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Amani #1
Remember
From the first time Amya gains consciousness in a hospital, she tries to remember the train of events that landed her in a coma, as well as the lost memories of more than eleven months of her life. But her struggle does not stop when she wakes up. The world around her is falling apart. Her best friend Samera needs her help and urges her to work for the Protectors of Amani again and her friend Xander is the victim of a Rascal’s bite. A Rascal only needs to touch somebody in order to feed on their humanity: their energy, their youth, their dreams… But when they bite you, there is no going back.
Using her ability to Sojourn—to project her soul into people’s bodies—and Samera’s capacity to Travel between Dimensions, Amya risks her life and integrity to save a loved one. Little does she know that her friend might be lost forever.
Using her ability to Sojourn—to project her soul into people’s bodies—and Samera’s capacity to Travel between Dimensions, Amya risks her life and integrity to save a loved one. Little does she know that her friend might be lost forever.
370 pages, Paperback
First published May 8, 2015
430 people want to read
About the author
Lydhia Marie
2 books71 followersLydhia Marie was born in a small town in Quebec, Canada. She discovered her passion for writing later in life during her last summer as an English student at Bishop’s University. To be honest, she wasn’t much of a reader before she started her degree, but this hate for words transformed into a passion for reading, and then morphed into a need for writing. Strange, but nonetheless true.
After finishing her first draft, she attended a three-week creative writing course at the University of Oxford, where she realized that her first manuscript was very badly written. Fortunately, the idea behind the writing was “so unique and different,” according to an early critique of the novel, so she decided to rewrite the entire manuscript, from a blank page to the epilogue.
She enjoys books that transports her into a new world and characters that are both original and relatable. But most of all, she loves spending time writing or reading with her dog, Bookie, on her lap, looking adorable with his legs in the air and his belly ready to be rubbed.
After finishing her first draft, she attended a three-week creative writing course at the University of Oxford, where she realized that her first manuscript was very badly written. Fortunately, the idea behind the writing was “so unique and different,” according to an early critique of the novel, so she decided to rewrite the entire manuscript, from a blank page to the epilogue.
She enjoys books that transports her into a new world and characters that are both original and relatable. But most of all, she loves spending time writing or reading with her dog, Bookie, on her lap, looking adorable with his legs in the air and his belly ready to be rubbed.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
March 27, 2015
Interesting and thrilling read! So cool how Lydhia explained how people feel. I loved almost every page of it! And the ones I didn't like where because the main character annoyed me a bit. But other than that, truly loved this book and its story. I cannot wait for the next one! My full review is up on my blog: http://thebooksbeyond.blogspot.com/20... if you want to check it out :)
January 21, 2016
I wrote it so might as well give it 5 stars! Plus, this is my first baby and I'm very proud of the result. It is rare that a woman can say, "I made this baby all by myself!"
May 9, 2016
This book was entered in The Wishing Shelf Book Awards. This is what our readers thought:
Title: AMANI: Remember
Author: Lydhia Marie
Star Rating: 4 Stars
Number of Readers: 19
Stats
Editing 8/10
Style 8/10
Cover 5/10
Plot 9/10
Total 30/40
Of the 19 readers:
15 would read another book by this author.
12 thought the plot was the best part of the book.
7 thought the setting was the best part
8 thought the cover was good or excellent.
16 though the author was a good writer.
Readers’ Comments
‘This is a super fun book. I liked it a lot. The cover’s ok too but not as good as the story. I liked the hero. She was interesting and I liked the way travelled to the different worlds. I would recommend this book to any 13-16 yr old.’ Girl, aged 15
‘This story is full of suspense. It is sort of slow to start with and a bit confusing too but it gets better and better. I would read another book by this author but when I went on Amazon I saw she’s only written this. Write another!’ Girl, aged 14
‘Amya is a pretty cool girl. I liked her powers and it was interesting to follow her as she attempts to remember. Lots of interesting characters and an exciting ending’ Boy, aged 14
‘This is full of cliffhangers which kept me turning the page. A little different to other YA books. Too slow at the beginning and I think many teenagers will give up on it. But if you keep reading you will be rewarded with an excellent story.’ Girl, aged 16
‘A fascinating story packed full of twists and turns. A Red Ribbon Winner and highly recommended.’ The Wishing Shelf Book Awards
Title: AMANI: Remember
Author: Lydhia Marie
Star Rating: 4 Stars
Number of Readers: 19
Stats
Editing 8/10
Style 8/10
Cover 5/10
Plot 9/10
Total 30/40
Of the 19 readers:
15 would read another book by this author.
12 thought the plot was the best part of the book.
7 thought the setting was the best part
8 thought the cover was good or excellent.
16 though the author was a good writer.
Readers’ Comments
‘This is a super fun book. I liked it a lot. The cover’s ok too but not as good as the story. I liked the hero. She was interesting and I liked the way travelled to the different worlds. I would recommend this book to any 13-16 yr old.’ Girl, aged 15
‘This story is full of suspense. It is sort of slow to start with and a bit confusing too but it gets better and better. I would read another book by this author but when I went on Amazon I saw she’s only written this. Write another!’ Girl, aged 14
‘Amya is a pretty cool girl. I liked her powers and it was interesting to follow her as she attempts to remember. Lots of interesting characters and an exciting ending’ Boy, aged 14
‘This is full of cliffhangers which kept me turning the page. A little different to other YA books. Too slow at the beginning and I think many teenagers will give up on it. But if you keep reading you will be rewarded with an excellent story.’ Girl, aged 16
‘A fascinating story packed full of twists and turns. A Red Ribbon Winner and highly recommended.’ The Wishing Shelf Book Awards
March 21, 2016
At first I didn't get the cover. Unlike most books where you just have characters posed on the cover, this one actually lays out what the book is all about. Of course, you will have to read it to find out ;)
The story begins with Amara in a coma and since it's a first person narrative it's close to horrifying the things you experience as you read about her trapped in her own body, unable to move or interact with her loved ones. To add to your frustration, she has dreams/visions of someone chasing her and it's enough to drive anyone nuts. It's safe to say the author tackled the mystery element quite well. Everything is a jumbled up mess, which is actually very satisfying to unravel as the story proceeds.
The idea of dimensions is not a new one but the author's version is unlike anything I have ever read. It is based on emotions. I wanted to know more about the dimensions and I really hope there is more world building in the books to come. It's definitely not all sunshine and rainbows as even the most beautiful places hide gruesome secrets. The author takes you from complete calm to complete shock and terror in a few pages and that's talent. Sometimes, my mouth just hung open in a "Oh no she didn't!". However, I felt like the writing was a bit jerky at times as I was thrust from one scene to another. I wish there was a smoother flow. Also, I wanted to know more about the characters. I just felt like I wasn't told enough and it was kind of hard to understand the character's family relationships and friendships especially because Amara became quite paranoid at times. The pace varies and I think it's good that we get some reprieve in between all the action and drama.
I would say do read this book if only for the exciting new twist to the idea of dimensions. I am excited to see what happens next in this series.
(I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review)
The story begins with Amara in a coma and since it's a first person narrative it's close to horrifying the things you experience as you read about her trapped in her own body, unable to move or interact with her loved ones. To add to your frustration, she has dreams/visions of someone chasing her and it's enough to drive anyone nuts. It's safe to say the author tackled the mystery element quite well. Everything is a jumbled up mess, which is actually very satisfying to unravel as the story proceeds.
The idea of dimensions is not a new one but the author's version is unlike anything I have ever read. It is based on emotions. I wanted to know more about the dimensions and I really hope there is more world building in the books to come. It's definitely not all sunshine and rainbows as even the most beautiful places hide gruesome secrets. The author takes you from complete calm to complete shock and terror in a few pages and that's talent. Sometimes, my mouth just hung open in a "Oh no she didn't!". However, I felt like the writing was a bit jerky at times as I was thrust from one scene to another. I wish there was a smoother flow. Also, I wanted to know more about the characters. I just felt like I wasn't told enough and it was kind of hard to understand the character's family relationships and friendships especially because Amara became quite paranoid at times. The pace varies and I think it's good that we get some reprieve in between all the action and drama.
I would say do read this book if only for the exciting new twist to the idea of dimensions. I am excited to see what happens next in this series.
(I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review)
February 15, 2020
I hate to burst people's bubbles here, but I have to disagree with all the "unique and different" comments from other reviewers. I read this type of concept in books well over a decade ago.
I also have to disagree with comments that the book starts off slowly. It starts off at the right pace, considering where the main character is.
The story has intrigue, some interesting plot points and some nice characters. However, a bit past halfway and it becomes plot driven. The characters are dictated to by the plot and they lose a lot of their credibility. For me, character can make or break a story.
A lot of the early plot points are never followed up, and seem to be forgotten about entirely.
For a debut novel, the story is well written and holds together well. There is nothing in it that would make me not want to read more from this writer. I've seen a lot worse from more experienced writers.
I also have to disagree with comments that the book starts off slowly. It starts off at the right pace, considering where the main character is.
The story has intrigue, some interesting plot points and some nice characters. However, a bit past halfway and it becomes plot driven. The characters are dictated to by the plot and they lose a lot of their credibility. For me, character can make or break a story.
A lot of the early plot points are never followed up, and seem to be forgotten about entirely.
For a debut novel, the story is well written and holds together well. There is nothing in it that would make me not want to read more from this writer. I've seen a lot worse from more experienced writers.
August 5, 2015
I first want to say thank you to Lydhia who emailed me a copy of her book in return for a honest review.
A girl named Amya who was in a coma for 5 months woke up to be missing memories of 11 months of her life now this premise intrigued me because I hadn't read anything were someone was in a coma and was recovering her life.
I got about 25% into the book and I'm not going to lie I started to get a bit confused because the talk of a different universe and different type of people and the qualities they hold was very overwhelming.I felt like the character Amya did when she got retold all of this, however I did keep going and I'm so happy I did.
The rest of the book was amazing I loved all the characters they each had an ability that wasn't little and was needed throughout the story. It had a lot of twists that I did not see coming which was great because I wasn't reading the book and being able to call the ending before it happened. Now it did end in a way that I wouldn't call a cliff hanger but it left open for Lydhia to write another book ( I hope she does).
I think Lydhia managed the writing of two world amazing and the magical aspect of Amya being able to project her soul into other peoples bodies was something I had never read or heard of before.
I did find myself getting a little confused through the rest of the story but not too often that I wanted to stop reading and I really do hope that Lydhia writes more of these characters and this world because I really did love the entire story.
A girl named Amya who was in a coma for 5 months woke up to be missing memories of 11 months of her life now this premise intrigued me because I hadn't read anything were someone was in a coma and was recovering her life.
I got about 25% into the book and I'm not going to lie I started to get a bit confused because the talk of a different universe and different type of people and the qualities they hold was very overwhelming.I felt like the character Amya did when she got retold all of this, however I did keep going and I'm so happy I did.
The rest of the book was amazing I loved all the characters they each had an ability that wasn't little and was needed throughout the story. It had a lot of twists that I did not see coming which was great because I wasn't reading the book and being able to call the ending before it happened. Now it did end in a way that I wouldn't call a cliff hanger but it left open for Lydhia to write another book ( I hope she does).
I think Lydhia managed the writing of two world amazing and the magical aspect of Amya being able to project her soul into other peoples bodies was something I had never read or heard of before.
I did find myself getting a little confused through the rest of the story but not too often that I wanted to stop reading and I really do hope that Lydhia writes more of these characters and this world because I really did love the entire story.
May 8, 2015
What a great read! AMANI: Remember is unlike any book I have read. Author Lydhia Marie gives a new take on dimensions and the effects that the counter parts have on each other. I will not go into that, since I do not want to give any spoilers. Just know it is fascinating. The story starts off a little slow, but picks up quickly and keeps going strong till the end. It is quite a journey. The characters are great. I could just feel their emotions jumping out of the book. I love when a book can make me laugh out loud and feel the characters fear and other emotions. There are some of the characters that just disgust me, but that just shows how well they are written.
Then after all the ups and downs, twist and turns the ending just left me wanting more. So much hangs in the balance, such as love and the fate of the worlds. I can’t wait to see what’s next.
AMANI: Remember starts out with Amya is a coma. At times she is conscious but unable to awaken. After her struggle is won and she thinks all will be well, she finds out that she has holes in her memory and she has to learn to use her abilities all over again. She has friends and family willing to help her along the way, but there is a pretender in her mist. One who not only put her in the coma, but is a Rascal and has a greater agenda. We get to follow these friends across dimensions on their journey to save the ones they love and the world from a terrible fate. Will they prevail or are they doomed?
Then after all the ups and downs, twist and turns the ending just left me wanting more. So much hangs in the balance, such as love and the fate of the worlds. I can’t wait to see what’s next.
AMANI: Remember starts out with Amya is a coma. At times she is conscious but unable to awaken. After her struggle is won and she thinks all will be well, she finds out that she has holes in her memory and she has to learn to use her abilities all over again. She has friends and family willing to help her along the way, but there is a pretender in her mist. One who not only put her in the coma, but is a Rascal and has a greater agenda. We get to follow these friends across dimensions on their journey to save the ones they love and the world from a terrible fate. Will they prevail or are they doomed?
November 12, 2015
AMANI is different than most young adults books you could've read these past few years. Lydhia Marie knitted pieces of our history into more contemporary ideas and in doing so, succeeded in anchoring her story in the world we know. We also get to experience first hand what her main character Amya is living in her quest to find the truth about herself, encountering a number of great depicted friends and acquaintances in the process. The other worlds (or Dimensions) in Amani are also thoroughly described early in the book, each having its own identity and style, making it easier to understand once the characters start traveling from one another later in the book. All in all, Lydhia Marie's first novel is one that I would recommand to anyone looking for a good book to get lost in in front of a fire or by the pool during holidays. Don't hesitate !
*Thank you for your patience my dear friend. Can't wait to read the next one ! xxx
*Thank you for your patience my dear friend. Can't wait to read the next one ! xxx
May 30, 2016
*4,5/5
I don't usually read in english and I don't usually read fantasy books, but believe me when I say that Amani : Remember is a ''to-read''. This is the first novel of Lydhia Marie and it is actually great.
The first part may appear a bit too long for some, but I thought that it was really necessary for the rest of the story. And while that part is a bit slow, everything speeds up after more or less 100 pages. The rythm of the action is good, the concept behind the story is absolutely original, and the book offers many surprises. Samera, the best friend of the principal character, can be really annoying sometimes, but I guess that it helps us liking even more the others.
It's difficult for me to actually judge the writing of this novel because I usually read in french, but I think Lydhia Marie pulled off something very efficient for her first book and I have no doubts that it's gonna be even better in her next ones.
Do not hesitate to try it!
I don't usually read in english and I don't usually read fantasy books, but believe me when I say that Amani : Remember is a ''to-read''. This is the first novel of Lydhia Marie and it is actually great.
The first part may appear a bit too long for some, but I thought that it was really necessary for the rest of the story. And while that part is a bit slow, everything speeds up after more or less 100 pages. The rythm of the action is good, the concept behind the story is absolutely original, and the book offers many surprises. Samera, the best friend of the principal character, can be really annoying sometimes, but I guess that it helps us liking even more the others.
It's difficult for me to actually judge the writing of this novel because I usually read in french, but I think Lydhia Marie pulled off something very efficient for her first book and I have no doubts that it's gonna be even better in her next ones.
Do not hesitate to try it!
August 12, 2015
Interesting and captivating cross of The Mortal Instruments, Paranormalcy, Vampire Academy and yes – the style kind of reminded me of Nightshade series as well – with its own surprising plot and original characters. I must say I wasn't confused when I started reading as some people here say, it was just that unhurried pace of someone who 's about to wake up and it kind of made things easier for the reader. I always revealed secrets at the same time as the main character and that not only made the whole story much more real but it also helped me grow close to the heroine. As for the start – this may be a very engaging way how to make your book interesting, even though the may character is still in a coma. And it is not easy to create interesting plot without actual action. Well, Lydhia somehow managed it and that's saying something.
August 17, 2015
Unique and different! I absolutely loved this book, and found it hard to put down. Every time I thought to take a break, I found myself immediately going back to the story, needing to know what would happen next. A five star for me!
November 4, 2015
What I liked: the concept, the pace, how each chapter ends with a cliff hanger. Also that the stakes are high. Love how creative the idea of the story is. Reminds me of mortal instruments
April 30, 2017
This review can also be found on my blog at: https://diminishingthoughts.wordpress...
I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Note: I’ve taken way too long to read and review this book and for that I apologise.
Remember is about Amya and her ‘reawakening’ into the world of dimensions, looking into peoples’ minds and running away from vicious monsters who are hellbent on making the world a sad and sorry place to live in. In this case, Power was everything to the ‘bad’ guys and they’d do anything to get out on top.
We start out with Amya who has been in the hospital for 5 months but with no memories of the past 11 months. I thought this was an interesting start because for me as the reader, I’d get to learn as the main character was learning. Nothing would be left out.
Amya as a main character to me was a bit whiny. She was extremely dependent on the people around her and while I understand that she was practically a fetus to this new world of wonder, she kind of overplayed her part of needing someone. She was slow at times and tended to overreact. A lot. She had a complete disregard for her surroundings and often forgot that other people was involved as well.
Samera, Amya’s best friend, didn’t seem to really put any emphasis in the ‘best’ part of their friendship. She didn’t care much…or at all and a few nice words doesn’t make up for that fact. She was quite untrusting. I got that there was a war going on but how do you go through life not trusting people left, right and center?
Ian…this guy just didn’t cut it out for me. As I was reading I thought, ‘this is supposed to be the bad guy?’ He was kind of an idiot. His thirst for power made him vulnerable and stupid. He was weak. I didn’t like him from the beginning. He thought he was God’s gift to mankind.
What I liked about this book was the thought about the different dimensions and how there were Yellow, Red, Blue selves that influenced us in a sort of way. I also liked that travelling between these dimensions was possible. The seraphs- mind reading folk, was a nice idea as well. The rascals were pretty greats ideas for bad guys (emphasis on ‘ideas’). I found them out of control and unpredictable which was okay because sometimes I need a bad guy who’s gonna throw something at me that I don’t quite expect.
For dislikes: the plot went everywhere. I felt that there wasn’t a fixed point on where it wanted to go so I was mostly confused. Also, it took me a while to actually get into the story. In all honesty, while the rascals could have been amazing bad guys…they lacked a certain something that was supposed to make me terrified of them. Mostly average, really.
Overall, I thought that the concept was interesting but nothing that held the ‘wow’ factor for me. It could’ve gone better. I know this was a fantasy but the story was completely unrelatable.
Blog | Twitter | Instagram | Wattpad
I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Note: I’ve taken way too long to read and review this book and for that I apologise.
Remember is about Amya and her ‘reawakening’ into the world of dimensions, looking into peoples’ minds and running away from vicious monsters who are hellbent on making the world a sad and sorry place to live in. In this case, Power was everything to the ‘bad’ guys and they’d do anything to get out on top.
We start out with Amya who has been in the hospital for 5 months but with no memories of the past 11 months. I thought this was an interesting start because for me as the reader, I’d get to learn as the main character was learning. Nothing would be left out.
Amya as a main character to me was a bit whiny. She was extremely dependent on the people around her and while I understand that she was practically a fetus to this new world of wonder, she kind of overplayed her part of needing someone. She was slow at times and tended to overreact. A lot. She had a complete disregard for her surroundings and often forgot that other people was involved as well.
Samera, Amya’s best friend, didn’t seem to really put any emphasis in the ‘best’ part of their friendship. She didn’t care much…or at all and a few nice words doesn’t make up for that fact. She was quite untrusting. I got that there was a war going on but how do you go through life not trusting people left, right and center?
Ian…this guy just didn’t cut it out for me. As I was reading I thought, ‘this is supposed to be the bad guy?’ He was kind of an idiot. His thirst for power made him vulnerable and stupid. He was weak. I didn’t like him from the beginning. He thought he was God’s gift to mankind.
What I liked about this book was the thought about the different dimensions and how there were Yellow, Red, Blue selves that influenced us in a sort of way. I also liked that travelling between these dimensions was possible. The seraphs- mind reading folk, was a nice idea as well. The rascals were pretty greats ideas for bad guys (emphasis on ‘ideas’). I found them out of control and unpredictable which was okay because sometimes I need a bad guy who’s gonna throw something at me that I don’t quite expect.
For dislikes: the plot went everywhere. I felt that there wasn’t a fixed point on where it wanted to go so I was mostly confused. Also, it took me a while to actually get into the story. In all honesty, while the rascals could have been amazing bad guys…they lacked a certain something that was supposed to make me terrified of them. Mostly average, really.
Overall, I thought that the concept was interesting but nothing that held the ‘wow’ factor for me. It could’ve gone better. I know this was a fantasy but the story was completely unrelatable.
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