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Terra Sempre Saga #1
Drawn
Caught between the sweltering fall landscape of Wilmington, NC beaches and southern illusions and expectations, all sixteen year-old Cameron Shade thinks about is art. That, and for Farrah Spangled to view him as more than just a friend. Cameron hopes he can win her heart through art.
After several warm interactions with Farrah, including painting together at the beach, Cameron discovers just how complex Farrah’s life is. Following a tense run-in with Farrah’s father, she forbids Cameron to speak to her again, but Cameron’s convinced there’s more behind the request.
To impress Farrah, Cameron sketches her portrait into a mysterious sketchbook. He nearly jumps from his skin when the sketch moves and communicates with him. Farrah is now in grave danger because the sketch he drew of her sucked her real-life’s soul into the sketchbook. Cameron now has twenty days to extract Farrah. To save her, he must draw himself into the book. If he fails… they both die.
After several warm interactions with Farrah, including painting together at the beach, Cameron discovers just how complex Farrah’s life is. Following a tense run-in with Farrah’s father, she forbids Cameron to speak to her again, but Cameron’s convinced there’s more behind the request.
To impress Farrah, Cameron sketches her portrait into a mysterious sketchbook. He nearly jumps from his skin when the sketch moves and communicates with him. Farrah is now in grave danger because the sketch he drew of her sucked her real-life’s soul into the sketchbook. Cameron now has twenty days to extract Farrah. To save her, he must draw himself into the book. If he fails… they both die.
239 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 5, 2015
2 people are currently reading
1625 people want to read
About the author
Chris Ledbetter
6 books250 followersTHE HIGH COURT (Month9Books 10/16/2018)
THE SKY THRONE (Month9Books 4/18/ 2017)
INKED (Evernight Teen 7/1/16)
DRAWN (Evernight Teen 6/5/15)
Chris Ledbetter is an award-winning author of short fiction and novels for young adults. “Jason’s Quest,” a short story retelling of the Jason and Medea Greek myth was published in the anthology, Greek Myths Revisited, and has over 28,000 views on Wattpad.
His first full-length novel, Drawn earned him two awards, Library of Clean Reads Best YA 2015 and Evernight Publishing Readers’ Choice Award Best YA 2015, as well as a USATODAY “Must Read” recommendation. His second novel, Inked, concludes that duology.
The Sky Throne is his newest young adult series. It includes, thus far, The Sky Throne and The High Court.
He's a proud member of SCBWI (Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators) and a strong supporter of the Need for Diverse Books. He now writes and lives in Wilmington, NC with his family, including three cats.
***
Additional Information:
Chris Ledbetter grew up in Durham, NC before moving to Charlottesville, VA in 11th grade. After high school, he attended Hampton University where he promptly "walked-on" to the best drum line in the CIAA. And, without any prior percussion experience. He carried the bass drum for four years, something his back is not very happy about now.
After a change of heart and major, he enrolled in Old Dominion University and earned his degree in Business Administration. He's worked in various managerial and marketing capacities throughout his life. While teaching high school for six years in Culpeper, VA, he taught business management, business law, marketing, and sports marketing, and also coached football.
As a self-described, young reluctant reader, he writes young adult stories specifically to reach other reluctant readers.
THE SKY THRONE (Month9Books 4/18/ 2017)
INKED (Evernight Teen 7/1/16)
DRAWN (Evernight Teen 6/5/15)
Chris Ledbetter is an award-winning author of short fiction and novels for young adults. “Jason’s Quest,” a short story retelling of the Jason and Medea Greek myth was published in the anthology, Greek Myths Revisited, and has over 28,000 views on Wattpad.
His first full-length novel, Drawn earned him two awards, Library of Clean Reads Best YA 2015 and Evernight Publishing Readers’ Choice Award Best YA 2015, as well as a USATODAY “Must Read” recommendation. His second novel, Inked, concludes that duology.
The Sky Throne is his newest young adult series. It includes, thus far, The Sky Throne and The High Court.
He's a proud member of SCBWI (Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators) and a strong supporter of the Need for Diverse Books. He now writes and lives in Wilmington, NC with his family, including three cats.
***
Additional Information:
Chris Ledbetter grew up in Durham, NC before moving to Charlottesville, VA in 11th grade. After high school, he attended Hampton University where he promptly "walked-on" to the best drum line in the CIAA. And, without any prior percussion experience. He carried the bass drum for four years, something his back is not very happy about now.
After a change of heart and major, he enrolled in Old Dominion University and earned his degree in Business Administration. He's worked in various managerial and marketing capacities throughout his life. While teaching high school for six years in Culpeper, VA, he taught business management, business law, marketing, and sports marketing, and also coached football.
As a self-described, young reluctant reader, he writes young adult stories specifically to reach other reluctant readers.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
July 14, 2015
“Every portrait that is painted with feeling is a portrait of the artist, not of the sitter.”
----Oscar Wilde
Chris Ledbetter, an American YA author, pens an intriguing contemporary YA story, Drawn, that centers around a young artist and his magical sketchbook which finally pulls him into a thrilling adventure to find the girl of his dreams.
Synopsis:
Caught between the sweltering fall landscape of Wilmington, NC beaches and southern illusions and expectations, all sixteen year-old Cameron Shade thinks about is art. That, and for Farrah Spangled to view him as more than just a friend. Cameron longs to win her heart through art.
After several warm interactions with Farrah, including painting together at the beach, Cameron discovers just how complex Farrah’s life is with her boyfriend and her family. Following a tense run-in with Farrah’s father, she forbids Cameron to ever speak to her again, but Cameron’s convinced there’s more behind the request.
To impress Farrah with a last-ditch effort, Cameron sketches her portrait. But the sketchbook he uses hides a dark secret. Farrah’s now in grave danger because the sketch he drew of her siphons her real-life’s soul into the sketchbook. Cameron now has twenty days to extract Farrah. To save her, he must draw himself into the book.
If he fails… they both die.
The story opens with Cameron, who is a 16year old high school student, having a crush on his school newspaper editor, named, Farrah Spangled, who is actually a third year journalism student and her boyfriend is on the football team of the school. But on a family expedition that turned out badly between Cameron and Farrah's father, results Farrah to make a decision to stop talking to him forever at school. Marco Cassisi, is Cameron's artist friend, who after his death leaves a sketchbook for him, that has only one warning to draw things not human life. Frustrated with Farrah's decision, Cameron decides to draw her portrait to make things right between them, unfortunately, his painting comes to life with Farrah's soul forever trapped into the sketch book's magical world, Terra Semper, that leads Cameron to draw his self-portrait to save Farrah. Will he be able to do that? Can he, being an avid gamer, use his gaming skills to go on an unknown adventure to save Farrah?
Okay, honestly, I was sucked into the story right from the very first moment. The writing style of the author is engaging and the plot has been layered with suspense and action to keep the readers on their edges. The prose is fantastic and articulate with a fast pace. The narrative is interesting and catchy layered with mystery as well as emotions and thoroughly intense and funny at times. Then, not to mention about that compelling book cover, that just like the book title, draws into the reader's attention inside the book.
Terra Semper, the magical world inside the sketchbook is strongly and strikingly portrayed by the author. Everything in this mystifying world is run by a stylus and some ink and humans are immortal. The picture drawn by the author of this world with tiniest of tiny details are carefully laid out by the author, thus making the readers connect with the fantasy world. There is also a world based on video games, that the author initially features in the storyline, that reveals it's importance later into the plot when things get bit messy and out of control in that fantasy world.
The characterization is also nice but not brilliant, especially the main ones, Cameron and Farrah. Despite Cameron being a boy, and I, being a female reader, could connect with his problems related to his parents and his wish to be a fantastic artist some day. Cameron is a fun guy who lead the story very well with lots of drama, action and romance. He and his friends from the video games world are perfect fit to the story, as they are all distinct and have something unique from one another another, that lets them stand out. On the other hand, Farrah, I didn't like her that much because at times she annoyed me with her attitude, but in the end, the author represented her as a young girl who braved all the domination from her family and her boyfriend to fulfill her desires. Overall, I must say that the characters are all portrayed with a bit of complexity among them to add depth and interest in their demeanor.
The chemistry is very strong and has been sweetly featured by the author. Farrah and Cameron's romance is filled with passion, desire and lots of cuteness, that makes the readers feel for them, especially through Cameron, to root for the love of his life.
In that strange, magical world, there are lots to hold onto, like the European artists and their paintings which the author have vividly depicted and the rivalry among the artists which makes the world even for interesting.
Verdict: A must-read YA novel of this year.
Courtesy: I received the book from YA Bound Blog Book Tour.
----Oscar Wilde
Chris Ledbetter, an American YA author, pens an intriguing contemporary YA story, Drawn, that centers around a young artist and his magical sketchbook which finally pulls him into a thrilling adventure to find the girl of his dreams.
Synopsis:
Caught between the sweltering fall landscape of Wilmington, NC beaches and southern illusions and expectations, all sixteen year-old Cameron Shade thinks about is art. That, and for Farrah Spangled to view him as more than just a friend. Cameron longs to win her heart through art.
After several warm interactions with Farrah, including painting together at the beach, Cameron discovers just how complex Farrah’s life is with her boyfriend and her family. Following a tense run-in with Farrah’s father, she forbids Cameron to ever speak to her again, but Cameron’s convinced there’s more behind the request.
To impress Farrah with a last-ditch effort, Cameron sketches her portrait. But the sketchbook he uses hides a dark secret. Farrah’s now in grave danger because the sketch he drew of her siphons her real-life’s soul into the sketchbook. Cameron now has twenty days to extract Farrah. To save her, he must draw himself into the book.
If he fails… they both die.
The story opens with Cameron, who is a 16year old high school student, having a crush on his school newspaper editor, named, Farrah Spangled, who is actually a third year journalism student and her boyfriend is on the football team of the school. But on a family expedition that turned out badly between Cameron and Farrah's father, results Farrah to make a decision to stop talking to him forever at school. Marco Cassisi, is Cameron's artist friend, who after his death leaves a sketchbook for him, that has only one warning to draw things not human life. Frustrated with Farrah's decision, Cameron decides to draw her portrait to make things right between them, unfortunately, his painting comes to life with Farrah's soul forever trapped into the sketch book's magical world, Terra Semper, that leads Cameron to draw his self-portrait to save Farrah. Will he be able to do that? Can he, being an avid gamer, use his gaming skills to go on an unknown adventure to save Farrah?
Okay, honestly, I was sucked into the story right from the very first moment. The writing style of the author is engaging and the plot has been layered with suspense and action to keep the readers on their edges. The prose is fantastic and articulate with a fast pace. The narrative is interesting and catchy layered with mystery as well as emotions and thoroughly intense and funny at times. Then, not to mention about that compelling book cover, that just like the book title, draws into the reader's attention inside the book.
Terra Semper, the magical world inside the sketchbook is strongly and strikingly portrayed by the author. Everything in this mystifying world is run by a stylus and some ink and humans are immortal. The picture drawn by the author of this world with tiniest of tiny details are carefully laid out by the author, thus making the readers connect with the fantasy world. There is also a world based on video games, that the author initially features in the storyline, that reveals it's importance later into the plot when things get bit messy and out of control in that fantasy world.
The characterization is also nice but not brilliant, especially the main ones, Cameron and Farrah. Despite Cameron being a boy, and I, being a female reader, could connect with his problems related to his parents and his wish to be a fantastic artist some day. Cameron is a fun guy who lead the story very well with lots of drama, action and romance. He and his friends from the video games world are perfect fit to the story, as they are all distinct and have something unique from one another another, that lets them stand out. On the other hand, Farrah, I didn't like her that much because at times she annoyed me with her attitude, but in the end, the author represented her as a young girl who braved all the domination from her family and her boyfriend to fulfill her desires. Overall, I must say that the characters are all portrayed with a bit of complexity among them to add depth and interest in their demeanor.
The chemistry is very strong and has been sweetly featured by the author. Farrah and Cameron's romance is filled with passion, desire and lots of cuteness, that makes the readers feel for them, especially through Cameron, to root for the love of his life.
In that strange, magical world, there are lots to hold onto, like the European artists and their paintings which the author have vividly depicted and the rivalry among the artists which makes the world even for interesting.
Verdict: A must-read YA novel of this year.
Courtesy: I received the book from YA Bound Blog Book Tour.
December 31, 2014
I was so thankful to be able to read this book directly from the author, Chris Ledbetter. What an intriguing story! Chris is SO good at imagery, and combining three worlds into one--real life, the gaming world, and the world inside the sketch book. What a great debut novel! I can't wait to read more!
February 15, 2015
I've had the opportunity to read this debut novel from Christopher Ledbetter. The pacing is perfect.. I couldn't put it down. The characters were real and relatable.
With such an original concept and mixing elements, the interweaving of real and fantasy worlds in this story is sewn seamlessly.
Ledbetter delivers his original story well. I'm hoping there is a sequel.
With such an original concept and mixing elements, the interweaving of real and fantasy worlds in this story is sewn seamlessly.
Ledbetter delivers his original story well. I'm hoping there is a sequel.
July 28, 2015
I was really intrigued by the cover of Drawn, and that was what made me want to pick it up first. When I started reading, I was immediately sucked into the three different worlds (in a way) that made up this story. The book held my attention from the first page until the last page. It was a little slow in the beginning, but definitely picked up it's pace as the story moved along.
The three different worlds in this book would be the real world, the gaming world, and the sketch book world. I thought it was interesting complex way to write the book, but it worked for me. I was won over by this fantastic world that the author has thought up.
I really enjoyed getting to know Farrah, she had times irritated me with what she said or did, but overall I though she was a really great character. Cameron was also pretty cool, but he was super nice... which don't get me wrong, isn't a bad thing... but I definitely like guys who have a little mystery or intrigue about them. Although, I did think Cameron and Farrah were an awesome couple.
I want to mention that I was very disappointed when I had to put the book down because it was over. I wasn't ready to part from Farrah and Cameron, I wanted to continue reading. For the most part this book was amazing, I just had some issues with the pace and Cameron as a character.
I would definitely recommend this book.
*Note: I received this book free to read in exchange for an honest review.
The three different worlds in this book would be the real world, the gaming world, and the sketch book world. I thought it was interesting complex way to write the book, but it worked for me. I was won over by this fantastic world that the author has thought up.
I really enjoyed getting to know Farrah, she had times irritated me with what she said or did, but overall I though she was a really great character. Cameron was also pretty cool, but he was super nice... which don't get me wrong, isn't a bad thing... but I definitely like guys who have a little mystery or intrigue about them. Although, I did think Cameron and Farrah were an awesome couple.
I want to mention that I was very disappointed when I had to put the book down because it was over. I wasn't ready to part from Farrah and Cameron, I wanted to continue reading. For the most part this book was amazing, I just had some issues with the pace and Cameron as a character.
I would definitely recommend this book.
*Note: I received this book free to read in exchange for an honest review.
August 12, 2015
1 part fantasy, 2 parts hard core high school gamer/artist geek meets the prom queen reality, Drawn is the kind of book that slips seamlessly between these worlds thanks to the incredible talent of this debut author. This young adult novel is gloriously unpredictable and the characters are both at times so real-teenager-like you get aggravated with them (a sign of a well crafted character in my opinion). I do love a novel that starts out one way and then veers off into something unexpected and unique and this book delivers that and more.
Main guy character Cameron has a big time crush and it's written in a wholly relatable way. The object of his affection, Farrah, seems at first to be a typical pretty/popular girl at school but the mark of a great novelist is how he introduces you to one person, then develops that person into someone you really care about. And along the way a whole new world is introduced: Terra Semper--which at first seems to be just in Cameron's highly active imagination but we come to find out is very (very) real and more than a little dangerous.
An amazing and creative tale of love and art--the way Mr. Ledbetter entwines these 2 concepts is beautifully rendered.
I highly recommend this to readers of any age, from teenagers to adults. Move over John Green, there's a new YA talent in town.
Main guy character Cameron has a big time crush and it's written in a wholly relatable way. The object of his affection, Farrah, seems at first to be a typical pretty/popular girl at school but the mark of a great novelist is how he introduces you to one person, then develops that person into someone you really care about. And along the way a whole new world is introduced: Terra Semper--which at first seems to be just in Cameron's highly active imagination but we come to find out is very (very) real and more than a little dangerous.
An amazing and creative tale of love and art--the way Mr. Ledbetter entwines these 2 concepts is beautifully rendered.
I highly recommend this to readers of any age, from teenagers to adults. Move over John Green, there's a new YA talent in town.
June 8, 2015
Cameron is an artist. He has a crush on Farrah. He would like Farrah to be his next portrait subject matter. Farrah would be his Rose to his Jack Dawson from Titanic. Cameron's close friend and artist dies. Yet, he sends Cameron a sketchbook with just one warning to draw things and not people. Cameron does not heed this warning. He draws Farrah's portrait in the book. The most extraordinary thing happens next, her portrait comes alive. She tells Cameron that she resides in another realm called Terra Sempre. Terra Sempre is a form of Hell. If Cameron can not find a way to save Farrah in time than her soul will be lost forever.
At first I was not that excited about this book. Although I did think it had promise. I felt that Cameron was too much of a nice guy and reserved within himself. Farrah did not intrigue me and she made me wonder what Cameron saw in her. Yet, as the story went on and I got to about chapter 15/16, this is when the story really picked up for me and I was than in for the long ride. The way that Cameron and Farrah navigated through Terra Sempre was vivid and not a place that I would want to be stuck in. I like the way the author turned this story into more than just about drawing. Also, there was lots of action in the way that Cameron fought to save Farrah.
At first I was not that excited about this book. Although I did think it had promise. I felt that Cameron was too much of a nice guy and reserved within himself. Farrah did not intrigue me and she made me wonder what Cameron saw in her. Yet, as the story went on and I got to about chapter 15/16, this is when the story really picked up for me and I was than in for the long ride. The way that Cameron and Farrah navigated through Terra Sempre was vivid and not a place that I would want to be stuck in. I like the way the author turned this story into more than just about drawing. Also, there was lots of action in the way that Cameron fought to save Farrah.
July 8, 2015
(
I received this book free from the Author in exchange for my honest review
)
This was a fun read that had me guessing until the very end, but in saying that I have mixed feelings about this read. This book is what I like to call, driving through rush hour. Why? Because there's a lot of fast and slow moments, stop and go.
The beginning sets the stage for our lead, Cameron. For openings, it’s now one of my favourites. It was original, calming, and I felt like I was there with Cameron, watching the waves, and smelling the salt air.
The stories pace is good into those first few chapters. We learn more about Cameron and what his life is like. We meet his crush, Farrah, who is his eyes, can do wrong. She’s already taken, making this “love” a one sided one. I don’t quite know if I like her or not, she wasn’t all that present and all you really get about her is what Cameron thinks and the one, not-so-date, that was sort-of-a-date? It wasn’t enough for me to care about her.
After that point the story takes a bit of a dive, there’s about six pages where he is playing a war type game. I don’t care that he was playing the game, but those six pages were basically a transcript of the game itself. It all honesty it was filler and it didn’t need to be there. One page, maybe two, but not six. I skipped over most of it because it didn’t do anything for the me or plot.
There was a lot of that weird spacing. Especially after the dire situation that left Farrah fighting of her life. The sense of panic, and desperation wasn’t really there at the start, but did pick up towards the end. In truth I felt that it was spaced to far apart or better yet, it was stretched out to make the book longer. The last 30% of the book was fast, there was lots of action, suspense and had my heart pound. It was the true highlight of the book.
I did like Cameron, he does a lot of growing throughout this story. He’s talented and strong in his own right. He owns up to his mistake and takes ownership in that fact. When he was in too deep, he reached out for help knowing the consequences, and knowing that he might get rejected. He knew that in order to fix his mistake, he needed help, even if it might cause him his life.
Though I gotta say, my favourite character was Vittoria. She was mysterious, with a hint of evil. You don’t really know who’s side she’s on until the end. She’s a survivor, strong and cunning. She knows how to play her cards, and knows what to say to get what she wants. In truth, I felt that she was the main female lead. That and I felt like she had more of a connection with Cameron then Farrah.I hate to say it, but I was rooting for her.
The ending was amazing, but in my opinion, the ending could have ended with a twist, something unexpected. Cameron has a choice at the end, and I believe he should have taken the road less traveled. For a spelt second I though he was going to do it, I was biting my nails hoping he would, but that was not the case. In saying all that, the ending was still pretty outstanding and pulled at the heart strings. I had a wicked smile on my face, and it my or may not have looked goofy.
I highly recommend this book. Despite the awkward spacing and my crushed dream for the ending, this story is original and flat out, good. The writing is solid, strong, and the description was exceptional. I felt like I was in that world, both worlds, seeing the bright colours and feeling the sounds. I would to thank Chris Ledbetter for giving me the opportunity to read this one of a kind story.
Happy Reading
-Emily
This was a fun read that had me guessing until the very end, but in saying that I have mixed feelings about this read. This book is what I like to call, driving through rush hour. Why? Because there's a lot of fast and slow moments, stop and go.
The beginning sets the stage for our lead, Cameron. For openings, it’s now one of my favourites. It was original, calming, and I felt like I was there with Cameron, watching the waves, and smelling the salt air.
The stories pace is good into those first few chapters. We learn more about Cameron and what his life is like. We meet his crush, Farrah, who is his eyes, can do wrong. She’s already taken, making this “love” a one sided one. I don’t quite know if I like her or not, she wasn’t all that present and all you really get about her is what Cameron thinks and the one, not-so-date, that was sort-of-a-date? It wasn’t enough for me to care about her.
After that point the story takes a bit of a dive, there’s about six pages where he is playing a war type game. I don’t care that he was playing the game, but those six pages were basically a transcript of the game itself. It all honesty it was filler and it didn’t need to be there. One page, maybe two, but not six. I skipped over most of it because it didn’t do anything for the me or plot.
There was a lot of that weird spacing. Especially after the dire situation that left Farrah fighting of her life. The sense of panic, and desperation wasn’t really there at the start, but did pick up towards the end. In truth I felt that it was spaced to far apart or better yet, it was stretched out to make the book longer. The last 30% of the book was fast, there was lots of action, suspense and had my heart pound. It was the true highlight of the book.
I did like Cameron, he does a lot of growing throughout this story. He’s talented and strong in his own right. He owns up to his mistake and takes ownership in that fact. When he was in too deep, he reached out for help knowing the consequences, and knowing that he might get rejected. He knew that in order to fix his mistake, he needed help, even if it might cause him his life.
Though I gotta say, my favourite character was Vittoria. She was mysterious, with a hint of evil. You don’t really know who’s side she’s on until the end. She’s a survivor, strong and cunning. She knows how to play her cards, and knows what to say to get what she wants. In truth, I felt that she was the main female lead. That and I felt like she had more of a connection with Cameron then Farrah.I hate to say it, but I was rooting for her.
The ending was amazing, but in my opinion, the ending could have ended with a twist, something unexpected. Cameron has a choice at the end, and I believe he should have taken the road less traveled. For a spelt second I though he was going to do it, I was biting my nails hoping he would, but that was not the case. In saying all that, the ending was still pretty outstanding and pulled at the heart strings. I had a wicked smile on my face, and it my or may not have looked goofy.
I highly recommend this book. Despite the awkward spacing and my crushed dream for the ending, this story is original and flat out, good. The writing is solid, strong, and the description was exceptional. I felt like I was in that world, both worlds, seeing the bright colours and feeling the sounds. I would to thank Chris Ledbetter for giving me the opportunity to read this one of a kind story.
Happy Reading
-Emily
June 14, 2015
Author Chris Ledbetter dedicates this book to his “little Smunchkin,” who, like protagonist and narrator Cameron, is an aspiring artist. He further acknowledges his family for supporting him in rounds of writing that took him up past midnight, not to mention critique partners including Heather Petty, beta readers such as Kim Harnes, publisher Evernight Teen, and cover designer Jay Aheer. The main text itself opens with quotes from Leonardo da Vinci and Fernando Pessoa, with the chapters, akin to Terry Pratchett’s Discworld franchise, not being marked or numbered, although fortunately, there are natural breaks within the text proper ensuring that readers won’t have to go through long periods without breaks.
Cameron’s mentions in the beginning that his mother is dead and can’t admire his art, the narrator acknowledging time on Earth is limited, alongside his eighty-year-old Italian friend Marco Cassisi, who owns an art supply store named Bellissima. The protagonist is in some ways a jack of all trades, being an avid gamer with people across the country and writer for his school’s newspaper in addition to his aspirations to become a professional artist one day. The setting is ultimately revealed to be the Carolinas, specifically, while never explicitly stated within the text as far as this reviewer could see, North Carolina, the narrator himself being sixteen and still in high school according to the book’s blurbs.
The main character ultimately experiences a reversal that leads him to bequeath a sketchbook that apparently has some kind of magical power, as images he draws within it magically disappear and/or change, and he eventually discovers a world within the book known as Terra Sempre. He develops a love interest as well in Farrah Spangling, whose life becomes at stake, the key to her survival being in the book’s world. The novel somewhat seems to derive from movies such as Inception and the A-ha music video of “Take on Me,” although it’s still an enjoyable romp, with occasional popular culture references and a satisfying conclusion.
Cameron’s mentions in the beginning that his mother is dead and can’t admire his art, the narrator acknowledging time on Earth is limited, alongside his eighty-year-old Italian friend Marco Cassisi, who owns an art supply store named Bellissima. The protagonist is in some ways a jack of all trades, being an avid gamer with people across the country and writer for his school’s newspaper in addition to his aspirations to become a professional artist one day. The setting is ultimately revealed to be the Carolinas, specifically, while never explicitly stated within the text as far as this reviewer could see, North Carolina, the narrator himself being sixteen and still in high school according to the book’s blurbs.
The main character ultimately experiences a reversal that leads him to bequeath a sketchbook that apparently has some kind of magical power, as images he draws within it magically disappear and/or change, and he eventually discovers a world within the book known as Terra Sempre. He develops a love interest as well in Farrah Spangling, whose life becomes at stake, the key to her survival being in the book’s world. The novel somewhat seems to derive from movies such as Inception and the A-ha music video of “Take on Me,” although it’s still an enjoyable romp, with occasional popular culture references and a satisfying conclusion.
July 19, 2015
We all have had that secret crush in high school from afar. The girl of guy that we secretly wanted. Author Chris brought that high school experience to life on the pages of his book. The sweet interaction with the two teenagers, disapproving fathers, running in different crowds. This what I thought this book would consist of while reading it. It took me a while to get into this book. The author surprised me when he took this tale down a dark path. Very interesting book and the detail of scenery was great. One book I will definitely recommend to a teenager. I really like that the author changed up the youth abilities. Instead of having Cameron into rap music or being an athlete he made him an artist. I enjoyed reading.
Shona Robinson
AAMBC Reviewer
Shona Robinson
AAMBC Reviewer
October 20, 2018
I received this book for free from Xpresso Book Tours in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
The only thing that really kept my attention through Drawn is the involvement of a soul-sucking sketchbook with the potential price of someone's life. Everything else can just go away. (I'm kidding. Oh, and hey! Alliteration! Sweeeeet.)
Plus, the book is about art, and Ledbetter's character brings art to life (literally) with a sketchbook he gets after an art mentor's sudden death. Cameron worships Da Vinci and has a massive crush on a girl named Farrah Spangled in his journalism class. Cameron's crushing from afar would probably be considered bordering on obsessed. For the first 10-20% of the book, Ledbetter focuses a lot on all of Farrah's beauty, grace, and flawlessness, and Cameron's admiration.
If not for the involvement of a soul-sucking sketchbook, I might not have lasted really long. The dark aspect is the light in the dark, but that's just irony playing with me. However, Cameron pining after Farrah bordered on annoyance in the very back of my mind. Lots of grumpy groaning ensues.
Although Ledbetter overplays it, Cameron's pining actually fits in the story nicely as the book continues. After getting the sketchbook, Cameron decides to draw a portrait of Farrah in the hopes of finally winning her over. The fun part now begins. Instead of winning her over, however, Cameron unknowingly puts her life in danger, and it's not until about a week later he finds out just how much risk he has put her in.
To save Farrah, Cameron is told he has to draw himself in the book, which will then allow him to see the real world, and another world where art comes to life with a price: if the person wants to leave the world, they have exactly twenty days to retrieve a Clavis, a device that transfers souls from the art world to the real world.
In the few days Farrah has left, Cameron feels guilty about what he has done to Farrah (although he really meant good intentions) so making a rescue attempt is how Cameron makes amends with himself, even if it means Farrah might not ever forgive him – bye bye to any chances he might have with her. He tries to gather reinforcements to not only help him rescue Farrah, but to lead a revolution in taking down a supposedly tyrannical king in the art world, all in exchange for the Clavis that will get everyone back safely and intact.
I didn't like Drawn as much as I hoped I would, but Ledbetter's novel isn't too shabby – I even feel like there might even be a potential sequel despite the solid ending. It's about art coming to life, a centuries-old feud between two world-famous artists, and a boy's dream of getting the girl he wants. Not a terrible combination.
This review was originally posted on Bookwyrming Thoughts
The only thing that really kept my attention through Drawn is the involvement of a soul-sucking sketchbook with the potential price of someone's life. Everything else can just go away. (I'm kidding. Oh, and hey! Alliteration! Sweeeeet.)
Plus, the book is about art, and Ledbetter's character brings art to life (literally) with a sketchbook he gets after an art mentor's sudden death. Cameron worships Da Vinci and has a massive crush on a girl named Farrah Spangled in his journalism class. Cameron's crushing from afar would probably be considered bordering on obsessed. For the first 10-20% of the book, Ledbetter focuses a lot on all of Farrah's beauty, grace, and flawlessness, and Cameron's admiration.
If not for the involvement of a soul-sucking sketchbook, I might not have lasted really long. The dark aspect is the light in the dark, but that's just irony playing with me. However, Cameron pining after Farrah bordered on annoyance in the very back of my mind. Lots of grumpy groaning ensues.
Although Ledbetter overplays it, Cameron's pining actually fits in the story nicely as the book continues. After getting the sketchbook, Cameron decides to draw a portrait of Farrah in the hopes of finally winning her over. The fun part now begins. Instead of winning her over, however, Cameron unknowingly puts her life in danger, and it's not until about a week later he finds out just how much risk he has put her in.
To save Farrah, Cameron is told he has to draw himself in the book, which will then allow him to see the real world, and another world where art comes to life with a price: if the person wants to leave the world, they have exactly twenty days to retrieve a Clavis, a device that transfers souls from the art world to the real world.
In the few days Farrah has left, Cameron feels guilty about what he has done to Farrah (although he really meant good intentions) so making a rescue attempt is how Cameron makes amends with himself, even if it means Farrah might not ever forgive him – bye bye to any chances he might have with her. He tries to gather reinforcements to not only help him rescue Farrah, but to lead a revolution in taking down a supposedly tyrannical king in the art world, all in exchange for the Clavis that will get everyone back safely and intact.
I didn't like Drawn as much as I hoped I would, but Ledbetter's novel isn't too shabby – I even feel like there might even be a potential sequel despite the solid ending. It's about art coming to life, a centuries-old feud between two world-famous artists, and a boy's dream of getting the girl he wants. Not a terrible combination.
This review was originally posted on Bookwyrming Thoughts
June 17, 2015
In "Drawn" Chris Ledbetter blends fantasy, romance and adventure with the artistic swirl of a pen in the magic pages of an old sketchbook. The story begins at Seaview High School where a sixteen year old talented artist, Cameron Shade has a crush on Farrah Spangled a third year journalism student and editor of the newspaper whose boyfriend is a football jock. In emotional turmoil after a painting excursion and with a complicated family life , Farah hurts Cameron with her decision to stop speaking to him at school.
After the death of his friend and art teacher Marco Cassisi, Cameron is willed an ancient book; the pages blank and a cryptic note inside advising him to draw things not people. Frustrated with Farrah's thoughtlessness Cameron throws caution to the wind and sketches her picture on a blank page in the book. When the girl in the portrait comes alive and he realizes Farrah's soul is in danger an adventure begins that has Cameron drawing a self-portrait so he can enter the unreality of Terra Semper. Enlisting the aid of his gaming teammates he knows he only has twenty days to reclaim her before she becomes a part of the Italian Renaissance landscape forever.
The story is fast-paced, quickly heating up in intensity and suspense when Echo the personification of Farrah disappears and Alphateam- Cameron (aka Whiplash), Goulash and Reaper- join forces to return her soul to the real world. With detailed description Chris Ledbetter weaves a surreal and imaginative setting where Immortalibus and Imitatus - sketched images - become real and sustain their likeness after drinking a concoction of ink. In a roller coaster of twists and turns the action never stops , keeping the reader enthralled from the first page to the last. In this innovative and magical tale the sense of loss, hopelessness and mounting violence is diluted by the romance, friendship and self-sacrifice of its engaging and complex characters.
Cameron Shade haunted by the loss of his mother and art teacher is often " drunk on sadness" and guilt-ridden especially after Farrah becomes ill. He's a gifted artist, talented gamer, dependable and empathetic. In contrast his friend Jameson Scott is a friendly, sarcastic, but loyal friend while Chace Scott is a rich, conceited, self-absorbed and controlling jock. Farrah Spangled is the confused and angry object of Cameron's affections. Although she cares for him, her life is dominated by her boyfriend and her family's interests. All these characters add passion, power and drama to a captivating and innovative story.
I thoroughly enjoyed "Drawn" by Chris Ledbetter a novel that's reminiscent of Amanda Sun's book "Ink" with its artistic drawings that come alive . It's well-worth reading.
After the death of his friend and art teacher Marco Cassisi, Cameron is willed an ancient book; the pages blank and a cryptic note inside advising him to draw things not people. Frustrated with Farrah's thoughtlessness Cameron throws caution to the wind and sketches her picture on a blank page in the book. When the girl in the portrait comes alive and he realizes Farrah's soul is in danger an adventure begins that has Cameron drawing a self-portrait so he can enter the unreality of Terra Semper. Enlisting the aid of his gaming teammates he knows he only has twenty days to reclaim her before she becomes a part of the Italian Renaissance landscape forever.
The story is fast-paced, quickly heating up in intensity and suspense when Echo the personification of Farrah disappears and Alphateam- Cameron (aka Whiplash), Goulash and Reaper- join forces to return her soul to the real world. With detailed description Chris Ledbetter weaves a surreal and imaginative setting where Immortalibus and Imitatus - sketched images - become real and sustain their likeness after drinking a concoction of ink. In a roller coaster of twists and turns the action never stops , keeping the reader enthralled from the first page to the last. In this innovative and magical tale the sense of loss, hopelessness and mounting violence is diluted by the romance, friendship and self-sacrifice of its engaging and complex characters.
Cameron Shade haunted by the loss of his mother and art teacher is often " drunk on sadness" and guilt-ridden especially after Farrah becomes ill. He's a gifted artist, talented gamer, dependable and empathetic. In contrast his friend Jameson Scott is a friendly, sarcastic, but loyal friend while Chace Scott is a rich, conceited, self-absorbed and controlling jock. Farrah Spangled is the confused and angry object of Cameron's affections. Although she cares for him, her life is dominated by her boyfriend and her family's interests. All these characters add passion, power and drama to a captivating and innovative story.
I thoroughly enjoyed "Drawn" by Chris Ledbetter a novel that's reminiscent of Amanda Sun's book "Ink" with its artistic drawings that come alive . It's well-worth reading.
June 11, 2015
Chris Ledbetter in his new book, “Drawn” published by Evernight Teen introduces us to Cameron Shade.
From the back cover: Caught between the sweltering fall landscape of Wilmington, NC beaches and southern illusions and expectations, all sixteen year-old Cameron Shade thinks about is art. That, and for Farrah Spangled to view him as more than just a friend. Cameron longs to win her heart through art.
After several warm interactions with Farrah, including painting together at the beach, Cameron discovers just how complex Farrah’s life is with her boyfriend and her family. Following a tense run-in with Farrah’s father, she forbids Cameron to ever speak to her again, but Cameron’s convinced there’s more behind the request.
To impress Farrah with a last-ditch effort, Cameron sketches her portrait. But the sketchbook he uses hides a dark secret. Farrah’s now in grave danger because the sketch he drew of her siphons her real-life’s soul into the sketchbook. Cameron now has twenty days to extract Farrah. To save her, he must draw himself into the book.
If he fails… they both die.
I think “Drawn” is an original concept. Cameron is given a sketchbook with the proviso not to draw people. However Cameron has such a crush on Farrah that he draws her in the book. This is when the story really takes off. Her life force is being drawn into the world of the sketchbook which is Terra Sempre. Now the only way to rescue her from being trapped in there forever is to go there himself. Cameron and Farrah are clever characters that will make you want to root for them to win and their romance to grow. The action and suspense will keep you flipping pages trying to find out what happens next. And the good news is there is a sequel coming.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Italy Book Tours. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
From the back cover: Caught between the sweltering fall landscape of Wilmington, NC beaches and southern illusions and expectations, all sixteen year-old Cameron Shade thinks about is art. That, and for Farrah Spangled to view him as more than just a friend. Cameron longs to win her heart through art.
After several warm interactions with Farrah, including painting together at the beach, Cameron discovers just how complex Farrah’s life is with her boyfriend and her family. Following a tense run-in with Farrah’s father, she forbids Cameron to ever speak to her again, but Cameron’s convinced there’s more behind the request.
To impress Farrah with a last-ditch effort, Cameron sketches her portrait. But the sketchbook he uses hides a dark secret. Farrah’s now in grave danger because the sketch he drew of her siphons her real-life’s soul into the sketchbook. Cameron now has twenty days to extract Farrah. To save her, he must draw himself into the book.
If he fails… they both die.
I think “Drawn” is an original concept. Cameron is given a sketchbook with the proviso not to draw people. However Cameron has such a crush on Farrah that he draws her in the book. This is when the story really takes off. Her life force is being drawn into the world of the sketchbook which is Terra Sempre. Now the only way to rescue her from being trapped in there forever is to go there himself. Cameron and Farrah are clever characters that will make you want to root for them to win and their romance to grow. The action and suspense will keep you flipping pages trying to find out what happens next. And the good news is there is a sequel coming.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Italy Book Tours. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
November 25, 2015
In Drawn, by Chris Ledbetter, Cameron has a crush on Farrah. The main problem is that she already has a boyfriend…and she can never seem to remember his name. Hoping to secure her admiration, Cameron sketches her portrait on an ancient-looking sketchbook he inherited from his art mentor, a book that contains obvious warnings not to sketch people in it. Cameron’s world turns upside down when the drawing blinks and smiles up at him.
I have heard of books about people’s drawings coming to life in which the sketches walk around in the real worl. But Drawn takes the idea to a different dimension by making all things drawn into the book come to life in an entire world contained within the book. It was intriguing to learn about this new world in which everything is possible with a stylus and some ink and where humans live immortal lives.
Cameron had a team he played video games with. At first, I wondered why the author was spending so much time on their friendships. But the novel soon revealed that even that friendship played a role in Cameron’s fight to bring Farrah back to the real world.
I enjoyed the appearance of several famous artists in Drawn. It made me smile to see their rivalry. The appearance of mythical creatures was also interesting. It demonstrated the unending possibilities of the world within the sketchbook.
One thing in Cameron and Farrah’s relationship made me wonder. They spent some time apart in which Farrah learns that it is Cameron’s fault she is in danger. Then, when they meet again, they are both very determined never to be separated and to date no matter what. What changed? They were not able to communicate yet Farrah is willing to risk all to be with the one who put her in danger then rescued her from it? Perhaps it is just me, but it did not entirely make sense.
Overall, Drawn is a good story. I would read it again if need be.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I have heard of books about people’s drawings coming to life in which the sketches walk around in the real worl. But Drawn takes the idea to a different dimension by making all things drawn into the book come to life in an entire world contained within the book. It was intriguing to learn about this new world in which everything is possible with a stylus and some ink and where humans live immortal lives.
Cameron had a team he played video games with. At first, I wondered why the author was spending so much time on their friendships. But the novel soon revealed that even that friendship played a role in Cameron’s fight to bring Farrah back to the real world.
I enjoyed the appearance of several famous artists in Drawn. It made me smile to see their rivalry. The appearance of mythical creatures was also interesting. It demonstrated the unending possibilities of the world within the sketchbook.
One thing in Cameron and Farrah’s relationship made me wonder. They spent some time apart in which Farrah learns that it is Cameron’s fault she is in danger. Then, when they meet again, they are both very determined never to be separated and to date no matter what. What changed? They were not able to communicate yet Farrah is willing to risk all to be with the one who put her in danger then rescued her from it? Perhaps it is just me, but it did not entirely make sense.
Overall, Drawn is a good story. I would read it again if need be.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
June 16, 2015
I don’t read an awful lot of teen fiction, but when I do, I only enjoy it if the premise is original and daring and grabs me from the get-go.
Let’s just say, I enjoyed this book!
Chris Ledbetter has done something few have done, and that is to write a teenaged boy with whom I, as a woman (and once, a teenaged girl) can relate. I felt for Cameron, I felt for him deeply, and was able to sink into his emotions and passion for art quite effortlessly. Farrah wasn’t quite so well, ahem, drawn as Cameron, but as she was not the main character, only the focus for Cameron’s growing affections, this was understandable – she was attractive, but as a reader I knew little about her, which was pitched very well, as Cameron didn’t really know all that much about her beyond the basics and his attraction for her.
The premise for the story was cleverly thought out and written with a light touch that lifted it above the ordinary – a heavier hand would have thrown everything out of balance and crushed the plot entirely. Its an unusual take on a Pygmalian-type of fantasy, where an artist brings his work of art to life, and falls in love with her, only Cameron is already falling for Farrah before he creates her Echo.
There was a tinge of sadness about the tale too – Ledbetter doesn’t shy away from the darker and more upsetting trials of teen and family life, and the complications inherent in relationships, whether familial, platonic, or romantic – and that’s refreshing. Yet, it never becomes maudlin – that lightness of touch and tone keeps things buoyant and ensures the reader doesn’t sink into depression while turning the pages. It’s a fine line, but Ledbetter walks it well.
Even if you don’t read young adult/teen fiction, don’t discount this book – it’s worth the effort and may just change your mind!
Reviewed as part of blog tour.
Let’s just say, I enjoyed this book!
Chris Ledbetter has done something few have done, and that is to write a teenaged boy with whom I, as a woman (and once, a teenaged girl) can relate. I felt for Cameron, I felt for him deeply, and was able to sink into his emotions and passion for art quite effortlessly. Farrah wasn’t quite so well, ahem, drawn as Cameron, but as she was not the main character, only the focus for Cameron’s growing affections, this was understandable – she was attractive, but as a reader I knew little about her, which was pitched very well, as Cameron didn’t really know all that much about her beyond the basics and his attraction for her.
The premise for the story was cleverly thought out and written with a light touch that lifted it above the ordinary – a heavier hand would have thrown everything out of balance and crushed the plot entirely. Its an unusual take on a Pygmalian-type of fantasy, where an artist brings his work of art to life, and falls in love with her, only Cameron is already falling for Farrah before he creates her Echo.
There was a tinge of sadness about the tale too – Ledbetter doesn’t shy away from the darker and more upsetting trials of teen and family life, and the complications inherent in relationships, whether familial, platonic, or romantic – and that’s refreshing. Yet, it never becomes maudlin – that lightness of touch and tone keeps things buoyant and ensures the reader doesn’t sink into depression while turning the pages. It’s a fine line, but Ledbetter walks it well.
Even if you don’t read young adult/teen fiction, don’t discount this book – it’s worth the effort and may just change your mind!
Reviewed as part of blog tour.
July 25, 2015
I’m pretty sure that when you begin reading Drawn, you are immediately taken back to your high school years. The years of competition, class schedules, sports and first loves. Or the possibility of just wanting to know how to get to know someone a little bit more and see where it goes from there. Such is the case for Cameron. He finds that Farrah has caught his eye and truly hopes that just maybe she will be interested as well. Sharing the same Journalism/Newspaper course provides Cameron with the opportunity to showcase his artistic abilities and empress Farrah, the head of the newspaper.
Just when Cameron believes that things may be going his way for the better, there is a huge turn of events in the novel. No longer is Cameron looking at Farrah as just a friend, but now a friend that is in danger and only he has the power to save her from that great danger she is now in. A power that is lead by the stroke of Cameron’s pen on paper.
Originality, is the first word that comes to mind with this debut young adult novel. I never saw what was coming, until it hit me and there was no question that I had to continue on to see where Mr. Ledbetter was taking his readers. The major change of events and twists throughout the novel create a powerhouse atmosphere of adventure. Great character development and descriptions, along with the vibrant description of the over setting throughout the novel brings the storyline to life through a full circle of excitement. Readers are in for a treat with the mixture of realistic fiction and fantasy all twisted into one. It will surely be hard to put it down once you get started. Drawn. Be careful that you aren’t drawn in too deeply with no way of getting out.
Just when Cameron believes that things may be going his way for the better, there is a huge turn of events in the novel. No longer is Cameron looking at Farrah as just a friend, but now a friend that is in danger and only he has the power to save her from that great danger she is now in. A power that is lead by the stroke of Cameron’s pen on paper.
Originality, is the first word that comes to mind with this debut young adult novel. I never saw what was coming, until it hit me and there was no question that I had to continue on to see where Mr. Ledbetter was taking his readers. The major change of events and twists throughout the novel create a powerhouse atmosphere of adventure. Great character development and descriptions, along with the vibrant description of the over setting throughout the novel brings the storyline to life through a full circle of excitement. Readers are in for a treat with the mixture of realistic fiction and fantasy all twisted into one. It will surely be hard to put it down once you get started. Drawn. Be careful that you aren’t drawn in too deeply with no way of getting out.
December 4, 2015
I received an eARC via Xpresso Book Tours in exchange for an honest review. I made no guarantee of favorable review and the opinions expressed here are my own.
As I read this beautifully written story I kept finding myself smiling especially when Cameron would think whimsical thoughts about Farrah as it took me back to my days in high school and when Mr. Cassisi would speak of his late wife it pulled at my heart. This was a fast paced intriguing fantasy that kept me guessing until the very end and I loved the vivid characters and stunning world building.
Two of my personal favorite quotes from this book are:
"The greatest deceit this life delivers is the belief that you have time."
"You must infuse the portrait with passion. Then and only then will she come alive on the page."
Chris Ledbetter has a poetic way with words and I look forward to reading more of his work. You simply don't want to miss out reading this original tale.
As I read this beautifully written story I kept finding myself smiling especially when Cameron would think whimsical thoughts about Farrah as it took me back to my days in high school and when Mr. Cassisi would speak of his late wife it pulled at my heart. This was a fast paced intriguing fantasy that kept me guessing until the very end and I loved the vivid characters and stunning world building.
Two of my personal favorite quotes from this book are:
"The greatest deceit this life delivers is the belief that you have time."
"You must infuse the portrait with passion. Then and only then will she come alive on the page."
Chris Ledbetter has a poetic way with words and I look forward to reading more of his work. You simply don't want to miss out reading this original tale.
March 2, 2016
High school student Cameron has a passion for art. Next to that, he’s very interested in Farrah, a girl who already has a boyfriend and whose father doesn’t like him. When Cameron’s mentor and friend, Mr. Cassisi, passes away, Cameron inherits a sketchbook. He’s not supposed to draw humans in this book, but he draws Farrah, and the unbelievable happens. Farrah becomes alive on paper because she now exists in an alternate reality, a magical world named “Terra Sempre.” As she resides there, the real Farrah becomes sicker and sicker. Her soul is drawn into Terra Sempre, so her body fails her. Cameron needs to draw himself into this world and fight a battle to save her life. It was jarring seeing characters in the hospital as they led another existence elsewhere. This is an exquisite fantasy with amazing emotional layers. I also loved all the art and world building.
May 30, 2015
Cameron loves art. It is his life. Wanting to attract the attention of Farrah. He decides to draw her portrait. Even though she already has a boyfriend. Cameron think is he can create the portrait lifelike he will win her. When he tries starts drawing Farrah's portrait in the sketchbook. Strange things start to happen. First the picture starts comes alive and start talking to him. When it puts Farrah life in danger Cameron has to find out how to save her.
Loved Cameron, he was such a sweet complex character. He was mature for a sixteen year old. Kept his head under pressure and he is what really made the story. The story moves along at a steady pace. The two worlds flow seamlessly throughout the book. Wonderful world of reality and fantasy.
Reviewer for Paranormal Romance and Authors That Rock
Loved Cameron, he was such a sweet complex character. He was mature for a sixteen year old. Kept his head under pressure and he is what really made the story. The story moves along at a steady pace. The two worlds flow seamlessly throughout the book. Wonderful world of reality and fantasy.
Reviewer for Paranormal Romance and Authors That Rock
June 2, 2015
Original, engaging and fast paced.
This book is amazing! The plot is unique, I enjoyed how the Author was able to entwine two worlds in such a magisterial way. the characters are very complex and credible, Cameron is, by far, the most interesting.
The story is fast paced, it grabs you since page one, full of witty dialogues, twists and turns and romance!
I read somewhere, that Drawn is the first YA book of this Author, Wow! Congratulations, because it's a master piece!!!
Highly Recommended for YA/Sci Fi/Romance readers
*I received a Free copy in exchange for an Honest Review*
This book is amazing! The plot is unique, I enjoyed how the Author was able to entwine two worlds in such a magisterial way. the characters are very complex and credible, Cameron is, by far, the most interesting.
The story is fast paced, it grabs you since page one, full of witty dialogues, twists and turns and romance!
I read somewhere, that Drawn is the first YA book of this Author, Wow! Congratulations, because it's a master piece!!!
Highly Recommended for YA/Sci Fi/Romance readers
*I received a Free copy in exchange for an Honest Review*
Want to read
March 14, 2015Can't wait to read this! Read a little piece before pub and it was wonderful! : )
March 5, 2015
Loved this book! Once I started reading, I couldn't put it down.
July 17, 2015
DRAWN by Chris Ledbetter is easily one of the best YA reads I've had the pleasure of reading this year! I'm not going to go on and on about what the story is about ...you can read the blurb. What I want to go on and on about are the characters, the world, and intense relationships created by Mr. Ledbetter. It's been a long time since I've read anything that has captivated me like DRAWN did.
Most of the time when I peruse for a book to read, I try to pick put something that I think will have great characters. I've given up on originality a long time ago. Not in a defeatist kind of way, but everything that could've been done, has. Or has it? Well, well, well...Once I started reading DRAWN, the realization that everything that could've been done, has, was shot down in the flip of a page. I found myself ... mistaken. For once there was a prophecy that once in every thousand years, a reluctant reader would rise from the piles of books and emerge with the destiny to find something original, something that's never been done before. The readers task is one filled with great peril, immense loss at all the hours spent reading to have not ever found the "one." But, wait... after searching far and wide, fighting trolls and battling to save planet earth...the reader emerges a victor. For in her hand is a book, the book, the one. And it's name is DRAWN!
Mr. Ledbetter creates such a unique world brimming with vivid characters that jump right off the page. One of the main things that I loved about DRAWN are the voices of the characters. I could hear them. They were so real. Cameron, to me, is the first teenage voice that I've read that actually sounded like a teenager. Him playing video games, him talking with his friends, him agonizing over Farrah, the loss of his mother and art mentor... Oh, swoon, swoon, swoon. He was so real. Something authors get away from in this genre is the voice of a teenager. Mr. Ledbetter nailed it. I could easily picture my nephew (he's approaching 16) go from being completely captivated and immersed in his video game, to being reminded of the girl he's agonizing over. I loved that Cameron voiced confusion concerning some female characteristics and traits. Some of the things that Farrah did, didn't make sense to him and I loved that Cameron was honest about that instead of falling all over her and loving everything about her which equates to just loving a girl for what they look like. It added depth to the relationship. Made it so much more believable and interesting.
DRAWN is filled with art. Something I love. Something Cameron loves. I love that it's a huge theme in this book.
Farrah...I loved her equally. Mr. Ledbetter did justice to her character. I could easily empathize with her dilemma. She's torn between family and obligation and what the reader can see is a desire to let it all go and be with Cameron. I appreciated her struggles. The obstacles laying between her and Cameron only made for a read that was that much more intense.
The secondary characters were just as important. It is easy to see that Mr. Ledbetter is skilled at his craft. The world building was amazing (wait until you read about Terra Sempre).
These characters stole my heart! I loved everything about DRAWN. Oh, and I need to mention that the cover...oh the cover! You'll totally drool that much more for it after you've completed DRAWN. I don't think I've seen a cover better suited to a book than DRAWN. I did read somewhere that the cover artist (talented Jay Aheer) used 12 different photos as well as an actual painting drawn specifically for this title to create the cover. And it is stunning!
To sum DRAWN up... it was amazing, stunning, fresh, original, swoon-worthy, unique, with a story and plot that will keep you flipping the pages. If you're looking for that book that will pull you out of the reading slump... look no further. DRAWN has arrived to save you!
Most of the time when I peruse for a book to read, I try to pick put something that I think will have great characters. I've given up on originality a long time ago. Not in a defeatist kind of way, but everything that could've been done, has. Or has it? Well, well, well...Once I started reading DRAWN, the realization that everything that could've been done, has, was shot down in the flip of a page. I found myself ... mistaken. For once there was a prophecy that once in every thousand years, a reluctant reader would rise from the piles of books and emerge with the destiny to find something original, something that's never been done before. The readers task is one filled with great peril, immense loss at all the hours spent reading to have not ever found the "one." But, wait... after searching far and wide, fighting trolls and battling to save planet earth...the reader emerges a victor. For in her hand is a book, the book, the one. And it's name is DRAWN!
Mr. Ledbetter creates such a unique world brimming with vivid characters that jump right off the page. One of the main things that I loved about DRAWN are the voices of the characters. I could hear them. They were so real. Cameron, to me, is the first teenage voice that I've read that actually sounded like a teenager. Him playing video games, him talking with his friends, him agonizing over Farrah, the loss of his mother and art mentor... Oh, swoon, swoon, swoon. He was so real. Something authors get away from in this genre is the voice of a teenager. Mr. Ledbetter nailed it. I could easily picture my nephew (he's approaching 16) go from being completely captivated and immersed in his video game, to being reminded of the girl he's agonizing over. I loved that Cameron voiced confusion concerning some female characteristics and traits. Some of the things that Farrah did, didn't make sense to him and I loved that Cameron was honest about that instead of falling all over her and loving everything about her which equates to just loving a girl for what they look like. It added depth to the relationship. Made it so much more believable and interesting.
DRAWN is filled with art. Something I love. Something Cameron loves. I love that it's a huge theme in this book.
Farrah...I loved her equally. Mr. Ledbetter did justice to her character. I could easily empathize with her dilemma. She's torn between family and obligation and what the reader can see is a desire to let it all go and be with Cameron. I appreciated her struggles. The obstacles laying between her and Cameron only made for a read that was that much more intense.
The secondary characters were just as important. It is easy to see that Mr. Ledbetter is skilled at his craft. The world building was amazing (wait until you read about Terra Sempre).
These characters stole my heart! I loved everything about DRAWN. Oh, and I need to mention that the cover...oh the cover! You'll totally drool that much more for it after you've completed DRAWN. I don't think I've seen a cover better suited to a book than DRAWN. I did read somewhere that the cover artist (talented Jay Aheer) used 12 different photos as well as an actual painting drawn specifically for this title to create the cover. And it is stunning!
To sum DRAWN up... it was amazing, stunning, fresh, original, swoon-worthy, unique, with a story and plot that will keep you flipping the pages. If you're looking for that book that will pull you out of the reading slump... look no further. DRAWN has arrived to save you!
July 2, 2015
I was itching to read a good YA novel that was different and entertaining. Drawn by Chris Ledbetter was just that and more! Ledbetter was able to write a contemporary fiction novel with fantasy elements taken from and mixed with the art world. Picture A-ha's 1985's innovative music video of Take On Me, with its mix of real-life and pencil-sketch animated characters. That was so cool! And in turn I found Drawn to be just as unique and different from any YA book I've read. In many ways, this novel took me back to my high school years, when I first fell in love and drawing was one of my hobbies.
Cameron has a crush on Farrah. He also likes to draw, is an avid gamer and is your average teen boy. Seems pretty typical one might think, but it's not. Cameron also lost his mom to cancer a year ago, has a close relationship with his Dad and has an old Italian artist as his mentor. This is a kid who is still hurting and drawing helps him cope. When he is given an old sketch book and decides to draw Farrah in it, everything changes. Farrah comes alive in the sketch and Cameron discovers she's now part of Terra Sempre, a Renaissance world drawn somewhere beyond the pages of the sketchbook. And if he doesn't get her out, the Farrah in his world will die.
What an imaginative world! With a unique plot, believable characters, and a story line that flows quickly from page one, Drawn takes you on an adventure that will make you happily escape into a world of art and Italian history. I was hooked from the very beginning. Cameron is a great character. I liked him very much and wondered how he was going to get out of his predicament. The story is never predictable, but a fun and fast read. I also liked that Cameron is African-American and Ledbetter adds diversity in his novel by including an interracial romantic relationship which is lacking in today's teen novels.
Drawn has a satisfying ending but it did leave room for a sequel. When I asked the author about this, I was thrilled to find out that he is currently working on the second book. Of course, I simply can't wait to read it! Drawn has made it on my list of best YA novels read in 2015. I look forward to revisiting Terra Sempre and escaping into what I consider a "very cool" novel.
Cameron has a crush on Farrah. He also likes to draw, is an avid gamer and is your average teen boy. Seems pretty typical one might think, but it's not. Cameron also lost his mom to cancer a year ago, has a close relationship with his Dad and has an old Italian artist as his mentor. This is a kid who is still hurting and drawing helps him cope. When he is given an old sketch book and decides to draw Farrah in it, everything changes. Farrah comes alive in the sketch and Cameron discovers she's now part of Terra Sempre, a Renaissance world drawn somewhere beyond the pages of the sketchbook. And if he doesn't get her out, the Farrah in his world will die.
What an imaginative world! With a unique plot, believable characters, and a story line that flows quickly from page one, Drawn takes you on an adventure that will make you happily escape into a world of art and Italian history. I was hooked from the very beginning. Cameron is a great character. I liked him very much and wondered how he was going to get out of his predicament. The story is never predictable, but a fun and fast read. I also liked that Cameron is African-American and Ledbetter adds diversity in his novel by including an interracial romantic relationship which is lacking in today's teen novels.
Drawn has a satisfying ending but it did leave room for a sequel. When I asked the author about this, I was thrilled to find out that he is currently working on the second book. Of course, I simply can't wait to read it! Drawn has made it on my list of best YA novels read in 2015. I look forward to revisiting Terra Sempre and escaping into what I consider a "very cool" novel.
July 20, 2015
Did you ever wonder what it would be like to be a character in a book? Literally?
Cameron, your typical geekish teenage boy, is an aspiring artist. His mentor, 80 year old Mr. Cassisi, encourages Cameron to pursue his dream of not only becoming an artist but to pursue the girl he loves. Upon Cassisi’s death, Cameron receives a leather bound sketch book with strict instructions to “draw things” and not “people”.
Cameron is feeling dejected because Farrah, a girl he has a crush on in his journalism class doesn’t want him as a boyfriend. He feels that, if he can’t be with her, then the next best thing would be to draw her in his new sketchbook. What he doesn’t expect to see is “Farrah’s” image start to move and come to life on the very pages he just sketched. The story becomes more complicated when another girl, who Cameron hasn’t sketched also turns up next to “Farrah” or “Echo” as Cameron calls her and tells him that Echo is in danger unless he joins them in the book.
The plot is fairly action packed with unexpected plots and twists. The storyline does drag a bit every now and then but the action does pick up with the addition of new, unexpected characters. The characters were believable and the ending is quite exciting!
This book would be great for both teen boys and girls as Cameron’s love of gaming is featured throughout. A fun read!
Cameron, your typical geekish teenage boy, is an aspiring artist. His mentor, 80 year old Mr. Cassisi, encourages Cameron to pursue his dream of not only becoming an artist but to pursue the girl he loves. Upon Cassisi’s death, Cameron receives a leather bound sketch book with strict instructions to “draw things” and not “people”.
Cameron is feeling dejected because Farrah, a girl he has a crush on in his journalism class doesn’t want him as a boyfriend. He feels that, if he can’t be with her, then the next best thing would be to draw her in his new sketchbook. What he doesn’t expect to see is “Farrah’s” image start to move and come to life on the very pages he just sketched. The story becomes more complicated when another girl, who Cameron hasn’t sketched also turns up next to “Farrah” or “Echo” as Cameron calls her and tells him that Echo is in danger unless he joins them in the book.
The plot is fairly action packed with unexpected plots and twists. The storyline does drag a bit every now and then but the action does pick up with the addition of new, unexpected characters. The characters were believable and the ending is quite exciting!
This book would be great for both teen boys and girls as Cameron’s love of gaming is featured throughout. A fun read!
February 4, 2016
The cover is pretty and to be honest kind of original. And also seemed the book after I read the synopsis. And also it has great ratings. So, I was expecting to be at least a good one and I hoped that I will have a good time. Had I? No!
I'm so tired of trying books that have huge ratins and praising, and I'm just disappointed and staying here looking at the pages and feeling like an idiot. Because I don't expect the book to blow me away, I don't expect to have a revelation while reading it. But I wan't to not be bored and I tired even though I read just 50 pages, I don't want to punch the characters in the face hopefully they'll be more alive and not just some unidimensional walking cliches that we see in thousands of others books and movies. I'm tired of a plot that I can see unraveling from a mile and it is also so boringly told. I'm tired of a wooden writing style that makes me shove my face through the window... And I'm standing here wondering it is just me?
It's my fault? Am I derranged? How all these people love this book and for me it was so boring? I wanted to like the art part, the love story, the friendship, something!
DNF
I'm so tired of praised books that are so bad. And I'm so tired of writing bad reviews but apparently this is life, and my luck to be hit in the face with bad books.
I'm so tired of trying books that have huge ratins and praising, and I'm just disappointed and staying here looking at the pages and feeling like an idiot. Because I don't expect the book to blow me away, I don't expect to have a revelation while reading it. But I wan't to not be bored and I tired even though I read just 50 pages, I don't want to punch the characters in the face hopefully they'll be more alive and not just some unidimensional walking cliches that we see in thousands of others books and movies. I'm tired of a plot that I can see unraveling from a mile and it is also so boringly told. I'm tired of a wooden writing style that makes me shove my face through the window... And I'm standing here wondering it is just me?
It's my fault? Am I derranged? How all these people love this book and for me it was so boring? I wanted to like the art part, the love story, the friendship, something!
DNF
I'm so tired of praised books that are so bad. And I'm so tired of writing bad reviews but apparently this is life, and my luck to be hit in the face with bad books.
November 30, 2015
*I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*
We begin this imaginative read with a young man named Cameron. He has recently lost a lot and he finds solace with art. Farrah is another light that Cameron looks forward to seeing. His crush on Farrah does seem a bit much to me, but this leads him to do some pretty risky things. When Cameron's artist role model passes he is given a sketchbook that makes the sketches come alive more than figuratively. This magical sketchbook can be more than a curse when it harms the people's likeness. It's going to take a lot to right the wrongs and bring everything back to normal for everyone! In this sketchbook danger lies around every corner, and people may not be who they seem. Who are your friends? Who are really your 'enemies'? I loved being sucked into this story (thankfully not literally)! There were tons of imagery that lit your senses abuzz! I admired how Cameron's friends bonded together to help him in his time of need; otherwise, he would have gone down in flames. I do wish there were more to the ending, though. I will probably read more from this author! I definitely recommend this book to those who love art, YA, tons of imagery, adventure, and more than a little danger.
We begin this imaginative read with a young man named Cameron. He has recently lost a lot and he finds solace with art. Farrah is another light that Cameron looks forward to seeing. His crush on Farrah does seem a bit much to me, but this leads him to do some pretty risky things. When Cameron's artist role model passes he is given a sketchbook that makes the sketches come alive more than figuratively. This magical sketchbook can be more than a curse when it harms the people's likeness. It's going to take a lot to right the wrongs and bring everything back to normal for everyone! In this sketchbook danger lies around every corner, and people may not be who they seem. Who are your friends? Who are really your 'enemies'? I loved being sucked into this story (thankfully not literally)! There were tons of imagery that lit your senses abuzz! I admired how Cameron's friends bonded together to help him in his time of need; otherwise, he would have gone down in flames. I do wish there were more to the ending, though. I will probably read more from this author! I definitely recommend this book to those who love art, YA, tons of imagery, adventure, and more than a little danger.
July 29, 2015
My favorite book of my summer reading list! A taste of young love, art, adventure, Italy, and gaming madness. A new kind of story that connects the regular life of a teen to a world of mystery and danger. I love the main character's passion for drawing and his fascination with his mad crush, Farrah. Readers can relate to the first time we felt moved by the presence of another person who made our heart smile. Ledbetter brings all those feelings and thoughts to life on his pages with lines like, "tingles sprinkle through me like confectioners sugar over pastries". Hearing Cameron's thoughts about Farrah took me right back to high school and the innocence of those times. I'm sure many young adults will enjoy this novel because they will be able to relate to the characters and they will get their worlds rocked with an epic battle in a world like no other.
September 25, 2015
“A sigh pulls through me.” This is just one example of beautiful writing in Chris Ledbetter’s “Drawn”. Chris effortlessly guides the reader through a roller coaster ride of emotions and some laugh out loud moments that had me grinning far too late in the night. I fell in love with Cameron right away and he’s the type of guy I would love to read more about. He’s crazy about Farrah and I loved how he put himself out there to get her attention. The whole premise of this book is completely different from anything I’ve read, actually, and every page turn held me in rapture for what was coming next.
Overall I give this book a 5 star rating in the all the categories: romance, adventure and fun.
Overall I give this book a 5 star rating in the all the categories: romance, adventure and fun.
September 19, 2015
Drawn is a beautifully written novel about love and survival in a totally foreign universe, the world where art and character drawings live.
The details the author describes blew me away.
When the main character, Cameron, accidentally sends the essence of a girl he admires to the world of art, he draws himself into it to rescue her. The clock is ticking. If he doesn't find her soon, her essence will remain in the art world forever while her human body in this world, dies.
It's an amazing story full of action and intrigue.
The details the author describes blew me away.
When the main character, Cameron, accidentally sends the essence of a girl he admires to the world of art, he draws himself into it to rescue her. The clock is ticking. If he doesn't find her soon, her essence will remain in the art world forever while her human body in this world, dies.
It's an amazing story full of action and intrigue.
September 9, 2015
I totally want one of these sketchbooks that make things come to life…er, on second thought, maybe I don’t. Not after seeing what the main character went through. LOL I really liked the action and snappy (funny!) dialogue in this book. The pace and storyline kept me reading, and the alternate world was fascinating. If you want a light, fun book with lots of action and unpredictability (especially in the last half of the book), give DRAWN a read!
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