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The Children of Gavrilek #1
Lyovitalis
Set during the early days of World War I, Lyovitalis follows the journey of the young and spirited doctor, Audrianna Foster, as she travels to Switzerland to continue the research of her recently-deceased father. Her object is to find a cure to the mysteriously fatal disease called lyovitalis, which not only killed her mother, but also a slew of young women in the idyllic town of snowy Zurich-where Audrianna comes to reside. In Zurich, Audrianna falls into the treacherously seductive company of Lorna and her regal family, the von Traugotts. Racked by incipient sexual desire for the salacious Lorna and a near-obsessive drive to uncover the seeming conspiracy around lyovitalis, Audrianna's quest unfolds within the riveting pages of a medical mystery of the highest order. As Audrianna delves deeper into the science of lyovitalis, she is forced to dive deeper into herself-her desires, emotions, and insecurities-and what she discovers on the other side will change her life (and her universe) forever. Lyovitalis is the thrilling and captivating prequel to the genre-bending, smash success The Children of Gavrilek. Every page sings with energy, intrigue, and emotion as talented author, Julie Chandler, expands the Gavrilekian Biverse through exquisite prose and masterful storytelling. Each page is a challenge to the reader, daring you to put the book down. Succumbing to Lyovitalis' narrative force is your only hope.
292 pages, Paperback
First published July 30, 2014
2 people are currently reading
64 people want to read
About the author
Julie Kirton Chandler
3 books24 followersJulie Kirtón Chandler is a registered nurse, specializing in emergency and critical care. She was formally trained in the military, first as an active duty combat medic and later as an Army Nurse Corps Officer. Today, Julie and her domestic partner of 12 years, Charity, spend the majority of their time in the San Francisco Bay area where Julie works as a civilian nurse.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
August 26, 2014
2.5 stars
Okay, first of all...I really wanted to like this book. When I received an email from the author asking me to review it, I was very skeptical, mostly because of the book's cover — I'm not trying to be mean, but that thing is rough. I was seriously *this close* to rejecting the request, but then I took a look at the trailer (which, compared to the cover was surprisingly well made) and was immediately intrigued. Historical fiction, sci-fi, and lesbians? Okay, I'm down. I had to at least give this a shot, right?
Well...it was alright. I really don't have anything that bad to say about it, it just wasn't for me. I very much enjoyed the lesbian sex (shocker), which was extremely well written, but the general plot of the book was...kind of weird. I think that the biggest reason I didn't love it is because sci-fi isn't "my thing," but it might've also had something do with the strange combination of sci-fi, historical fiction, and graphic sex. It didn't really mesh well. I think that the amount of people who would enjoy this book is a very small portion of the reading population.
One thing I do want to mention that did really bother me about this book is that it's billed as having a bipolar main character, which I was really excited about. But, first of all, this book takes place during WWI, and bipolar disorder was not given its name until the late 1950s. Depression, "circular insanity" or possibly "manic depressive psychosis" are terms that might have been used to describe her condition at the time, but it was still just starting to be discovered...I don't think that it was at all a well-known diagnosis, or something that anyone would ever admit to having, or even be able to be effectively treated for.
Second of all, she doesn't present as having bipolar disorder at any point in the novel. Like, if she hadn't said anything, I wouldn't have noticed the slightest thing different about her from a "normal" main character that didn't have what is supposed to be a severe and emotionally debilitating medical disorder. At about 60% of the way through the book, she finally mentions for the first time that she has it, so it was pretty shocking considering that there were no telltale signs previously (and nothing after her declaration either). But, to be honest, I feel like, if the main character had suffered from bipolar disorder, it would've made the novel even more of a jumble than it already was. A book that's already historical fiction, sci-fi, and erotica does not also need to add "mental health" to its list of genre attributes.
I also had issue with how love was dealt with in this novel. The two main characters definitely had some eye-rolling instalove going on (claiming to have fallen in love with each other the day they met), and it seemed like everybody else was falling in love with her, too! That part of the story was unrealistic, so I was a little disappointed with it.
