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The Witnessing of Matlyn Wren
"A hundred years of service. A hundred years of Witnessing death you will write their histories. The key to your salvation will be born in pain and written upon your skin."
Baker's life ended in 1915 and he became something ... more.
Forced into an endless loop of tedium and pain, he was all too happy to meet his end ...
Until he came face-to-face with his next Story, Matlyn Wren.
Baker's life ended in 1915 and he became something ... more.
Forced into an endless loop of tedium and pain, he was all too happy to meet his end ...
Until he came face-to-face with his next Story, Matlyn Wren.
298 pages, Paperback
First published May 14, 2016
3 people are currently reading
320 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
July 24, 2016
It's moments like this that make me so very grateful that one day, on a whim, I decided to start a blog. Never did I imagine the the absolute highs that this journey would bring.
Today is one of those days.
Today I was fortunate enough to read an ARC of Jennifer Lynn January's debut novel. In the midst of the longest reading funk I've had to date, The Witnessing of Matlyn Wren gripped me by the balls and refused to let me go. I sat on the edge of my seat, waiting, pleading, accepting, right alongside Matlyn and Baker. I devoured the words weaved so perfectly together by Jennifer, a story that was WAY outside my norm but had piqued my curiosity from the beginning.
This story made me laugh, made me stare at the screen in disbelief, made me angry and sad and happy... And then it made me CRY.
It was full of snarky wit, a sense of loss, impending doom, humour, sadness, family, love. The list goes on.
I don't know what to say other than please, when this book is released in May, pick it up and read it.
Come on the journey I just travelled. You won't regret it.
Today is one of those days.
Today I was fortunate enough to read an ARC of Jennifer Lynn January's debut novel. In the midst of the longest reading funk I've had to date, The Witnessing of Matlyn Wren gripped me by the balls and refused to let me go. I sat on the edge of my seat, waiting, pleading, accepting, right alongside Matlyn and Baker. I devoured the words weaved so perfectly together by Jennifer, a story that was WAY outside my norm but had piqued my curiosity from the beginning.
This story made me laugh, made me stare at the screen in disbelief, made me angry and sad and happy... And then it made me CRY.
It was full of snarky wit, a sense of loss, impending doom, humour, sadness, family, love. The list goes on.
I don't know what to say other than please, when this book is released in May, pick it up and read it.
Come on the journey I just travelled. You won't regret it.
April 29, 2016
I don't even know where to begin. This book, it's just amazingly beautiful. The Witnessing of Matlyn Wren is epic in its uniqueness! Matlyn & Bakers love story is one that will stick with me for a long time. The side characters will forever be some of my favorite, their loyalty to Matlyn is something every friend should have.
May 2, 2016
Completely different spin on a love story. Supernatural uniqueness.
I enjoyed it.
I enjoyed it.
March 4, 2017
I was loving this book when I started it and I know I could have loved it all the way to 5 star rating if the author had spent more time developing the story of the Omens. What a mind blowing and spiritually beautiful idea. I wanted to know so much more of the Light and the Dark Omens and the spontaneous tattoos and the man in the gray suit - just having the characters not know anything of depth either was such a huge let down. I was so eagerly anticipating being drawn into this new world but what I got instead was entirely too much about the sex lives of all the characters and no depth of the story of the Omens. Honestly there were at least two chapters in the middle I skipped entirely as they were just more sex. I will add though, it was very well written sex, but the sheer volume made me check to see if it was shelved as erotica. To be clear - not a bad book at all, just disappointing that the story line failed to be the focus of the read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 18, 2017
~3.5 Stars~
This was really hard to get into at first. The jumping around got confusing at times, past/present, Baker/Ingrid. The concept of the story was really good. I wish it would have went into a little more depth about Omens and such. While the sex scenes were decent, they could have been cut back some. All in all this was a great debut novel :-)
This was really hard to get into at first. The jumping around got confusing at times, past/present, Baker/Ingrid. The concept of the story was really good. I wish it would have went into a little more depth about Omens and such. While the sex scenes were decent, they could have been cut back some. All in all this was a great debut novel :-)
May 14, 2016
Outstanding debut!
Honestly I picked this book because it's cover caught my eye. And the first line of the blurb, "A hundred years of service. A hundred years of Witnessing death you will write their histories. The key to your salvation will be born in pain and written upon your skin." was all I needed to convince myself to give it a try.
I have to say it's one of those precious things you happen to find once in a while and I absolutely loved it!
Witnessing Matlyn and Baker's story was a journey full of surprises and made me go through a wide spectrum of emotions. Humor, love, loss, sadness... Makes you wonder about
life and destiny.
Jennifer's beautiful debut work definitely holds a special place in my heart.
It's a must read. It's worth it certainly!
Honestly I picked this book because it's cover caught my eye. And the first line of the blurb, "A hundred years of service. A hundred years of Witnessing death you will write their histories. The key to your salvation will be born in pain and written upon your skin." was all I needed to convince myself to give it a try.
I have to say it's one of those precious things you happen to find once in a while and I absolutely loved it!
Witnessing Matlyn and Baker's story was a journey full of surprises and made me go through a wide spectrum of emotions. Humor, love, loss, sadness... Makes you wonder about
life and destiny.
Jennifer's beautiful debut work definitely holds a special place in my heart.
It's a must read. It's worth it certainly!
July 11, 2016
I was gifted this book for my honest opinion and I have to say that it is one of the best books I have read in a long time the storyline is great at first I didn't think I was going to really get it to it and boy was I wrong it was so good that I took my time on it and I would reread it in a minute Jennifer Lynn January is a new author to me but I will be watching and reading more of her books. I gave this book five stars because it brought out all of my emotions.
May 9, 2016
Wow! Just WOW! This book has it all. Love. Death. Birth. Sex. Supernatural. The characters are fun and captivating. The language is witty and amusing. Matlyn and her friends are so different from me yet I felt so connected. You'll laugh. You'll cry. You'll crave more.
March 26, 2017
I enjoyed the plot of this book and it's originality. The characters were great and they each had their own identities that made them standout. The writing was well done but I felt like I was all over the place and had to go back to read certain sections to make sure I understood what was going on. The sexiness of the book was very well planned out and I loved the relationships the characters formed. The emotions are high and they really add to the story. One minute you will be laughing and the next crying I love when an author has that power with her words. I look forward to reading more from her in the future.
March 26, 2017
The Witnessing of Matlyn Wren by Jennifer January is a standalone contemporary romance with paranormal elements.
It was an interesting read and not your typical paranormal romance story. The characters are varied with flaws and fractures and it was great to see Matlyn own her bisexual status. I really enjoyed the take on Dark and Light Omens as entities and would love to explore these guys further.
This was the first book I've read of Jennifer January's and her imagination is extensive as proof with this world she has created. It took me a while to adapt to the writing style but I'd be keen to check out another book of hers in the future.
I voluntarily reviewed this advanced reader copy and I have not been compensated in any way.
It was an interesting read and not your typical paranormal romance story. The characters are varied with flaws and fractures and it was great to see Matlyn own her bisexual status. I really enjoyed the take on Dark and Light Omens as entities and would love to explore these guys further.
This was the first book I've read of Jennifer January's and her imagination is extensive as proof with this world she has created. It took me a while to adapt to the writing style but I'd be keen to check out another book of hers in the future.
I voluntarily reviewed this advanced reader copy and I have not been compensated in any way.
March 27, 2017
Great story that tugs at your heart. Not a book I'd normally read, but I truly enjoyed it. I voluntarily reviewed a copy via Quirky Blind Date with a Book.
March 19, 2017
I first have to say that this isn't my normal style of book. When I started this book, I was immediately sucked into Matlyn's world. I felt her love, her tears, her resolution of what must be.
Baker is a dark Omen who has come to witness Matlyn's story. He never expected to fall for his "Story."
The raw emotion will make you laugh as much as it will make you cry.
Superb debut for this author!
Baker is a dark Omen who has come to witness Matlyn's story. He never expected to fall for his "Story."
The raw emotion will make you laugh as much as it will make you cry.
Superb debut for this author!
March 20, 2017
#review
#quirkyblindate
A paranormal novel with a twist.
Matlyn and Baker love story is emotional, steamy, sad, and funny....
The other characters were interesting, different and see how complaint each other.
This is unique concepts, and a very interesting read...
#quirkyblindate
A paranormal novel with a twist.
Matlyn and Baker love story is emotional, steamy, sad, and funny....
The other characters were interesting, different and see how complaint each other.
This is unique concepts, and a very interesting read...
March 17, 2017
This is not the type of book I normally read, I've never gotten into paranormal romance. BUT after all is said and done, I loved this. The beginning was a little slow for me, trying to understand what was going on but after you figure it out, it all falls into place and is lovely. Baker is all types of hot and sexy, and Matlyn is beautiful. All the characters were great and fit well within the pages of the book. Looking forward to read more by Ms. January.
March 15, 2017
There are people in this world that follow you around to witness your death and all the good you do in this world.it was a slow story and hard to understand.
March 13, 2017
I loved this book. Even though it was inevitable, the journey to get there was so fun. Great characters. So fun! I recommend this book. Great quick read!
March 7, 2017
wow what a different read, I received a copy of this book as part of a blind book date and boy was it a great read. High and lows and it really made me feel and think differently about my outlook on life.
July 7, 2016
This is a beautifully written, darkly romantic, emotional story, heartfelt in its delivery and painful in its inevitability. Matlyn Wren is a quirky, funny redhead with issues that go back to when she was a preteen, wading through a journey of self-discovery and growing into a woman she can finally wrap her own arms around in love. It is a story of an impossible love with an objectionable man by the name of Baker, whose sole purpose should be to stay away from her and only observe from the sidelines. But what should not have been was meant to be, and this is the story that bloomed from that meeting.
I admired Matlyn's smart, fowl mouth and lay-it-all-out-there attitude and the way that Baker could dish it back to her as quickly as she spewed it out. They seemed like opposites at the beginning, something that shouldn't have happened in the first place. But as fate would have it, with a little nudge from the unknown, these two completed each other, drawing from each other and giving back in ways that each of them craved and even found necessary to their own existence.
I laughed out loud and blushed deeply. I smiled inside and felt my stomach cringe. I cried rivers of tears and still couldn't put it down. Jennifer January has a way with words that weaves dark poetry and an imagination that takes us to places we aren't sure we want to visit but feel all the better for having allowed her to take us there. If this is her first published work, she has proven already that she has a magnificent and bright future in the world of writing. I am in awe.
I admired Matlyn's smart, fowl mouth and lay-it-all-out-there attitude and the way that Baker could dish it back to her as quickly as she spewed it out. They seemed like opposites at the beginning, something that shouldn't have happened in the first place. But as fate would have it, with a little nudge from the unknown, these two completed each other, drawing from each other and giving back in ways that each of them craved and even found necessary to their own existence.
I laughed out loud and blushed deeply. I smiled inside and felt my stomach cringe. I cried rivers of tears and still couldn't put it down. Jennifer January has a way with words that weaves dark poetry and an imagination that takes us to places we aren't sure we want to visit but feel all the better for having allowed her to take us there. If this is her first published work, she has proven already that she has a magnificent and bright future in the world of writing. I am in awe.
