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The Ialana Series #1
The Six, and the Crystals of Ialana
A mysterious island, strange dreams and a powerful healing crystal lost centuries ago: seven young people must discover what their connection is to the disastrous events that took place five hundred years before they were born. Who are the Six Healers, what is their mission and how did it once fail?
The Six, along with a seventh companion, must navigate perilous mountain passes, caves and tunnels guarded by monstrous creatures, and embark on a sea voyage that is doomed from the start. Not only that, there is a potential traitor in their midst who may sell them out at the first opportunity.
The story takes place on the Continent of Ialana, a mythical place in a long-forgotten time that inspired legends and blurs the distinctions between science and magic. The Six discover that all magic is only an understanding of the true nature of reality and the construct of the universe. All they know is that their lives will never be the same again.
The Six, along with a seventh companion, must navigate perilous mountain passes, caves and tunnels guarded by monstrous creatures, and embark on a sea voyage that is doomed from the start. Not only that, there is a potential traitor in their midst who may sell them out at the first opportunity.
The story takes place on the Continent of Ialana, a mythical place in a long-forgotten time that inspired legends and blurs the distinctions between science and magic. The Six discover that all magic is only an understanding of the true nature of reality and the construct of the universe. All they know is that their lives will never be the same again.
190 pages, ebook
First published May 24, 2014
22 people are currently reading
204 people want to read
About the author
Katlynn Brooke
12 books62 followersKatlynn Brooke is an upcoming author of fiction that includes young adult fantasy, and a memoir about her childhood in Africa.
Katlynn was born and raised in Zimbabwe and currently lives in Virginia, USA.
Katlynn was born and raised in Zimbabwe and currently lives in Virginia, USA.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
February 1, 2016
My full, raving review is at Onlinebookclub.org
http://forums.onlinebookclub.org/view...
Let me just say though that I loved the book, it was very well edited, and it is one of my new favorite fantasy series!! There is a metaphysical aspect or explanation of things that transcends the usual magic element intrinsic to the fantasy genre. That was my favorite part of this book. I am on to book two follow me my fantasy loving friends!!
http://forums.onlinebookclub.org/view...
Let me just say though that I loved the book, it was very well edited, and it is one of my new favorite fantasy series!! There is a metaphysical aspect or explanation of things that transcends the usual magic element intrinsic to the fantasy genre. That was my favorite part of this book. I am on to book two follow me my fantasy loving friends!!
April 10, 2015
The author throws a lot of characters at us in quick succession as she assembles her ensemble cast of unwilling adventurers, all fleeing persecution, all haunted by dreams and visions of things to come—the same dreams and visions. I thought for sure I’d never be able to keep track of all the names, but she does a masterful job of making the voices and personas distinct from one another, likable, and compelling. Once her team of six, Tristan, Kex, Jarah, Blaidd, Tegan, and Adain, are finally assembled on their quest, it’s fun to see the group dynamics take shape, to say nothing of witnessing the combustible chemistry between certain characters. The dangers and challenges continue to mount as the indefatigable group presses on, as much afraid of the vision that’s driving them as the nefarious parties out for their blood.
It is when the party meets up with Irusan, a magical figure who insists that the remarkable powers he demonstrates are not magic, but just evidence of his connection to the universal field of consciousness, using methods that he will teach them in time, that I truly fell in love with this book. I found Irusan’s way of accessing what in Star Wars would be known as “the force” and his way of explaining how to work with these energies both intuitive and compelling. It might just be pseudo-science to the skeptical, but I found it required less suspension of disbelief than most fantasy books.
It’s worth noting that the author has a real lock on the YA audience. This book reminds me of the series I read when I was a kid, Nancy Drew, The Hardy Boys; they were different genres to be certain, but it was the same sense of fun and adventure. The author writes in a very family-friendly manner; I could see this tale being enjoyed among an entire household as individual members took turns reading aloud for one another. One of the things which impressed me most was the author’s ability to play to such a wide age group. Like some of the best Disney flicks, and some of those Steven Spielberg films like E.T., Hook, and The Adventures of Tintin, there’s something here for almost any age. Because there is so much fleeing on foot from soldiers across vast distances and varied landscapes, always moving towards more powerful magic, perhaps the series this book is most structured like is Lord of the Rings, which is a good thing, being as this is a traditional fantasy.
To avoid giving away too much I’ll just say this: the richness of the tale, the various forms of paranormal abilities on display, both continue to compound throughout the story. Despite the very high standards the writer sets at the beginning of the story for herself, she continues to up her game with each turn of the page. Some standout characters (among many) for me (besides Irusan mentioned above): Djara, whose sixth sense guides the team out of danger in one instance without diminishing the tension in the scene one iota; Tegan, and her ability to psychically communicate with animal species. But by far my favorite element of this story, above and beyond the engrossing characters themselves and the fantastic psychic powers they wield, was the fact that the heroes’ quest is carried out across many lifetimes. When we start out the story, in fact, it is with them struggling to integrate the dreams that are their first memories of their last lifetime together, and how things went horribly wrong that time. Will things go horribly wrong again? You’ll have to read to find out. As for me, I’m on to the sequel, as rapidly as I can finish this review!
It is when the party meets up with Irusan, a magical figure who insists that the remarkable powers he demonstrates are not magic, but just evidence of his connection to the universal field of consciousness, using methods that he will teach them in time, that I truly fell in love with this book. I found Irusan’s way of accessing what in Star Wars would be known as “the force” and his way of explaining how to work with these energies both intuitive and compelling. It might just be pseudo-science to the skeptical, but I found it required less suspension of disbelief than most fantasy books.
It’s worth noting that the author has a real lock on the YA audience. This book reminds me of the series I read when I was a kid, Nancy Drew, The Hardy Boys; they were different genres to be certain, but it was the same sense of fun and adventure. The author writes in a very family-friendly manner; I could see this tale being enjoyed among an entire household as individual members took turns reading aloud for one another. One of the things which impressed me most was the author’s ability to play to such a wide age group. Like some of the best Disney flicks, and some of those Steven Spielberg films like E.T., Hook, and The Adventures of Tintin, there’s something here for almost any age. Because there is so much fleeing on foot from soldiers across vast distances and varied landscapes, always moving towards more powerful magic, perhaps the series this book is most structured like is Lord of the Rings, which is a good thing, being as this is a traditional fantasy.
To avoid giving away too much I’ll just say this: the richness of the tale, the various forms of paranormal abilities on display, both continue to compound throughout the story. Despite the very high standards the writer sets at the beginning of the story for herself, she continues to up her game with each turn of the page. Some standout characters (among many) for me (besides Irusan mentioned above): Djara, whose sixth sense guides the team out of danger in one instance without diminishing the tension in the scene one iota; Tegan, and her ability to psychically communicate with animal species. But by far my favorite element of this story, above and beyond the engrossing characters themselves and the fantastic psychic powers they wield, was the fact that the heroes’ quest is carried out across many lifetimes. When we start out the story, in fact, it is with them struggling to integrate the dreams that are their first memories of their last lifetime together, and how things went horribly wrong that time. Will things go horribly wrong again? You’ll have to read to find out. As for me, I’m on to the sequel, as rapidly as I can finish this review!
July 31, 2019
I received a free copy via Netgalley in exchange for a honest review.
This is a wonderful Teen / YA fantasy, well written with characters full of depth.
A wonderful idea, the story flows smoothly pulling all the characters together and making this a real page turner.
This is a wonderful Teen / YA fantasy, well written with characters full of depth.
A wonderful idea, the story flows smoothly pulling all the characters together and making this a real page turner.
May 19, 2017
There's action upon action in this fast-paced tale. It's a traditional quest story, and a fine example of the genre.
The book opens with a man about to die, and we expect the rest of the book to be about how he got there, but this author is more subtle than that, and gradually we discover layer upon layer of surprises. There is not a dull page, right up to the properly satisfying ending, with its chilling little epilogue hinting at the possibility of a sequel, although the ability of this book to stand alone, as a good novel must always do, is not at all compromised.
This is an author who knows her craft. The multiple points of view are well handled, and the richly textured and varied world is a delight. As a writer myself, I shudder to think how many hundreds of hours must have gone into the worldbuild for this book. Effort well spent from the point of view of this grateful reader!
The writing is smooth and competent, and all around it's a very professional piece of work, as well as a thundering good read.
Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book for the purpose of an honest review.
The book opens with a man about to die, and we expect the rest of the book to be about how he got there, but this author is more subtle than that, and gradually we discover layer upon layer of surprises. There is not a dull page, right up to the properly satisfying ending, with its chilling little epilogue hinting at the possibility of a sequel, although the ability of this book to stand alone, as a good novel must always do, is not at all compromised.
This is an author who knows her craft. The multiple points of view are well handled, and the richly textured and varied world is a delight. As a writer myself, I shudder to think how many hundreds of hours must have gone into the worldbuild for this book. Effort well spent from the point of view of this grateful reader!
The writing is smooth and competent, and all around it's a very professional piece of work, as well as a thundering good read.
Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book for the purpose of an honest review.
November 23, 2018
Six heroes with a secret in each have a secret buried deeply inside. They leave their homes to go on a quest to find a mysterious crystal with powers. They will go through many mountain caves where they will find and face horrible creatures. A guide, Irusan appears to help them on their journey. They find themselves fighting to get to the lost crystal. However, they have an enemy, a Dragon King who wants to destroy them. Who will get the lost crystal?
The mystery and danger the characters go through make the novel an intriguing book to read. I enjoy the twists and turns the writer wrote in the novel. It is a great adventure to read!
Disclaimer: I received an arc of this book from the author/publisher from Netgalley. I wasn’t obligated to write a favorable review or any review at all. The opinions expressed are strictly my own.
The mystery and danger the characters go through make the novel an intriguing book to read. I enjoy the twists and turns the writer wrote in the novel. It is a great adventure to read!
Disclaimer: I received an arc of this book from the author/publisher from Netgalley. I wasn’t obligated to write a favorable review or any review at all. The opinions expressed are strictly my own.
January 19, 2020
A really solid start to a new series! I thought the magic/technology used in this world was pretty interesting and the author took the time to try to explain some of it. The characters were fairly interesting, although I think they have the potential to be much more rich and complex, perhaps in future books. Blaidd is clearly painted as the twisted bad guy of their group, but the ending lets you know that it's not over yet! My thought is that perhaps he will someday be redeemed, but not without a lot of pain and suffering beforehand. The writing is strong and well-edited, making for a story that I enjoyed sitting down and reading straight through. I am looking forward to reading the rest of the books in this series.
Thanks to #KatlynnBrooke and #BookSirens for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Thanks to #KatlynnBrooke and #BookSirens for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
November 4, 2019
I read a review copy from BookSirens in exchange for an honest review.
I have read a fair bit of YA fiction in my time and this book has everything a good sci-fi/fantasy thriller needs. Excellent character development, a plot line that both captures your interest and moves at a good pace, a good mix of fun and adventure, and the beginnings of some romance.
The one drawback to the book, was my sense that the author was a big fan of, “The Secret” and at times, the story felt a bit preachy.
I’m looking forward to book two and seeing what happens to the main characters as the ending left the door wide open for the continued adventure.
I have read a fair bit of YA fiction in my time and this book has everything a good sci-fi/fantasy thriller needs. Excellent character development, a plot line that both captures your interest and moves at a good pace, a good mix of fun and adventure, and the beginnings of some romance.
The one drawback to the book, was my sense that the author was a big fan of, “The Secret” and at times, the story felt a bit preachy.
I’m looking forward to book two and seeing what happens to the main characters as the ending left the door wide open for the continued adventure.
June 5, 2018
Seven youngsters with a history that went way back, six of them Tristan, Teagan, Jarah, Adian, Djana, and Kex became the chosen protectors of the Ialana crystal., and Blaidd or Seryn choosing the path of greed and power. Due to their overwhelming failure in protecting and keeping the crystal away from the paws of the evil, greedy, power-hungry Amrafalus, in previous lives, the six had to be creative and ingenious to get rid of their treacherous friend. Always, they sacrificed their lives for the mission, now reborn, once again, they aim to make a greater effort to succeed, by learning from their past failures. If they cannot uproot and eradicate the traitor in their midst, I guess this time would be like all the other times. Interesting with a bit of intrigue while full of adventure, A book that calls for a second glance.
June 3, 2019
It was a way magical adventure with very likeable characters from start to finish.
October 22, 2018
I enjoyed this book as an entertaining and clear example of fantasy and adventure. Descriptions and characters work to engage the reader.
August 3, 2017
Great book!
I liked this book very much. The author starts it off with an exciting scene where you are left with so many questions. Throughout the book she places another piece of that puzzle together. I enjoyed The Six. I enjoyed how these characters worked together and it was interesting to see them grow as the book progressed!
The final chapter leaves you wanting more!
I liked this book very much. The author starts it off with an exciting scene where you are left with so many questions. Throughout the book she places another piece of that puzzle together. I enjoyed The Six. I enjoyed how these characters worked together and it was interesting to see them grow as the book progressed!
The final chapter leaves you wanting more!
September 24, 2016
This audiobook was provided by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review courtesy of AudiobookBoom dot com.
Unfortunately the only reason I even finished the book is because of the reason above.
First of all, the narration was excellent. Jeff Hays was great at distinguishing the different voices and accents so I never questioned which character was speaking. Though this was a bit ruined by the quality of the production - the volume was pretty variable depending on which character was speaking (it would suddenly become a lot quieter compared to the non-dialogue parts so that I'd have to turn the volume up to hear it).
The story is, simply put, that six young people (and a seventh who's not "officially" a part of them), most of them strangers to another at the start, have to go on a quest to obtain a crystal. But there are other forces also looking for it.
The problem for me is that the characters never became anything beyond "words on a page" (or "voices" in this case). Now that I finished it, I still have no idea who these characters are or how they're feeling about all this (It's touched upon, but very lightly). Actually, the one that distinguished itself the most might have been Blaidd (I had to look that up because in my mind I spelled it like "Blade"), even if he's technically the seventh of the Six. There's also two friends along on this mission, and we're told they're fairly close friends, but you wouldn't know that if it wasn't explicitly said. This happens with a few other parts, we're told something but we're never shown it.
I never got invested in the characters, and therefore I never got invested in the story. Though I don't know if this would have been a different experience if not for the audiobook.
The story and the execution of it were fine, and that might very well be enough for most people, but I just never cared about any of these characters and that's usually the biggest part of my enjoyment of a book.
Unfortunately the only reason I even finished the book is because of the reason above.
First of all, the narration was excellent. Jeff Hays was great at distinguishing the different voices and accents so I never questioned which character was speaking. Though this was a bit ruined by the quality of the production - the volume was pretty variable depending on which character was speaking (it would suddenly become a lot quieter compared to the non-dialogue parts so that I'd have to turn the volume up to hear it).
The story is, simply put, that six young people (and a seventh who's not "officially" a part of them), most of them strangers to another at the start, have to go on a quest to obtain a crystal. But there are other forces also looking for it.
The problem for me is that the characters never became anything beyond "words on a page" (or "voices" in this case). Now that I finished it, I still have no idea who these characters are or how they're feeling about all this (It's touched upon, but very lightly). Actually, the one that distinguished itself the most might have been Blaidd (I had to look that up because in my mind I spelled it like "Blade"), even if he's technically the seventh of the Six. There's also two friends along on this mission, and we're told they're fairly close friends, but you wouldn't know that if it wasn't explicitly said. This happens with a few other parts, we're told something but we're never shown it.
I never got invested in the characters, and therefore I never got invested in the story. Though I don't know if this would have been a different experience if not for the audiobook.
The story and the execution of it were fine, and that might very well be enough for most people, but I just never cared about any of these characters and that's usually the biggest part of my enjoyment of a book.
December 6, 2016
"The Six and the Crystals of Ialana has an intriguing start with the death scene of six people chosen to save their race. The story quickly moves 500 years into the future and Katlynn Brooke, the author, starts introducing her six main characters who are having a recurring dream that is becoming stronger and more frequent.
We are first introduced to Jarah and his journey. He has led a simple life until the dreams start. The dreams become intrusive in his daily life along with the sense that something is coming and he will never be the same. We then meet Adain and Blaidd who live in the same village as Jarah. Their lives are intertwined and something happens that suddenly has the three of them leaving on a journey to find the root cause of their dreams. The travellers meet the “others” on their way and continue their journey, with the help of a shapeshifter, to an island that is hidden from the world. The gentle people that live on this island have a peaceful culture that is threatened by an evil ruler. The group must save this peaceful nation at all costs because their tie to these people is binding.
Throughout this journey Brooke introduces the remaining characters. However, there is a twist. There are seven chosen instead of six. Have they all been reincarnated to share the same fate or is it just a dream that binds them? Why are there seven on this journey and will history repeat itself? These questions are all answered in this fast paced fantasy novel. Brooke creates a solid plotline from start to finish. She has good character development at the beginning of the novel but I did find that some of the development was lost in the middle due to the fast pace. However, the conclusion is solid with some excellent twists and turns. Brooke has a wonderful imagination and the ending pages left me hanging and wanting to read the next novel in this trilogy!" TBR-TopBookReviewers
We are first introduced to Jarah and his journey. He has led a simple life until the dreams start. The dreams become intrusive in his daily life along with the sense that something is coming and he will never be the same. We then meet Adain and Blaidd who live in the same village as Jarah. Their lives are intertwined and something happens that suddenly has the three of them leaving on a journey to find the root cause of their dreams. The travellers meet the “others” on their way and continue their journey, with the help of a shapeshifter, to an island that is hidden from the world. The gentle people that live on this island have a peaceful culture that is threatened by an evil ruler. The group must save this peaceful nation at all costs because their tie to these people is binding.
Throughout this journey Brooke introduces the remaining characters. However, there is a twist. There are seven chosen instead of six. Have they all been reincarnated to share the same fate or is it just a dream that binds them? Why are there seven on this journey and will history repeat itself? These questions are all answered in this fast paced fantasy novel. Brooke creates a solid plotline from start to finish. She has good character development at the beginning of the novel but I did find that some of the development was lost in the middle due to the fast pace. However, the conclusion is solid with some excellent twists and turns. Brooke has a wonderful imagination and the ending pages left me hanging and wanting to read the next novel in this trilogy!" TBR-TopBookReviewers
January 3, 2015
The Six, and the Crystals of Ialana is a captivating fantasy book that is suitable for everyone from young teenagers upwards.
Relaying the story of six teenagers who are inextricably linked, this is a story of reincarnation, discovery, fate, inner strength and belief. We meet the six main characters as they experience the power of mysterious, shared dreams. These turn out to be memories of themselves in a previous lifetime, and thus begins a new chapter in their journey. Things went disastrously wrong the last time they were all together. Now they're in a desperate race against time to change their destiny, and the the fate of their country and loved ones. They set off on an exciting adventure, meeting many characters and creatures on the way. Blaidd is clearly the villain of the piece, though I never stopped hoping that he'd turn over a new leaf and see the error of his ways.
Containing many magical elements that are often found in fantastical tales, the author creates her own believable world with engaging characters and vivid details.
I'll admit that I was initially a little confused over the different characters, POV's and various locations, but it all makes sense after a few chapters and that became a non-existent issue thereafter.
Exceptionally well written, the writing flows smoothly and it was an easy read.
I think this book would appeal to fans of Percy Jackson, The Chronicles of Narnia and the Hobbit. An enjoyable read.
Relaying the story of six teenagers who are inextricably linked, this is a story of reincarnation, discovery, fate, inner strength and belief. We meet the six main characters as they experience the power of mysterious, shared dreams. These turn out to be memories of themselves in a previous lifetime, and thus begins a new chapter in their journey. Things went disastrously wrong the last time they were all together. Now they're in a desperate race against time to change their destiny, and the the fate of their country and loved ones. They set off on an exciting adventure, meeting many characters and creatures on the way. Blaidd is clearly the villain of the piece, though I never stopped hoping that he'd turn over a new leaf and see the error of his ways.
Containing many magical elements that are often found in fantastical tales, the author creates her own believable world with engaging characters and vivid details.
I'll admit that I was initially a little confused over the different characters, POV's and various locations, but it all makes sense after a few chapters and that became a non-existent issue thereafter.
Exceptionally well written, the writing flows smoothly and it was an easy read.
I think this book would appeal to fans of Percy Jackson, The Chronicles of Narnia and the Hobbit. An enjoyable read.
Read
April 7, 2016An ideal first read for young adults attracted by the fantasy genre.
Fundamentally this novel is a Quest story. Three village boys, Jarah, Blaidd and Adain are forcibly conscripted into the army. Tristram, a young soldier press ganged some years before them, helps them escape. The escape is instigated by the onset of the mysterious dreams they all share. The dreams set them on a quest of discovery. Not only do they learn about reincarnation and their own past lives, but they gain astonishing information about the world they live in.
On their travels they meet three other dream guided teens, Djana, Kex and Tegan, and discover new things about themselves, some pleasing... some horribly disturbing and deeply troubling.
The questers viewing their past lives through dreams, learn that their deaths were brought about by treachery, that they were betrayed by one of their number; one of their brother questers.
Together and with some other-worldly help the companions must defeat an all-powerful enemy and prevent the cataclysmic destruction of their world.
This fast moving story is packed with peril and unexpected twists and turns... and magic, oodles and oodles of magic.
Fundamentally this novel is a Quest story. Three village boys, Jarah, Blaidd and Adain are forcibly conscripted into the army. Tristram, a young soldier press ganged some years before them, helps them escape. The escape is instigated by the onset of the mysterious dreams they all share. The dreams set them on a quest of discovery. Not only do they learn about reincarnation and their own past lives, but they gain astonishing information about the world they live in.
On their travels they meet three other dream guided teens, Djana, Kex and Tegan, and discover new things about themselves, some pleasing... some horribly disturbing and deeply troubling.
The questers viewing their past lives through dreams, learn that their deaths were brought about by treachery, that they were betrayed by one of their number; one of their brother questers.
Together and with some other-worldly help the companions must defeat an all-powerful enemy and prevent the cataclysmic destruction of their world.
This fast moving story is packed with peril and unexpected twists and turns... and magic, oodles and oodles of magic.
Read
January 23, 2017wow, I love this story and this is the first book that I have read
from this author. I think she has differently made a fan out of me.
her writing flows nicely and very easy to read. Granted this book has
many chapters but honestly this book is worth the read. This author
knows how to pull a reader in. I found a quote that I really do like
alot because it just sums up this book just perfectly and many of us
would understand... " I don't dream like they do, he thought. They must
be magicked.My dreams are more about real life. I am going to join the Army.
I will make alife for myself,without my father or the other people
from Meadowfield. None of them appreciate me for who I really am.
He sat and thought about that for a while. He didnt know who he
really was; he only knew he would one day be an important person,
a person who made things happen.
We all dream one way or another and sometimes we dont dream at all and
it all depends on how the day or the night went for us in order for us to
dream.
from this author. I think she has differently made a fan out of me.
her writing flows nicely and very easy to read. Granted this book has
many chapters but honestly this book is worth the read. This author
knows how to pull a reader in. I found a quote that I really do like
alot because it just sums up this book just perfectly and many of us
would understand... " I don't dream like they do, he thought. They must
be magicked.My dreams are more about real life. I am going to join the Army.
I will make alife for myself,without my father or the other people
from Meadowfield. None of them appreciate me for who I really am.
He sat and thought about that for a while. He didnt know who he
really was; he only knew he would one day be an important person,
a person who made things happen.
We all dream one way or another and sometimes we dont dream at all and
it all depends on how the day or the night went for us in order for us to
dream.
December 3, 2014
The Six and the Crystals of Ialana is a fun read with tons of adventure. There are a lot of characters in the book that make you feel like you need to get focus on reading it or otherwise you're gonna mix between one character to another personality or specialty. It's a friendly read that can attract all ages. For me personally, reading The Six and the Crystals of Ialana is like combining The Hobbit and chronicles of Narnia. The author writes in very detail so that the readers are able to picture things in their head while reading it. For me, I felt like there was a movie screen playing in front of me.
January 15, 2017
A fantastic read!
My heart broke when I read the first couple of pages.
Jarah, the baker's son, who will one day take over the business but doesn't wish to. I feel sorry for him but couldn't wait to know more about his journey and future.
3 boys. 3 girls. (a.k.a. The Six). Friends. 1 boy. The Enemy. A dangerous mission. Will they succeed or fail? Will they be betrayed or not? Such an amazing and descriptive read - really enjoyed it!
Such a compelling story. I never wanted to stop reading!! But, of course, life/reality gets in the way. Ugh.
Full of monsters, healers, action, adventure and remembering.
Perfect for readers of epic fantasy adventures.
My heart broke when I read the first couple of pages.
Jarah, the baker's son, who will one day take over the business but doesn't wish to. I feel sorry for him but couldn't wait to know more about his journey and future.
3 boys. 3 girls. (a.k.a. The Six). Friends. 1 boy. The Enemy. A dangerous mission. Will they succeed or fail? Will they be betrayed or not? Such an amazing and descriptive read - really enjoyed it!
Such a compelling story. I never wanted to stop reading!! But, of course, life/reality gets in the way. Ugh.
Full of monsters, healers, action, adventure and remembering.
Perfect for readers of epic fantasy adventures.
December 9, 2014
Adain works in the bakery in his village, but he longs for something more in his life. When he and his friends start having the same dream they realise that there is more to the world than they thought. After they are 'drafted' into the army they go on to meet three girls who also share their dream. They learn that they must protect a sacred crystal or risk their home being plagued by darkness. This was a captivating tale and I enjoyed reading it. I would recommend it to YA readers.
June 26, 2016
A whimsical tale of magical proportion! Follow (the) six eager children through their adventure; as they search for the meaning of their destiny. Faced with abominable creatures and malicious people, they are impelled by the force of the coveted crystals. The six form a bond though interdependent dreams which eventually come to fruition.
Katlynn has a capricious way of telling their story and I loved the esoteric philosophy's abound.
March 23, 2015
A YA fantasy, adventure novel, which follows the fate of Jarah, Adain, Blaidd, Djana, Tegan and Kex as they attempt to recover the healing crystal.
This has all the classic elements of a quest, and should appeal to fantasy lovers of all ages. Danger and mystery follow the six and make for a compelling read, as the twists and turns unfold.
Highly enjoyable.
This has all the classic elements of a quest, and should appeal to fantasy lovers of all ages. Danger and mystery follow the six and make for a compelling read, as the twists and turns unfold.
Highly enjoyable.
May 7, 2019
Audible:I enjoyed this book.It was well written and will keep adults as well as YA entertained.A group of young people come together to escape slave hunters,only to find that they have always been together.The memories are in the crystals. Katherine Leask was a fine narrator. I was given this book by the narrator,author or publisher free for an honest review.
May 6, 2016
Just posted a review of This is one of the best books I have read in a long time. After reading this book it was hard for me to admit to myself that I had finished. I wanted to just stay in the wonderful world she created.
January 2, 2017
Seven young people must figure out what happened five hundred years before they were born. A lost crystal to be found and more fantastic action. What an amazing fantasy story and I received this book as an ARC. Just loved it from beginning to end
September 3, 2016
4.5 Stars
Review to follow
Review to follow
May 19, 2020
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. I know that this book is marketed as young adult, but it felt much more like a middle grade novel. There are several middle grade novels that are pretty good regardless of age but this was not really one of them. If I'm being completely honest, I was bored as I read. The characters are kind of flung at the reader and there are a lot of names to keep track of. The plot didn't really get interesting until the very end and even then I don't think it's interesting enough to keep me invested in this series. I didn't really get attached to any of the characters. A lot of of them were whiny and somewhat annoying. At the end, there seemed to be some random character development where they all got more mature but it seemed like it came out of nowhere. Ultimately, I was just bored and could not get into the story. I don't think I'll be picking up the other 3 books. It's possible that this book would be enjoyable for middle grade readers, but I'm not sure. For that reason, I'll give it three stars. I think it should definitely be marketed towards younger audiences.
November 1, 2018
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the free e-book for an honest review.
I didn't enjoy the story on this one, I just found it didn't hold my attention and I didn't care about what happened to the characters. I just feel it wasn't one for me, that's not to criticise any of the plot or characterisation I just think it wasn't my kind of tale. I think the author could be a really good writer and think as a debut her the writing is good, not amazing but good and shows signs of promise and would probably be tempted to read other books in the future just not this series.
I didn't enjoy the story on this one, I just found it didn't hold my attention and I didn't care about what happened to the characters. I just feel it wasn't one for me, that's not to criticise any of the plot or characterisation I just think it wasn't my kind of tale. I think the author could be a really good writer and think as a debut her the writing is good, not amazing but good and shows signs of promise and would probably be tempted to read other books in the future just not this series.
November 4, 2018
Well worth reading
I found this book to be fast paced and entrancing. The story is almost believable and the characters are sympathetic. It's easy to become swept up in the story, which has enough of an ending to be satisfying, while leaving enough threads dangling to ensure you'll move on to the next book
I found this book to be fast paced and entrancing. The story is almost believable and the characters are sympathetic. It's easy to become swept up in the story, which has enough of an ending to be satisfying, while leaving enough threads dangling to ensure you'll move on to the next book
May 23, 2017
Eh. I've been trying to read this for ages at the gym, but I just can't care about it. I'm not really sure why. I was okay with the basic story, but when we got to the giant-guy-thing, I just couldn't care any more. So, DNF.
October 24, 2017
I enjoyed this unique story. Although, if I was 100% honest, there are far too many characters to keep straight. I found myself confused and lost, especially at the climax.
My Rating: 3 stars
My Rating: 3 stars
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