But I did really like a few things about this novel. Even though the main character didn't have bipolar disorder as promised, she was still very relatable and likable. I was drawn to her story and felt compelled to keep reading to find out how it would all end for her. Although this book is part of a series, I think that it still works as a standalone — I felt satisfied with the ending, which was only left slightly open, and liked that it wasn't necessarily a happily ever after. I also thought that, in general, this book was very well written and had realistic dialogue, which are things that I always appreciate a lot. I obviously didn't love the sci-fi aspects, but the writing made me want to finish the book and I loved how present it made me feel in the story.
Overall, I thought that this book had a very interesting concept with its mysterious disease that only affects women, and I think that it had a lot of potential...but it clearly just wasn't for me. There were a few things that I enjoyed about it, and I'd highly recommend it to readers who love sci-fi and are interested in books with LGBT characters, but unfortunately I didn't like it as much as I hoped I was going to — I don't think that the trailer accurately portrayed just how much sci-fi is involved. But I feel like, if I did like this genre more, Lyovitalis could've easily been a 4-star read for me.
Okay, first of all...I really wanted to like this book. When I received an email from the author asking me to review it, I was very skeptical, mostly because of the book's cover — I'm not trying to be mean, but that thing is rough. I was seriously *this close* to rejecting the request, but then I took a look at the trailer (which, compared to the cover was surprisingly well made) and was immediately intrigued. Historical fiction, sci-fi, and lesbians? Okay, I'm down. I had to at least give this a shot, right?
Well...it was alright. I really don't have anything that bad to say about it, it just wasn't for me. I very much enjoyed the lesbian sex (shocker), which was extremely well written, but the general plot of the book was...kind of weird. I think that the biggest reason I didn't love it is because sci-fi isn't "my thing," but it might've also had something do with the strange combination of sci-fi, historical fiction, and graphic sex. It didn't really mesh well. I think that the amount of people who would enjoy this book is a very small portion of the reading population.
One thing I do want to mention that did really bother me about this book is that it's billed as having a bipolar main character, which I was really excited about. But, first of all, this book takes place during WWI, and bipolar disorder was not given its name until the late 1950s. Depression, "circular insanity" or possibly "manic depressive psychosis" are terms that might have been used to describe her condition at the time, but it was still just starting to be discovered...I don't think that it was at all a well-known diagnosis, or something that anyone would ever admit to having, or even be able to be effectively treated for.
Second of all, she doesn't present as having bipolar disorder at any point in the novel. Like, if she hadn't said anything, I wouldn't have noticed the slightest thing different about her from a "normal" main character that didn't have what is supposed to be a severe and emotionally debilitating medical disorder. At about 60% of the way through the book, she finally mentions for the first time that she has it, so it was pretty shocking considering that there were no telltale signs previously (and nothing after her declaration either). But, to be honest, I feel like, if the main character had suffered from bipolar disorder, it would've made the novel even more of a jumble than it already was. A book that's already historical fiction, sci-fi, and erotica does not also need to add "mental health" to its list of genre attributes.
I also had issue with how love was dealt with in this novel. The two main characters definitely had some eye-rolling instalove going on (claiming to have fallen in love with each other the day they met), and it seemed like everybody else was falling in love with her, too! That part of the story was unrealistic, so I was a little disappointed with it.
But I did really like a few things about this novel. Even though the main character didn't have bipolar disorder as promised, she was still very relatable and likable. I was drawn to her story and felt compelled to keep reading to find out how it would all end for her. Although this book is part of a series, I think that it still works as a standalone — I felt satisfied with the ending, which was only left slightly open, and liked that it wasn't necessarily a happily ever after. I also thought that, in general, this book was very well written and had realistic dialogue, which are things that I always appreciate a lot. I obviously didn't love the sci-fi aspects, but the writing made me want to finish the book and I loved how present it made me feel in the story.
Overall, I thought that this book had a very interesting concept with its mysterious disease that only affects women, and I think that it had a lot of potential...but it clearly just wasn't for me. There were a few things that I enjoyed about it, and I'd highly recommend it to readers who love sci-fi and are interested in books with LGBT characters, but unfortunately I didn't like it as much as I hoped I was going to — I don't think that the trailer accurately portrayed just how much sci-fi is involved. But I feel like, if I did like this genre more, Lyovitalis could've easily been a 4-star read for me.
July 2, 2016
Nope, nope, nope, nope. When I was asked to read this book it was presented to me as F/F romance. I object to this classification. In fact, I don't even consider it a romance, but I especially don't consider it F/F romance. Sure, two girls kiss, but that's not enough of a qualifier for me. Which leaves me questioning what genre it is. The answer is I don't know. I think the author was aiming for romance, but just failed to actually accomplish it. These characters don't even like each other.
Add to this a profound dislike on my part for every character, an irritation with the excessively formal dialogue and narrative style, an overuse of names, an odd need for everyone to scream, yell, or shout, instead of say thing and an even stranger number of things that secrete (like emotions) and you have a guaranteed failure for me.
What's more, the book walked an awful close line to didacticism when it discussed the necessity of letting go of negative emotions. This came in the context of hinting what some of the characters were, but this really wasn't ever explained satisfactorily for me. It was explained, but I found it offhand and incomplete.
The tragedy seemed pointless and it seemed like the ultimate villain was defeated too easily, if he was actually defeated. That's never really cleared up. And lastly, but maybe most importantly, none of Audrianna's emotions are believable. She never asks pertinent questions, accepts the unacceptable with ease and never reacts in a way that makes sense — swinging from defiant to weepy to angry to sad to embarrassed to gallant in an instant and without any apparent impetus for the change in her emotional landscape.
Now, maybe this is a style thing. Maybe other readers will enjoy what I didn't. Other than feeling stiff, using names in dialogue too often, and some anachronisms the writing is pretty good and the editing is pretty clean. So, I wouldn't discourage others from reading it. It just wasn't a winner for me.
Add to this a profound dislike on my part for every character, an irritation with the excessively formal dialogue and narrative style, an overuse of names, an odd need for everyone to scream, yell, or shout, instead of say thing and an even stranger number of things that secrete (like emotions) and you have a guaranteed failure for me.
What's more, the book walked an awful close line to didacticism when it discussed the necessity of letting go of negative emotions. This came in the context of hinting what some of the characters were, but this really wasn't ever explained satisfactorily for me. It was explained, but I found it offhand and incomplete.
The tragedy seemed pointless and it seemed like the ultimate villain was defeated too easily, if he was actually defeated. That's never really cleared up. And lastly, but maybe most importantly, none of Audrianna's emotions are believable. She never asks pertinent questions, accepts the unacceptable with ease and never reacts in a way that makes sense — swinging from defiant to weepy to angry to sad to embarrassed to gallant in an instant and without any apparent impetus for the change in her emotional landscape.
Now, maybe this is a style thing. Maybe other readers will enjoy what I didn't. Other than feeling stiff, using names in dialogue too often, and some anachronisms the writing is pretty good and the editing is pretty clean. So, I wouldn't discourage others from reading it. It just wasn't a winner for me.
July 15, 2016
This book is actually a prequel, written after The Children of Gavrilek. I was hoping that going back to how it all began for the main character, would clear up some of the many questions i was left with after Chasing the Mirror. It did not.
It was still a very interesting and consuming story. The author is excellent at weaving quite a unique, exciting and emotional tale. But it drops from 5 stars to 4 for me, for leaving the reader scratching their heads wondering wtf just happened, on more than one occasion. Maybe she plans a book 4? I'd get it if there ever comes one.
It was still a very interesting and consuming story. The author is excellent at weaving quite a unique, exciting and emotional tale. But it drops from 5 stars to 4 for me, for leaving the reader scratching their heads wondering wtf just happened, on more than one occasion. Maybe she plans a book 4? I'd get it if there ever comes one.
December 14, 2016
This book certainly has its ups and downs. The writer's imagination and research makes me give it 4 stars despite its issues.
August 15, 2019
There's a good book hiding somewhere in here. But it's pretty deep down.
There's nothing overtly objectionable about the writing; it's competent and pleasant, if not ever very subtle. Almost clinical, which I guess makes sense given the author's background. To my civilian eye it was very well researched, and the historical era was handled well.
I guess my problem with this novel is that the threads of the different plots did not meet well. Or when they did, it smacked of coincidence rather than good storytelling. It was also honestly just confusing and boring by turns, and there was no consistent characterisation and there was both too much and not enough going on at the same time. The plot with lyovitalis would get no traction for ages before suddenly being picked up once again. And we went far too long without answers re: Lorna and Dirk's nature. And when we did get answers they all seemed so nonsensical. I'm not sold on this whole Game thing at all.
(And I mean I've seen some complaints about the fact that this is billed as a romance but it actually isn't, and those complaints aren't really unfounded. Audrianna and Lorna's relationship managed to be one of the driving forces of the novel, yet it felt completely random and inconsequential most of the time.)
Nevertheless, I'm continuing the series, because I see a potential for good things here.
There's nothing overtly objectionable about the writing; it's competent and pleasant, if not ever very subtle. Almost clinical, which I guess makes sense given the author's background. To my civilian eye it was very well researched, and the historical era was handled well.
I guess my problem with this novel is that the threads of the different plots did not meet well. Or when they did, it smacked of coincidence rather than good storytelling. It was also honestly just confusing and boring by turns, and there was no consistent characterisation and there was both too much and not enough going on at the same time. The plot with lyovitalis would get no traction for ages before suddenly being picked up once again. And we went far too long without answers re: Lorna and Dirk's nature. And when we did get answers they all seemed so nonsensical. I'm not sold on this whole Game thing at all.
(And I mean I've seen some complaints about the fact that this is billed as a romance but it actually isn't, and those complaints aren't really unfounded. Audrianna and Lorna's relationship managed to be one of the driving forces of the novel, yet it felt completely random and inconsequential most of the time.)
Nevertheless, I'm continuing the series, because I see a potential for good things here.
February 15, 2018
I enjoyed this story on audible and will read the rest of the series. If the author was trying for a romance novel, I’m overjoyed that she missed that mark. I hate romance qua romance. Yuck.
This story has action, a mystery, fantastical elements, and stands up to the sheep who insist that gender must be binary.
Another reviewer seemed at a loss to classify this novel into a genre. It’s fantasy. It reminds me of the best aspects of “Left Hand of Darkness” by literary treasure Ursula K. LeGuin.
The genre doesn’t have to be romance just because sex happens.
This story has action, a mystery, fantastical elements, and stands up to the sheep who insist that gender must be binary.
Another reviewer seemed at a loss to classify this novel into a genre. It’s fantasy. It reminds me of the best aspects of “Left Hand of Darkness” by literary treasure Ursula K. LeGuin.
The genre doesn’t have to be romance just because sex happens.
July 20, 2024
The Children
This book for is a 5/5 for me. I was pleasantly surprised about how good this book is. The author does a great job building this world. Dr Audrianna Foster makes for a very interesting character as she tries to keep a promise to her father. She finds herself in the middle of a hidden battle. But her biggest battle is between her heart and her mind.
This book for is a 5/5 for me. I was pleasantly surprised about how good this book is. The author does a great job building this world. Dr Audrianna Foster makes for a very interesting character as she tries to keep a promise to her father. She finds herself in the middle of a hidden battle. But her biggest battle is between her heart and her mind.
August 17, 2014
wow.... I have to say that was one of the most unique and interesting books I have read in a while!
Audrianna is a doctor, in like the 1920's, in America. Her father dies, but on his death bed he makes her promise to continue his work... his research into a disease he believes killed her mother, Lyovitalis.
This takes her on a journey to Zurich, where things are not always what they seem (to say the least!). On the train she meets a young man who needs a doctor.... and that is all I can say without giving out spoilers :)
This book has history, fantasy/science fiction, romance (hot sex scenes!), and (big time) edge of your seat mystery. I was literally reading as fast as I could eager to know what was happening.
I would recommend this book to anyone ... the mixture of history and fantasy and the mystery that grabs you in the beginning and doesn't let go, all made for a really fun book! I will definitely look for more by this author!
Audrianna is a doctor, in like the 1920's, in America. Her father dies, but on his death bed he makes her promise to continue his work... his research into a disease he believes killed her mother, Lyovitalis.
This takes her on a journey to Zurich, where things are not always what they seem (to say the least!). On the train she meets a young man who needs a doctor.... and that is all I can say without giving out spoilers :)
This book has history, fantasy/science fiction, romance (hot sex scenes!), and (big time) edge of your seat mystery. I was literally reading as fast as I could eager to know what was happening.
I would recommend this book to anyone ... the mixture of history and fantasy and the mystery that grabs you in the beginning and doesn't let go, all made for a really fun book! I will definitely look for more by this author!
March 20, 2016
I must admit that I am no fan of prequels, but with this book I must make an exception.
I found myself taken by surprise, for what I thought would be a simple background story of The Children of Gavrilek (simple but good based on her last book), turned out to be a fantastic journey that seized my attention within the first few pages and had me anchored to my Kindle. I found it so engrossing that upon completion of Lyovitalis, I re-read her first book The Children of Gavrilek.
I truly adore her ability to create stories that allow the reader to step into the world for the characters she creates.
A multi-genre story (romance, history, science fiction, fantasy, mystery and suspense), that is seamlessly fused. With an intriguing and captivating style that takes hold of the reader from the start.
I enjoy escaping into the pages of a fantastic story and Chandler has once again created such a story... thank you Julie.
I found myself taken by surprise, for what I thought would be a simple background story of The Children of Gavrilek (simple but good based on her last book), turned out to be a fantastic journey that seized my attention within the first few pages and had me anchored to my Kindle. I found it so engrossing that upon completion of Lyovitalis, I re-read her first book The Children of Gavrilek.
I truly adore her ability to create stories that allow the reader to step into the world for the characters she creates.
A multi-genre story (romance, history, science fiction, fantasy, mystery and suspense), that is seamlessly fused. With an intriguing and captivating style that takes hold of the reader from the start.
I enjoy escaping into the pages of a fantastic story and Chandler has once again created such a story... thank you Julie.
August 18, 2014
I am speechless. I just finished Lyovitalis. My mind is a whirlwind of emotions... I am simply exhausted. I do not know whether to laugh or cry, perhaps both. I am stunned.
This book was set in Europe at the beginning of the WWI. The war only plays a small part of the story. I could prattle on about how well the story flowed, how it didn't lag, how much I liked the characters. All of these things are true but its the story its self that has made such an impact. There was murder, kidnapping, love lost, love found, mystery, twists and turns, ups and downs, so much emotional turmoil... It just would not let go! Even when I thought I knew who was what and why, another turn would wipe out all I thought I knew.
This is the sort of story that will stick with me for a very long time to come. The ending is not what I expected. While that is initially enough to make me cry foul, as it sinks in, I see that this may be a far better ending and I am slowly finding peace with that.
This book was set in Europe at the beginning of the WWI. The war only plays a small part of the story. I could prattle on about how well the story flowed, how it didn't lag, how much I liked the characters. All of these things are true but its the story its self that has made such an impact. There was murder, kidnapping, love lost, love found, mystery, twists and turns, ups and downs, so much emotional turmoil... It just would not let go! Even when I thought I knew who was what and why, another turn would wipe out all I thought I knew.
This is the sort of story that will stick with me for a very long time to come. The ending is not what I expected. While that is initially enough to make me cry foul, as it sinks in, I see that this may be a far better ending and I am slowly finding peace with that.
February 10, 2017
Could not put this book down! Read most of it in one night...
August 4, 2014
The absolute perfect prequel to "The Children of Gavrilek"
"Lyovitalis" had me hooked from beginning to end, with clever unexpected plots that were not overly complex, stunning emotional immediacy form start to finish. The characters were captivating and the incorporation of history and romance made this a thought provoking, yet exceptionally good read. Another superbly written novel!
Already I am excited for the next in the series from Julie Kirtón Chandler.
"Lyovitalis" had me hooked from beginning to end, with clever unexpected plots that were not overly complex, stunning emotional immediacy form start to finish. The characters were captivating and the incorporation of history and romance made this a thought provoking, yet exceptionally good read. Another superbly written novel!
Already I am excited for the next in the series from Julie Kirtón Chandler.
October 12, 2014
2.5 stars. Lesbianism. Supernatural stuff. Weird sexual tension/energy. Overdone writing. I don't know. I expected more.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews