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Eden Chronicles #1
The Given Garden
They told us that this new world was perfect They told us that we were all equal under the eyes of the only God They told me that I was nothing He told me that he would protect me They swear that I can trust them I don't How can I believe in something, in a world where faith isn't optional? The Given Garden is Book #1 in the dystopian series, The Eden Chronicles, and is set six hundred years after Armageddon, where Utopia is the goal, but chaos is the result. Larkin had no choice to be an illegal third-born child, so does that mean that she should give her life to the crown in penance? And if so, can trust that she will find a friend in Prince Kohén Barachiel, and not a Nephilim master? The kingdom is in his family's hands, her life in his, the clock is ticking until God's return, and Satan is watching, waiting for her moment to strike back against the alpha males of the royal family.
It's angels versus demons in this post-apocalyptic fairy tale that is as sentimental, sensual and exciting as it is sinful.
It's angels versus demons in this post-apocalyptic fairy tale that is as sentimental, sensual and exciting as it is sinful.
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First published April 25, 2015
85 people are currently reading
535 people want to read
About the author
S.K. Munt
38 books284 followersFollow me on Twitter https://twitter.com/skmunt25
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S.K Munt is an author and playwright from north Queensland, Australia. She mostly writes adult paranormal fantasies, but loves to take the sweetness, hope and innocence that makes YA so beguiling, and give it an adult twist. You could say that she has a 'Pan' complex as far as happy endings go.
Samantha has 4 children, and is happily married to her first love. So far she has penned thirty-two novels, and five plays. In her spare time, she can be found at rehearsals for her local theatre groups, surfing, reading or cleaning compulsively.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/skmunt?fref=ts
Tumblr:https://www.tumblr.com/blog/thearticu...
Wordpress: https://samanthamunt.wordpress.com
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/killerslim/
Instagram: thearticulatesk
S.K Munt is an author and playwright from north Queensland, Australia. She mostly writes adult paranormal fantasies, but loves to take the sweetness, hope and innocence that makes YA so beguiling, and give it an adult twist. You could say that she has a 'Pan' complex as far as happy endings go.
Samantha has 4 children, and is happily married to her first love. So far she has penned thirty-two novels, and five plays. In her spare time, she can be found at rehearsals for her local theatre groups, surfing, reading or cleaning compulsively.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
August 22, 2015
I wanted to tell a story that communicates and everything I fear regarding love, God, the meaning of life, the essence of evil and the truth about the eternal conflict we all suffer from when comparing our wants and needs, to what we loathe to do wrong and what we're afraid of doing right.
There is evil in the sweetest dreams, selfishness in the purest of good deeds and in the end, only those who can meet their eyes in the mirror and like what's shining from within our eyes, can claim strength- whether that light be angelic, or a wicked gleam.
I think I got there for me, I hope I touch others- and if not well, I pray that it's at least an interesting story ;)
Want to read
February 22, 2020🎁 Books 1-3 in the Series are FREE on Amazon today (2/22/2020)! 🎁
February 6, 2021
4.5 stars
Why on earth is everyone reading The Selection and not this? When I found "The Given Garden" on Amazon for free I did not expect much. I'd read so many dystopian books these last few years and only very few have been able to wow me. Mostly, they did not feel real. I had the feeling that most aspiring dystopia writers purchase the same set of building blocks, build something and present it as ground-breaking. Very seldom is there a feeling of uniqueness, of realness, to these books. You have been thinking the same thing? Then read "The Given Garden" if you want something real.
Larkin is a Given, a third born child expected to serve her kingdom from her fifth to her twentyfirst birthday. Normally the Given children work as Blue Collars, but since Larking turns five the same year as the prince Kohen, the rules are slightly different for her. Kohen is asked to pick a few girls to be his companions for the years to come and Larkin surprisingly makes it by being her boyish, bold self. She and the prince get close through the years until their friendship and Larkin's future are endangered when the true purpose of her and the other girls being in the castle is revealed on their thirteenth birthday...
So, why is this better than "The Selection"?
1) Larkin. How awesome can a heroine be - Larkin certainly makes my top ten. She's just perfectly written. Human, interesting, funny and worth following. I was rooting for her the whole way through. America, you can pack your things and cry in private at home instead of on my bookshelf.
2) The world building. This is finally an example where dystopian kingdoms works. I wouldn't have thought they ever would but I'm happy to have been mistaken. Very seldom have I read about a future this well-thought-of.
3) There's actually a plot! And not just some plot, no, this story draws you in more and more the further it progresses. And there's no relief at the end of book 1. Only the urge to get a copy of The Forbidden Fruit.
4) Basically everything else. The characters, the dialogue, the things that happen, you name it. This book should have had a much bigger budget than "The Selection". By far.
So, where did the half star go?
To quite some editing that I would do. Long stretches of the book where descriptions of the kingdoms, the customs, the history of the world,... I would much rather put them in an appendix. The exact climate in Rachiel isn't something I necessarily want to hear about. In some parts it showed too much just how much the author thought about this world of hers. Also some explanations came a bit late, like how the seasons now started and ended in different months (this is a very confusing and maybe not that necessary property anyway). Then there was the legend - or might I say historic account - about the creation of the world and how the constant battle of bad and good had come about which the book started with and which intersected it as well. Though it is a crucial part of the book it still seemed unpolished in places and confusing in terms of when in time we're supposed to find ourselves and all in all I would have simplified and shortened this part a lot. There were so many pages of legend and explanation that Larkin's story was paused for pages on end and quite some of the reading flow was lost.
But read this anyway, if you want to do something wortwhile with your time. Best book I read in months.
Why on earth is everyone reading The Selection and not this? When I found "The Given Garden" on Amazon for free I did not expect much. I'd read so many dystopian books these last few years and only very few have been able to wow me. Mostly, they did not feel real. I had the feeling that most aspiring dystopia writers purchase the same set of building blocks, build something and present it as ground-breaking. Very seldom is there a feeling of uniqueness, of realness, to these books. You have been thinking the same thing? Then read "The Given Garden" if you want something real.
Larkin is a Given, a third born child expected to serve her kingdom from her fifth to her twentyfirst birthday. Normally the Given children work as Blue Collars, but since Larking turns five the same year as the prince Kohen, the rules are slightly different for her. Kohen is asked to pick a few girls to be his companions for the years to come and Larkin surprisingly makes it by being her boyish, bold self. She and the prince get close through the years until their friendship and Larkin's future are endangered when the true purpose of her and the other girls being in the castle is revealed on their thirteenth birthday...
So, why is this better than "The Selection"?
1) Larkin. How awesome can a heroine be - Larkin certainly makes my top ten. She's just perfectly written. Human, interesting, funny and worth following. I was rooting for her the whole way through. America, you can pack your things and cry in private at home instead of on my bookshelf.
2) The world building. This is finally an example where dystopian kingdoms works. I wouldn't have thought they ever would but I'm happy to have been mistaken. Very seldom have I read about a future this well-thought-of.
3) There's actually a plot! And not just some plot, no, this story draws you in more and more the further it progresses. And there's no relief at the end of book 1. Only the urge to get a copy of The Forbidden Fruit.
4) Basically everything else. The characters, the dialogue, the things that happen, you name it. This book should have had a much bigger budget than "The Selection". By far.
So, where did the half star go?
To quite some editing that I would do. Long stretches of the book where descriptions of the kingdoms, the customs, the history of the world,... I would much rather put them in an appendix. The exact climate in Rachiel isn't something I necessarily want to hear about. In some parts it showed too much just how much the author thought about this world of hers. Also some explanations came a bit late, like how the seasons now started and ended in different months (this is a very confusing and maybe not that necessary property anyway). Then there was the legend - or might I say historic account - about the creation of the world and how the constant battle of bad and good had come about which the book started with and which intersected it as well. Though it is a crucial part of the book it still seemed unpolished in places and confusing in terms of when in time we're supposed to find ourselves and all in all I would have simplified and shortened this part a lot. There were so many pages of legend and explanation that Larkin's story was paused for pages on end and quite some of the reading flow was lost.
But read this anyway, if you want to do something wortwhile with your time. Best book I read in months.
January 31, 2020
I will NEVER shut up about this book series. I found it by accident when I was scrolling on Amazon three-ish years ago and have been hooked ever since. This is hands down my favorite series of all time. The way the author does world-building is insane. I can picture everything so clearly in my mind - the scenery, the characters, heck, even the clothing!
The author really makes you care about the characters. I remember all of them, even know. This is especially remarkable since the brothers all have very similar names.
If you're thinking about reading this book PLEASE do! PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE.
11234543234/10
The author really makes you care about the characters. I remember all of them, even know. This is especially remarkable since the brothers all have very similar names.
If you're thinking about reading this book PLEASE do! PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE.
11234543234/10
June 22, 2015
This story is beyond extraordinary. It's a remarkable, unique and fascinating fantasy that displays an unbelievable imagination on the part of the author. The detail is stunning and the beliefs of the characters are unusual and inconceivable. The religious doctrine and regulation in the world that was created by the author is strikingly thought out and immensely intriguing. The story has appealing characters and a gripping story. I am anxiously awaiting the next installment. I highly recommend The Given Garden. This is an excellent book.
b-dnf
February 12, 2022january 2021 i literally only got 15% through it. not my thing.
March 27, 2021
Okay so starting this book I had some issues. Not so much with the writing but with the way the children talked at five and their apparent intelligence. Being a mom of a five year old, it just didn’t quite work for me. But trying to be supportive of the offer who let this book be free I pushed on. And let me tell you, as the characters grew older, I went from a little frustrated to full supportive of Larkin! I cannot wait to see how she handles things in the next books and wish I could help her knock out a few of the boys she has to deal with now. (If you know you know, I don’t do spoilers). And the theology in this book. That alone has me wanting to have a good conversation/debate. So give this book a go and don’t put it down. I think you will be pleasantly surprised by the end!
June 26, 2015
Actual rating 3.5, I really do wish Goodreads allowed us to give half stars I was so conflicted with this one.
S.K Munt is without a doubt one of my favourite authors she always brings something completely new to the table, no two books of hers follow the same boring formula that has become common in adult books. I don't think I've ever read a dystopian novel quite like The Given Garden, it was well structured, extremely detailed and completely original.
The characters were complex, and we didn't get a time leap of 11 years instead we watched these characters grow over time. Although I loved this book, the characters and the entire concept the only drawback for me was the huge amounts of information that was repeated throughout. I know this was done for us to understand this dystopian society and add to the world building, but I found myself zoning out at certain parts. I was far more invested in the actual characters Larkin, Khol and Karol their scenes and interactions with the other characters for me was more interesting than the creation story (which I understand is vital to the plot - although it could have been trimmed down)or the structure of society.
Aside from that, I thoroughly enjoyed this book its a solid start to the series, and I cant wait to see what's next for these characters.
S.K Munt is without a doubt one of my favourite authors she always brings something completely new to the table, no two books of hers follow the same boring formula that has become common in adult books. I don't think I've ever read a dystopian novel quite like The Given Garden, it was well structured, extremely detailed and completely original.
The characters were complex, and we didn't get a time leap of 11 years instead we watched these characters grow over time. Although I loved this book, the characters and the entire concept the only drawback for me was the huge amounts of information that was repeated throughout. I know this was done for us to understand this dystopian society and add to the world building, but I found myself zoning out at certain parts. I was far more invested in the actual characters Larkin, Khol and Karol their scenes and interactions with the other characters for me was more interesting than the creation story (which I understand is vital to the plot - although it could have been trimmed down)or the structure of society.
Aside from that, I thoroughly enjoyed this book its a solid start to the series, and I cant wait to see what's next for these characters.
April 14, 2016
★★★★★ +1 Too good to put down. I stayed up all night reading this and going to buy the next book in the series IMMEDIATELY!
I cried when my E-reader read "100%" completed. The Hell I was... I was so not done with finding out what happens in this world of beautifully created characters and the world in which they live.
A world set in a time after the Final World War. A world with all our knowledge today and the wisdom in some cases not to use that knowledge.
A world that regardless of the time, place and laws it’s governed by… doesn’t change the fact that as humans we are all ruled by something.
S.K. Munt's version in the "The Given Garden" of Heaven and Hell, God and Satan and how everything revolves around a society that doesn't believe or practice in "religion" in this post-apocalyptic fiction is brilliantly pieced together like a tapestry with its details to depict a story through picture. Each thread is sewn and overlapped so well that you can't imagine (I can't) all the detail that went into creating this masterpiece. I wanted to add, just when it was getting good it ended, but the entire damn book was so good it would be lie. Luckily, I'm coming into a series that I don't have to wait for the next installment... because I would be devastated!
Eagerly starting the next book in The Eden Chronicles... The Forbidden Fruit
I cried when my E-reader read "100%" completed. The Hell I was... I was so not done with finding out what happens in this world of beautifully created characters and the world in which they live.
A world set in a time after the Final World War. A world with all our knowledge today and the wisdom in some cases not to use that knowledge.
A world that regardless of the time, place and laws it’s governed by… doesn’t change the fact that as humans we are all ruled by something.
S.K. Munt's version in the "The Given Garden" of Heaven and Hell, God and Satan and how everything revolves around a society that doesn't believe or practice in "religion" in this post-apocalyptic fiction is brilliantly pieced together like a tapestry with its details to depict a story through picture. Each thread is sewn and overlapped so well that you can't imagine (I can't) all the detail that went into creating this masterpiece. I wanted to add, just when it was getting good it ended, but the entire damn book was so good it would be lie. Luckily, I'm coming into a series that I don't have to wait for the next installment... because I would be devastated!
Eagerly starting the next book in The Eden Chronicles... The Forbidden Fruit
February 24, 2016
Larkin and Kohen have been friends since they were 5. When they turn 13, their world changes forever. This is a story of how strong a young girl has to be to fulfill her dreams of freedom.
*********************************************************
I just finished this book and man, I'm speechless. I laughed, I cried, I snapped at my children for disturbing me while I read. I could not put it down and when I had to drive my kids around for 2 hours today, I was bitter, BITTER I tell you!
The caste system, the (what I would call) dystopian society...it was so deep, so heavy. It compeletely engrossed me for the 6 hours it took for me to read it.
Munt's world-building is intricate. At times it can be a bit much but it's obvious that she spent a tremendous amount of time creating her caste and belief system, the post-apocalyptic world and the history behind it all. Each character is complex. There are so many heartbreaking and incredibly sweet scenes. And the cliffhanger...MUST HAVE BOOK TWO IMMEDIATELY.
*********************************************************
I just finished this book and man, I'm speechless. I laughed, I cried, I snapped at my children for disturbing me while I read. I could not put it down and when I had to drive my kids around for 2 hours today, I was bitter, BITTER I tell you!
The caste system, the (what I would call) dystopian society...it was so deep, so heavy. It compeletely engrossed me for the 6 hours it took for me to read it.
Munt's world-building is intricate. At times it can be a bit much but it's obvious that she spent a tremendous amount of time creating her caste and belief system, the post-apocalyptic world and the history behind it all. Each character is complex. There are so many heartbreaking and incredibly sweet scenes. And the cliffhanger...MUST HAVE BOOK TWO IMMEDIATELY.
July 19, 2015
The Given garden by S.K Munt is more than just a story. It has the ability to change your mood and evoke emotions you never knew you had. I was giggling like a school girl in love at one minute, pondering our very existence and questioning all I've been taught about our creation the next and then I would be taken over by this murderous rage! I wanted to track down the author and inflict pain on her whilst patting her lovingly at the same time.
This world Munt has created is unique and so incredibly vivid. The biblical history is not at all boring but a gripping story in itself with its own equally loveable and despicable characters. I can't wait to see how the story of these original players influence the next book.
Team Kohl all the way!
This world Munt has created is unique and so incredibly vivid. The biblical history is not at all boring but a gripping story in itself with its own equally loveable and despicable characters. I can't wait to see how the story of these original players influence the next book.
Team Kohl all the way!
March 10, 2017
Fantastic
This book was absolutely amazing and I really didn't want to put it down. Great story telling and character development. She created a beautifully tragic dystopian world and I loved the take on creationism. You can't help but love our little duckling and princes despite the heartbreak. Love all of her books.
This book was absolutely amazing and I really didn't want to put it down. Great story telling and character development. She created a beautifully tragic dystopian world and I loved the take on creationism. You can't help but love our little duckling and princes despite the heartbreak. Love all of her books.
April 20, 2015
S.K. Munt has this wonderfully amazing gift of writing that puts you there, in the moment, in the character's mind and soul. Rather than reading despatches from the front lines, you are there, at the front lines.
August 20, 2015
The story between Larkin and Kohen makes this book really hard to put down.
January 12, 2019
Beware: NOT a young adult book! Though the main character is between 5 and 17 in the first 3 books, the content is not what I would consider appropriate for teenagers. The trilogy contains very explicit sex scenes (some non consensual).
The trilogy was good- though I skipped the God/Satan chapters after the first 3. I WAS disappointed with the end of the third book. The author just blew everything up! (Not literally). Though interesting, it really felt like she was setting herself up to expand a trilogy into more books instead of completing the story that we'd been following for three very long books!!!
Though Lark's indecision drove me nuts, I did find the series interesting and well written. Despite that, I don't know if I will bother reading the rest of the series for the simple reason that I no longer trust the author. For me, a book is like a journey with good friends. I invest a lot of time and emotion into it (especially in the case of a trilogy). When an author changes everything at the end of three books ( to extend the series and sell additional books??) Rather than stay true to the characters and storyline she's created, I dont think I want to trust her with any more of my time.
The trilogy was good- though I skipped the God/Satan chapters after the first 3. I WAS disappointed with the end of the third book. The author just blew everything up! (Not literally). Though interesting, it really felt like she was setting herself up to expand a trilogy into more books instead of completing the story that we'd been following for three very long books!!!
Though Lark's indecision drove me nuts, I did find the series interesting and well written. Despite that, I don't know if I will bother reading the rest of the series for the simple reason that I no longer trust the author. For me, a book is like a journey with good friends. I invest a lot of time and emotion into it (especially in the case of a trilogy). When an author changes everything at the end of three books ( to extend the series and sell additional books??) Rather than stay true to the characters and storyline she's created, I dont think I want to trust her with any more of my time.
January 30, 2022
Okay, I don’t even know how to write this review because I’m so baffled.
This book was a train wreck that I couldn’t stop reading. And I will probably read the rest of the series because I was invested by the end despite several issues.
1. Most of the historical plot line was cringe worthy, and so much of the same information was repeated. It was almost like it was fluff to make the book longer, because the actually story line was probably 200 out of the 400 some pages.
2. Did this book get edited before it was published? I really am not trying to be rude, but the amount of grammatical errors was astonishing. I’m usually not good at picking up on those, but it seemed like there was one on every page. Run on sentences made a lot of the chapters hard to read. Also, an exclamation point at the end of nearly every piece of dialogue was inappropriate and infuriating.
3. I understand needing to build up back story, but having to read the POV of a five year old was physically painful.
Despite ALL of that, I gave 3 starts because I couldn’t put it down. There were parts of the book that made me cry, and I became very invested in the characters. I will be reading the rest of them, and hope the next books are edited better.
This book was a train wreck that I couldn’t stop reading. And I will probably read the rest of the series because I was invested by the end despite several issues.
1. Most of the historical plot line was cringe worthy, and so much of the same information was repeated. It was almost like it was fluff to make the book longer, because the actually story line was probably 200 out of the 400 some pages.
2. Did this book get edited before it was published? I really am not trying to be rude, but the amount of grammatical errors was astonishing. I’m usually not good at picking up on those, but it seemed like there was one on every page. Run on sentences made a lot of the chapters hard to read. Also, an exclamation point at the end of nearly every piece of dialogue was inappropriate and infuriating.
3. I understand needing to build up back story, but having to read the POV of a five year old was physically painful.
Despite ALL of that, I gave 3 starts because I couldn’t put it down. There were parts of the book that made me cry, and I became very invested in the characters. I will be reading the rest of them, and hope the next books are edited better.
July 11, 2021
Lark is a force to be reckoned with, and this is only the beginning. I was on the edge of my seat from the very first chapter, in anticipation as to what happens next!
I usually shy away from books that have anything to do with religion, but I really enjoyed the authors take on how god intended the world. It was different than I’ve ever seen it done and very unique to the word Munt created.
I am currently reading a later instalment in the series, and I cannot get enough of it! There is so much more I want to write, but fear I may give too much away!
I usually shy away from books that have anything to do with religion, but I really enjoyed the authors take on how god intended the world. It was different than I’ve ever seen it done and very unique to the word Munt created.
I am currently reading a later instalment in the series, and I cannot get enough of it! There is so much more I want to write, but fear I may give too much away!
April 22, 2018
Interesting story
This series is not only post apocalyptic, but post Armageddon. I don’t know the reason for a newly imagined Creation; in fact I find that aspect of the book a little off putting. Perhaps all will be made clear in the later books.
However the lack of editing is very disappointing.
This series is not only post apocalyptic, but post Armageddon. I don’t know the reason for a newly imagined Creation; in fact I find that aspect of the book a little off putting. Perhaps all will be made clear in the later books.
However the lack of editing is very disappointing.
March 26, 2019
Sammy gave us something totally new with this series and I'm here for it! We start off with Lark as a child and watch her grow. It's an amazing, heart-breaking journey to see the woman she has become. If you like dystopians, bibilical retellings, or feminisit icons you will love this series!
February 3, 2020
Enthralling!
I could not stop reading! Well written, amazing character development, beautiful world building and an enthralling story. Going to jump right into the second book and I can’t wait.
I could not stop reading! Well written, amazing character development, beautiful world building and an enthralling story. Going to jump right into the second book and I can’t wait.
August 22, 2021
5star Read
WoW !!
I found this book via TickTok from the author herself and I'm so happy that I took the chance and jumped in.
Dont hesitate in jumping and reading this wonderful story. I'm off to read book 2 !!
WoW !!
I found this book via TickTok from the author herself and I'm so happy that I took the chance and jumped in.
Dont hesitate in jumping and reading this wonderful story. I'm off to read book 2 !!
December 30, 2021
Absolutely beautiful read
This series is quickly becoming one of my favorites! The creation stories strewn about are a bit wordy but worth it! I'm glad that I got through the first few pages and kept going. A definite must read for any dystopian fantasy reader.
This series is quickly becoming one of my favorites! The creation stories strewn about are a bit wordy but worth it! I'm glad that I got through the first few pages and kept going. A definite must read for any dystopian fantasy reader.
January 11, 2022
Found this on TikTok. Could have been good but suffered several fatal flaws. It is very slogged down with world-building to the point it gets in the way of the story. It needs a good edit. There is a decent story hidden underneath, I may try part two and see if it flows better.
March 22, 2020
I honestly doesn't care for the "Story or Creation" part. I skipped almost all of them.I am 100% team Kohl!
January 16, 2021
Read about 75%. Could not finish. I was excited about this book, but the beginning did not read as a 5yr old, middle was okay, but i started to lose interest towards the end.
June 27, 2021
Loved this book
I am not sure even what to say. This book had so many twists and turns . I absolutely loved it, and could not put it down once I started!
I am not sure even what to say. This book had so many twists and turns . I absolutely loved it, and could not put it down once I started!
September 6, 2021
Amazing
I can not wait to read book 2. Getting ready to start now. To be in a world like this would be very interesting.
I can not wait to read book 2. Getting ready to start now. To be in a world like this would be very interesting.
January 13, 2022
This book was excellent.
I gravitate towards books with a lot more romance and because book 1 follows Larkin from ages 5-16, there isn't a lot, and then when there is it's disturbing due to age and circumstance.
I will say that the ages of everyone doesn't totally line up with the maturity of the characters as written. In my opinion, the book really feels like we are following these kids from ages 10-21 not 5-16, but it's not a major issue.
Regardless, this story is exciting and so wonderfully written. Larkin is a fantastic lead character, but all of the characters are well rounded and we have a lot of insight and context to everyone and everything.
A seriously excellent book. Exceeds all expectations.
I gravitate towards books with a lot more romance and because book 1 follows Larkin from ages 5-16, there isn't a lot, and then when there is it's disturbing due to age and circumstance.
I will say that the ages of everyone doesn't totally line up with the maturity of the characters as written. In my opinion, the book really feels like we are following these kids from ages 10-21 not 5-16, but it's not a major issue.
Regardless, this story is exciting and so wonderfully written. Larkin is a fantastic lead character, but all of the characters are well rounded and we have a lot of insight and context to everyone and everything.
A seriously excellent book. Exceeds all expectations.
May 27, 2021
Like many of you who simply love words and languages, and adore to see them treated well, I can't turn off my inner editor. It's an issue. I have put down books just because of misused punctuation or repetitive wording, even if there was no spelling mistake in sight – and even if the story wasn't half bad.
So I think it says a lot that I not only finished The Given Garden, but I immensly enjoyed it as well! (Also, this is the first time I have felt the need to write a review on Goodreads, so that's saying something too, I guess.)
There are... a lot of issues with the editing. A LOT. People have already commented on this. Seriously, half the time I want to fetch my marker and head straight in to straightening this out. That's usually a HUGE turn-off.
But if you pull through and give the story and the characters a chance, you'll be rewarded MAJORLY. Because whenever Larkin or the other characters do something, or say something, or think something, my mind is caught right in the middle of what's going on – I forget the syntax errors, the grammatical issues, the switched up names(!) and the info dumps that sometimes seem to have no end.
And that in itself is a testament to a good story where I'm concerned. I bow my head at this indie writer!
The Pros
1) Larkin is a believable protagonist. She grows from a admittedly unbelievable-yet-intriguing five-year-old into a very believable teenager, seeking to find herself and change her fate. And it's fun to watch this unfold, with wins and setbacks and all.
2) Karol. I might just be the only person who loves this asshole to the death. I see a lot of fun in the future with this one.
3) The other characters and the dynamics between them. There is momentum and drama (sometimes soap-opera-worthy but we're talking teenagers here, after all), there is conflict and pain. There are strengths and weaknesses, Though at first they seem to be the same where the brothers are concerned, they each handle them differently, which is wonderful.
4) The story as a whole. While driven by the characters, the plot and the setting are fascinating as well. I'm not usually into dystopian stories, mainly because they all seem to be copies of The Hunger Games one way or another whenever I do give them a shot. Not this one! The dystopian setting and the reframing of genesis (the story of creation) are really unique and make me want to find out more about this world.
5) The worldbuilding. It's one of a kind, even though it does have its weaknesses.
The Cons
1) Was this ever proofread? That alone would solve a lot of issues people have.
2) It is NOT clearly marked as adult content. This is not a YA series, even though the protagonist starts off her adventure as a five-year-old and the book ends with her being a teen.
3) Speaking of, the part with her being five would profit from a major cut and editing. Nobody cares about a five-year-old's perspective, especially one this long, unless you're reading childen's book. Also, Larkin and pretty much all the other five-year-olds seem to me five-year-olds only because the author said they were.
4) Major lengths and info dumps that are positioned in the worst places ever, screwing with the pacing. I remember a conversation about an eye patch that starts with a question, is interrupted with what felt like the history of the whole continent and its kingdoms, only to revert back with the answer to the question I had already forgotten by then, making me wonder, "Wait, what eye patch?"
So I think it says a lot that I not only finished The Given Garden, but I immensly enjoyed it as well! (Also, this is the first time I have felt the need to write a review on Goodreads, so that's saying something too, I guess.)
There are... a lot of issues with the editing. A LOT. People have already commented on this. Seriously, half the time I want to fetch my marker and head straight in to straightening this out. That's usually a HUGE turn-off.
But if you pull through and give the story and the characters a chance, you'll be rewarded MAJORLY. Because whenever Larkin or the other characters do something, or say something, or think something, my mind is caught right in the middle of what's going on – I forget the syntax errors, the grammatical issues, the switched up names(!) and the info dumps that sometimes seem to have no end.
And that in itself is a testament to a good story where I'm concerned. I bow my head at this indie writer!
The Pros
1) Larkin is a believable protagonist. She grows from a admittedly unbelievable-yet-intriguing five-year-old into a very believable teenager, seeking to find herself and change her fate. And it's fun to watch this unfold, with wins and setbacks and all.
2) Karol. I might just be the only person who loves this asshole to the death. I see a lot of fun in the future with this one.
3) The other characters and the dynamics between them. There is momentum and drama (sometimes soap-opera-worthy but we're talking teenagers here, after all), there is conflict and pain. There are strengths and weaknesses, Though at first they seem to be the same where the brothers are concerned, they each handle them differently, which is wonderful.
4) The story as a whole. While driven by the characters, the plot and the setting are fascinating as well. I'm not usually into dystopian stories, mainly because they all seem to be copies of The Hunger Games one way or another whenever I do give them a shot. Not this one! The dystopian setting and the reframing of genesis (the story of creation) are really unique and make me want to find out more about this world.
5) The worldbuilding. It's one of a kind, even though it does have its weaknesses.
The Cons
1) Was this ever proofread? That alone would solve a lot of issues people have.
2) It is NOT clearly marked as adult content. This is not a YA series, even though the protagonist starts off her adventure as a five-year-old and the book ends with her being a teen.
3) Speaking of, the part with her being five would profit from a major cut and editing. Nobody cares about a five-year-old's perspective, especially one this long, unless you're reading childen's book. Also, Larkin and pretty much all the other five-year-olds seem to me five-year-olds only because the author said they were.
4) Major lengths and info dumps that are positioned in the worst places ever, screwing with the pacing. I remember a conversation about an eye patch that starts with a question, is interrupted with what felt like the history of the whole continent and its kingdoms, only to revert back with the answer to the question I had already forgotten by then, making me wonder, "Wait, what eye patch?"
September 15, 2020
Deciding on a star-rating for this book was definitely a challenge. I'll start with the negatives and work my way to the positives. To preface, I don't think I am the demographic that S.K. Munt was trying to attract, so bear that in mind, too.
I lost count of how many syntax errors there were, and it felt like the editing process was either rushed or simply neglected.
The novel takes place many years into the future post-Armageddon, and when the geography was discussed at the beginning of the book, it was described in a sci-fi or fantastical way where the world was no longer recognizable to the way it is currently. However, towards the end of the book, there were many references to America and its current geography (e.g., New York, Los Angeles, USA and Mexican border, etc.)
The book begins following our protagonist Larkin when she was five years old, but it was an incredibly unrealistic perspective. As a five-year-old, Larkin had not had a proper education, yet she was using phrases like "plausible deniability," and making metaphorical connections between the value difference between a king and queen in a deck of cards and the inequalities of a king and queen in nobility.
There were also many inconsistencies when describing the state of technological abilities and development. For example, one of the key conflicts within the plot was the characters' need to have pesticides to preserve and protect the crops from locust, but due to the lack of technological advancements, they could not discover proper concoctions of chemicals to make an effective pesticide. Yet, somehow, glittery makeup, record players, and ornate chandeliers were commonplace.
I do want to highlight positive aspects of the novel, as well.
The characters were fleshed out nicely, and the dynamic relationships between characters were exciting to watch evolve. I did emotionally connect with the protagonist, and when she underwent turbulent situations, I felt for her. I am interested in the second installment of the series, so that is an additional reason I am rating 3-stars instead of 2-stars. It was okay, but apparently I did like the story enough to want to continue the series in the future.
I lost count of how many syntax errors there were, and it felt like the editing process was either rushed or simply neglected.
The novel takes place many years into the future post-Armageddon, and when the geography was discussed at the beginning of the book, it was described in a sci-fi or fantastical way where the world was no longer recognizable to the way it is currently. However, towards the end of the book, there were many references to America and its current geography (e.g., New York, Los Angeles, USA and Mexican border, etc.)
The book begins following our protagonist Larkin when she was five years old, but it was an incredibly unrealistic perspective. As a five-year-old, Larkin had not had a proper education, yet she was using phrases like "plausible deniability," and making metaphorical connections between the value difference between a king and queen in a deck of cards and the inequalities of a king and queen in nobility.
There were also many inconsistencies when describing the state of technological abilities and development. For example, one of the key conflicts within the plot was the characters' need to have pesticides to preserve and protect the crops from locust, but due to the lack of technological advancements, they could not discover proper concoctions of chemicals to make an effective pesticide. Yet, somehow, glittery makeup, record players, and ornate chandeliers were commonplace.
I do want to highlight positive aspects of the novel, as well.
The characters were fleshed out nicely, and the dynamic relationships between characters were exciting to watch evolve. I did emotionally connect with the protagonist, and when she underwent turbulent situations, I felt for her. I am interested in the second installment of the series, so that is an additional reason I am rating 3-stars instead of 2-stars. It was okay, but apparently I did like the story enough to want to continue the series in the future.
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