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Essence #1
Flight of Life
Everyone is good. Sometimes they just do evil things. Despite the loss of Calloway’s parents, the torment he deals with at Fresno High School for being poor, and the responsibility of the entire world on his shoulders, he still believes life is worth living—even if it isn’t.
The only things he has left are the gifts his father left behind, a glowing orb and a picking knife. Calloway doesn’t understand the use of these gifts. The globe only responds to him, shining in the darkness at his command. And his knife can open any lock. But what are they for?
After Calloway steals the Kirin book from the Grandiose Historian Library, he is hunted by the Hara-Kirs, an ancient race that seeks to harbor the essence of all humans. Constantly looking over his shoulder, Calloway doesn’t understand why he’s being followed. And, more importantly, why he hasn’t been killed. The creatures had the chance many times, but his life has never been claimed.
With the help of his two friends, they decode the ancient text and investigate the portal that leads to the other side. The Anti-Life. During their research, Calloway realizes his father may not be dead after all. But if he isn’t, where is he? Why would his father abandon him? Did he ever love Calloway? His friends suspect his father was actually a Hara-Kir, which was how Calloway received the gifts, but Calloway refuses to believe it. His father was a good man. He’ll prove it.
Weston, the girl that Calloway immediately feels connected to, is the leader of the White Wing, a group of warriors that fight against the Hara-Kirs. But she doesn’t trust Calloway. All the information works against him. If his father was a Hara-Kir, what is he?
The only things he has left are the gifts his father left behind, a glowing orb and a picking knife. Calloway doesn’t understand the use of these gifts. The globe only responds to him, shining in the darkness at his command. And his knife can open any lock. But what are they for?
After Calloway steals the Kirin book from the Grandiose Historian Library, he is hunted by the Hara-Kirs, an ancient race that seeks to harbor the essence of all humans. Constantly looking over his shoulder, Calloway doesn’t understand why he’s being followed. And, more importantly, why he hasn’t been killed. The creatures had the chance many times, but his life has never been claimed.
With the help of his two friends, they decode the ancient text and investigate the portal that leads to the other side. The Anti-Life. During their research, Calloway realizes his father may not be dead after all. But if he isn’t, where is he? Why would his father abandon him? Did he ever love Calloway? His friends suspect his father was actually a Hara-Kir, which was how Calloway received the gifts, but Calloway refuses to believe it. His father was a good man. He’ll prove it.
Weston, the girl that Calloway immediately feels connected to, is the leader of the White Wing, a group of warriors that fight against the Hara-Kirs. But she doesn’t trust Calloway. All the information works against him. If his father was a Hara-Kir, what is he?
- GenresFantasyYoung Adult
265 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 24, 2014
2 people are currently reading
125 people want to read
About the author
E.L. Todd
216 books2,733 followersUSA Today Bestselling Author, E. L. Todd is one of the most prolific authors of her genre, having published over a hundred novels. With over one million copies sold, she writes romance stories ranging from contemporary romance, new adult romance, and fantasy romance. She's best known for her Forever and Always Series as well as her Timeless Series.
She loves coffee, ice cream, and anything with sugar.
She loves coffee, ice cream, and anything with sugar.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
September 11, 2016
I was only able to get about 15% of the way read. I had no idea what was going on and I honestly did not care at that point. I had tons of questions and with as confused as I was I don't think I would have gotten the answers. For me this was a NO-GO.
I think that the foundation is good and hopefully others will enjoy and be able to follow the story.
I think that the foundation is good and hopefully others will enjoy and be able to follow the story.
August 27, 2016
As much as I liked the plot and the characters in this book, there seemed to be something missing in the story. Like a missing ingredient that needs to be added to improve the taste. I dunno...
Maybe, it’s the thought that the Hara-Kirs were not really explained further in the book, how they came to be, how the lead characters easily accepted everything about what they knew about them. I had these questions dancing around my head while reading the book, like how Weston have known about the mystical beings, how and who founded the West Wing, how did Calloway’s father learned about Hara-Kirs and a lot more questions.
But since this is just the first book in a series, I believe there are still more to come on the next book. I actually liked the characters, especially Breccan who always eats but never gets fat, Easton who knows how to get to the librarian’s heart, and Calloway, sweet, good boy Calloway, who always sees the good in everyone. I hate that he always get bullied by Hawk, I hate that he nearly falls for Hawk’s girlfriend, I hate that he doesn’t still know the truth about his father.
Everyone is good. Sometimes they just do evil things
Flight Of Life is a book that somehow captured my interest and I still want to read the next books in the series. E. L Todd is a great author, because she knows how to make people crave for more!
Maybe, it’s the thought that the Hara-Kirs were not really explained further in the book, how they came to be, how the lead characters easily accepted everything about what they knew about them. I had these questions dancing around my head while reading the book, like how Weston have known about the mystical beings, how and who founded the West Wing, how did Calloway’s father learned about Hara-Kirs and a lot more questions.
But since this is just the first book in a series, I believe there are still more to come on the next book. I actually liked the characters, especially Breccan who always eats but never gets fat, Easton who knows how to get to the librarian’s heart, and Calloway, sweet, good boy Calloway, who always sees the good in everyone. I hate that he always get bullied by Hawk, I hate that he nearly falls for Hawk’s girlfriend, I hate that he doesn’t still know the truth about his father.
Everyone is good. Sometimes they just do evil things
Flight Of Life is a book that somehow captured my interest and I still want to read the next books in the series. E. L Todd is a great author, because she knows how to make people crave for more!
May 1, 2015
I was given a review copy ages ago for a competition submission thing and completely forgot, but although the competition is long over, I still wanted to read this because I recall having interest in it to begin with, even though I couldn't remember much about what it was about when I began reading. A quick trip to the Goodread's synopsis page gave me more information than I was expecting. :/
In short, I really didn't like this book much at all and the only 'good' parts (I use this word VERY loosely) was the beginning page and the two major confrontations with Hawk, Calloway and Weston, at the winter formal and at Weston's party. I think the main issue lies with the characters. Although I feel like the story could have potential if built a little better, the character's spoiled it. I found pretty much everyone to be as flat as a sheet of fine paper, including our protagonist, which made it tough to get through. Calloway's name was used way too much, even when it was obvious who the author was referring to and I felt like different threads of conversation seemed to abruptly stop or were disregarded by characters being spoken to as they decided to start a new topic entirely. It just sounded like everyone was being rude to each other.
I believe Calloway didn't need to explain the bully situation to every one he spoke to, it made it a boring and repetitive read for me and his constant mention at his state of poverty, although probably was used to make him appear like a poor, humble and heroic character just made him sound incredibly annoying.
When characters were unraveling certain mysteries, I honestly thought that they found a key answer much early on, only to be dumbfound and shocked that they only JUST REALIZED near the end of the blooming book.
I think it's safe to say, I have little to no interest in reading the rest in this series...
I have uploaded a wrap up for April, where I share some more thoughts on this book as well as others I read last month and it'd be great if you could check it out: http://youtu.be/bwT2x3Pj-eI
Pick it up, give it a go and try to enjoy it...
Gén
In short, I really didn't like this book much at all and the only 'good' parts (I use this word VERY loosely) was the beginning page and the two major confrontations with Hawk, Calloway and Weston, at the winter formal and at Weston's party. I think the main issue lies with the characters. Although I feel like the story could have potential if built a little better, the character's spoiled it. I found pretty much everyone to be as flat as a sheet of fine paper, including our protagonist, which made it tough to get through. Calloway's name was used way too much, even when it was obvious who the author was referring to and I felt like different threads of conversation seemed to abruptly stop or were disregarded by characters being spoken to as they decided to start a new topic entirely. It just sounded like everyone was being rude to each other.
I believe Calloway didn't need to explain the bully situation to every one he spoke to, it made it a boring and repetitive read for me and his constant mention at his state of poverty, although probably was used to make him appear like a poor, humble and heroic character just made him sound incredibly annoying.
When characters were unraveling certain mysteries, I honestly thought that they found a key answer much early on, only to be dumbfound and shocked that they only JUST REALIZED near the end of the blooming book.
I think it's safe to say, I have little to no interest in reading the rest in this series...
I have uploaded a wrap up for April, where I share some more thoughts on this book as well as others I read last month and it'd be great if you could check it out: http://youtu.be/bwT2x3Pj-eI
Pick it up, give it a go and try to enjoy it...
Gén
March 17, 2014
Very good character driven ya book. While the characters are undoubtedly teens, they have a nice maturity about them that fits the book and the plot nicely. They have a maturity, but still retain the purity of youth. They were really well done. The characters are so real, so believable, I really enjoyed them. I really liked the relationships between the main three. The plot is interesting, and the pages flew by. It was easy to become lost in the story and the characters. I'm not sure the ending had much of an ending, per se, as much as it seemed more like the pause between books. I'm looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
April 14, 2014
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
While this book holds promise, it reads like a rough draft and feels incomplete; the writing is repetitive and contains many errors. The author does a nice job of developing characters, but the dialogue isn't authentic. The premise behind the story is interesting, but lacks adequate supporting details. I think while the story has potential, it needs more attention and finishing touches.
While this book holds promise, it reads like a rough draft and feels incomplete; the writing is repetitive and contains many errors. The author does a nice job of developing characters, but the dialogue isn't authentic. The premise behind the story is interesting, but lacks adequate supporting details. I think while the story has potential, it needs more attention and finishing touches.
March 31, 2014
This book was very well written and the characters felt real. I was left a bit confused just like the 3 main characters. This book was quite a bit different than what I am use to reading but good none the less. I feel for Calloway and his uncertainty throughout this whole story.
I received this book for an honest review by the Author.
I received this book for an honest review by the Author.
April 11, 2014
I was asked to read and review this first book of this series. The summary caught my interest. They story is coming along well enough. We get to meet our main group of characters, thus far and they all have some depth to them.
The main story follows along with Calloway as our main person. His mom died when he was young and his father is presumed dead also. He lives with his sickly aunt and uncle along with his cousin. They don't have much when it comes to materialistic items and money, but he lives in a loving family and his few friends he does have got his back. He along with his cousin and friend work together to try to decipher a book about the Hara-Kirs and help save the world.
Well Calloway appreciates everything that is given to him, his cousin wallows in self pity for being poor. His cousin also resents him but it comes across that he feels guilty for it. He really does love Calloway. Their female friend is named Easton and she is good support to both of them. As he attempted to do a good thing at school resulted in him being bullied constantly by a guy named Hawk. As he struggles along with his life he also face fighting to save the world.
It was never addressed HOW Calloway knew Easton could help decode the book he stole from an abandon library. At the beginning of the book he and his cousin acted like Easton was 'that girl' who turned into best friends. But it never said how they knew that she knew a. about the Hara-Kirs and b. how to decode it(which we find out later, she learned from her sister). Especially since it becomes apparent later on, only a select few are aware of them.
That is another thing, the Hara-Kirs. They appearantly run around and are these evil beings, like vampires. But only a handful of people know about them. It took a good portion of the book to figure out that only some people know they exist/are real. At first I thought 'Oh, only kids know about them'. Nope. We find out that Easton was told by her sister and Calloway found out from his father, indirectly, who then confided in his cousin.
Additionally, during the course of reading this story, I was waiting for him to find out that his father might be one...it said so in the summary. It took a while. There is an argument about who is father really is? Is he a Hara-Kir? Is it possible to father a human? How are we certain Calloway really is a human? It is just an assumption.
The flow of story did not flow very smoothly. I am not sure if I can explain it well. It wasn't the grammar errors(there were some), that doesn't take away from the story. I understand they way it was written, it was giving us details to help give the story depth. There were some repeat of words, but nothing excessive. It just seemed like the sentences didn't flow as one thought. It felt like each sentence was focusing on one thing at a time. The dialogue flowed pretty well though.
With all that said, I will most likely continue with the series. I am curious how everything will pan out in the end.
EDIT AND ADDED:
The main story follows along with Calloway as our main person. His mom died when he was young and his father is presumed dead also. He lives with his sickly aunt and uncle along with his cousin. They don't have much when it comes to materialistic items and money, but he lives in a loving family and his few friends he does have got his back. He along with his cousin and friend work together to try to decipher a book about the Hara-Kirs and help save the world.
Well Calloway appreciates everything that is given to him, his cousin wallows in self pity for being poor. His cousin also resents him but it comes across that he feels guilty for it. He really does love Calloway. Their female friend is named Easton and she is good support to both of them. As he attempted to do a good thing at school resulted in him being bullied constantly by a guy named Hawk. As he struggles along with his life he also face fighting to save the world.
It was never addressed HOW Calloway knew Easton could help decode the book he stole from an abandon library. At the beginning of the book he and his cousin acted like Easton was 'that girl' who turned into best friends. But it never said how they knew that she knew a. about the Hara-Kirs and b. how to decode it(which we find out later, she learned from her sister). Especially since it becomes apparent later on, only a select few are aware of them.
That is another thing, the Hara-Kirs. They appearantly run around and are these evil beings, like vampires. But only a handful of people know about them. It took a good portion of the book to figure out that only some people know they exist/are real. At first I thought 'Oh, only kids know about them'. Nope. We find out that Easton was told by her sister and Calloway found out from his father, indirectly, who then confided in his cousin.
Additionally, during the course of reading this story, I was waiting for him to find out that his father might be one...it said so in the summary. It took a while. There is an argument about who is father really is? Is he a Hara-Kir? Is it possible to father a human? How are we certain Calloway really is a human? It is just an assumption.
The flow of story did not flow very smoothly. I am not sure if I can explain it well. It wasn't the grammar errors(there were some), that doesn't take away from the story. I understand they way it was written, it was giving us details to help give the story depth. There were some repeat of words, but nothing excessive. It just seemed like the sentences didn't flow as one thought. It felt like each sentence was focusing on one thing at a time. The dialogue flowed pretty well though.
With all that said, I will most likely continue with the series. I am curious how everything will pan out in the end.
EDIT AND ADDED:
March 29, 2014
**First of all, I did not buy this novel. Ms. Todd was kind enough to send it to me (thank you!).**
Ok, when I first got a message about the novel and read what it was about, I was intrigued. It sounded vaguely like another novel that I won through the Goodreads giveaway (In the Shadow of the Earth)- but it was definitely not the same. There were substantial differences. A few pages into the novel and I was hooked. I truly enjoyed the love-hate relationship going on between Calloway and Breccan. It truly did remind me of sibling rivalry to a degree. Anyway, as the story progress, I felt more drawn to the characters and sympathized with them (most of the time). For example, I felt bad for Calloway the entire novel. He was a bit of an awkward, polite, and innocent boy. Yet he constantly was given the shaft .
Like
Calloway- He just seemed like such a friendly character and a person I could relate to.
Calloway's Aunt and Uncle- Again, much like Calloway, they seemed very friendly.
Mr. Avery (I believe I spelled his name correctly)- Much like the above, he seems like a nice guy. Kind of wonder if he has an ulterior motive, though.
Middle Ground
Weston- She gave Calloway the shaft after all they had been through. Need I say more?
Breccan- His constant bickering was beginning to annoy me.
Easton- Again, same as Breccan.
(Keep in mind, I still like the characters. I just didn't like one or two things about them.)
Hate
Hawk and Co.- Proof that current generation needs to stay away from people like this. In the dictionary, Hawk's picture is next to a few words: idiot, pitiful, annoying, brat, moribund (I can see someone trying to get some...payback), etc.
Conclusion
All in all, I loved the novel. I found it fascinating and something that I could jump right into from the get-go. The characters were easy to connect to in some regards and the story has an air of mystery about it. I don't really have too many problems with the novel. I didn't like that it jumped right into the story (I would have liked some background; I couldn't tell Calloway from Adam in the beginning of the novel). Also, I wish the bickering could have been toned down a little bit. Aside from that, there were maybe...five total typos. That's all that I can say about the novel that has a negative connotation. As I said, I really enjoyed the novel, which is why I will be reading it again in the foreseeable future. Well, after I read all the books, of course. Lastly, to say my peace, I would recommend this to anyone who would like to take a break from the romance novels (*cough cough* Twilight) or just anyone that needs a break from work/ homework. I read this in about an hour or two during my relaxation time today. Let me tell you: it was worth every minute.
Ok, when I first got a message about the novel and read what it was about, I was intrigued. It sounded vaguely like another novel that I won through the Goodreads giveaway (In the Shadow of the Earth)- but it was definitely not the same. There were substantial differences. A few pages into the novel and I was hooked. I truly enjoyed the love-hate relationship going on between Calloway and Breccan. It truly did remind me of sibling rivalry to a degree. Anyway, as the story progress, I felt more drawn to the characters and sympathized with them (most of the time). For example, I felt bad for Calloway the entire novel. He was a bit of an awkward, polite, and innocent boy. Yet he constantly was given the shaft .
Like
Calloway- He just seemed like such a friendly character and a person I could relate to.
Calloway's Aunt and Uncle- Again, much like Calloway, they seemed very friendly.
Mr. Avery (I believe I spelled his name correctly)- Much like the above, he seems like a nice guy. Kind of wonder if he has an ulterior motive, though.
Middle Ground
Weston- She gave Calloway the shaft after all they had been through. Need I say more?
Breccan- His constant bickering was beginning to annoy me.
Easton- Again, same as Breccan.
(Keep in mind, I still like the characters. I just didn't like one or two things about them.)
Hate
Hawk and Co.- Proof that current generation needs to stay away from people like this. In the dictionary, Hawk's picture is next to a few words: idiot, pitiful, annoying, brat, moribund (I can see someone trying to get some...payback), etc.
Conclusion
All in all, I loved the novel. I found it fascinating and something that I could jump right into from the get-go. The characters were easy to connect to in some regards and the story has an air of mystery about it. I don't really have too many problems with the novel. I didn't like that it jumped right into the story (I would have liked some background; I couldn't tell Calloway from Adam in the beginning of the novel). Also, I wish the bickering could have been toned down a little bit. Aside from that, there were maybe...five total typos. That's all that I can say about the novel that has a negative connotation. As I said, I really enjoyed the novel, which is why I will be reading it again in the foreseeable future. Well, after I read all the books, of course. Lastly, to say my peace, I would recommend this to anyone who would like to take a break from the romance novels (*cough cough* Twilight) or just anyone that needs a break from work/ homework. I read this in about an hour or two during my relaxation time today. Let me tell you: it was worth every minute.
May 11, 2014
Calloway is a senior in high school. He's orphaned and being raised by his aunt and uncle. His cousin is his same age, and he also has a friend that reluctantly joins up with him because of an interest in the same cause. She is very smart. Sound familiar?
Alright, I received a copy of this book to review for a contest. I couldn't read the book in time, but that's ok, I like free books, but I just couldn't enjoy this book at all.
Calloway and his cousin Breccan are poor, so poor that they're constantly tormented at school by Hawk. Hawk torments them because they're poor and have old clothes and can't buy things. Hawk is a real charmer. He shatters a $2000 camera that Breccan and Calloway are using for a class, so they are held responsible for paying for it. Hawk torments them in front of teachers, and the teachers do nothing because Hawks dad is the principal and "signs their pay checks". These teachers must have the worst union ever.
Calloway's dad left a trunk with instructions on retrieving a sacred book from an old abandoned library in town that no one apparently tries to get into or anything. The book is about the Hara-Kirs who come from the anti-life to drain the essence out of humans. The Hara-Kir want to destroy our world and theirs. Calloway and Hawk turn to smart girl Easton to help decipher the book and figure out how to stop the Hara-Kirs. Easton annoys Breccan, but she's nice in the end. They all deal with saving the world and being in high school.
Easton has a beautiful sister Weston who is a year older and in college and a professional when it comes to fighting Hara-Kirs. She won't help them and doesn't want them to be involved since they're minors.
Calloway gets a job at a sandwich shop with a guy named Marquan, then Hawk comes in to torment Calloway but Marquan stands up for Calloway. The author notes that Hawk was "clearly frightened of the diamond studs in his ear lobes." what?
This is a rambling review because the book rambled. There were a lot of continuity errors and the characters were just shallow and awful. The only person that seems well developed is Calloway. His cousin Breccan overall comes across as a jerk. Hawk is horrid, Hawk's girlfriend that Calloway loves, until he loves Weston has no personality.
Calloway easily falls for girls who have no interest in him. Weston apparently can't be tied down, but she's just do darn beautiful. Weston's "tone of her flesh reminded him of white grains of sand on the Mexican beach - so pure and refined that it didn't look like sand at all". This was how she was described.
I think the story could have some potential but there were so many flaws in plot, and the characters were just so bad I can't say that I"ll read anymore of this series.
Alright, I received a copy of this book to review for a contest. I couldn't read the book in time, but that's ok, I like free books, but I just couldn't enjoy this book at all.
Calloway and his cousin Breccan are poor, so poor that they're constantly tormented at school by Hawk. Hawk torments them because they're poor and have old clothes and can't buy things. Hawk is a real charmer. He shatters a $2000 camera that Breccan and Calloway are using for a class, so they are held responsible for paying for it. Hawk torments them in front of teachers, and the teachers do nothing because Hawks dad is the principal and "signs their pay checks". These teachers must have the worst union ever.
Calloway's dad left a trunk with instructions on retrieving a sacred book from an old abandoned library in town that no one apparently tries to get into or anything. The book is about the Hara-Kirs who come from the anti-life to drain the essence out of humans. The Hara-Kir want to destroy our world and theirs. Calloway and Hawk turn to smart girl Easton to help decipher the book and figure out how to stop the Hara-Kirs. Easton annoys Breccan, but she's nice in the end. They all deal with saving the world and being in high school.
Easton has a beautiful sister Weston who is a year older and in college and a professional when it comes to fighting Hara-Kirs. She won't help them and doesn't want them to be involved since they're minors.
Calloway gets a job at a sandwich shop with a guy named Marquan, then Hawk comes in to torment Calloway but Marquan stands up for Calloway. The author notes that Hawk was "clearly frightened of the diamond studs in his ear lobes." what?
This is a rambling review because the book rambled. There were a lot of continuity errors and the characters were just shallow and awful. The only person that seems well developed is Calloway. His cousin Breccan overall comes across as a jerk. Hawk is horrid, Hawk's girlfriend that Calloway loves, until he loves Weston has no personality.
Calloway easily falls for girls who have no interest in him. Weston apparently can't be tied down, but she's just do darn beautiful. Weston's "tone of her flesh reminded him of white grains of sand on the Mexican beach - so pure and refined that it didn't look like sand at all". This was how she was described.
I think the story could have some potential but there were so many flaws in plot, and the characters were just so bad I can't say that I"ll read anymore of this series.
September 12, 2016
Calloway Martins is a senior in High School and a gentle kid. He lost his parents in a very young age and he has been living with Aunt Grace, Uncle Scott and his cousin Breccan ever since. They live poorly but they love each other. Calloway has been wondering about what really happened to his father since he discovered an orb, a knife and a note in a box he inherited from him. The orb is glowing when it is squeezed only by him, the knife can lock and unlock any door and the notes warn him to stay away from the demonic Hara-Kirs. Hara-Kirs constitute the Anti-Life and their purpose is to absorb the human essence or soul in order to finally destroy Life, After Life and Anti-Life altogether. They must not obtain the Kirin Book, which is a sacred Book and is hidden in Grandiose Historian Library. Calloway, Breccan and Easton Rivers work together to decipher the book, Calloway recovered and they discover some facts in the process as to how they can kill, and they do, the Hara-Kirs. They also discover that the Library belongs to his father, which leads them to suspect that he may still be alive somewhere combined with the fact that his body was never found. Another strange fact is that the Hara-Kirs seem not wanting Calloway to come in harm's way, though they try to kill his friends..
Caloway has lots in his plate. His gentle soul brings him trouble when he decides to stand up for Beatrice, a girl he secretly admires her beauty in school, who is harassed by Hawk, the school's bully. His months in school are unbearable since his action brought him lots of verbal or physical abuse by Hawk. His money problem is a major theme so he decides to have a job not to burden his Uncles. Mr Avey, his English teacher helps him both ethically and economically because he sees his clever and gentle spirit in him.
Weston, Easton's sister and a freshman in collage, comes forward to reveal or complicate things further. She has knowledge about Hara-Kirs as she leads the White Wing in collage. She stands up for Calloway against Hawk but she backs out when she suspects the mystery that surrounds him. She considers him a potential enemy which brings despair in Calloway, who seems to start having feelings for her...to be continued...
The writer in her first book acquaints us to Calloways's world in a fluent and quick pace, which is fortunate. Some questions are unanswered about the world build but this is natural because the mystery couldn’t be yet unveiled. And more questions about the characters are raised, the sisters are a total mystery, father's disappearance, aunt's disease, even Breccan's ambiguity, Mr Avey's help and of course Calloway's real purpose of existence. I was intrigued by the plot and I am really curious as to where it will lead...
Caloway has lots in his plate. His gentle soul brings him trouble when he decides to stand up for Beatrice, a girl he secretly admires her beauty in school, who is harassed by Hawk, the school's bully. His months in school are unbearable since his action brought him lots of verbal or physical abuse by Hawk. His money problem is a major theme so he decides to have a job not to burden his Uncles. Mr Avey, his English teacher helps him both ethically and economically because he sees his clever and gentle spirit in him.
Weston, Easton's sister and a freshman in collage, comes forward to reveal or complicate things further. She has knowledge about Hara-Kirs as she leads the White Wing in collage. She stands up for Calloway against Hawk but she backs out when she suspects the mystery that surrounds him. She considers him a potential enemy which brings despair in Calloway, who seems to start having feelings for her...to be continued...
The writer in her first book acquaints us to Calloways's world in a fluent and quick pace, which is fortunate. Some questions are unanswered about the world build but this is natural because the mystery couldn’t be yet unveiled. And more questions about the characters are raised, the sisters are a total mystery, father's disappearance, aunt's disease, even Breccan's ambiguity, Mr Avey's help and of course Calloway's real purpose of existence. I was intrigued by the plot and I am really curious as to where it will lead...
April 19, 2014
3.5
So let me start off saying, I think if I were in a different frame of mind, I would have enjoyed this book much more. I wanted to read a YA book, but then when I started I guess my heart just wasn’t in it as much as I thought I would be. To be fair to the author, I wanted to state that before my review. I DID in fact like this book a lot. The characters were well built, the imagery was spectacular and E.L. flawlessly transitioned from page to page.
Calloway, which by the way I love the name – is a super relatable character who is friendly, brave, maybe a bit awkward and has the best interest at heart. He may be a little tough around the edges, but when you have to fight evil, how can you not be? I thought the tension between Calloway and Breccan (his cousin) was absolutely true to form about families. I got kinda confused between Easton and Weston until a little further in the book when they both started to differentiate from one another.
Although this is a paranormal YA novel, there is definitely an underlining tone of finding the good in people, keeping your hope, and doing the right thing. It’s an amazing message to be sent out to the Young Adult generation, and I’m grateful that the author found a way to intertwine good morals along with some science fiction to keep you entranced.
I found this novel fascinating, unique, and thought provoking. I would definitely recommend this to someone who is looking for a something different, especially among YA novels. I love how bold the story is, and it has absolutely nothing to do with Vampires, Werewolves, and the like. To be honest – the genre has become a little taxing. We’ve been so inundated with the same stories with slight differences in the character developments. To anyone who reads Paranormal, and you’re looking for something different, I would definitely recommend this. As well as to anyone who just wants a good read. If I trusted my step-son with my kindle, I’d let him read this. He’s 10 (going on 30) and seeing as how I’ve already read this I can say it’s “mom-approved”. Maybe not for EVERY 10yr old, but I would definitely say 13+.
A great novel, that I feel guilty about giving it 3.5 stars. Honestly, I think this could deserve more from me, but again… I apparently wasn’t in the mood for YA, even though I thought I was. E.K. Blair has raw talent that I can’t wait to read again. I think maybe next time I will pick up a more adult novel by the author, though. (Does this mean I’m getting old!?)
March 2, 2014
“Flight of Life, #1” by E.L. Todd is a well written and fast paced YA novel.
Calloway a high school senior lives with his Aunt, Uncle and cousin Breccan after his father was mugged and killed. Living with his relatives puts a burden on their finances and they go without a lot of extras. Calloway feels dissatisfied with his life but, in spite of this he is a sensitive and caring young man. He feels strongly that there is good in everyone. Based on a letter he finds in a trunk that belonged to his father, he goes to an old abandoned library to search for a book called the “Kirin”. He is discovered by the Hara-Kir and barely escapes the library. He shows the book to his cousin who talks him into asking Easton, a classmate of theirs, for help. Calloway, Breccan and Easton form a group of three to fight against the Hara-Kir and save humanity. They meet in secrecy at the old library to translate the “Kirin” in hopes of discovering knowledge that will help them win this battle. Easton is able to decode some of the “Kirin” but isn’t able to decode the whole book. She convinces Calloway and Breccan to ask her older sister Weston for help. Weston only introduced Easton to the language of the “kirin”, the Hara-Kir and the Anti-Life as she wanted to protect her sister from harm. Weston introduces them to the White Wing, a secret society of warriors trained in combat against the Hara-Kir and the Anti-Life. Weston is the leader of this group. When she discovers that Calloway has Anti-Life objects in his possession she distances herself from him and the group in distrust.
I only have one comment to make to the author. I feel the characters of Breccan and Easton were not developed enough to enable readers to become engaged in them. Perhaps chapters told in their perspective would provide more depth to these characters. I finished this book not sure why Breccan become angry towards Calloway or sarcastic to Easton. Easton just came across as different but I had no real understanding about her as a person.
I look forward to Book #2; I can't wait to find out what happens next in this battle against the Anti-Life. I also hope to find more character development of Breccan, Easton and Weston.
I want to extend my personal thanks to the author, E.L. Todd, for providing me with an opportunity to be one of the first readers to read and review her new series. It is always a pleasure to discover new authors and watch their growth as a writer.
Calloway a high school senior lives with his Aunt, Uncle and cousin Breccan after his father was mugged and killed. Living with his relatives puts a burden on their finances and they go without a lot of extras. Calloway feels dissatisfied with his life but, in spite of this he is a sensitive and caring young man. He feels strongly that there is good in everyone. Based on a letter he finds in a trunk that belonged to his father, he goes to an old abandoned library to search for a book called the “Kirin”. He is discovered by the Hara-Kir and barely escapes the library. He shows the book to his cousin who talks him into asking Easton, a classmate of theirs, for help. Calloway, Breccan and Easton form a group of three to fight against the Hara-Kir and save humanity. They meet in secrecy at the old library to translate the “Kirin” in hopes of discovering knowledge that will help them win this battle. Easton is able to decode some of the “Kirin” but isn’t able to decode the whole book. She convinces Calloway and Breccan to ask her older sister Weston for help. Weston only introduced Easton to the language of the “kirin”, the Hara-Kir and the Anti-Life as she wanted to protect her sister from harm. Weston introduces them to the White Wing, a secret society of warriors trained in combat against the Hara-Kir and the Anti-Life. Weston is the leader of this group. When she discovers that Calloway has Anti-Life objects in his possession she distances herself from him and the group in distrust.
I only have one comment to make to the author. I feel the characters of Breccan and Easton were not developed enough to enable readers to become engaged in them. Perhaps chapters told in their perspective would provide more depth to these characters. I finished this book not sure why Breccan become angry towards Calloway or sarcastic to Easton. Easton just came across as different but I had no real understanding about her as a person.
I look forward to Book #2; I can't wait to find out what happens next in this battle against the Anti-Life. I also hope to find more character development of Breccan, Easton and Weston.
I want to extend my personal thanks to the author, E.L. Todd, for providing me with an opportunity to be one of the first readers to read and review her new series. It is always a pleasure to discover new authors and watch their growth as a writer.
April 14, 2014
i was given a free copy by the author is exchange for an honest review. i have done my best to do so.
Here's my review
A well written book about an orphan, Calloway, who lives with his Aunt after his father died. He inherited a glowing orb & a picking knife from his father along with knowledge about the Hara-Kirs & the Anti-Life. Calloway seeks to stop them as he feels that it is the right thing to do. He also believes that this is what is father would have wanted him to do. His cousin Breccan & their friend Easton help him in this.
The main character, Calloway, is basically a person who believes that one should do what is right regardless of whether it is beneficial to you or not. He has a huge sense of responsibility & he stands up for others even when they do not appreciate it. His cousin Breccan on the other hand is much more pessimistic & does not understand why Calloway has to stand up for someone who doesn’t even appreciate it. A contrast is seen between the two characters. The third friend, Easton, is an intelligent girl who is generally alone & is not socially accepted either.
The story began on a very interesting note & pulled me into Calloway’s world. Calloway is an amazing character even though sometimes he did feel like he was too good to be true. Breccan tends to irritate you sometimes but oddly I couldn’t help liking him. Easton is an amazing character who rocks & their bickering is kind of fun. I liked all three of them but I liked Easton the most.
The story has a good pace & before I knew it I was rooting for them. Calloway’s whole world shakes and he has a personal crisis when he realizes that his father could be alive. His conflict & uncertainty is portrayed well & you tend to feel sympathy for him. I loved the teacher Mr. Avey & the scenes with Calloway & Mr. Avey are well written. Also, Calloway’s interactions with Weston are interesting.
This story kept me glued to my kindle till I finished it. It had suspense, adventure & danger. It made me laugh & also made me feel sad at times. I connected with Easton & the way she’s not a typical girl. I loved her.
The ending was good but now I want more. I really want to know what happens next. A good book with an interesting plot-line. Definitely worth reading.
Here's a link to my amazon review
http://www.amazon.in/product-reviews/...
Here's my review
A well written book about an orphan, Calloway, who lives with his Aunt after his father died. He inherited a glowing orb & a picking knife from his father along with knowledge about the Hara-Kirs & the Anti-Life. Calloway seeks to stop them as he feels that it is the right thing to do. He also believes that this is what is father would have wanted him to do. His cousin Breccan & their friend Easton help him in this.
The main character, Calloway, is basically a person who believes that one should do what is right regardless of whether it is beneficial to you or not. He has a huge sense of responsibility & he stands up for others even when they do not appreciate it. His cousin Breccan on the other hand is much more pessimistic & does not understand why Calloway has to stand up for someone who doesn’t even appreciate it. A contrast is seen between the two characters. The third friend, Easton, is an intelligent girl who is generally alone & is not socially accepted either.
The story began on a very interesting note & pulled me into Calloway’s world. Calloway is an amazing character even though sometimes he did feel like he was too good to be true. Breccan tends to irritate you sometimes but oddly I couldn’t help liking him. Easton is an amazing character who rocks & their bickering is kind of fun. I liked all three of them but I liked Easton the most.
The story has a good pace & before I knew it I was rooting for them. Calloway’s whole world shakes and he has a personal crisis when he realizes that his father could be alive. His conflict & uncertainty is portrayed well & you tend to feel sympathy for him. I loved the teacher Mr. Avey & the scenes with Calloway & Mr. Avey are well written. Also, Calloway’s interactions with Weston are interesting.
This story kept me glued to my kindle till I finished it. It had suspense, adventure & danger. It made me laugh & also made me feel sad at times. I connected with Easton & the way she’s not a typical girl. I loved her.
The ending was good but now I want more. I really want to know what happens next. A good book with an interesting plot-line. Definitely worth reading.
Here's a link to my amazon review
http://www.amazon.in/product-reviews/...
April 8, 2014
First thing I wanted to say is that I was sent the book in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to E.L Todd for sending it to me!
I loved it! I’ll be honest though. I wasn’t quite sure about the book at first. In fact, by glancing at the cover, I would have never bothered to pick up this book. But as they say ‘Never judge a book by it’s cover”. I often remind myself of this. So I was glad the author - E.L Todd was kind enough to send it to me for review. The synopsis sounded interesting but I wasn’t sure if I would like it enough to finish it.. The first few pages I was a bit confuse, but understood it quickly as I read more.. The more I read, the more I liked the book..
The story was well written.. It is unlike anything I’ve read so far. I was never bored with the story. It kept me interested throughout the whole book. I wanted to know what was going to happen next. I’ll be honest though, I wish the story went on a little longer than it did. The ending left me wondering..Well I guess it’s supposed to be like that so I’ll wind up getting the sequel. Haha! Which I will!
The Story is about a boy who lost his parents and is now living with his aunt, uncle, and cousin. They are extremely poor. Despite losing his parents, Calloway is tormented at school after defending a girl. Calloway goes to an abandon library to find a book that his father had written about in a note. He finds it, but also runs into a creature called the Hara-Kir. What is a Hara- Kir you ask? A Hara-Kir is an Anti-Life creature who takes your essence, your soul. After finding the book and the knife his father pretty much left for him. Breccan who is Calloway’s cousin and Calloway realized that they can’t read the book. It was in a different language, so they ask a girl name Easton to help them decipher the book. All 3 wind up studying everything they can about these creatures, and somewhat hunt them. Well not really hunt them, they keep showing up every time they are at the abandon library. Calloway feels like he has the save the world, so he feels a heavy weight on his shoulders. He still doesn’t understand the use of the gifts his father left for him. Well if you want to know more, you’ll just have to get the book yourself.
I definitely recommend it. Give this book a chance. It was really good. I’m anxious for the next book to come out. I plan on picking it up!
I loved it! I’ll be honest though. I wasn’t quite sure about the book at first. In fact, by glancing at the cover, I would have never bothered to pick up this book. But as they say ‘Never judge a book by it’s cover”. I often remind myself of this. So I was glad the author - E.L Todd was kind enough to send it to me for review. The synopsis sounded interesting but I wasn’t sure if I would like it enough to finish it.. The first few pages I was a bit confuse, but understood it quickly as I read more.. The more I read, the more I liked the book..
The story was well written.. It is unlike anything I’ve read so far. I was never bored with the story. It kept me interested throughout the whole book. I wanted to know what was going to happen next. I’ll be honest though, I wish the story went on a little longer than it did. The ending left me wondering..Well I guess it’s supposed to be like that so I’ll wind up getting the sequel. Haha! Which I will!
The Story is about a boy who lost his parents and is now living with his aunt, uncle, and cousin. They are extremely poor. Despite losing his parents, Calloway is tormented at school after defending a girl. Calloway goes to an abandon library to find a book that his father had written about in a note. He finds it, but also runs into a creature called the Hara-Kir. What is a Hara- Kir you ask? A Hara-Kir is an Anti-Life creature who takes your essence, your soul. After finding the book and the knife his father pretty much left for him. Breccan who is Calloway’s cousin and Calloway realized that they can’t read the book. It was in a different language, so they ask a girl name Easton to help them decipher the book. All 3 wind up studying everything they can about these creatures, and somewhat hunt them. Well not really hunt them, they keep showing up every time they are at the abandon library. Calloway feels like he has the save the world, so he feels a heavy weight on his shoulders. He still doesn’t understand the use of the gifts his father left for him. Well if you want to know more, you’ll just have to get the book yourself.
I definitely recommend it. Give this book a chance. It was really good. I’m anxious for the next book to come out. I plan on picking it up!
March 3, 2014
It's such a pleasure to read for this author and I have fallen in love with her writing style. I really enjoy working with new authors, watching from the sidelines as they develop their work into the books that we all love to read. Ms Todd has a unique touch that brings her characters off the page and into your life.
In this new series we meet Calloway, his cousin Breccan and their friend Easton. Calloway is a gifted young man in his senior year of high school, that has lost his parents and is living with his cousin and his parents which are his legal guardians. Due to his aunt's illness the family is under a financial strain. Calloway is struggling to deal with the loss of his parents and the financial stress of his home life plus trying to understanding the fight against the Hara-Kirs.
Cal was very young when his father was killed by a mugger. His father left him two objects that are very confusing along with a letter so mystifying he becomes depressed coming to terms with what they could mean. As the story develops Cal, Breccan and Easton develop a very close bond with each other while they figure out how to fight the Hara-Kirs. As this happens the story line takes a lot of twists and turns and more characters are added.
I was very impressed with Calloway as he firmly believed that people are not what they wear or the amount in their wallet but good people making the right or wrong decisions. No matter who they were they deserve to be treated right and given a second chance. His feelings of respect for his aunt and uncle was very uplifting in addition was very fortunate to be able to have the support of one of his teachers and experience a special bond with him.
I can't wait for book two to be released and the continuation of the story plus the development of Easton, Breccan and the added characters of Weston, Easton' s older sister and Marquan, Cal' s co worker. I was hooked and could not stop reading. You can count on more laughter and lots of emotional highs like all Ms Todd's books!
In this new series we meet Calloway, his cousin Breccan and their friend Easton. Calloway is a gifted young man in his senior year of high school, that has lost his parents and is living with his cousin and his parents which are his legal guardians. Due to his aunt's illness the family is under a financial strain. Calloway is struggling to deal with the loss of his parents and the financial stress of his home life plus trying to understanding the fight against the Hara-Kirs.
Cal was very young when his father was killed by a mugger. His father left him two objects that are very confusing along with a letter so mystifying he becomes depressed coming to terms with what they could mean. As the story develops Cal, Breccan and Easton develop a very close bond with each other while they figure out how to fight the Hara-Kirs. As this happens the story line takes a lot of twists and turns and more characters are added.
I was very impressed with Calloway as he firmly believed that people are not what they wear or the amount in their wallet but good people making the right or wrong decisions. No matter who they were they deserve to be treated right and given a second chance. His feelings of respect for his aunt and uncle was very uplifting in addition was very fortunate to be able to have the support of one of his teachers and experience a special bond with him.
I can't wait for book two to be released and the continuation of the story plus the development of Easton, Breccan and the added characters of Weston, Easton' s older sister and Marquan, Cal' s co worker. I was hooked and could not stop reading. You can count on more laughter and lots of emotional highs like all Ms Todd's books!
March 21, 2014
I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
The plot of this book was definitely a new one for me and one that I found rather inspiring and maybe even a little deep (in a good way). I will say I wish the book had a little less high school drama and a little more Hara-Kris drama, I know now that a lot of it was important for character development and through it all I really got to know each character but I wanted more of the Hara-Kris as they were the thing that really pulled me to read this book. I felt that even with a lot of information the story moved a bit slow and I wanted so much more. I felt bad for Calloway I wish that everyone would have given him the chance he was only granted by a few, this boy is a rarity among men, his fierce belief that humanity is innately good and just strays once in a while is not something you find nowadays, and also his willingness to stand up for others no matter the cost to himself was very admirable and I hope to someday know someone half as valiant as he. Calloway is a big reason I kept reading and is a big reason I want to continue the series.
I think this series has the potential to be epic, after finding the white wing and realizing they are not on their own, these three friends have some big discoveries in their future, well I hope so anyway, and I really really hope there will be more on Calloway's father, information on him are the giant puzzle pieces that need to be found in order for them to get answers.
The deep idea of the meaning of life is there but it is not hitting you in the face and making you feel dumb, I believe that Calloway's cousin helps a lot there he asks the questions we are all thinking and it gets us to the point a little quicker. I think the possibilities are endless with the topics discussed in this book and I am very curious to see the direction author E.L. Todd will take with it.
This is a good read and I hope many others pick it up and find it's beauty for themselves.
The plot of this book was definitely a new one for me and one that I found rather inspiring and maybe even a little deep (in a good way). I will say I wish the book had a little less high school drama and a little more Hara-Kris drama, I know now that a lot of it was important for character development and through it all I really got to know each character but I wanted more of the Hara-Kris as they were the thing that really pulled me to read this book. I felt that even with a lot of information the story moved a bit slow and I wanted so much more. I felt bad for Calloway I wish that everyone would have given him the chance he was only granted by a few, this boy is a rarity among men, his fierce belief that humanity is innately good and just strays once in a while is not something you find nowadays, and also his willingness to stand up for others no matter the cost to himself was very admirable and I hope to someday know someone half as valiant as he. Calloway is a big reason I kept reading and is a big reason I want to continue the series.
I think this series has the potential to be epic, after finding the white wing and realizing they are not on their own, these three friends have some big discoveries in their future, well I hope so anyway, and I really really hope there will be more on Calloway's father, information on him are the giant puzzle pieces that need to be found in order for them to get answers.
The deep idea of the meaning of life is there but it is not hitting you in the face and making you feel dumb, I believe that Calloway's cousin helps a lot there he asks the questions we are all thinking and it gets us to the point a little quicker. I think the possibilities are endless with the topics discussed in this book and I am very curious to see the direction author E.L. Todd will take with it.
This is a good read and I hope many others pick it up and find it's beauty for themselves.
April 8, 2014
I rate this book a solid 4 stars!!!!
He was determined to fight for life, destroy the Hara-Kirs, and survive the rest of the year of high school. He didn't know what was in store for him, but he suspected the second half would be as worst as the first. But it didn't matter. Calloway would never give up. That wasn't an option.
This book surprised me. I was like WOW I could not put it down! From the beginning it was suspenseful and the author did an excellent job at character development. I felt like I knew everyone one of the main characters on a personal level.
MY REVIEW
Story starts out with Calloway. A 17 year old boy that lives with his Aunt, Uncle and Cousin. Money is tight as the family manages to barely scrap by. His father passed and left behind a orb that only glows when he squeezes it and a lock picker that can pick any lock along with instructions on the locations of a sacred ancient book, the Kirin. The book details the Anti life and the demons that try to steal your essence, the Hara-Kirs.
With help from his cousin Breccan and friend Easton they join together to decode the book and fight the evil that threatens everyone in existence. Meanwhile learning that Easton's sister, Weston (I know cool names right?) is fighting to stop the same evil in a secret society called the White Wing."
Mix that with a lot of high school drama, secret crushes and kick ass suspense, you have yourself one hell of a read.
This book was given to me for a fair and honest review.
Read more on my blog Home Is Where the Wine Is Book Blog or Facebook Home Is Where the Wine Is Facebook page
He was determined to fight for life, destroy the Hara-Kirs, and survive the rest of the year of high school. He didn't know what was in store for him, but he suspected the second half would be as worst as the first. But it didn't matter. Calloway would never give up. That wasn't an option.
This book surprised me. I was like WOW I could not put it down! From the beginning it was suspenseful and the author did an excellent job at character development. I felt like I knew everyone one of the main characters on a personal level.
MY REVIEW
Story starts out with Calloway. A 17 year old boy that lives with his Aunt, Uncle and Cousin. Money is tight as the family manages to barely scrap by. His father passed and left behind a orb that only glows when he squeezes it and a lock picker that can pick any lock along with instructions on the locations of a sacred ancient book, the Kirin. The book details the Anti life and the demons that try to steal your essence, the Hara-Kirs.
With help from his cousin Breccan and friend Easton they join together to decode the book and fight the evil that threatens everyone in existence. Meanwhile learning that Easton's sister, Weston (I know cool names right?) is fighting to stop the same evil in a secret society called the White Wing."
Mix that with a lot of high school drama, secret crushes and kick ass suspense, you have yourself one hell of a read.
This book was given to me for a fair and honest review.
Read more on my blog Home Is Where the Wine Is Book Blog or Facebook Home Is Where the Wine Is Facebook page
April 29, 2014
(I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a review).
(This review may contain spoilers).
I do have a few mixed feelings about this book. It was good to be put into the action straight away, but I felt that a lot of things were left unexplained when they could have been - like Breccan's and Easton's involvement with the creatures and Calloway.
In some ways, I felt this book was a bit simple to read. For a lot of it, it was basic good and evil. I would have liked to know more about the Hara-Kirs. In a way, it feels like it was all believed just a bit too quickly. That might have been as a result of being thrown straight into the action, but I feel the book would have benefited from a little more explanation.
I did like the characters and how they interacted with each other. It was nice to see that Calloway was a truly good character, who stood up to the bully even knowing it would make his life miserable. That's the kind of character I can get behind as a hero. I also liked Easton, though I struggled a bit with the name. Where I live, there are areas called Easton and Weston, so at times, it was hard to accept the names.
Although I liked the fact that Calloway was struggling to balance his two separate lives, it did all start falling into place for him. It was just a tiny bit unbelievable, at least in my opinion.
I wasn't all that keen on Breccan as a character. I think I would have liked to see inside his head a bit, because as it stands, he just comes across as a really ungrateful person. I would have also liked to see a bit more of his relationship with Calloway.
I'd be interested in reading the next book in this series to see what will happen to the characters. I do feel that it could have been edited a bit - I noticed quite a few errors in the writing which could have been picked up.
Still, this book was an entertaining read. I can't go higher than three stars right now, but if it was edited and a bit more development put in, I think it would be much better.
(This review may contain spoilers).
I do have a few mixed feelings about this book. It was good to be put into the action straight away, but I felt that a lot of things were left unexplained when they could have been - like Breccan's and Easton's involvement with the creatures and Calloway.
In some ways, I felt this book was a bit simple to read. For a lot of it, it was basic good and evil. I would have liked to know more about the Hara-Kirs. In a way, it feels like it was all believed just a bit too quickly. That might have been as a result of being thrown straight into the action, but I feel the book would have benefited from a little more explanation.
I did like the characters and how they interacted with each other. It was nice to see that Calloway was a truly good character, who stood up to the bully even knowing it would make his life miserable. That's the kind of character I can get behind as a hero. I also liked Easton, though I struggled a bit with the name. Where I live, there are areas called Easton and Weston, so at times, it was hard to accept the names.
Although I liked the fact that Calloway was struggling to balance his two separate lives, it did all start falling into place for him. It was just a tiny bit unbelievable, at least in my opinion.
I wasn't all that keen on Breccan as a character. I think I would have liked to see inside his head a bit, because as it stands, he just comes across as a really ungrateful person. I would have also liked to see a bit more of his relationship with Calloway.
I'd be interested in reading the next book in this series to see what will happen to the characters. I do feel that it could have been edited a bit - I noticed quite a few errors in the writing which could have been picked up.
Still, this book was an entertaining read. I can't go higher than three stars right now, but if it was edited and a bit more development put in, I think it would be much better.
September 12, 2016
I was gifted a copy by the author in return for an honest review.
When Calloway breaks into a library to steal a sacred book, getting chased by a Hira-Kir and nearly getting himself killed, he doesn’t realize what information it contains about these evil creatures. His aunt and uncle don’t know of this other world he’s involved with, although his cousin, Breccan, and a girl named Easton do. But what, exactly are the Hira-Kir? And why don’t they attack Calloway?
Calloway was too... good. His constant humility, selflessness and steadfast believe in forgiveness and the good in others pushed me away from him, which in turn pushed me out of the story. He didn’t feel like a real person. Same with Hawk, who felt more like a caricature of a bully for reasons I can’t quite pinpoint.
In terms of grammar, what bothered me was the lack of past perfect tense (i.e. “I ate the sandwich that I had bought at the store”), which sometimes made a passage awkward to read. The overall punctuation (comma usage) could have been better, too.
For the beginning of the novel I was a bit... disoriented, I suppose, and I wanted more on the Hira-Kirs than I was being given. I also wish the story had had a more conclusive ending, as for me it just drifted off, and I’m not sure what the plot arc/climax was:
Overall, I found it hard to connect and get through. I wish the Hira-Kirs and the fantasy elements had played a stronger part in the story, as that was what drew me in initially when reading the blutb. I expect the sequel will contain more, but for me, book one didn’t have much of a bang. The blurb of the novel reveals everything [important] that happens and left me expecting the events to happen earlier on. I will, however, give Todd credit for the originality of the Hira-Kirs and their mythology.
When Calloway breaks into a library to steal a sacred book, getting chased by a Hira-Kir and nearly getting himself killed, he doesn’t realize what information it contains about these evil creatures. His aunt and uncle don’t know of this other world he’s involved with, although his cousin, Breccan, and a girl named Easton do. But what, exactly are the Hira-Kir? And why don’t they attack Calloway?
Calloway was too... good. His constant humility, selflessness and steadfast believe in forgiveness and the good in others pushed me away from him, which in turn pushed me out of the story. He didn’t feel like a real person. Same with Hawk, who felt more like a caricature of a bully for reasons I can’t quite pinpoint.
In terms of grammar, what bothered me was the lack of past perfect tense (i.e. “I ate the sandwich that I had bought at the store”), which sometimes made a passage awkward to read. The overall punctuation (comma usage) could have been better, too.
For the beginning of the novel I was a bit... disoriented, I suppose, and I wanted more on the Hira-Kirs than I was being given. I also wish the story had had a more conclusive ending, as for me it just drifted off, and I’m not sure what the plot arc/climax was:
Overall, I found it hard to connect and get through. I wish the Hira-Kirs and the fantasy elements had played a stronger part in the story, as that was what drew me in initially when reading the blutb. I expect the sequel will contain more, but for me, book one didn’t have much of a bang. The blurb of the novel reveals everything [important] that happens and left me expecting the events to happen earlier on. I will, however, give Todd credit for the originality of the Hira-Kirs and their mythology.
April 11, 2014
I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
To start off, I'll say this book is very solidly YA (the most "romance" you'll see for the main character of Calloway is a kiss on the cheek) and a very clean read. You can feel comfortable with teens 13 and up reading this story, and most teenagers will be able to identify with one or more of the characters (hopefully not with Hawk, the book's bully character though!).
When the story begins, I did feel a bit lost as you feel like you come into it as its already started. It's not until later in the book that you get more of the backstory so you can fully understand what is going on...but most of what you read in the beginning does get explained eventually. One of the things that doesn't is how Calloway and Breccan know Easton can help them, so I'm hoping we find out more about this in the next book.
Most of the characters seem well-rounded, however there seems to be untold details about Easton and I really didn't get a good sense of her character. Calloway is a classic underdog, being picked on and having a somewhat naive view of others, but you find yourself rooting for him and wanting him to become a stronger character, which he does start to do. As for Mr. Avey, I think there's more to him than what we've discovered so far as I don't know of any teacher who would do for a student what he does for Calloway.
The book flowed well and though it did have its share of grammar/basic editing issues including some incorrect, missing or extra words, it really doesn't take away from the reading. The concept of the Hara-Kirs, Life and Anti-Life are original (at least to me) in the YA paranormal genre, which is nice to see for a change.
My overall star rating is 3.75, rounded to 4 stars. I'm looking forward to continuing the series, and would recommend this to any YA readers who enjoy the paranormal category.
To start off, I'll say this book is very solidly YA (the most "romance" you'll see for the main character of Calloway is a kiss on the cheek) and a very clean read. You can feel comfortable with teens 13 and up reading this story, and most teenagers will be able to identify with one or more of the characters (hopefully not with Hawk, the book's bully character though!).
When the story begins, I did feel a bit lost as you feel like you come into it as its already started. It's not until later in the book that you get more of the backstory so you can fully understand what is going on...but most of what you read in the beginning does get explained eventually. One of the things that doesn't is how Calloway and Breccan know Easton can help them, so I'm hoping we find out more about this in the next book.
Most of the characters seem well-rounded, however there seems to be untold details about Easton and I really didn't get a good sense of her character. Calloway is a classic underdog, being picked on and having a somewhat naive view of others, but you find yourself rooting for him and wanting him to become a stronger character, which he does start to do. As for Mr. Avey, I think there's more to him than what we've discovered so far as I don't know of any teacher who would do for a student what he does for Calloway.
The book flowed well and though it did have its share of grammar/basic editing issues including some incorrect, missing or extra words, it really doesn't take away from the reading. The concept of the Hara-Kirs, Life and Anti-Life are original (at least to me) in the YA paranormal genre, which is nice to see for a change.
My overall star rating is 3.75, rounded to 4 stars. I'm looking forward to continuing the series, and would recommend this to any YA readers who enjoy the paranormal category.
April 8, 2014
This is a young adult paranormal novel and a good read. The hero, Calloway, is strong and likable but is still the epitome of teenhood – confused. Having worked with teenagers most of my adult life, the author did a really great job of making him real without being really annoying. He manages to be nice but is still intriguing enough that teenagers won’t just blow him off.
The first sentence drops you straight into the action with an intriguing hook: “The eerie shadows cast by the trees frightened Calloway the most.” I immediately wanted to know more. The next scene is a huge change of pace as the hero is joining his family for dinner – no hint of the paranormal and the dangers that might be following him home. This introduces other supporting characters who are along for the ride.
It’s a good plot with lots of action, the characters are interesting although you occasionally want to smack some of them, and the ‘messages’ – that what you are is more important than what you have, that all people have some good in them and that even good people make mistakes – are subtle enough that the target audience won’t just roll their eyes.
Probably the weakest part of this book for me is the ending. It’s not exactly a cliffhanger but there isn’t a strong sense of conclusion either. And if you’re looking for a happily ever after, there isn’t one. I think I would prefer reading it after book 2 is out and I can move right on. I’ll drop this into my ‘re-read’ file and bring it out when book 2 comes around. I’m looking forward to it.
On a purely personal level, I did have trouble with name of the bad guys. Every time I saw ‘Hara-Kir’ I wanted to read it as hari kari… which made it a little harder to take them seriously as demonic villains.
I received a free copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.
The first sentence drops you straight into the action with an intriguing hook: “The eerie shadows cast by the trees frightened Calloway the most.” I immediately wanted to know more. The next scene is a huge change of pace as the hero is joining his family for dinner – no hint of the paranormal and the dangers that might be following him home. This introduces other supporting characters who are along for the ride.
It’s a good plot with lots of action, the characters are interesting although you occasionally want to smack some of them, and the ‘messages’ – that what you are is more important than what you have, that all people have some good in them and that even good people make mistakes – are subtle enough that the target audience won’t just roll their eyes.
Probably the weakest part of this book for me is the ending. It’s not exactly a cliffhanger but there isn’t a strong sense of conclusion either. And if you’re looking for a happily ever after, there isn’t one. I think I would prefer reading it after book 2 is out and I can move right on. I’ll drop this into my ‘re-read’ file and bring it out when book 2 comes around. I’m looking forward to it.
On a purely personal level, I did have trouble with name of the bad guys. Every time I saw ‘Hara-Kir’ I wanted to read it as hari kari… which made it a little harder to take them seriously as demonic villains.
I received a free copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.
March 31, 2014
This book was sent to me for an honest review.
This is a book that has a lot of promise. It has a great premise and an interesting plot. Characters that are well thought out and executed are found within. Unfortunately, the editing and writing style made me feel like I was grading a middle school paper. Proofread, proofread and proofread again.
I am hoping that the author accidently sent me the rough draft. I ran across misspelled words, some which may have been typos. For example: Corned instead of cornered. I stumbled over words that were out of order and guessed what other words would have been had they not been missing. The redundancy of words such as parchment paper were common. For those who don't see it. Parchment is paper and so it reads paper paper.
The inconsistencies throughout the book would drive me to distraction as I would have to go back and reread paragraphs from earlier in the book. Many of these sentences would state something and in the next contradict it. Authors, if a page is so brittle it would be destroyed touching it, don't have your characters turn the page and continue reading. Also, fact check. Paper can not turn to sand.
Once again, the book has great promise but needs a lot of work such as improvement in sentence structure. Unfortunately, because the book felt unedited it scored much lower than it could have. This really has the potential to be a four star book but it felt as though it was rushed for publication and, in the end, refused to shine in my eyes.
This is a book that has a lot of promise. It has a great premise and an interesting plot. Characters that are well thought out and executed are found within. Unfortunately, the editing and writing style made me feel like I was grading a middle school paper. Proofread, proofread and proofread again.
I am hoping that the author accidently sent me the rough draft. I ran across misspelled words, some which may have been typos. For example: Corned instead of cornered. I stumbled over words that were out of order and guessed what other words would have been had they not been missing. The redundancy of words such as parchment paper were common. For those who don't see it. Parchment is paper and so it reads paper paper.
The inconsistencies throughout the book would drive me to distraction as I would have to go back and reread paragraphs from earlier in the book. Many of these sentences would state something and in the next contradict it. Authors, if a page is so brittle it would be destroyed touching it, don't have your characters turn the page and continue reading. Also, fact check. Paper can not turn to sand.
Once again, the book has great promise but needs a lot of work such as improvement in sentence structure. Unfortunately, because the book felt unedited it scored much lower than it could have. This really has the potential to be a four star book but it felt as though it was rushed for publication and, in the end, refused to shine in my eyes.
April 23, 2014
Usually I love books that start off with a bang, but with this book I felt like it could have used a little background first. It took me awhile to fully grasp the concept and what was going on. The characters are well written, easy to relate to, and act like mature teenagers. I think my main aggravation with this book is the bullying. I come from a small town that is extremely clicky. We had the whole "big fish little pond" thing down to a science and I'm sad to report that one kid did get picked on just because he was different from the rest of us and the bully was a teachers son so nothing was ever said. This book is very accurate in the fact that things change completely when you graduate high school. Some of things that the bully said and did made me want to beat the crap out of him myself.
This book is a cliffhanger and I'm very curious to see what comes next for our three amigos. They had a wonderful connection to where three outsiders come together and stand up for each other just because it's the right thing to do. I really hope that what I think about Calloway's dad is true. This whole book seems to be about fighting to the good fight just different circumstances.
Overall well written book. A few mistakes but nothing that my brain couldn't easily figure out. I'm very stingy with my 5 stars and my 4 stars are like most people's 5 star. With that being said a 3 star is still a great rating. Keep up the good work.
I received a free copy of this book for an honest review.
This book is a cliffhanger and I'm very curious to see what comes next for our three amigos. They had a wonderful connection to where three outsiders come together and stand up for each other just because it's the right thing to do. I really hope that what I think about Calloway's dad is true. This whole book seems to be about fighting to the good fight just different circumstances.
Overall well written book. A few mistakes but nothing that my brain couldn't easily figure out. I'm very stingy with my 5 stars and my 4 stars are like most people's 5 star. With that being said a 3 star is still a great rating. Keep up the good work.
I received a free copy of this book for an honest review.
March 29, 2014
Calloway lost both his parents and is currently living with his Aunt Grace , Uncle Scott and cousin Breccan who have very little money. One evening he goes to the Graniose Historian Library to retrieve the Kirin sacred book “The Tale of Life” and barely escapes the Hara-Kir. He and cousin goes to one other their classmates, Easton who assists them in translating the book. They form a bond of friendship while seeking answers to the book and learning on how to fight the Hara-Kirs.
Easton’s older sister belongs to secret society of warriors known as the White Wing that are trained to fight against the Hara-Kir and the Anti-Life. Callaway came into possession with two items he inherited from his father which was a knife that can open and lock any door and an orb that releases light into the darkness. Weston discovers Calloway has these Anti-Life objects and finds herself not trusting Callaway.
Calloway finds out that the Library belongs to his father and suspect he may still be alive. Hara-Kirs seems to be unable to bring harm to Calloway but they continue to try and kill his friends. He has a caring soul that helps his remaining family by getting a job .
This is the first book that I have read from this writer and was asked to provide a review. Is Callaway father dead or is he still living, what disease is Aunt Grace suffering from; will they find the answers they are looking for.
Easton’s older sister belongs to secret society of warriors known as the White Wing that are trained to fight against the Hara-Kir and the Anti-Life. Callaway came into possession with two items he inherited from his father which was a knife that can open and lock any door and an orb that releases light into the darkness. Weston discovers Calloway has these Anti-Life objects and finds herself not trusting Callaway.
Calloway finds out that the Library belongs to his father and suspect he may still be alive. Hara-Kirs seems to be unable to bring harm to Calloway but they continue to try and kill his friends. He has a caring soul that helps his remaining family by getting a job .
This is the first book that I have read from this writer and was asked to provide a review. Is Callaway father dead or is he still living, what disease is Aunt Grace suffering from; will they find the answers they are looking for.
April 15, 2014
I really liked this book by the end, but it took me a while to get there. The premise is very interesting and definitely unique, however it felt a little muddled in places. I really love Calloway. Who wouldn't? He's loyal, selfless, kind to everyone, and just has overall impeccable moral integrity. I liked all the characters really. They were all unique and fleshed out individuals. I did have an issue with the dialog though. It didn't seem naturally flowing- It was a little stilted and sometimes they said things that I didn't think needed to be said. Like it was put in just to explain things for my benefit. I'm smart- I get it. ;-) I also noticed some instances of "show me, don't tell me" For example: "Calloway could tell how angry Hawk was by his hostile body posture." I felt like it would've been better to just describe his posture and let us conclude that it was angry. My last gripe would be the beginning of the book. It just didn't feel like the beginning. I actually checked back after finishing the first few pages to see if I accidentally skipped over the beginning. Oh, and there were a few grammatical errors and misspelled words as well, but I don't really knock off points for that thing unless it's severe. Just wanted to mention it I guess, but it wasn't a big deal to me. I did love the story line and the characters though, so I will definitely be reading the next book. :-) 3 stars
March 13, 2014
I received this book for an honest review and I totally loved it. I am not usually a reader of YA, but in this case I am glad I did. This book was very well written. There were several things going on at once, and the author articulated very well.
I met Calloway, his cousin Breccan, and their friend Easton, along with a cast of character. Calloway was very young when his dad was murdered by a mugger, and he went to live with his aunt and uncle who became his guardians. All he was left was a trunk with some very odd things in it, along with very "odd" letter about Hara Kirs that are demon-like characters.
Calloway's and Breccan's home life is very poor, but rich in love. Calloway is very grateful for everything that he gets, while Breccan is pretty resentful of it.
Calloway, Breccan and Easton get together to fight for the good of mankind, and all thru this, they just try to get thru high school.
This isn't just a paranormal story. This is also about working on finding the good in everyone, no matter who they are and what they do. This is a story of bullying as well, and I love how it's handled. I would totally recommend this book to any YA who is going thru this issue. Calloway is an inspiration. He is a hard worker, very intelligent and very caring.
I can hardly wait to read the next book in the series!
I met Calloway, his cousin Breccan, and their friend Easton, along with a cast of character. Calloway was very young when his dad was murdered by a mugger, and he went to live with his aunt and uncle who became his guardians. All he was left was a trunk with some very odd things in it, along with very "odd" letter about Hara Kirs that are demon-like characters.
Calloway's and Breccan's home life is very poor, but rich in love. Calloway is very grateful for everything that he gets, while Breccan is pretty resentful of it.
Calloway, Breccan and Easton get together to fight for the good of mankind, and all thru this, they just try to get thru high school.
This isn't just a paranormal story. This is also about working on finding the good in everyone, no matter who they are and what they do. This is a story of bullying as well, and I love how it's handled. I would totally recommend this book to any YA who is going thru this issue. Calloway is an inspiration. He is a hard worker, very intelligent and very caring.
I can hardly wait to read the next book in the series!
March 28, 2014
This is the first book in a YA series. Calloway, an orphan lives with his cousin Breccan and aunt and uncle, who although poor are a very loving family.The two cousins are in the last year at high school and because of their poverty are picked on and ridiculed by the class bully, Hawk, who also happens to be the son of the school principal.Their only friend at school is Easton, who is also an outcast, mainly because she is a loner who spends all her time studying.
The three of them are trying to find out more about the Hara-kirs, human looking beings who are out to steal the essence or soul from humans. A portal is allowing these creatures into the world and they seem to be coming from the Grandiose Library. White wing is the headquarters of a group of college students and is run by Weston, Easton's sister. They are also trying to track down the Hara-kirs and want the three teenagers to leave well alone. But Calloway has the kirin, a book about the Hara -kirs and they are determined to get this translated so they can put an end to the Hara-kirs.
An enjoyable read that ends with a cliff hanger to entice you to read the next in the series.
There are a few errors that niggled that should have been picked up by the proof reader.
The three of them are trying to find out more about the Hara-kirs, human looking beings who are out to steal the essence or soul from humans. A portal is allowing these creatures into the world and they seem to be coming from the Grandiose Library. White wing is the headquarters of a group of college students and is run by Weston, Easton's sister. They are also trying to track down the Hara-kirs and want the three teenagers to leave well alone. But Calloway has the kirin, a book about the Hara -kirs and they are determined to get this translated so they can put an end to the Hara-kirs.
An enjoyable read that ends with a cliff hanger to entice you to read the next in the series.
There are a few errors that niggled that should have been picked up by the proof reader.
April 14, 2014
*I received a free copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Flight of Life is the first book in a refreshingly original YA paranormal series. While I would have liked a bit more background information on what was going on right at the beginning, the well-paced plot quickly drew me in as more and more details were revealed. Rather than adding to the endless amounts of YA books about vampires, angels and all the other usual suspects, Ms. Todd has created supernatural adversaries of her own that her trio of main characters is up against. So far, what we have learned about the Hara-Kir is mysterious and intriguing, and I hope the next book will delve deeper into their background. Where this novel really shines, however, is in the character department: The three protagonists are all very well fleshed out and believable, right down to the bickering and teenage-typical mood swings. They all have their flaws, which makes them interesting and realistic. I'm certainly looking forward to seeing how they'll develop further in future installments of the series!
A few typos and grammar errors niggled at me and need to be fixed, but otherwise this was a thoroughly good read that left me looking forward to getting my hands on part two.
Flight of Life is the first book in a refreshingly original YA paranormal series. While I would have liked a bit more background information on what was going on right at the beginning, the well-paced plot quickly drew me in as more and more details were revealed. Rather than adding to the endless amounts of YA books about vampires, angels and all the other usual suspects, Ms. Todd has created supernatural adversaries of her own that her trio of main characters is up against. So far, what we have learned about the Hara-Kir is mysterious and intriguing, and I hope the next book will delve deeper into their background. Where this novel really shines, however, is in the character department: The three protagonists are all very well fleshed out and believable, right down to the bickering and teenage-typical mood swings. They all have their flaws, which makes them interesting and realistic. I'm certainly looking forward to seeing how they'll develop further in future installments of the series!
A few typos and grammar errors niggled at me and need to be fixed, but otherwise this was a thoroughly good read that left me looking forward to getting my hands on part two.
May 4, 2014
I thought this book was a good representation of the YA Sci/Fi genre. It started off with an action sequence which I think is a great idea, because sometimes in the fantasy genre the author spends five chapters explaining the backstory which can be boring. In this book you learn about the world of Hara-Kirs along with the main characters. The protagonist, Calloway, seems very similar to Harry Potter. He's a poor orphan that was taken in by his aunt and uncle after his parents died tragically. Calloway has a very strong moral compass which is good considering that this is a book for teens. Although sometimes he went over the edge and I found him a little sanctamonious but that could just be a personal preference. His supporting cast is excellent and they provide contrast and also comic relief. The plot line revolves around Hara-Kirs which are supernatural beings that are drawn to the energy that comes from the human soul. I guess I would compare them to vampires but without the blood. There are a lot of unanswered questions at the end of the first book which makes me eager to read the next book in the series!
March 2, 2014
I only discovered author E.L. Todd a few months ago, but everything I have read so far by her has been AWESOME!
The story follows Calloway, his cousin Breccan, and their friend Easton as they begin their journey to tackle evil. Along the way, a whole host of other characters join the mix, and they start to see that what they are up against is far more serious than they could have ever imagined. The book is a series of ups and downs and twists and turns that kept me reading nonstop!
I loved Calloway - his life story, his past, his optimism in even the worst of situations, and his bravery. His relationships with all of the other characters are a true testament of just how good a person that he is. I love the interaction between him and his teacher, Mr. Avey. Even the troubling feud between him and Hawk was something that I was drawn to. He handled himself with grace in every situation that he was faced with!
This is a series that I will be following until the end. I can't wait for the next book!!
The story follows Calloway, his cousin Breccan, and their friend Easton as they begin their journey to tackle evil. Along the way, a whole host of other characters join the mix, and they start to see that what they are up against is far more serious than they could have ever imagined. The book is a series of ups and downs and twists and turns that kept me reading nonstop!
I loved Calloway - his life story, his past, his optimism in even the worst of situations, and his bravery. His relationships with all of the other characters are a true testament of just how good a person that he is. I love the interaction between him and his teacher, Mr. Avey. Even the troubling feud between him and Hawk was something that I was drawn to. He handled himself with grace in every situation that he was faced with!
This is a series that I will be following until the end. I can't wait for the next book!!
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