July 15, 2016
Every now and then I sign up for review requests and receive them. This book was described to me as Urban Fantasy, which it is, but it's more like Urban Erotic Fantasy. That's not my normal jam, but I liked it well enough. The author has a vast array of colorful characters and vividly captures what I think New Orleans must be like. (Never been there, but I've heard things lol) The premise of the story is pretty good. Beings known as Omens are bearing witness to important moments in the lives of regular people. There are Light and Dark Omens and are just as you could imagine. Light Omens witness the good happening to a deserving person, while Dark Omens witness, well Dark events in a person's life before they ultimately end.
Baker, a Dark Omen is witnessing Matlyn Wren, while Ingrid, a Light Omen is simultaneously witnessing her sister Parrish. It was neat to read these stories simultaneously and compare the differences.
Baker finds himself in a bit of a pickle when his jaded sensibilities are washed away and he develops an intense attraction to his latest charge...Matlyn.
Not a fan of erotic elements, but technically speaking, the writer has a good character development and the story progression was a bit confusing because it went back and forth through time. I do have to say that I was glad I got a chance to read this because it made me hop out of my YA comfort bubble. Change is a good thing!
All in all I give it a 4 star review and recommend it to 18yrs and up crowd for explicit material. Happy Reading!
Baker, a Dark Omen is witnessing Matlyn Wren, while Ingrid, a Light Omen is simultaneously witnessing her sister Parrish. It was neat to read these stories simultaneously and compare the differences.
Baker finds himself in a bit of a pickle when his jaded sensibilities are washed away and he develops an intense attraction to his latest charge...Matlyn.
Not a fan of erotic elements, but technically speaking, the writer has a good character development and the story progression was a bit confusing because it went back and forth through time. I do have to say that I was glad I got a chance to read this because it made me hop out of my YA comfort bubble. Change is a good thing!
All in all I give it a 4 star review and recommend it to 18yrs and up crowd for explicit material. Happy Reading!
July 18, 2016
This is the debut novel by Jennifer Lynn January and I must say that I thoroughly enjoyed this witty story. Jennifer Lynn January has given us a story that will grab you and will hold you there from start to finish and then will leave you wanting mush more from this author. This story has death, sex,birth, supernatural and so much more, it will have your emotions going wild and will have your feels jumping . I was laughing out loud and cheering at the same time, and the hot parts were hot. Matlyn Wren is funny ,quirky redhead with some issues that go way back to her preteen years, as she's wading through her journey of self-discovering and the process of growing into a woman that she could love. This is the story about impossible love with an reprehensible man called Baker,who's purpose should of been to stay away from her and only observe her from the sidelines. But he should never have meant her. And this is how this story blossomed from that meeting. Matlyn was smart, fowled -mouthed, and she also had an attitude just to lay everything out the way it should be ,and you had to admire her for that . But Baker could disk it right back to her,just has quick as her shouted it out. As fate would have it and with a little push from the unknown ,they soon completed each other. And their gave back to each other in ways that they both desired ,and their found that for existence. I could tell you more ,but that would spoil it for you. I highly recommend that you read this great story ,you won't be disappointed.
May 27, 2016
The Witnessing of Matlyn Wren is a gem!! I thoroughly enjoyed the book - when it was done I wanted more. In my opinion, this debut novel for Jennifer Lynn January is fabulous.
The words she used, the descriptions of sights, sounds, places - I could feel things, hear things, smell things, experience things - now those are powerful words.
I loved the characters - they were fun and some sure had some attitude.
I loved the setting of New Orleans and enjoyed the language and grammar used by the author that made you really feel like you were there.
I liked the format of the book - larger paperback (I still love the paper), larger font, spacing and the chapters.
In summary - if you haven't read this book yet what are you waiting for?
Buy this book now!! Hopefully there will be another one soon.
The words she used, the descriptions of sights, sounds, places - I could feel things, hear things, smell things, experience things - now those are powerful words.
I loved the characters - they were fun and some sure had some attitude.
I loved the setting of New Orleans and enjoyed the language and grammar used by the author that made you really feel like you were there.
I liked the format of the book - larger paperback (I still love the paper), larger font, spacing and the chapters.
In summary - if you haven't read this book yet what are you waiting for?
Buy this book now!! Hopefully there will be another one soon.
July 18, 2016
Final Score - 5 My Heart is Broken Stars!!!
This book... *insert cry emoji*
Matlyn has everything a woman could possibly want - a thriving business, great friends, a loyal sister - but she's missing something. That HEA that's found everyone else but her.
Baker is living in a world of pain - he's an Omen, a guardian some would say. He's tasked with writing the stories of those who are about to live the mortal world. He's charged with this duty for 100 yrs and then his suffering will come to end. An end he's looking forward to, until he meets the one woman who's story he wants to become a part of - Matlyn.
These two are star-crossed, more so than Romeo & Juliet! However, unlike R&J, Matlyn & Baker's journey has just begun.
That ending though ... beautifully written.
This book... *insert cry emoji*
Matlyn has everything a woman could possibly want - a thriving business, great friends, a loyal sister - but she's missing something. That HEA that's found everyone else but her.
Baker is living in a world of pain - he's an Omen, a guardian some would say. He's tasked with writing the stories of those who are about to live the mortal world. He's charged with this duty for 100 yrs and then his suffering will come to end. An end he's looking forward to, until he meets the one woman who's story he wants to become a part of - Matlyn.
These two are star-crossed, more so than Romeo & Juliet! However, unlike R&J, Matlyn & Baker's journey has just begun.
That ending though ... beautifully written.
July 8, 2016
This is not the type of book I would read on a whim. This is why I selected this genre to review. Am I glad I did that.
This story is a paranormal romance with a HUGE TWIST. The dialogue was phenomenal, the secondary characters were adorable, loyal to a fault and the relationship between the sisters was hilarious, intriguing and at times gut wrenching.
Matlyn and Bakers story was OHHH MY GOSH. Best way to describe it. I could not put the book down. I laughed, sighed, screamed and cried A LOT. **have a box of tissues**
I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK TO READERS WHO ARE NOT SCARED OF TRYING A STORY THAT HAS NEVER BEEN TOLD BEFORE
This story is a paranormal romance with a HUGE TWIST. The dialogue was phenomenal, the secondary characters were adorable, loyal to a fault and the relationship between the sisters was hilarious, intriguing and at times gut wrenching.
Matlyn and Bakers story was OHHH MY GOSH. Best way to describe it. I could not put the book down. I laughed, sighed, screamed and cried A LOT. **have a box of tissues**
I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK TO READERS WHO ARE NOT SCARED OF TRYING A STORY THAT HAS NEVER BEEN TOLD BEFORE
July 10, 2016
There were parts of this book that I didn't really like. I type that as I am wiping tears from my cheeks if that tells you anything. The story totally overshadowed the parts that I didn't like. This book has me totally emotionally torn. I laughed. I cried. Still crying as I type. Maybe I should write my review when I recover. Okay, bottom line is...it's a beautiful story.
July 4, 2016
I was surprised how much I enjoyed reading this book. I had so many emotions while reading this book I knew I would have to see it too the end. I will say this as I reached the end of the story I wished I had a box of Kleenex because the tears fell for these wonderful characters.
August 14, 2016
This book deserves more than just 5 stars! This is an experience, a bucket list should include reading this! Having this book for a debut? I can't wait to read more of the author's stories!
This story will feel slow going in, but keep pushing, because in its pages lie a beautiful story of fate, lessons and Omens! Each page will deliver a poignant thought, loving gesture, wonderful or painful memory, a story unlike any other, and an ending that will definitely make you a fan!
This is the kind of story that you couldn't wait to see how it will end. But as you get halfway through, you wouldn't want it to end. This is the story that will stay with you after the last page has been flipped; the kind that will make you think and feel; and the kind of story that will break and warm your heart.
This book is a witnessing to Matlyn Wren's story, but you will also realize that you are not just witnessing her story, you have become part of the story .
This story will feel slow going in, but keep pushing, because in its pages lie a beautiful story of fate, lessons and Omens! Each page will deliver a poignant thought, loving gesture, wonderful or painful memory, a story unlike any other, and an ending that will definitely make you a fan!
This is the kind of story that you couldn't wait to see how it will end. But as you get halfway through, you wouldn't want it to end. This is the story that will stay with you after the last page has been flipped; the kind that will make you think and feel; and the kind of story that will break and warm your heart.
This book is a witnessing to Matlyn Wren's story, but you will also realize that you are not just witnessing her story, you have become part of the story .
November 29, 2017
A beautifully different paranormal book about an Omen and his Story.
The moment I saw the title and inner cover I knew this book would be special and amazing. It made me laugh and tear up a little and happy and sad; just everything. It was such an amazing read.
If there was like a small negative it would be that I didn't understand some of the phrases used in the book. Easily overlooked in the light of the amazing-ness of this book!
I thought that the concept was pretty great and I really liked all the characters. And I loved the ending. Baker truly deserved the peace and quiet in the end. ♥
Wow this review is coming up late. I lost all my files and just found one with titles of the books I'd read. I hope to have them all up this month hopefully *fingers crossed*.
EDIT: This was a Twilight Fanfic?!?!?! What even?! HOW?! *facepalm*
The moment I saw the title and inner cover I knew this book would be special and amazing. It made me laugh and tear up a little and happy and sad; just everything. It was such an amazing read.
If there was like a small negative it would be that I didn't understand some of the phrases used in the book. Easily overlooked in the light of the amazing-ness of this book!
I thought that the concept was pretty great and I really liked all the characters. And I loved the ending. Baker truly deserved the peace and quiet in the end. ♥
Wow this review is coming up late. I lost all my files and just found one with titles of the books I'd read. I hope to have them all up this month hopefully *fingers crossed*.
EDIT: This was a Twilight Fanfic?!?!?! What even?! HOW?! *facepalm*
July 9, 2016
**Blind date book sent to me for an honest review**
Honestly, I would have never even considered reading this book. It is nothing like I have ever read before.
But I give this book a 5 star review because it was freaking fantastic.
I felt so many emotions while reading this book. I was anxious, sad to death, clueless, sad, and happy! Matlyn and Baker's relationship is definitely one of a kind and one that will forever be in my heart. FYI! PLEASE HAVE TISSUES HANDY!
I would definitely read more books by this author if given the chance!!
Honestly, I would have never even considered reading this book. It is nothing like I have ever read before.
But I give this book a 5 star review because it was freaking fantastic.
I felt so many emotions while reading this book. I was anxious, sad to death, clueless, sad, and happy! Matlyn and Baker's relationship is definitely one of a kind and one that will forever be in my heart. FYI! PLEASE HAVE TISSUES HANDY!
I would definitely read more books by this author if given the chance!!
August 7, 2016
This is not a review.
***DNF
***DNF
March 26, 2017
Few books have absolutely every genre in them. This book is one of the few. It is a dark romance with hints of paranormal. From the first page to the very last you feel every emotion. Once you do pick it up be prepared to laugh about the sisters antics, cry during some seriously sad scenes and have your heart beat fast by the love of Baker and Matlyn.
The secondary characters are equally lovable and feel like you are part of the group whether it's 1915 or 2015, you'll fit right in! The very end will give you chills and have you crying all over again but once you put this book down, you'll feel like you've just read an incredible book because you did, you read one phenomenal book unlike any other you'll read this year.
The secondary characters are equally lovable and feel like you are part of the group whether it's 1915 or 2015, you'll fit right in! The very end will give you chills and have you crying all over again but once you put this book down, you'll feel like you've just read an incredible book because you did, you read one phenomenal book unlike any other you'll read this year.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews