Circle of Five

Pha Yul #1

by Jan Raymond

Circle of Five is the first book in the Pha Yul trilogy.

After a sudden lightning storm, Sam, Cassie, Ryan, Maya and Seb find that they’ve acquired strange and amazing powers. Confused and scared, they turn to Mr. Harris, a teacher in their school, who offers to help them control their powers.

But is there more to Mr. Harris than meets the eye? His cryptic explanations about their powers, how and why they manifested, leaves the five kids with more questions than answers. Can they trust Mr. Harris? Is he telling them the truth, or does he have his own reasons for helping them? What is the truth behind the secret society that he belongs to? The children try to figure out the answers as they work towards gaining control over their powers.

Unknown to them, danger lingers near. They have to face the threat and put their lives at risk. They must learn to trust one another and combine their powers to survive…will they make it? Are their powers strong enough? And will they finally find the answers they seek?

Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult, Science Fiction, Aliens, Fiction, Adventure, Paranormal

302 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 8, 2014

About the author

Jan Raymond is a single mom, juggling work and home. She lives with her two girls and a needy basset hound. She's fulfilled a life long dream of writing a book. Her debut novel 'Circle Of Five' is out, and she is busy finishing the second book of the Pha Yul trilogy.

When she is not living deep in Pha Yul, she likes chilling with her girls, cooking up a storm, and hanging out with her rather large family.

She was a teacher for many years and one day, she decided that it was time to get down and do what she had always wanted to do. So, she quit her job and got down to writing her first book. She freelances as a social media executive, and writes blogs, articles etc.

Reviews

[James Chalk · Rating 5 out of 5]

A well written super powers awakening adventure!
While it seems to be intended for young adults, I think it makes for a fun read at any age. I was captured by the end of chapter one and barely put the book down until I was done. Woven into the story are various lessons about life and morality, but as with all good stories they are embedded seamlessly into the action. All of the central characters are well done with different strengths and weaknesses. One of the lessons is that they are far more when working together. Another lesson to be learned is what not to do as a parent. We see some good examples of this in the book. Although the book is definitely just the first installment in a larger story, it stands alone as a very enjoyable classic superhero origins tale. I can’t wait to read the next book. I am especially looking forward to seeing Sam grow more confident and powerful, or at least I hope that is what will happen.

[C.N. · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the things I most liked about this book was the blend of the five chosen. This was a great mix between rich and poor, sporty and nerdy, boy and girl and arguing siblings. Everyone had something to offer when the change came and how they worked together was very well shown.

Mr. Harris adds to the tension and mystery throughout as the circle are put to the test and must develop their powers as a team as well as individuals. Thrilling read and I am looking forward to the second book.

[Angie Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

**I received a free copy of this book from the author in exchange for my fair and honest review. **

“Circle of Five” is a great adventure and coming-of-age tale for all ages. The prologue starts the reader out with a fantastical scene and mystery all in one. The start of the book hooked me and made me want to keep reading just to find out how everything would tie together. The five teens represent a wide range of characters, each with their own personality that leaps off the page. I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know each one as the pages turned and the story progressed. Their first scene together in detention reminded me somewhat of an unusual twist on the “The Breakfast Club” crowd.

The plot itself is so interesting and I really want to say a lot about it, but I don’t want to spoil anything. What I can say is that the book took my imagination for a wild journey down roads I’ve never traveled. It is definitely a book you’ll want to read, and a great start to what’s sure to be a fantastic series!

[Joey Paul · Rating 5 out of 5]

CIRCLE OF FIVE tells the story of five young people who are gifted with special powers linked to a mysterious community. They are put through their training by their teacher, Mr. Harris and told to tell no one the truth about their powers. Each of the teenagers has a separate gift except the youngest, who seems to be unable to do anything like the others can. I found myself relating to Sam as he struggled to find what special power he'd been given through the lightening strike and it seems that even their teacher, coach and confidant doesn't even know. The book follows them as they start to learn more and control what they are able to do. They are all interlinked with each other and it explores a lot of the connection between the five.

Jan Rayomnd is an excellent writer and knows how to tell a good story, she has a way with words that allows you to follow and begin to see where things are going, but once you think you know you've gotten ahead and can see what is coming, you'll be blasted in the face by a left turn that takes the story in a completely different direction. Once I started reading, I didn't want to stop and it's an excellent start to what is looking to be a great series in the young adult genre. It's well written, engaging, exciting and I highly recommend it to those who like YA paranormal fiction. I am looking forward to the next book in the trilogy.

[Linda Watkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jan Raymond’s first book in her Pha Yul trilogy, CIRCLE OF FIVE, introduces the reader to five young teens (Cassie, Sam, Maya, Ryan and Sebastian) who come from diverse backgrounds and attend the same school. Stuck in detention together during a strange electrical storm, they are frightened and perplexed when they begin to exhibit super powers. A teacher (their coach), brings them together and transports them briefly to a meeting with a mysterious secret society high in the mountains of Tibet. Once back at home, he acts as the children’s “guide”, helping them learn how to harness and control their new abilities.

Ms. Raymond’s novel draws you in right from the start! The characters are well written, engaging and complex. The plot moves along at an exciting pace and, at the end, the reader is left with many questions and hungry for the next entry in this series. While targeted for young adults, like the Harry Potter books, this is an enjoyable read for people of all ages. I highly recommend this novel to all who enjoy paranormal fantasy and a suspenseful read. Can’t wait for the next installment!

[Christina Paul · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book more than I had expected. I don't know why I'm always so surprised when I find a YA book which manages to keep my attention, but I still am.

Several months ago, I "met" Jan Raymond at an author's event we both attended, and after hearing about her book, I asked her if she would send me a copy. She wasn't looking for a review, but since I thought this was a fabulous book, I decided to write one for her anyway.

Circle of Five has an interesting and fairly complex story line. The characters are all very well developed, and the book leaves you wanting more, which is a definite bonus when it is the first book in a trilogy. I could easily see this being turned into a movie, so watch out Hunger Games, you may be sharing the screen with PhaYul before long.

I give Circle of Five 4 1/2 stars, and I am looking forward to reading the next installment.

[C.L. Heckman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book from the first page. The story follows a group of teenagers brought together by a common bond, that they don’t realize exists. The way the author builds the characters helps you to fall in love with them. Maya, Seb, Ryan, Cassie, and Sam, are all from different cliques, and normally wouldn’t be caught in the same room together. However, one day of detention changes that in a flash and suddenly they are left counting on each other to keep safe.

I thought the story was well written, and the characters were well developed and believable. The plot was interesting and kept me hooked to keep reading. I don’t want to say too much, because I don’t want to give away anything, but I think it is a must read for any gender or age. I am looking forward to the release of the next book in the series, because now I am hooked.

[John Carter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Circle of Five by Jan Raymond is one of those books that instantly pulls you in and doesn't let go. I had a hard time putting this well-written story down. Raymond has created engaging characters who find themselves along with their new powers. The underlying themes are excellently crafted and woven into a well thought out plot that rolls along nicely. The pages were filled with vivid description and by the end of the book the characters felt like old friends. I hated to turn the last page of this one and look forward to the second book! Young adults and adults alike will enjoy this engaging tale. 5 well-deserved stars!!

[John Rebell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! I have to say that Jan Raymond has a very compelling way to capture one's attention with her imagination. The situations in the book are quite entertaining and well written. I liked that it captures you from the very beginning. This is a new author for me and I really liked the book. The writing was descriptive, and the characters well drawn. I enjoyed the story line and the suspense. I also think that other readers will like this book as much as I did. Overall, I found that this book takes you on a roller coaster ride - in both sci-fi/fantasy/mystery/adventure and emotionally! This book will leave you wanting more.

[Hunter Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Circle of Five is one of those books which has an alluring cover, it draws you into the story before you even begin reading.

This is the story of five children who discover new powers after surviving a traumatic storm. Their common bond only serves to make their friendships stronger.

This is a fantastic story. You will fall in love with the characters as they overcome their struggles and you will see a bit of yourself in each one, which is what makes a story great.

I look forward to reading more works from this talented author.

[Jennifer Loiske · Rating 5 out of 5]

I started to read this book on a lazy Saturday morning and before I noticed I had almost finished it. The storyline is very captivating and the characters quite realistic. I loved that this story has something for everyone and somehow felt a bit of a ‘rebel’ in its genre. That said even though this is obviously aimed at young adult readers I think this is a story that everyone who loves a good fantasy story with a hint of magic will enjoy. I can’t wait to read the next installment in this series!

I can easily see this book turning into a major movie!

[Jen Greyson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A super start for Raymond. This is a fantastic kick-off to what will become a favorite series of mine. The kids are well-developed and the settings create rich backdrops for their powers.

Excited to see where the series leads!

[Jim Goforth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sam, Cassie, Sebastian, Maya and Ryan are five ordinary young kids who become somewhat extraordinary, due to a freak lightning storm which affects every single one of them while they are all together in after-school detention.
Thus begins Jan Raymond’s ‘Circle of Five (Book 1)’, the first in what will be a trilogy.
From this point on, the Circle of Five themselves, this group of youngsters who have various ties to one another, be they siblings or the fact that they share classes together, must undergo an assortment of trials and tribulations under the watchful eye of one Mister Harris, who seems to be a little more than a mere school teacher. As they experience more of the unusual powers that have been bestowed upon them on this fateful day in detention, things get decidedly interesting.
Though the target audience of this is primarily young adults, Circle of Five is something that will have broad appeal to these readers and adults alike especially those who enjoy fantasy, and as well as being a great story full of life lessons, it has some pretty good underlying themes that people of all ages can certainly take a thing or two away from.
The author has that special knack of making the reader care about what happens to her characters; they are likeable, nicely developed and just about all of us should be able to empathise with at least one of the chief protagonists.
Circle of Five is thoroughly engaging, well written with an easy reading style and rather than being one of those blink and it’s over stories, has a great length to it, ensuring you can immerse yourself in the adventures of Sam and his friends without fearing it is going to be over before it has started.
On its own merits it is an excellent fantasy voyage with wide appeal, and as the first book in a trilogy it definitely whets the appetite and keeps one enthused for the next instalment.

[Steve LeBel · Rating 5 out of 5]

As the story opens, we are introduced to five different kids: Sebastian, the spoiled rich kid, Ryan, the school jock, Maya, daughter of a divorced doctor parents living with her mom, and Cassie and Sam, brother and sister in a dysfunctional family. They have little in common except the detention they share because of arriving late to school one day. In the days that follow, they puzzle through the mystery of what happened during that hour of detention.

The author, Jan Raymond, has a gift for description, easily creating vivid images of the children, the scenes, and even the family dynamics each child faced at home. She clearly understands students, their doubts and fears, and all the teenage angst that comes with that age. It was fun to watch the children come together as they trained under the demanding regimen of their mentor. I was as delighted as any of the kids when their powers began to emerge and to blossom.

Not just a story of emerging powers, it is a story of children whose training and hard work matures them and makes them better people. As they learn to use, control and strengthen their powers, the plot twists and turns through surprising directions as they discover themselves in a larger web of intrigue in which they face real life and death struggles where they must use their powers to survive. A fascinating story where each child, with his/her own unique personality and ability, has a critical role to play.

I loved the book and I am looking forward to the next book to see what happens next. Five stars!

[Clarissa Simmens · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first lesson learned from Circle of Five is that we are never too old for magic. From the opening page Jan Raymond engaged me by weaving a spell using plot, imagery and character development as main ingredients. We are presented with five students who discover their special powers after an electrical storm. Super powers may be endowed but there is definitely a cost in learning how to use them. The author's realistic touches (such as the importance of a healthy diet, exercise and wholesome habits) enhance the story with good advice for the super and not-so-super among us readers. However, there are several lip-biting action scenes that made me forget I was reading a book instead of watching a film, due to the wonderfully descriptive language. Because this is Part 1 of a series, Ms. Raymond meticulously built upon each character while slowly developing their powers. From the promise of the prologue's mysterious crumpled piece of paper to the hint of other groups of five—somewhere in a Tibetan community--our imagination can anticipate the potential for future conflicts and exciting plot twists in the sequels. A cannotputdownable book!

[Christoph Fischer · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Circle of Five” by Jan Raymond is an exquisite magical adventure story that should please young adults and adults alike. Five unlikely partners in crime find themselves as the circle of five from the title when an electric storm during their detention gives them superpowers.
The dislikes and tensions between the five are really well written and are as good as Enid Blyton to me. I enjoyed their struggles and their ‘being stuck with each other’ very much, particularly the brother-sister team that have their own problems.
The teacher from detention helps the youngsters develop their skills and how to use them.
But there is the matter of the mystical beginning, a message, a death and its unknown consequences that carries a lingering promise of something bigger.
To me, the biggest strength of the novel lies in the great characterisation of the circle as they learn to overcome their differences and become friends. You rarely find such heart-warming story telling any more. It is beautifully plotted and unfolds cleverly. The story stops at a good point but leaves enough to be continued.
I look forward to the next part of the adventure. Highly recommended.

[Patrick Heffernan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'll preface this all by saying I am a huge fan of coming-of-age tales. But this one downright knocked my socks off, because when these five kids start coming of age, they do it in spades! Sam and Cassie are brother and sister, but more or less despise one another. Sebastian is a spoiled rich kid. Ryan is a jock. And Maya is your average teenage girl. None of them, on the surface, have much in common. But one day, the five serve a detention at school together and a freak electrical storm brews up. And then the five each begin to exhibit otherworldly powers. As they work with the school football coach to grow into their powers, to learn to focus and control those powers, an array of forces begin to coalesce against them, binding them tighter and tighter to one another as they fight for their very lives. Jan Raymond is to be complimented for weaving all these seemingly disparate threads into an amazing tapestry. I can't wait for her next installment!

[Jana Petken · Rating 5 out of 5]

Five adolescents are struck by lightening during detention and lose their memory, whilst gaining a terrible migraine. When it becomes apparent that all five have been affected by unusual powers, they begin to feel that a strange phenomena is at work. Guided By Mr Harris, who is connected to a secret, powerful community going back hundreds of years, the five begin to grow as a group, learning and harnessing their new powers with Mr Harris's help.

This book is intended to reach young adults, however I enjoyed it from start to finish. There are many lessons to be learnt here; good and not so good parenting, sibling rivalry turning to understanding and respect, growth in character, and working together in a team, which brings greater results.
It was an easy read but kept me engaged throughout. An excellent first novel from Ms Raymond.

[Courtney Vail · Rating 5 out of 5]

Circle of Five begins a little choppy as it's bouncing you from character to character while only giving you a sliver of who they are, but don't worry. The perspectives of Sam, Sabastian, Ryan, Cassy and Maya, are expertly woven together as the story unfolds to give you an adventure that all starts with a Breakfast Club-like detention. Only, the new perceptions the students in Circle of Five gain also come along with special powers that first start appearing after a strange electrical storm. Their teacher Mr. Harris, also one with special powers, mentors them and helps them learn to control and harness their powers. Supernatural elements and mixed perfectly with the ordinary, everyday, teen experience to ground readers with the truth that these are just kids, who now bear a huge responsibility and must be forced to see the world differently. This was a fantastic and fun read.

[Jada Ryker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Young Adult Fantasy/Science Fiction

Five very different teens find themselves drawn into an unexpected group. Sam and Cassie are siblings, with more than the normal rivalries. Ryan is a football player tired of being controlled by his beautiful young girlfriend. Maya, whose mother is dating Seb's father, hates the handsome blonde youth.

The events send the five teens to Mr. Harris, a school teacher and football coach. His role is to help them to control and appropriately use the powers. The teacher trains them in the school gym.

Jan Raymond's Circle of Five is the first book in the series. I normally don't like prologues. However, Ms. Raymond's prologue was the perfect beginning for the story. The adventures of the five teens and their interactions with one another dovetail into a perfect story for young adult readers.

[Georgia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Circle of Five is about five children who discover their incredible powers after an electrical storm. From there they go through rigorous training, develop solid friendships and go through some traumatic experiences together only to come out stronger on the other side.

This is a wonderfully written YA story. It was so nice to read a book that focused on friendship rather than a love triangle or sex for a change and there is a character for everyone to love. Of course, mine was Sam. He's so sweet you just want to rip him from the page and cuddle him...I have a feeling he's going to be doing some amazing things in the next instalment in the series....

The author left us a titbit about the five competing and I'm more than intrigued as to what the next book will entail!!! HIGHLY RECOMMENDED to everyone.

[Susan Tarr · Rating 5 out of 5]

Five kids are all late for school. They each end up in detention, in the same classroom, when a freak electrical storm occurs, releasing in each of them their new powers. Almost immediately their perception, vision and appetites all increase. They find this difficult to comprehend and are loathe to share what’s going on in case they are the only one it is happening to. The descriptions of the events that take place at the holiday resort are quite amazing; it’s basically the holiday from hell. And the keeping of their secret is a hard thing, though it shouldn’t be when they’re all keeping the same secret. So it’s good versus evil. A refreshing story with a good moral, cleanly written. Well done, Jan Raymond.

[D.K. Cassidy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sam, Cassie, Ryan, Maya and Seb have all been given detention after school. What would normally be a boring punishment turns into an adventure for these five teens. After an electric storm, they acquire special powers. It is up to one of their teachers, Mr. Harris to guide them, helping them understand what’s happened. This story takes you from the classroom to Tibet! I won’t tell you why; you should read the book to find out. You won’t be disappointed.

This novel is well written with strong character development. Although intended for a teen audience, I think the story appeals to adults as well.

[Eric Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed Circle of Five. Raymond does an excellent job of building the young adult characters so that by several chapter into the book, you feel like you have known them for years.

This book will appeal to all readers, young adults and adults alike. There is enough descriptive text and character development to satisfy demanding adult readers, while the expertly built plot will keep teens turning pages. After about five chapters, you will have a hard time putting this book down.

Looking forward to the next book in this series. Highly recommended.

[Bridgitte Lesley · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great start to a trilogy!

Jan Raymond is off to a great start in her trilogy with the first book Circle of Five! I get the feeling that this book is more about introducing us to the characters in the trilogy. You start to empathise with these youngsters as they try to figure out what is happening to them. The author keeps the story moving right through, and though this works as a stand alone book in itself, you are left hanging at the end, waiting to know what happens next. I guess I just have to wait till the sequel comes out!

[Suzanne Steele · Rating 5 out of 5]

Circle of Five was a real page turner! I started this book with no great expectations and it took me by surprise. The story moves along well and is fast paced. The relationships between the youngsters in the book feels real and is delightfully entertaining. They try to understand and control their powers with the help of someone that they aren’t sure if they can trust. Don’t want to give everything away, but watch out for the surprise ending. I would give it five stars!

[Lea Cherry · Rating 5 out of 5]

When an electric storm causes a group of 5 individuals to manifest their powers, things started getting a little crazy.

I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of this book. It had action, humor and the right amount of magic that causes this read to be un-put-down-able!!
The characters were well developed and I loved how it was written!!
Recommended for lovers of YA, fantasy and magic!

[Jodi Vaughn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Five ordinary students become extraordinary when they develop magic powers during a storm. This begins the journey for our characters as they strive to learn how to wield and nurture their new abilities.
Great characters and engrossing storyline! Can't wait to see what else this author has!
While this story is targeted toward YA, I think it is an enchanting read for the young at heart!

[K.T. · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an interesting take on the teenagers with special gifts novel. It's written through the view of each teenager and crafted so that the book runs along its storyline. Each of the teens comes from a different background and suffers from unique fears and inadequacies, reflected in the gift that each acquires. The differing viewpoints hang together well.

[Sheryl Seal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Circle of Five by Jan Raymond is an extremely imaginative coming-of-age story which should be enjoyed by all. Written creatively by the author, I loved the 'Circle of Five' and you will too!