Sophie Evans is sure about one thing: she’s a normal teenage girl. Until one night her life is turned upside down.
Attacked in her own apartment and saved by two handsome strangers, she’s thrown into a whole new world. Suddenly dealing with powers she knows nothing about and having half-truths thrown at her from every direction, she realizes that the definition of normal might not fit her after all.
When Sophie is told that she has to fight in a matter of life and death, she’s left wondering what chance does she really have? And how can she be the only hope of a race she never even knew existed?
Can Sophie fight the odds stacked against her, or will she lose herself in the process?
Jamie is an author, wife, mother, reader and coffee lover who loves to take you on an emotional ride with her books.
When she was younger, it was her best friend who got her into writing in the first place. School was boring? Afternoon off? Fanfic writing was what they would do for hours to no end. Publishing, though, hadn't been anything on Jamie's radar until she woke up one day from a very vivid dream. It was one of those you can't get rid of, so she ended up writing it down. And writing some more on it. Until a full story started to emerge. It was her best friend who ended up pushing her to take the next step and put the book out there.
Ever since then, Jamie has been writing all kinds of different stories, all centuring around women or girls fighting against their inner (or sometimes outer) demons. The stories range from Young Adult fantasy, to women's fiction or contemporary romance. Whatever idea comes to Jamie's mind.
When she's not writing, Jamie can be found spending time with her friends and family, sitting on her deck enjoying an Iced Latte, watching one of her million TV shows or simply sleeping (cause let's be honest, sleep is hard to come by with small children). She lives in beautiful Germany where she's currently conjuring up her next book.
Review by Susan on behalf of Ladies Living in Bookland
The intricate story of Sophie and her upbringing, which one day is suddenly thrown into chaos upon meeting Ren and Ash when she would learn more about herself than she ever imagined. ---------- Excerpt: ...don't underestimate your value to other people, okay? Be careful who you surround yourself with and especially who you trust. ---------- But Sophie is being kept in the dark about her abilities and what the future holds for her in order to both keep her safe and advance her training with Ash.
Mrs Perkins (her old neighbour as well as Ashes Mother) would be a constant in Sophies life. But the difficulties between both Ren and the others and their warning t her that he will only "make her question her best intentions" and this was from greed and power some years ago.
Ren is obviously shunned from Ash, and Mrs Perkins. Sophie wouldn't learn the true extent of this until later and it would play on her mind as she struggled to understand her feelings towards him. Not to mention Ash. Her trainer. Protector. And we would all hope would be much more!
As Sophie's training progresses and she gets to grips with her abilities, we are transported into their incredible world of mystical creatures, hidden truths about Sophie's family and an old necklace she would find back at the old house she holiday at with her family as a child. --------- Excerpt: Water might not be a living thing, but it is a force that we should not underestimate. ---------- Ash seems like the good guy. The light that Sophie needs to cling onto and helps her through her journey of discovery but on the other side of the spectrum Ren, like a black sheep also holds a close piece of Sophie's mind and heart. And she does to him too I think! His anger at the prospect of her being in danger during an attack in the one place she should have been safe makes us see a different side to him.
But as Sophie prepares to say goodbye to Ash, she's not prepared for the length of time he will be away from her or the feelings it would awaken. ----------- Excerpt: Somehow, right there, it felt as if he was taking part of heart with him. A part she hadn't even realised that she had given away. ----------- But the knowledge of what lay ahead of Sophie and the "Council" and the tests she would need to face would set fear amongst them all. ----------- Excerpt: This was a competition, and if you didn't live up to their expectations, you were out. And in these circles 'out' meant death.... ------------ Albert (Sophie's mentor for the test would be one of the few she would depend on and allow to see her skills upon arriving. ---------- Excerpt: I believe that you're the one that can save us all, but I don't want to burden you with the information on what exactly that would mean for you. ---------
A truly brilliant read that I couldn't put down and felt a lot like a hunger games style story of competitors, trials, abilities and so much more. Sophie's quick wit, intelligence and strength (emotionally as well as physically) has got to make her one of my favourite female characters.
A brilliant read and there is so much more I want to know so can't wait to read more and see where this goes!
*Review by Susan **I was asked to beta and review this ebook
Whoa, what can I say? If you've been a fan of The Hunger Games, you will definitely enjoy the start of this new series. Action-packed and full of mysteries, this will make you hold your breath.
Oh, and did I mention there are TWO hot BBFs? No? I guess I did now. :-D
Sophie is a likeable, strong and compassionate character, who has been through a lot and still comes out better at the end.
I'm not usually a YA reader, but you can count on me reading book two as soon as I get my tiny hands on it!!
I read this book in two sittings, only stopping at 50% due to needing sleep. I honestly would have read it in one sitting had I been able to.
I love fantasy stories, and am always on the lookout for something a little different to the ideas that have been overpopulated during the last few years. This story brings that something new and I am excited to see where the author will take it.
From the very first chapter the author brings us right into the action. We know that something is going on but we aren't quite sure what it is. In fact, we don't find out what is going on until nearer the end of the book. However the characters closest to Sophie, the female lead, drop hints throughout as to what is going to happen to her.
Sophie is a seemingly normal young girl, making her own way in life and simply getting on with things. She is very quickly thrown way out of her comfort zone and has to accept the changes without being given explanations as to why certain things are happening. She does, however, very quickly find her own way in the new life she has been presented with. In doing so Sophie manages to excel in her new found talents.
The characters are all written well, especially those of Ren and Ash. The author has provided the reader with not one but two male leads in this story. There is a definite back story going on with these two in particular, and I can't wait to see where the author takes them and, indeed, which one Sophie may end up with. I have my favourite already, but I'm keeping that to myself for now. Every reader will make their own choice as to who they prefer.
I quite liked the pacing of the story. I felt it allowed the characters to grow properly on the page, we find out a lot more about them by not having constant action throughout. There are quite a few unanswered questions, and I already have my suspicions about at least one of them. Hopefully book two will bring the answers I seek, but I'm pretty sure it will also bring many more questions with it.
A great read for all ages and I can't wait for book two.
What I Loved: This story is very unique in many ways, and yet still falls into what is popular in YA-Fantasy/Dystopian type novels. I enjoyed Sophie’s character. She was witty and strong, yet at the same time took things in stride and didn’t have a tendency for the dramatic ‘this is not fair’ attitude that sometimes comes with these novels. This book was not too forthcoming with information, but there were some elements that of foreshadowing I was able to pick up on, and I love when I’m able to do that.
The chemistry between Sophie and Ash….and Sophie and Ren was pretty decent. Yes, unfortunately we have the makings (not exactly there yet…) for a love triangle here. I have my ‘side’ but I will keep that to myself for now.
Not So Much: As previously mentioned, this book is not too forthcoming with the information. I was just as frustrated as Sophie about this, but mostly because it caused some of the story to just not make sense, or even flow very well. Keeping information so far under wraps that nearly the entire book is us discovering Sophie’s abilities, her training, and her internally swooning – it really just could have used a little more movement. There were things happening, lies that were being told (though not very well at times) and plots forming; however we never really figured out the reasons behind some of these things. I have my suspicions on a few of them…but no confirmation. That is not to say the book wasn’t without its action, and once there was some information starting to get shared, the book picked up pace considerably. It was just that I had to wait until the final 3/4ths of the novel for that to really happen.
The Verdict:
I did enjoy the concept of this story, it was a unique idea with a lot of potential. I will be interested to see what more can be made of it as the series progresses. This book is clean, very YA appropriate.
Sophie Evans is a normal teenager, or so she thinks. One night she is awoken to strange noises in her apartment, she's saved by not 1 but 2 hot strangers. She's then thrown into this whole new strange world. She has special powers, which has to learn to control. But then she learns of a test, she has to take. But it's not a simple test, it's a matter of life or death. Can Sophie win the test and fight for a race she knows nothing about?
I'm not really sure what to say about this story really. I enjoyed it, the characters were likeable and the storyline was interesting. But the I thought at the beginning the story was slow going, there wasn't a lot happening. But then it started to get interesting and I just had to find out what was going to happen. But when the story picked up, it was a interesting story line. It was different to other books I have read, and I loved that! I also felt like we needed more information on the race of Dalysian's and what they are about. Sophie was a really likeable character, you can't help but feel like you want to be best friends with her. Then we have Ren and Ash, her two rescuers. I'm drawn to Ren more the Ash, maybe it has something to do with him being the mysterious bad boy. But there is just something about him. I liked Ash but I think he can be arrogant and full of himself sometimes which put me off him. There are so many unanswered questions I have, I need to know what is happening, with Sophie, with the Trails, Ren's history. And most of all about Sophie's Mom and a little boy named Ryan. I need book 2 like right now!!!
I loved the book! I thought it was a terrific start to a series. It is a five five-star book for me because it was a perfect introduction. It has action, a lot of mystery, and some romance! I ship Ren and Sophie! I love that Jules will be in the next book more because I loved her character! The one thing I wanted more of in the book was Ren! I was obsessed with Ren and found him really interesting, so I wished there could have been more of him. Hopefully the next book will feature more of Jules and Ren, they were my favorite characters besides Sophie. I don't trust Ash and I think he is suspicious, however everything in this book is clouded in suspicion. There was so much mystery and I really hope the next book will enlighten us. I want to know more of Sophie's past and Ryan's. I kind of think Ren is Ryan... That would be awesome! I also think that Sophia is more talented and I can't wait to discover what else she can do. I am also wondering if one of Sophia's parents was Cetoan and that is why she is so powerful. What if she is part Cetoan and part Dalysian? That would be cool! Anyway, I have rambled enough...This book was a great start and I can't to see how these books develop! :)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
If you like Fantasy with an Urban twist, then this is definitely one for you. Sophie is living a 'normal' life until one evening when weirdness erupts and two guys show up in her life. One may be there to help, and one may be there to hinder, but until Sophie figures out what the heck is going on, then she will be none the wiser!
This is the author's debut novel and I am already in love with her intimate and descriptive writing style. It doesn't feel like it was written for the masses, but rather just for "you" alone. This means that you are drawn right into the story and care about the characters, some more than others!
With layer upon layer woven together in a thrilling elemental story, this book will sweep you away and definitely leave you wanting more.
Oh, one thing more I need to say - TEAM REN!!!
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books! Apr 30, 2016
Interesting tale about an extra ordinary girl. What would you do if you suddenly found out everything you knew about your life wasn't true? When her life is turned upside down by unexpected events Sophie is about to find out there is more to her than meets the eye. This was an adventure from start to finish and at the end I was left needing to know what was going to happen next! The story moved at a good pace and kept me guessing until the end. If you like reading outside the box then this read is for you!
What in the world!? I feel like I knew this would end on a cliffie, but darn it!!! Sophie has an inexplicable pull to the ocean. Her family vacationed at the ocean growing up, but it's always been her place of calm. One night in her apartment her whole world is turned inside out and she gets to return to her happy place in the process. Her mind is blown over and over by lots of strange happenings and new things. I want to give nothing away, so sorry this is super vague!! Please, hurry and be September!! Thank you for writing this and blowing my world up!
This debut novel is off to a great start. What I really enjoyed about this book was the fact that I didn't figure things out right off the start and quite honestly there are still a few things that are still a mystery to me so I am definitely looking forward to reading the next book. Full of mystery, interesting characters and a strong story line. There were many times when it felt like the author was sitting next to me and telling me the story herself.
How do I know that this is a 5 star book? I know because I can't wait to finish this review and start on book 2 of the trilogy. I was given a copy of this book via Quirky Blind Date with a Book group, in return for an honest review, and am EXTREMELY thankful for this opportunity to do so. If you like paranormal, young adult, suspense, and an all around great story, pick this one up. The characters are well-developed, yet the author keeps the suspense of not knowing who to trust throughout the entire book. Just when I feel like Sophie can trust a character, a twist tells me to hold off.
Sophie is a young girl of 17 years who has been through a lot in her short life. All those struggles, though, have nothing on the adventure that was to follow an attack on her apartment. She meets strangers who save her life and finds out that people she thought she knew were really strangers. She finds out that she has powers and that a deal was made involving her future, whether she likes it, or not. She is taken away from everything she currently knows and is surrounded by strangers with few answers.
This is one of the best paranormal stories I've read in a long while. Thank you, Jamie Summer, for writing a story that brought me back to this wonderful genre.
This is a captivating YA paranormal..I really thought the prologue was excellent it pulled me straight in from the start..I was intrigued to know the secrets that were clearly lurking, encouraging me to continue…..Sophie is a average 17 years old until one night her eyes are opened to an alternative world where the stakes are deadly and she needs to learn the skills and knowledge required to survive….
This is a really fascinating read…the characters are all complex with depth…. I love it when a character has special powers but has been kept in the dark about them by a protective family and friends…. Sophie is such a strong character considering the bewildering magical world she discovers and the men who are there to assist, train and ultimately navigate her through this paranormal universe are all intriguing…
This was a thrilling and magical read…. there is a war brewing and Sophie is an essential element in determining the outcome….I am now invested in the lives of these characters and will definitely be reading the next instalment…. I received a copy of this book through the Quirky Blind Date with a Book in exchange for a fair and honest review.....
Frustrating is the first word that comes to mind when I think of this book. Sophie is a seventeen year old, somehow allowed to live by herself , and one night mysterious strangers start to appear in her home, along with some rather grotesque monsters. Sophie is clueless about what is going on, and remains that way for much of the book, as do we the readers. While a little mystery in a book is a good thing, hooking the reader and helping them to empathise with the character, it was taken too far here. The majority of the book felt like build up, and the climax, when it came, while it was somewhat satisfying, ended on rather a frustrating cliffhanger. As a reader, this is one of my pet peeves, I dislike being held to ransom by an author and it makes me much less likely to buy the next book in a series. That gripe out of the way, the concept behind the book, once it's finally revealed is an interesting one, and Sophie's character is well rounded. I just wish I hadn't spent so much time wondering what the hell was going on, and had a bit more story instead.
This was something a little different for me, but I really liked it! The story was a fresh idea, with people that could manipulate elements. This book was mainly about Sophie, and her ability to work with water. I got the impression that the other elements (earth, wind, fire) were possibilities, so it would have been neat so see others and their abilities. This book did a great job of setting up backstory and then explaining how Sophie came to know about her powers, but it left a lot of questions that I hope will be answered in another book. Plus...we have several different male interests and I need to know more about them and their backgrounds and how they all fit into this world. There were times that I was frustrated with the secrets of this book,and it did seem to go a little long with not much stuff going on, but overall, I liked it and can't wait for more!
I've been on a paranormal/fantasy kick lately. It's normally a genre I don't often read. This book took me away like fantasy books are supposed to take you. From the opening prologue where young Sophie Evans and her mother sit on the beach building sand castles to the end when she sets out with her friend, Julie to save the world from unknown forces, you will be on the edge of your seat.
It's action packed, full of unsavory creatures, strange heroes and a beautiful ocean that pulls Sophie in in more ways than one. A truly wonderful fantasy book that certainly leaves you wanting more! I started this book while on the beach and it freaked me out so much, I had to put it down and start a different one until I was home the next day!
This was a different type of book from what I would normally read. I found the characters to be well developed and complex. It is a story about a young woman who is told that she has powers over the element of water. Sophie is then transported to a house in Florida where her family vacationed when she was young. She must develop her special power and then compete in a test where only one person can win, similar to The Hunger Games.
