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Maor #1
Five
‘Magical’ is the only word that can describe the moss-covered trunks and exposed roots; the dark, rich earth; the rays of sunshine glittering with dust particles; the unearthly swirls of mist tangling through the leaves and between the branches. It’s easy to believe in fairies from this vantage point.
At sixteen, all Shaylee Greene wants is to become a dancer and her biggest problems in life are her over-protective parents and a strange recurring dream she’s been having most of her life. Then she wakes up on her seventeenth birthday and discovers that she has been marked.
Ripped from her beloved South Africa, home for most of her life, Shaylee is sent, without explanation, to a tiny town in the Forest of Dean, England, to live with her grandmother, whom she has not seen since age seven. Here, Shaylee learns that she is not who she thought she was.
Assigned one protector and promised to another, she must come to terms with her unexpected attraction for both boys, learn about her fantastical heritage, uncover some harsh truths about her past and fight to survive in this new world fraught with dangers she never knew existed.
'I feel like I hit the YA paranormal romance jackpot grand prize! With well-crafted scenes and a magical stroke of her pen, Ms. Greyling has built a world of fantasy that feels real without use of clichés and overdone angst!' – Amazon Top 500 reviewer, Tome Tender blogspot.
At sixteen, all Shaylee Greene wants is to become a dancer and her biggest problems in life are her over-protective parents and a strange recurring dream she’s been having most of her life. Then she wakes up on her seventeenth birthday and discovers that she has been marked.
Ripped from her beloved South Africa, home for most of her life, Shaylee is sent, without explanation, to a tiny town in the Forest of Dean, England, to live with her grandmother, whom she has not seen since age seven. Here, Shaylee learns that she is not who she thought she was.
Assigned one protector and promised to another, she must come to terms with her unexpected attraction for both boys, learn about her fantastical heritage, uncover some harsh truths about her past and fight to survive in this new world fraught with dangers she never knew existed.
'I feel like I hit the YA paranormal romance jackpot grand prize! With well-crafted scenes and a magical stroke of her pen, Ms. Greyling has built a world of fantasy that feels real without use of clichés and overdone angst!' – Amazon Top 500 reviewer, Tome Tender blogspot.
322 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 6, 2014
19 people are currently reading
305 people want to read
About the author
Caroline Greyling
2 books50 followersAbout Caroline Greyling
Caroline Greyling is a mother of two, student and full time Executive in a prominent South African Telecommunications company. She lives in Johannesburg with her husband and two daughters and spends her time reading, writing, playing piano, doing arts and crafts and studying.
Caroline is a great fan of fiction, especially young adult and romance, and is on her way to becoming a well-known author. Five is her debut novel.
To contact Caroline, send an email to caroline@carolinegreyling.com
Keep up to date with Caroline's novels on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/carolinegrey...
And Twitter:
@CazzGrey
Rating scale:
5 - Has the Xfactor. MUST read!
4 - Great book, read it!
3 - Yes, pretty good.
2 - It was okay.
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November 11, 2015
Five: A Maor Novel is book one in the Maor series by Caroline Greyling. Wow, all I can say is “WOW!” What an entry Ms. Greyling has made into the world of Young Adult. I have not read many Fae books but I have read a lot of Young Adult books and this one completely sets itself apart from anything I have read before.
What is every teenagers dream? To blend in, not to stand out, to have lots of friends and to dream about what life will be like when you are 18. Shaylee Greene is just about to turn 17. She lives with her very over protective parents in South Africa. Aside from her hovering Mother, she loves her life. She loves to dance and dreams of studying dance and being a famous dancer someday. Shaylee has suffered from the same nightmare most of her life, but she keeps it a secret from her parents. But on Shaylee’s 17th birthday, everything she has known is ripped away from her. Shaylee suffers a vicious attack of pain and when she wakes up, a mysterious butterfly tattoo has appeared on her stomach. Her parents won’t tell her anything except that she is going to be sent away to live with her Grandmother whom she hasn’t seen in ten years. Her Grandmother lives on another continent, in Aylburton in the Forest of Dean, England. They claim that this is for her own safety, that she has no other choice. But where did the markings on her stomach come from? Why can’t she stay home?
“Every routine I have established, every friendship I have nurtured, every dream for my future is about to be bleached off the canvas of my life.”
To help with the nightmares and as a form of therapy, Shaylee has the wonderful habit of writing down one word, a feeling she is experiencing, and then describing that feeling with all five senses, Tastes like, Smells like, Sounds like, Feels like, Looks like. Caroline Greyling began each chapter this way and I loved it. It gave us a wonderful view into Shaylee’s emotions.
When Shaylee gets to Aylburton, she gets no answers but only more mystery. She’s told she is in constant danger and needs a full time protector whose name is Kael. But what is she in danger from? Why is she so important? She finds out she is not an ordinary human but is Maor, a community of fairies who are responsible for the protection of our earth and all its beauty. This community specifically looks after the Forest of Dean. But Shaylee herself is the Chosen One. She is intended to lead her people, to be Queen. She is royalty. And much to her surprise, upon her birth as a royal, she was betrothed, blood bound, to another, Tristan.
Can you imagine to have been waiting for the day you will be of age, to make your own decisions. Then to be told that decisions are no longer your own. That your future husband has been chosen for you. That your life is planned out for you. You are in a strange town, a foreign country, with a man whom you are supposed to call fiancée that you have just met, and to find out you are not an ordinary human.
“My whole life, I’ve been waiting for this chance, to turn eighteen, to be able to make my own choices, choose my own career path, my own life partner…and now – I can’t. It’s not marriage that frightens me; it’s never getting the chance to live my dreams.”
Now, let’s talk about Kael, Shaylee’s protector. He was also chosen at birth. He is connected to Shaylee. But whenever they touch, there is this strong electrical charge between them. It’s more than just a bond. But it’s not supposed to be this way. She is supposed to feel this way towards her betrothed, not her protector. But she is told it is her duty, her destiny, to marry Tristan.
“Are you going to do what everyone else has decided you should do, or are you going to fight for what you want?”
Kael, though, is even more frustrating. He says he is protecting Shaylee. But he won’t tell her anything. She is in danger but from what? She continues to have these attacks of pain but what is causing them? And what does Kael feel? Does he have feelings for her as well or just his duty to protect her.
“I’m not the enemy, Shaylee.” I glance at his profile as he starts the truck’s engine, before I turn back to the window. If Kael isn’t the enemy, why do I feel so close to danger every time he’s near?
This book was so wonderful. There is danger, suspense, lots of mystery as to what is going on, and love. Will Shaylee be forced to marry for her people or for love? I suspect it is quite some time until the next book comes out and it will be torture to wait.
LOVE
Tastes like: Truffles
Smells like: Roses
Sounds like: Wind-Chimes
Feels like: Silky Satin
Looks like: Two people, eyes locked across a crowded room.
What is every teenagers dream? To blend in, not to stand out, to have lots of friends and to dream about what life will be like when you are 18. Shaylee Greene is just about to turn 17. She lives with her very over protective parents in South Africa. Aside from her hovering Mother, she loves her life. She loves to dance and dreams of studying dance and being a famous dancer someday. Shaylee has suffered from the same nightmare most of her life, but she keeps it a secret from her parents. But on Shaylee’s 17th birthday, everything she has known is ripped away from her. Shaylee suffers a vicious attack of pain and when she wakes up, a mysterious butterfly tattoo has appeared on her stomach. Her parents won’t tell her anything except that she is going to be sent away to live with her Grandmother whom she hasn’t seen in ten years. Her Grandmother lives on another continent, in Aylburton in the Forest of Dean, England. They claim that this is for her own safety, that she has no other choice. But where did the markings on her stomach come from? Why can’t she stay home?
“Every routine I have established, every friendship I have nurtured, every dream for my future is about to be bleached off the canvas of my life.”
To help with the nightmares and as a form of therapy, Shaylee has the wonderful habit of writing down one word, a feeling she is experiencing, and then describing that feeling with all five senses, Tastes like, Smells like, Sounds like, Feels like, Looks like. Caroline Greyling began each chapter this way and I loved it. It gave us a wonderful view into Shaylee’s emotions.
When Shaylee gets to Aylburton, she gets no answers but only more mystery. She’s told she is in constant danger and needs a full time protector whose name is Kael. But what is she in danger from? Why is she so important? She finds out she is not an ordinary human but is Maor, a community of fairies who are responsible for the protection of our earth and all its beauty. This community specifically looks after the Forest of Dean. But Shaylee herself is the Chosen One. She is intended to lead her people, to be Queen. She is royalty. And much to her surprise, upon her birth as a royal, she was betrothed, blood bound, to another, Tristan.
Can you imagine to have been waiting for the day you will be of age, to make your own decisions. Then to be told that decisions are no longer your own. That your future husband has been chosen for you. That your life is planned out for you. You are in a strange town, a foreign country, with a man whom you are supposed to call fiancée that you have just met, and to find out you are not an ordinary human.
“My whole life, I’ve been waiting for this chance, to turn eighteen, to be able to make my own choices, choose my own career path, my own life partner…and now – I can’t. It’s not marriage that frightens me; it’s never getting the chance to live my dreams.”
Now, let’s talk about Kael, Shaylee’s protector. He was also chosen at birth. He is connected to Shaylee. But whenever they touch, there is this strong electrical charge between them. It’s more than just a bond. But it’s not supposed to be this way. She is supposed to feel this way towards her betrothed, not her protector. But she is told it is her duty, her destiny, to marry Tristan.
“Are you going to do what everyone else has decided you should do, or are you going to fight for what you want?”
Kael, though, is even more frustrating. He says he is protecting Shaylee. But he won’t tell her anything. She is in danger but from what? She continues to have these attacks of pain but what is causing them? And what does Kael feel? Does he have feelings for her as well or just his duty to protect her.
“I’m not the enemy, Shaylee.” I glance at his profile as he starts the truck’s engine, before I turn back to the window. If Kael isn’t the enemy, why do I feel so close to danger every time he’s near?
This book was so wonderful. There is danger, suspense, lots of mystery as to what is going on, and love. Will Shaylee be forced to marry for her people or for love? I suspect it is quite some time until the next book comes out and it will be torture to wait.
LOVE
Tastes like: Truffles
Smells like: Roses
Sounds like: Wind-Chimes
Feels like: Silky Satin
Looks like: Two people, eyes locked across a crowded room.
January 4, 2016
Remember those reassurances that “It was JUST a nightmare?” What if that nightmare repeated itself over and over? What if it’s more than “just a nightmare?” and that nightmare could be real enough to kill you? Shaylee Greene has been abruptly uprooted from her home in South Africa and sent to live with her grandmother across an ocean where she discovers her life has been little more than a lie, but no one will tell her what pieces and truths are missing from her past until that lack of knowledge nearly gets her killed.
Could it be possible that Shaylee is a magical being and the fate of her “new” world rests on her shoulders as part of a foretold prophecy? Assigned an elite guard with whom she has a special bond, she learns that just a touch from Kael sends her heart into overdrive, but she has been betrothed to another since she was a baby. With little information and a lot of unanswered questions, Shaylee takes a hardline stand at being controlled until her life and the life of the one she truly loves are in danger. Can she be forced to marry a man she doesn’t love with all her heart? How does her grandmother know this will take the bullseye off her back when other magical beings come hunting for her? How many lies must she dig through to get to the truth? What will knowing the truth do to her life?
Five by Caroline Greyling was a fabulous surprise read for me! I feel like I hit the YA paranormal romance jackpot grand prize! Ms. Greyling gives us an intelligent heroine whose POV is well told and easy to empathize with. Shaylee has a good head on her shoulders and only her lack of understanding and the loss of control in her life seem to move her to do the exact opposite of what she is told. With well-crafted scenes and a magical stroke of her pen, Ms. Greyling has built a world of fantasy that feels real without use of clichés and overdone angst! Am I prepared to continue this series? Oh yes, after this sturdy foundation and start to the Maor series, I’m definitely looking forward to the next installment of this fast-paced, intense and detailed fantasy!
I received this copy from Caroline Greyling in exchange for my honest review!
Series: Maor - Book 1
Publication Date: May 6, 2014
Publisher: Smart M communications (PTY) LTD
Genre: YA Fantasy
Print Length: 322 pages
Available from: Amazon
Could it be possible that Shaylee is a magical being and the fate of her “new” world rests on her shoulders as part of a foretold prophecy? Assigned an elite guard with whom she has a special bond, she learns that just a touch from Kael sends her heart into overdrive, but she has been betrothed to another since she was a baby. With little information and a lot of unanswered questions, Shaylee takes a hardline stand at being controlled until her life and the life of the one she truly loves are in danger. Can she be forced to marry a man she doesn’t love with all her heart? How does her grandmother know this will take the bullseye off her back when other magical beings come hunting for her? How many lies must she dig through to get to the truth? What will knowing the truth do to her life?
Five by Caroline Greyling was a fabulous surprise read for me! I feel like I hit the YA paranormal romance jackpot grand prize! Ms. Greyling gives us an intelligent heroine whose POV is well told and easy to empathize with. Shaylee has a good head on her shoulders and only her lack of understanding and the loss of control in her life seem to move her to do the exact opposite of what she is told. With well-crafted scenes and a magical stroke of her pen, Ms. Greyling has built a world of fantasy that feels real without use of clichés and overdone angst! Am I prepared to continue this series? Oh yes, after this sturdy foundation and start to the Maor series, I’m definitely looking forward to the next installment of this fast-paced, intense and detailed fantasy!
I received this copy from Caroline Greyling in exchange for my honest review!
Series: Maor - Book 1
Publication Date: May 6, 2014
Publisher: Smart M communications (PTY) LTD
Genre: YA Fantasy
Print Length: 322 pages
Available from: Amazon
May 25, 2014
It seems like a bit of a cheat to rate and review my own book, but I thought I’d take this opportunity to explain a little about why I wrote this novel and what I’m hoping you will get out of reading it:
1. I love to read, I love to dream and I love to write. This novel was an outlet for my imagination, and I’m hoping that the first thing my readers will get out of it is an escape and a whole lot of fun.
2. Many people have asked me why I chose the settings of South Africa and the UK. I hope that my readers will come away with a different view of the amazing country that I call home. The South Africa many see on the news is not the same country that I know, so here’s a little taste, without delving into the politics of it. The UK setting I chose because it is so beautiful, magical and fit perfectly into my story, not to mention that it is the home of many myths and legends central to the core of my story.
3. This is my dream. When I was still a little girl at school, I told my best friend that I would become an author. And now I am. After years of delaying my dream with many excuses, I wrote this novel while working full-time, studying part-time and caring for my family, which includes two young children. If I can do it, you can too, no matter what your background or circumstance. No more excuses – reach for your dream!
1. I love to read, I love to dream and I love to write. This novel was an outlet for my imagination, and I’m hoping that the first thing my readers will get out of it is an escape and a whole lot of fun.
2. Many people have asked me why I chose the settings of South Africa and the UK. I hope that my readers will come away with a different view of the amazing country that I call home. The South Africa many see on the news is not the same country that I know, so here’s a little taste, without delving into the politics of it. The UK setting I chose because it is so beautiful, magical and fit perfectly into my story, not to mention that it is the home of many myths and legends central to the core of my story.
3. This is my dream. When I was still a little girl at school, I told my best friend that I would become an author. And now I am. After years of delaying my dream with many excuses, I wrote this novel while working full-time, studying part-time and caring for my family, which includes two young children. If I can do it, you can too, no matter what your background or circumstance. No more excuses – reach for your dream!
February 4, 2015
Loved this book! Why can't there be another book out yet???? The characters were great and the story was interesting. I liked everything from the romance to the paranormal plot and the action that was intertwined. If you're a fan of ya paranormal romance, this book is for you!
January 8, 2015
Is it unfair to review a book written by a family member? Nah!
I actually finished this book within a month or two of it's release (I have no idea what the actual date was), but due to issues with my email address I'm only able to log onto Goodreads now and review it. Oh well, here goes.
Finally, a teenage novel that doesn't seem like it's just for girls! This one was a good read.
It goes up there with my other favorites, sitting on my top shelf with the likes of Jurassic Park, Jaws, The Chronicles of Narnia, Dinotopia and The Lord of the Rings.
This was, quite possibly, the best book I've ever read (still thinking on that, so don't get too excited Caroline), but what I can say with certainty is that it is by far the best book I read last year. A little bit of romance (which is instantly destroyed, but reinstated later on), some fantasy and a bit of adventure; all in all, Five is the perfect mix of those genres.
Now I could go on and on and describe the story and the characters and the love triangle thingy and all that, but I won't, as I believe that to be able to formulate your own opinion of a book you have to have actually read it, not just read tons of reviews on it. So grab your Kindle - or your car keys, in which case you'll have to head to your nearest book store - and buy this book!!!
What I will say is that the book ends on something of a cliff hanger and has had me dying to read the next one... which, sadly isn't out yet. I'm at the point of stealing the manuscript actually.
All in all, it's a great book.
Update: Wow. Just wow. Now that I reread my review I see that I'm a horrible reviewer.
I actually finished this book within a month or two of it's release (I have no idea what the actual date was), but due to issues with my email address I'm only able to log onto Goodreads now and review it. Oh well, here goes.
Finally, a teenage novel that doesn't seem like it's just for girls! This one was a good read.
It goes up there with my other favorites, sitting on my top shelf with the likes of Jurassic Park, Jaws, The Chronicles of Narnia, Dinotopia and The Lord of the Rings.
This was, quite possibly, the best book I've ever read (still thinking on that, so don't get too excited Caroline), but what I can say with certainty is that it is by far the best book I read last year. A little bit of romance (which is instantly destroyed, but reinstated later on), some fantasy and a bit of adventure; all in all, Five is the perfect mix of those genres.
Now I could go on and on and describe the story and the characters and the love triangle thingy and all that, but I won't, as I believe that to be able to formulate your own opinion of a book you have to have actually read it, not just read tons of reviews on it. So grab your Kindle - or your car keys, in which case you'll have to head to your nearest book store - and buy this book!!!
What I will say is that the book ends on something of a cliff hanger and has had me dying to read the next one... which, sadly isn't out yet. I'm at the point of stealing the manuscript actually.
All in all, it's a great book.
Update: Wow. Just wow. Now that I reread my review I see that I'm a horrible reviewer.
August 23, 2014
I received this book in exchange for an honest review.
When I first began reading Five, I felt it was about to follow a predictable storyline. But after about three hours and more than half of the book finished, I realized I was hooked. This book was far from predictable, with secrets and twists that keep you in suspense the entire time. I found myself craving to know the answers that Shaylee so desperately longs for, answers that have been kept hidden by the powerful magic of the Maor People.
The love-triangle in Five is what I enjoyed the most. I found myself rooting for one character over the other, and developed a bit of a crush on him! The fact that Shaylee loves both, in different ways, really makes you wonder who she will choose, and if she is choosing for the right reasons. (I am curious to know where it will go in the next installment.)
The world that Greyling has created for Shaylee is perfect. Her descriptions of the forest and other surroundings painted beautiful pictures in my mind that made it feel as if I were there myself.
I found myself a little disappointed with the ending. I felt it happened a little too fast, like there should have been more in the last couple of pages, but the twist was great.
I recommend this book for anyone who is a YA Fantasy fanatic like me. It was a joy to read!
When I first began reading Five, I felt it was about to follow a predictable storyline. But after about three hours and more than half of the book finished, I realized I was hooked. This book was far from predictable, with secrets and twists that keep you in suspense the entire time. I found myself craving to know the answers that Shaylee so desperately longs for, answers that have been kept hidden by the powerful magic of the Maor People.
The love-triangle in Five is what I enjoyed the most. I found myself rooting for one character over the other, and developed a bit of a crush on him! The fact that Shaylee loves both, in different ways, really makes you wonder who she will choose, and if she is choosing for the right reasons. (I am curious to know where it will go in the next installment.)
The world that Greyling has created for Shaylee is perfect. Her descriptions of the forest and other surroundings painted beautiful pictures in my mind that made it feel as if I were there myself.
I found myself a little disappointed with the ending. I felt it happened a little too fast, like there should have been more in the last couple of pages, but the twist was great.
I recommend this book for anyone who is a YA Fantasy fanatic like me. It was a joy to read!
November 22, 2015
Ahhh Shaylee
The book was well written and I enjoyed the character development along with the love triangle. The storyline was new and fresh. What I didn't like was how everyone kept Shaylee in the dark and kept making decisions for her. If she was so important shouldn't she be kept in the loop and be able to decide for herself. I do want to know what happens next so I will be reading the next installment.
The book was well written and I enjoyed the character development along with the love triangle. The storyline was new and fresh. What I didn't like was how everyone kept Shaylee in the dark and kept making decisions for her. If she was so important shouldn't she be kept in the loop and be able to decide for herself. I do want to know what happens next so I will be reading the next installment.
February 1, 2018
Five is a young adult paranormal romance. It had me at paranormal. That word always jumps out at me in reviews.
Shaylee Greene is 16 and her ultimate dream is to become a dancer, which is not unusual. What is unusual though is a weird dream that Shaylee has been having for as long as she can remember. Her extremely over-protective parents are not necessarily on board with her becoming a dancer.
On her 17th birthday, Shaylee's life takes a turn. A big turn. As in nothing will ever be the same again. She loves her home in South Africa, the beautiful trees, the bounty and beauty of nature, all of it. She has no desire to leave - unless it is to become a dancer. Even then, her heart will be in South Africa. She is sure of this.
The day she turns 17, Shaylee is given no explanation as to why she is removed from her home and sent to live with her grandmother in England. She barely knows the woman and hasn't seen her in 10 years. It seems she has no choice and she is extremely unhappy about all of it.
As for the title, it refers to the five senses, which are extremely important to this book. It abounds with descriptions of the natural world and how we use our senses to appreciate all of them. Although the title is "Five" it can be confusing as it is actually Book 1 in the Maor series. The second book is called "Three".
In England, Shaylee learns nothing is as it seems or as it was shown to her as a child. She isn't even the person she thought she was. It's a story we've heard before in paranormal stories, but this one is just a bit better.
Shaylee Greene is 16 and her ultimate dream is to become a dancer, which is not unusual. What is unusual though is a weird dream that Shaylee has been having for as long as she can remember. Her extremely over-protective parents are not necessarily on board with her becoming a dancer.
On her 17th birthday, Shaylee's life takes a turn. A big turn. As in nothing will ever be the same again. She loves her home in South Africa, the beautiful trees, the bounty and beauty of nature, all of it. She has no desire to leave - unless it is to become a dancer. Even then, her heart will be in South Africa. She is sure of this.
The day she turns 17, Shaylee is given no explanation as to why she is removed from her home and sent to live with her grandmother in England. She barely knows the woman and hasn't seen her in 10 years. It seems she has no choice and she is extremely unhappy about all of it.
As for the title, it refers to the five senses, which are extremely important to this book. It abounds with descriptions of the natural world and how we use our senses to appreciate all of them. Although the title is "Five" it can be confusing as it is actually Book 1 in the Maor series. The second book is called "Three".
In England, Shaylee learns nothing is as it seems or as it was shown to her as a child. She isn't even the person she thought she was. It's a story we've heard before in paranormal stories, but this one is just a bit better.
October 13, 2014
See my review at: http://www.theauthorvisits.com/tours/...
The Author Visits Reviews Five by Caroline GreylingFive on May 6, 2014
Pages: 322
Format: eBook
five-stars
Buy Five
Note: The Author Visits was given an e-copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Review by Kristin Lundgren on behalf of The Author Visits
Shaylee Greene has just celebrated her seventeenth birthday, loves dance and wants to study both dance and writing at a college in her hometown of Johannesburg, South Africa with her best friend. Her life is great, plagued only by recurring nightmares. Suddenly her parents tell her she is being sent off to the tiny town of Aylburton, in northern Britain, near the Forest of Dean, to live with her grandmother. Her parents will follow after they've tied up things down there. She spent the first seven years there, but has no strong memories of the place, and as she is quiet, and a little shy, she has trouble making friends. Unhappy about the decision, she tries to stand firm about not going, but before she knows it she is on the plane, and going off to her grandmother's large house to stay.
Once there, she learns that what she has believed all her life was a lie, and that supernatural forces are at play all around her. Assigned a protector, and attracted to another, she reacts as any teen would do, by digging in her heels, refusing to follow orders, and demanding answers, which are slowly revealed, but always with more questions. New dangers lurk around every corner, but she has an independent streak, and won't take this arranging of her life lying down.
When I first starting reading, I was, as always when doing a review, looking for the pros and cons. I tend to be a little tough, but fair, as I know how much work goes into writing. While I found some niggling areas that I felt needed an editor's touch, by about 1/4 of the way through, they had melted away, and this magical story slipped under my skin, and I read straight through, in an almost marathon session of 4+ hours at the dining room table, getting up only to get more tea. I haven't been that immersed since my teens, 40 years ago.
In the beginning I felt it was a bit overly reliant on descriptive adjectives. It's great to set the scene, and make us feel like we are there, but when you get down to curtains and duvets, I draw the line. I don't need to know if they were lined or unlined, downy or heavy. That's where a great editor helps. But again, that faded away, and I stopped noticing it. My notes got skimpier and trickled done to none by the time I was done.
The one thing that did keep distracting me was the "five" convention - the short lists Shaylee wrote at the beginning of each chapter. Sometimes I liked them - they told me what was the focus of that chapter, other times they pulled me out of the story. I was also missing the scene breaks found in a normally formatted book - my copy had none, so I would have to reread what I had just finished when scene jumping, as I questioned myself - wasn't she just...?
Although the book was in first person, present tense, my least favorite POV, it never bothered me the way it normally did. I put this down to the author's skillful writing, fast pace, and plenty of action. The characters were well-developed, albeit a bit mysterious as things unfolded. This wasn't the typical know it all upfront story. This was Shaylee's journey, and the reader discovers things as she did, in an inquisitive undertone.
Although at times I wanted to shake her for her defiant and willful behavior, having raised two daughters I could sympathize with how scary it must have been to be pulled out of all that you know, find you are part of a destiny long in the making, and not have much say in anything that happens. As an adult, I was impatient at times, but when that occurred, I just took a second to remind myself of how a teenage girl would feel, and then went happily on my way.
I was uncertain about her constantly running away from her feelings - a change from the normal YA fare where they fall madly in love/lust on page 3. She had two gorgeous guys that she felt something for, and which was reciprocated, so why shy away from a touch? Maybe because she was inexperienced, and the feelings were powerful. The tension was palpable - electric and crackling.
This lovely, exciting page-turning story hooked me with it's strong pacing, well-drafted characters and sense of place, and I actually felt a part of the "family," something that is important to me. Strong connections to the characters, and a desire to uncover the whole story will have me continuing on in this Maor saga. I strongly recommend that you follow me.
Rating? 5 well-earned stars
The Author Visits Reviews Five by Caroline Greyling
About Caroline
Caroline Pic
Caroline Greyling is a mother of two, student and full time Executive in a prominent South African Telecommunications company. She lives in Johannesburg with her husband and two daughters and spends her time reading, writing, playing piano, doing arts and crafts and studying.
Caroline is a great fan of fiction, especially young adult and romance, and is on her way to becoming a well-known author. Five is her debut novel.
Follow Caroline:
Visit WebsiteFollow on TwitterFollow on FacebookFollow on Goodreads
Buy Five by Caroline Greyling
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6
The Author Visits Reviews Five by Caroline GreylingFive on May 6, 2014
Pages: 322
Format: eBook
five-stars
Buy Five
Note: The Author Visits was given an e-copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Review by Kristin Lundgren on behalf of The Author Visits
Shaylee Greene has just celebrated her seventeenth birthday, loves dance and wants to study both dance and writing at a college in her hometown of Johannesburg, South Africa with her best friend. Her life is great, plagued only by recurring nightmares. Suddenly her parents tell her she is being sent off to the tiny town of Aylburton, in northern Britain, near the Forest of Dean, to live with her grandmother. Her parents will follow after they've tied up things down there. She spent the first seven years there, but has no strong memories of the place, and as she is quiet, and a little shy, she has trouble making friends. Unhappy about the decision, she tries to stand firm about not going, but before she knows it she is on the plane, and going off to her grandmother's large house to stay.
Once there, she learns that what she has believed all her life was a lie, and that supernatural forces are at play all around her. Assigned a protector, and attracted to another, she reacts as any teen would do, by digging in her heels, refusing to follow orders, and demanding answers, which are slowly revealed, but always with more questions. New dangers lurk around every corner, but she has an independent streak, and won't take this arranging of her life lying down.
When I first starting reading, I was, as always when doing a review, looking for the pros and cons. I tend to be a little tough, but fair, as I know how much work goes into writing. While I found some niggling areas that I felt needed an editor's touch, by about 1/4 of the way through, they had melted away, and this magical story slipped under my skin, and I read straight through, in an almost marathon session of 4+ hours at the dining room table, getting up only to get more tea. I haven't been that immersed since my teens, 40 years ago.
In the beginning I felt it was a bit overly reliant on descriptive adjectives. It's great to set the scene, and make us feel like we are there, but when you get down to curtains and duvets, I draw the line. I don't need to know if they were lined or unlined, downy or heavy. That's where a great editor helps. But again, that faded away, and I stopped noticing it. My notes got skimpier and trickled done to none by the time I was done.
The one thing that did keep distracting me was the "five" convention - the short lists Shaylee wrote at the beginning of each chapter. Sometimes I liked them - they told me what was the focus of that chapter, other times they pulled me out of the story. I was also missing the scene breaks found in a normally formatted book - my copy had none, so I would have to reread what I had just finished when scene jumping, as I questioned myself - wasn't she just...?
Although the book was in first person, present tense, my least favorite POV, it never bothered me the way it normally did. I put this down to the author's skillful writing, fast pace, and plenty of action. The characters were well-developed, albeit a bit mysterious as things unfolded. This wasn't the typical know it all upfront story. This was Shaylee's journey, and the reader discovers things as she did, in an inquisitive undertone.
Although at times I wanted to shake her for her defiant and willful behavior, having raised two daughters I could sympathize with how scary it must have been to be pulled out of all that you know, find you are part of a destiny long in the making, and not have much say in anything that happens. As an adult, I was impatient at times, but when that occurred, I just took a second to remind myself of how a teenage girl would feel, and then went happily on my way.
I was uncertain about her constantly running away from her feelings - a change from the normal YA fare where they fall madly in love/lust on page 3. She had two gorgeous guys that she felt something for, and which was reciprocated, so why shy away from a touch? Maybe because she was inexperienced, and the feelings were powerful. The tension was palpable - electric and crackling.
This lovely, exciting page-turning story hooked me with it's strong pacing, well-drafted characters and sense of place, and I actually felt a part of the "family," something that is important to me. Strong connections to the characters, and a desire to uncover the whole story will have me continuing on in this Maor saga. I strongly recommend that you follow me.
Rating? 5 well-earned stars
The Author Visits Reviews Five by Caroline Greyling
About Caroline
Caroline Pic
Caroline Greyling is a mother of two, student and full time Executive in a prominent South African Telecommunications company. She lives in Johannesburg with her husband and two daughters and spends her time reading, writing, playing piano, doing arts and crafts and studying.
Caroline is a great fan of fiction, especially young adult and romance, and is on her way to becoming a well-known author. Five is her debut novel.
Follow Caroline:
Visit WebsiteFollow on TwitterFollow on FacebookFollow on Goodreads
Buy Five by Caroline Greyling
Share on facebookShare on twitterShare on emailShare on pinterest_shareMore Sharing Services
6
June 20, 2019
Wow
I haven't read a book in a long time that makes me want to both race to the end and put it down and savor it. This is that book. The main character irritated me a little with her immaturity but eventually settled down. Great book! I can't wait to get the next one!
I haven't read a book in a long time that makes me want to both race to the end and put it down and savor it. This is that book. The main character irritated me a little with her immaturity but eventually settled down. Great book! I can't wait to get the next one!
June 27, 2019
Loved it
Finally a book that keeps you intrigued and not all lovie dovie.. This is a book you don’t wanna put down
Finally a book that keeps you intrigued and not all lovie dovie.. This is a book you don’t wanna put down
October 10, 2014
Caroline Greyling
Five
Note: The Author Visits was given an e-copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Review by Kristin Lundgren on behalf of The Author Visits
Shaylee Greene has just celebrated her seventeenth birthday, loves dance and wants to study both dance and writing at a college in her hometown of Johannesburg, South Africa with her best friend. Her life is great, plagued only by recurring nightmares. Suddenly her parents tell her she is being sent off to the tiny town of Aylburton, in northern Britain, near the Forest of Dean, to live with her grandmother. Her parents will follow after they've tied up things down there. She spent the first seven years there, but has no strong memories of the place, and as she is quiet, and a little shy, she has trouble making friends. Unhappy about the decision, she tries to stand firm about not going, but before she knows it she is on the plane, and going off to her grandmother's large house to stay.
Once there, she learns that what she has believed all her life was a lie, and that supernatural forces are at play all around her. Assigned a protector, and attracted to another, she reacts as any teen would do, by digging in her heels, refusing to follow orders, and demanding answers, which are slowly revealed, but always with more questions. New dangers lurk around every corner, but she has an independent streak, and won't take this arranging of her life lying down.
When I first starting reading, I was, as always when doing a review, looking for the pros and cons. I tend to be a little tough, but fair, as I know how much work goes into writing. While I found some niggling areas that I felt needed an editor's touch, by about 1/4 of the way through, they had melted away, and this magical story slipped under my skin, and I read straight through, in an almost marathon session of 4+ hours at the dining room table, getting up only to get more tea. I haven't been that immersed since my teens, 40 years ago.
In the beginning I felt it was a bit overly reliant on descriptive adjectives. It's great to set the scene, and make us feel like we are there, but when you get down to curtains and duvets, I draw the line. I don't need to know if they were lined or unlined, downy or heavy. That's where a great editor helps. But again, that faded away, and I stopped noticing it. My notes got skimpier and trickled done to none by the time I was done.
The one thing that did keep distracting me was the "five" convention - the short lists Shaylee wrote at the beginning of each chapter. Sometimes I liked them - they told me what was the focus of that chapter, other times they pulled me out of the story. I was also missing the scene breaks found in a normally formatted book - my copy had none, so I would have to reread what I had just finished when scene jumping, as I questioned myself - wasn't she just...?
Although the book was in first person, present tense, my least favorite POV, it never bothered me the way it normally did. I put this down to the author's skillful writing, fast pace, and plenty of action. The characters were well-developed, albeit a bit mysterious as things unfolded. This wasn't the typical know it all upfront story. This was Shaylee's journey, and the reader discovers things as she did, in an inquisitive undertone.
Although at times I wanted to shake her for her defiant and willful behavior, having raised two daughters I could sympathize with how scary it must have been to be pulled out of all that you know, find you are part of a destiny long in the making, and not have much say in anything that happens. As an adult, I was impatient at times, but when that occurred, I just took a second to remind myself of how a teenage girl would feel, and then went happily on my way.
I was uncertain about her constantly running away from her feelings - a change from the normal YA fare where they fall madly in love/lust on page 3. She had two gorgeous guys that she felt something for, and which was reciprocated, so why shy away from a touch? Maybe because she was inexperienced, and the feelings were powerful. The tension was palpable - electric and crackling.
This lovely, exciting page-turning story hooked me with it's strong pacing, well-drafted characters and sense of place, and I actually felt a part of the "family," something that is important to me. Strong connections to the characters, and a desire to uncover the whole story will have me continuing on in this Maor saga. I strongly recommend that you follow me.
Rating? 5 well-earned stars
Five
Note: The Author Visits was given an e-copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Review by Kristin Lundgren on behalf of The Author Visits
Shaylee Greene has just celebrated her seventeenth birthday, loves dance and wants to study both dance and writing at a college in her hometown of Johannesburg, South Africa with her best friend. Her life is great, plagued only by recurring nightmares. Suddenly her parents tell her she is being sent off to the tiny town of Aylburton, in northern Britain, near the Forest of Dean, to live with her grandmother. Her parents will follow after they've tied up things down there. She spent the first seven years there, but has no strong memories of the place, and as she is quiet, and a little shy, she has trouble making friends. Unhappy about the decision, she tries to stand firm about not going, but before she knows it she is on the plane, and going off to her grandmother's large house to stay.
Once there, she learns that what she has believed all her life was a lie, and that supernatural forces are at play all around her. Assigned a protector, and attracted to another, she reacts as any teen would do, by digging in her heels, refusing to follow orders, and demanding answers, which are slowly revealed, but always with more questions. New dangers lurk around every corner, but she has an independent streak, and won't take this arranging of her life lying down.
When I first starting reading, I was, as always when doing a review, looking for the pros and cons. I tend to be a little tough, but fair, as I know how much work goes into writing. While I found some niggling areas that I felt needed an editor's touch, by about 1/4 of the way through, they had melted away, and this magical story slipped under my skin, and I read straight through, in an almost marathon session of 4+ hours at the dining room table, getting up only to get more tea. I haven't been that immersed since my teens, 40 years ago.
In the beginning I felt it was a bit overly reliant on descriptive adjectives. It's great to set the scene, and make us feel like we are there, but when you get down to curtains and duvets, I draw the line. I don't need to know if they were lined or unlined, downy or heavy. That's where a great editor helps. But again, that faded away, and I stopped noticing it. My notes got skimpier and trickled done to none by the time I was done.
The one thing that did keep distracting me was the "five" convention - the short lists Shaylee wrote at the beginning of each chapter. Sometimes I liked them - they told me what was the focus of that chapter, other times they pulled me out of the story. I was also missing the scene breaks found in a normally formatted book - my copy had none, so I would have to reread what I had just finished when scene jumping, as I questioned myself - wasn't she just...?
Although the book was in first person, present tense, my least favorite POV, it never bothered me the way it normally did. I put this down to the author's skillful writing, fast pace, and plenty of action. The characters were well-developed, albeit a bit mysterious as things unfolded. This wasn't the typical know it all upfront story. This was Shaylee's journey, and the reader discovers things as she did, in an inquisitive undertone.
Although at times I wanted to shake her for her defiant and willful behavior, having raised two daughters I could sympathize with how scary it must have been to be pulled out of all that you know, find you are part of a destiny long in the making, and not have much say in anything that happens. As an adult, I was impatient at times, but when that occurred, I just took a second to remind myself of how a teenage girl would feel, and then went happily on my way.
I was uncertain about her constantly running away from her feelings - a change from the normal YA fare where they fall madly in love/lust on page 3. She had two gorgeous guys that she felt something for, and which was reciprocated, so why shy away from a touch? Maybe because she was inexperienced, and the feelings were powerful. The tension was palpable - electric and crackling.
This lovely, exciting page-turning story hooked me with it's strong pacing, well-drafted characters and sense of place, and I actually felt a part of the "family," something that is important to me. Strong connections to the characters, and a desire to uncover the whole story will have me continuing on in this Maor saga. I strongly recommend that you follow me.
Rating? 5 well-earned stars
August 23, 2014
I was given a copy of this novel by the author in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.
Actual rating 4.5 stars
This novel is a refreshing take on faerie mythology, and will instantly sweep you away to the small town of Aylburton, in the Forest of Dean, England. I greatly enjoyed this novel, and honestly this is a hidden gem in the YA genre. Every scene came alive due to the wonderful writing style of Ms. Greyling. Each scene is well described, and plays out in front of you as if you are watching a movie. And who doesn't love that in a book? This novel is extremely creative and unique, and it showcases Ms. Greyling's amazing abilities to weave an interesting tale. One thing that I greatly enjoyed was the beginning of each chapter. As a form of therapy and to keep her creative juices flowing, Shaylee writes down one word and describes is completely. She describes how it feels, how it tastes, how it looks, what it sounds like, and what it smells like. Each of the descriptions is lyrical and poetic, and they are literally perfect. It was honestly such a great and eye-opening way to open each chapter because it makes you think about the world around you.
Shaylee was a great lead character. While in the beginning, I thought she was being a tad bit selfish and disrespectful because she was being so stubborn, over the course of the novel I truly loved her character. She reacts very realistically, and is very relatable. Every emotion she feels is demonstrated on the page, and it's almost as if you can truly feel her emotions radiating off the page. She grows stronger throughout the novel and I loved reading her development. Kael was one of my favorites from the beginning. When you start reading this book, you might be thinking, "Huh? But he's so standoffish and brutish! However, he has a reason, and all I can say is that he is an extremely well thought out character. Everything he does is for a reason, and even though we never read from his POV, you can easily see the struggle he faces every time Shaylee and Tristan are together. Kael is the ultimate protector and will go to the ends of the Earth for Shaylee...and it is wonderful. Let's just say, I'm rooting for Kael over Tristan.
The story flows extremely well, and the pacing is brilliant. There was never a time when I felt the story was dull or dragging. Ms. Greyling has managed to craft her own exquisite world that is full of new ideas. Cliches don't run rampant in this book; everything is new and original, something that is extremely refreshing. This book has it all suspense, danger, laughs, and love. Seriously, it's literally like winning the lottery with this book! I highly recommend checking this book out if you are looking for a light book that is packed with thrills. Like me, you will be eagerly anticipating the sequel!
Happy reading :)
Actual rating 4.5 stars
This novel is a refreshing take on faerie mythology, and will instantly sweep you away to the small town of Aylburton, in the Forest of Dean, England. I greatly enjoyed this novel, and honestly this is a hidden gem in the YA genre. Every scene came alive due to the wonderful writing style of Ms. Greyling. Each scene is well described, and plays out in front of you as if you are watching a movie. And who doesn't love that in a book? This novel is extremely creative and unique, and it showcases Ms. Greyling's amazing abilities to weave an interesting tale. One thing that I greatly enjoyed was the beginning of each chapter. As a form of therapy and to keep her creative juices flowing, Shaylee writes down one word and describes is completely. She describes how it feels, how it tastes, how it looks, what it sounds like, and what it smells like. Each of the descriptions is lyrical and poetic, and they are literally perfect. It was honestly such a great and eye-opening way to open each chapter because it makes you think about the world around you.
Shaylee was a great lead character. While in the beginning, I thought she was being a tad bit selfish and disrespectful because she was being so stubborn, over the course of the novel I truly loved her character. She reacts very realistically, and is very relatable. Every emotion she feels is demonstrated on the page, and it's almost as if you can truly feel her emotions radiating off the page. She grows stronger throughout the novel and I loved reading her development. Kael was one of my favorites from the beginning. When you start reading this book, you might be thinking, "Huh? But he's so standoffish and brutish! However, he has a reason, and all I can say is that he is an extremely well thought out character. Everything he does is for a reason, and even though we never read from his POV, you can easily see the struggle he faces every time Shaylee and Tristan are together. Kael is the ultimate protector and will go to the ends of the Earth for Shaylee...and it is wonderful. Let's just say, I'm rooting for Kael over Tristan.
The story flows extremely well, and the pacing is brilliant. There was never a time when I felt the story was dull or dragging. Ms. Greyling has managed to craft her own exquisite world that is full of new ideas. Cliches don't run rampant in this book; everything is new and original, something that is extremely refreshing. This book has it all suspense, danger, laughs, and love. Seriously, it's literally like winning the lottery with this book! I highly recommend checking this book out if you are looking for a light book that is packed with thrills. Like me, you will be eagerly anticipating the sequel!
Happy reading :)
June 6, 2014
I did receive a free copy of the book as part of a review swap. Still, I picked it up and knocked it out in one sitting - definitely a good read.
The story centers around a teenager who definitely is getting tired of being lied to. Even though I really hate teenagers and their problems, I actually really liked the lead protagonist - she had legitimate beef with the secrets. I even found myself getting annoyed because I wanted to know the secrets already! She is torn from her home and everything she knows in South Africa to go live in the UK with her family and new magical community and handles it about as well as you'd expect a teenager to handle it.
(On a related side note: The nerd in me was super fascinated by all of the South African-esque colloquialisms and concepts. But I digress.)
The lovey-dovey aspects of the story were nice - I was secretly hoping for a Hans-Kristoff sort of dynamic (a la Frozen) so I could hate the guy she doesn't end up with, because I genuinely felt for the guy. I do like the concept of the strong, silent type for the love interest, but also liked how his cool veneer fell as the story progressed. And as I said above, the lead protagonist was really well rounded and well articulated, and I did enjoy reading her POV. She was definitely someone who protests against having her life dictated for her, and that was exactly what everyone was trying to do.
If I have one complaint it was that the story was a bit choppy; just as a chapter was really getting going it would end. The main character seemed to "get over" highly emotional events rather quickly and without much resolution, and I wished more time had been spent on those subsequent chapters. I also wasn't too pleased with the ending - it seemed to just kind of stop in the middle without much resolution. There are so many unanswered questions that I almost wanted a little tighter bow on events that happened. Will definitely be on the look-out for the next books to see what happens next.
The story centers around a teenager who definitely is getting tired of being lied to. Even though I really hate teenagers and their problems, I actually really liked the lead protagonist - she had legitimate beef with the secrets. I even found myself getting annoyed because I wanted to know the secrets already! She is torn from her home and everything she knows in South Africa to go live in the UK with her family and new magical community and handles it about as well as you'd expect a teenager to handle it.
(On a related side note: The nerd in me was super fascinated by all of the South African-esque colloquialisms and concepts. But I digress.)
The lovey-dovey aspects of the story were nice - I was secretly hoping for a Hans-Kristoff sort of dynamic (a la Frozen) so I could hate the guy she doesn't end up with, because I genuinely felt for the guy. I do like the concept of the strong, silent type for the love interest, but also liked how his cool veneer fell as the story progressed. And as I said above, the lead protagonist was really well rounded and well articulated, and I did enjoy reading her POV. She was definitely someone who protests against having her life dictated for her, and that was exactly what everyone was trying to do.
If I have one complaint it was that the story was a bit choppy; just as a chapter was really getting going it would end. The main character seemed to "get over" highly emotional events rather quickly and without much resolution, and I wished more time had been spent on those subsequent chapters. I also wasn't too pleased with the ending - it seemed to just kind of stop in the middle without much resolution. There are so many unanswered questions that I almost wanted a little tighter bow on events that happened. Will definitely be on the look-out for the next books to see what happens next.
July 25, 2015
When I first brought Five, by Carolyn Greyling, I was immediately drawn in by the cover as it looked like something that would provide a unique spin to the standard YA paranormal romance. Seventeen year old Shaylee Greene is a typical YA character, she has dreams of being a dancer and seeks to escape the shadow of her over protective parents. Which happens, but not in the way she would expect. She wakes up one morning with a strange mark on her body and is immediately ripped from her home in South Africa and away from everything she knows and is sent all the way to her grandmother's house, who is supposed to give her answers and help her learn about her mysterious heritage.
I love how each chapter started off with an emotion and then Shaylee would attempt to describe it using the five senses. It really made Five stand out and gave me something more to look forward to with each chapter. I also loved the lore of Maor, though I did wish it wasn't given to the reader so sparingly.
Which was one of my major issues with the novel. It often left me fusterated as many of the characters withheld vital information from Shaylee, information that dealt with her lost memories, her role as the chosen one, her safety, or anything at all really. It felt odd that they would veiw her as so important but basically left her helpless, to be pulled along by the whims of the plot.
I guess a majority of the fustration comes from how strongly I wanted to root for her and wished her the agency she deserved. But she seems to be growing as a character, and coupled with Greyling's writing style, I am curious about what will happen in book 2.
November 16, 2015
A Unique Lyrical Fantasy
"Five (Maor Series Book 1)" by Caroline Greyling is a unique coming-of-age fantasy novel about a 16/17 year old girl/fairy (Shaylee) who has hopes and dreams of becoming a dancer, attending Rhodes and traveling the world. But these plans are interrupted when her parents decide to move her out of South Africa to the UK after she is assaulted by her dance partner Jake and continues to have a recurring nightmare.
In the UK she lives with her Nan who explains to her that she is not human, that she is instead a fairy. As the story unfolds Shaylee questions her new lack of freedom and choices-- her new role as a fairy and role as a "promised fiancé" to Tristan (the hot blond guy). She is confused about her feelings as she thinks she may also have feelings for Kael (the other hot guy with anger issues).
Greyling's characters all sound real and she does a great job intertwining the issues girls usually have with their mothers at this age.
The stories unique take on fantasy and the authors beautiful lyrical writing will keep readers turning the page.
"Five (Maor Series Book 1)" by Caroline Greyling is a unique coming-of-age fantasy novel about a 16/17 year old girl/fairy (Shaylee) who has hopes and dreams of becoming a dancer, attending Rhodes and traveling the world. But these plans are interrupted when her parents decide to move her out of South Africa to the UK after she is assaulted by her dance partner Jake and continues to have a recurring nightmare.
In the UK she lives with her Nan who explains to her that she is not human, that she is instead a fairy. As the story unfolds Shaylee questions her new lack of freedom and choices-- her new role as a fairy and role as a "promised fiancé" to Tristan (the hot blond guy). She is confused about her feelings as she thinks she may also have feelings for Kael (the other hot guy with anger issues).
Greyling's characters all sound real and she does a great job intertwining the issues girls usually have with their mothers at this age.
The stories unique take on fantasy and the authors beautiful lyrical writing will keep readers turning the page.
March 10, 2015
This book was a showcase of how to create vivid imagery with words. The five senses snippets at the start of each chapter were an engaging way to set each chapter's tone. The characters' ties with, and their reverence for, the nature around them was conveyed beautifully through the author's descriptions of the Forest of the Dean.
Five is a paranormal romance with a blatant love triangle. Blatant because within the same chapter all three players in the relationship meet, and just like that-- things get very interesting. The dynamics of the triangle were fun. Physical, paranormal, and emotional bonds all factored into the characters' decisions.
Fans of paranormal romance will fall head over heels for this one.
This is the twenty-second book I've featured on my book's (Atomic Aardvark) blog called "Bobbing for Indie eBooks" . A feature where I promote and give away copies of eBooks by self-published authors I've discovered and whose books I have enjoyed.
Five is a paranormal romance with a blatant love triangle. Blatant because within the same chapter all three players in the relationship meet, and just like that-- things get very interesting. The dynamics of the triangle were fun. Physical, paranormal, and emotional bonds all factored into the characters' decisions.
Fans of paranormal romance will fall head over heels for this one.
This is the twenty-second book I've featured on my book's (Atomic Aardvark) blog called "Bobbing for Indie eBooks" . A feature where I promote and give away copies of eBooks by self-published authors I've discovered and whose books I have enjoyed.
November 13, 2014
Five was a breath of fresh air for me. I really enjoyed the storyline and the characters. I hadn't read 'fairy' stories before but really liked this one. Each chapter started with an emotion described in 5 ways, tastes like, smells like, sounds like, feels like and looks like. This part of the novel added an extra bit of zing for me. It enabled me to understand Shaylee’s feelings. Shaylee was pulled from her life as she knew it and moved to a new continent with her Nan to a whole new way of life. There were lots of secrets kept from her and I found myself desperate to know them. There was a bit of a romance twist thrown in with Tristan Shaylee’s fiancée and Kael her protector/bodyguard. Overall a very enjoyable read and I was disappointed to see book 2 isn’t out yet.
I received a complimentary copy in exchange for my honest review.
I received a complimentary copy in exchange for my honest review.
January 22, 2020
Five by Caroline Greyling is a complete breath of fresh air. This is a simple book, not in a bad way, but also a very complex one. In so many books I've read recently there is too much. Too much fake drama, too much blood, too much sex. Five has enticing bits of real drama that real people can connect to, real fights and real problems we face in society, and the issue of real love and lust in a very captivating fictional world. Love triangles? Yes, we've seen it before but if that's an issue think again. This has a very unique spin on it that makes my heart soar! I have read and reread this book so many times I almost have it memorized but keep going back because I can never get enough. Though I don't think my brothers (ages 14 and 10) would enjoy this, I am thoroughly invested in this series and cannot wait *imagine me jumping up and down* for the third book to come out!
May 31, 2014
Imagine having the same nightmare year after year since you were a child. Imagine that nightmare feels real every time you have it. Now imagine finding out that it feels real, because it just might be real.
Shaylee Greene has had such a nightmare. It is what changes the course of the rest of her life. When her parents find out about the continuing dreams, and a strange new mark appears on Shaylee’s stomach, they decide that she has to leave; not just her city life in South Africa, but to a new country altogether...
Read the rest of my review at online book club, where I was given a free copy of the book for a thorough and honest review.
http://forums.onlinebookclub.org/view...
Shaylee Greene has had such a nightmare. It is what changes the course of the rest of her life. When her parents find out about the continuing dreams, and a strange new mark appears on Shaylee’s stomach, they decide that she has to leave; not just her city life in South Africa, but to a new country altogether...
Read the rest of my review at online book club, where I was given a free copy of the book for a thorough and honest review.
http://forums.onlinebookclub.org/view...
June 21, 2015
A new way of life
I was interested enough to read this to the end. I really didn't like the ending. It just wasn't for me. I also admit that the cover didn't grab me however the title was accurate. The description was great. If it had not been recommend I would have passed it over.
I was interested enough to read this to the end. I really didn't like the ending. It just wasn't for me. I also admit that the cover didn't grab me however the title was accurate. The description was great. If it had not been recommend I would have passed it over.
June 1, 2016
Five
I really enjoyed reading this book and can't wait to get the second one. I love Shaylee and most of the other characters. She really needs to lay down her own rules to her fiancee, I don't like him. Anyway, this is a book that I definitely would recommend if you enjoy reading a good YA story.
I really enjoyed reading this book and can't wait to get the second one. I love Shaylee and most of the other characters. She really needs to lay down her own rules to her fiancee, I don't like him. Anyway, this is a book that I definitely would recommend if you enjoy reading a good YA story.
May 21, 2014
I love this I would more books like this I like to see want happen
I love this I would more books like this I like to see want happen
I would read more of books like this
I hope you will write more on this shot
it took me one whole day to read
I love this I would more books like this I like to see want happen
I would read more of books like this
I hope you will write more on this shot
it took me one whole day to read
June 21, 2014
Loved it!
Loved it!
I enjoyed the different twist on super naturals and who doesn't go for a story about a girl wanting the wrong guy for her? I can't wait to have my questions address and see what happens to Shaylee.
Loved it!
I enjoyed the different twist on super naturals and who doesn't go for a story about a girl wanting the wrong guy for her? I can't wait to have my questions address and see what happens to Shaylee.
February 1, 2015
Great! I'm looking forward to THREE.
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