Maya Voland doesn’t want to spend her senior year in the cold, isolated town of Shine, Vermont. Reeling from the death of her father and the discovery that her life is a carefully constructed set of lies, Maya wants to escape to a place where she can be invisible.
The residents of Shine can’t let Maya leave. She’s too important to their cause. A manipulator by nature, Maya was born with an extraordinary ability to influence the emotions and actions of others. Shiners will go to great lengths to train her to use those gifts to further their agenda, before other, more sinister forces intercede.
Shea Knightly has been waiting most of his life for Maya to come back home to Shine. He, too, has powers of persuasion and he’s never encountered a girl who can say no to his stunning looks and overwhelming charm. He’ll pull out all the stops to bring Maya into the fold.
Now Maya must decide—is the intense attraction she feels for Shea reciprocated, or is he just feeding her more lies to draw her into the dangerous world of the Shiners? Even if there is something real between them, what price is she willing to pay to make his cause her own?
Eva Gerald is a mother of two beautiful, active boys and an in-house attorney for a small software company. Needing to fill her endless hours of free time, Eva decided to write a novel. Three short years later, Peacemaker was ready for publication. Just in case she was tempted to go to bed at a decent hour on a regular basis, she decided to make it a series and is diligently working on the next book.
Eva lives in upstate New York with her supremely tolerant and supportive husband and two boys.
Peacemaker drove me quickly from the appearance of a mundane story, into the fascination of seeing oneself tumbling down the rabbit hole. After a sequence of events that could have been discounted as ordinary, Maya starts progressively revealing the deeper stories that lie beneath every stone she turns. While still remaining connected to a reality that one could have pretended to be normal, a parallel story of courage and discovery unfolds with unsuspected turns.
Most of all, I found Peacemaker to be a tale of self-discovery and self-appreciation. Revealing of how much we want and need for others to believe in ourselves, so that we can indeed let the best part of us grow and emerge. A true sense of empowerment develops as Maya opens the many doors of her internal journey. Honest to her human flaws, Maya dives into a new world with steps that mix courage with self-indulgence, fantasy with self-consciousness. Maya walks her path by letting curiosity overcome fear, while keeping us at the edge where foolishness and heroism can barely be told apart.
An immersive read that make us discover that true power comes in many shapes and forms.
WOW. I'll start by saying the I won this book from a giveaway right here at home on Goodreads. Never did I expect to enjoy this book as much as I did. Peacemaker sucked me into the life of Maya Voland. While her life has been recently tragic, she still remains to be and increasingly strong character who I can't help but relate with. While her story already starts out mysterious, more and more mystery and even suspense gets added into the pile of her ever-changing life. I give this book an honest 5 out of 5 stars and I really cant wait for book #2. I recommend this book for anyone who enjoys a good book. ;)
I was given this book in exchange for an honest review on “Lovers of Paranormal”. Peacemaker was a captivating and exciting read. I really enjoyed Maya. She’s strong-willed and often funny, and I loved her evolving dynamic with Shea. But Gerald’s writing is the big winner of this book. It pulled me in to the story, and I didn’t want to put it down until finished. Can’t wait for the next installment!
*I received a digital copy of this novel from the author*
Maya is stuck in small town hell. Forced to move from Virginia to Vermont after the unexpected death of her father, Maya just wants to be invisible and let senior year pass by so she can get the EFF out of Shine.
If only it was that simple.
She catches the attention of Tristan, a popular boy from a well-known family. He rushes this shy girl into introductions for half the town and she gets the feeling that something is odd about the town of Shine.
After being pressured into attending a party, she meets Shea, Tristan’s older brother and he’s gorgeous of course. And he tells Tristan he’s not ready to meet Maya yet, he actually throws a bit of a temper tantrum about it, and again Maya wonders what the hell is wrong with this town.
But the next day, there is Shea waiting for her after school; ready to teach her about the town and the people in it.
During her time with Shea, she learns all about her family secrets and also about her powers. And apparently the whole town of Shine has similar powers. Including Shea, and he’s also supposed to be something like her mate. While Maya feels a strong attraction to him, she can’t help but wonder if his attraction to her is real or out of duty. Maya tangles with a jealous ex-girlfriend, meets family she never knew she had, and battles with an Ex-Shine resident turned evil.
Maya is very important to the town of Shine. It’s possible she might be a Peacemaker, someone with great abilities that only comes once every few generations. Maya is the one thing that may keep evil forces out of Shine.
I liked this book. It moved at a very fast pace, never a dull moment. There were a few plot holes and I’m still not quite sure what the powers are and what they are used for. Though Shea was the typical YA book male hottie, it was nice that Maya wasn’t falling all over herself to be with him. She is very attracted to him, but questions the realness of his affections.
Tristan and Shea try to avoid answering a lot of Maya’s questions, which gets a bit annoying because it happens quite often. Maya wonders something, they avoid answering and the truth comes out anyways.
Fallon (the ex-girlfriend) was standard bullying bitchy “how can he be with you when he has me” type character that so often appears in YA books.
The mother daughter relationship seems very strained and odd in the beginning but once more things are explained it’s easier to understand.
A few of the gripes I have with the book could have been easily fixed with a better editor but overall, I was entertained. It was a quick, easy read that kept me interested enough to want to stick around for a sequel.
Read the Guest Post by the Author, Eva Gerald, and other reviews at Punk's House of Books
I received this book in exchange for an honest review from LoP
I started reading Peacemaker with low expectations because the paranormal Y/A genre has been filling up with people jumping on the twilight bandwagon and that just isn't my cup of tea. After the first few pages, I cracked open a can of pop, wrapped up in a blanket and settled in for a long night.
This book is one of my new favorites. Just like any other paranormal Y/A book that's hot right now, it has romance, drama, and just enough teen angst. But unlike all the other paranormal books, it's introduced a new concept. Something that we (the readers) don't know anything about from the start. It's not vampires, no ghosts, so we don't go into it thinking "You suck blood and don't sleep at night, got it." We're learning right along side the main character Maya. This is incredibly refreshing.
I'm firm in my belief that if I say I'll do something honestly, I'm going to do it. So I scrutinized everything I could have found wrong with this book. Besides a few spelling errors (not enough for me to drop a star), there really wasn't anything I didn't like. Maya is independent enough, I never got sick of her. She didn't whine or rely on Shea to a nauseating degree, our other main character. Shae wasn't emotionally, verbally, or physically abusive, so we're all good there. Maybe one small thing, some people may not like the idea of a 17 year old girl becoming romantically involved with a 20 year old guy. But honestly, I couldn't care less.
Peacemaker pulled me in, I didn't want it to end but I couldn't stop reading either. It took me a total of 6 hours to finish, and I'm mad at myself for finishing it, but oh my god I am excited for #2.
Overall, 5 stars for this nicely written, gripping story. A big thank you to the author as well for not making our heroine a whiny sniveling mess of a girl that relied on every one else to decide things for her, I'm tired of seeing that.
I thought the story would not meet my expectations because the cover didn't attract me at all. But the story is actually great! It's full of secrets, mysteries, and revelation that would totally make hold of you until the end. It's not boring at all since you wanted to know the answers to all the questions about Maya's life -- who she really is.
Maya holds a very strong character. Strong enough to be able to carry all the things that are happening around her. You cannot say she's weak because she was able to cope up with her new surroundings especially with the new people that she would have to deal with with her new slash old life. She never thought moving to Shine would give her the answers she's looking for ever since.
As for Tristan and Shea, I love them both! But there is something about Shea that made me love him a little bit more. He may be the still and quiet type of guy, but he's there all along for Maya. It's like she's stronger with him around. He doesn't say much words of encouragement, but his actions do. At first I thought he didn't like the presence of Maya around... but I was wrong. Totally wrong.
In every book, there will always be a bitch that every reader (I guess) would hate. And in this book, that would be Fallon. I hate her so much! She's such an overly attached girlfriend. She looks up to herself as if she's the most beautiful girl in the world and she's the only person her boyfriend needed in his life. Which is not, obviously. Her jealousy over Maya is OA. I don't get why she wanted to get Maya's ass out of Shine when in fact Maya is not doing anything to her. I want to pull her out of the book and pull her hair!
This book is a page turner. There are may unexpected events that happened here that'll make you want more. Family secrets. New-found friends. Unexpected love life. They're all here.
Maya Voland is forced to move to Shine after the tragic death of her father. As she came to Shine she unexpectedly becomes popular to most of the people of Shine. As she learns to accept her current situation she learns more about the truths that were hidden from her and that Shine is a place were people with special abilities live. Later on, she discovers her abilities with the help of Shea and learns about the "Peacemaker". She is important to Shine and she has a mission and danger lurks around them.
I find peacemaker quite refreshing. The concept of Shine, it's people, and their abilities are interesting. I find reading it in fast pace and it becomes more interesting as you read it. The budding romance of Maya and Shea builds pent up sexual frustration but it feels very real and they both connect despite always having arguments.
Maya has a strong character which I like but for me she is too headstrong and stubborn that I mostly find it annoying throughout the whole story. I hated Shea at first because their first meeting wasn't really good but then he knows when to apologize to Maya and I find it hilarious when Maya wraps him around her little finger. Tristan is a good friend for Maya as well but he too gives in to Maya's wants. Maya, once she decided on something there is no changing her mind and there was one part that I feel she deserved how she felt because it was her ignorance and plain stubbornness to push things through without thinking how it will affect her and to those people who cares for her.
I just want to mention I really hate Fallon despite what people kept saying about her.
Although Ben and Ryan are a big surprise to the story which I wasn't expecting and I can't wait for Book 2.
I received this book in exchange for an honest review(LoP or Lovers of Paranormal)
It is definitely NOT boring. This book was a roller-coaster... in a good way. Sadness, depression, anger, frustration, possession, romance, self-doubt, evil and out-of body experiences - you name it-this book had it. In the beginning, as the reader, you feel Maya's frustration with the vagueness of the story. You (and Maya) want to know what the heck is going on and you want to know now! Initially, I was irritated that Maya seemed to be going along with whatever decisions people she barely knew made for her while at the same time being upset that they were making those decisions because it didn't seem believable since she is such a head-strong character; but you come to understand that the actual decisions (in the beginning) aren't really her own. Eventually Maya comes to understand that the people of the town are slowly easing her into realizing her own abilities and it appears as though she is tricked into the "cage" that is Shine. I would describe this book as a kind of creepy paranormal romance. In my opinion, it does not have the same romantic intensity as Twilight; Peacemaker is more of a suspense story with a little romance thrown in. This is a book that teens and adults can both enjoy. The reason I didn't give it the full 5-star rating is because I think it had the potential to be a bit more fast-paced by bringing Justin, Ben and Ryan into the mix much sooner and with more development. I would've also liked to have learned more about the town of Shine and its history...that part seemed kind of jumbled up in the mix and forgettable. I can see this book easily becoming a movie...I would LOVE to see the eerie town of Shine come to life. And talk about a dramatic-leave you hanging-ending...I NEED the second book in this series now please!!!
**I was given this book in exchange for an honest review, Lovers of Paranormal.**
This was actually a really cool concept. I loved the world of Shine, Vermont.
The characters were great...except for Fallon, it got to the point where I'd really didn't even want to read her parts and just skim through her antics because they'd piss me off so much and really, can everyone stop sticking up for the bitch?!!? LOL sorry I just needed to get that out.
Anyway the rest of the characters I enjoyed, most notably...Tristan!!! I loved him. I also liked Shea & Maya together...Shea needs someone to keep him in line and if Maya isn't perfect for the job, I don't know who is!
I loved the idea of the "Peacemaker", so I can't wait to see how that pans out as of the series progresses.
My one critique is that sometimes I felt like Maya...that everything was thrown at me and I just had to process ALL of this massive information instantly without background information or preparation. I don't know it felt rushed sometimes and I would have liked to savor reach new revelation more.
Overall, great book 1, I look forward to reading more :)
I received this book from the Author and Lovers of Paranormal at Goodreads.com for an honest review. Nnnnnnooooooooo ....... it cannot end!!! Absolutely incredible - what a story and what a tale. I loved this story - it was fresh, well written, extremely interesting, exciting, heart wrenching and so much more. The characters are so well defined and I instantly had a piece of my heart going out to each one of them (Well except Fallon but I am sure that will change with time) The concept of the story was completely new to me in terms of what the characters were able to do and this led me reading the book but dreading the last page. The love/ attraction/duty between Shea and Maya have me on passions edge, I will die if Ben messes this all up as I am all about Shea - hot, steamy and sexy- my cup of tea. The author has hit the head on all the nails for me and the twist with the Knightly's long lost brother coming into the picture has me waiting in anticipation as to what the author still has up her sleaves. Bravo!!!
I really enjoyed this story because the concept was new and different. Ms. Gerald created an interesting community of people (Shiners) who not only have strange powers to influence others, but who use those powers to change the world for the better.
Maya is a headstrong girl who moves to the strange town of Shine after the death of her father. As she gets to know the residents of the town better, secrets are exposed and she soon finds herself immersed in a world of supernatural powers and unbelievable expectations. If she accepts the responsibilities that the Shiners demand of her, she will have very little choice in her future, including who she should love. Maya has to decide if she can trust the Shiners . . . and her heart.
The premise for this story was really clever and well thought out, seamlessly bringing several mysterious storylines together in the end. If you're looking for something completely different in paranormal romance, Peacemaker delivers. I'd say fans of Jessica Shirvington's The Violet Eden Chapters will really enjoy this book.
I think the YA/Paranormal romance genre has definitely hit its mark with Peacemaker by Eva Gerald. There is something for everyone. I’ll admit…I’m one of those bad people that judges a book by its cover. Shame, shame, I know. I almost passed on the tour because I didn’t know if I’d get into the book, seeing as how the cover didn’t really ‘speak’ to me. I decided to go for it, since the story sounded interesting enough. And boy was it! I absolutely loved reading it…I didn’t see parts of it coming. It was wonderful to learn about the possibility of remoting. The romance aspect was perfect and sweet.
I received this book in exchange for an honest review LoP
This book was like Pringles once I popped it I couldn't put it down, much to my husband and sons pleas. I found myself drawn to Maya and Shea like a moth to a flame I found the connection real and unforced. However, he I'd definitely hiding something with Fallon. I am eager to find out Rachel's deal too. I believe there is something there for her and Tristin. Ryan being the soulless guy and the brother.that was lost shocked my. I am super excited to read the next book in the series eve though my family may not be.
I was given this book in exchange for an honest review, Lovers of Paranormal.
This book is a unique idea, very intriguing and pulls the reader in quickly. I just couldn't put it down. I read the entire book in one afternoon/evening.
The novel is very well written. Gerald crafts her characters perfectly so that the reader engages with them, going on the journey alongside them. Maya is strong and independent. She embraces the change of a new town and her new supernatural life without whining or moping.
This is one of my favorite books I have ever read! Maya and Shea are perfect main characters who are well developed and they are never boring. The flow of the book is good and the plot was interesting and action packed. One of my favorite parts of the book is the town they live in and the author did a great job of making it easy to understand and visualize. I would recommend the is book to anyone (teen, tween or adult) and I can really see this book becoming a great movie as well.
Great, truly original premise. I thought Maya was interesting, believable, and someone you could root for. Shea is hot, sexy, and believably imperfect. It made him all the more interesting. The complications and plot developments piled up at the end and I can not wait to see how they will be resolved. This is one of the best YA's I have read in a long time.
Great world building and excellent, original story line! Book one in a series. I can't wait for book two! I started reading yesterday and finished it this morning. The only drawback is the abrupt ending, which makes you want more, but book two is not out yet. Despite that, I'd say this book is well worth a five star rating. If you like paranormal stories, you'll love Peacemaker by Eva Gerald.
This was a great book with marvelous storytelling, that draws you into the story. The main character, Maya's, personality is well formed and will make you never want to put the book down. This book expertly combines convincing characters and a great plot to keep you reading
*i received this book for an honest review. eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeek. i loved this book it was amazing.i loved Maya she was a great heroine. Shea was just a new book boyfriend to add to my list. it was amazing and i loved the shockers. i cant wait for the next book in these series.
Delicious! this book had the perfect blend of snarky characters, yummy males and heroines who grow and mature as the story unfolds. Gerald does a great job with world and plot development, but if Shaw does not get partially naked in the next book, I may have to stage a coup. that boy is pure yum.
Peacemaker was an exciting journey with Maya and Shea - I couldn't put it down waiting to see what would happen next! A nice blend of fantasy with a budding romance made it a page turner.
I was surprised at the direction the book took as I didn't know what to expect. I'm not usually interested in fantasy, but this grabbed my interest immediately. I can't wait for book 2.
This book is great! I couldn't put it down. It was a page turner, suspenseful from start to finish. It was so refreshing to read a book that explored such a new and unique concept.