I gave this book a 4 out of a possible 5 because of the way it ended, or rather did not end and is to be continued in the next book. I really prefer books that are stand-alone and wrap everything up at the end.
I do recommend this book for young adults and anyone who appreciates clean, non-violent books.
I picked up this book because the cover is amazing. I read the blurb and decided that it would be a good read, and I wasn't disappointed. Summer tells a story that unfolds before your eyes, keeping you on the edge of your seat and wishing there were more. Sophie almost dies, and then suddenly she's thrown into a world where everything she knows about herself, about the world around her proves to be wrong. She's got loads of questions, but no one seems to want to answer her. I loved the story and the writing, it was beautifully written! Highly recommended and I plan to pick up book two asap!
Ok a few of my not likes: not a fan of inner dialogue that goes on for pages, where having mystery is good for a book, having too many missing pieces makes for a non enjoyable read.
Book two thankfully fills in on all the questions fairly quickly or I wouldn't have continued too read.
Heroine for me was too forgiving or better person. Accepting non answers to 100 of questions from all whose in her life. The storyline is what kept me reading and needing the questions answered. Lots of wholes in story that will be filled in book two.
To say I was confused at the start of this book would be an understatement. However the storyline aroused my curiosity and I wanted to know more. Why did Sophie have such an affinity with the ocean? Why was she so special? What or who are Ren and Ash? So many questions but unfortunately there were very few answers. Whilst I enjoyed the mystery and intrigue I found not only the storyline but the characters complicated and it made me have to think to much to keep on track.
I loved the idea behind this book. sounded whimsical and fantastic!
The story line was great. Adventurous, daring, and thrilling. Although, I had a hard time staying focused. There was so much detail throughout the entire book that I felt myself getting lost and losing focus. But all in all, it was a good book.
I really enjoyed reading this book. In fact I stayed up all night just to finish it. Sophie discovers some interesting things about herself during this book, but there are still so many secrets being held back from her. I really want to find out what happens next and if she'll have a relationship with either Ash or Ren. I voluntarily reviewed a copy via Quirky Blind Date with a Book.
This book is not my usual genre but I really enjoyed it! I liked Sophie's snarky attitude and sarcasm, it made her seem real and gave a sense of normalcy to the story. I especially enjoyed Ren and Ash. I honestly can't choose between the two of them. The plot was something I hadn't read before and I am looking forward to seeing what happens next.
I really enjoyed this book because it was not predictable and had you guessing throughout the story. It is The Hunger Games meets paranormal. Really good book. I need to get the next one to find out what happens next.
This is a weird book how can these creatures know which person is going to be in the test even when this person didn't know she had these powers and why do they change her childhood memories.
*I was given a copy of this book for an honest review*
Ooooomg okay. That got a bit intense there! This was a well written tale of a special girl with special talents that even she was unaware of. Hunks galore, and mystery about the past (AND present AND future!) to boot. I'm STILL guessing at some things, and assume they will be answered in book two. I hope. I need it to happen!
Will DEFINITELY be reading the next in the series, ASAP.
Sophie has a great childhood, parents that love here brother who she gets along with. Summer's at the beach and she loves the beach and has no fear of the ocean. It's on one of these fun days at the age of 9 that her world as she knows it changes from a happy 4 on minute down to 2. Her father and brother are dead, she doesn't understand they were all just sitting on the beach are car accident she is told? Fast forward to her senior year high school she lives alone near a beach of course, her Mom lives in the city. Strange things start happening and her life is turned upside down. People aren't who they seem and neither is she! Why can she breathe and talk under water? Why can she control the movement of water? Who are these people who want to test her and what is a trail all about? Be prepared to sit on the edge of your seat, this is a page turner. This is a cliffhanger that will make you say darn now I have to wait for the next half to be released. Need to know the where's the why's and what is next. I received this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. Read and reviewed for Kylie's Fiction Addition.