Isle

Isle #1

by Jes Dory

Eleanora Stone has spent her entire life moving from place to place with her aunt Ada, never putting down roots. Never making friends. When, on the cusp of her eighteenth birthday, she is brought to a remote island off the coast of Maine to live, everything changes—for this is a homecoming of sorts. Here she will connect not only with her family history but also the destiny of her blood. Here she will be expected to grow into powers beyond all imagining and unseat an ancient evil poised to destroy mankind.

Genres: Fantasy, Mystery, Romance, Paranormal, Magic, Dark

360 pages, Paperback

Published February 26, 2016

About the author

Jes Dory is the author of the YA Paranormal Fantasy ISLE, part of the ISLE SERIES.

When she is not busy writing or illustrating Dory can be found teaching/taking yoga classes, paddle boarding, being a ninja with American Ninja Warrior husband Ian Dory and mothering her son, Pax.

Residing in Fort Collins, CO, Dory is a member of the Northern Colorado Writers community and is currently working on the second book to the ISLE SERIES!

You can learn more about Jes Dory on her social media:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jes_dory/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/jes_dory
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Jes_Dory-138...

Reviews

[Casey Ann Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

Isle By Jes Dory…where do I begin?

After finishing this novel I couldn’t stop thinking about it! its stayed with me since. The story its self sucked me in! I didn’t want to leave! I wanted it to be like the never-ending story and I sucked inside.

This is a book for all tastes. This skilfully craft novel contains some mysticism, mystery, intrigue, humor and romance in a neat package that is not just entertaining but challenges your mind and imagination. Yes has created word images so vivid that it is almost like watching a movie. I loved Nora as a character! she’s everything I want in a lead female. The Elders? my god! you cannot be prepared for whats coming your way with them!

A fantasy world you won't soon forget that contains "daemons, mythology, Sirens, abilities, war, psychological struggle and heart wrenching emotional stress, and somewhere in the mix of all that a little romance sprinkled in.”

If you’re a fan of a thrilling, gothic, epic-paranormal ride then Isle By Jes Dory is the book for you! holy moly!

[Yaiza · Rating 4 out of 5]

Me ha sorprendido para bien. Es una novela paranormal que he encontrado muy original y con unos personajes que me han gustado mucho.

Vídeo-reseña por venir :D

[Jes Dory · Rating 5 out of 5]

So a Quick Author's review of ISLE.

1. It is a story that includes the following; sirens, daemons, mythology, shapeshifter, abilities, war, psychological struggle and heart wrenching emotional stress, and somewhere in the mix of all that a little romance sprinkled in. SO, if you're into that dark-epicness kind of read, ISLE is for you.

2. It takes place in current time yes, but I, as the author, tried to take you to a whole new world happening as we speak. I think this makes characters and situations somewhat relatable for the YA avid readers out there.

3. Did I mention there are these creepy characters called the ELDERS?.... yeah, I don't recommend reading their chapters before you go to sleep, your dreams get kinda funky.

SO, I hope that all helps... and I really would love HONEST feedback and reviews. I say HONEST because its the only way, I as an author can grow, is by readying critical reviews.

-J

[Cheyenne Duba · Rating 5 out of 5]

Before I started Isle, I was really in need of something to distract me from everything going on in my life. I tried watching tv, but never made it through the first episode of anything. But Isle did just that for me! I had work at 4 am today, but stayed up late last night because I just had to keep reading. I feel completely content just reading this book, which is very rare for me because I always feel like I'm wasting my time or should be doing something else when just relaxing. But Isle is so gripping and so full of imagination, that it really does take my mind off of whatever's stressing my out, and all I want to do is read it. The story behind the characters, and where their race originated, seems like it should have been one of those classic mythology stories you learned about in school. Oh my god, how do people even have these crazy imaginations in their heads? Jes Dory is insanely creative. I really mean it when I say I am super thankful that this book came into my life at the time it did. Can't wait to finish it, but I know I'm going to be dying waiting for the sequel.

[Céline · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book thanks to Goodreads Giveaways.
Pros : I liked the quality of writing and storytelling of Jes Dory's first novel!
Cons: Some things like the delayed secrets felt a bit contrived at times even if well explained by the situation later. I was also annoyed by a few cliche/predictable things like the enhanced beauty of the Sereni or some revelations I won't spoil here.
More pros: But it was truly enjoyable. Some characters' emotional struggles were not easy. I'm curious to read more about this universe.

[Jes Dory · Rating 5 out of 5]

So a Quick Author's review of ISLE.

1. It is a story that includes the following; sirens, daemons, mythology, shapeshifter, abilities, war, psychological struggle and heart wrenching emotional stress, and somewhere in the mix of all that a little romance sprinkled in. SO, if you're into that dark-epicness kind of read, ISLE is for you.

2. It takes place in current time yes, but I, as the author, tried to take you to a whole new world happening as we speak. I think this makes characters and situations somewhat relatable for the YA avid readers out there.

3. Did I mention there are these creepy characters called the ELDERS?.... yeah, I don't recommend reading their chapters before you go to sleep, your dreams get kinda funky.

SO, I hope that all helps... and I really would love HONEST feedback and reviews. I say HONEST because its the only way, I as an author can grow, is by readying critical reviews.

-J

[Zane Dory · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read with the lights on, but be sure to read.

The author does a wonderful job of guiding a robust cast of characters and varying relationships through a complex story line that takes you in and out of the here and now into a fantasy world you won't soon forget. Isle would make a great motion picture - lots of action and intrigue.

[Kaylin Beach · Rating 5 out of 5]

"During a blue moon a child will be born. She will become the hidden child and emerge from the ashes of darkness."

When I started reading this book, I had no idea what it was about. I didn't even read the synopsis. I was surprised at the world Jes Dory created! Such a dark, magical world. Full of secrets, lies, death, powers, love, anger, family, enemies, friendship, betrayal, and bounds. What more does a book need? Awesome creatures and a great story, you might say! Well, this book has awesome creatures, a great story, and so much more!!

What do you do when your aunt is constantly moving you different places? When you find out things about your past that don't make since? What happens when your family history just doesn't add up? Nora is in for a crazy surprise the day her aunt moves her back to Stone Isle. Nora learns that she is destined for greatness. She is the girl that the island has been waiting for. she is the girl from the prophecy. she is the daughter of a lamian and the daughter of a sireni.

"The weight of the world was swallowing me and my heart ached, beating as though to tear itself apart."

I absolutely loved this book! I loved the story, the characters, the personalities, the creatures, the darkness, and just about everything! There is so much going on in this book. There is not a good time to ever put this book down. I can't wait for the second book! Jes Dory has an amazing mind and I crave more of this world she welcomed me in to.

[Tricia · Rating 4 out of 5]

ISLE BY: JES DORY  
    A remote island full of mystery and myth, hidden powers, and an old prophecy made Isle an interesting page turner. I truly loved the setting of this story. Stone Isle was such a cool backdrop to the huge mystery involving Nora's past, present, and future. The characters were compelling as well. Every time I picked this book up I found myself completely engrossed in the story and I didn't want to put it down...alas real life demanded my attention repeatedly though so I couldn't devour this the way I wanted to.
 
 
The only thing I was kind of ify about was the initial love interest that turned out to be a really awkward situation. I get why it was done, but it still had a weird vibe going on for a bit. I did feel like the turn around from this situation felt a little rushed too, but I'd be interested to see if that ultimately gets explained a little in the next book, or if a lot of that has a something to do with this "bond" that took place.
 
 
I really appreciated the enthralling myths this island and its inhabitants were involved in too. That ending was fantastic, and it definitely made me want more! I will eagerly be awaiting the next installment!

[Jamie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Isle completely sucked me in. As soon as I started it, I couldn’t put it down until the very last page, and found myself lost in the mystical world that author Jes Dory has painted.

Nora, once a regular teenage girl, is transported to a spooky and near deserted island where she comes to find that not only is she descended from a long line of Sereni (beings with supernatural powers that live thousands of years) but is also endowed with particular special powers and is also the only one capable of delivering her people from evil forces.

Isle is dark at times, funny, intriguing, and the characters are impossible not to relate to. Dory has woven an intricate and engrossing tale of an everyday girl who finds out that she’s anything but ordinary. With mythological threads and fascinating histories spun throughout, Nora’s story winds through extraordinary and mystical circumstances, but is still rife with everyday teen struggles—first loves, overbearing caretakers, and self-discovery.

Complex, eerie, and gripping, Isle is a delightful coming of age story in a world of magic and mystery.

[Alexandra Kahn · Rating 5 out of 5]

For the past week, every spare moment I had was spent reading this incredibly descriptive book. The story was intoxicating, infiltrating my dreams and consuming my thoughts. At first I felt afraid, unaware of how the story would progress and if I would feel a connection to Nora. As I continued to read, I started to feel as if I was Nora and as she gained knowledge and power, I lost my fear and replaced it with excitement. Each chapter felt like a TV episode, but the entire season was available to view and all I wanted to do was binge watch the entire season in one sitting. I brought the book everywhere with me- to the gym while I did cardio, to the doctor, to the coffee shop and even on hikes in the mountains. It was such a bittersweet feeling to read the final page because I wanted to stay in the world Jes had created. Her writing painted such a clear picture of each character and place that every word came to life and danced before my eyes on the page. I cannot wait for the next book to come out so I can continue the story with Nora.

[Christina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book from beginning to end! It definitely sucks you in at the beginning! For me it was reminiscent of the series Twilight, but better. It's a fast paced novel that keeps your attention. I didn't want it to end. I can't wait for the second book.

[Laura R · Rating 4 out of 5]

So. Isle. Where do I begin?

Ah. How about THIS WAS A COMPLETELY DIFFERENT SIREN BOOK THAN ANY I'VE READ BEFORE.

Don't believe me?

Okay, normal traits in a YA Siren book: she (because let's face it, it generally is a "she") can turn into a mermaid, usually starts sprouting scales for no reason, finds a group of mermaids, has a crazy voice that lures people, can turn into a monstrous bird. Sometimes.

Okay, traits in Isle: no mermaids at all but instead super powered part demonic creatures that have bird familiars, THE FREAKING LAMIA, did I mention freaky demons? Oh, and we can't forget VENOMOUS DEMONIC CREATURES THAT HAVE SUPER HUMAN STRENGTH. And shapeshifters.

Aren't hooked yet?

Here's where I'll get into some crazy spoilers, so go read it now and come back.

Or don't.

That's totally your loss.

But my overall rating is a solid 4 stars.

And here's why:

The story follows the typical YA structure of they need to do something to get the main character to the place and then the discovering of powers that she's had all her life and (surprise surprise) she's not really human.

Okay.

But! As soon as they started going into the mythology of the world, (I was like "Oh no, another book about sirens" as soon as they said Sirena) I was hooked. I do my research and write about creatures of myth, and one that I haven't heard of in a YA book yet was the Lamia. So imagine my surprise when I read "Queen Lamia..." and I was like oh boy this is going to get great.

And it did.

My issues don't like with the story: I think it was definitely unique and interesting with a world that comes together and falls into place.

My issues was the main character.

I actually couldn't stand her. Until the scene where Alexo is killed in front of her. Because once Aston goes into hiding and her inner demon begins consuming her like a FREAKING POSSESSED person, literally, I was like oh man this is going to get crazy. And it did.

So, unfortunately, I had to take a half star away because the main character was SO WHINEY in the beginning. And, up until that scene where she's going bananas in her own head, her random outbursts of emotion made no sense to me. I don't think it was emphasized enough that she had been told not to show emotions her whole like. Like it was mentioned as an afterthought.

My other issues goes hand-in-hand with that one, which is the writing for the dialogue from Eben. I feel like his dialogue was forced and I couldn't stand it when he was there. I was like ew dude, that's your cousin. Stop oggling her and calling her "girlie." However, he did come in the clutch in the end so I can't say he was useless. I just have to deduct a star because his dialogue felt a bit forced.

Placing those two issues to the side, my favorite characters were Aston, the love interest, and Yael. Aston was like this trickster romantic, if that makes any sense, and I thought he was the best written character in the book.

Yael just makes me want to hold her and tell her everything will be okay.

She's just so freaking precious.

I love her.

And the Elder? They made me so angry I started praying that Nora would kill them. I hope she does in the sequel. Which I will TOTALLY buy.

My biggest like for this book was the way the water played such an important role for them. Between the islands, the seals, the salt water as a cure, I thought it was a clever distraction. It kept me thinking that she might sprout a tail.

But no. SHE TURNS INTO A FREAKING WOLF. A BEAUTIFUL BLACK WOLF WHO NEEDS HUGS AND LOVES AND UGHHHHHH.

Overall, I truly enjoyed this read. However, because of my dislike of Nora in the beginning it was hard for me to want to continue. The only thing in the first half of the book that kept me reading was the world (and Aston and Yael).

But I totally do recommend this read to anyone who enjoys a fresh take on a myth that seems over done toady.

4 stars to this gem.

[Sophie · Rating 5 out of 5]

One word cannot describe how much I enjoyed this book.
I first started reading it a few days ago and then suddenly it was 2 in the morning! It's one of those books that will hook you from the first page and you can't stop reading it until you're finished.
The story is about a 17 year old girl named Eleanora Stone, Nora, who has spent all of her life moving from one place to the next with her aunt Ada. She's never been able to make friends because she is always moving. All of her belongings can fit in 5 boxes.
When her aunt takes her to a small, remote island off the coast of Maine, her life begins to change. She soon finds out that her aunt has been lying to her, her whole life and keeping secrets of what Nora really is. She is not human.
Nora starts to find out the secrets Ada has been hiding from her, about her powers, her abilities, her ancestors etc. She also finds out that there are people who want to kill her.
I'd never heard of Lamians and Sereni before and it was great to read a book with something different in!
Isle is so action packed and thrilling that you don't even realising you're reading a book. It feels like you're actually there. Everything is described so perfectly.
I love how Nora's character becomes strong and brave as she begins to learn what she truly is.
I loved the background stories and how everything tied in so perfectly. I loved living in this story and I'm SO excited for the next book!
The ending definitely surprised me. I definitely wasn't expecting that! I loved it.
There were times when I was sat at the edge of my seat wanting to know what happens next.
I feel like a lost puppy now that I've finished it. I don't know what to do now...
Definitely 5 stars.

[Tracy · Rating 1 out of 5]

I cannot give the same rating that the majority has given this book. I've read a lot of YA books of this sort. Maybe I've just read too many - but, this one just seemed to be a repeat of all the ones before - except, it felt like it was cramming a few too many things into one book.
It was a fast read though. For a younger audience, I'm sure it will be awesome. Just not for me.

[Mikaela Pampkin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really just wanted to keep reading this book. I’ve had it for a long time, I didn’t like it when I was 16 but I guess it’s totally my vibe now!! I hope the author is writing more.

[HIJXS DEL COSMOS · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, wow AND WOW. Isle is the kind of book that once you pick it up, you can't stop reading it. Eleanora Stone has always been moving from place to place with her Aunt Ada. She's never been in a place long enough to even make friends, but when she moves to a remote island in Maine, everything will change. She discovers that practically she's been lied to her whole life. She has powers, she is peculiar, she is not human. When Eleanora starts unraveling all the secrets regarding her family, powers, ancestors, etc., she realizes she's in danger; there are some people that want her dead. I describe Isle as a blend of all the things you need to make an extraordinary book. The characters were REALLY awesome. The main character was strong and determined, some things I actually enjoy. The plot WAS THE BOMB.COM. I wanted to read more and more about the story, about what powers Eleanora possessed; the plot was truly addicting. The romance in the book wasn't overwhelming thank God. We had a little bit of it and that was enough, in fact, because we didn't have a lot of romance in the book, at least for me, the reading experience for this book was more enjoyable. Isle is a one-of-a-kind book that everyone should read. Once you are done with the book, you will only think "Oh, crap. What do I do with my life now?"

[Kari · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book! Dory is a very talented writer and I look forward to her next book. Glad I stumbled upon this on Instagram!

[Tre]

Just found out I won a copy of this book. So excited to get it and start reading. Thank you!!

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Isle

Great read, couldn't put the second half down. Can't wait for more adventures for them on and off Stone Isle.