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Orchard #1
Orchard
How can you be true to yourself, when you don't know who you are?
My new life began the moment I woke up, empty and broken, in a pitch-black room with only one memory: my own violent death under wide, flowering trees and a purple midnight sky. Taken in by four lost souls who named me Orchard, I was soon horrified to discover their ancient secret. They were a clan of vampires who killed anyone that would destroy balance in the world, and they had claimed me for their own.
As my body began to transform and perfect itself, and I gained new senses and abilities, I struggled to remain true to the girl I believed myself to be. A strange vision, a new danger, and an unexpected connection with a boy all threatened to turn my new world upside down. Frightened and confused, I was left with an impossible choice. Should I stay with the terrifying group who had brought me back from the dead? Or should I make a desperate attempt at escape to reclaim my lost identity?
Breathe. I can do this.
My new life began the moment I woke up, empty and broken, in a pitch-black room with only one memory: my own violent death under wide, flowering trees and a purple midnight sky. Taken in by four lost souls who named me Orchard, I was soon horrified to discover their ancient secret. They were a clan of vampires who killed anyone that would destroy balance in the world, and they had claimed me for their own.
As my body began to transform and perfect itself, and I gained new senses and abilities, I struggled to remain true to the girl I believed myself to be. A strange vision, a new danger, and an unexpected connection with a boy all threatened to turn my new world upside down. Frightened and confused, I was left with an impossible choice. Should I stay with the terrifying group who had brought me back from the dead? Or should I make a desperate attempt at escape to reclaim my lost identity?
Breathe. I can do this.
276 pages, Paperback
First published July 1, 2015
2 people are currently reading
21 people want to read
About the author
Jed Quinn
11 books21 followersBorn and raised amongst the rolling cornfields of Iowa, Jed Quinn spends his days teaching as a professor of history, volunteering as a school board member, keeping up with his five thoroughly respectable and oftentimes punctual children, caring for his charming yet demanding shi-tzu mix Benji, and stepping into random wardrobes in an attempt to find a way into Narnia. He has traveled the globe extensively, including years spent in Brazil, in search of wild adventures, ideas for his books, and exotic and frightening things to eat. Oh, and he’ll totally crush you at Chutes and Ladders, so bring it!
Quinn is the author of Orchard, a young adult novel about a young woman who awakens to learn she has become part of a small band of vampires tasked with protecting our world, and its sequel, Cove. The third book in the series, Violet, comes out summer 2018. He is also co-author, with Michael Koogler and Jaren Riley, of The Krypteia Conspiracy, a seven part series about a secret organization attempting to hijack the end of times and overthrow God. The first three books, Kingmaker, Risen and Ferryman are available now, with God King due out fall 2018.
Quinn is the author of Orchard, a young adult novel about a young woman who awakens to learn she has become part of a small band of vampires tasked with protecting our world, and its sequel, Cove. The third book in the series, Violet, comes out summer 2018. He is also co-author, with Michael Koogler and Jaren Riley, of The Krypteia Conspiracy, a seven part series about a secret organization attempting to hijack the end of times and overthrow God. The first three books, Kingmaker, Risen and Ferryman are available now, with God King due out fall 2018.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
August 11, 2015
Quinn introduces a new take on vampires which made this story and it's characters very fresh. I enjoyed the reality and consequences he establishes for what it means to be a vamp. The character the story follows is new to the world of vampires and we learn as she does of both false beliefs and unknown truths that surround them. I particularly liked the purpose the book provides for the very existence of vampires in the first place.
I will preface my one criticism with first saying I am likely not this novel's target audience member, but I did find that the story's proclivity to show off the main character's teenage-girly-ness grew to become odd. For me, thoughts of how cute another character's outfit is would fall away once people start dieing and you're running for your life.
That nuance aside. I found the plot drew me in thoroughly and easily kept my attention through the novel's resolution. It's clear that Quinn plans to continue this story beyond this volume, and I'll be picking up the next installment.
I will preface my one criticism with first saying I am likely not this novel's target audience member, but I did find that the story's proclivity to show off the main character's teenage-girly-ness grew to become odd. For me, thoughts of how cute another character's outfit is would fall away once people start dieing and you're running for your life.
That nuance aside. I found the plot drew me in thoroughly and easily kept my attention through the novel's resolution. It's clear that Quinn plans to continue this story beyond this volume, and I'll be picking up the next installment.
May 7, 2016
I normally don't do Vampire stories but I am so glad I took a chance on this one. Orchard is a fantastic read.
Orchard doesn't sparkle, she doesn't turn into a bat and she doesn't sleep in a coffin, she is a kick-butt girl who just happens to be a vampire. The book begins with Orchard realizing something bad has happened to her and then learns she is a "vampire." Of course she first can't accept it but eventually realizes it is true.
What is great about this book is the fact that the main character, Orchard doubts herself and her abilities and hates the fact that she has to drink blood. With the exception of drinking blood, this is something most people battle with on occasion.
I can't wait to read more by the author Jed Quinn.
Orchard doesn't sparkle, she doesn't turn into a bat and she doesn't sleep in a coffin, she is a kick-butt girl who just happens to be a vampire. The book begins with Orchard realizing something bad has happened to her and then learns she is a "vampire." Of course she first can't accept it but eventually realizes it is true.
What is great about this book is the fact that the main character, Orchard doubts herself and her abilities and hates the fact that she has to drink blood. With the exception of drinking blood, this is something most people battle with on occasion.
I can't wait to read more by the author Jed Quinn.
March 21, 2018
Read this book if you like new takes on vampires, stories where the protagonist is the best at stuff, and fun globe-trotting scenes.
Skip this book if you don't like the first person, don't like amnesia stories, or are irked by hanging plot threads.
I really liked it and read it in one day. I found the protagonist to be sympathetic.
Be ready to read the first book in a series.
Skip this book if you don't like the first person, don't like amnesia stories, or are irked by hanging plot threads.
I really liked it and read it in one day. I found the protagonist to be sympathetic.
Be ready to read the first book in a series.
March 13, 2017
A fascinating read by a local author who invites you into the world of Orchard, a young but empathetic vampire who finds herself waking up in an unfamiliar place with no memories but that of an orchard from her previous life. Although the story moves a little slow at the beginning, the author seizes your attention as he unfolds Orchard's role in bringing balance to the world with an unexpected twist. Embedded within the book are deep thoughts regarding issues such as free will, fate, and choice as well as lighthearted moments which add a little more humor to the mix. Many questions are left unanswered leaving anticipation for the sequel, Cove, which I will definitely be reading.
March 20, 2016
Bram Stoker Dracula fan here. Yes, I read all the Twilight books, but found sparkly vampires hard to love. I would fawn over Eric Northman, but run away with Bill Compton. Comfort Louis and live the high life with Lestat. Yes, of all the paranormal creatures, I love the vampires in literature (and Eric and Bill on TV and in the books). I am quite picky about my vampires though. I want them to have some substance, meat on their bones, brains in their head. I want them to be as close to human as a vampire can get, and still have the danger their bloodlust evokes.
My last encounter with young adult vampires was the Twilight series. Beloved by some, detested by others. I was somewhat trepidatious to tackle Orchard by Jed Quinn. There was something about Orchard, the newly turned vampire with just the snapshot of her last moments as a human, that pulled me in. With just enough mystery to keep you turning the pages, Orchard takes you on her journey to change the vampire world and discover who she was.
While many vampires in other novels long for their human lives, all of the vampires in Quinn’s world do not recall who they were before they were turned. Except for Orchard. She has flashes that haunt her and motivate her to discover who she was and what role she plays in this supposedly small community of vampires.
My one beef with the book is that the vampires apparently are charged with maintaining the balance of the world. Never once in 272 pages do they appear to do this. The book is focused solely on Orchard and the new dynamic she presents to her nest which is made up of Tortuga, Mouse, Knife and Violet. Other than Orchard, the reader learns the most about Violet, a vivacious heartbroken fashionista. Violet puts on a brave face, but like Orchard, I think she secretly wishes she to would remember who she was before she was turned. It doesn’t stop her, though, from living her undead life to the fullest. Violet was the brightest spot in the book and brought a smile to my face as often as she did Orchard’s.
There is definitely potential in Orchard’s story. The world of vampires isn’t as small as her nest believes and her turning definitely introduces a new dynamic which isn’t fully realized in this novel and will be continued in the next book in the series, Cove.
This review was originally posted on Second Run Reviews
My last encounter with young adult vampires was the Twilight series. Beloved by some, detested by others. I was somewhat trepidatious to tackle Orchard by Jed Quinn. There was something about Orchard, the newly turned vampire with just the snapshot of her last moments as a human, that pulled me in. With just enough mystery to keep you turning the pages, Orchard takes you on her journey to change the vampire world and discover who she was.
While many vampires in other novels long for their human lives, all of the vampires in Quinn’s world do not recall who they were before they were turned. Except for Orchard. She has flashes that haunt her and motivate her to discover who she was and what role she plays in this supposedly small community of vampires.
My one beef with the book is that the vampires apparently are charged with maintaining the balance of the world. Never once in 272 pages do they appear to do this. The book is focused solely on Orchard and the new dynamic she presents to her nest which is made up of Tortuga, Mouse, Knife and Violet. Other than Orchard, the reader learns the most about Violet, a vivacious heartbroken fashionista. Violet puts on a brave face, but like Orchard, I think she secretly wishes she to would remember who she was before she was turned. It doesn’t stop her, though, from living her undead life to the fullest. Violet was the brightest spot in the book and brought a smile to my face as often as she did Orchard’s.
There is definitely potential in Orchard’s story. The world of vampires isn’t as small as her nest believes and her turning definitely introduces a new dynamic which isn’t fully realized in this novel and will be continued in the next book in the series, Cove.
This review was originally posted on Second Run Reviews
October 15, 2015
Overall I enjoyed the world created here. The plot was well thought out and constructed. I connected with the heroine, Orchard. The character showed strong growth as she struggled to not only come to terms with her identity, but to challenge and become more then what others around her told her she must accept.
The reason I gave this four stars instead of five is that the opening act (Part 1) didn't draw me in and hook me as I would have liked. I can see the necessity of that section. However, it was not always exciting to read. That being said, I did enjoy the details from the beginning that became relevant later in the book. I am glad I stuck it out because the story as a whole package was a nice weekend read.
I look forward to the sequel. I definitely will be picking it up at my local bookstore!
The reason I gave this four stars instead of five is that the opening act (Part 1) didn't draw me in and hook me as I would have liked. I can see the necessity of that section. However, it was not always exciting to read. That being said, I did enjoy the details from the beginning that became relevant later in the book. I am glad I stuck it out because the story as a whole package was a nice weekend read.
I look forward to the sequel. I definitely will be picking it up at my local bookstore!
June 28, 2015
Fast-paced, fresh take on the vampire mythology. A young girl awakens with now memory of her identity or past, and discovers she is now part of a secret society of vampires charged with keeping an unspeakable evil from destroying the world. She now must adjust to her new body and life while at the same time fighting to preserve life as we know it.
A fun read that tackles how we create and maintain our personal identities, against background of a suspenseful, fast-moving story.
A fun read that tackles how we create and maintain our personal identities, against background of a suspenseful, fast-moving story.
February 4, 2016
I don't know about Orchard. I liked the book. For the most part I liked the characters. But the story lacked flow and felt jarring and disjointed. There were too many questions left unanswered and the answers that were given were so vague, I found myself frustrated most of book. I kind of think would be a great concept for a tv series, but was just an okay novel for me. I'll check out Cove but won't be adding it to my personal library.
February 8, 2016
So I actually took a break from this book. The first 10-12 chapters dragged on a little slow but I could tell right before I set the book down that it was about to pick up unfortunately at that point I was ready to pick up another book. I was waiting to get the second book in a series and decided to go ahead and pick this one back up and try again. It ended much better than it started so I am interested to see how the series goes from here.
July 11, 2015
I really liked this one and I didn't want it to end. It was somewhat of a twist compared to other vampire type novels and I think that's what made me so intrigued about what I was reading. The book had great descriptions that allowed me to paint a beautiful movie inside my head.
June 5, 2016
I'll read the next one.
This book is well written, with a new-to-me take on the vampire mythos. The author did leave some questions unanswered in this volume, and I hope to find answers in the next book. I look forward to seeing what Orchard does next.
This book is well written, with a new-to-me take on the vampire mythos. The author did leave some questions unanswered in this volume, and I hope to find answers in the next book. I look forward to seeing what Orchard does next.
May 6, 2016
Loved it and can't wait to continue the journey. I love the characters and the flow. The author is amazing in person and so energetic!
November 3, 2016
Well written YA novel about a teen girl becoming a vampire. Many interesting variations on the mythos.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews