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The Realm of You
When Marlin Winters awakens in an alternate universe, living in Vermont and engaged to a man she doesn’t recognize, she’s determined to figure out why she’s here and what sequence of events lead her to this moment. Over the course of one day, she begins to piece together the last week of her real life. What’s more, when the day is over, she doesn’t want to leave. Though she avoids it, sleep eventually comes, and the life she yearns for disappears forever.
The next day, Marlin wakes up in a hospital bed. It becomes abundantly clear that her wonderful life in Vermont was all a dream. Intent on regaining the happiness she felt, she decides to uproot her life and begin volunteering at a psychiatric hospital in the same town as the one in her dream. What she doesn’t expect is for both lives to come crashing together in a strange twist of fate.
The Realm of You is a dark contemporary romance about discovering your second chance. Sometimes the mind works in mysterious ways, and in Marlin’s case, it gives her a glimpse of what could have been. Once she gets a taste, she’ll do anything to make it a reality.
The next day, Marlin wakes up in a hospital bed. It becomes abundantly clear that her wonderful life in Vermont was all a dream. Intent on regaining the happiness she felt, she decides to uproot her life and begin volunteering at a psychiatric hospital in the same town as the one in her dream. What she doesn’t expect is for both lives to come crashing together in a strange twist of fate.
The Realm of You is a dark contemporary romance about discovering your second chance. Sometimes the mind works in mysterious ways, and in Marlin’s case, it gives her a glimpse of what could have been. Once she gets a taste, she’ll do anything to make it a reality.
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First published October 26, 2015
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About the author
Amanda Richardson
59 books2,681 followersI write love stories with badass heroines and mysterious, brooding heroes. I survive on coffee and live in Yorkshire, England with my family.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 141 reviews
January 10, 2016
The Realm Of You by Amanda Richardson
Heartbreaking, Captivating, Deeply Emotional and Haunting this is the story of what could have been, and how it’s never too late to get your happy ending even when you’ve made a wrong turn.
Warning: this book deals with dark themes such as self-harm and suicide, possible triggers tread carefully.
I really liked this book; it was very thought provoking. It made me think about a lot of things I’ve done in the past that may have seemed insignificant at the moment but made a big impact on how my life turned out.
I highlighted so many passages if it was a physical copy it would look like a coloring book. Every word spoke to a darkness deep inside me that I kept carefully buried to avoid looking at it. The author did an outstanding job of depicting characters with mental illness, she avoided stereotypes and clichés and I appreciate it so hats off to that.
“My eyelids flutter open. Morning, again.
Some people say that mornings bring renewal- the dawn of a new day, or some bullshit like that. I can’t seem to agree. Mornings for me are just a reminder of the end I failed to give myself. There is no hope for someone like me. I’m broken. I’m too broken. There are cracks in my heart that will never heal over.” Sebastian.
I love how she didn’t make Sebastian’s illness a result of some trauma because in real life sometimes depression hits and the will to live simply cease to exist for no apparent reason.
Marlin has a boyfriend Charlie who is emotionally abusive and controlling. She stayed with him because he was her first and she felt like she owed him because he pulled her trough a traumatic experience; she also thought she loved him.
One day she wakes up in stranger’s bed and thinks she was kidnapped only to realize later on that she was in an alternate universe living in another state and engaged to a man she doesn’t recognize. As she tries to make sense of her new surroundings she spends the day trying to figure out how she ended up there and discovers that she doesn’t want to leave. It was a glimpse of the perfect life, everything she could have ever wished for.
The next day she wakes up in a hospital bed and figures out that that the other life was nothing but a dream. But having experienced the happiness and wonderful life she could have instead of the one she was currently living she finds the courage to leave her boyfriend and uproot her life to Vermont to regain the joy de vivre she felt in her dream.
What she finds there, are things she never thought she would ever have, and thus begins her journey of recovery and finding real love. In an unputdownable, consuming read you’ll keep turning the pages and biting your nails right along with her trying to figure out what’s going to happen next.
Surprisingly there was some good natured humor thrown in, it balanced the darkness of the theme and I loved it.
No, no, no. Please don’t let King Henry be the name for his penis. That’s so wrong is so many ways but the way he’s shaking his hips in my peripheral vision makes me cringe.”
I liked Marlin a lot she was a very relatable character and good hearted but in a very dark place before she fell apart.
“Once people have gone through certain things, felt certain things, and been broken in certain ways, they can’t be fixed. I cannot ever be fixed.”
“I think of life as jail, and I think of death as freedom.”
The story is told from Marlin’s point of view. Alternating between the past and the alternate universe in the first couple chapters and the switch is done so seamlessly and beautifully that it feels like the natural way this story should be told.
Sebastian her fiancée in the other life was sweet, tender and loving and immensely sexy. But when she found him in real life he was a total mess more broken then she was.
He was so completely broken and it was heartbreaking to watch but slowly and surely Marlin made him want to live again. I don’t want to spoil the rest of the story and I recommend you go in blind because there are so many great things that happen, you’ll be glad you read it without knowing beforehand.
If you feel like you’re misunderstood, down and plain depressed give this book a shot it may just take you out of your fog.
This is a great story of healing, learning to love life and hope for a better future.
Highly recommended. 4.5+++ Stars
Purchase Kindle: Here
January 31, 2016
Title: The Realm of You
Author: Amanda Richardson
Source: Purchase eBook
Pages: 226
Genre: Contemporary Realism
Age Group: New Adult
Characters: Marlin Winters
Point of View: First
Happily Ever After: Yes
Release Date: October 26th, 2015
Date Read: January 16th, 2016
Overall Rating: 4 Stars
I highly enjoyed reading The Realm of You by Amanda Richardson. I loved the uniqueness that this story had to offer. Loved the feel of what the story was.
November 25, 2017
The Realm Of You es mi primera lectura de Amanda Richardson y tiene como protagonistas a Sebastian y Marlin.
La verdad es que me pense durante varias semanas si leer o no este libro, por un lado la sinopsis me parecio muy interesante y diferente pero tambien me dio la sensacion de que la historia seria triste y la realidad es que no me gusta leer libros depresivos, pienso que ya hay suficiente tristeza en el dia a dia como para tambien estar infeliz por una lectura, por eso me sorprendi tanto cuando inicie esta novela y fue completamente distinta a lo que esperaba.
Obviamente no es la historia mas alegre y rosa del mundo pero contrario a lo que pueda parecer en un principio es una historia de superacion y cambio a mejor, de no conformarte con lo que te pase sino luchar para ser quien quieres ser realmente, ademas la forma en la que la autora plantea la trama me parecio original y refrescante, nunca habia leido nada similar a este libro pero lo cierto es que me agrado mucho, no solo la historia de amor, que me resulto adorable y conmovedora sino tambien la evolucion de la pareja protagonista, no se que es exactamente lo que tiene esta novela pero me dejo muy buen sabor de boca.
En conclusion, una historia perfecta para cuando te apetezca leer algo diferente y con significado ademas de mucho sentimiento.
3.75 Estrellas!
March 28, 2016
The Realm of You by Amanda Richardson
It was one of these books, which you will remember for lifetime. When I finished reading, I didn’t know what to do with myself. The story was heartbreaking, touching and gave me hope that maybe someday we will find our own happy ending.
“We’d find each other. I believe that. We might have a different story, but we’d find each other. Our souls were destined to meet, I think, long before our bodies were.”
People always ask themselves what would have happened or what could have been if they would made different choices. “What if…” is one of those questions that we will never find answers, but this story somehow corresponds to us. And do it in very unusual way: it shows that no matter what life gives us we should take matters in our own hands and fight for happy ending.
“Not everyone gets to be happy. Not everyone gets the fairytale romance.”
I love that the story is told from Marlin point of view and is divided into two parts. First part happens on two planes: in the past and in alternate universe. In the second part we just follow what is happening now in Marlin life. At the beginning Marlin is lost and frustrated woman whos doesn’t know what to do with herself because her life is a mess. She’s unhappy with her boyfriend Charlie. But then she find the courage to fight for herself.
“There is no Marlin of yesterday. I exist only in this life—this wonderful life.”
Sebastian in turn is very complicated person. We meet him in different circumstances: one, where he is man in love and two, where he balances at the edge of life and dead. This two completely opposite situations makes the story absolutely epic!
“We have the same hiding places—the same dark parts. I see these things in you, because I recognize them in myself. I see the sorrow behind your smile. I see the love behind your anger. I see the reason behind your silence. And I know we have a long way to go, but I want to go there with you.”
This book is full of emotions and sometimes I couldn’t cope with some of them like sadness, despair or anger.
But I recommend this book to everyone, not only people who have the same dark parts…
It was one of these books, which you will remember for lifetime. When I finished reading, I didn’t know what to do with myself. The story was heartbreaking, touching and gave me hope that maybe someday we will find our own happy ending.
“We’d find each other. I believe that. We might have a different story, but we’d find each other. Our souls were destined to meet, I think, long before our bodies were.”
People always ask themselves what would have happened or what could have been if they would made different choices. “What if…” is one of those questions that we will never find answers, but this story somehow corresponds to us. And do it in very unusual way: it shows that no matter what life gives us we should take matters in our own hands and fight for happy ending.
“Not everyone gets to be happy. Not everyone gets the fairytale romance.”
I love that the story is told from Marlin point of view and is divided into two parts. First part happens on two planes: in the past and in alternate universe. In the second part we just follow what is happening now in Marlin life. At the beginning Marlin is lost and frustrated woman whos doesn’t know what to do with herself because her life is a mess. She’s unhappy with her boyfriend Charlie. But then she find the courage to fight for herself.
“There is no Marlin of yesterday. I exist only in this life—this wonderful life.”
Sebastian in turn is very complicated person. We meet him in different circumstances: one, where he is man in love and two, where he balances at the edge of life and dead. This two completely opposite situations makes the story absolutely epic!
“We have the same hiding places—the same dark parts. I see these things in you, because I recognize them in myself. I see the sorrow behind your smile. I see the love behind your anger. I see the reason behind your silence. And I know we have a long way to go, but I want to go there with you.”
This book is full of emotions and sometimes I couldn’t cope with some of them like sadness, despair or anger.
But I recommend this book to everyone, not only people who have the same dark parts…
April 27, 2017
Me encantó. Me encantó. Tenia mucho tiempo sin leer un libro contemporáneo y me gustara tanto como lo hizo este.
Es una historia cruda, y real.
Marlin, me fascinó, es una chica tan fuerte y segura de si misma, me gustó como evolucionó a raíz del libro, creo que fue quien más cambió.
Sebastian, un amor de persona, me dolió tanto saber su historial real una vez que es descubierta, cierto modo la manera en que es narrada te hace llegar hasta lo más fondo.
Me encanta el mensaje que trae consigo, la enseñanza que puede dejar si llegas a comprender la situación. Lo recomendaría miles de veces, lo volvería a leer nuevamente.
Es una historia cruda, y real.
Marlin, me fascinó, es una chica tan fuerte y segura de si misma, me gustó como evolucionó a raíz del libro, creo que fue quien más cambió.
Sebastian, un amor de persona, me dolió tanto saber su historial real una vez que es descubierta, cierto modo la manera en que es narrada te hace llegar hasta lo más fondo.
Me encanta el mensaje que trae consigo, la enseñanza que puede dejar si llegas a comprender la situación. Lo recomendaría miles de veces, lo volvería a leer nuevamente.
December 23, 2015
Such a heartfelt story of love and hope! When I read the synopsis, I knew I had to read this book right away. Marlin and Sebastian stole my heart, and I loved following them along their journey. This is such a touching read and I highly recommend it! 5+ stars!!!
January 1, 2019
WOW, QUE LIBRO TAN BUENO
Ok, estoy un poco oxidada pero este libro se merece una reseña
Tenia muchísimo tiempo sin disfrutar tanto de un libro, digamos que estoy en medio de un bloqueo lector y las obligaciones de la universidad me consumen, así que no he abierto un libro desde hace como 2 meses. Ayer por pura casualidad (tampoco tenia internet XD me puse a abrir pdf's al azar y debo confesar que esta fue la única sinopsis que me atrapo, así que le di una oportunidad al libro, pensando que lo abandonaría después del primer capitulo. ESTABA MUY EQUIVOCADA
Cuando al final me levante a buscar comida, me di cuanta que ya iba por la pagina 50. Y seguía atrapada por el misterio de la primera parte del libro.
Dos historias se va intercalando entre si. La primera, donde Marlin tiene una "buena" vida con su novio Charlie pero constantemente tiene a sensación que falta algo. La segunda, es como un sueño o una vida alternativa, donde es completamente feliz pero no tiene ningún recuerdo.
Lo que puede parecer insignificante puede afectar nuestro futuro
profundamente; elegir una universidad, aceptar un trabajo en otro estado,
retrasar tu camino solo unos segundos por lo que nunca conoces a tu
enamorado… o tal vez retrasándolo unos segundos y conocer a alguien
totalmente nuevo. Todo se ve afectado por cada decisión que tomas. Es
desalentador, pero simplemente tienes que rezar porque el camino correcto se
alinee con el camino en el que estás
Sebastian me enamoro. Era el hombre perfecto. Cada palabra, cada acción, lo ame por todo.
En la segunda parte de la historia, que me gusto pero no tanto como la primera, tenemos un poco mas claro todo lo que pasa y es muy interesante cómo se va desarrollando la trama.
Otra cosa que me gustaría destacar es a la autora, Amanda Richardson. Es su primer libro que leo creo que fue una experiencia maravillosa, tiene una pluma bastante fluida y una gran capacidad de hacer que te enamores de sus personajes y sus letras.
Es un libro que te hace creer en el destino, las almas gemelas y las segundas oportunidades. Es justo lo que necesitaba. Siento que lo leí en el momento correcto y por eso lo disfrute tanto. Definitivamente me encantara re-leerme este libro dentro de unos años. Así de "mucho" me encanto. Se los recomiendo.
Ok, estoy un poco oxidada pero este libro se merece una reseña
Tenia muchísimo tiempo sin disfrutar tanto de un libro, digamos que estoy en medio de un bloqueo lector y las obligaciones de la universidad me consumen, así que no he abierto un libro desde hace como 2 meses. Ayer por pura casualidad (tampoco tenia internet XD me puse a abrir pdf's al azar y debo confesar que esta fue la única sinopsis que me atrapo, así que le di una oportunidad al libro, pensando que lo abandonaría después del primer capitulo. ESTABA MUY EQUIVOCADA
Cuando al final me levante a buscar comida, me di cuanta que ya iba por la pagina 50. Y seguía atrapada por el misterio de la primera parte del libro.
Dos historias se va intercalando entre si. La primera, donde Marlin tiene una "buena" vida con su novio Charlie pero constantemente tiene a sensación que falta algo. La segunda, es como un sueño o una vida alternativa, donde es completamente feliz pero no tiene ningún recuerdo.
Lo que puede parecer insignificante puede afectar nuestro futuro
profundamente; elegir una universidad, aceptar un trabajo en otro estado,
retrasar tu camino solo unos segundos por lo que nunca conoces a tu
enamorado… o tal vez retrasándolo unos segundos y conocer a alguien
totalmente nuevo. Todo se ve afectado por cada decisión que tomas. Es
desalentador, pero simplemente tienes que rezar porque el camino correcto se
alinee con el camino en el que estás
Sebastian me enamoro. Era el hombre perfecto. Cada palabra, cada acción, lo ame por todo.
En la segunda parte de la historia, que me gusto pero no tanto como la primera, tenemos un poco mas claro todo lo que pasa y es muy interesante cómo se va desarrollando la trama.
Otra cosa que me gustaría destacar es a la autora, Amanda Richardson. Es su primer libro que leo creo que fue una experiencia maravillosa, tiene una pluma bastante fluida y una gran capacidad de hacer que te enamores de sus personajes y sus letras.
Es un libro que te hace creer en el destino, las almas gemelas y las segundas oportunidades. Es justo lo que necesitaba. Siento que lo leí en el momento correcto y por eso lo disfrute tanto. Definitivamente me encantara re-leerme este libro dentro de unos años. Así de "mucho" me encanto. Se los recomiendo.
April 7, 2017
Una historia maravillosa. La sinopsis no le hace justicia
February 22, 2016
5 Dreaming Stars
What a beautiful book!! This book is filled with so much emotion. I could feel everything from sadness, despair, hope, and all the love. The concept of the book is not a new one; although different, it does remind me of the movie Family Man or the book Maybe in Another Life. Marlin gets a glimpse of an alternate life. It’s a happy life and Marlin finds the courage to seek out this new life. When she finds Sebastian, he is in dark place. Her love gives him hope and peace; seeing their souls connect was just a flawless and beautiful process. While the book addresses some very hard subjects, suicide and depression, the overall tone is uplifting. There were definitely times when I felt so much despair…watching Marlin and Sebastian suffer from depression and self-harm was tough. It made watching them find the strength and courage to allow love and hope overcome their illness so much more beautiful. Sebastian was just perfect in the alternate universe and it was hard to see what a hard man he was in reality. Marlin was strong and had such a beautiful soul. I could feel their deep connection. As Marlin breaks through Sebastian’s barriers, they both become better and stronger people.
The book touches on many themes, one of them being fate and soul mates.
“When we met at the river, and you looked at me for the first time…I got this feeling of …homesickness. I couldn’t explain it at the time, and even though you were a stranger to me, something about you captivated me, like I was finally coming home.”
“Your soul knew about us.”
I’m somewhat sceptic about the concepts of fate, destiny, and soul mates. This book really made me want to believe that there is such a thing as fate and soul mates. The idea of an alternate universe always intrigues me as well. I wish I could get a glimpse of my life in an alternate universe. This book makes you wonder and think.
I really wished the book had alternated POVs. You only get a very small glimpse of Sebastian’s POV in the very beginning and then it is all Marlin’s POV. Overall, I loved this book and it is a must read!!
What a beautiful book!! This book is filled with so much emotion. I could feel everything from sadness, despair, hope, and all the love. The concept of the book is not a new one; although different, it does remind me of the movie Family Man or the book Maybe in Another Life. Marlin gets a glimpse of an alternate life. It’s a happy life and Marlin finds the courage to seek out this new life. When she finds Sebastian, he is in dark place. Her love gives him hope and peace; seeing their souls connect was just a flawless and beautiful process. While the book addresses some very hard subjects, suicide and depression, the overall tone is uplifting. There were definitely times when I felt so much despair…watching Marlin and Sebastian suffer from depression and self-harm was tough. It made watching them find the strength and courage to allow love and hope overcome their illness so much more beautiful. Sebastian was just perfect in the alternate universe and it was hard to see what a hard man he was in reality. Marlin was strong and had such a beautiful soul. I could feel their deep connection. As Marlin breaks through Sebastian’s barriers, they both become better and stronger people.
The book touches on many themes, one of them being fate and soul mates.
“When we met at the river, and you looked at me for the first time…I got this feeling of …homesickness. I couldn’t explain it at the time, and even though you were a stranger to me, something about you captivated me, like I was finally coming home.”
“Your soul knew about us.”
I’m somewhat sceptic about the concepts of fate, destiny, and soul mates. This book really made me want to believe that there is such a thing as fate and soul mates. The idea of an alternate universe always intrigues me as well. I wish I could get a glimpse of my life in an alternate universe. This book makes you wonder and think.
I really wished the book had alternated POVs. You only get a very small glimpse of Sebastian’s POV in the very beginning and then it is all Marlin’s POV. Overall, I loved this book and it is a must read!!
October 29, 2015
What happens when life gives you a glimpse of your second chance?
I was forced (not exaggerating) to read this book by a good friend and I was NOT disappointed. I wish I could categorize this book into the "read in 24 hours" but it carried over to 36. It was SO GOOD.
We meet our heroine, Marlin, in the first chapter. She wakes up next to a man she doesn't recognize, in a place she's not familiar with having no recollection of anything. Who is this stranger I'm "engaged" to? Where the heck are we living? Who the heck am I!?
After hitting rock bottom in her "real" life she sets out on a mission to make her "dream" a reality. She needs to find this mystery man and slowly piece together various aspects of her "dream" because, although she was confused, it was one of the only places she felt loved, safe and content.
One of the main reasons I loved this book so much is because it kept me guessing until the very end. I love books where the ending isn't predictable within the first few chapters. Even at 50% I hadn't figured it out and was upset because I couldn't read fast enough. My friend will admit that I text her numerous times in frustration.
The story was paced extremely well and the author did an incredible job bringing the main characters together in a delicate and tactful manner. Nothing felt rushed and the story flowed beautifully.
5+ stars for The Realm Of You by Amanda Richardson. I will definitely be reading the author's other works and will patiently wait for the paperback to become available. I need this beauty on my shelf!!!
I was forced (not exaggerating) to read this book by a good friend and I was NOT disappointed. I wish I could categorize this book into the "read in 24 hours" but it carried over to 36. It was SO GOOD.
We meet our heroine, Marlin, in the first chapter. She wakes up next to a man she doesn't recognize, in a place she's not familiar with having no recollection of anything. Who is this stranger I'm "engaged" to? Where the heck are we living? Who the heck am I!?
After hitting rock bottom in her "real" life she sets out on a mission to make her "dream" a reality. She needs to find this mystery man and slowly piece together various aspects of her "dream" because, although she was confused, it was one of the only places she felt loved, safe and content.
One of the main reasons I loved this book so much is because it kept me guessing until the very end. I love books where the ending isn't predictable within the first few chapters. Even at 50% I hadn't figured it out and was upset because I couldn't read fast enough. My friend will admit that I text her numerous times in frustration.
The story was paced extremely well and the author did an incredible job bringing the main characters together in a delicate and tactful manner. Nothing felt rushed and the story flowed beautifully.
5+ stars for The Realm Of You by Amanda Richardson. I will definitely be reading the author's other works and will patiently wait for the paperback to become available. I need this beauty on my shelf!!!
February 11, 2016
This is my first book by this author and I can say I'm in love with her writing style; simply beautiful.
“We’d find each other. I believe that. We might have a different story, but we’d find each other. Our souls were destined to meet, I think, long before our bodies were.”
The Real if You is a romance through and through, one that doesn't need numerous sex scenes to be noticed. It's just a timeless love story about two scarred individuals falling in love and trying to find their happily ever after.
What attracted me the most to this story was the way it was organized. Having those past and present chapters in the beginning of the novel, helped us understand the story and kept me captivated from the get go.
Marlin and Sebastian made my heart ache. These characters don't need big gestures to be liked; their words was all that took to make me fall in love.
“You don’t ever have to apologize for feeling, Marlin. Life’s not worth living if we don’t feel intensely.”
Marlin is such a wonderful heroine - she's sweet, she's flawed, but she didn't let that affect her. She went in search of her happiness and in the end it pained off.
Sebastian, what an sweet a**hole. Half of the book I was in love with the sweet man he was and the other half I was begging Marlon to help him become that person again.
I recommend this book to anyone who loves a good romance; no smut here, but believe me it's not needed when the author's weapon of choice is aimed straight to your heart.
“We’d find each other. I believe that. We might have a different story, but we’d find each other. Our souls were destined to meet, I think, long before our bodies were.”
The Real if You is a romance through and through, one that doesn't need numerous sex scenes to be noticed. It's just a timeless love story about two scarred individuals falling in love and trying to find their happily ever after.
What attracted me the most to this story was the way it was organized. Having those past and present chapters in the beginning of the novel, helped us understand the story and kept me captivated from the get go.
Marlin and Sebastian made my heart ache. These characters don't need big gestures to be liked; their words was all that took to make me fall in love.
“You don’t ever have to apologize for feeling, Marlin. Life’s not worth living if we don’t feel intensely.”
Marlin is such a wonderful heroine - she's sweet, she's flawed, but she didn't let that affect her. She went in search of her happiness and in the end it pained off.
Sebastian, what an sweet a**hole. Half of the book I was in love with the sweet man he was and the other half I was begging Marlon to help him become that person again.
I recommend this book to anyone who loves a good romance; no smut here, but believe me it's not needed when the author's weapon of choice is aimed straight to your heart.
March 30, 2016
This book was a delightful find! It was deep, emotional, and surprising. I loved the emotional connection between the characters--so much deeper than the cookie cutter romance novel. I liked the idea and the execution. Immediately after finishing I'm onto her previous book to read and it's just as good. I love finding new great authors to add to my one-click collection!
April 6, 2016
DNF
Read this one a while back.
Now from what I remember, the heroine wakes up not knowing where she is and doesn't remember how she got there. I didn't understand how someone could wake up truly thinking they were kidnapped or maybe even drugged and have that minor of a freak out. It would have been more realistic of her to run away, call more people, or even try and attack her "kidnapper" aka her current BF. The ease in which she fell into a routine with someone she didn't know or remember wasn't believable to me. Maybe if she was literally left with zero options but just to pretend she remembered and HAD to go along with this "life", I could have been on board with it.
Also, dialogue, for me, is a HUGE DEAL. If the dialogue can't be read out loud without sounding natural, then it's something I just can't connect with. And again from what I remember the dialogue was a little stiff, almost robotic.
Overall, the writing just wasn't for me and I didn't want to continue with the story =(
Read this one a while back.
Now from what I remember, the heroine wakes up not knowing where she is and doesn't remember how she got there. I didn't understand how someone could wake up truly thinking they were kidnapped or maybe even drugged and have that minor of a freak out. It would have been more realistic of her to run away, call more people, or even try and attack her "kidnapper" aka her current BF. The ease in which she fell into a routine with someone she didn't know or remember wasn't believable to me. Maybe if she was literally left with zero options but just to pretend she remembered and HAD to go along with this "life", I could have been on board with it.
Also, dialogue, for me, is a HUGE DEAL. If the dialogue can't be read out loud without sounding natural, then it's something I just can't connect with. And again from what I remember the dialogue was a little stiff, almost robotic.
Overall, the writing just wasn't for me and I didn't want to continue with the story =(
February 11, 2016
The cover alone caught my attention, it's beautiful. But once I read the blurb I knew I had to read this book.
The plot was intriguing, characters complex and after a few chapters I knew I was going to like this book.
I love when authors take a chance and write outside the box. It's refreshing for us readers who feel like they've read the same stories over and over. This is the first book I've read by Ms. Richardson but I know it won't be my last. 4 stars!
The plot was intriguing, characters complex and after a few chapters I knew I was going to like this book.
I love when authors take a chance and write outside the box. It's refreshing for us readers who feel like they've read the same stories over and over. This is the first book I've read by Ms. Richardson but I know it won't be my last. 4 stars!
February 4, 2017
The first half of the book was a little tough to get through because I was kind of confused. I was iffy about the heroine also, but I ended up really liking her in the second half, which is where it really picks up and things start making sense! It was original and Sebastian made my heart melt. The whole concept behind the story kind of blew my mind. I didn't want it to end.
November 22, 2015
So beautiful. *heart eyes*
June 30, 2022
Tenía pinta de ser una historia rompedora, pero me ha dejado totalmente fría. Aunque la base era buena y hasta tenía cierta originalidad, la estructura del libro y las pocas interacciones entre los protagonistas impidieron que pudiera conectar con lo que se narraba.
Marlin cree que es feliz. Aparentemente, tiene un novio que la adora, lleva una existencia tranquila y está exenta de preocupaciones. Sin embargo, poco a poco vemos que nada es lo que parece y que el dolor puede acabar manifestándose de un modo trágico. Al mismo tiempo, y de manera repentina, empezamos a ver capítulos en los que Marlin se despierta en una vida que no es la suya: un hombre desconocido es su pareja, tiene otra profesión y está embarazada. ¿Es un sueño, un delirio, una realidad alternativa… o lo que ella considera real es falso? Es cierto que en películas es más habitual ver lo de que una persona despierta en una vida que no es la suya y se enamora de la pareja que tiene allí, así que el libro no me sorprendió en ese sentido. Lo que más le podía sumar puntos es que aquí se iba a tratar también la importancia de la salud mental, pero no creo que se le haya sacado partido a nada.
Hasta la mitad, hay cierto caos en la organización de la historia. Se mezcla lo aparentemente real con lo que Marlin vive en ese otro mundo, y no siempre se hace de un modo claramente diferenciado. Además, lo de la otra realidad es introducido de manera brusca y hay instantes en los que cuesta verle sentido. Justo a la mitad, la novela coge un rumbo concreto y se ve que todo lo anterior ha sido como una introducción excesivamente larga, pero da la impresión de que ni dichas páginas sirvieron para asentar bien los pilares de la historia.
Como protagonista masculino tenemos a Sebastian, que es la pareja de Marlin en la realidad alternativa/sueño/ delirio. En mi opinión, si te despiertas un día y te ves conviviendo con un hombre al que no conoces, por lógica te quedarás primero en shock, y si luego te enamoras , ya será porque compartes momentos especiales y descubres que es tu alma gemela y todo eso. Pues bien, Sebastian es perfecto y ya está, no hay demasiadas conversaciones entre él y Marlin y tampoco se ve que tengan gran cosa en común. En la 2º mitad es cuando se da el giro en la trama y, presuntamente, sí que se quiere ahondar en lo que une a ambos, pero Sebastian sigue siendo una presencia con un papel muy distante. Es más, no puedo dar detalles para evitar spoilers, pero ahí da la impresión de que ni soporta mucho a Marlin.
En más de una ocasión, me dio la sensación de que la autora simplemente tenía claro el desenlace que quería para su libro y no se esmeraba en desarrollar bien los acontecimientos para llegar a eso. Es verdad que en el último tercio la lectura resulta más amena y se dan un par de escenas ligeramente emotivas, pero siguió faltándome complicidad entre los protagonistas.
El tema de la salud mental sí que lo vi medianamente bien tratado, y por eso no le doy la mínima puntuación. Se habla de la autolesión, el suicidio o la depresión, y se hace de un modo en el que no se intenta endulzar las situaciones graves. Me gustó especialmente cómo se habló de lo fácil que puede ser que alguien engañe a su entorno y le haga creer que está mejor de lo que está, pues ésa es una de las principales razones por la que a veces no se detectan algunos problemas (y quiero aclarar que no me refiero a que esa persona desee mentir a los demás, ya que puede que sencillamente se esté engañando a sí misma para soportar lo que vive).
La puntuación real sería un 2,5/5. No redondeo al alza porque creo que faltó forjar mejor el vínculo entre los personajes y sacarle más rentabilidad al factor emotivo. Además, la lectura no llega a ser adictiva por su parte caótica al inicio y por la forma en la que posteriormente se intenta unir a la fuerza a los protagonistas. En más de un aspecto, la autora opta por el camino esperado y eso decepciona incluso más.
Marlin cree que es feliz. Aparentemente, tiene un novio que la adora, lleva una existencia tranquila y está exenta de preocupaciones. Sin embargo, poco a poco vemos que nada es lo que parece y que el dolor puede acabar manifestándose de un modo trágico. Al mismo tiempo, y de manera repentina, empezamos a ver capítulos en los que Marlin se despierta en una vida que no es la suya: un hombre desconocido es su pareja, tiene otra profesión y está embarazada. ¿Es un sueño, un delirio, una realidad alternativa… o lo que ella considera real es falso? Es cierto que en películas es más habitual ver lo de que una persona despierta en una vida que no es la suya y se enamora de la pareja que tiene allí, así que el libro no me sorprendió en ese sentido. Lo que más le podía sumar puntos es que aquí se iba a tratar también la importancia de la salud mental, pero no creo que se le haya sacado partido a nada.
Hasta la mitad, hay cierto caos en la organización de la historia. Se mezcla lo aparentemente real con lo que Marlin vive en ese otro mundo, y no siempre se hace de un modo claramente diferenciado. Además, lo de la otra realidad es introducido de manera brusca y hay instantes en los que cuesta verle sentido. Justo a la mitad, la novela coge un rumbo concreto y se ve que todo lo anterior ha sido como una introducción excesivamente larga, pero da la impresión de que ni dichas páginas sirvieron para asentar bien los pilares de la historia.
Como protagonista masculino tenemos a Sebastian, que es la pareja de Marlin en la realidad alternativa/sueño/ delirio. En mi opinión, si te despiertas un día y te ves conviviendo con un hombre al que no conoces, por lógica te quedarás primero en shock, y si luego te enamoras , ya será porque compartes momentos especiales y descubres que es tu alma gemela y todo eso. Pues bien, Sebastian es perfecto y ya está, no hay demasiadas conversaciones entre él y Marlin y tampoco se ve que tengan gran cosa en común. En la 2º mitad es cuando se da el giro en la trama y, presuntamente, sí que se quiere ahondar en lo que une a ambos, pero Sebastian sigue siendo una presencia con un papel muy distante. Es más, no puedo dar detalles para evitar spoilers, pero ahí da la impresión de que ni soporta mucho a Marlin.
En más de una ocasión, me dio la sensación de que la autora simplemente tenía claro el desenlace que quería para su libro y no se esmeraba en desarrollar bien los acontecimientos para llegar a eso. Es verdad que en el último tercio la lectura resulta más amena y se dan un par de escenas ligeramente emotivas, pero siguió faltándome complicidad entre los protagonistas.
El tema de la salud mental sí que lo vi medianamente bien tratado, y por eso no le doy la mínima puntuación. Se habla de la autolesión, el suicidio o la depresión, y se hace de un modo en el que no se intenta endulzar las situaciones graves. Me gustó especialmente cómo se habló de lo fácil que puede ser que alguien engañe a su entorno y le haga creer que está mejor de lo que está, pues ésa es una de las principales razones por la que a veces no se detectan algunos problemas (y quiero aclarar que no me refiero a que esa persona desee mentir a los demás, ya que puede que sencillamente se esté engañando a sí misma para soportar lo que vive).
La puntuación real sería un 2,5/5. No redondeo al alza porque creo que faltó forjar mejor el vínculo entre los personajes y sacarle más rentabilidad al factor emotivo. Además, la lectura no llega a ser adictiva por su parte caótica al inicio y por la forma en la que posteriormente se intenta unir a la fuerza a los protagonistas. En más de un aspecto, la autora opta por el camino esperado y eso decepciona incluso más.
October 31, 2015
Sassysistersreading.com
The book The Realm of You deserves lots of love and attention because the book is just simply amazing and in my opinion has not gotten the attention it deserves by bloggers. I say this because every Monday I check out the new releases for the week through multiple sites and blogs and not one really mentioned this book. I came across it by accident really and was immediately drawn in by the synopsis. I kept waiting to see if any reviews on Amazon were going to pop up before I purchased the book and after two days of nothing I still could not stop thinking about this book and just had to buy it and check it out for myself. Lets just say I was not disappointed and so glad I went with my instinct. As someone who reads book constantly I am always waiting for a book to dazzle me or be different and The Realm of You delivered on both accounts.
This book is like a breath of fresh air because the concept and idea of the book is so different and unique. It is hard to know where to start with writing what the book is about because I do not want to give anything away. So I will have to give you a short version.
The book has two main parts to it. The first part begins with Marlin waking up to a man she does not recognize Sebastian who she is happily engaged to and lives in Vermont. As the chapters unfold we come to discover she is also living in California with her boyfriend Charlie. I know this sounds confusing and as I was reading it I kept trying to figure the book out because I did not know what was going on. I truly kept trying to guess what the connection was and the twist and could not read fast enough to see what happens because I really I was clueless. As the two relationships unfold in the first part of the book you really begin to understand who Marlin is as a person through both these relationships.
In the second part of the book Marlin wakes up in the hospital and everything she thought she knew about Sebastian and Vermont was just a dream and does not truly exist. When Marlin wakes up to discover this it changes everything for her because even though it was not real she still wants it to be. Marlin decides at this point to be even as close to as happy as she is in her dream she needs to up roots her life to Vermont and chase after her happiness. Me telling you all this is not giving anything away as it says pretty much all this in the synopsis and I would never do that. The real story truly begins once she finally gets to Vermont. I do not want to give anything away so I will not tell you what happens in Vermont, but it is really amazing and I loved the story.
Just from this book alone I have become an Amanda Richardson fan and can not wait to read more of her things. According to the end of the book it says she has four books out this year and I will be looking forward to reading them. I hope you decide to read this book as it is refreshing and unique and we all can give the author the recognition the book deserves and as always Happy Reading!!
The book The Realm of You deserves lots of love and attention because the book is just simply amazing and in my opinion has not gotten the attention it deserves by bloggers. I say this because every Monday I check out the new releases for the week through multiple sites and blogs and not one really mentioned this book. I came across it by accident really and was immediately drawn in by the synopsis. I kept waiting to see if any reviews on Amazon were going to pop up before I purchased the book and after two days of nothing I still could not stop thinking about this book and just had to buy it and check it out for myself. Lets just say I was not disappointed and so glad I went with my instinct. As someone who reads book constantly I am always waiting for a book to dazzle me or be different and The Realm of You delivered on both accounts.
This book is like a breath of fresh air because the concept and idea of the book is so different and unique. It is hard to know where to start with writing what the book is about because I do not want to give anything away. So I will have to give you a short version.
The book has two main parts to it. The first part begins with Marlin waking up to a man she does not recognize Sebastian who she is happily engaged to and lives in Vermont. As the chapters unfold we come to discover she is also living in California with her boyfriend Charlie. I know this sounds confusing and as I was reading it I kept trying to figure the book out because I did not know what was going on. I truly kept trying to guess what the connection was and the twist and could not read fast enough to see what happens because I really I was clueless. As the two relationships unfold in the first part of the book you really begin to understand who Marlin is as a person through both these relationships.
In the second part of the book Marlin wakes up in the hospital and everything she thought she knew about Sebastian and Vermont was just a dream and does not truly exist. When Marlin wakes up to discover this it changes everything for her because even though it was not real she still wants it to be. Marlin decides at this point to be even as close to as happy as she is in her dream she needs to up roots her life to Vermont and chase after her happiness. Me telling you all this is not giving anything away as it says pretty much all this in the synopsis and I would never do that. The real story truly begins once she finally gets to Vermont. I do not want to give anything away so I will not tell you what happens in Vermont, but it is really amazing and I loved the story.
Just from this book alone I have become an Amanda Richardson fan and can not wait to read more of her things. According to the end of the book it says she has four books out this year and I will be looking forward to reading them. I hope you decide to read this book as it is refreshing and unique and we all can give the author the recognition the book deserves and as always Happy Reading!!
October 28, 2015
This book was like walking through plate glass windows, into a new soul. The words packed the punch and brought me to my knees. The little I knew about this book, didn't prepare me for what came at me. These characters, gahhhhhh, they took over all of my logical thinking and made me giddy and excited, but also so so worried for what each page held. This book is a mystery. It is intriguing. It is also perfection. If ever there is a book that you NEED to read, The Realm of You is it.
I could not LOVE Marlin enough. She has her moments, but you totally understand why. Everything she does, she does with purpose and there is always meaning behind it. I clicked with her instantly; I felt like I fell into her character. (Honestly, I want MORE Marlin lol).
I flew through the pages. I could not stop. I wanted to know what was next. But most importantly, I wanted the feels, which The Realm of You brought. So you will not be disappointed there. I also LOVED the whole vibe this book has. It is mysterious, but also soul-crushing.
This was the first book, and definitely not the last, that I read by Author Amanda Richardson. I actually purchased another book by her, before finishing The Realm of You. But I did this because her writing is brilliant and so strong. She holds you in her palm, while you try to figure out what comes next. Again, I want more of Marlin. I would love to see a novella with some follow-up to where she is now. But seriously, if you are "looking" for a new book, one that will hold you captive and spin your thoughts, then most definitely The Realm of You is the book for you.
I could not LOVE Marlin enough. She has her moments, but you totally understand why. Everything she does, she does with purpose and there is always meaning behind it. I clicked with her instantly; I felt like I fell into her character. (Honestly, I want MORE Marlin lol).
I flew through the pages. I could not stop. I wanted to know what was next. But most importantly, I wanted the feels, which The Realm of You brought. So you will not be disappointed there. I also LOVED the whole vibe this book has. It is mysterious, but also soul-crushing.
This was the first book, and definitely not the last, that I read by Author Amanda Richardson. I actually purchased another book by her, before finishing The Realm of You. But I did this because her writing is brilliant and so strong. She holds you in her palm, while you try to figure out what comes next. Again, I want more of Marlin. I would love to see a novella with some follow-up to where she is now. But seriously, if you are "looking" for a new book, one that will hold you captive and spin your thoughts, then most definitely The Realm of You is the book for you.
December 28, 2015
I started reading this book on a whim. I don't usually pick books that have paranormal or fantasy-like descriptions (even though I would not really classify this book as paranormal or fantasy). I guess I was just in a "book slump" and was craving something a little different. Needless to say, I was very pleasantly surprised. I would definitely say this was one of the best books I read all year.
This was the first book I read by Amanda Richardson. This book made a great impression and I look forward to reading more of her books.
This was the first book I read by Amanda Richardson. This book made a great impression and I look forward to reading more of her books.
December 17, 2015
I really enjoyed this book and I read it in one sitting. It would have been a 5 star book but I just felt that the book ended where it should have begun, I want to know more about their love and their story AFTER he is released... And did Sebastian find out the truth about Charlie? That he hit Marlin? And why wasn't there a sex scene (haha)? There were "almost" sex scenes but not the real deal. The book was great but there were so many deails that I would like to know more about.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 5, 2016
Could one decision you make in your life change everything? Amanda Richardson explores this question in this beautifully written novel. The first half of the novel explores two different lives lead by our heroine, the second half follows her as she fights for the life she believes she truly belongs to.
There are serious issues depicted that i have no first hand knowledge of but I was able to feel the raw emotion behind it! Great Job Amanda! Looking forward to reading whats next from you!
There are serious issues depicted that i have no first hand knowledge of but I was able to feel the raw emotion behind it! Great Job Amanda! Looking forward to reading whats next from you!
March 2, 2016
Maybe 3.5 stars. It did hold my interest the entire time which is a good thing. It was pretty unrealistic, not just the alternate universe thing which I'm OK with, but the way they meet later and the way the relationship develops. While I liked the idea of the story which is unique the execution in the second half was too fast and at times cheesy. I think if it had been more developed especially the second half it could have been a much better book.
March 3, 2016
This is so great and so sad! I loved author's dedication and the whole story. Marlin is amazing young woman who is trying keep her head above the water, and she's falling apart for so many dark reasons. I think this is as much heartbreaking, as brave story.
May 3, 2017
El libro está para dar más, mucho más, pero la autora no supo hacerlo.
Me gusta la historia del sueño, otra vida, otro universo... pero no está bien desarrollado, es demasiado pobre, por eso mi calificación.
Me gusta la historia del sueño, otra vida, otro universo... pero no está bien desarrollado, es demasiado pobre, por eso mi calificación.
May 14, 2016
read this a couple months ago and highly enjoyed it ♡
April 7, 2021
Este libro lo vi en un grupo y algo de el me atrajo tanto que lo decidí poner como lectura conjunta y he de decir chicos, que este libro es una joya, es bastante corto, de hecho tiene 219 paginas que disfrutaras un montón
En el vemos desarrollado lo que es la teoría de un mundo alterno, a través de los sueño. todos en algún momento hemos tenido sueños donde vivimos otra vida (No me digas que no, porque no te voy a creer); En este caso esa vida es una realidad.
Los personajes me encantaron! ame a Sebastián desde el momento #1 de su mención (porque es simplemente hermoso) #todosqueremosunsebastian por otro lado, tambien esta Charlie, un personaje que saco mis instinto asesinos ( o sea, lo odie) y para culminar encontramos a la protagonista, la cual me gusta mucho porque admite sus errores y es tan sentimental, que en cada momento que ella narra o siento algo, tu lo sientes con ella.
Algo que debo mencionar es que este libro trata temas delicados y sensibles para algunas personas, como lo que es el suicidio y la autolesión, No obstante, es una historia que a medida que trascurre tu te metes en la piel de los personajes y comprendes muchas cosas.
Así que léelo y luego me dices que opinas! créeme no te estoy recomendando algo malo!
En el vemos desarrollado lo que es la teoría de un mundo alterno, a través de los sueño. todos en algún momento hemos tenido sueños donde vivimos otra vida (No me digas que no, porque no te voy a creer); En este caso esa vida es una realidad.
Los personajes me encantaron! ame a Sebastián desde el momento #1 de su mención (porque es simplemente hermoso) #todosqueremosunsebastian por otro lado, tambien esta Charlie, un personaje que saco mis instinto asesinos ( o sea, lo odie) y para culminar encontramos a la protagonista, la cual me gusta mucho porque admite sus errores y es tan sentimental, que en cada momento que ella narra o siento algo, tu lo sientes con ella.
Algo que debo mencionar es que este libro trata temas delicados y sensibles para algunas personas, como lo que es el suicidio y la autolesión, No obstante, es una historia que a medida que trascurre tu te metes en la piel de los personajes y comprendes muchas cosas.
Así que léelo y luego me dices que opinas! créeme no te estoy recomendando algo malo!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 2, 2020
This was one of those books that started so well, and just flopped in the second half. The initial premise was fabulous. You're drawn in to a mysterious split in Marlin's life - on the one hand, the apparently ideal life with Charlie. Marlin has money, a great job as a yoga teacher, a wealthy boyfriend. Of course, you can see that there are issues, but she's been there for 7 years and it seems OK.
Suddenly, she wakes up in an alternative universe. She is with someone totally different, in a totally different place with a completely different life. At first she resists, until she realises that this alternative life is actually really good. When she is thrust back out of it and finds herself back in pretty unpleasant circumstances, she decides she needs to chase her dream.
And that's where it starts going wrong. Despite the strangeness of the initial premise, I actually found it more believable than the second half. She just happens to volunteer at a psychiatric retreat where her dream man is currently a resident. Within about two weeks she's made every move on him and then whammo, they're in love and everything is as it was in her dream. I know I should have felt dazzled and happy, but actually it was just silly. By the end, I really didn't care. What a pity - great start, rubbish completion.
Suddenly, she wakes up in an alternative universe. She is with someone totally different, in a totally different place with a completely different life. At first she resists, until she realises that this alternative life is actually really good. When she is thrust back out of it and finds herself back in pretty unpleasant circumstances, she decides she needs to chase her dream.
And that's where it starts going wrong. Despite the strangeness of the initial premise, I actually found it more believable than the second half. She just happens to volunteer at a psychiatric retreat where her dream man is currently a resident. Within about two weeks she's made every move on him and then whammo, they're in love and everything is as it was in her dream. I know I should have felt dazzled and happy, but actually it was just silly. By the end, I really didn't care. What a pity - great start, rubbish completion.
May 9, 2017
I falter between 3 and 4 stars for this one. It started out SO GOOD. I didn't read the book description so I was very intrigued in the beginning of this one. So much so that I could barely put it down. Then I went onto goodreads to read the synopsis. I thought that was a mistake. The synopsis gives WAY TOO MUCH away. It pretty much spoils everything. The writing was good so there are no complaints there. I just wish the synopsis gave less away. And then as the story moves forward, it's just a regular ol' love story so I was somewhat disappointed. I guess not reading the book description at first and then getting into the book, all I could think of was "where is this story going to go?!" and I was so excited. But it in some ways it fell flat. It's still good, just not where I initially thought the book would go.
July 30, 2020
Destino!! que libro TAN BONITO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 🥰 a la vez emotivo, sentimental, el inicio me descolocó un poco con estas dos vidas, luego de agarrar el ritmo no pude soltarlo hasta finalizar hasta convertirlo en 5 estrellas, sientes la desesperación de la chica en esa vida, sufres con ella, y con él algo a lo que aferrarse, las decisiones que tomamos influyen en universos alternos. en el epilogo casi me da un mini infarto con la chica, pero termino como debía, una historia de segundas oportunidades, un largo camino por recorrer.
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