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Naliyah
Lenora Scheid can tell you much of human nature. After more than a century of traveling from warzone to warzone, she has experienced more than she can handle of mankind’s thirst for blood and power.
She cannot, however, tell you what she is.
Not exactly human, but not precisely vampire either, Lenora’s whole life has been spent under the watchful eye of her father. With only her dreams of a mysterious blue‐eyed man as company, she has little choice but to follow her father across the world despite his refusal to help her understand
what she is.
As Lenora reaches the end of her tolerance with their life of travel and death, she comes face to face with her blue‐eyed man and everything changes.
Can this man save her from a life of brutality? Or will the secrets kept from her for so long destroy them both?
She cannot, however, tell you what she is.
Not exactly human, but not precisely vampire either, Lenora’s whole life has been spent under the watchful eye of her father. With only her dreams of a mysterious blue‐eyed man as company, she has little choice but to follow her father across the world despite his refusal to help her understand
what she is.
As Lenora reaches the end of her tolerance with their life of travel and death, she comes face to face with her blue‐eyed man and everything changes.
Can this man save her from a life of brutality? Or will the secrets kept from her for so long destroy them both?
197 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 1, 2014
11 people are currently reading
463 people want to read
About the author
Shauna Kelley
7 books44 followersShauna Kelley was born in Silver Spring, Maryland to two very young, encouraging, and idealistic parents. She has been writing stories and poems since the third grade, and wrote the initial draft of a shorter version of Max and Menna while in high school. She attended Goucher College, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in English with a Creative Writing concentration.
Kelley currently resides in Baltimore, Maryland, with a mangy, 10-year-old Jack Russell that will always be known as her puppy. Her favorite pastimes include exploring Baltimore, watching Paranormal State or True Blood, and cooking decedent desserts. She reads voraciously, is an avid lover of action and horror films, and can’t live without Joe’s Squared pizza or Chiyo Sushi.
Kelley welcomes comments, feedback, and questions from her readers. Find her online:
Email: mmshaunakelley@yahoo.com
Twitter: shaunak101
Blog: http://mmshaunakelley.blogspot.com/
Kelley currently resides in Baltimore, Maryland, with a mangy, 10-year-old Jack Russell that will always be known as her puppy. Her favorite pastimes include exploring Baltimore, watching Paranormal State or True Blood, and cooking decedent desserts. She reads voraciously, is an avid lover of action and horror films, and can’t live without Joe’s Squared pizza or Chiyo Sushi.
Kelley welcomes comments, feedback, and questions from her readers. Find her online:
Email: mmshaunakelley@yahoo.com
Twitter: shaunak101
Blog: http://mmshaunakelley.blogspot.com/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
March 12, 2018
The author via Booktasters provided a copy of the PDF in exchange for an honest review.
Shauna Kelly’s Young Adult Paranormal Naliyah is a truly original read. Lenora has been living under the watchful control of her father. Over time they have continued to move and have never settled for long in one place. Lenora has so many questions and desperately wants answers. Who is she? What is she? Human? Vampire? When she finally makes a meaningful connection, she is hopeful that her many questions will be answered. This character-driven novel is a page-turner with many shocking twists and turns. As secrets are revealed the story unfolds and the reader will be drawn into Lenora’s world. Looking forward to the sequel in the series.
Shauna Kelly’s Young Adult Paranormal Naliyah is a truly original read. Lenora has been living under the watchful control of her father. Over time they have continued to move and have never settled for long in one place. Lenora has so many questions and desperately wants answers. Who is she? What is she? Human? Vampire? When she finally makes a meaningful connection, she is hopeful that her many questions will be answered. This character-driven novel is a page-turner with many shocking twists and turns. As secrets are revealed the story unfolds and the reader will be drawn into Lenora’s world. Looking forward to the sequel in the series.
October 24, 2014
Lenora Scheid has spent most of her life on the move and struggling to remember details. Her father isn't much help, and they seem to up and move every time she gets close to figuring out who--or what--she is.
Still, he's all she's every had, and she has to trust him. Then, she makes a friend. Someone who wants Lenora to break free. But Lenora's attempts at a life lead to tragedy. In answer, her father uproots them again. Finally, she crosses paths with a man she's known only in her dreams. Are the answers she craves far behind? Will she be able to live with what she learns.
I love Shauna Kelley's work! She crafts amazing characters with deep flaws but great strength.
Lenora is one of those great characters. She is more mature than a normal young person, thanks to life events and extenuating circumstances, but she clutches to youthful beliefs--like trusting her father and following him past her own gut. Yet, she grows and begins to question. When faced with uncertain influences on her journey to answers, she continues to become stronger--putting more emphasis on her gut than her past.
And she's not the only great character. There are several, including her father, who were captivating, but I could never quite decide whose side they were on. Was the father protecting her or using her for his own purposes? What about the blue-eyed man? Since this is the first book in a series, I was left with more questions than answers, but I couldn't put it down.
Plus, the spin on what Lenora is really appealed to me. Her gifts are unlike any I've ever read before, and I'm quite intrigued to see where this story goes.
Highly imaginative, captivating, and rich in characters and story. A must read!
Note: I served as a beta reader. A positive review was not requested, and the opinions expressed are my own.
Still, he's all she's every had, and she has to trust him. Then, she makes a friend. Someone who wants Lenora to break free. But Lenora's attempts at a life lead to tragedy. In answer, her father uproots them again. Finally, she crosses paths with a man she's known only in her dreams. Are the answers she craves far behind? Will she be able to live with what she learns.
I love Shauna Kelley's work! She crafts amazing characters with deep flaws but great strength.
Lenora is one of those great characters. She is more mature than a normal young person, thanks to life events and extenuating circumstances, but she clutches to youthful beliefs--like trusting her father and following him past her own gut. Yet, she grows and begins to question. When faced with uncertain influences on her journey to answers, she continues to become stronger--putting more emphasis on her gut than her past.
And she's not the only great character. There are several, including her father, who were captivating, but I could never quite decide whose side they were on. Was the father protecting her or using her for his own purposes? What about the blue-eyed man? Since this is the first book in a series, I was left with more questions than answers, but I couldn't put it down.
Plus, the spin on what Lenora is really appealed to me. Her gifts are unlike any I've ever read before, and I'm quite intrigued to see where this story goes.
Highly imaginative, captivating, and rich in characters and story. A must read!
Note: I served as a beta reader. A positive review was not requested, and the opinions expressed are my own.
October 27, 2014
Not quite human, but diseased with the need to drink blood in order to survive Lenora and her father have roamed the world for centuries. Following wars, conflicts and plagues Lenora and her father feed on the blood of the dying and witness the worst of humanity. Lenora is kept in the dark to the particulars of her condition, she knows nothing of the history, culture or needs of her people or why she has been having dreams of a particular boy with haunting blue eyes. When a need for a break from death brings Lenora and her father to Ireland, Lenora is brought face to face with the boy from her dreams and her father turns violent.
A new twist on vampires with a distinctive plot, conflict and characters. Lenora is particularly intriguing, her condition being kept secret from her until a certain age and not even being able to remember several decades of her childhood. I felt strongly for her character, especially with the subject of her naliyah, or soul mate. The conflict within the book was also surprising, it was not a battle between the creatures and humans, and in most cases the death that they brought was welcome, but an internal struggle within Lenora, her family and the rest of her kind. Though Lenora and her naliyah, Micheal are instantly thrown together the romance is perfectly sweet and not without a lot of danger. I'm really interested in where this will go next.
This book was received for free in return for an honest review.
A new twist on vampires with a distinctive plot, conflict and characters. Lenora is particularly intriguing, her condition being kept secret from her until a certain age and not even being able to remember several decades of her childhood. I felt strongly for her character, especially with the subject of her naliyah, or soul mate. The conflict within the book was also surprising, it was not a battle between the creatures and humans, and in most cases the death that they brought was welcome, but an internal struggle within Lenora, her family and the rest of her kind. Though Lenora and her naliyah, Micheal are instantly thrown together the romance is perfectly sweet and not without a lot of danger. I'm really interested in where this will go next.
This book was received for free in return for an honest review.
October 16, 2014
5 fangs
Lenora is an unusually creature. Not vampire and not human, but a mix of the two. She travels with her father and is under his watchful eye the whole time, so she can’t grow to be an independent girl. She tries to find friendship, but her father doesn’t find it suitable for her. As she grows she continues to have a dream about a blue eyed stranger that she longs to meet. Unfortunately she never stays in one war thrashed town long enough to seek him out, but one day they run into each other. Will she be saved? Can she escape the endless war stricken towns she’s grown use to?
I absolutely loved this book. I found it fascinating and intriguing. I tried to rack my brain on what she could be, and also why she was kept close to her father’s watchful eye. Lenora made me smile with her innocents. Her father kind of reminded me of the strict father who never let their children play with others and locked them away to study. I loved the beginning with the imaginary pirates.
YA/fantasy. Absolutely recommend
Reviewer for Paranormal romance and authors that rock and Shauna Kelley.
Lenora is an unusually creature. Not vampire and not human, but a mix of the two. She travels with her father and is under his watchful eye the whole time, so she can’t grow to be an independent girl. She tries to find friendship, but her father doesn’t find it suitable for her. As she grows she continues to have a dream about a blue eyed stranger that she longs to meet. Unfortunately she never stays in one war thrashed town long enough to seek him out, but one day they run into each other. Will she be saved? Can she escape the endless war stricken towns she’s grown use to?
I absolutely loved this book. I found it fascinating and intriguing. I tried to rack my brain on what she could be, and also why she was kept close to her father’s watchful eye. Lenora made me smile with her innocents. Her father kind of reminded me of the strict father who never let their children play with others and locked them away to study. I loved the beginning with the imaginary pirates.
YA/fantasy. Absolutely recommend
Reviewer for Paranormal romance and authors that rock and Shauna Kelley.
September 30, 2016
I have to admit, Naliyah is the first YA/ Fantasy book that I actually liked reading. I expected something on the lines of Twilight, but this was different. Thankfully, there were no vampires involved per se. I liked Lenora from the beginning- her initial innocence, the burning need in her heart to find out who she really was, faded glimpses of her mother...I could really feel her. A little girl named Annie, who befriends the lonely Lenora in the beginning was my favourite- she was so bubbly and full of unquenchable enthusiasm. Lenora's father was a dark enigma- for me, atleast. The concept of soulmates was intriguing, and so were Lenora's haphazard dreams.
The only downside was that the book ended with a question mark...can't wait to read the next books in the series!
All in all, it was a good read and I would definitely recommend it to anyone who loves fantasy but isn't hungering for vampires.
The only downside was that the book ended with a question mark...can't wait to read the next books in the series!
All in all, it was a good read and I would definitely recommend it to anyone who loves fantasy but isn't hungering for vampires.
January 17, 2017
A good fast read
Well, its been ages I read of blood sucking creatures,but this plot intrigued me. And the author kept up the suspense till the very end. Quite imaginative and wonderful character build . The story was well thought of.Good flow,s one lovely moments. I read this book in less than 2 days.. enjoyed this one and started next too
Well, its been ages I read of blood sucking creatures,but this plot intrigued me. And the author kept up the suspense till the very end. Quite imaginative and wonderful character build . The story was well thought of.Good flow,s one lovely moments. I read this book in less than 2 days.. enjoyed this one and started next too
August 12, 2017
I received this e-book free from the author in exchange of an honest review.
I was actually surprised at how quickly I read this book. I was somewhat over the vampire romance phase of books but Naliyah was different. Shauna Kelley brings the life of Lenora into such different perspective than that of a normal vampire.
Lenora is a young girl when we first meet her in Baltimore. She is residing in a small cottage with her father, an older lady and a young girl named Annie. Quickly befriend by Annie, Lenora ventures out into the night with Annie in what seems to be a spy mission-esque search for the killer that has been making his or her round in Baltimore. After coming down with a mysterious illness and a tragic turn of events, Lenora is then off to Africa with her father. During this time Lenora is slowly learning what this disease she has is but not before taking the life of her friend in Africa.
Jump into 2010 Where we are reintroduced to Lenora as a young woman. Her father is still as overprotective as ever and she is in Ireland. Here, she now knows what she is and the reason behind why her skins turns a purplish hue if she stays too long in the sun. She is also introduced to Michael, A fine young man who seems all too familiar to Lenora. A relationship begins to bloom but Michael doesn’t know that Lenora needs human blood in order to survive – until her overbearing protecting father takes Michael to catch her n the act. Lenora’s life spirals from there. Beginning with a detour to Portland to figure out who the she in a letter is to finding out that she along with her father are not the last of her kind including other devastating and eye-opening confessions that leave Lenora wondering what her father’s plans really are.
As she learns some moves and tricks, she also learns what a Naliyah is – her chosen partner. She is also warned that although rare a Naliyah can be human. However, because it cannot work out, she is told that human Naliyahs are killed before the vampires can give in to their desire. Lenora is in a time crunch to not only save Michael from being killed but from also stopping her father’s destructive plans of making a more powerful pure form of vampires that once existed. Can Lenora save Michael from every vampire willing to get him.? Can she ultimately stop her father and live past the lies he has told her, her entire life? Can she face the person she once knew was dead by her father when that person arrives to her doorstep? Many of these questions lead us to a great cliffhanger that makes you want to know more.
I rated Naliyah 4 out of 5 starts because although there was great plot and place development, I was looking more character development from Michael, Lenora and her father Gabriel. We jump from the early 1900’s in Africa to 2010 in Ireland. Lenora’s introduction to Michael was great but I sometimes felt that the relationship was a bit rushed. Granted they have somehow known each other their entire lives because they saw each other in their dreams, I want to learn more about who Michael and Lenora are. I will note that this is the first book of Shauna Kelley’s and this character development could possibly occur in the next book, but a little more in the first book would have made a little more sense to the plot. I did enjoy finding out who Gabriel as a character was. He is seen as an overprotective and possibly abusive father, but we are then introduced to an even more sinister man. A liar, and a vampire more destructive and powerful than anyone could imagine.
Overall, this book was a good read. I finished it within 4 hours which tells that something about it couldn’t keep me away. I would recommend anyone who has an interest for a different perspective on vampire romance mixed with some sinister secrets to grad a copy of this book.
I was actually surprised at how quickly I read this book. I was somewhat over the vampire romance phase of books but Naliyah was different. Shauna Kelley brings the life of Lenora into such different perspective than that of a normal vampire.
Lenora is a young girl when we first meet her in Baltimore. She is residing in a small cottage with her father, an older lady and a young girl named Annie. Quickly befriend by Annie, Lenora ventures out into the night with Annie in what seems to be a spy mission-esque search for the killer that has been making his or her round in Baltimore. After coming down with a mysterious illness and a tragic turn of events, Lenora is then off to Africa with her father. During this time Lenora is slowly learning what this disease she has is but not before taking the life of her friend in Africa.
Jump into 2010 Where we are reintroduced to Lenora as a young woman. Her father is still as overprotective as ever and she is in Ireland. Here, she now knows what she is and the reason behind why her skins turns a purplish hue if she stays too long in the sun. She is also introduced to Michael, A fine young man who seems all too familiar to Lenora. A relationship begins to bloom but Michael doesn’t know that Lenora needs human blood in order to survive – until her overbearing protecting father takes Michael to catch her n the act. Lenora’s life spirals from there. Beginning with a detour to Portland to figure out who the she in a letter is to finding out that she along with her father are not the last of her kind including other devastating and eye-opening confessions that leave Lenora wondering what her father’s plans really are.
As she learns some moves and tricks, she also learns what a Naliyah is – her chosen partner. She is also warned that although rare a Naliyah can be human. However, because it cannot work out, she is told that human Naliyahs are killed before the vampires can give in to their desire. Lenora is in a time crunch to not only save Michael from being killed but from also stopping her father’s destructive plans of making a more powerful pure form of vampires that once existed. Can Lenora save Michael from every vampire willing to get him.? Can she ultimately stop her father and live past the lies he has told her, her entire life? Can she face the person she once knew was dead by her father when that person arrives to her doorstep? Many of these questions lead us to a great cliffhanger that makes you want to know more.
I rated Naliyah 4 out of 5 starts because although there was great plot and place development, I was looking more character development from Michael, Lenora and her father Gabriel. We jump from the early 1900’s in Africa to 2010 in Ireland. Lenora’s introduction to Michael was great but I sometimes felt that the relationship was a bit rushed. Granted they have somehow known each other their entire lives because they saw each other in their dreams, I want to learn more about who Michael and Lenora are. I will note that this is the first book of Shauna Kelley’s and this character development could possibly occur in the next book, but a little more in the first book would have made a little more sense to the plot. I did enjoy finding out who Gabriel as a character was. He is seen as an overprotective and possibly abusive father, but we are then introduced to an even more sinister man. A liar, and a vampire more destructive and powerful than anyone could imagine.
Overall, this book was a good read. I finished it within 4 hours which tells that something about it couldn’t keep me away. I would recommend anyone who has an interest for a different perspective on vampire romance mixed with some sinister secrets to grad a copy of this book.
June 26, 2019
Naliyah is a new take on an old myth. The main character finds out she has a disease which makes her need blood to live. With longevity and a strange sun sensitivity, the classic nod to Stoker is there with this author’s own creative flair.
What happens when you find out you’re a vampire in the worst way possible? The young female protagonist travels the word with her father, using the cover of war to hide their feeding. Sheltering and hiding the depth of who and what they are, the father comes across first as any other overprotective parent, but is it more than that? Lenora does what most girls her age do, she falls in love, with a human. Forbidden romance. Secrets shrouded in lies and ignorance. Can Lenora trust the strange woman who promises to reveal all? This tale does have it all!
There are many vampire series in the publishing word. Still, this well written and expertly proofread novel is great example of how new life can be infused into a paranormal staple. Descriptive prose and genuine emotion leap off the page and pull the reader into the mind of the main character. Who’s good and who’s evil is up for grabs still even as the book comes to an end. By the last page the reader is invested in the story, and I found myself needing to see what happens next.
I did feel the story was a little slow, slightly erratic at the beginning, and a little short. I wanted more body and fullness to the character development. The parts I really liked best, which moved the story along, seemed a but rushed.
All in all, if you like vampires, forbidden love, and family drama, then this novel is for you. The novel earns a plate mail rating from me, that’s 4 out of 5 stars. (See my blog post Don’t Attack the Sundae’ for the inspiration of my own rating system.) I truly look forward to the next novel in the series.
What happens when you find out you’re a vampire in the worst way possible? The young female protagonist travels the word with her father, using the cover of war to hide their feeding. Sheltering and hiding the depth of who and what they are, the father comes across first as any other overprotective parent, but is it more than that? Lenora does what most girls her age do, she falls in love, with a human. Forbidden romance. Secrets shrouded in lies and ignorance. Can Lenora trust the strange woman who promises to reveal all? This tale does have it all!
There are many vampire series in the publishing word. Still, this well written and expertly proofread novel is great example of how new life can be infused into a paranormal staple. Descriptive prose and genuine emotion leap off the page and pull the reader into the mind of the main character. Who’s good and who’s evil is up for grabs still even as the book comes to an end. By the last page the reader is invested in the story, and I found myself needing to see what happens next.
I did feel the story was a little slow, slightly erratic at the beginning, and a little short. I wanted more body and fullness to the character development. The parts I really liked best, which moved the story along, seemed a but rushed.
All in all, if you like vampires, forbidden love, and family drama, then this novel is for you. The novel earns a plate mail rating from me, that’s 4 out of 5 stars. (See my blog post Don’t Attack the Sundae’ for the inspiration of my own rating system.) I truly look forward to the next novel in the series.
July 28, 2019
Thank you book tasters and author! The author provided a PDF copy of the book in exchange for a book review:
This was my favorite Shauna Kelley book. I don't say that lightly as I have already read 3 of her books this month (Don't Wake Up, Max & Menna and Listening In and Other Stories) and all of those other books have earned a 5 star review. If I could, I'd rate this a 10 star.
I liked this book most of all because of its fantasy element and it didn't have so much of a depressing mood like the other books. Although it did have the same elements, the fantasy aspect of it all didn't make me get into the sad mood like her other books, so I felt that to be a nice change.
Let me just start off by saying LOL she ran OFF to find this woman in oregon, instead of running off with the love of her life. SHE HAD THE CHANCE. She missed it. Well, good thing because then we wouldn't have the story that developed after that.
I thought to myself, UGH not another vampire book. But the spin Shauna puts into the vampire story makes it worth the read.
I typically hate romance in novels, but I was glad that the romance involved didn't make me puke.
I would have loved to have learned more about her dad, the guy was completely mysterious and his plan for world domination would have made more sense if I had just a bit more of his back story to discover more about him.
I found myself thinking if what she did at the end of the book, was really true to her beta personality. Running off like that and befriending a group of equally sketchy people like her dad and trust them completely.
I love cliff hangers. I really hope to get the chance to continue reading the next book in the Vetala Chronicles. I needed to know more about her mom and if Lenora will end up having to kill everyone in order to be with the love of her life.
This was my favorite Shauna Kelley book. I don't say that lightly as I have already read 3 of her books this month (Don't Wake Up, Max & Menna and Listening In and Other Stories) and all of those other books have earned a 5 star review. If I could, I'd rate this a 10 star.
I liked this book most of all because of its fantasy element and it didn't have so much of a depressing mood like the other books. Although it did have the same elements, the fantasy aspect of it all didn't make me get into the sad mood like her other books, so I felt that to be a nice change.
Let me just start off by saying LOL she ran OFF to find this woman in oregon, instead of running off with the love of her life. SHE HAD THE CHANCE. She missed it. Well, good thing because then we wouldn't have the story that developed after that.
I thought to myself, UGH not another vampire book. But the spin Shauna puts into the vampire story makes it worth the read.
I typically hate romance in novels, but I was glad that the romance involved didn't make me puke.
I would have loved to have learned more about her dad, the guy was completely mysterious and his plan for world domination would have made more sense if I had just a bit more of his back story to discover more about him.
I found myself thinking if what she did at the end of the book, was really true to her beta personality. Running off like that and befriending a group of equally sketchy people like her dad and trust them completely.
I love cliff hangers. I really hope to get the chance to continue reading the next book in the Vetala Chronicles. I needed to know more about her mom and if Lenora will end up having to kill everyone in order to be with the love of her life.
May 8, 2017
Naliyah in Book One in The Vetala Chronicles.
“He had given her our actual names, which puzzled me. Normally new places meant new names, and new stories”.
Meet Lenora Scheid, and her oppressive father, who are forced to move from place to place for centuries in order to avoid their secret being discovered.
“And so my father granted me a reprieve in the form of a holiday in Ireland”.
Once in Ireland on their travels, Lenora goes against her fathers wishes and manipulations when she meets Michael, the literal man of her dreams. Lenora has been dreaming of a blue eyed man and quickly falls for Michael, who just so happens to be human.
This is a quick read with a twisting and intriguing plot. I am a fan of vampire books but I like that this is different to most out there. The characters are not your “average” vampires (minus living for hundreds of years and surviving off human blood of course!) but they are very relatable and could be any person off the street.
“That boy,” he spat, “is not worth quickening your hunger like this”.
Because this a young adult book, I couldn't help but compare the story to Twilight, but I am happy to report that Naliyah is a more mature vampire story and higher quality. I also liked the mystery surrounding Lenora's past.
“Then I better kiss you good bye,” he said, leaning over me with his normal grin”.
This is a beautiful, well written forbidden love story, with interesting and well developed characters with a very strong plot. It was very endearing to see the relationship form, and see Michael show Lenora things from the human world such as Disney and Star Wars!
Thank you to Booktasters and Shauna Kelley for the copy of this book in return for an honest review, I can't wait for Book Two!
“He had given her our actual names, which puzzled me. Normally new places meant new names, and new stories”.
Meet Lenora Scheid, and her oppressive father, who are forced to move from place to place for centuries in order to avoid their secret being discovered.
“And so my father granted me a reprieve in the form of a holiday in Ireland”.
Once in Ireland on their travels, Lenora goes against her fathers wishes and manipulations when she meets Michael, the literal man of her dreams. Lenora has been dreaming of a blue eyed man and quickly falls for Michael, who just so happens to be human.
This is a quick read with a twisting and intriguing plot. I am a fan of vampire books but I like that this is different to most out there. The characters are not your “average” vampires (minus living for hundreds of years and surviving off human blood of course!) but they are very relatable and could be any person off the street.
“That boy,” he spat, “is not worth quickening your hunger like this”.
Because this a young adult book, I couldn't help but compare the story to Twilight, but I am happy to report that Naliyah is a more mature vampire story and higher quality. I also liked the mystery surrounding Lenora's past.
“Then I better kiss you good bye,” he said, leaning over me with his normal grin”.
This is a beautiful, well written forbidden love story, with interesting and well developed characters with a very strong plot. It was very endearing to see the relationship form, and see Michael show Lenora things from the human world such as Disney and Star Wars!
Thank you to Booktasters and Shauna Kelley for the copy of this book in return for an honest review, I can't wait for Book Two!
October 14, 2017
"We must eat to live, and this is the choice we make to keep ourselves from turning into monsters."
Four stars.
Hauntingly well-written, this tale of forbidden romance and a young (century old sort-of vampire) girl's journey of self-discovery was a very enjoyable read.
Lenora has so many questions. Questions that her father will only give her half-answers to. And that left me with questions of my own, that were only answered when the author wanted them to be, and even then, with those answers came more questions!
'Naliyah' kept me interested from the first page to the last, even though this is a genre that I wouldn't normally pick from the shelves at a book store.
Who is the man in her dreams? Who is the woman in her dreams? Why does her father keep disappearing on 'errands'? Why doesn't he just tell her about who she is? Even when she meets Michael, these questions persist.
My only problem with this book, is the time she spends with Michael at first. To me, it felt a little... dredged. Forced, somehow. Clichéd.
BUT I persevered. And I'm glad I did, because the book regained its original form fairly quickly, and once again, I was hooked.
A very enjoyable read, with only my earlier gripe to knock it off the 5 stars spot.
I look forward to book two!
L.
Four stars.
Hauntingly well-written, this tale of forbidden romance and a young (century old sort-of vampire) girl's journey of self-discovery was a very enjoyable read.
Lenora has so many questions. Questions that her father will only give her half-answers to. And that left me with questions of my own, that were only answered when the author wanted them to be, and even then, with those answers came more questions!
'Naliyah' kept me interested from the first page to the last, even though this is a genre that I wouldn't normally pick from the shelves at a book store.
Who is the man in her dreams? Who is the woman in her dreams? Why does her father keep disappearing on 'errands'? Why doesn't he just tell her about who she is? Even when she meets Michael, these questions persist.
My only problem with this book, is the time she spends with Michael at first. To me, it felt a little... dredged. Forced, somehow. Clichéd.
BUT I persevered. And I'm glad I did, because the book regained its original form fairly quickly, and once again, I was hooked.
A very enjoyable read, with only my earlier gripe to knock it off the 5 stars spot.
I look forward to book two!
L.
April 10, 2018
This was an interesting read, as it was unlike any of the other books I have read recently. A YA book full of original and imaginative ideas, it tells the story of Lenora, a girl who travels around the world with her father, who conceals her true nature from her. Meanwhile, she dreams every night of man with blue eyes, and once they actually meet, the reality of Lenora's life becomes clear, with potentially painful consequences.
The book takes some unexpected turns, especially in terms of the violence that is depicted. Lenora is a thoughtful and high-spirited character, and her growth is clear as the story progresses.
For me, the book could flow a little better, and the relationships that develop between the characters could be expanded upon slightly better. I also noticed some spelling and grammatical errors, especially in the later chapters, which was a slight shame. Then again, I was reading it from a PDF file.
But overall, a very decent read with a lot of impressive ideas and originality.
*I received a copy from the author in return for an honest review*
The book takes some unexpected turns, especially in terms of the violence that is depicted. Lenora is a thoughtful and high-spirited character, and her growth is clear as the story progresses.
For me, the book could flow a little better, and the relationships that develop between the characters could be expanded upon slightly better. I also noticed some spelling and grammatical errors, especially in the later chapters, which was a slight shame. Then again, I was reading it from a PDF file.
But overall, a very decent read with a lot of impressive ideas and originality.
*I received a copy from the author in return for an honest review*
May 8, 2017
Nayliyah is the story of Leonora Schied, a world traveler who's only companion is her father. They never stay in one place too long and her past is a mystery. She discovers in a heartbreaking way, that she's not a normal girl. She's not quite human. She's "infected" with a disease where only blood cures her hunger and prolonged exposure to daylight weakens her. Vampire?
I really enjoyed this story. The plot and characters are well developed. The author did a great job detailing Leonora's heartache and frustrations. It's a refreshing twist on the vampire meets human love story as well. I like the mystery of Leonora's past. I'm anxious to read what happens next. I definitely recommend this book.
I really enjoyed this story. The plot and characters are well developed. The author did a great job detailing Leonora's heartache and frustrations. It's a refreshing twist on the vampire meets human love story as well. I like the mystery of Leonora's past. I'm anxious to read what happens next. I definitely recommend this book.
November 29, 2017
I really liked this book, and I really liked this story. It's an interesting twist on "vampires" and I haven't seen it before, which is refreshing. It is well written with a great voice, and if you're a fan of fantasy, you'll like it. My dislikes boil down to "technicalities." There were a good bit of typos--not so much that it made it unreadable, but enough to notice and to cause confusion at some points. Occasionally the pacing was a bit off, but nothing too terrible. My biggest complaint is the length. It's on the short side, especially for a fantasy book. There were several places where I thought there could have been more. I'm definitely interested enough to want to read the second book! And hopefully it will be longer.
May 9, 2019
Not quite human, not exactly a vampire, Lenore Is completely dependent upon her father Gabriel for everything, including information about who - and what - she is, but Gabriel only reveals what he wants her to know and takes her to places where and when humanity is at its worst so they can feed on the dying. What she doesn’t know could kill her and anyone she cares for, especially those closest to her. In this gripping tale, Shauna Kelley, author of the collection Listening In and Other Stories, takes the reader on a journey of suspense, love, and betrayal in the first of the Naliyah series. A quick-paced read with twists and an ending that leaves the reader eager for the next book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 17, 2019
This story was brilliant so much so I read it in less than a day I couldn't put t Down it was so captivating. The journey of Lenora was fascinating, her thoughts, friendships, feelings, and quest to find the truth draws you in you can't help but want more to continue reading to delve deeper. The only flaw with this book is that it came to an end I didn't want to get to the final page (plus side there is a second book yay) this story has everything included mystery to thrilling, horror to love and loyalty and IT IS FIERCE unpredictability at its best, I loved this story so I'm off to get the second one...... bravo to Shauna excellent read
February 13, 2018
Absolutely brilliant
Absolutely brilliant book with a really captivating story that kept me hanging on right until the end. The characters are also likable and the suspense adventure historical parts and fantasy elements combined to make a perfect match I would highly recommend this book and I cannot wait to start the next I hope to see many more books by this author I liked that the book had the historical elements to it I liked the flower of the storyline and really found myself connecting with the main characters all in all absolutely brilliant
Absolutely brilliant book with a really captivating story that kept me hanging on right until the end. The characters are also likable and the suspense adventure historical parts and fantasy elements combined to make a perfect match I would highly recommend this book and I cannot wait to start the next I hope to see many more books by this author I liked that the book had the historical elements to it I liked the flower of the storyline and really found myself connecting with the main characters all in all absolutely brilliant
July 31, 2018
I put off reading this book, and I'm truly sorry that I waited as long as I did. Once I started reading I couldn't stop. Literally a page turner. The characters intriguing. The story moved at a fast pace, though easy to keep up with. This first book has piqued my curiosity. I have to keep going, keep reading to find out where the story takes me next. Bravo well done Mrs. Kelley bravo.
April 7, 2019
Naliyah is a coming of age novel with a supernatural twist. It is very well written allowing you to discover just what it is that makes Lenora so special right along with Lenora herself. Join her as she searches for the man of her literal dreams! This book had me on the edge of my seat almost the entire time!
May 16, 2019
Lenora spend much of her child hood moving from place to place with limited contact because she was under her fathers control. He seems to be looking for clues to when she is trying to figure out what or who she is they move to another location. The characters are really developed and intriguing i really enjoyed the gifts she has and also the story i am very interested in where the story is going to go. The budding romance is sweet and cute! Definitely a different perspective on vampires, definitely ready for a sequel.
July 12, 2019
If you liked Anne Rise's vampire chronicles collection and you're also looking a bit of YA twist, this is definetly a book you'll want to read. Full of action, romance, and a very rich plot it looks as a great starting point for the Vetala Chronicles on a very light and easy-read book.
July 16, 2019
I loved it! It was packed full of twists and turns. The story was well written and the characters described. Nothing was left out. I thoroughly enjoyed the first book to this series and can’t wait to read the rest. I highly recommend this book! You won’t be disappointed.
January 25, 2019
5 stars
I'm recommending this to many to read. I read this in a day. I couldn't put it down. It's time to read next one. Bravo bravo
I'm recommending this to many to read. I read this in a day. I couldn't put it down. It's time to read next one. Bravo bravo
March 12, 2017
I was given an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review on Goodreads. This was a fast read, with every moment anticipating what would happen next. Lenora grows up without a mother, instead living with her father who takes her around the world moving from war to war, death camp to death camp. As she grows, Lenora discovers her way of life is different than most, and that she only survives after feeding on blood. While not a vampire, her life is similar in many ways. Lenora seeks to find answers, while her father leaves her in the dark. I really enjoyed this book, giving it 4 stars. I would have given it 5 stars, had the ending been more final or cliff-hanging (and there were a few editing errors). I am definitely going to read the next book in this series!
March 13, 2017
This was an amazing read. It took me a while as I got busy with other things but I got through it.
I loved the twists yet some I also didn't like because I was a twist I didn't want to see actually happen it nearly did but it was fixed. :)
This was a very fascinating read and so glad I got to read it.
I loved all the characters and how it all connects.
Thank you.
I loved the twists yet some I also didn't like because I was a twist I didn't want to see actually happen it nearly did but it was fixed. :)
This was a very fascinating read and so glad I got to read it.
I loved all the characters and how it all connects.
Thank you.
October 22, 2014
Reviewed by Chantel
4 Stars
This is the first book I have read by Shauna Kelley. I really enjoyed the storyline and characters in this
book. I was impressed by the creative and refreshing twist she puts on this book.
When I started Naliyah I was expecting to read about vampires and other paranormal creatures. I was
quite shock that it was not what I was expecting to read. I love the twists she puts on this story and the
creative way she portrays to the reader that they are going to read about one thing, but it is something
totally different. The refreshing twists makes it hard to put this book down.
Lenora and her father have a secret, but it is not what you think it is though. This secret is even kept
from Lenora for hundreds of years until the time of her awakening. Now you are thinking she is a
vampire HUH? Well Lenora and her father do need blood to survive, but do not need to feed frequently
and do not have fangs. Are you intrigued yet?
If you answered the question yes then I recommended this book for you to read. You will be surprised
and enjoy the refreshing twist on this paranormal book.
I cannot wait to read book two of this series.
*Complimentary copy for an honest review
4 Stars
This is the first book I have read by Shauna Kelley. I really enjoyed the storyline and characters in this
book. I was impressed by the creative and refreshing twist she puts on this book.
When I started Naliyah I was expecting to read about vampires and other paranormal creatures. I was
quite shock that it was not what I was expecting to read. I love the twists she puts on this story and the
creative way she portrays to the reader that they are going to read about one thing, but it is something
totally different. The refreshing twists makes it hard to put this book down.
Lenora and her father have a secret, but it is not what you think it is though. This secret is even kept
from Lenora for hundreds of years until the time of her awakening. Now you are thinking she is a
vampire HUH? Well Lenora and her father do need blood to survive, but do not need to feed frequently
and do not have fangs. Are you intrigued yet?
If you answered the question yes then I recommended this book for you to read. You will be surprised
and enjoy the refreshing twist on this paranormal book.
I cannot wait to read book two of this series.
*Complimentary copy for an honest review
October 18, 2016
This is the first book I have read by Shauna Kelley. It was an interesting read. After long, I got to read a YA/ Fantasy book that wasn't just vampires. It was different and definitely full of twists.
Lenora and her father were almost always on a move and shoe could not remember a lot of her childhood and details related. Her father, her only companion, is somehow reluctant to let her know her actual identity. I wasn't sure if he was protecting her or protecting himself. Lenora is an innocent yet strong girl. She meets a blue eyed man, but was he going to be the best part of her life? The romance is sweet, but uncertain.
The first half of the book was slow for me, and the suspense was too great, and I am a person with shortage of patience, but by the half of it, I was unable to put it down. The plot is intriguing and dark. Lovely thrill. I loved it till the end, and am looking forward to read the next on the series.
This book is absolutely recommended to the lovers of YA, fantasy genre. Check out more from the author at this site: http://mmshaunakelley.blogspot.com
Lenora and her father were almost always on a move and shoe could not remember a lot of her childhood and details related. Her father, her only companion, is somehow reluctant to let her know her actual identity. I wasn't sure if he was protecting her or protecting himself. Lenora is an innocent yet strong girl. She meets a blue eyed man, but was he going to be the best part of her life? The romance is sweet, but uncertain.
The first half of the book was slow for me, and the suspense was too great, and I am a person with shortage of patience, but by the half of it, I was unable to put it down. The plot is intriguing and dark. Lovely thrill. I loved it till the end, and am looking forward to read the next on the series.
This book is absolutely recommended to the lovers of YA, fantasy genre. Check out more from the author at this site: http://mmshaunakelley.blogspot.com
October 28, 2014
*I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*
This is NOT a book about vampires...
This is the strange story of Lenora. She and her father travel the world with only each other for companionship. When Lenora tries to form friendships with people, bad things happen...
Which is exactly why she should stay far away from Michael.
I have to admit, the first half of this book was rather slow for me. It still managed to hold my interest, but it wasn't until about the half way point that it became impossible to put down. I loved how dark the story was, and that is what kept me going in the beginning. Lenora's life with her father was simply too twisted for me not to be intrigued. And by the end I was dying to know what happens next! It may have started out a little slow, but I loved it by the time I was finished. I'll definitely be reading the next one.
This is NOT a book about vampires...
This is the strange story of Lenora. She and her father travel the world with only each other for companionship. When Lenora tries to form friendships with people, bad things happen...
Which is exactly why she should stay far away from Michael.
I have to admit, the first half of this book was rather slow for me. It still managed to hold my interest, but it wasn't until about the half way point that it became impossible to put down. I loved how dark the story was, and that is what kept me going in the beginning. Lenora's life with her father was simply too twisted for me not to be intrigued. And by the end I was dying to know what happens next! It may have started out a little slow, but I loved it by the time I was finished. I'll definitely be reading the next one.
November 17, 2016
Lenora has been raised by her very strict and controlling father. They've traveled the world, never staying in one place for very long at a time. As Lenora starts to reach her teenage years, however, she begins to question their way of life. Strange things begin to happen to her physically as well.
Lenora discovers that she, while not a vampire, has a disease which requires her to feed on blood to survive.
The story follows Lenora as she meets the man of her dreams (literally). She begins to discover truths about herself that her father has spent her lifetime hiding from her. The only thing I didn't love about the story was the ending. It seemed quite abrupt to me. However, it opens the door for the story to continue in another book which I look forward to reading.
I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through Booktasters.
Lenora discovers that she, while not a vampire, has a disease which requires her to feed on blood to survive.
The story follows Lenora as she meets the man of her dreams (literally). She begins to discover truths about herself that her father has spent her lifetime hiding from her. The only thing I didn't love about the story was the ending. It seemed quite abrupt to me. However, it opens the door for the story to continue in another book which I look forward to reading.
I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through Booktasters.
January 2, 2017
Really loved this book.
It was very captivating, intreging, fast paced and so much more.
Leonora a young woman battling to understand who and what she is gets taken to many places around the world with her only companion her father.
finally they take a break in Baltimore and soon she's made a friend for the first time in her life , but the next day she couldn't remember mutch from what happened the previous day.
As time goes on and once again they moved to new place that she started wondering what the hell is going on and why she's having missing parts of her memory and start questioning her father for answers.
She's also been dreaming about this man / boy with striking blue eyes and wonders who he might be.
This book does sound like these characters are leaning towards being Vampires but they are not.
Guess we should read the second book to find out.
It was very captivating, intreging, fast paced and so much more.
Leonora a young woman battling to understand who and what she is gets taken to many places around the world with her only companion her father.
finally they take a break in Baltimore and soon she's made a friend for the first time in her life , but the next day she couldn't remember mutch from what happened the previous day.
As time goes on and once again they moved to new place that she started wondering what the hell is going on and why she's having missing parts of her memory and start questioning her father for answers.
She's also been dreaming about this man / boy with striking blue eyes and wonders who he might be.
This book does sound like these characters are leaning towards being Vampires but they are not.
Guess we should read the second book to find out.
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