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Talisman #1
Talisman
They say a diamond is a girl’s best friend . . . but sometimes, it's her destiny. When strangers sweep in to save Shiloh Wallace’s rural West Virginia town, she soon realizes her humdrum "human" life will never be the same. The unnerving telepathic event rocks the suspicious high school senior with questions that leaves her desperately seeking the truth. With freak occurrences mounting at every turn, Shiloh finds herself barreling down an unimaginable path that ultimately leads to her destiny. She is a Talisman, an elemental supernatural being who can wield powers drawn from ancient stones that grant her abilities beyond her wildest dreams. Now, along with the aid of her newfound mentors, Shiloh must come to grips with accepting the illustrious Diamond Wand of Adamas as her fate, while saving her town and those she loves from an evil Talisman hell-bent on destroying everything that stands in his way of claiming her coveted diamond as his own. Young Adult Fantasy / New Adult Fantasy Contemporary Coming of Age Magical Action & Adventure Paranormal Urban Supernaturals Romance Mythical Legends & Lore Mystery
654 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 14, 2011
121 people are currently reading
449 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
June 22, 2018
Diamond
Really enjoyed this book. If you like reading supernatural/paranormal books you'll love reading about Shiloh. Great read, looking forward to the next one
Really enjoyed this book. If you like reading supernatural/paranormal books you'll love reading about Shiloh. Great read, looking forward to the next one
August 13, 2016
Shiloh Wallace spells her name with a ‘y’ instead of an ‘i,’ not because she’s shy, but just to be different. She has few friends, beyond her dad, his best friend, Samuel, his blind secretary, Bea, and her best friend forever, Katie. Life in Welch, West Virginia is boring for 17-year-old Shiloh who is anxious to turn 18 and finally graduate from high school so she can leave Welch in the coal dust. Then, she starts to have strange dreams and experience strange things, especially when the strange man, Lazarus comes to town with plans to buy the man where he daddy works. When she touches the stranger, she learns an even stranger thing, she can read thoughts of people when she touches them. As if that’s not strange enough, the oddball geology professor who came to town with Lazarus, when she finds him sneaking around Shiloh Ridge, informs her that she’s not really ‘human.’ She’s a Talisman, a strange race of supernatural being who can channel awesome powers through stones. Okay, do I have you attention? Good, because it only gets better—or worse depending upon your point of view—from that point. Shiloh quickly finds herself in a life or death struggle with other Talismans who want to kill her because she’s the heir to the most powerful item on earth.
Talisman by S. E. Akers is a refreshing paranormal story, with lots of humor, a ton of teen angst—did I mention that Shiloh’s mom hates her and her kid sister thinks she’s been put on earth only to serve as her handmaiden. Add a town bully, son of the mine owner, and the usual complement of high school harridans, and Shiloh doesn’t really need angry Talismans trying to poison her or rip her throat out. But she has all that, and precious little time to learn to harness her powers, because not only is her life at stake, but so are the lives of the few people she cares about and the survival of the whole town. If Shiloh can’t learn to control the diamond wand—yeah, and you thought diamonds were a girl’s best friend, right?—it’s curtains.
What can I say—you’ll enjoy this book. The dialogue is authentic without becoming insulting or corny, and the action is riveting. My hat’s off to the author for writing a YA s tory that an old graybeard like me could read without concealing it behind a ‘Sport’s Illustrated.’
Talisman by S. E. Akers is a refreshing paranormal story, with lots of humor, a ton of teen angst—did I mention that Shiloh’s mom hates her and her kid sister thinks she’s been put on earth only to serve as her handmaiden. Add a town bully, son of the mine owner, and the usual complement of high school harridans, and Shiloh doesn’t really need angry Talismans trying to poison her or rip her throat out. But she has all that, and precious little time to learn to harness her powers, because not only is her life at stake, but so are the lives of the few people she cares about and the survival of the whole town. If Shiloh can’t learn to control the diamond wand—yeah, and you thought diamonds were a girl’s best friend, right?—it’s curtains.
What can I say—you’ll enjoy this book. The dialogue is authentic without becoming insulting or corny, and the action is riveting. My hat’s off to the author for writing a YA s tory that an old graybeard like me could read without concealing it behind a ‘Sport’s Illustrated.’
March 11, 2016
Great read
Wonderful story . I was extremely captivated by this story, right to the last line .the ending was surprising and enjoyable . I am going to look for more by S. E. Akers my newest favorite author.
Geniemackbrown
Wonderful story . I was extremely captivated by this story, right to the last line .the ending was surprising and enjoyable . I am going to look for more by S. E. Akers my newest favorite author.
Geniemackbrown
February 26, 2018
Unusually awesome
I chose this rating because I was really unhappy about not finding out how she deals with Katie's delemma in this book. I did not realize this is Book 1 of I don't know how many.
I chose this rating because I was really unhappy about not finding out how she deals with Katie's delemma in this book. I did not realize this is Book 1 of I don't know how many.
June 29, 2022
Great mystical book with a hard as nails girl
I would recommend this book to teenagers and above. It's mystical and if you believe in st o rd and their Lowe's this book is for you. Typical 18 yr old girl who's life is changing for the better? Your decision. A little romance, a lot of intrigue but many funny moments. A very good book that will keep you entertained
I would recommend this book to teenagers and above. It's mystical and if you believe in st o rd and their Lowe's this book is for you. Typical 18 yr old girl who's life is changing for the better? Your decision. A little romance, a lot of intrigue but many funny moments. A very good book that will keep you entertained
May 26, 2017
A great read
A book you hate to put down, then can't wait to pick up. Didn't want it to end. Ordered #2.
A book you hate to put down, then can't wait to pick up. Didn't want it to end. Ordered #2.
June 19, 2018
It was a slow starter and long. The main character is likeable and I will probably follow the story to the next book.
October 8, 2018
Unique story
I enjoyed the story. It was unique and action packed. However, it was a little drawn out. It was also riddled with grammatical errors which were distracting.
I enjoyed the story. It was unique and action packed. However, it was a little drawn out. It was also riddled with grammatical errors which were distracting.
July 1, 2019
What a crazy ride! Talisman was full of action, drama, twists and turns. It had you on the edge of your seat while your anger was boiling and your heart was breaking.
September 11, 2019
Fun, quick read
This was a truly enjoyable book with well developed characters and interesting story. If you want a quick fun read, this is perfect.
This was a truly enjoyable book with well developed characters and interesting story. If you want a quick fun read, this is perfect.
October 18, 2019
Thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. Couldn’t put it down. Luv paranormal reading.
August 12, 2017
Well, daggone ya'll
This book just wasn't for me. I felt that the story was a bit too long, truly dragging in places. And yes, I know this book took place in WV, but I found the language at times irritating. I know that with free books it can be hit or miss. I tend to base my choices on cover of book, description and most importantly other reviews. I will say that after starting this book & looking back over some of the reviews, that I was quite disappointed to read the author's comments on people's opinions. Not every book is for every person, as I said, this book didn't do it for me. But along with that I was completely turned off by authors attitude. This may have been free, but I don't feel the need to now invest money in continuing the story.
This book just wasn't for me. I felt that the story was a bit too long, truly dragging in places. And yes, I know this book took place in WV, but I found the language at times irritating. I know that with free books it can be hit or miss. I tend to base my choices on cover of book, description and most importantly other reviews. I will say that after starting this book & looking back over some of the reviews, that I was quite disappointed to read the author's comments on people's opinions. Not every book is for every person, as I said, this book didn't do it for me. But along with that I was completely turned off by authors attitude. This may have been free, but I don't feel the need to now invest money in continuing the story.
December 6, 2018
FROM THE AUTHOR: Trying to pick a book is more often a miss than it is a hit, whether you read reviews or not. And no, Talisman is NOT for everyone. So, for the sake of deciding whether or not downloading a copy will be worth your money or time, I wanted to set the record straight about what Talisman is and what it isn’t as a whole, as well as the rest of the books in the series.
First and foremost, Talisman is a Contemporary Urban Fantasy geared towards the 17 & up crowd, based on the protagonist’s age, which holds an equal mix of fantasy, action & adventure, romance, mystery, and humor. It is not primarily a romance reeking of insta-love or wrapped in the candy-coating of a fantasy setting.
Talisman is a long book (642 pages), intended for readers who prefer longer books. All of the books in the series are long. So if you’re looking for a light read that clocks in around the standard 300 pages, you might want to take a pass. Doubly so if you prefer what I call “boom-boom” books, the ones where the main character is attacked at every turn, starting from Chapter One. I wanted to write a story that had a realistic, natural progression, as opposed to the classic format of, “Wait? Like I’m a supernatural? That’s why those things were trying to kill me? That’s why you rescued me, Mr. Mysterious, Hot, & Handsome Man?”—which typically happens from the start of Chapter Two.
The series is meant to be life-based, dealing with as many struggles as it does humorous situations. If you’re looking for some over-the-top, drama-only series where some oppressive force rules the land, this is not the series for you. But, if you like to laugh and don’t mind the possibility of shedding a few tears along the way, by all means, click that download button and give it a try.
As far as bad-language is concerned, the books do contain a mild amount of cursing. However, at no time will you ever see the first GD or any F-bombs dropped in their crudest written form anywhere in these books.
If you think a strong female protagonist can’t be anything other than a tough-talking, arrogant “bad ass” who never makes a mistake, THIS BOOK IS SO NOT FOR YOU. Or, if you crave those brooding male love interests that treat the object of their eye like crap because deep down “they love them,” again, not the book for you. But please, make no mistake when I say that Shiloh is not a damsel-in-distress. I don’t care for characters and would never assign a trait like that to a main character.
Talisman (Book One) is an origin story, though as a whole, the entire series what I consider a true Coming of Age story. Not only from the standpoint of rising to defeat any evil threats, but dealing with the struggles the main character faces on her road to becoming an adult. Eighteen-year-old girls tend to make plenty of mistakes along the way… Just ask any mother of one. Then ask them about the ones they made back in their day.
As far as magic, Talisman (Book One) focuses solely on Talismans themselves. That said, as the series progresses, so does the introduction of more types of supernaturals (witches and vamps and shifters and as well as many others), along with the threat of various Big-Bads, tons of creatures, and even a few magical realms.
Every book is a complete story. Any cliffhangers are done in such a way to let the reader know what direction the next book will be heading. Personally, I don’t like reading a chopped-up book, hence, part of the reason for Talisman’s longer length.
I’ve heard reviewers say that the first several chapters are “slow going”. I always get tickled when I read that, because YES, they are, and they were intended to be considering the small town locale and the particulars of setting up the storyline. The story takes place is a sleepy, small town WHERE NOTHING EVER HAPPENS. Though above all, I don’t subscribe to the 50 page formula. I like a story that gains momentum throughout and doesn't lose steam.
As far as grammar and style, I make no apologies for my love of descriptions or italics or capitalizing words here and there. Times change, and I’m finding that more and more authors (including the published ones) are gravitating towards a shift in format. And I’m not gunshy when it comes to adverbs when needed. They’re in the English language for a reason. And yes, you’ll find a few pictures along the way. I’m a designer and artist first…and I like putting them in there. So, if you are grammatically appalled by any of the things I just mentioned, think of this book the same as you would a room on fire—stop, drop, and roll away.
As a reader myself, I hope this has been informative and helpful when making your decision.
First and foremost, Talisman is a Contemporary Urban Fantasy geared towards the 17 & up crowd, based on the protagonist’s age, which holds an equal mix of fantasy, action & adventure, romance, mystery, and humor. It is not primarily a romance reeking of insta-love or wrapped in the candy-coating of a fantasy setting.
Talisman is a long book (642 pages), intended for readers who prefer longer books. All of the books in the series are long. So if you’re looking for a light read that clocks in around the standard 300 pages, you might want to take a pass. Doubly so if you prefer what I call “boom-boom” books, the ones where the main character is attacked at every turn, starting from Chapter One. I wanted to write a story that had a realistic, natural progression, as opposed to the classic format of, “Wait? Like I’m a supernatural? That’s why those things were trying to kill me? That’s why you rescued me, Mr. Mysterious, Hot, & Handsome Man?”—which typically happens from the start of Chapter Two.
The series is meant to be life-based, dealing with as many struggles as it does humorous situations. If you’re looking for some over-the-top, drama-only series where some oppressive force rules the land, this is not the series for you. But, if you like to laugh and don’t mind the possibility of shedding a few tears along the way, by all means, click that download button and give it a try.
As far as bad-language is concerned, the books do contain a mild amount of cursing. However, at no time will you ever see the first GD or any F-bombs dropped in their crudest written form anywhere in these books.
If you think a strong female protagonist can’t be anything other than a tough-talking, arrogant “bad ass” who never makes a mistake, THIS BOOK IS SO NOT FOR YOU. Or, if you crave those brooding male love interests that treat the object of their eye like crap because deep down “they love them,” again, not the book for you. But please, make no mistake when I say that Shiloh is not a damsel-in-distress. I don’t care for characters and would never assign a trait like that to a main character.
Talisman (Book One) is an origin story, though as a whole, the entire series what I consider a true Coming of Age story. Not only from the standpoint of rising to defeat any evil threats, but dealing with the struggles the main character faces on her road to becoming an adult. Eighteen-year-old girls tend to make plenty of mistakes along the way… Just ask any mother of one. Then ask them about the ones they made back in their day.
As far as magic, Talisman (Book One) focuses solely on Talismans themselves. That said, as the series progresses, so does the introduction of more types of supernaturals (witches and vamps and shifters and as well as many others), along with the threat of various Big-Bads, tons of creatures, and even a few magical realms.
Every book is a complete story. Any cliffhangers are done in such a way to let the reader know what direction the next book will be heading. Personally, I don’t like reading a chopped-up book, hence, part of the reason for Talisman’s longer length.
I’ve heard reviewers say that the first several chapters are “slow going”. I always get tickled when I read that, because YES, they are, and they were intended to be considering the small town locale and the particulars of setting up the storyline. The story takes place is a sleepy, small town WHERE NOTHING EVER HAPPENS. Though above all, I don’t subscribe to the 50 page formula. I like a story that gains momentum throughout and doesn't lose steam.
As far as grammar and style, I make no apologies for my love of descriptions or italics or capitalizing words here and there. Times change, and I’m finding that more and more authors (including the published ones) are gravitating towards a shift in format. And I’m not gunshy when it comes to adverbs when needed. They’re in the English language for a reason. And yes, you’ll find a few pictures along the way. I’m a designer and artist first…and I like putting them in there. So, if you are grammatically appalled by any of the things I just mentioned, think of this book the same as you would a room on fire—stop, drop, and roll away.
As a reader myself, I hope this has been informative and helpful when making your decision.
October 22, 2015
I'll start off by saying I'm eager to read the second book.
Talisman was a solid 3 Stars, not WOO-HOO great but not dismal either.
It was unbearably slow in the beginning. So much so that I almost couldn't get through it. The only reason I continued is because I finished another book/series that was much the same and it is a new fav. Once it did pick up, though, the action was nicely paced.
Another complaint is the sheer stupidity of Shiloh at times. Tanner told you to stay in the cave. No, an earthquake is NOT an emergency! You can't be killed for fuck's sake! Sit down, shut up, and stay in the damn cave! Of course things are going on outside, that's why you're in there in the first place! Stupid STUPID little girl!
Lastly, and I think another reviewer mentioned this, but the author's use of italics, bold, CAPITALIZED, and BOLD CAPITALIZED font was a little annoying.
S.E. Akers: it's okay to let the reader interpret dialogue on their own. Just because they don't read it the way you heard it in your head doesn't mean the message won't get across.
I just started blocking it out about halfway through. Problem solved.
All that said, I am still eager to pick up #2. Intriguing concept, good characters, good story development.
Talisman was a solid 3 Stars, not WOO-HOO great but not dismal either.
It was unbearably slow in the beginning. So much so that I almost couldn't get through it. The only reason I continued is because I finished another book/series that was much the same and it is a new fav. Once it did pick up, though, the action was nicely paced.
Another complaint is the sheer stupidity of Shiloh at times. Tanner told you to stay in the cave. No, an earthquake is NOT an emergency! You can't be killed for fuck's sake! Sit down, shut up, and stay in the damn cave! Of course things are going on outside, that's why you're in there in the first place! Stupid STUPID little girl!
Lastly, and I think another reviewer mentioned this, but the author's use of italics, bold, CAPITALIZED, and BOLD CAPITALIZED font was a little annoying.
S.E. Akers: it's okay to let the reader interpret dialogue on their own. Just because they don't read it the way you heard it in your head doesn't mean the message won't get across.
I just started blocking it out about halfway through. Problem solved.
All that said, I am still eager to pick up #2. Intriguing concept, good characters, good story development.
February 9, 2015
I sincerely enjoyed the plot of the story, and on the plot alone I wold have certainly given this book 5 stars. However, the constant use of italics, quotation marks, caps, and bold effects on half of the words gave me a bit of a headache. These effects are typically used for emphasis, and I love using them myself. But not everything needs extra emphasis. Unfortunately, the frequency with which they were used took something away from my reading experience.
Other than that, I love the story and the characters (even if they are a bit frustrating at times. But really, who isn't?) and look forward to reading more of their tale in the future!
Other than that, I love the story and the characters (even if they are a bit frustrating at times. But really, who isn't?) and look forward to reading more of their tale in the future!
February 9, 2016
Surprisingly good read
Usually, when someone sets out to write a story about magical happenings and stone lore, they create some bizzaro scenario that is so freakishly convoluted, you need a score card and a geek our two to interpret what's going on. Not so here. The writer stayed true to the properties-real or not is the reader's call-of the stones. The main character is heroic yet vulnerable, strong but still an 18 year old girl with all the baggage that goes with that. She has her faults and doesn't miraculously become some ethereal She-ra type...and you cheer for her all the more. Definitely picking up the next installment!
Usually, when someone sets out to write a story about magical happenings and stone lore, they create some bizzaro scenario that is so freakishly convoluted, you need a score card and a geek our two to interpret what's going on. Not so here. The writer stayed true to the properties-real or not is the reader's call-of the stones. The main character is heroic yet vulnerable, strong but still an 18 year old girl with all the baggage that goes with that. She has her faults and doesn't miraculously become some ethereal She-ra type...and you cheer for her all the more. Definitely picking up the next installment!
March 13, 2014
The first part in a series(does everyone HAVE to do that) this centers round a girl names Shyloh Wallace who discovers she's rather special. It took a few chapters to really get up to pace but I found that it was a rather interesting read. So much so I finished it in a couple of days! I was rather disappointed that it was part of a series but it was a unique story and having dabbled in studying gemstones appreciated the way birthstones played strongly in this story. To bad emerald was passing mentioned I wonder what my powers would be! Good read so check it out!
March 1, 2015
How can u leave it like that!!!!!
Page Turner right from the beginning!!!! I mean creepy black fog attacking a little girl in the woods....A teenager who is basically treated like dirt by mother and sister....Then she finds out She is supernatural!!!! Oh yeah and others are out to get her...The guy she likes likes her back only to forget who she is...and she accidentally traps her best friend in.....Not telling anymore have to read the book to find out you won't be disappointed!
Page Turner right from the beginning!!!! I mean creepy black fog attacking a little girl in the woods....A teenager who is basically treated like dirt by mother and sister....Then she finds out She is supernatural!!!! Oh yeah and others are out to get her...The guy she likes likes her back only to forget who she is...and she accidentally traps her best friend in.....Not telling anymore have to read the book to find out you won't be disappointed!
July 13, 2016
This was actually a very good book. Nice to read something with a teenager who isn't all about the prom or her nails, or overly emotional, but actually does have heroic traits.
I would have rated it higher, but the constant use of boldface, italics, and capitals became annoying. These should be used for emphasis, but when used constantly, as in all over every single page, the effect is lost, and they become tiresome and an eyesore.
Beyond that, I would certainly read the next in the series.
I would have rated it higher, but the constant use of boldface, italics, and capitals became annoying. These should be used for emphasis, but when used constantly, as in all over every single page, the effect is lost, and they become tiresome and an eyesore.
Beyond that, I would certainly read the next in the series.
November 5, 2015
Slow starter but great finish
This book starts out very slowly and spends a bit too much time setting up the story. The first few chapters were dragging and the mother in this story is so mean I almost stopped reading, but am glad I stuck with it. I think this book needs to be edited if the author or publisher wants to capture a more mainstream audience, but the characters are interesting and the story is intriguing.
This book starts out very slowly and spends a bit too much time setting up the story. The first few chapters were dragging and the mother in this story is so mean I almost stopped reading, but am glad I stuck with it. I think this book needs to be edited if the author or publisher wants to capture a more mainstream audience, but the characters are interesting and the story is intriguing.
November 22, 2015
Angst and Action
This story kept me spellbound throughout. The characters are believable even though archetypical. I felt a lot of empathy for Shiloh and her week from hell. The coal mining town where she lived touched on real life economic problems for small towns everywhere grounding the supernatural elements in believability. Great readability. Can't wait to start the second book.
This story kept me spellbound throughout. The characters are believable even though archetypical. I felt a lot of empathy for Shiloh and her week from hell. The coal mining town where she lived touched on real life economic problems for small towns everywhere grounding the supernatural elements in believability. Great readability. Can't wait to start the second book.
September 20, 2016
Definitely worth the read.
There are some rough patches in this book, places where the narrative has disconnects and the reader has to backtrack. Particularly with the use of too many pronouns referencing multiple possible antecedents without a clear indication to which of the antecedents those pronouns refer. But the world built is a refreshing take on gemstones and their properties. And how those magical stones tie into supernatural talismanic people.
There are some rough patches in this book, places where the narrative has disconnects and the reader has to backtrack. Particularly with the use of too many pronouns referencing multiple possible antecedents without a clear indication to which of the antecedents those pronouns refer. But the world built is a refreshing take on gemstones and their properties. And how those magical stones tie into supernatural talismanic people.
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February 8, 2015Free on Amazon today - UK - http://www.amazon.co.uk/Talisman-S-E-...
US - http://www.amazon.com/Talisman-S-E-Ak...
US - http://www.amazon.com/Talisman-S-E-Ak...
July 28, 2016
I really enjoyed this book. I loved learning about the Talismans and their corresponding gemstones. I was sad that Shiloh had to lose so many loved ones. I especially enjoyed her sister's surprise when their mother took Shiloh's side for the 1st time (even if she didn't do it without a bit of magical assistance- LOL). This book was definitely worth the read and I will be looking for book 2.
June 1, 2014
I love this book.
This was such a fun and exciting read. Normally I don't write a review, but I wanted to to say how happy I am that the lead character is a strong, positive role model for young girls. This book will entertain a multitude of generations. highly recommended!
This was such a fun and exciting read. Normally I don't write a review, but I wanted to to say how happy I am that the lead character is a strong, positive role model for young girls. This book will entertain a multitude of generations. highly recommended!
September 10, 2014
This is a complicated and well thought out story with a new twist on Talisman. I was drawn into this story and continually baffled by the cold selfish mom. I think there is more involved here and am also curious about the moon talisman. I can't wait to read more!
April 20, 2015
Every turn, unexpected! =)
This was a long but worth the wait tail full of so many twist and turns. I never knew what was going to happen next, and I liked it! Creative, suspenseful, imaginative, and great characters! Excited there's a second book! =)
This was a long but worth the wait tail full of so many twist and turns. I never knew what was going to happen next, and I liked it! Creative, suspenseful, imaginative, and great characters! Excited there's a second book! =)
October 28, 2015
Won
I honestly enjoyed this book. The story kept your interest and I couldn't wait until the next chapter. I really liked the characters names, my brother Chris Bell sister-in-law Tia her father Lughan honestly surprised me. Thank you can't w ait until next book.
I honestly enjoyed this book. The story kept your interest and I couldn't wait until the next chapter. I really liked the characters names, my brother Chris Bell sister-in-law Tia her father Lughan honestly surprised me. Thank you can't w ait until next book.
January 18, 2016
totally enjoyed this read! it kept me on my toes and delivered gracefully.
I would recommend this book for everyone from tween and up. it's colorful without being vulgar and I appreciate that most.
I would recommend this book for everyone from tween and up. it's colorful without being vulgar and I appreciate that most.
February 23, 2016
Protector
The journey into adulthood shouldn't be this difficult. With everything else going on in your Senior year of high school learning you have special powers just really is almost too much.
The journey into adulthood shouldn't be this difficult. With everything else going on in your Senior year of high school learning you have special powers just really is almost too much.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews