Perceive

Mosaic Chronicles #3

by Andrea Pearson

Nicole Williams is determined to figure out how to Channel her magical abilities properly. In order to do so, she must travel to Moses Lake, WA, to work under the tutelage of Albert, an elderly man who owns a creepy manor and a cello that actually works for her.


While visiting Albert, Nicole learns that a meteor has struck somewhere on his property, spreading a poison that infects the minds of anyone nearby, especially the family that lives closest to it.


Hoping for answers, Nicole decides to read the possessed leather book that has called to her for several months. Through reading, she discovers that the meteor is not as random as once thought, and that her purpose for being at Moses Lake is much higher than just learning to Channel with the proper cello.


Will Nicole be able to help the family and successfully complete the mission set out for her in the journal? Or will the poison destroy them all, including Nicole and her friends?


If you'd like to receive Praxis (the second book in this series) for free, you can grab a copy at the author's website www.andreapearsonbooks.com. Enjoy!


Suggested Reading
Discern, Katon University Book One
Praxis Novellas, Katon University Book Two
Perceive, Katon University Book Three
Observe, Katon University Book Four
Reclaim, Katon University Book Five


What readers are
"Wow! Original, classic ya fantasy. This book is simply captivating! Once I read the first sentence, I couldn't put the book down." - Marina


"Intense action and suspense. Great creativity." - Char


"I really love the way the paranormal things are brought in. It isn't run of the mill regular magic. Different and compelling, can't wait to read more!" - Taylor


"This story was a pleasant surprise. Exciting and full of intrigue. Totally different take on magic. Loved the characters, even the (purposefully) annoying ones." - Susan


"The story was a nice change from the usual young adult fantasy stories that are out there." - Kindle customer


"Recommended to anyone who enjoys a fairly quick read and who likes YA fantasy." - Laura

Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult, Magic, Paranormal, Collections, Supernatural, Romance

256 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 22, 2015

About the author

Andrea, a Brigham Young University graduate, is an avid reader and outdoor enthusiast (hiking, fishing, boating, biking, spending time in the Rocky Mountains, and taking walks). She spent a year and a half serving the Spanish speaking community in Toronto, Canada, and fluently speaks 2 ½ languages. She plays several instruments, not including the banjo, and loves putting together musical arrangements. Her favorite sports are basketball and football, though several knee surgeries and incurably awful coordination prevent her from playing them.

Andrea is always in the mood for a good movie with close friends and family (especially her husband and mom), with a large glass of milk and a bowl of overly buttered popcorn nearby. She also enjoys oil painting, making earrings, squeezing every bit of oxygen out of Ziploc bags, and she hopes to someday travel to Italy and Alaska.

Reviews

[Dianne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Whoa! Answers are coming in spades! A mysterious book that calls to Nicole, a mysterious woman who tells her impossible things and finally, Nicole is getting a handle on her magic, sort of. Meanwhile, it seems that somewhere between the pages, Nicole and Austin are becoming an item, that is, if he can let go of his past girlfriend completely.

Now for the really big news: a meteor that has landed in a remote area, on the property of the very man who has helped Nicole with her magical abilities, coincidence or fate? Are Nicole’s powers connected to that meteor? Are the answers in the old book that has haunted her so long?

Andrea Pearson has nailed an incredible plot that borders on the corner of horror, science fiction and fantasy! Amazing twists, incredible revelations and edge-of-your-seat moments. Five stars for this plot idea for sure.

I was disappointed in the character development, these college age kids seem to be reverting back to ninth grade at times, and those moments came up like “that commercial” that interrupts right at a crucial moment. It created some big potholes in an otherwise fantastic road.

Incredible moments, big revelations, as well as some big reveals that fell flat. I liked PERCEIVE but couldn’t love it like I wanted to.

I received a complimentary copy from Andrea Pearson!

Series: Mosaic Chronicles - Book 3
Publication Date: July 22, 2015
Publisher: Andrea Pearson
Genre: YA Fantasy
Print Length: 256 pages
Available from: Amazon
For Reviews & More: http://tometender.blogspot.com

[Chris Meads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nicole and Austin continue in the 3rd book of the Katon University series. Nicole continues to work on her channeling and travels to Moses Lake, WA to work with a elderly gentleman, Albert. The spiders follow her and she sees the old woman again. There is something the woman wants her to do and Nicole believes her. While at Moses Lake, Nicole finds out about a meteor that was there and then disappeared. Her power has something to do with that meteor. And the family that lives nearby is getting sicker by the day

Will Nicole complete what the old woman wants her to do? Will Nicole learn the secrets that her parents and the old woman hide?

Both Andrea and Austin continue to grow in this story and so do their feeling for each other. Andrea Pearson has woven a wonderful but frightening story about two young people who really don't know what life has in store for them. I can't wait to read the next book in the series.

I have gotten the series from the author through Amazon and her own website

[Tish · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a copy in exchange for my honest review. I am absolutely loving this series. So much suspense and magical excitement. It's great reading how the characters are growing and evolving. This was my favorite one so far. I'm excited to find out what happens next.

Merged review:

I received a copy in exchange for my honest review. I am absolutely loving this series. So much suspense and magical excitement. It's great reading how the characters are growing and evolving. This was my favorite one so far. I'm excited to find out what happens next.

[Teya Teya · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first book Perceive It was intense and really good, however, it never finalizes, never figures out the end and that bugs me.

The second one with Austin it never figures it out it leaves it open, I have a hard time with opened ended stories. Great story and intense just didn't finish.

Finally a great story with a good ending! well sort of definatley one to keep you reading.

Merged review:

There we go much better! Creepy and unique stories. They all seem to be coming together.

[Damian Southam · Rating 5 out of 5]

The whole gang are back together again, on and off of course. Nicole, Lizzie, Austin and Professor Coolidge are still travelling in pursuit of the ever elusive correct type of cello. Still experiencing the hiatus that set in following the expedition to the university's archeological site (at Arches National Park) in Discern, Nicole's still seeking the right instrument to channel and focus her elemental wind magic. Among the short tales making up the Praxis anthology there was once again a snippet of opening in her abilities, but that of course disappeared with the rest of the respective neighbourhood when finally the old lady's playing on the eighth floor couldn't keep the Great Ones at bay. Its once again a recommendation from Coolidge that sees the group venturing this time to Moses Lake, Washington; and another reclusive cello owner. That Coolidge needed to pre-warn about Albert's nature is probably an ill omen, irrespective that he's the one doing the driving to the lake. Given the historical antecedents of the series to-date, its not hard to imagine that the new story might be less about Nicole using a cello to harness her abilities, and more about avoiding some new kind of wild magic looking to entrap her and any other victims.

Despite Nicole's rather well off upbringing, the sheer size and appeal of Albert's Manor even causes her to take a step back in order to take it all in. Coolidge wasn't helping however in his comparisons of their upcoming dwelling to that of Rose Red. Their host Albert, in his greeting with Coolidge, didn't seem the creepy old Manor sort. He actually appeared on face value as a man who is kind, gentle, and warm. Mind you, the room they were immediately taken to on arrival, that had stringed instrument corpses and parts hanging on the walls did seem creepy. To Nicole it was reminiscent of a musical graveyard. That their host had doubts about their vehicle making the trip intact, due to the five foot meteor that appeared on the Manor's grounds was more an omen in keeping with her experiences of late. Or perhaps it was the stranger still fact that the metal is unknown on Earth and that it didn't actually fall from the sky? No that still wasn't it: it was the storm days ago that resulted in several lightning strikes impacting the meteor so that there's nothing now left of it.

Maybe they should have quit while they were ahead, it seems worse still that Aretes venturing into the Manor's woods have become very ill; and that Albert is becoming more and more distracted since that time. They could all be thankful that they were only there to make an exchange arranged by Coolidge. The requisite cello named Niko could be loaned for two weeks; if after that time Nicole hasn't found her release then her only option would be to stay at the Manor to gain anything missed during those two weeks. Regardless of the current dilemma, Nicole also has the lingering agreement she'd made with the elderly woman Rebecca, following Arches National Park. That is, she's committed to reading the ominous book that had followed her around, and it's ever present shadow. The spirit of the grey haired woman has stepped up her haranguing of Nicole in order to get her to read it. Had it not been for Coolidge's magical cabinet, she'd likely have had no choice but to have already crossed that bridge. Her confidence would be higher if she'd first mastered the channeling of her magic, hence the trip to Moses Lake. Surely it would offer a sorely lacking layer of protection she did not currently possess.


Outside of her magical meanderings, the yoyo effects brought about by the continual back-and-forth motion of Austin's desire and affection begin to take a different kind of toll. The confusion eluded to by these merry-go-round whirlpools of deciphering what Austin wants slowly turn to hurt and distaste. Its obvious to anyone looking on from outside the circle of Austin's influence that he adores Nicole; but from within its obvious that he is still delineating over his ex-girlfriend Savannah. For Nicole, every time she thinks he's ready it turns out he's not; and conversely, every time she thinks he's over Savannah it turns out he isn't. If she didn't like him so much I suspect she'd have written him off way before now. Lizzie cannot work him out, she's adamant that the way she sees him look at Nicole that there's no doubt at all about what he feels. Then she hears from Nicole the latest snubbing and she's back to wanting to punch him for the way he's treating Nicole.

Perceive is the first in the series to begin cementing the idea that Nicole is to become a rather significant figure in the world of Aretes: and perhaps even more so in the struggles building because of the Tarians and their hatred toward the magical Aretes. The expedition to the Arches in Discern opened the door to the possibility of Nicole being more than just a burgeoning strong Arete. Praxis saw Nicole step through that door, but only to barely enough to reach the other side. Perceive now sees her taking firm steps on the pathway the door lead to. As the hair colour demographics of previous books, and Austin and Coolidge's only lacking mastery, shows that the world of the Mosaic Chronicles doesn't have many, let alone very strong wind elementals. True natural blondes are described in the population as being among the two rarest colours; as is Lizzie, her natural red haired best friend which makes her a fire elemental.

Perceive not only highlights the information known about Nicole through the two previous books, it begins to add in the dimension of a predestined fate. The workings of the dead are catching up with Nicole. That is to say that Nicole is pivotal in the brewing war between the extremists who don't have access to magical and elemental abilities, and those rare fourth born children who do. Children that are rare because of the past machinations of fighters in a war that sought to influence outcomes ahead of time by manipulating the breeding characteristics of humans. The plot of the Mosaic Chronicles, in so doing, has thus added the additional Science Fiction-Fantasy element to the already established Young Adult and Fantasy genres. As the series now branches toward a repeat of history passed, where active conflict with the Tarians shifts from covert guerilla tactics to outward battle, it becomes more enriched and takes on some of the characteristics for which it was written.

Not only is Perceive one of the more exciting books in the series so far, it also sets up future excitement to come. This is done cleverly without an obvious cliffhanger event to tie off. A pitiful of series can often be the stage where the current book ends, if its not complete enough in the present book readers are left feeling that something's missing. Thankfully that hasn't been the trend to date. Perceive, like Discern, finishes nicely: so that you can have the requisite breather before getting set to read the next book. Events in Perceive are much more magically involved and to some extent its best not to have a week stomach when you read it. Definitely going with five stars on this one, and the notable direction is one of anticipation which is a skill good writers bring.

[Heather Rainwater-Alvarado · Rating 3 out of 5]

I originally purchased this as a set in the Omnibus offered at a discounted rate, but was compelled to write this separate review about Perceive. I was originally drawn to the covers since they are all uniform in using the same character and color scheme. It really does draw you in. After looking at this individual book cover, however, I noticed that it is almost identical to Discern (Book 1). I guess the downside is that you can only do so many different poses using the same woman's head shot picture.

I was especially looking forward to the continuation of the main storyline after reading "Book 2" which was a novella comprised of three short (yet very different) stories. Regrettably, I found that I did not like the book as much as the first. Honestly I would give it a 2.5 star rating if I could. The end of Book 1 turned weird, "Book 2" (aka novella) turned creepy, and Book 3 definitely blends the two together. It's like an Amish horror story mixed in with otherworldly sci-fi. Personally I prefer paranormal/urban fantasy which is why I've rated this book lower, and wish she would have kept that genre from the beginning.

The key characters you yearn to learn about from the previous books are missing for most of the book, and Pearson introduces us to new yet strange characters. She also unfortunately continues her tendency to include character flaws where these characters do not react as normal people would in difficult (or tragic) situations. I continue to therefore question the believability of the series. Trust me, I thoroughly enjoy fiction; however I also appreciate a tinge of realism to bring the concept home.

The book overall does build in suspense (despite some lulls which get a bit monotonous) ending with another substantial cliffhanger. Yes, this does hook the reader with the need to know what happens next; but I would love to finally tie some of these loose ends together.

[Sydney Perkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm not even sure where to start with this one, but I should preface by saying that when I put this book down for the evening last night, I was anticipating to write a 3 or 4 star review today when I finished. As with the first book however, I am yet again blown away by the sheer creativity, spookiness, and unpredictability that Andrea Pearson delivered. I normally am so organized with my reviews, but I honestly don't know where to begin, it was that fun and crazy and still has me contemplating it's plot!!

Despite a slow, and rather mundane beginning with not a whole lot of action, I was tempted to put the book down altogether. But I knew that this was a short read and resolved to finish the book for the sake of the review, and I'm glad that I did! Not only do we see Nicole grow substantially in her powers, but we also see her romance with Austin, and the crazy otherworld situation that is going on with the Gardner family after a meteor strikes is finally revealed. True, this book falls under the fantasy category, but there are points in the book where I stopped and wondered whether or not it should actually be categorized under sci-fi. I won't give any spoilers or tease at anything, but this book reminds me of Doctor Who except with a lot less space and science influence. That's why this book was really quite a fun read, because it is just as creative, twisted, haunting, and has that "whoa, what the hell, that's crazy!" factor! Without babbling on too much about how to describe it, I'll finish my point by saying that if you can get through the first half of the book, you'll thoroughly enjoy the ending.

Apart from a few minor omission errors, and the fact that the book is short and does lack world and character building because of this, there's nothing else about the book that I did not like.

[Ashley Paulson · Rating 1 out of 5]

I picked this up on a roadtrip because I had it on my kindle already and didn’t have internet access so I figured, why not? Unfortunately, I DNF. The writing is very surface-level. If you’re expecting any depth or cleverness in your books, this series is the wrong choice. I made my way through the first two books with mild annoyance at the writing, but the story line was interesting enough to get through it. The third book completely departs from the first book’s story and transitions to a weird, sci-fi time-hopping/alien vibe. It gave me the exact feeling of reading a peer’s first draft in one of my college creative writing classes. Funnily enough, AP also attended the same college as me—BYU (which I hate to claim). No wonder I was getting the same ick from the infantilized college student characters and their stiff, completely unnatural dialogue. (“Oh, so very much!” Who says that?) The “romance” was exactly like my college roommate’s two-week relationship-turned-engagement (which was eventually called off). The main characters’ names are so milktoast that I kept forgetting Nicole was the main character. Nicole’s character flip-flopped constantly from confident and determined to completely insecure and unsure of herself. But not in a way that felt multi-faceted or authentic. Austin is just so unlovable; there’s nothing to him that drew me in. I don’t know if it was the kindle version or just poor editing, but there were missing words and punctuation throughout the first part of the book. With some feedback and polishing, this could have been a more worthwhile read, but unfortunately, this version is disappointing.

[Naoé · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was really good
We have some answers but also more questions at the end of this book
The mystery aspect of it was really good and the characters are all well written we have adults who are here for the main characters and I enjoyed that
The plot made me read this book in a few hours because I couldn’t stop I needed to know more
Nicole is a really good main character I liked knowing more about her and her relationships with both Lizzie and Austin were interesting
Her and Lizzie are really different but they work well together and they support each other
Austin is the love interest in this series and he’s a bit different from others love interest we can read about he’s shy and reserved and serious but he also care about Nicole so much and their relationship were more or less without drama (yet) I mean the world is a mess but they deal with things together and it was nice to read
It was a good read and I’m currently marathoning the series because I want answers

[Jestice Love · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like it, though they remind me more of high school students and not college students. I am not sure exactly where this book takes place either, so it may be a cultural thing as well, but other than that the story flows nicely and I really like the characters, especially Austin. I highly recommend reading book two, which has a story from his point of view to really get to know him though, as he is a shy guy and reserved and it is really hard to pick up who he is in the other 2 books so far.

I side note, this series almost feels like Harry Potter, where the there is the main story line, but there is a different issue in every book. That being said, if there is a main bad guy, I am not sure who it is. I am waiting for the twist, I can feel one coming and I love a book with twists.

[Meche · Rating 4 out of 5]

the story was good. Nicole goes to a man to ask for his 300 year old cello so she can practice her focus and he lives near a family of Amish that take care of a farm and sometimes work for this man (Albert).
This family starts getting sick and acting weird because of a meteorite that exploded near their house. This on top of her going to learn how to control her powers and reading the book that has been following her, makes teams that her great great grandparents are contacting her so she can fix the lack of aretes in the world.
She ends up getting an elixir to fix this problem from some aliens that have superior powers. This in exchange for one life of the family that lived in that farm.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perceive is the third Mosaic Chronicles book and it was just as good as the first two. There was one big reveal that I guess if I had really stopped and thought about it I might have realized it was coming, but as it was it was quite a pleasant surprise for me. Another plot twist I totally didn’t see coming. There were a handful of minor editing mistakes including one that I’m really not sure what the author actually meant. I highly recommend Perceive and the entire Mosaic Chronicles series (so far at least)!

[Ying_ko · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fun installment in the Mosaic series
My review is based on a free advance copy of this book I received from the author. I voluntarily am providing a review. The third book in the mosaic chronicles is an exciting ride for the reader. Nicole finds herself being dragged into events with deep historical roots and involve ghost, spiders, and all sorts of other nasties. Facing setbacks and challenges, Nicole tries to find the answer to her problem. I love the story and the series. Andrea Pearson does a wonderful job developing her characters, plots, and world building.

[Elda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Totally unexpected!

Wow! A lot of serious and weird things happen in this book. I don’t know where Ms Pearson gets her imagination from but it is definitely different. Very dramatic at times and also chilling. But it was also sweet how Austin shows his love, support and affection for Nicole. I definitely recommend reading this book if you have read any of the other books in this series. You will be in for a real surprise!

[Nola]

I really loved Perceive. Percieve continues where Praxis and Discern left off, having Nichole gain strength in her magical, Arete abilities. Magic, romance and suspense await the reader in this installment of the Mosaic Chronicles. Full of great adventures and characters that leap off the page, this is one book you don't want to miss! *I received a free eBook copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.*

[Karl Hakimian · Rating 4 out of 5]

This series is getting more fun as time goes on. In this book, we move from Nicole learning about her magic to using it for something of great import to the world. Her relationships are growing and being explored in further detail and her life is being planned out, but not by herself. All in all a good read.

[Ken Grant · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nicely conceived story. Lots of characters and plot lines makes this a challenging story to tell, but the author does the job well. I like how the world of the characters is growing and developing and how the reader is left not sure where allegiances lie. The intensity of the story is maintained without becoming overwhelming.

[NanaShauna Joesten · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fantastic addition to this series. Nicole has decided to read the book she has. She is hoping to learn how to channel her Magic. This book grabs you right from the start. You won't want to put the book down. You feel like you living Vicatiously with the Characters. It action packed and has scenes of Wonderful Magic.
Shauna Joesten

[Kim Hampton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every time I read another of these books, I can't wait to get to the next one! So many mysteries and cliffhangers, I can't wait for all of them to be explained. I'm not normally a fantasy fan, but I love this series!

[Saundra Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nicole is working hard to control her magic while tiptoing toward a relationship with Austin. Can she achieve her goals when lives may depend on it? Find out in this third exciting novel in The Mosaic Chonicles!

[Tonya · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm really enjoying this series! In book 3 Nicole finally channels consistently. But she's all tangled up in a mysterious mission for a dead lady who visits her as a ghost. Wanna know how it turns out? Keep on reading! It's great suspense!

[Bryan Dockery · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again Andrea pulls you into the story. Your with Nicole on this journey. She learns a lot about herself and learns some more questions that keep you wanting to know more. It is a must read and a want to read as you work through this amazing story.

[Donna Ruckart · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nicole Williams is determined to figure out how to Channel her magical abilities properly. There are so many scary parts in this book as the twists and turns progress......then a journal adds more to the mix. Come read for yourselves!

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

loved it

[Elaine Chiu · Rating 2 out of 5]

Honestly, it just wasn't as good as the other books. In my opinion, it was kind of boring and too gloomy.

[Nikki Buchan · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was awesome..especially learning about different ways to learn about different abilities that everybody has.

[Elizabeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.75

[Alicia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pretty good story but the main plotline gets really weird: let's send a novice magician to infiltrate the terrorist organization that reshaped humanity.

[Caroline · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun to watch the characters learn and grow. Ms. Pearson is a fine storyteller and I can't wait to read the next one to come out.

[Jessica Vroman · Rating 5 out of 5]

great book 📚