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The Prospero Chronicles #1
Splinters
Under ordinary circumstances, Ben and Mina would never have had reason to speak to each other; he's an easy-going people person with a healthy skepticism about the paranormal, and she's a dangerously obsessive monster-hunter with a crippling fear of betrayal. But the small town of Prospero, California, has no ordinary circumstances to offer. In order to uncover a plot set by the seemingly innocent but definitely shapeshifting monsters-that-look-like-friends-family-and-neighbors, the two stark opposites must both find ways to put aside their differences and learn to trust each other.
328 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2014
16 people are currently reading
1268 people want to read
About the author
Fiona J.R. Titchenell
18 books150 followersFiona J.R. Titchenell is an author of Young Adult, Sci-Fi, and Horror fiction. She is represented by Fran Black of Literary Counsel and lives in San Gabriel, California with her husband, Matt Carter, and their pet king snake, Mica. She has also published under the initials F.J.R. Titchenell
Along with Goodreads, you can also find her at www.facebook.com/FjrTitchenell and twitter.com/FJR_Titchenell.
To arrange an appearance, interview, or book signing with Fiona J.R. Titchenell, contact her at fjrtitchenell@gmail.com.
My parents’ name is Titchenell. They called me F.J.R.,
A hint about my future and a lucky guess by far,
For J.R.R’s enduring world of evil versus good,
For Robins both of Locksley and the Hundred Acre Wood,
For Jane whose razor wit put all three Bronte girls to shame.
Fiona was my own before the ogre princess came.
They schooled me in my craft, but on my own I heard its call.
Whatever it gives b
ack to me, I give this task my all.
I’ll trade my days to feed myself and keep my happy home,
My heart can spend them safely locked in some remembered tome.
I’ll even do them well, my every bread-acquiring sham,
But don’t confuse the things I have to do with what I am.
I’m through and through a storyteller. That’s all I can be,
No matter if by day or night, for crowds or only me.
The use of words on paper to encourage and explore
The beauty of the human heart and mind is what I’m for.
I do this not because it’s easy nor for profit’s sake.
This life’s the one that chose me and the only one I’d take.
Along with Goodreads, you can also find her at www.facebook.com/FjrTitchenell and twitter.com/FJR_Titchenell.
To arrange an appearance, interview, or book signing with Fiona J.R. Titchenell, contact her at fjrtitchenell@gmail.com.
My parents’ name is Titchenell. They called me F.J.R.,
A hint about my future and a lucky guess by far,
For J.R.R’s enduring world of evil versus good,
For Robins both of Locksley and the Hundred Acre Wood,
For Jane whose razor wit put all three Bronte girls to shame.
Fiona was my own before the ogre princess came.
They schooled me in my craft, but on my own I heard its call.
Whatever it gives b
ack to me, I give this task my all.
I’ll trade my days to feed myself and keep my happy home,
My heart can spend them safely locked in some remembered tome.
I’ll even do them well, my every bread-acquiring sham,
But don’t confuse the things I have to do with what I am.
I’m through and through a storyteller. That’s all I can be,
No matter if by day or night, for crowds or only me.
The use of words on paper to encourage and explore
The beauty of the human heart and mind is what I’m for.
I do this not because it’s easy nor for profit’s sake.
This life’s the one that chose me and the only one I’d take.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
June 25, 2017
I received this book as part of a blog tour through YA Bound Book Tours for review. This does not alter or influence my review in any way.
In this book we follow two main characters who are living in a town where some weird things are happening. People are going missing regularly, the latest shows up at her own memorial service. Mina and Ben have to work together to hunt these 'things' and workout where they are coming from.
On first impressions this book was weird, yet wonderful. I loved the writing, there was just so much imagination so even though what you were reading was completely crazy, you felt as though it actually could be happening - it felt so real.
Character-wise, Mina was a nice girl, a little crazy, with some trust issues. The reasons behind those trust issues are brought to light further on as you read, which makes your heart break a little for her. Ben on the other hand, was very skeptical of Mina (as I would be if some girl I'd never met told me there were monsters who looked like humans all through the town and she needed your help to stop them from taking over). As time goes on, Ben has no choice but to believe her and the two of them embark on a monster-hunting expedition which will have some consequences for them both.
On the whole, I did enjoy this book. It was weird and creepy all wrapped up into one parcel of just plain crazy. In the edition that I received I was able to read the first chapter f the next book in the series, Shards, and it seems like it will be just as enjoyable as the first. It would be interesting to see what happens to Ben and Mina in the small town of Prospero, California.
Thank you to YA Bound Book Tours and the authors for allowing me to read and review this one!
*Originally posted on my blog www.booksarelove22.wordpress.com
In this book we follow two main characters who are living in a town where some weird things are happening. People are going missing regularly, the latest shows up at her own memorial service. Mina and Ben have to work together to hunt these 'things' and workout where they are coming from.
On first impressions this book was weird, yet wonderful. I loved the writing, there was just so much imagination so even though what you were reading was completely crazy, you felt as though it actually could be happening - it felt so real.
Character-wise, Mina was a nice girl, a little crazy, with some trust issues. The reasons behind those trust issues are brought to light further on as you read, which makes your heart break a little for her. Ben on the other hand, was very skeptical of Mina (as I would be if some girl I'd never met told me there were monsters who looked like humans all through the town and she needed your help to stop them from taking over). As time goes on, Ben has no choice but to believe her and the two of them embark on a monster-hunting expedition which will have some consequences for them both.
On the whole, I did enjoy this book. It was weird and creepy all wrapped up into one parcel of just plain crazy. In the edition that I received I was able to read the first chapter f the next book in the series, Shards, and it seems like it will be just as enjoyable as the first. It would be interesting to see what happens to Ben and Mina in the small town of Prospero, California.
Thank you to YA Bound Book Tours and the authors for allowing me to read and review this one!
*Originally posted on my blog www.booksarelove22.wordpress.com
November 2, 2017
This book was provided to me free of charge, and I am reviewing it voluntarily.
Splinters took me quite a while to read. It’s not a bad or boring book, but it just did not draw me in and keep me “glued to the screen” the way I would have liked. The story shows some out of the box thinking by the author(s), and the use of a (truly heroic) heroine who would seem to be either on the spectrum or suffering from mental health issues is refreshing. The other main character is fairly complex, but some of the supporting characters could have used some fleshing out. The romance isn’t a focal point, which to me is appropriate, given the circumstances.
Despite all of the positive I’ve stated above, I’m only giving Splinters 3 stars. Like I said, I wasn’t drawn in, and can’t say I’m excited to read the next book in the series.
Splinters took me quite a while to read. It’s not a bad or boring book, but it just did not draw me in and keep me “glued to the screen” the way I would have liked. The story shows some out of the box thinking by the author(s), and the use of a (truly heroic) heroine who would seem to be either on the spectrum or suffering from mental health issues is refreshing. The other main character is fairly complex, but some of the supporting characters could have used some fleshing out. The romance isn’t a focal point, which to me is appropriate, given the circumstances.
Despite all of the positive I’ve stated above, I’m only giving Splinters 3 stars. Like I said, I wasn’t drawn in, and can’t say I’m excited to read the next book in the series.
November 26, 2017
Teen horror with a touch of romance and humor.
The plot is simple in that teenagers realize they need to save-the-world, but in this horror story Fiona J. R. Titchenell and Matt Carter sprinkle the horror of Splinters with tongue-in-cheek humor that is fresh. The story follows both Ben and Mina's point-of-view in clearly delineated chapters. Splinters is one of a series of three that many teens will enjoy, but there isn’t much cross-over appeal to adults.
The plot is simple in that teenagers realize they need to save-the-world, but in this horror story Fiona J. R. Titchenell and Matt Carter sprinkle the horror of Splinters with tongue-in-cheek humor that is fresh. The story follows both Ben and Mina's point-of-view in clearly delineated chapters. Splinters is one of a series of three that many teens will enjoy, but there isn’t much cross-over appeal to adults.
May 23, 2017
In the bizarre town of Propero, these nightmares are real for Ben and Mina, and their plot is the most sinister thing you can imagine (Nah ah, you have to read it). They are called “Splinters” and no one is safe!
I really loved this book! For a horror fan like myself, it was the perfect blend of suspense, science fiction and scares. I have read Titchenell’s stuff before, so I wasn’t surprised to find it well-written and really original.
Mina is such an interesting character. Her mind works in a completely different way and she brings such a refreshing level of uniqueness to the story. Not only is she smart and a little strange, she is tough as nails! Things start to change when she meets Ben, and I’m really looking forward to her evolution in the next installments.
If you love horror, B-movie style monsters, and your YA on the mature side, then I can’t recommend this one enough. Splinters is a ton of fun!
Rating… A
I really loved this book! For a horror fan like myself, it was the perfect blend of suspense, science fiction and scares. I have read Titchenell’s stuff before, so I wasn’t surprised to find it well-written and really original.
Mina is such an interesting character. Her mind works in a completely different way and she brings such a refreshing level of uniqueness to the story. Not only is she smart and a little strange, she is tough as nails! Things start to change when she meets Ben, and I’m really looking forward to her evolution in the next installments.
If you love horror, B-movie style monsters, and your YA on the mature side, then I can’t recommend this one enough. Splinters is a ton of fun!
Rating… A
November 21, 2017
Entertaining
Real while at the gym, very good plot, kept me guessing until the end. Will be buying 2 and 3
Real while at the gym, very good plot, kept me guessing until the end. Will be buying 2 and 3
September 25, 2014
Disclosure: I received a review copy from the publisher in exchange for a honest review and blog tour.
Splinters is the first book in The Prospero Chronicles series following two teenagers in the small town of Prospero, California. Ben Pastors is in town with his mom for his childhood friend Haley’s funeral. Ben overwhelmed with the funeral procession steps outside for fresh air when all of a sudden the girl in which they’re at the funeral for bursts out of the forest dirty and naked. Ben who was in the right place, at the right time gets labeled as a hero as he helps Haley back on her feet. What’s strange is that Haley been missing for over two months and everyone thought she died. What’s stranger is a girl he doesn’t know passes him a message in secret with only three words: It isn’t Haley. Strange doesn’t even beginning to describe the people of Prospero, California…not even close.
When I began this book I thought it’d be more paranormal but I was pleasantly surprised to find it’s a combination of paranormal and sci-fi. Splinters is very reminiscent of the old movie Invasion of the Body Snatcher, and the book The Host by Stephanie Meyers and American Elsewhere by Robert Bennett except that it’s lighter and aimed at a younger audience. The town of Prospero is slowly being overrun by Splinters, small centipede-like creatures either by latching on to the minds of animals or replicating/impersonating a member of the townspeople (a process in which the fake double splinter takes over a person life, and the real person is stowed away in a pod). Mina, our heroine has been dealing with splinters since she was eight-years-old, and now at sixteen she just takes the job more seriously making her a social outcast. Mina and her two friends make up her team of monster hunters. Mina has set her sight on newcomer Ben as a possible recruit, and does whatever it takes to convince him of aliens all while protecting him from getting snatched. Readers along with Ben learn all about the world of Splinters as Mina gives him 411 on a list of possible splinters, the best way to harm them, and where it all began/where they came from. For the majority of the book readers tag along with Ben and Mina as they try to find the Splinters’ secret location, in hopes of exposing them and saving whoever is trapped in the pods. Splinters was a pretty quick read, with plenty of action scenes and banter that kept me glued to the page till the very end. I enjoyed the duo narrative alternating each chapter between Ben and Mina, it gave a better perspective of the characters especially Mina who is somewhat socially awkward.
Mina is not only shunned by her peers but pretty much the entire town. She is so enveloped with chasing down possible splinters that she has no semblance of a normal life. I actually loved Mina’s awkwardness, it made her more endearing. Mina is extremely smart, sensible, brave and totally kick-butt. It never mattered that people called her nasty name, or didn’t believe her about the Splinters…she would still go out of her way to protect her town even if meant endangering herself in the process. Then there’s Ben, an easy-going guy that’s charming and likeable; the total opposite of Mina. Ben was skeptical and a little more than freaked out when Mina first propositioned him to join her team, but in the end he was open-minded about the whole thing. I thought Ben was great for Mina. He helped her breakout of her shell and kind of just live a little. While they’re total opposite, they were perfect for each other and they help balance one another out. There isn’t any romance in this book (which I didn’t mind), but the end did promise a budding romance in the next book (I hope).
Overall I enjoyed Splinters, it was full of action just the way I liked it and had an ending that was totally unexpected (in a good way). Splinters is a great start to a new series, and I believe adults and teens of all ages will enjoy this one…a book worth checking out!
Splinters is the first book in The Prospero Chronicles series following two teenagers in the small town of Prospero, California. Ben Pastors is in town with his mom for his childhood friend Haley’s funeral. Ben overwhelmed with the funeral procession steps outside for fresh air when all of a sudden the girl in which they’re at the funeral for bursts out of the forest dirty and naked. Ben who was in the right place, at the right time gets labeled as a hero as he helps Haley back on her feet. What’s strange is that Haley been missing for over two months and everyone thought she died. What’s stranger is a girl he doesn’t know passes him a message in secret with only three words: It isn’t Haley. Strange doesn’t even beginning to describe the people of Prospero, California…not even close.
When I began this book I thought it’d be more paranormal but I was pleasantly surprised to find it’s a combination of paranormal and sci-fi. Splinters is very reminiscent of the old movie Invasion of the Body Snatcher, and the book The Host by Stephanie Meyers and American Elsewhere by Robert Bennett except that it’s lighter and aimed at a younger audience. The town of Prospero is slowly being overrun by Splinters, small centipede-like creatures either by latching on to the minds of animals or replicating/impersonating a member of the townspeople (a process in which the fake double splinter takes over a person life, and the real person is stowed away in a pod). Mina, our heroine has been dealing with splinters since she was eight-years-old, and now at sixteen she just takes the job more seriously making her a social outcast. Mina and her two friends make up her team of monster hunters. Mina has set her sight on newcomer Ben as a possible recruit, and does whatever it takes to convince him of aliens all while protecting him from getting snatched. Readers along with Ben learn all about the world of Splinters as Mina gives him 411 on a list of possible splinters, the best way to harm them, and where it all began/where they came from. For the majority of the book readers tag along with Ben and Mina as they try to find the Splinters’ secret location, in hopes of exposing them and saving whoever is trapped in the pods. Splinters was a pretty quick read, with plenty of action scenes and banter that kept me glued to the page till the very end. I enjoyed the duo narrative alternating each chapter between Ben and Mina, it gave a better perspective of the characters especially Mina who is somewhat socially awkward.
Mina is not only shunned by her peers but pretty much the entire town. She is so enveloped with chasing down possible splinters that she has no semblance of a normal life. I actually loved Mina’s awkwardness, it made her more endearing. Mina is extremely smart, sensible, brave and totally kick-butt. It never mattered that people called her nasty name, or didn’t believe her about the Splinters…she would still go out of her way to protect her town even if meant endangering herself in the process. Then there’s Ben, an easy-going guy that’s charming and likeable; the total opposite of Mina. Ben was skeptical and a little more than freaked out when Mina first propositioned him to join her team, but in the end he was open-minded about the whole thing. I thought Ben was great for Mina. He helped her breakout of her shell and kind of just live a little. While they’re total opposite, they were perfect for each other and they help balance one another out. There isn’t any romance in this book (which I didn’t mind), but the end did promise a budding romance in the next book (I hope).
Overall I enjoyed Splinters, it was full of action just the way I liked it and had an ending that was totally unexpected (in a good way). Splinters is a great start to a new series, and I believe adults and teens of all ages will enjoy this one…a book worth checking out!
May 19, 2016
A high volume of books that consider themselves ‘Young Adult’ appear to be geared toward people who are actually young adults, or even younger. I generally have no interest in them. I was bored by the Hunger Games and the first novel in the Divergent series. It all felt the same. I usually dislike the first person narrative as well.
However… I’m of the belief that there’s always exceptions to every rule!
While Splinters, the first novel of The Prospero Chronicles, touts itself as a YA novel, it also is a fantastic story for all ages. It’s more than just a typical YA novel.
The ending to the opening chapter was a great way to kick start the story.
Carter and Titchenell know how to mix together tight, intense scenes with bits of humor mixed in. The multiple references to horror classic of the past, from George A. Romero to Mrs. Voorhees, and Arbogast in Psycho and Billy Crane in a Psycho/Scream connection. It’s like a love letter to some of my favorite artists in the film medium. I love reading a book and organically understanding the hidden references sewn within.
Holy hell the deer scene!
At one point on page 104, I had the image of some huge monstrosity Splinter. I get the feeling that we’ll be seeing this Queen Bee Splinter someday and it is going to be intense.
Carter and Titchenell give great visuals. I had a clear image of the town of Prospero and all of the locations mentioned within the novel. I felt like I’d been to Prospero and would've to revisit someday.
Often I’m fairly decent at predicting twists in stories, but there was a twist regarding a certain character that I did not see coming. This… this was a fun read, and very easy to get into. I could sense the joy put into it with every turn of the page.
Overall, an amazing start to a new series. I look forward to learning about more the adventures of Ben and Mina in book 2: Shards.
However… I’m of the belief that there’s always exceptions to every rule!
While Splinters, the first novel of The Prospero Chronicles, touts itself as a YA novel, it also is a fantastic story for all ages. It’s more than just a typical YA novel.
The ending to the opening chapter was a great way to kick start the story.
Carter and Titchenell know how to mix together tight, intense scenes with bits of humor mixed in. The multiple references to horror classic of the past, from George A. Romero to Mrs. Voorhees, and Arbogast in Psycho and Billy Crane in a Psycho/Scream connection. It’s like a love letter to some of my favorite artists in the film medium. I love reading a book and organically understanding the hidden references sewn within.
Holy hell the deer scene!
At one point on page 104, I had the image of some huge monstrosity Splinter. I get the feeling that we’ll be seeing this Queen Bee Splinter someday and it is going to be intense.
Carter and Titchenell give great visuals. I had a clear image of the town of Prospero and all of the locations mentioned within the novel. I felt like I’d been to Prospero and would've to revisit someday.
Often I’m fairly decent at predicting twists in stories, but there was a twist regarding a certain character that I did not see coming. This… this was a fun read, and very easy to get into. I could sense the joy put into it with every turn of the page.
Overall, an amazing start to a new series. I look forward to learning about more the adventures of Ben and Mina in book 2: Shards.
April 29, 2016
Ben has returned to Prospero, CA to attend the funeral of a friend, Haley. But while there she is discovered. But things are not as they seem. Odd ball Mina has been fighting the Splinters for years and knows Haley is a Splinter. A Splinter is a centipede like alien that attached itself to humans or animals and wants to take over Earth. Mina knows that Ben is new to this attack and tries to recruit him to the fight. Unfortunately, because of her fighting the Splinter, Mina is socially awkward, has no friends, and has a hard time trying to tell Ben about the Splinters. There is a lot more to Prospero, CA than meets the eye.
I was curious to figure out what kind of monsters Ben and Mina were going to fight. But when I learned about the Splinters I instantly though of a combination of Invasion of the Body Snatchers and Host. Ben is returning to Prospero and has no idea what he is getting into and how can he just believe the crazy girl that is telling him about an alien invasion. And Mina, she is such a strong person, ignoring what others call her just to keep fighting.
I really liked all the references to other horror movies too. It is the perfect nod to all of the things that go bump in the night. I had a hard time putting this book down. Thankfully I also have book two, Shards on hand so I can start reading right away.
I received Splinters for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
I was curious to figure out what kind of monsters Ben and Mina were going to fight. But when I learned about the Splinters I instantly though of a combination of Invasion of the Body Snatchers and Host. Ben is returning to Prospero and has no idea what he is getting into and how can he just believe the crazy girl that is telling him about an alien invasion. And Mina, she is such a strong person, ignoring what others call her just to keep fighting.
I really liked all the references to other horror movies too. It is the perfect nod to all of the things that go bump in the night. I had a hard time putting this book down. Thankfully I also have book two, Shards on hand so I can start reading right away.
I received Splinters for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
September 27, 2014
I received an ARC from Jolly Fish Press in exchange for an honest review.
I just finished reading this book a few days ago and I am still immersed in the world that Carter and Titchenell have created. What a refreshing take on aliens and their classic roll of world domination.
Ben is in town to attend a funeral when he meets Mina, a strange girl who has been stalking him for years. And why? You need to read the book to find out!
It's hilarious, descriptive, and full of teen-angst. I was transported back to my high school days as I read the inner dialogue. The danger is intense and horrifying. It reminded me of Invasion of the Body Snatchers.
I cannot wait to find out what happens in the rest of the series. I really hope this is made into a T.V. series. There is a new Mulder and Scully in town.
Splinters are alive and well in Prospero, CA. Who's side will you be on?
I just finished reading this book a few days ago and I am still immersed in the world that Carter and Titchenell have created. What a refreshing take on aliens and their classic roll of world domination.
Ben is in town to attend a funeral when he meets Mina, a strange girl who has been stalking him for years. And why? You need to read the book to find out!
It's hilarious, descriptive, and full of teen-angst. I was transported back to my high school days as I read the inner dialogue. The danger is intense and horrifying. It reminded me of Invasion of the Body Snatchers.
I cannot wait to find out what happens in the rest of the series. I really hope this is made into a T.V. series. There is a new Mulder and Scully in town.
Splinters are alive and well in Prospero, CA. Who's side will you be on?
September 13, 2014
I received a copy of this book from the publisher for an honest review.
I gave this book 4 1/2 stars.
This book is reminiscent of one of my favorite classic movies, Invasion Of The Body Snatchers, which is what peaked my interest to want to read it.
I really liked the characters. Mina is so determined and courageous. Ben is loyal and caring. They both seem to balance each other a lot. I wish there was more from Aldo.
The twist at the end was totally unexpected. I totally didn't see that bit coming at all.
The book was paced well and kept my attention throughout. I loved reading in both Mina and Ben's POV.
I can't wait to read the next book.
I gave this book 4 1/2 stars.
This book is reminiscent of one of my favorite classic movies, Invasion Of The Body Snatchers, which is what peaked my interest to want to read it.
I really liked the characters. Mina is so determined and courageous. Ben is loyal and caring. They both seem to balance each other a lot. I wish there was more from Aldo.
The twist at the end was totally unexpected. I totally didn't see that bit coming at all.
The book was paced well and kept my attention throughout. I loved reading in both Mina and Ben's POV.
I can't wait to read the next book.
March 26, 2015
I found this to be a fun sort of modern take on Invasion of the Body Snatchers. Told alternately by a boy and a girl, it has really creepy descriptive images of creatures called Splinters, some character twists, and of course an ending that requires a sequel.
The writing was fine, but one unanswered question for me was why take so long to take over the world? The why of taking over human bodies is explained, but why not get it over with instead of going slowly over hundreds of years. Maybe this will be explained in the sequel.
Mina's "different" brain is her asset, and I liked that this was highlighted.
The writing was fine, but one unanswered question for me was why take so long to take over the world? The why of taking over human bodies is explained, but why not get it over with instead of going slowly over hundreds of years. Maybe this will be explained in the sequel.
Mina's "different" brain is her asset, and I liked that this was highlighted.
May 29, 2015
Splinters is a great read with amazing potential as a series. There were a few timeline and consistency issues in the book, but overall it's well written and fast paced.
I do feel a need for caution when choosing an age group for this book. There is one scene I feel would be too adult for any age under high school so I wouldn't recommend young readers picking up this book.
I won this book as a Goodreads First Reads giveaway.
I do feel a need for caution when choosing an age group for this book. There is one scene I feel would be too adult for any age under high school so I wouldn't recommend young readers picking up this book.
I won this book as a Goodreads First Reads giveaway.
October 7, 2014
This book took a little to get into but once I did I really started enjoying it. It follows a girl named Mina, a boy named Ben, and some of their 'associates' though their town's history, present, and history.
This book is about what can happen when treaties are formed between two different life forms, and let me tell you Splinters are scary scary creatures.
This book is about what can happen when treaties are formed between two different life forms, and let me tell you Splinters are scary scary creatures.
September 2, 2016
Huh. I was looking for a quick, plane-ride read, so I was not expecting this book to turn out so great! It took me a little while to warm up to it, but it does draw you in right away. The characters are vivid and the storyline keeps you on your toes. I enjoyed it!
Want to read
March 12, 2014Oh my... I absolutely LOVE this cover! Can't wait to read this!
Read
October 5, 2014dnf.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews