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The Underground #1
Oaken
When 17-year-old Autumn Oaken and her twin brother Luke find their parents brutally murdered, they are soon summoned by their grandfather who lives not in another city, but in another world called the Underground—home to all magical creatures seeking refuge from humankind.
The twins journey into the Underground, discovering that they are not only elves, but “royals”…and that their bloodline is in danger of extinction at the hands of the evil elf Vyra Vaun, their parents’ murderer. Living in a skyscraper tree called Arbor Castle, the twins seek to join the Warriors, a group of elves who fight to defend the kingdom and to stop Vyra and her malevolent followers.
But Autumn soon becomes distracted, locked in an elfin love triangle with forbidden, golden-haired Avery and brooding, green-eyed Victor, who has a dark secret. She realizes she must make a choice. Little does she know her decision could very well mean the difference between life and death for all of the Underground.
The twins journey into the Underground, discovering that they are not only elves, but “royals”…and that their bloodline is in danger of extinction at the hands of the evil elf Vyra Vaun, their parents’ murderer. Living in a skyscraper tree called Arbor Castle, the twins seek to join the Warriors, a group of elves who fight to defend the kingdom and to stop Vyra and her malevolent followers.
But Autumn soon becomes distracted, locked in an elfin love triangle with forbidden, golden-haired Avery and brooding, green-eyed Victor, who has a dark secret. She realizes she must make a choice. Little does she know her decision could very well mean the difference between life and death for all of the Underground.
336 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 13, 2015
22 people are currently reading
360 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
September 13, 2015
I wanted to like this. I really did. I thought the premise sounded intriguing. But the writing style was a complete turn-off. Incredibly juvenile and bland, the narration caused me to put the book down halfway through chapter 7. An excerpt:
" 'Arbor Lake.' Crystal said. 'It's where everyone our age goes for fun. And school starts back Monday so I'm sure nearly the whole school will be there.'
Luke's eyes lit up. 'Will, uh, will there be girls there?'
Crystal giggled. 'Of course, and I'm sure they'll all be quite interested to talk to the new prince.'
'Who's that?' Luke asked.
'Er...you," Crystal said.
'Oh. Right. Then what are we waiting for?' "
Add to that the use of the word "ginormous" (and NOT in dialogue, in a description) and you have a general feel for the puerile style of writing.
High school aged twins are uprooted from their entire lives and discover they are really royal elves from a magical underworld realm and their reaction is simply, "Whoa, way cool, let's live here now and check out all the HOT ELVES, WOO!"
I normally read YA books too. I enjoy the light, fast reads, as a working mom it fits with my schedule better than, say, Game of Thrones. Which I've read too, but I'm just saying that that is not my normal fare. This book is set with high school age characters but written at about a 6th grade level. I just couldn't get into it, and couldn't bring myself to care about the characters.
All the stereotypical characters have made their appearances:
-Young main characters who discover there is more to them than they knew.
-Mysterious benefactor (and newly discovered relative)
-Down to earth, average girl who they befriend upon arrival.
-Dreamy mysterious boy who the female lead feels an immediate romantic draw towards.
-Popular, pretty "queen bee" enemy character
-Major nemesis OUT TO GET THEM.
No originality, cookie-cutter characters. I was hoping for a new imagining on elven culture, but the elves are essentially beautified humans with fancy powers. There IS no "elven culture"...it's just glorified human culture. Boring. I made myself keep reading a few times, but....no. Not even worth finishing. Sorry.
" 'Arbor Lake.' Crystal said. 'It's where everyone our age goes for fun. And school starts back Monday so I'm sure nearly the whole school will be there.'
Luke's eyes lit up. 'Will, uh, will there be girls there?'
Crystal giggled. 'Of course, and I'm sure they'll all be quite interested to talk to the new prince.'
'Who's that?' Luke asked.
'Er...you," Crystal said.
'Oh. Right. Then what are we waiting for?' "
Add to that the use of the word "ginormous" (and NOT in dialogue, in a description) and you have a general feel for the puerile style of writing.
High school aged twins are uprooted from their entire lives and discover they are really royal elves from a magical underworld realm and their reaction is simply, "Whoa, way cool, let's live here now and check out all the HOT ELVES, WOO!"
I normally read YA books too. I enjoy the light, fast reads, as a working mom it fits with my schedule better than, say, Game of Thrones. Which I've read too, but I'm just saying that that is not my normal fare. This book is set with high school age characters but written at about a 6th grade level. I just couldn't get into it, and couldn't bring myself to care about the characters.
All the stereotypical characters have made their appearances:
-Young main characters who discover there is more to them than they knew.
-Mysterious benefactor (and newly discovered relative)
-Down to earth, average girl who they befriend upon arrival.
-Dreamy mysterious boy who the female lead feels an immediate romantic draw towards.
-Popular, pretty "queen bee" enemy character
-Major nemesis OUT TO GET THEM.
No originality, cookie-cutter characters. I was hoping for a new imagining on elven culture, but the elves are essentially beautified humans with fancy powers. There IS no "elven culture"...it's just glorified human culture. Boring. I made myself keep reading a few times, but....no. Not even worth finishing. Sorry.
April 4, 2015
The bad guys/girls have my first name as their last name = biased.
I've always had sympathy for the villain. I think they're the most interesting and tricky.
Due to the name alone I may cheer for the Vaun's versus the Oaken's.
Autumn Oaken grows in this first installment but when she's weak she makes me want to pull out my hair. Her very weakness allows some of the plot to move forward and causes preventable tragedy. When she's strong and stands up for what's right I'm inclined to whoop, "Finally!"
Luke Oaken is simple. He wants what he wants and at first he's a failure at getting it. Once in the Underground he begins to live his shallow dream. I'm hoping for his sake he wakes up.
Victor Lavigne is mysterious and dark. He's the bad boy everyone falls for and Autumn's compassion is a bit understandable here BUT she takes it farther than I ever would. In their relationship I find the kernels of real life abuse that the kind-hearted can let go on too long until they lose their sense of self and life, sadly.
King Olympus remains a remote figure and that makes me grieve for the loss. Somewhat like a Disney show or a half hour sitcom aimed at teens, the parents and authority figures make token appearances.
I think this is typical for YA and not a criticism.
If you'd like to read a young story with adventure, new lands and life forms then this is for you. Don't pick this book up as an adult and expect Tolkien. A quick read that entertains is what you will get and enjoy - not invented languages and stilted female characters. (Although I do love LoTR!)
Finally, Melody Robinette began this book's first draft when she was fifteen and I wish I'd had that kind of resolve at that age. My courage didn't exist then past short stories and poems. I applaud anyone who puts their heart on the page and let's others see it. It's hard and often unrewarding to do.
If you're game to read another's joy then I say pick this one up. ;)
I've always had sympathy for the villain. I think they're the most interesting and tricky.
Due to the name alone I may cheer for the Vaun's versus the Oaken's.
Autumn Oaken grows in this first installment but when she's weak she makes me want to pull out my hair. Her very weakness allows some of the plot to move forward and causes preventable tragedy. When she's strong and stands up for what's right I'm inclined to whoop, "Finally!"
Luke Oaken is simple. He wants what he wants and at first he's a failure at getting it. Once in the Underground he begins to live his shallow dream. I'm hoping for his sake he wakes up.
Victor Lavigne is mysterious and dark. He's the bad boy everyone falls for and Autumn's compassion is a bit understandable here BUT she takes it farther than I ever would. In their relationship I find the kernels of real life abuse that the kind-hearted can let go on too long until they lose their sense of self and life, sadly.
King Olympus remains a remote figure and that makes me grieve for the loss. Somewhat like a Disney show or a half hour sitcom aimed at teens, the parents and authority figures make token appearances.
I think this is typical for YA and not a criticism.
If you'd like to read a young story with adventure, new lands and life forms then this is for you. Don't pick this book up as an adult and expect Tolkien. A quick read that entertains is what you will get and enjoy - not invented languages and stilted female characters. (Although I do love LoTR!)
Finally, Melody Robinette began this book's first draft when she was fifteen and I wish I'd had that kind of resolve at that age. My courage didn't exist then past short stories and poems. I applaud anyone who puts their heart on the page and let's others see it. It's hard and often unrewarding to do.
If you're game to read another's joy then I say pick this one up. ;)
June 27, 2015
Oaken will take you on a magical adventure that will you never want to come away from. Melody Robinette's dangerously addictive writing style will hook you, and string you along to the very end of the story. At the end, you will be left feeling like you were thrown back into your own life, but leave you wishing you could dive back into the world this author has created.
In this book lies a world that crosses the boundaries between the surface, and the Underground. It follows a cast of characters you can't help but connect with, and root for the whole way through. You follow the many triumphs and failures of the main characters, Autumn and Luke, as they discover their true abilities in this new realm. As a reader, you'll truly feel the emotions of all characters involved. I'm not afraid to say there were moments when I was so nervous my palms were sweaty, or when I was laughing out loud and smiling (despite the weird looks I received in real life), or that my heart ached for the characters.
I felt transported to a new, magical world in a way that I haven't been able to experience since Harry Potter (seriously!). The connection Autumn forms with Avery is not unlike the unbreakable bond experienced in K.F. Breene's Chosen. Those were my two favorite series (and will always be), but Oaken is now joining them atop my favorites list.
To Meldoy Robinette: you may be my new favorite author. Thank you for creating new worlds for readers to explore, and please, for everyone's sake, never stop writing!
I'll be diving into the second book in the series, Ash, as soon as I finish this post. I'm not ready to lose this new-found sense of wonder, as my hope is once again renewed that one day, maybe I can have some sort of magic of my own, I just need to explore enough to find it.
In this book lies a world that crosses the boundaries between the surface, and the Underground. It follows a cast of characters you can't help but connect with, and root for the whole way through. You follow the many triumphs and failures of the main characters, Autumn and Luke, as they discover their true abilities in this new realm. As a reader, you'll truly feel the emotions of all characters involved. I'm not afraid to say there were moments when I was so nervous my palms were sweaty, or when I was laughing out loud and smiling (despite the weird looks I received in real life), or that my heart ached for the characters.
I felt transported to a new, magical world in a way that I haven't been able to experience since Harry Potter (seriously!). The connection Autumn forms with Avery is not unlike the unbreakable bond experienced in K.F. Breene's Chosen. Those were my two favorite series (and will always be), but Oaken is now joining them atop my favorites list.
To Meldoy Robinette: you may be my new favorite author. Thank you for creating new worlds for readers to explore, and please, for everyone's sake, never stop writing!
I'll be diving into the second book in the series, Ash, as soon as I finish this post. I'm not ready to lose this new-found sense of wonder, as my hope is once again renewed that one day, maybe I can have some sort of magic of my own, I just need to explore enough to find it.
July 27, 2015
This was a enjoyable read with refreshing changes from other elven-centric paranormal novels: 1) The elves and other magical creatures live in a hidden world (the Underground) away from humans. 2) They all have a Power that presents itself during adolescence. 3) The elves are not immortal but are very skilled at the healing arts. And 4) Warriors are chosen every five years from a slew of applicants which can include royals. I'm giving this novel 3.5 stars because the dialogue was more juvenile and stilted than I've ever heard from present day 16-17 year olds. Also, the antagonist was annoying to read because of her constant "mad cackling". Her character was not fleshed out well and every scene involving her felt rushed. The climax of the main characters encountering her wasn't climatic at all. I was disappointed at how "easy" the scenes were wrapped up. It was interesting enough though. I'd read the next in the series to see what happens further down the road.
July 2, 2015
While I didn't see anything indicating this was a YA novel, it definitely was and read like it was. I personally think it was geared to younger teen readers than most of the YA's I've read that can hold adult readers as well as teens. It started off well, then bogged down for a long time for me. It perked up at the ending, but I doubt I will continue the series. I think young teens will enjoy this book though. In many ways, it feels like a variant on "Harry Potter", only featuring elves.
April 3, 2016
I struggled to finish this book. It was an easy, light read, but the characters were ... Shallow? Underdeveloped? I don't know how to explain it. The characters said the things you'd want them to say to be likeable, but yet it seemed forced and cheesy. Maybe it was because the characters were exactly how you expected them to be. I don't know. Overall, the book was just ok. I won't read the next one. I give this 2 stars.
January 22, 2016
Very well written story with lovable characters. I grew quickly attached to each character which caused me to read the whole book in twelve hours. I had to keep reading to find out what the characters were going to do next. I think this book has a little something for everyone -- adventure, fantasy, action, and romance. I can't wait to read the next book
December 26, 2015
DNF 64%
I know I was warned about the lovetriangle, but I thought to give it a shot anyway; and in the beginning this book was great, it just didn't maintain that level of intrigue for me. Sorry, but I don't feel the need to know what happens to these characters or how the story end, which is way I DNF at 64%.
I know I was warned about the lovetriangle, but I thought to give it a shot anyway; and in the beginning this book was great, it just didn't maintain that level of intrigue for me. Sorry, but I don't feel the need to know what happens to these characters or how the story end, which is way I DNF at 64%.
June 21, 2015
Great
I loved this book didn't want it to end. It has strong characters and a great story line. There is magic, mystery, elves, action and love. You will be transported to another place as you read. So grab it you won't be sorry and enjoy reading.
I loved this book didn't want it to end. It has strong characters and a great story line. There is magic, mystery, elves, action and love. You will be transported to another place as you read. So grab it you won't be sorry and enjoy reading.
March 19, 2015
Wonderful book! Filled with great characters and a new world! I loved reading about Autumn and The Underground. I can't wait for the next book!
June 7, 2015
Excellent read! Loved it! Well developed characters and plot. Strong female characters that wonderfully balance out the male characters.
June 10, 2015
Great read
I enjoyed the book a lot surprisingly ... It's a bit face paced and I felt a bit rushed but overall worth a read
I enjoyed the book a lot surprisingly ... It's a bit face paced and I felt a bit rushed but overall worth a read
June 27, 2015
A very enjoyable read, didn't want to put it down.
July 1, 2015
Good fantasy coming of age
This is a fun read with likeable characters. Nice twist toward the end. I intend to read more of the series.
This is a fun read with likeable characters. Nice twist toward the end. I intend to read more of the series.
July 12, 2015
I know this is going tobe a series that hooks me. Its going to be another harry potter for me, as in I fondly reread it every year, think of the characters often, and quote the books.
December 28, 2015
Well I didn't really expect much going into this book. I picked it up for free on kindle and was hoping for a nice read, nothing too fancy. When I started reading this however I fell in love with the characters and the world. Although this book has it's flaws, it is still a fun, fast paced story about 2 siblings who find themselves in a strange new world. I highly recommend to check this out, since it is free on kindle and see for yourself if you like it. I myself have already picked up the next book in this series and hope to start it soon.
December 25, 2015
Elfish Twins
Autumn and Luke Oaken find their parents murdered and have no idea why. When their grandfather summons them they first nd themselves in another world. A magical world called the underground. There they find out that not only are they elves, but, they are royalist. They learn to be warriors and defend the kingdom. The biggest threat is Vyra and her followers, fortunately they each have inherited strong powers to fight with.
Autumn and Luke Oaken find their parents murdered and have no idea why. When their grandfather summons them they first nd themselves in another world. A magical world called the underground. There they find out that not only are they elves, but, they are royalist. They learn to be warriors and defend the kingdom. The biggest threat is Vyra and her followers, fortunately they each have inherited strong powers to fight with.
July 13, 2015
Nat my genre...
Read
November 4, 2015The second book to be added to my cant finish pile. I'm so sad! I wanted to like it. I really did. Boo :(
May 19, 2016
Great book, if you're into fantasy. It's the first book in a series, and my copy of the second book has just arrived. Can't wait to start.
April 2, 2017
Yikes!
This felt more like a book written for MG (minus some of the YA theme). It seems to be the trend of 'newly orphaned, so going to live with never-mentioned-family only who knows where'.
Shallow and under developed characters (again, classic indie author who probably didn't use an editor nor reader group) with the same cheesy plot.
Gimme. A. Break.
Wasted anticipation.
Wasted download.
Wasted space.
Waste of time.
This felt more like a book written for MG (minus some of the YA theme). It seems to be the trend of 'newly orphaned, so going to live with never-mentioned-family only who knows where'.
Shallow and under developed characters (again, classic indie author who probably didn't use an editor nor reader group) with the same cheesy plot.
Gimme. A. Break.
Wasted anticipation.
Wasted download.
Wasted space.
Waste of time.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews