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Vaalbara #1
Visions and Shadows
***This is the Special Edition version of Visions and Shadows. It has a new cover. It has been edited again and I've added the names and their meanings at the end. Thank you to everyone who has supported me on this journey***
How do you sleep while your planet is dying?
Where would you turn to when your world turns on you?
Have you lived a life worthy of being selected as a chosen one?
Or… were you one of those who treated me like a freak?
Where you one of those who lived a selfish life?
I can only take ten from this dying world.
My name is Alchera and I have to save ten chosen humans, while fighting the shadows growing in my mind.
‘Hope is the heartbeat of the soul’
This book is recommended for 18+
It contains scenes with sex and violence.
How do you sleep while your planet is dying?
Where would you turn to when your world turns on you?
Have you lived a life worthy of being selected as a chosen one?
Or… were you one of those who treated me like a freak?
Where you one of those who lived a selfish life?
I can only take ten from this dying world.
My name is Alchera and I have to save ten chosen humans, while fighting the shadows growing in my mind.
‘Hope is the heartbeat of the soul’
This book is recommended for 18+
It contains scenes with sex and violence.
376 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 29, 2011
2 people are currently reading
321 people want to read
About the author
Michelle Horst
44 books1,620 followersPlease find me under my new profile Michelle Heard >>> https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
September 9, 2012
This is my first review of a book and this one really deserves it. The first thing I have to say is that I honestly bought it because I've read that the character Ryan/Raighne is based on Ian Somerhalder, which I adore as an actor and as an human being. I've been afraid that the story might be some teenie-crap but here's the truth:
I love this book. I've devoured this book. I couldn't stop reading it once I've started and I have literally have lived every single word written in it.
I cannot even count the thousands of pages I've read in my almost 34 years on this planet as a bookworm but I have never read a book written with more heart and soul than this one. You can feel every word, you can feel the passion, the love, the fear and the desperation of the characters.
Raighne is SO Ian Somerhalder as we, as fans and supporter, know him. The passion and commitment of this man (talking about Raighne as well as about Ian) is unbelievable, it's stunning. If you once have hugged Ian (like I had the chance to do) you can understand the calming and loving aura of Ryan/Raighne.
Vaalbara Visions & Shadows made me laugh my ass of, made me cry my soul out (because it 1. is a beautiful story about (not only) two souls belonging to eachother and 2. it visualizes the condition of our planet and humanity in a kinda frightening way) and made me sigh again and again. It made me fear for my sons and my family and friends future on this planet, which we destroy every single day. And it made me afraid that there won't be a Vaalbara for us once the time has come.
This isn't only a book for Ian-lovers or teen-romance- and/or fantasy-lovers. This is a book for each and every one of us and it should really give us food for thought.
I thank Michelle Horst with all my heart and soul for writing this book and I am waiting eagerly for a sequel.
I love this book. I've devoured this book. I couldn't stop reading it once I've started and I have literally have lived every single word written in it.
I cannot even count the thousands of pages I've read in my almost 34 years on this planet as a bookworm but I have never read a book written with more heart and soul than this one. You can feel every word, you can feel the passion, the love, the fear and the desperation of the characters.
Raighne is SO Ian Somerhalder as we, as fans and supporter, know him. The passion and commitment of this man (talking about Raighne as well as about Ian) is unbelievable, it's stunning. If you once have hugged Ian (like I had the chance to do) you can understand the calming and loving aura of Ryan/Raighne.
Vaalbara Visions & Shadows made me laugh my ass of, made me cry my soul out (because it 1. is a beautiful story about (not only) two souls belonging to eachother and 2. it visualizes the condition of our planet and humanity in a kinda frightening way) and made me sigh again and again. It made me fear for my sons and my family and friends future on this planet, which we destroy every single day. And it made me afraid that there won't be a Vaalbara for us once the time has come.
This isn't only a book for Ian-lovers or teen-romance- and/or fantasy-lovers. This is a book for each and every one of us and it should really give us food for thought.
I thank Michelle Horst with all my heart and soul for writing this book and I am waiting eagerly for a sequel.
September 30, 2011
Aislinn is our heroine - Ryan our hero. Yet, all readers should know that those are the names that will only be spoken in the normal, everyday world of high school. Aislinn is famous for her sarcasm. In fact, this writer found her to be a soul mate considering that sarcasm (as Jon Stewart has shown) is really the language that America best understands. Aislinn is normal, per se, but she has always felt like there was something far grander out there for her that she could feel in her soul, yet could only talk to her friend, Sid, about. Sid, a true sloth with the ultimate attitude will also become a favorite of ALL readers.
Always being a girl out of place, Aislinn blushes, stutters, feels odd - basically, she’s your typical teenage girl. But this truly fantastical secret that is held within her heart, brain, and soul is something that creates the nightmares that disturb her waking life; frightening dreams that feel so realistic she can barely breathe at times.
Her life begins to change rather quickly when a new student named Ryan comes to town, and this handsome stranger sparks feelings in Aislinn that she never knew she owned. Her sarcasm is the way she gets through life, but as this new “heartthrob” continues to follow her around, Aislinn begins to notice some odd quirks about the ‘new guy’ that feeds her with more than just sarcastic lines. Ryan speaks as if he’s from another time and place, and the stories he unleashes upon Aislinn have her monumentally confused. Is the guy crazy? After all, most ‘hotties’ are; their egos, alone, have grown so large they can barely balance themselves enough to smile and chew gum at the same time, let alone be normal.
As readers become drawn in by the overtones of a huge romance in the making - with trials and tribulations that vamps and werewolves have never even seen - facts are uncovered that show Aislinn the dreams causing her sleepless nights and painful days are actually…quite real. The names change as Aislinn leaves herself behind for Alchera - the girl she always was; and she follows Ryan, her actual guardian named Raighne who has been sent to bring her back home.
Going from living a life with no one who cared about her, Alchera suddenly receives a warrior sister who is SO un-accepting of Alchera that she can’t even imagine how they came from the same mother; to inheriting yet another sibling who actually roams in the realm of angels; to discovering her parents - complete and utter strangers -who know far more about Alchera than she would like. Dealing with this whole new ‘family unit,’ Alchera is thrust into a world that was already ‘set up’ for her to live in - to train in - and to go on a journey that may just tear her apart.
As Raighne stays by her side and focuses on being her guardian and her beloved, Alchera must soon contend with Adeth – a monstrous immortal who will do anything to make sure that Alchera’s journey does not succeed. And, Carter, the monster’s son, who - in a twist of fate - goes from torturer to confidant in the blink of an eye. The only man who seems to understand Alchera’s dreams and heartaches, and will do anything to help her.
The romance is beyond thrilling, and the ultimate decision of who Alchera SHOULD be with, versus who she wants to be with, will have readers panting over every page. On top of everything else, the journey to find a group of truly ‘chosen’ people, will have readers wondering how on earth Alchera and Raighne will survive.
The YA market, as we all know, is saturated with the stories of vampires; authors wanting desperately to imitate or duplicate the ‘vamp family’ everyone fell in love with and stood beside from twilight to a breaking dawn. But as ‘Forks’ recedes into that good night and Vaalbara steps into the limelight, readers will be rewarded with characters who are so interesting, funny, fresh, and mouth-wateringly DIFFEREN’T from all the other titles out there right now, that the YA audience will be beside themselves with glee.
Always being a girl out of place, Aislinn blushes, stutters, feels odd - basically, she’s your typical teenage girl. But this truly fantastical secret that is held within her heart, brain, and soul is something that creates the nightmares that disturb her waking life; frightening dreams that feel so realistic she can barely breathe at times.
Her life begins to change rather quickly when a new student named Ryan comes to town, and this handsome stranger sparks feelings in Aislinn that she never knew she owned. Her sarcasm is the way she gets through life, but as this new “heartthrob” continues to follow her around, Aislinn begins to notice some odd quirks about the ‘new guy’ that feeds her with more than just sarcastic lines. Ryan speaks as if he’s from another time and place, and the stories he unleashes upon Aislinn have her monumentally confused. Is the guy crazy? After all, most ‘hotties’ are; their egos, alone, have grown so large they can barely balance themselves enough to smile and chew gum at the same time, let alone be normal.
As readers become drawn in by the overtones of a huge romance in the making - with trials and tribulations that vamps and werewolves have never even seen - facts are uncovered that show Aislinn the dreams causing her sleepless nights and painful days are actually…quite real. The names change as Aislinn leaves herself behind for Alchera - the girl she always was; and she follows Ryan, her actual guardian named Raighne who has been sent to bring her back home.
Going from living a life with no one who cared about her, Alchera suddenly receives a warrior sister who is SO un-accepting of Alchera that she can’t even imagine how they came from the same mother; to inheriting yet another sibling who actually roams in the realm of angels; to discovering her parents - complete and utter strangers -who know far more about Alchera than she would like. Dealing with this whole new ‘family unit,’ Alchera is thrust into a world that was already ‘set up’ for her to live in - to train in - and to go on a journey that may just tear her apart.
As Raighne stays by her side and focuses on being her guardian and her beloved, Alchera must soon contend with Adeth – a monstrous immortal who will do anything to make sure that Alchera’s journey does not succeed. And, Carter, the monster’s son, who - in a twist of fate - goes from torturer to confidant in the blink of an eye. The only man who seems to understand Alchera’s dreams and heartaches, and will do anything to help her.
The romance is beyond thrilling, and the ultimate decision of who Alchera SHOULD be with, versus who she wants to be with, will have readers panting over every page. On top of everything else, the journey to find a group of truly ‘chosen’ people, will have readers wondering how on earth Alchera and Raighne will survive.
The YA market, as we all know, is saturated with the stories of vampires; authors wanting desperately to imitate or duplicate the ‘vamp family’ everyone fell in love with and stood beside from twilight to a breaking dawn. But as ‘Forks’ recedes into that good night and Vaalbara steps into the limelight, readers will be rewarded with characters who are so interesting, funny, fresh, and mouth-wateringly DIFFEREN’T from all the other titles out there right now, that the YA audience will be beside themselves with glee.
August 24, 2015
Oh my. Loved this book so much. Not really sure where to start. A fantasy adventure romance, that takes you between Earth and Vaalbara. It follows 18 year old Alchera and her family in her quest to build a new world. A beautifully written book that makes you wish with all your heart that the world we live in today was a better place. There is of course the love interest, her super hot guardian Raighne, and the sexual tension between them both is palpable, will they, won't they? Wonderful story that I couldn't put down. Highly recommend.
November 15, 2011
I have not yet had the privilege to read the entire book, although I was honored to see some insights. So for me to comment on the book at this stage would be unfair.
However I have got the enormous privilege of knowing Michelle the author as a friend. I admire her work, her passion and excitement when sharing this project. I remember the first time she told me about it. Although it was via Facebook I could feel the energy and excitement.
The author of this book is an extraordinary person, and thus I believe that her work will be among the legends one day.
Well Done, Michelle
PS: please stand up against pirate downloading to ensure that these wonderful up and coming artists are not cheated out of their passion. That is the least you and I can do..........Pirating is theft!
However I have got the enormous privilege of knowing Michelle the author as a friend. I admire her work, her passion and excitement when sharing this project. I remember the first time she told me about it. Although it was via Facebook I could feel the energy and excitement.
The author of this book is an extraordinary person, and thus I believe that her work will be among the legends one day.
Well Done, Michelle
PS: please stand up against pirate downloading to ensure that these wonderful up and coming artists are not cheated out of their passion. That is the least you and I can do..........Pirating is theft!
November 12, 2011
Just finished, Loved it I was sucked into it immediately and couldn't put it down!!! I have to say I have not wanted to read a book so much since twilight. The character dynamic did not turn out exactly the way I would have done it but either way the book rocked! Curious to see what her next book will be like.
March 23, 2015
I'm looking at the world with different eyes ... this book makes me think a lot.
June 13, 2012
Whilst I don’t try and give away too much in my reviews, in terms of important plot points and that stuff, in order to do a rounded review, I will be mentioning some plot points. So before I start, just beware that this review does contain some spoilers.
Aislinn is a young teenage girl that is kind of an outcast in her society – what with no real parents to speak of and with a rather disturbing talent of being able to see into the future. She thinks that her luck is in when she meets a handsome new boy at school called Ryan – who seems attracted to her for reasons she can’t understand. Turns out that this boy is actually from the land of Vaalbara and his real name is Raighne and he’s here to take Aislinn back home. Turns out that Aislinn’s real name is Alchera and she is a Princess of the land. She is told that the end of the world is approaching and it’s her duty to rescue the ten Chosen, who are the ones to carry on the human race after the end. She has ten days to rescue them before Earth is destroyed – so no pressure then!
The book is told from the POV perspective of Alchera and she is a strong heroine – starting off as kinda vulnerable and insecure of herself then gaining strength as the book carries on. Often she has conversations with an invisible friend called Sid, which are actually some of the funniest scenes in the book. So she is definitely a good heroine for this novel – especially considering some of the challenges she is about to face. Seeing as this book does have a very religious context to it, she could be considered a kind of Jobe/Jesus character.
Now, I have to be honest, I am in two minds of how I felt about the actual story of this book. Most Young Adult books I’ve read tended to be upbeat and with a positive feel to them for the most part. This book, I have to be honest, I found to be a little depressing and dark. I’m not saying that YA books can’t be dark – after all, The Hunger Games has some pretty dark themes to it and even Harry Potter could be pretty dark sometimes. But I can’t help but thinking that maybe Vaalbara: Visions and Shadows is probably a little TOO dark in places. After all, it’s dealing with the end of the world and the death of an entire race – that is not a small subject.
I think my biggest problem with it is that I couldn’t identify with any of the characters from Vaalbara itself. They seemed to be completely ambivalent and uncaring to the destruction of the human race – with the exception of the Chosen. Even some of the heroes I found to be cold and uncaring, so I really couldn’t support them. Also, I didn’t like the fact that Alchera (despite showing some feelings against this initially) made NO attempt to try and stop this from happening and just went along with it. She didn’t have to have succeeded – but for me the story would have been better if she at least made an attempt to save her people, so that her humanity wasn’t entirely gone. There was also a quite nasty torture scene in the middle of the book that I thought was maybe a little too unnecessary and graphic.
Now, I know the above may sound like I’m being overly negative – but I have to admit I am actually also impressed with it. I like it that Michelle Horst doesn’t conform to a lot of YA conventions and does something different. And in fairness to the book, there are some extremely dramatic moments in the book and we do feel Alchera’s suffering as she progresses – but we do also have some humour to balance it out. There is somewhat of a happy ending as well – I just wasn’t sure I was satisfied with the way the story went about before it got to that moment as it seemed to glance over the fact that many people had died.
I appear to have conflicting emotions about this one. One part of me thinks that it’s a very dramatic and powerful novel that goes against a lot of YA conventions – the other thinks that it’s too dark and depressing and this may potentially put some readers off. However, I am going to meet this half-way because I don’t think this is a bad novel in any way and it actually does have a positive message at its heart. If you are prepared to have an open mind and don’t mind the dark content, then check this one out and be prepared to lose yourself in the drama of the piece.
Aislinn is a young teenage girl that is kind of an outcast in her society – what with no real parents to speak of and with a rather disturbing talent of being able to see into the future. She thinks that her luck is in when she meets a handsome new boy at school called Ryan – who seems attracted to her for reasons she can’t understand. Turns out that this boy is actually from the land of Vaalbara and his real name is Raighne and he’s here to take Aislinn back home. Turns out that Aislinn’s real name is Alchera and she is a Princess of the land. She is told that the end of the world is approaching and it’s her duty to rescue the ten Chosen, who are the ones to carry on the human race after the end. She has ten days to rescue them before Earth is destroyed – so no pressure then!
The book is told from the POV perspective of Alchera and she is a strong heroine – starting off as kinda vulnerable and insecure of herself then gaining strength as the book carries on. Often she has conversations with an invisible friend called Sid, which are actually some of the funniest scenes in the book. So she is definitely a good heroine for this novel – especially considering some of the challenges she is about to face. Seeing as this book does have a very religious context to it, she could be considered a kind of Jobe/Jesus character.
Now, I have to be honest, I am in two minds of how I felt about the actual story of this book. Most Young Adult books I’ve read tended to be upbeat and with a positive feel to them for the most part. This book, I have to be honest, I found to be a little depressing and dark. I’m not saying that YA books can’t be dark – after all, The Hunger Games has some pretty dark themes to it and even Harry Potter could be pretty dark sometimes. But I can’t help but thinking that maybe Vaalbara: Visions and Shadows is probably a little TOO dark in places. After all, it’s dealing with the end of the world and the death of an entire race – that is not a small subject.
I think my biggest problem with it is that I couldn’t identify with any of the characters from Vaalbara itself. They seemed to be completely ambivalent and uncaring to the destruction of the human race – with the exception of the Chosen. Even some of the heroes I found to be cold and uncaring, so I really couldn’t support them. Also, I didn’t like the fact that Alchera (despite showing some feelings against this initially) made NO attempt to try and stop this from happening and just went along with it. She didn’t have to have succeeded – but for me the story would have been better if she at least made an attempt to save her people, so that her humanity wasn’t entirely gone. There was also a quite nasty torture scene in the middle of the book that I thought was maybe a little too unnecessary and graphic.
Now, I know the above may sound like I’m being overly negative – but I have to admit I am actually also impressed with it. I like it that Michelle Horst doesn’t conform to a lot of YA conventions and does something different. And in fairness to the book, there are some extremely dramatic moments in the book and we do feel Alchera’s suffering as she progresses – but we do also have some humour to balance it out. There is somewhat of a happy ending as well – I just wasn’t sure I was satisfied with the way the story went about before it got to that moment as it seemed to glance over the fact that many people had died.
I appear to have conflicting emotions about this one. One part of me thinks that it’s a very dramatic and powerful novel that goes against a lot of YA conventions – the other thinks that it’s too dark and depressing and this may potentially put some readers off. However, I am going to meet this half-way because I don’t think this is a bad novel in any way and it actually does have a positive message at its heart. If you are prepared to have an open mind and don’t mind the dark content, then check this one out and be prepared to lose yourself in the drama of the piece.
September 30, 2012
What can I say about this book...?!
First of all, I fell in love with it as soon as I started the first lines. A good friend of mine intruduced me to VVS and I thought I could give it a try. Now I'm happy she did.
I didn't know what I should expect from this story. I think the sum isn't telling you anything about the actual story, but it's fascinating how a young girl named Aislinn/Alchera became such an importaint character. She is definetly young in her way, but such a grown up in others. She never failed to amaze me!
Her guardian Ryan/Raighne remembered me of a strong man that is willing to sacrifice everything to keep his charge alive and healthy. He has a great hard that's worth of a king! You will love him from the first moment you read of him!
Vaalbara - the world where Alchera was born is almost like earth, but the people from this world itself have an oldfashioned attitude. But it's not a bad thing, just very different from the human world. I like the thought that loving and fighting for each other means more than wealth and corruption. Mankind will learn that with their given lives.
Aside form a growing love between Alchera and Raighne an inevitable destruction of our beloved earth and their mankind is going down. And I think that's the main reason I loved and hated this book at the same time. I felt with Alchera and her fellowers and their fate to deal with all those what was crushing down on them. The author made me feel so strong for those characters, which was very captivating!
If you love mother nature, believe that love and faith are able to heal you, read this book. It's worth your time and you will love it as I did!
Thank you Michelle for writing such an amazing story. I'm looking forward for an sequel!!!
First of all, I fell in love with it as soon as I started the first lines. A good friend of mine intruduced me to VVS and I thought I could give it a try. Now I'm happy she did.
I didn't know what I should expect from this story. I think the sum isn't telling you anything about the actual story, but it's fascinating how a young girl named Aislinn/Alchera became such an importaint character. She is definetly young in her way, but such a grown up in others. She never failed to amaze me!
Her guardian Ryan/Raighne remembered me of a strong man that is willing to sacrifice everything to keep his charge alive and healthy. He has a great hard that's worth of a king! You will love him from the first moment you read of him!
Vaalbara - the world where Alchera was born is almost like earth, but the people from this world itself have an oldfashioned attitude. But it's not a bad thing, just very different from the human world. I like the thought that loving and fighting for each other means more than wealth and corruption. Mankind will learn that with their given lives.
Aside form a growing love between Alchera and Raighne an inevitable destruction of our beloved earth and their mankind is going down. And I think that's the main reason I loved and hated this book at the same time. I felt with Alchera and her fellowers and their fate to deal with all those what was crushing down on them. The author made me feel so strong for those characters, which was very captivating!
If you love mother nature, believe that love and faith are able to heal you, read this book. It's worth your time and you will love it as I did!
Thank you Michelle for writing such an amazing story. I'm looking forward for an sequel!!!
January 24, 2012
Vaalbara: Visions and Shadows, is one of the most beautiful, imaginative books I have ever read!
Misfit, Aislinn, cannot seem to find her place in the world as we know it. Obsessed with the safety and security of her waterfall, it is the only place that she can be at peace. Although she can read palms and write poetry, she is considered a freak.
One day, a handsome young man by the name of Ryan appears at school and he is immediately taken with Aislinn, whom everyone alienates. As the two seem destined for love, Ryan tells her of Vaalbara one night, and takes her through a trip through her beloved waterfall. Aislinn is transformed into her true,immortal self, known as Alchera, the beautiful Princess of Vaalbara.
Author Michelle Horst takes us through a fast paced adventure through this riveting novel in which Alchera must truly learn to forgive; for it is her destiny to save ten chosen human beings from the destruction of the Earth.
One of the things that I admire most about this book, is the author's ability to control so many characters in this novel. Each one has such a deep and meaningful purpose and personality. I never found any of them simply "vague" or used as "fillers". This is a VERY well thought out, strategic story, and I was glued to every word.
The romance in this book had my heart beating so fast! Michelle truly knows the meaning of "true-love," passion and romance, and she makes every steamy word drip from the pages like sizzling honey. I couldn't put this book down.
Vaalbara is the new Garden of Eden, dear readers, and it is truly a masterpiece destined for greatness!
Misfit, Aislinn, cannot seem to find her place in the world as we know it. Obsessed with the safety and security of her waterfall, it is the only place that she can be at peace. Although she can read palms and write poetry, she is considered a freak.
One day, a handsome young man by the name of Ryan appears at school and he is immediately taken with Aislinn, whom everyone alienates. As the two seem destined for love, Ryan tells her of Vaalbara one night, and takes her through a trip through her beloved waterfall. Aislinn is transformed into her true,immortal self, known as Alchera, the beautiful Princess of Vaalbara.
Author Michelle Horst takes us through a fast paced adventure through this riveting novel in which Alchera must truly learn to forgive; for it is her destiny to save ten chosen human beings from the destruction of the Earth.
One of the things that I admire most about this book, is the author's ability to control so many characters in this novel. Each one has such a deep and meaningful purpose and personality. I never found any of them simply "vague" or used as "fillers". This is a VERY well thought out, strategic story, and I was glued to every word.
The romance in this book had my heart beating so fast! Michelle truly knows the meaning of "true-love," passion and romance, and she makes every steamy word drip from the pages like sizzling honey. I couldn't put this book down.
Vaalbara is the new Garden of Eden, dear readers, and it is truly a masterpiece destined for greatness!
March 12, 2012
Vaalbara: Visions & Shadows by Michelle Horst is an exciting tale that focuses on the 18 year-old Aislinn as she comes to realize that nothing about her life is quite the way she has long accepted it to be. Aislinn is an interesting character who finds herself with no past, at least not until she was found alone at the age of 13. She has no close friends (unless you count an imaginary platypus), an incurable stutter, and a general dark outlook on life. Unexpectedly, one day she finds herself befriended by a strange new boy named Ryan. Aislinn comes to learn through him that her unusual, often demeaning life has long been planned out and given to her purposely. Not only that, but she and Ryan are secretly immortal. If that’s not enough, he tells her she has been divinely appointed to pick out 10 people that she will see in visions to take for the beginnings of a new world! O by the way, Earth and all life as is known is coming to an end. You know; an apocalyptic, biblical, End of Days?
What it eventually comes down to is that Alcherra(Aislinn), Raighne(Ryan) and a few others have only 10 days to travel around the Earth and collect the people they are counting on Alcherra’s visions for. It is a grand adventure with no time to be wasted, and the most terrifying villains attempting to prevent their success. The team can Magically travel through waterfalls, but that’s not much of a help as the destruction of the world begins through earthquake, tidal wave, and horribly destructive winds. Knowing death itself is racing against them, can the heroes find and secure everyone they need in time?
What it eventually comes down to is that Alcherra(Aislinn), Raighne(Ryan) and a few others have only 10 days to travel around the Earth and collect the people they are counting on Alcherra’s visions for. It is a grand adventure with no time to be wasted, and the most terrifying villains attempting to prevent their success. The team can Magically travel through waterfalls, but that’s not much of a help as the destruction of the world begins through earthquake, tidal wave, and horribly destructive winds. Knowing death itself is racing against them, can the heroes find and secure everyone they need in time?
September 24, 2012
What to say about a book like this???
I never wrote a review on a book, but this one deserves 6 stars instead of those possible 5 stars and because of this I write a review.
Wow, this book took me far away to Vaalbara and when I close my eyes I'm sill with all those wonderful characters I fell in love with!
Aislinn/Alchera is a very disarming person and I shared all her tears, sorrows and laughter with her. And of chourse I loved with her! Raighne was our hero, our light in the dark, our... everything. I'm still insanely jealous of her ;)
Michelle Horst wrote a book to entertain us with those lovely characters, but it is also a book about our earth and how we all (all human beings) treat it. People destroy our nature and our planet day by day and most of them do not realise it or they don't care. This book is about destruction of our beloved nature, it is about a new Deluge and Vaalbara is Noah's Ark. 10 humans get the chance to make a new start, everyone else is doomed.
Everyone should read this book and ask himself: Would they choose me to go to Vaalbara? Or will I stay on earth when nature fights back? I think many people would overthink their way of living of this could ne our end.
Well, enough of those sad thoughts, this book really was over too fast. I sucked in every single word, and I would have also done it with 500 pages more.
One of the best books I have EVER read.
I never wrote a review on a book, but this one deserves 6 stars instead of those possible 5 stars and because of this I write a review.
Wow, this book took me far away to Vaalbara and when I close my eyes I'm sill with all those wonderful characters I fell in love with!
Aislinn/Alchera is a very disarming person and I shared all her tears, sorrows and laughter with her. And of chourse I loved with her! Raighne was our hero, our light in the dark, our... everything. I'm still insanely jealous of her ;)
Michelle Horst wrote a book to entertain us with those lovely characters, but it is also a book about our earth and how we all (all human beings) treat it. People destroy our nature and our planet day by day and most of them do not realise it or they don't care. This book is about destruction of our beloved nature, it is about a new Deluge and Vaalbara is Noah's Ark. 10 humans get the chance to make a new start, everyone else is doomed.
Everyone should read this book and ask himself: Would they choose me to go to Vaalbara? Or will I stay on earth when nature fights back? I think many people would overthink their way of living of this could ne our end.
Well, enough of those sad thoughts, this book really was over too fast. I sucked in every single word, and I would have also done it with 500 pages more.
One of the best books I have EVER read.
September 3, 2014
Normally, I tend to go with YA paranormal romances but occasionally I step out my comfort zone and read something different. I heard about Vaalbara: Visions and Shadows from a fellow blogger. Just from her description of this YA Fantasy I was excited to read it. In all honesty it has been a long time since I have been fully captivated with a book like I was with this one.
What I think I loved most about this book was how vivid the world was the Michelle Horst created. With the actual descriptions of the world, and the likable characters, I became so engrossed with the story that I could not put it down. Michelle Horst has an amazing way of writing that makes you feel like you are apart of the story. The characters had so much personality that I ended up feeling like I knew them personally by the end of the book.
What I also love about this story was the budding relationship between Alchira and Raighne. I am a sucker for a good romance, and this one just swept me off my feet. An added bonus is the love triangle the ultimately forms between Alchira, Raighne and Carter which will certainly leave fans on different sides of who Alchira should end up with.
If you are looking for a great YA book that is different from all the rest I highly suggest checking this one out. I cannot wait to see where Michelle Horst takes us with this series.
What I think I loved most about this book was how vivid the world was the Michelle Horst created. With the actual descriptions of the world, and the likable characters, I became so engrossed with the story that I could not put it down. Michelle Horst has an amazing way of writing that makes you feel like you are apart of the story. The characters had so much personality that I ended up feeling like I knew them personally by the end of the book.
What I also love about this story was the budding relationship between Alchira and Raighne. I am a sucker for a good romance, and this one just swept me off my feet. An added bonus is the love triangle the ultimately forms between Alchira, Raighne and Carter which will certainly leave fans on different sides of who Alchira should end up with.
If you are looking for a great YA book that is different from all the rest I highly suggest checking this one out. I cannot wait to see where Michelle Horst takes us with this series.
July 11, 2014
Amazing! Captivating! Action Packed! Exciting! Beautiful! Suspenseful! Well-Written! I absolutely loved this book. I was instantly drawn into this story of Aislinn a teenage girl trying to get through high school when suddenly there is a new boy in school and he is interested in her. She has been known as a "freak" since being found in the woods five years before. The town psychic predicted that she would one day save people and be a hero. She has been a loner with no friends living in the basement of the Marks family. When Ryan the new kid comes in and wants to be her friend she is very skeptical. Soon though she ends up confiding in him and he ends up being more than what she ever could have thought. She continues to have nightmare involving a girl named Alchera and a place called Vaalbara. Ryan holds the key to her understanding this all. What comes next is a fantastic and exciting journey. I was transpired by the author's writing. I loved this whole story. I couldn't put it down. Absolutely one of the best books I have ever read!
November 15, 2011
So happy that I follow Ian Somerhalder on Twitter, or else I wouldn't have even known about Vaalbara. What had me curious in the first place was an article in which the author of Vaalbara, the lovely Michelle Horst, said that she based Ryan/Raighne off of Ian Somerhalder. And as a huge fan of his, I felt obligated to investigate =) And I am so glad I did.
As a reader, I love nothing more than a story that "takes you there," where you can see and hear the characters and the world around them. That is the test of a great author, and Michelle Horst passes with flying colors!
Vaalbara is such a fantastic story, intriguing, addicting, & amazing. In the very beginning, I was reminded of Twilight at times, (which I love as well) but as I read on, I saw Vaalbara is truly one of a kind. Aislinn is a breath of fresh, spunky air from Bella Swan.
I cannot wait to read the next book in the trilogy! Read this, you won't be sorry!
As a reader, I love nothing more than a story that "takes you there," where you can see and hear the characters and the world around them. That is the test of a great author, and Michelle Horst passes with flying colors!
Vaalbara is such a fantastic story, intriguing, addicting, & amazing. In the very beginning, I was reminded of Twilight at times, (which I love as well) but as I read on, I saw Vaalbara is truly one of a kind. Aislinn is a breath of fresh, spunky air from Bella Swan.
I cannot wait to read the next book in the trilogy! Read this, you won't be sorry!
June 15, 2014
Well my dear Michelle you have out done yourself!! I fought it, I really did. I wanted to make this book last. At first it was easy to take in one chapter at a time. Meeting Aislinn and Ryan. Getting to know them everything. Then we get to Vaalbara and I still feel like I'm doing well. Little by little. About 50% of the way through the book.... Whoosh. Michelle Horst takes you on one hell of a ride!! Fast pace, colorful characters, and amazing emotion that just seeps through the pages. You want laugh, scream, cry when our protagonist does. You are rooting for her to the bitter end. Every thing is beautiful and towards the end you get bitch slapped: One. More. Time. Thank you for pouring your heart and soul into this book. I can't wait for the next good read!!
June 8, 2014
An absolute gem! I don't even know where to start. This isn't the typical genre of books that I normally read but I gave it a try. Wow! It truly blew me away! It touched my heart and became one of my all time favorite books! Michelle really hit the ball out of the park with this one! I fell in love with Alchera and Raighne! His commitment and their journey is like no other! Oh and I can't forget about Sid! Do not hesitate! Go and one click this gem and fall in love with such a amazing book and author!
February 27, 2015
This was an excellent story filled with conflict, adventure and romance. I absolutely loved it. But, oh, the editing issues. Tons of misspelled words, misplaced or missing punctuation, and other grammatical errors made reading burdensome. I literally had to keep putting the book down because of the errors that made my head hurt but I would always pick it up again to see what would happen next. I hope the author continues writing but hires a decent editor for proofing in the future. She has great story-telling talent.
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May 13, 2013I loved this book. It took you to a place where you can escape the real life and is an book that you cant put down. Kids and husband must get their own food if they want to eat. Unique outlook and nothing like any book that I have read and you get to live through the ups and downs with the characters.
November 10, 2011
I do not read YA, Twilight or the likes. But I can tell when talent is arriving to the playing ground. This is a great start to a new authors career. I think lovers of YA will enjoy, so spread the word. I hope to see the author branch out to other genres as well. Congratz.
June 29, 2014
This book was Amazing. I am waiting on pins and needles for the second one! Every page in this book had me captivated and wanting more! Thank you for writing such an amazing story. This book got me thru a really hard time and that speaks volumes. Amazing!!!!!!
October 8, 2014
Everyone should read this!
This book really is amazing!! I was immediately attached to the characters and the overall story. Michelle Horst is an amazing writer and I can not wait until the sequel is re-released so that I can continue the story!
This book really is amazing!! I was immediately attached to the characters and the overall story. Michelle Horst is an amazing writer and I can not wait until the sequel is re-released so that I can continue the story!
June 5, 2014
Michelle horst's Vaalbara Visions and Shadows was a wondrous book that took me to a whole new world! Full review to come shortly.
June 9, 2014
Absolutely loved this story!!! Can't wait to read more! I'm giving it 4 stars because there was a lot of editing errors. If that was fixed I would give it 5 stars!
October 19, 2014
Great story
Great characters in the book. it's like the ugly duckling story. you felt bad for the main character but you knew something good was going to happen
Great characters in the book. it's like the ugly duckling story. you felt bad for the main character but you knew something good was going to happen
September 11, 2012
I just finished reading this very special book! I don't even know yet what to say... My mind is still dwelling in Vaalbara... I have no idea when it will catch up with me again. But I will try anway...
I loved Alchera/Aislin from the very first second... I suffered with her, I was happy with her, I cried with her and loved with he (Hello? Isn't Raighne one of the loveliest heroes ever???)... It's rare that an author can draw me into another character that much. But it wasn't just Alchera I was drawn into, it was the whole story! I was anxiously reading every page... Ist gripped me till the very end (and it ended way too soon!!)...
Despite me being really interested in environmental protection and working for an organization that cares for the environment and its' creatures... That novel just opened my eyes once again... Reading about the destruction of our planet was scarier than I could have ever dreamed of - that's how invested I was in the characters and story...
EVERYONE should read that novel and feel what I felt... I bet it would change a lot of peoples' was of thinking...
And I won't even get started on the love story between Alchera and Raighne... Because that part of the story? Was even more perfect!
Every page, every sentence and every word of the novel was filled with so much love and compassion by the author... While reading, you can definitely see the soul of Michelle Horst, who I truely have to thank with all my heart for one of the best novels I have ever read!
And now I'll stop with the gushing... Just one more thing... PLEASE, go and buy that book if you haven't already!
I loved Alchera/Aislin from the very first second... I suffered with her, I was happy with her, I cried with her and loved with he (Hello? Isn't Raighne one of the loveliest heroes ever???)... It's rare that an author can draw me into another character that much. But it wasn't just Alchera I was drawn into, it was the whole story! I was anxiously reading every page... Ist gripped me till the very end (and it ended way too soon!!)...
Despite me being really interested in environmental protection and working for an organization that cares for the environment and its' creatures... That novel just opened my eyes once again... Reading about the destruction of our planet was scarier than I could have ever dreamed of - that's how invested I was in the characters and story...
EVERYONE should read that novel and feel what I felt... I bet it would change a lot of peoples' was of thinking...
And I won't even get started on the love story between Alchera and Raighne... Because that part of the story? Was even more perfect!
Every page, every sentence and every word of the novel was filled with so much love and compassion by the author... While reading, you can definitely see the soul of Michelle Horst, who I truely have to thank with all my heart for one of the best novels I have ever read!
And now I'll stop with the gushing... Just one more thing... PLEASE, go and buy that book if you haven't already!
May 19, 2012
I only read the amazon sample of this, but that was enough to show me that this book is not for me. Writing is terrible and so far the story way too predictable and all the charaters are caricatures: freaky outcast with 'mysterious' powers ( why dont i care?), new extremely hot guy shows interest in freak girl, popular cheerleader girls dont like freak girl, and yadda yadda yadda and on it goes. Actually i am glad the sample wasnt longer: because whatever is to come storywise it doesnt make up for the bad writing and, frankly, i just dont care....
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