didn’t know how I felt about the book until I reached the climax. I had enough of Arie’s constant belly aching. Thankfully Arie matured and the premise of the book was finally revealed. Hart expanded on the concept of good vs. evil. She introduced the theory that people will choose good or evil based on their emotions. The strongest emotion being love. And, that can prompt people to take the high road (good) or the low road (evil) without thinking of the consequences. River was representative of the high road. Ashe was the low road. To make matters worse, evil can masquerade in the guise of goodness. Powerful ideas in a young adult story.

I’m looking forward to read the next installment in Arie’s tale. It’s scheduled to be released in July.

[Ginnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was given this book for an honest review.

This book was one heck of an emotional roller coaster, I think 90% of the time I had tears in my eyes though. Jeez this book needs to have a warning label on it. "WARNING: A box of tissue is required before you can start this book." Whew, I needed to take a breather during it a couple of times. And Oh my goodnessss, it drove me insane with questioning everything that was going on. Half the time I was just wanting some answers. I loved how the author just snuck them in there when you were least expecting it. And that is definitely one way to keep readers interested. I am quite sure I may have looked like one of those cartoon Characters with the question mark over my head all the time. If you can't tell I was fully involved in this story and found it quite amazing. Although it may have lulled(can I use that word here?) a little in a spot but I will add that it didn't stay like that for long, overall it really flowed well. And the build up to everything just kept me right on the edge of my seat, I just kept asking myself if this was "IT", if "IT" was finally happening? And sadly I wasn't really even sure what "IT" was but oh I was waiting for "IT". Lol. This was just really a great read.

As far as the characters go. I liked them all. At times I wanted to smack Arie and ask her what in the world was she thinking, but at the same time I was busy telling her that, no River was mine and go away lol. So I am totally Team River here, I love the name by the way. But back to Arie, it was neat to watch her finally become so strong after so much tragedy and it seems that that may not be over with yet. To stay together the way she did after so much was really amazing, I would of broke down way more times than she did. And oh, River. I have now added him to my harem of book boyfriends. He was just a doll. And no matter how much he hurt he still kept his promise and stayed with Arie. Love him. And then Ashe, ok I can see he has the hot mysterious guy thing going on but nope, I just couldn't pull for him. I know he did really prove his love for Arie but it just wasn't enough for me to side with him. Great story and great characters, what more could a girl ask for? I am so hoping there is more to this story because I have to know what happens now. So please, please tell me that there will be more.

My song for this book - Black by Kari Kimmel

[Tara · Rating 5 out of 5]

My first impression just from the book description alone was “Yay!” as it’s been awhile since I’ve had to the pleasure to read an urban fantasy. So I dove in and was able to complete this in about 6 hours (could have been shorter had I not needed nourishment and potty breaks, such is life).

The prologue is gripping and emotional. It sets you up for emotional heart break. In my notes, I counted the times I wrote down “emotional”…10 times in my 3 pages of chicken scratch. So you have been forewarned.

Ms. Hart did an excellent job at world building. Our female lead is Arie, and we get to follow her through flash backs of her childhood. Ms. Hart mentioned that some have said that this read is slow paced, and while I agree somewhat, I really enjoyed that we were able to get a full background on her and really feel the emotions and her struggle. I really don’t like when we are brought to an apex only to be given a short hand version of the who/what/when/where/why because we didn’t get it before.

Our male lead is River, and he is my Prince Charming. He has such a sweet and caring soul. I adored watching these two grow together as their romance unfolded. The first kiss scene was nothing short of epic, and I try really hard not to use that word.

No love story is complete without a little drama of a love triangle. Within a few chapters we are introduced to Ashe. I liked him and then I didn’t. I loved him and then I didn’t. In the end, I was crying over him and what he did/does. Definitely not your typical love triangle and that was refreshing for me.

Along with this being a fantasy, it’s also a mystery. There is a lot going on that you really do have to pay attention to or else you get turned around a bit. Not all is as it seems, and there were a few parts where I didn’t know who the bad guy was and who was the good guy. This will keep you on your toes and it definitely kept me intrigued.

My only complaint with this story is that Arie cries a lot. She also has a tendency to black out and have panic attacks which can be slightly annoying. I hope that in book 2 (Dreams – release date not yet set) Arie grows a pair and becomes a stronger woman.
This is a YA (15+). There are some graphic scenes (death but nothing gory) and language. Lots of kissing but no sex.

https://www.facebook.com/just1morecha...

[Feisty Girls · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm going to start with what I found difficult about this book first. It took me a bit to get into the book. To me, it felt like it kind of dragged on and at time is was difficult to keep reading. There was A LOT of build up, but the main thing that kept me turning to the next page was that I had to find out what Arie WAS. That being said, the author did an amazing job describing the different realities, and overall capturing the essence of the animals and nature. It was beautiful.

Poor Arie has lost her mom at the age of 16. Her mom was her rock, everything to her. When she passes, Arie is lost and feels alone. She has River, her best friend and the boy that she has been in love with since she was 7 years old, but after her moms death, Arie begins to push him away. She doesn't know why or how and this bothers her deeply.

Once Arie turns 18, strange things, stranger than normal anyway, begin to happen more frequently. It's very hard to describe this book, without giving away too much. There's no oh, I'm an angel, that's a demon, there's a werewolf, etc. moment, but you know that Arie is super important and very special. But she is an essence, a spirit of sorts. She begins a hunt to find out what really happened to her mother and what is happening to her now. Arie has a lot of feeling so hurt and anger that her mother did not let her know what she is, and she has to come to terms with how the things that are happening to her now are affecting her friends and the ones that she loves now.

She is torn over the feelings of her long term friend, River, and the new mysterious guy, Ashe. She feels a connection to both and doesn't know what to make of it.

There really is a lot going on in this book, too much to go into more detail without giving it all away. This book is truly one of a kind, and even though it was difficult to get through at times, I really did enjoy it and would encourage you to keep with it because it will be worth it in the end.

Jen gives Reality 4 Stars!

[Taylor Harbaugh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay…here we go!

This is a really tough book for me to review. I don’t normally read paranormal books, although I’m not really sure you could call this book paranormal, and I went into reading this one blind. As usual for me, I don’t do research, I don’t look up the books, I don’t look for teasers or blurbs about them. I find that when I do that, I get everyone else’s biased opinions before I get to create my own. I was given a copy of this book for honest review, as with all the other books I review for the blog, and I can’t give an honest review if I’ve already looked to the masses to see what their opinion was about the book. So, with that said, here’s my review 

This book was so completely out of my range of normal I don’t really know where to begin. Overall as a book, I think it was a fantastic read. It was totally, one-hundred percent original. I can honestly say I’ve never read anything like it! “Reality” is so far from the books I normally read which is why my ratings for each category are totally different.

This book isn’t sexy, steamy, and has some swoonworthy moments. Now to most, that sentence is going to kill your interest in reading it, but you would be making a HUGE mistake! Without all the sex and steam that most indie books offer these days, this book still has an amazing story line.

Eighteen year old Aire, is left completely gutted when her mom dies. She lives the next two years of her life in a perpetual haze thinking that there’s nothing left to live for. Little does she know, that the universe has plans for her that were mapped out for her in a different time. A different life.

Aire is special. Although it takes a REALLLLYY long time to figure out how or why (which is why the pacing score for this book was only a 3), figuring out what makes her so special, is a journey unlike any other, that a book, paranormal or not, has taken me on. I was brought into a world that most little girls imaginations couldn’t dream up on their best day.

I know that this review leaves little to be known about what actually occurs during the book, but I feel like everyone, and I do mean EVERYONE should get to experience this amazing journey for themselves.

[JC82 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Arie has always had a connection with nature; she feels the earth, the wind and the life around her. Arie has always had a close relationship with her mother, growing up Arianna did the best to raise Arie and give her everything in life. Arie has always had the handsome neighbor River as her true love and protector. But when Arie turns sixteen all that Arie has and knows will change forever.

Arie’s world is literally turned upside down after the death of her mother; she becomes sort of a recluse and her relationship with her once love of a lifetime River slowly starts to wither. She struggles with sleep, her health is waning and she is plagued with dreams and visions she can’t quite comprehend. This book is a journey of self-discovery and sacrifice. Arie’s destiny is intertwined with all the characters in this book, each providing her with their strength, love, loyalty and their very lives. I loved the flow of the story and how the pieces slowly unraveled throughout the plot. I found myself getting antsy and excited waiting to find out the next piece of the puzzle and what it all meant. Hart has a good way with words especially when it comes to describing the surrounding nature and all its magnificence, I found myself constantly transported to this beautiful fairytale world in which I wished to stay.

I also enjoyed the love triangle if you will between Arie, River and Ashe. A lot of times when you encounter love triangles in a book you can usually lean towards one individual who seems better or more of a fit for the character stuck in the middle, not with this story. I loved both Ashe and River equally and I felt their love for Arie was different but equal as well. Ashe and River both possessed admirable qualities and even though it would be amazing to have two equally hot guys vying for my affection I didn’t envy Arie’s position in the least. I clearly understood why Arie would be so torn and confused.

The characters, setting, plot and even the names were so magical in this book. I would have liked a little more explanation as far as the origins of Arie’s people in this first book but other than that I truly enjoyed reading Reality. I am very interested in seeing what will happened in the next book.

[Gracie · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW! I can honestly say I've never ready anything like this at all! It is so unique in every aspect. This book lays the ground work for a novel that is different from any other one I've ever read. Arie's world is real world mixed with a dream like world. I love it, it's so unique!

The story starts out a little bit slow. This seemed necessary as it was building up the world that Arie lives in and letting us become familiar with it since it is so different. Arie has a connection with nature unlike anyone else. After the death of her mother, almost two years prior to the start of the book, Arie has trouble dealing with her grief.

Arie is a sensitive character, more so than normal. I believe this is because of who and what she is. She is different from others and seems to feel things more strongly than the average person. So her grief for her mother is still very strong after two years, as though it had only happened a day or so ago. Arie might be almost a little too sensitive for me, she does cry at the drop of a hat, but it's not just a few tears, it's full on heart break for her each time.

Arie learns that the bad things around her happen for a reason and has to learn to cope with it. She's faced with choices that will break her heart. These circumstances force her to grow and become stronger. There is a lot of the "things will be revealed to you in due time" line, but if you really pay attention to the things that happen before and right after, you will see that more then you realize is being revealed to you at that time.Ms. Hart is sneaky like that, giving you information without you realizing it. Sometimes she's just give you the pieces to the puzzle and let you put it together yourself, I loved that.

This book inspires a LOT of questions throughout and while answering then gives you more to ask. In the end the most important questions were answered, leaving just enough that I am waiting for the next book to be released so I can answer. (Dani Hart has said many unanswered questions will be answered in the next book as this book was to lay out Arie's world for us.) It kept me wanting to read more of this book so I could find out the answers.

[Suleika Santana -All About Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was gifted this book by the author in exchange for an honest review.
So here it goes, 5 beautiful stars. Let me just start by saying that this book is very different and also original. It is also very beautiful, the author does a very good job describing this other world (or reality) that she created and the descriptions are just so beautiful. I was always just smiling because of how beautiful and nice everything felt. The story is very sad at parts and it might bring a few tears to your eyes but it is not an ugly cry with hysterics kind of story. To tell you a little about this book, this is the story of 18 year old Arie who all of a sudden her life changes at the age of 16 when her mom dies and she is left alone. She has a best friend called River who she loves and his parents are left to kind of take care of her. She has a bookstore that her mom left for her and on the store next door she has a girlfriend named Star. I really liked the friendship between the two and I also liked River and Arie's relationship. Then enter Ashe, I was a little confused, I really liked him but I was already in love with River so I was a little reluctant to let any other boy into the mix. But it worked somehow. She really loved both River and Ashe and in the story it is described in detail how the love is different and you get to understand the why she feels that way with the both of them. Something else that I loved about the story was the butterflies, when the author is describing the butterflies it is so detailed and beautiful that I didn't even mind that the butterflies (spoiler) were the essence of someone when they died. I loved all the characters, the dad, the mom, Rivers parents, River, Ashe, Star, Amary, I even liked the bad guys, even if they wanted to kill Arie. They just didn't seem so bad to me, plus all stories need the bad guys to make the story a little more interesting and with a little action.
The author has a way with words and the story to me was flawless and it was such a pleasure reading it. Recommended if you want to read something different.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was given a copy of this as part of a blog tour, in exchange for an honest review. I'm going to start with the dislike first. It took me a bit to get into the book. To me, it felt like it kind of dragged on. There was A LOT of build up, but the main thing that kept me going was I had to find out what Arie WAS. That being said, the author did an amazing job describing the different realities, and overall capturing the essence of the animals and nature. It was beautiful.

This is a very original story. I haven't read anything else like it and I loved that. Poor Arie has lost her mom. Her mom was her rock, everything to her. When she passes, she is lost and feels alone. She has River, but pushes him away. She doesn't know why or how and this bothers her deeply.

Once Arie turns 18, strange things, stranger than normal anyway, begin to happen more frequently. It's very hard to describe this book, without giving away too much. To be honest, I'm still trying to process the book myself. There weren't any real definitive answers, and the ones that did come about weren't your usual ones.

There's no oh, I'm an angel, that's a demon, there's a werewolf, etc. Arie is super important and very special. But she is an essence, a spirit of sorts. She has trouble coming to terms with her past, and what has transpired because of her. It would be a lot for anyone to deal with, and she seems to handle it, eventually.

She is torn over the feelings of her long term friend, River, and the new mysterious guy, Ashe. She feels a connection to both and doesn't know what to make of it.

There really is a lot going on in this book, too much to go into more detail without giving it all away. Just know, this book is truly one of a kind, and while I didn't love it, that is just me. This book is unique, in depth and very descriptive. I truly liked it.