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Beyond Fear

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Beyond Fear there is Courage.
In a world ruled by The Elements and torn apart by darkness, a new evil has arisen, to take the throne of Kaimeara.
Trapped within their prison, the once great Elders of Valista hang on to their last glimmer of hope, a hero prophesized to save them all.
Dragged into their treacherous world, 16 year old Lizzie Somers finds herself on a terrifying journey across an unknown land in search of the legendary Winged Horses of Air and her only possible way of returning home.
Helped throughout by an unlikely ally and hunted at every turn by a deadly enemy she must fight for survival.
But as Lizzie's quest spirals out of control, can she find the strength inside to face her fears and defeat the evil or will she lose everything forever, including herself?

420 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 6, 2014

2 people are currently reading
12 people want to read

About the author

Stephanie Hanlon

2 books9 followers

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5 stars
5 (45%)
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2 (18%)
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3 (27%)
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1 (9%)
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
Profile Image for Paige.
1,884 reviews88 followers
August 12, 2017
Rating: 3/5

Genre: YA Fantasy

Recommended Age: 14+ (violence and gore)

Favorite Quote: "'Since that day, the world we live in has become a very dark and dangerous place.'"

“Are you really ready to condemn all those people to death?” he asked.
“Because they will die. I can promise you that.”

A new evil has arisen, to take the throne of Kaimaira, but trapped within their prison the once great Elders of Valista cling to their last glimmer of hope, a hero from another land.
Lizzie Somers always dreamed of escaping her life but when she finds herself transported through the Borders into another world, she soon realises that the reality doesn’t always live up to the expectation.
Dragged into a terrifying quest and hunted throughout by a deadly enemy, Lizzie must learn to trust the one person she never thought she could in a desperate fight for survival.
But as her journey spirals out of control will Lizzie run and hide or will she find the strength to face her fears.
Because Beyond Fear there is courage and her life will never be the same again.

I was provided a free copy of this book by the author in exchange for my honest review. This did not influence my opinion of the book in any way.

I love reading books in which me and the characters can be transported to a fantasy world. And I love when that literally happens in a book. This book is a fun tale about Lucas and Lizzie who are taken from their world and placed inside one that seems ripped straight out of a fantasy novel. Is it fate that they’re there? I can’t answer that, but I can say that this book is a fun, exciting tale that you won’t want to miss out on. The main characters are fairly well developed and the writing is fantastic. The writing is also very age appropriate and would even be suitable for younger audiences dependent on how well they handle certain material.

However, I did have some issues with the book. I felt that the pacing was very fast for this book. I also felt that because of the pacing the book was zooming through major plot points without giving them time to sort themselves out. The pacing really threw me out of the book many times because I felt that as soon as I was introduced to a character I was saying goodbye to them. I think that if the book was slowed down and the actions, backstories, and scenery were explained better then the book would have not been as disconnecting and that all of the characters would have been better developed.

Overall, I felt the book was a great inspirational piece on finding strength and it would be a great read for children in the middle grade or teen age group, as that’s the age when most children begin experiencing bullying. It’s a fast read and it’s a fun one as well. I found it enjoyable and if you enjoy fantasy reads then you will too!
Profile Image for Nikki.
1,079 reviews56 followers
July 26, 2018
I’ve been reading Beyond Fear off and on for months - not because it’s bad but because I always pick it up as awful moments, get distracted by life and then accidentally fall into reading other books! 😅 fail.

I’m really excited to have finished it, because Steph is lovely, and I’ve been an awful friend taking so long; and because I enjoyed it! Especially the latter 2/3 of the book!

I love nearly everything about the fantasy elements of the book - the feel of it, and the elements of the world from plants coming to life to DRAGONS. Books should always have dragons.

I struggled more with the first part, though I think some of that is Lizzie and Luke’s frustration and confusion bleeding through. I also didn’t love the real world bits, the horrid bullies or the start of Lizzie and Luke’s relationship - it’s a hard one to get used to really. But when they settle into it and trust each other it’s lovely!

I’m keen to see where this series goes :)
Profile Image for Drew Conger.
13 reviews3 followers
October 9, 2017
Thanks to the @kidlitexchange network for the review copy of this book--all opinions are my own.
Beyond Fear - Stephanie Hanlon - 5 STARS
Have you ever sat down to read a book for fifteen minutes and looked up at the clock an hour later? Have you ever wanted to read all through the night even though you know you have an exam tomorrow morning? For me, this book was Beyond Fear by Stephanie Hanlon. I was gripped from the first line, reading with wide eyes and chewed nails, ever turning pages and never wanting to put the book down.
Every page was filled from margin to margin with descriptions so vivid that I related to beloved characters Lizzie and Lucas instantly, even though I haven’t experienced what they have. These characters are deliciously complex, and they undergo trials that, in the end, make them stronger, more confident, and kinder. Also, the dialogue between Lizzie and Lucas is true of emotional, hot-headed, and confused teenagers, which can be hard to find in this day and age!
The magic woven throughout the pages of Beyond Fear comes out of nowhere and, delightfully, is magic that I’ve never encountered before in all my years of reading. Also, fans of Loki of Asgard will adore the villains - and the feels attached to them! - raging against our heroes.
Beyond Fear by Stephanie Hanlon is stuffed full of beautiful magic, terrifying monsters, slow romances, powerful villains, and deep characters. It finishes off with an ending that simultaneously ties up loose ends and makes you want more!
Profile Image for Tracy.
Author 5 books512 followers
October 13, 2014
This is a well written YA fantasy that hooks you within the first few pages. I found myself easily visualising the events and places in this book and that is something I love when reading. In the early sections of "Beyond Fear", the author depicts the plight of a bullied teen and peer group pressure superbly and I found these scenes moving.

Once the reader embarks on the fantasy section of the book the story gallops along even more. The story offers action, adventure, romance and humour. The cast of characters, the creatures and the construction of the world of Kaimeara are diverse and entertaining from start to finish.

Thoroughly enjoyable!
Profile Image for Claire Heaven.
120 reviews5 followers
February 19, 2018
An age-old concept beautifully delivered. A prophecy, an unwitting savior plagued by self-doubt and inadequacies plunged into a strange land; her only companion her archenemy.
The YA dialogue is passionate and heated without slipping from it's age-appropriateness and a lot of teens will connect with both Lizzie and Lucas. Hanlon paints a fantasy world that is graphic and pure and the characters that dwell in it are rich and magical. The ending left me wanting more!
Profile Image for Stephanie Hanlon.
Author 2 books9 followers
November 15, 2014
Obviously I am biased with the five stars but seeing as I can't give myself a review I've added some from the readers who first read it on Wattpad. A huge thank you for all their support.

Zainaaaaab

OMGGGGGGGGGGGGG STANDING OVATION THAT WAS BEAUTIFUL I CANT STOP CRYING IT JUST TORE MY HEART OUT AND I CANT DO THIS WHAT IS AIR?? !!!! quick missy you better get started on book 2 or else ill turn
into Sam and bully you until you do! I wanted #Lucazzie to happen
oh well book 2 better bring their blossoming relationship!!
Great book, considered publishing??

BlueWinters1820

Its over :'(
I want to read the next one!! This is by far, the best book I have ever read on wattpad!!
I am now a die-hard fan of yours
I read this book as an assignment for a book club and i'm so damn happy that I did!

June_Collins

I can say that amongst all the fantasy books that I have read, this is THE best. Throughout this book, I have been lost in a wonderful adventure! That was such a great ending. I'm glad to
know that Lizzie gave Sam a punch I'm eagerly looking forward for the next installment

SilverOwl102

Thanks so much for writing this! It was great! I finished reading this in about three days. (And possibly it would have taken a shorter amount of time if I could actually sit still.) I really enjoyed the fantasy! Also, Tae better not move in on Lizzie/Lucas ship! Sorry, I am a very passionate fangirl.

TelepathicDiadem

I can't find suitable words to praise this book. I'm in awe, I love this!

JaeDeShonWrites

This. was. EVERYTHING. I can't wait for the sequel! This was really great.



Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews