What do you think?
Rate this book
Believe Trilogy #1
When You Believe
Chased by thugs, San Francisco poet Miranda Stead plunges through a door to what she thinks is safety. Instead, she finds herself surrounded by a bunch of paranoid, robe-wearing people who can read her thoughts. And then he steps up: tall, dark, amber-eyed, gorgeous Sariel Valasay - lured by her mind probably, and its deliciously wrong ideas.Sariel knows no ordinary human should have been able to break through to their world, but here she is, all lush curves, red hair, and snappy comebacks. As a member of the ancient Les Croyant des Trois, Sariel is sworn to protect her kind from the dark forces always at work. He never thought he'd have to protect her from his own desires. A simple touch would erase all memories of the evening from Miranda's mind. Tomorrow, he'll make her forget. Tonight, he only wants to make her believe.
352 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published June 1, 2006
5 people are currently reading
371 people want to read
About the author
Jessica Barksdale Inclán
48 books461 followersJessica Barksdale Inclán's sixteenth novel, What the Moon Did, and her first short story collection, Trick of the Porch Light, were published in 2023. Her novels include Her Daughter’s Eyes, The Play's the Thing, and The Burning Hour.
A Pushcart Prize and Best-of-the-Net nominee, her short stories, poems, and essays have appeared in or are forthcoming in the The Sun, Salt Hill Journal, Tahoma Review, and So to Speak. Her work has been recognized and honored by The Sewanee Review, The Wigleaf, The North American Review, and The Ocotillo Review
She taught composition, literature, and creative writing at Diablo Valley College in Pleasant Hill, California and continues to teach novel writing online for UCLA Extension and in the online MFA program for Southern New Hampshire University.
She lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband.
For more information, go to: http://www.jessicabarksdaleinclan.com
A Pushcart Prize and Best-of-the-Net nominee, her short stories, poems, and essays have appeared in or are forthcoming in the The Sun, Salt Hill Journal, Tahoma Review, and So to Speak. Her work has been recognized and honored by The Sewanee Review, The Wigleaf, The North American Review, and The Ocotillo Review
She taught composition, literature, and creative writing at Diablo Valley College in Pleasant Hill, California and continues to teach novel writing online for UCLA Extension and in the online MFA program for Southern New Hampshire University.
She lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband.
For more information, go to: http://www.jessicabarksdaleinclan.com
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
May 10, 2009
I wish I could better describe what I got from this book than I'm able to convey with my words. . . .I so loved the "world" that Jessica Inclan has come up with. I recently attended a lecture by Deepak Chopra on how we are all energy and that message to some extent was in this book.
I did find it slow in the beginning but that my be more due to the fact that was being distracted by being in the car with kids interupting from the back seat (and no I wasn't driving), or in front of the TV but once I sat down and committed myself to the book I found that I escaped with it. The four star rating is more because of the trouble I had in getting into the book and some of the back history I found myself skimming through as it wasn't keeping my attention.
The romance in this book was very good. I liked both the main characters and really liked Miranda. She was strong and had a lot of self doubt but not a "woe it is to be me" attitude. When she was down on herself you see from her history why this is so and it wasn't overdone.
* * * * * spoiler * * *
I have to say I was happy that Dan didn't turn out to be some serious stalker in the end as I was worried that was where that was going. I see him more as someone who is a male reflection of how Miranda was with Jack. Obessive and seeing over all faults thinking that love has to be hard, and that it has to be earned instead of just "being" which it turned out to be for Miranda and in the end for Dan.
This was a really nice read and I look forward to reading more from Inclan.
I did find it slow in the beginning but that my be more due to the fact that was being distracted by being in the car with kids interupting from the back seat (and no I wasn't driving), or in front of the TV but once I sat down and committed myself to the book I found that I escaped with it. The four star rating is more because of the trouble I had in getting into the book and some of the back history I found myself skimming through as it wasn't keeping my attention.
The romance in this book was very good. I liked both the main characters and really liked Miranda. She was strong and had a lot of self doubt but not a "woe it is to be me" attitude. When she was down on herself you see from her history why this is so and it wasn't overdone.
* * * * * spoiler * * *
I have to say I was happy that Dan didn't turn out to be some serious stalker in the end as I was worried that was where that was going. I see him more as someone who is a male reflection of how Miranda was with Jack. Obessive and seeing over all faults thinking that love has to be hard, and that it has to be earned instead of just "being" which it turned out to be for Miranda and in the end for Dan.
This was a really nice read and I look forward to reading more from Inclan.
March 18, 2010
This book just wasn't working for me. Did not catch my interest and by page 60 the two main people are having some very uninspired sex that is over before it starts. There isn't enough story to even care. I just could not get into this book and I never quit no matter how bad the book is. I got this at the library but will not be reading another book by her.
September 13, 2011
recieved in a giveaway on here and was VERY pleasantly surprised of my involvement in the story. i didnt want to put it down. So often with paranormal romances, it borderlines trashy but Jessica inclan has written a wonderful book. Im looking forward to reading the rest of this trilogy. I cant wait to see what happens with the rest of her characters.
June 21, 2011
I absolutely loved this book, maybe because I am a sucker for fantasy. I like the world Inclan created and the witty comments from the main character. I absolutely loved how it ended and mainly all the characters. It reminded me of a mix between Harry Potter and a romantic love story. A must read.
September 6, 2009
It very unusual to find a new take on paranormal romance, but Inclan has managed to accomplish this in her Believe series. There have been other stories about paranormal magical families, but none with quite the same mythos as the Believe series. I would have liked a bit more on the origins of the croyant (those with magic) and their early efforts to organize themselves. When did they expand to include magical peoples from Africa, Asia, etc (They first organized in France), but all in all the mythos was sound even if sketchy. The romance between Miranda and Sariel was sweet and did make you believe in miracles. I agree that it was a bit slow in the beginning, but the plot picked up about a third of the way into the book and was well-paced after that point. I plan on continuing with the sequels to When You Believe. Overall, I would give it four stars.
November 10, 2010
This was a good fantasy romance. I usually don't do too much fantasy but this was a freebie thanks to the new releases. It was well written and the charachers Sariel and Miranda were well formed. Sariel was a Croyent (with magic) and Miranda started out as Moyenne (without magic). Sariel finds this poem that Miranda had written when she was young about flying. Was this truth or imagination. You have to read the book to find out. The book kept me reading as it climaxed into the battle with Quaine who wanted to take over the world by capturing all of the plaques. He wanted to be in control of everything and the Croyent population were trying to defeat him because nothing good could come of him being in control. Real page turner. Well written.
January 4, 2011
You won't believe how many expectations I had of this book, and they all fell down so hard that they shattered to dust.
It was meant to be a lyrical novel, with more accent set on the emotional side of the characters, but what I read was utter crap. Seriously, there is lyrical, and there is just bull**it, and this book is sadly the latter.
I believe that some might find this book appealing, those who like to read about one two or three feelings described over and over again, with no beginning and no end to that tireless tirade. I am not one of them, and after skipping half of the book, I am not inclined to read the sequel.
It was meant to be a lyrical novel, with more accent set on the emotional side of the characters, but what I read was utter crap. Seriously, there is lyrical, and there is just bull**it, and this book is sadly the latter.
I believe that some might find this book appealing, those who like to read about one two or three feelings described over and over again, with no beginning and no end to that tireless tirade. I am not one of them, and after skipping half of the book, I am not inclined to read the sequel.
September 21, 2012
'A grown-up's Harry Potter' would be the closest thing that I could compare this paranormal romance by Jessica Inclan. There is romance but it is understated and is not the typical beat you over the head sex fest that I have come to expect from books from the romance genre. I always cringe when I decide to explore new titles from the romance genre for work, never knowing just what I will find as I begin to turn the pages. This one was a pleasant diversion, an intricate fantasy world where magic coexists with a 21st century Earth. Think I will continue the trilogy and see where it goes.
July 21, 2021
I reread this book for the first time in years. I had it at 5 stars and I don't know what I was thinking. I think the premise was good but it felt like a poor man's Harry Potter at times.
I liked Sarial and Miranda but I wish we would've gotten more insight on their relationship. The author seemed to only focus on the physical. I always wish Miranda would not have forgiven Sarial so easily. Okay, he chose to give up his memories of her for their protection but at least make him work for your forgiveness!
I liked Sarial and Miranda but I wish we would've gotten more insight on their relationship. The author seemed to only focus on the physical. I always wish Miranda would not have forgiven Sarial so easily. Okay, he chose to give up his memories of her for their protection but at least make him work for your forgiveness!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 8, 2009
A random pick in the bookstore on a day I was in need of a little fantastical romance - and I picked well! After this book I found myself communicating monthly with the author and receiving "Being With Him" before it was out in print. I was absolutely flabbergasted at the sensuality of the book without being almost pornographic. Truly remarkable modernistic writing.
August 23, 2012
just happened to find this book on the shelf at a thrift store and was intrigued, good story. Slow at the begging, but got better. Good love story, sad that the second book doesnt continue with the same couple. i guess the three books are about all three brothers. will be looking for the second one soon!
October 13, 2011
I picked this book up on a whim after reading the back briefly. I was very glad I picked it up as I began to read it. A fantastic first book in this trilogy. The love, adventure and magic of this book makes it a great read for anyone. I look forward to reading the other two books in the series.
Read
April 18, 2013I have given up on this book. It started off awesome and I was like "Yeah this book is gunna rock" Now Im like forcing myself to pick it up. I HATE leaving a book unfinished but I also value my time.
I am SO down about having to put down this book! :(
I am SO down about having to put down this book! :(
June 18, 2009
This book was very enjoyable. The story was fast paced and exciting. After reading this story I not only believe in magic but also in love at first sight.
June 19, 2010
I didn't like it enough to read the next two. It was kind of boring (as it took me more than 2 days to read it).
May 14, 2013
great story premise; love the characters. love when miranda & sariel are in scenes together. the middle annoyed me, but the last few chapters redeemed the story.
January 10, 2022
Solid 3 stars. This is a fun world that the author creates, but it’s hard to explain that it just doesn’t *quite* reach what it needs to in order to be an addicting read. I grabbed this book on a whim because I’ve been trying to push myself out of my reading comfort zone and try new genres, so I grabbed a paranormal romance book.
I wanted to love it, but like I said: it wasn’t a page turner until the last 1/8th of the book and by that point you pretty much know what’s going to happen—in fact you were probably able to guess the entire plot and it’s reminiscent of almost every paranormal romance novel out there. Another negative was I felt like the characters experienced the same 10 emotions over and over again and the conflict in the story was almost affable.
Good things about the book was that it was a cute read once you got into it. It was easy and makes you want the best for the characters. Also, I loved how Jessica Inclán managed to describe the characters talking to each other inside their minds. All in all, it was $2.99, I’m not mad about it.
I wanted to love it, but like I said: it wasn’t a page turner until the last 1/8th of the book and by that point you pretty much know what’s going to happen—in fact you were probably able to guess the entire plot and it’s reminiscent of almost every paranormal romance novel out there. Another negative was I felt like the characters experienced the same 10 emotions over and over again and the conflict in the story was almost affable.
Good things about the book was that it was a cute read once you got into it. It was easy and makes you want the best for the characters. Also, I loved how Jessica Inclán managed to describe the characters talking to each other inside their minds. All in all, it was $2.99, I’m not mad about it.
May 30, 2018
Lots of inappropriate comments, cussing, and drugs and alcohol right off the bat.
March 9, 2020
Such a roller coaster of emotions; almost feels real. The only reason it didn't get five stars is because the ending was hurriedly put together; I wanted more details.
March 21, 2020
Magic Tale - the names got a little confusing at first, but all were sorted out by the end of the read.
August 23, 2020
It was okay, but there was so many things that bothered me.
A, why would they sleep together the guest day she meets him without memories?? That seems so stupid.
B, the whole family thing, ugh.
A, why would they sleep together the guest day she meets him without memories?? That seems so stupid.
B, the whole family thing, ugh.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 24, 2022
3.5 stars
September 28, 2011
Vracíme se ke starým dobrým čarodějům a fantastickému světu, který je skryt před zraky obyčejných lidí, pardon, Moyenů (rozumějte, prostě mudlů).
Ti nemají vůbec tušení, že se chystá čarodějnická válka o nadvládu světa a že je to možná kapánek ohrozí.
Miranda má ráda svůj život, jenže něco a i někdo jí schází. Je sama a od toho jí nezachrání ani sestra Viv se svou rodinou.
Naštěstí díky rychlému začátku Miranda přichází velice brzy na to, co jí vlastně chybí. Schází jí opravdická magie a samozřejmě muž. Obojí jí najednou vpadlo do života, tedy, to ona muži, nádhernému Sarielovi, vpadla do života a stihla si při tom ještě zlomit kotník, (který jí Sariel velmi ochotně vyléčil). Její život se od základů změnil
A jak už to bývá, Miranda se nestačila ani všemu divit, protože bylo tolik magických věcí, které byly mimo její dosah, a ocitla se uprostřed bitvy, která má rozhodnout o osudu světa.
Autorka před nás rozhodně postavila velice zajímavé dílo, které si čtenáře dokáže získat popisováním fantasy světa. A to hlavně díky tomu, že se tím autorka zabývá z dobré stránky a celý svět má pouze jeden hlavní rušivý element, okolo nějž se poté otáčí děj.
V takovémto světě by se pravděpodobně líbilo kdejakému milovníkovi poklidné atmosféry a mírumilovného prostředí. Rozhodně by zde ale musel žít před událostmi první knihy, protože jak stránky přibývaly, objevovaly se temnější zkušenosti s čarodějnickým světem, které knihu pořádně okořenily.
Když byli Sariel s Mirandou spolu, celý příběh se v podstatě točil pouze kolem nich, nic ostatního neexistovalo. A tak se autorce povedlo stvořit hned dvě knihy v jednom.
Ta první představuje dobrý fantasy příběh s romantickými a lechtivými momenty. Ta druhá zobrazuje klasický román pro ženy, jehož hlavními hrdiny jsou touha a láska. Díky tomuto působí kniha roztržitě a mezi jednotlivými scénami je veliký rozdíl.
Omnia vincit amor, všechno přemáhá láska, a tak byla s opravdovým bojem pomocí kouzel, ale hlavně s láskou vybojována bitva všech bitev. A jak to vlastně dopadlo? A žili šťastně, až… Ale dobře napsaným způsobem, protože čtenář občas podobný konec skoro až potřebuje, všechno na něj tak nějak působí a on je naměkko, a takový konec dodá příběhu pocit částečné uzavřenosti před dalšími událostmi.
V celé knize se nachází pouze jedna věc, která může neznalému čtenáři vadit. Francouzština. Historie Sarielových lidí je s Francií úzce spjata, takže všechny názvy, kouzla, lektvary a tak podobně, mají samozřejmě francouzské jméno. Z počátku to dodává knize skvělou atmosféru, protože byly všechny pojmy ve francouzštině řádně vysvětleny a když se víckrát opakovaly, bylo to v pořádku. Ale potom už autorka neměla vůbec čas říct, co to vlastně všechno znamená a čtenář, který francouzštinu neovládá, ztrácí dobrý pocit z přečtení celé knihy.
Když děj přechází z jedné „knihy“ do druhé, celé to tak trochu skřípe a ubírá příběhu na úrovni. V těchto momentech je pravděpodobně nejlepší knihu na chvíli odložit a začíst se do ní až za okamžik, jenže pak nastane další přechod a další odkládání. Když ale toto čtenář překousne a překoná, je schopný se i začíst.
Nebyly zde žádné lidi žeroucí příšery, v celé knize se neřeší pouze vztah dvou popřípadě tří lidí. Je tu stará dobrá bitva o osud světa a lidstva s romantickým doplněním a to všechno vytváří dobrý celek.
Ti nemají vůbec tušení, že se chystá čarodějnická válka o nadvládu světa a že je to možná kapánek ohrozí.
Miranda má ráda svůj život, jenže něco a i někdo jí schází. Je sama a od toho jí nezachrání ani sestra Viv se svou rodinou.
Naštěstí díky rychlému začátku Miranda přichází velice brzy na to, co jí vlastně chybí. Schází jí opravdická magie a samozřejmě muž. Obojí jí najednou vpadlo do života, tedy, to ona muži, nádhernému Sarielovi, vpadla do života a stihla si při tom ještě zlomit kotník, (který jí Sariel velmi ochotně vyléčil). Její život se od základů změnil
A jak už to bývá, Miranda se nestačila ani všemu divit, protože bylo tolik magických věcí, které byly mimo její dosah, a ocitla se uprostřed bitvy, která má rozhodnout o osudu světa.
Autorka před nás rozhodně postavila velice zajímavé dílo, které si čtenáře dokáže získat popisováním fantasy světa. A to hlavně díky tomu, že se tím autorka zabývá z dobré stránky a celý svět má pouze jeden hlavní rušivý element, okolo nějž se poté otáčí děj.
V takovémto světě by se pravděpodobně líbilo kdejakému milovníkovi poklidné atmosféry a mírumilovného prostředí. Rozhodně by zde ale musel žít před událostmi první knihy, protože jak stránky přibývaly, objevovaly se temnější zkušenosti s čarodějnickým světem, které knihu pořádně okořenily.
Když byli Sariel s Mirandou spolu, celý příběh se v podstatě točil pouze kolem nich, nic ostatního neexistovalo. A tak se autorce povedlo stvořit hned dvě knihy v jednom.
Ta první představuje dobrý fantasy příběh s romantickými a lechtivými momenty. Ta druhá zobrazuje klasický román pro ženy, jehož hlavními hrdiny jsou touha a láska. Díky tomuto působí kniha roztržitě a mezi jednotlivými scénami je veliký rozdíl.
Omnia vincit amor, všechno přemáhá láska, a tak byla s opravdovým bojem pomocí kouzel, ale hlavně s láskou vybojována bitva všech bitev. A jak to vlastně dopadlo? A žili šťastně, až… Ale dobře napsaným způsobem, protože čtenář občas podobný konec skoro až potřebuje, všechno na něj tak nějak působí a on je naměkko, a takový konec dodá příběhu pocit částečné uzavřenosti před dalšími událostmi.
V celé knize se nachází pouze jedna věc, která může neznalému čtenáři vadit. Francouzština. Historie Sarielových lidí je s Francií úzce spjata, takže všechny názvy, kouzla, lektvary a tak podobně, mají samozřejmě francouzské jméno. Z počátku to dodává knize skvělou atmosféru, protože byly všechny pojmy ve francouzštině řádně vysvětleny a když se víckrát opakovaly, bylo to v pořádku. Ale potom už autorka neměla vůbec čas říct, co to vlastně všechno znamená a čtenář, který francouzštinu neovládá, ztrácí dobrý pocit z přečtení celé knihy.
Když děj přechází z jedné „knihy“ do druhé, celé to tak trochu skřípe a ubírá příběhu na úrovni. V těchto momentech je pravděpodobně nejlepší knihu na chvíli odložit a začíst se do ní až za okamžik, jenže pak nastane další přechod a další odkládání. Když ale toto čtenář překousne a překoná, je schopný se i začíst.
Nebyly zde žádné lidi žeroucí příšery, v celé knize se neřeší pouze vztah dvou popřípadě tří lidí. Je tu stará dobrá bitva o osud světa a lidstva s romantickým doplněním a to všechno vytváří dobrý celek.
March 2, 2014
After a poetry reading one night, San Francisco poet Miranda Stead stumbles through a door that is supposed to lead her to safety from those chasing her, but instead she's faced with an entirely different kind of scary. The people she comes into contact with are paranoid and suspicious of her sudden appearance and start threatening her. As she tries to escape she's faced with a mysterious, seductive stranger named Sariel Valasay. He seems to know everything she's thinking and Miranda isn't sure if he's her savior or another threat. What she does know is that she's inexplicably drawn to him and he to her. Sariel is a member of the ancient Les Croyant des Trois and is sworn to keep a his distance from normal humans, but he's unable to fully break away from Miranda. As an evil threatens the world, Sariel and his kind try to defeat it, but Miranda is to play an important role in the events about to occur. As Miranda and Sariel try to defeat this evil their love is put to the test. Will their love be strong enough to survive?
This book has a great plot, but it left me wanting something though I'm not sure what. I never felt very connected to Miranda or Sariel or their relationship. I felt that the development of their characters was weak and riddled with holes. I wanted this book to be better and there were a couple of times that I thought it could have been an adult Harry Potter. Unfortunately Inclan doesn't quite make the cut. It's a complicated plot that requires a great deal of development and explanation and it's not quite delivered. In addition, while Inclan does a respectable job of developing Miranda as a character, she didn't with Sariel. He could have been a great character but he has many holes. I would have liked to have seen more development regarding his relationships with his brothers. There are hints of it but not to my liking.
This is the first book in a series of books. I haven't read the others, but from what I've read, each book is about a different brother. If you enjoy other series like this you will likely enjoy these books. Though I would first checkout Larissa Ione's Demonica series or J.R Ward's Black Dagger Brotherhood series or Gena Showalter's Lords of the Underworld series.
This book has a great plot, but it left me wanting something though I'm not sure what. I never felt very connected to Miranda or Sariel or their relationship. I felt that the development of their characters was weak and riddled with holes. I wanted this book to be better and there were a couple of times that I thought it could have been an adult Harry Potter. Unfortunately Inclan doesn't quite make the cut. It's a complicated plot that requires a great deal of development and explanation and it's not quite delivered. In addition, while Inclan does a respectable job of developing Miranda as a character, she didn't with Sariel. He could have been a great character but he has many holes. I would have liked to have seen more development regarding his relationships with his brothers. There are hints of it but not to my liking.
This is the first book in a series of books. I haven't read the others, but from what I've read, each book is about a different brother. If you enjoy other series like this you will likely enjoy these books. Though I would first checkout Larissa Ione's Demonica series or J.R Ward's Black Dagger Brotherhood series or Gena Showalter's Lords of the Underworld series.
July 9, 2015
Tuhle knihu jsem asi rok, možná i rok a půl zpět, vyhrála v jedné soutěži. To je možná důvod toho, proč stále leží v mé knihovničce. Proč jsem se jí rozhodla dát druhou šanci.
Nu, šanci dostala. A vylízala se i z naprostého opovržení. To něco znamená.
Ve světě existuje skrytý svět čarodějů, Věřících v Trojici.
Jeden z nich se trhnul a vzal sebou nejmocnější čarodějku, jakou čarodějové poznali. S její pomocí obrací čím dál více čarodějů na svou stranu, zbytek zabíjí.
Náš Záporák se pak rozhodl získat staré relikvie a změnit svět k obrazu svému. Nijak příjemně vyhlížejícímu k lidem, kterými náš Záporák pohrdá. Kupodivu se mu to docela úspěšně daří. A pak přišla na scénu Miranda, hlavní postava.
Ach jo.
Nápad celé knihy byl dobrý, magie byla promyšlená a podaná tak trochu netradičně, alespoň jsem už dlouho o něčem podobném nečetla. Tahle stránka knihy se mi líbila. Co mě ale ubíjelo byl styl psaní. Byl hrozný. Chování postav sladké tak, že budu muset k zubaři, naivní a tuctový děj. Neoriginální. Některé situace byly nereálné a klišé. S trochou citu by to možná autorka vytáhla na něco zajímavého, protože ten potenciál vidět jde. Ale Inclan si s tím poradit nedokázala.
Hrdinka je prototypem Mary Sue, u jejího mužského protějšku musím stále uvažovat o tom, jakým dojmem na mě nakonec měl působit. Popisován málem dokonale, ale některé střípky z jeho minulosti byly tak rozporuplné, jeho charakter tak zvláštní... já prostě hrdiny "jeho typu" (pokud jsem si to vyložila správně) zas tak ráda nemám.
Navíc mě nekolikrát zmátl nepořádek v časech. Po technické stránce autorka silně nezvládla příběh podržet.
Ze začátku mi to navíc silně připomínalo scénu z Milence z temnot, což mi taky nepřidalo.
Přesto to není až tolik zlé. Byla vidět snaha vymyslet něco originálního, snaha překvapovat a nějaké ty zvraty by se najít mohly. Já však černobílost a předvídavost překousnout nemůžu. Ani ty charaktery. Škoda.
Nu, šanci dostala. A vylízala se i z naprostého opovržení. To něco znamená.
Ve světě existuje skrytý svět čarodějů, Věřících v Trojici.
Jeden z nich se trhnul a vzal sebou nejmocnější čarodějku, jakou čarodějové poznali. S její pomocí obrací čím dál více čarodějů na svou stranu, zbytek zabíjí.
Náš Záporák se pak rozhodl získat staré relikvie a změnit svět k obrazu svému. Nijak příjemně vyhlížejícímu k lidem, kterými náš Záporák pohrdá. Kupodivu se mu to docela úspěšně daří. A pak přišla na scénu Miranda, hlavní postava.
Ach jo.
Nápad celé knihy byl dobrý, magie byla promyšlená a podaná tak trochu netradičně, alespoň jsem už dlouho o něčem podobném nečetla. Tahle stránka knihy se mi líbila. Co mě ale ubíjelo byl styl psaní. Byl hrozný. Chování postav sladké tak, že budu muset k zubaři, naivní a tuctový děj. Neoriginální. Některé situace byly nereálné a klišé. S trochou citu by to možná autorka vytáhla na něco zajímavého, protože ten potenciál vidět jde. Ale Inclan si s tím poradit nedokázala.
Hrdinka je prototypem Mary Sue, u jejího mužského protějšku musím stále uvažovat o tom, jakým dojmem na mě nakonec měl působit. Popisován málem dokonale, ale některé střípky z jeho minulosti byly tak rozporuplné, jeho charakter tak zvláštní... já prostě hrdiny "jeho typu" (pokud jsem si to vyložila správně) zas tak ráda nemám.
Navíc mě nekolikrát zmátl nepořádek v časech. Po technické stránce autorka silně nezvládla příběh podržet.
Ze začátku mi to navíc silně připomínalo scénu z Milence z temnot, což mi taky nepřidalo.
Přesto to není až tolik zlé. Byla vidět snaha vymyslet něco originálního, snaha překvapovat a nějaké ty zvraty by se najít mohly. Já však černobílost a předvídavost překousnout nemůžu. Ani ty charaktery. Škoda.
March 21, 2021
This ‘magical, mystical tale’ is such a refreshing departure from your usual paranormal fare of vampires, werewolves, and other magical semi-human beings that I got into the story pretty quickly.
Poet Miranda Stead stumbled into a council meeting of the mysterious Les Croyants, a magical organisation pledged to protect the human (moyenne) world from dark forces, while escaping from three thugs one fateful night. Suspected at first of being a spy for an evil enemy, Miranda was rescued by mindreading healer Sariel Valasay who, attracted to her beauty, wit and spirit, and recognising that he may have found his soulmate, was reluctant to erase her memories of the evening as he has been entrusted to do. How could he when all he wants is for her to believe … in the magic of their love.
I was immediately intrigued by the possibilities of Miranda’s and Sariel’s chance encounter, and already had a niggling suspicion that the heroine has croyant blood in her by chapter three. How else do you explain the travel through time and space. It can’t simply be explained away as coincidence. Boy was I gratified when I was proven right in the end. I like the process of Miranda discovering and using her fledgling powers.
And I love how Inclan drew out the heady attraction between the two main characters. The palpable tension and sizzle between them is an exciting counterpoint to the slow build-up to the confrontation between the protagonists and the stereotypical villain, who nonetheless served his purpose on the plot development. No complains there from me. There were some sappy reunions and forgiving the last two chapters, but I’m a sucker for such tear jerkers so I lapped them all up.
First read and reviewed in 2007.
Poet Miranda Stead stumbled into a council meeting of the mysterious Les Croyants, a magical organisation pledged to protect the human (moyenne) world from dark forces, while escaping from three thugs one fateful night. Suspected at first of being a spy for an evil enemy, Miranda was rescued by mindreading healer Sariel Valasay who, attracted to her beauty, wit and spirit, and recognising that he may have found his soulmate, was reluctant to erase her memories of the evening as he has been entrusted to do. How could he when all he wants is for her to believe … in the magic of their love.
I was immediately intrigued by the possibilities of Miranda’s and Sariel’s chance encounter, and already had a niggling suspicion that the heroine has croyant blood in her by chapter three. How else do you explain the travel through time and space. It can’t simply be explained away as coincidence. Boy was I gratified when I was proven right in the end. I like the process of Miranda discovering and using her fledgling powers.
And I love how Inclan drew out the heady attraction between the two main characters. The palpable tension and sizzle between them is an exciting counterpoint to the slow build-up to the confrontation between the protagonists and the stereotypical villain, who nonetheless served his purpose on the plot development. No complains there from me. There were some sappy reunions and forgiving the last two chapters, but I’m a sucker for such tear jerkers so I lapped them all up.
First read and reviewed in 2007.
October 30, 2012
When You Believe ist eines von vielen Büchern, bei denen die Grundidee eigentlich nicht schlecht ist. Auch hier hat sich die Autorin durchaus Gedanken darüber gemacht, wer gegen wen um was kämpft. Ihre Charaktere durchleben Situationen der Liebe, des Verrates, der Trauer; müssen kämpfen und ihr eigenes Glück zum Teil auch aufgeben. Aber, und das war das größte Problem für mich, als Leser spürt man davon nichts. Miranda erfährt, dass nichts in ihrem Leben so ist wie es scheint und reagiert auf diese neue Welt aber doch wenig überrascht und lässt es einfach über sich ergehen. Im Kampf zwischen Gut und Böse soll sie als unerfahrene in Hinsicht auf Magie plötzlich der ausschlaggebende Part sein - das mag zwar in anderen Büchern funktionieren, hier konnte ich nur den Kopf darüber schütteln. Auch das Zusammenfinden der Charaktere fand ich ein wenig lieblos. Es herrscht zwar sofort eine Spannung zwischen ihnen, aber wann genau daraus mehr wurde war nicht ersichtlich.
Ich habe nun zwei Bücher von dieser Autorin gelesen und von ihrem Schreibstil und ihren Geschichten leider nicht überzeugt. Das war es für mich mit diesen Reihen...
Ich habe nun zwei Bücher von dieser Autorin gelesen und von ihrem Schreibstil und ihren Geschichten leider nicht überzeugt. Das war es für mich mit diesen Reihen...
May 16, 2015
Good but long. There was a few chapters I skimmed as it seemed to drag on. The middle though where all the action happened, now that was good and spell-binding. I couldn't put it down at that point.
Miranda always knew she didn't fit in with her family. She was different. She didn't know how different until she stumbled through a vortex into the magical world and met Sariel. Here she learns of magic.. her magic.. and of the fight the people with magic against an evil man intent on taking over the world.
The grown-up scenes were glossed over so don't expect any really steamy scenes. I actually didn't mind that as I was focused more on the action scenes than the bedroom scenes.
This is a trilogy. I don't think I will pick up the next book. Worth a read though.
Miranda always knew she didn't fit in with her family. She was different. She didn't know how different until she stumbled through a vortex into the magical world and met Sariel. Here she learns of magic.. her magic.. and of the fight the people with magic against an evil man intent on taking over the world.
The grown-up scenes were glossed over so don't expect any really steamy scenes. I actually didn't mind that as I was focused more on the action scenes than the bedroom scenes.
This is a trilogy. I don't think I will pick up the next book. Worth a read though.
January 29, 2016
Poet Miranda Stead has never quite felt like she fit in. Then she meets mysterious Sariel Valasay, a man who can read her thoughts and heal with a touch. Sariel has been warned not to get involved with Miranda. It could put both hers and Sariel's lives in danger, as there are others like Sariel who can read thoughts and have special powers, but choose to use them for evil purposes rather than good. As the attraction and connection between Miranda and Sariel grows stronger, Miranda begins to realize she's not as different from Sariel as she initially thought she was.
This is a very good paranormal romantic suspense. Miranda and Sariel are likable characters, and a good team as they fight for not only their own lives, but for humankind as well.
This is a very good paranormal romantic suspense. Miranda and Sariel are likable characters, and a good team as they fight for not only their own lives, but for humankind as well.
December 8, 2023
[tretie čítanie, november 2023] Aj po rokoch si o knihe myslím zhruba to isté. Zaujímavý magický systém, zaujímavý príbeh, ale celkové naivné spracovanie z toho robí maximálne oddychové čítanie na nudný nedeľný večer. Aj také ale občas treba.
3,5
Myslím, že aj po toľkých rokoch mám na knihu stále ten istý názor. Čítala sa rýchlo, postavy boli zaujímavé, rovnako aj námet, len spracovanie akoby sa občas autorke vymklo spod kontroly. Vymyslela fascinujúc svet, len ten občas pripomínal cirkus na kolieskach. Niektoré detaily nedomyslela tak dobre, ako sa nazdávala.
3,5
Myslím, že aj po toľkých rokoch mám na knihu stále ten istý názor. Čítala sa rýchlo, postavy boli zaujímavé, rovnako aj námet, len spracovanie akoby sa občas autorke vymklo spod kontroly. Vymyslela fascinujúc svet, len ten občas pripomínal cirkus na kolieskach. Niektoré detaily nedomyslela tak dobre, ako sa nazdávala.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews