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Reality
Three young Elementals discover they no longer have full control over their magic, a fact that is both unsettling and could put lives in peril. As a group known as the Coalition rises in power, its anti-magic sentiments spread from the small village of Sorc all the way to the kingdom of Areth. Amidst all this turmoil, Kat decides to take on a new quest, one that will affect Becky’s future. Venturing into territory more hazardous than any they’ve seen before, both girls strive toward a goal they know has little hope of success.
331 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 5, 2016
15 people want to read
About the author
Jenna Greene
20 books51 followersJenna Greene is a writer, podcaster, teacher, clumsy dancer, dragonboat coach, and semi-professional napper. She's also the co-host of "Quill and Ink: A Podcast for Book Lovers" with Miranda Oh.
www.facebook.com/jennabutrenchukgreene
www.jennagreene.ca
@jgreenewrites
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www.jennagreene.ca
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
January 12, 2019
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
The world of Oren faces a new danger as anti-magic rhetoric and a mission to return a friend home make Kat Bowers and the other Elementals lives more in peril than ever before in author Jenna Greene’s Reality, book number 2 in the Imagine series. Here is a synopsis.
The Synopsis
The three young Elementals discover they no longer have full control over their magic, a fact that is both unsettling and could put lives in peril. As a new group, known as the Coalition, rises in power, anti- magic sentiment spreads rom the small village of Sorc all the way to the kingdom of Areth. Amidst all this turmoil, Kat decides to undertake a new quest, one that will affect Becky's future. Venturing into territory more hazardous than any they've seen before, both girls strive toward a goal they know has little hope of success.
The Review
The overlaying threat of this anti-magic group really helped elevate the dangers the heroes face in Oren. With their newfound powers essentially malfunctioning and separated by two very different missions, the Elementals must navigate the dangerous new world being created by the Coalition.
It was fascinating and engaging as a reader to see the underlying theme of persecution and hatred based on fear arising within the novel. During these tumultuous times, it was a great way to integrate serious discussions into a fantasy driven narrative. Seeing the characters deal with that new reality, all the while going about their separate missions was a fantastic way to develop the characters even more.
The Verdict
This was a great sequel to an already great developing series. Taking the magic of the first novel and increasing the drama and dangers of this new world, the author gave not only protagonists Kat and Becky new challenges, but gave special insight from supporting characters like Easton and the other elementals. If you enjoyed the first novel or are looking for a fun new fantasy series to dive into, then pick up your copy of Reality (Imagine #2) by Jenna Greene today.
The world of Oren faces a new danger as anti-magic rhetoric and a mission to return a friend home make Kat Bowers and the other Elementals lives more in peril than ever before in author Jenna Greene’s Reality, book number 2 in the Imagine series. Here is a synopsis.
The Synopsis
The three young Elementals discover they no longer have full control over their magic, a fact that is both unsettling and could put lives in peril. As a new group, known as the Coalition, rises in power, anti- magic sentiment spreads rom the small village of Sorc all the way to the kingdom of Areth. Amidst all this turmoil, Kat decides to undertake a new quest, one that will affect Becky's future. Venturing into territory more hazardous than any they've seen before, both girls strive toward a goal they know has little hope of success.
The Review
The overlaying threat of this anti-magic group really helped elevate the dangers the heroes face in Oren. With their newfound powers essentially malfunctioning and separated by two very different missions, the Elementals must navigate the dangerous new world being created by the Coalition.
It was fascinating and engaging as a reader to see the underlying theme of persecution and hatred based on fear arising within the novel. During these tumultuous times, it was a great way to integrate serious discussions into a fantasy driven narrative. Seeing the characters deal with that new reality, all the while going about their separate missions was a fantastic way to develop the characters even more.
The Verdict
This was a great sequel to an already great developing series. Taking the magic of the first novel and increasing the drama and dangers of this new world, the author gave not only protagonists Kat and Becky new challenges, but gave special insight from supporting characters like Easton and the other elementals. If you enjoyed the first novel or are looking for a fun new fantasy series to dive into, then pick up your copy of Reality (Imagine #2) by Jenna Greene today.
December 24, 2017
I was sent a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!
This is a spoiler free review.
Summary:
Kat, Becky, Ino, and the rest of the crew has just defeated Nandor and are spending time in Sorc, a village deeply effected by the previous darkness. The three Elementals begin to experience problems with their magic and mysterious messages show up through many villages and provinces, warning of the dangers of magic. Through this, Kat decides to set out on a quest into a dangerous province to find something that will impact Becky’s life forever. This book follows the characters as they search for things that might not exist, while dealing with a “Coalition” that hopes to expel all magic from the kingdom.
Review
Trigger Warning- sexual Assault, violence, or rape: In Chapter 33 an attack by a fictional creature resembles sexual violence.
This is the sequel to Imagine and takes place in the same setting, while following the same characters. This novel contains the amazing description and world building that I talked about in my review of the first novel. I cannot express how talented this author is and you can tell how much time was spent on the setting, plot, and characters. All of the details are meticulously thought out. The pictures that are painted through the author’s words constantly surprise me. There is a significant increase in magical creatures in this sequel and they are all beautifully described, from their appearance to the way they move. The descriptive vocabulary, and the diction in general, is heightened in the sequel, painting an even better image. The author is also successful at creating suspense when needed and implementing action in a graceful manner.
The characterization in the story remains strong. All of the characters are fully fleshed out and different from one another. I like to imagine characters in random situations to see if I can imagine how they would act and react. I am able to do this with these characters which proves how fully developed they are. I especially like when Becky and Kat have to explain things from the non-magical world like robots and popcorn, perpetuating their roots in a different world from the other characters. All of the characters have specific mannerisms that show throughout the novel. For example, Kat often pulls her mouth to the side of her face while she is thinking. Even the many mystical creatures are fully developed, with different personalities and cultures. In a particular part of the book, creatures called “fire giants” portray specific personality traits. One fire giant, named Lum-Num, ended up being incredibly important on their journey. All of the characters are incredibly realistic. Even with their faults, none of them annoy or frustrate me. All of the characters are incredibly dynamic, learning and changing greatly throughout the story.
I am so glad that the Brownies are back! I love Alana and Petie because they are so pure and they love Becky so much. Honestly they are my favorite characters in this series. I think they are so important to the story and helping Becky along the way. I also love the relationship/friendship between Becky and the Brownies. The fact that they are the most powerful creatures in the book is also so interesting because they are so small and unimportant to the other characters. The Brownies received a lot of characterization in this sequel.
Another layer to this novel is the hunt against magic that is occurring throughout the kingdom. A Coalition comes in and immediately holds power over people, persecuting those who are not even involved with magic, simply because of their occupation or species. This reminds me greatly of the Salem witch trials that occurred in the late 1600s. I find this allusion to history fascinating, especially because I am so interested in this topic. I am curious who is really behind this new movement and why it is occurring. We are given a hint that it may have magic behind it but I want to learn more!
This novel is full of small details that make reading much more enjoyable. Sometimes they are unexpected and caught me off guard… in a completely positive way. Kat and Becky are from our world and there are small hints woven within the story. For example, they try to explain and understand different forms of magic by relating it to their knowledge such as relating something to a projector. They even have popular culture references. When the crew was visiting a school for learned magic we hear Becky exclaim, “yay! ...we’re going to Hogwarts.” There are many random bits of humor in this story that I appreciate and help move the darker parts of the plot along.
The action is well described however it is often right after another. I was worried about this until I realized that there are nice breaks in between that make the action bearable for someone who may not like those aspects of fantasy novels. Something I really appreciate about this series is how gender is not an issue in any of the action. Through all of the action, everyone is involved and helping, which is how it should be.
This high fantasy novel is perfect for those seeking adventure and magic. It is full of mystical creatures, dangerous journeys, and relatable characters. This story kept me on the edge of my seat, wanting to continue reading. The story plays like a film in my head and I can actually imagine it on the big screen. I highly recommend this book to fantasy lovers or those looking to dip their feet in the metaphorical “fantasy pool”. We are left on a cliffhanger and I am definitely hoping that there will be more in this series.
This is a spoiler free review.
Summary:
Kat, Becky, Ino, and the rest of the crew has just defeated Nandor and are spending time in Sorc, a village deeply effected by the previous darkness. The three Elementals begin to experience problems with their magic and mysterious messages show up through many villages and provinces, warning of the dangers of magic. Through this, Kat decides to set out on a quest into a dangerous province to find something that will impact Becky’s life forever. This book follows the characters as they search for things that might not exist, while dealing with a “Coalition” that hopes to expel all magic from the kingdom.
Review
Trigger Warning- sexual Assault, violence, or rape: In Chapter 33 an attack by a fictional creature resembles sexual violence.
This is the sequel to Imagine and takes place in the same setting, while following the same characters. This novel contains the amazing description and world building that I talked about in my review of the first novel. I cannot express how talented this author is and you can tell how much time was spent on the setting, plot, and characters. All of the details are meticulously thought out. The pictures that are painted through the author’s words constantly surprise me. There is a significant increase in magical creatures in this sequel and they are all beautifully described, from their appearance to the way they move. The descriptive vocabulary, and the diction in general, is heightened in the sequel, painting an even better image. The author is also successful at creating suspense when needed and implementing action in a graceful manner.
The characterization in the story remains strong. All of the characters are fully fleshed out and different from one another. I like to imagine characters in random situations to see if I can imagine how they would act and react. I am able to do this with these characters which proves how fully developed they are. I especially like when Becky and Kat have to explain things from the non-magical world like robots and popcorn, perpetuating their roots in a different world from the other characters. All of the characters have specific mannerisms that show throughout the novel. For example, Kat often pulls her mouth to the side of her face while she is thinking. Even the many mystical creatures are fully developed, with different personalities and cultures. In a particular part of the book, creatures called “fire giants” portray specific personality traits. One fire giant, named Lum-Num, ended up being incredibly important on their journey. All of the characters are incredibly realistic. Even with their faults, none of them annoy or frustrate me. All of the characters are incredibly dynamic, learning and changing greatly throughout the story.
I am so glad that the Brownies are back! I love Alana and Petie because they are so pure and they love Becky so much. Honestly they are my favorite characters in this series. I think they are so important to the story and helping Becky along the way. I also love the relationship/friendship between Becky and the Brownies. The fact that they are the most powerful creatures in the book is also so interesting because they are so small and unimportant to the other characters. The Brownies received a lot of characterization in this sequel.
Another layer to this novel is the hunt against magic that is occurring throughout the kingdom. A Coalition comes in and immediately holds power over people, persecuting those who are not even involved with magic, simply because of their occupation or species. This reminds me greatly of the Salem witch trials that occurred in the late 1600s. I find this allusion to history fascinating, especially because I am so interested in this topic. I am curious who is really behind this new movement and why it is occurring. We are given a hint that it may have magic behind it but I want to learn more!
This novel is full of small details that make reading much more enjoyable. Sometimes they are unexpected and caught me off guard… in a completely positive way. Kat and Becky are from our world and there are small hints woven within the story. For example, they try to explain and understand different forms of magic by relating it to their knowledge such as relating something to a projector. They even have popular culture references. When the crew was visiting a school for learned magic we hear Becky exclaim, “yay! ...we’re going to Hogwarts.” There are many random bits of humor in this story that I appreciate and help move the darker parts of the plot along.
The action is well described however it is often right after another. I was worried about this until I realized that there are nice breaks in between that make the action bearable for someone who may not like those aspects of fantasy novels. Something I really appreciate about this series is how gender is not an issue in any of the action. Through all of the action, everyone is involved and helping, which is how it should be.
This high fantasy novel is perfect for those seeking adventure and magic. It is full of mystical creatures, dangerous journeys, and relatable characters. This story kept me on the edge of my seat, wanting to continue reading. The story plays like a film in my head and I can actually imagine it on the big screen. I highly recommend this book to fantasy lovers or those looking to dip their feet in the metaphorical “fantasy pool”. We are left on a cliffhanger and I am definitely hoping that there will be more in this series.
March 6, 2019
Kat Bowers and Becky Thatcher gave up their normal lives on Earth when they were transported to the magical land of Oren. Becky discovered the Unifier, brought the three Elementals together, and, by working together, they defeated the evil sorcerer Nandor. Now the land of Oren is safe; however, it is far from being secure. The Elementals’ magic has gone haywire along with the magic of the land. A group known as the Coalition has risen, spreading anti-magic sentiments from village to village and causing those without magical abilities to despise those who do. With a new evil threatening Oren, Kat knows she must make a difficult decision. She must discover what is making her magic go crazy, but before she can, she must make sure Becky is safe… back on Earth. The two girls now find themselves on a new adventure that takes them through territory more dangerous than ever imagined and an adventure they may not even survive.
Author Jenna Greene gave her readers a classic good old-fashioned fairy tale in Imagine. While the first proved to be a non-political and wonderful means of escaping reality through a young adult fantasy prospective, the second in her series proved to be an incredible transition from a young adult means of escape to an enthralling and captivating tale to hold the attention of any reader of any age. What else can be said other than that Reality will give fantasy fans EXACTLY what they are looking for in a fantasy story: adventure, quests, magic, magic gone haywire, mystical creatures both new and known, and so much more.
Let us begin with Greene’s storytelling skills. Her skills of grasping readers’ attention have not waned and, while they were to be commended in Imagine, taking readers down a fun path of unlikely seemingly powerless characters taking down a powerful sorcerer, these skills have grown in strength in Reality. Sure, many readers have completed series of fantasy where, come the end, evil is vanquished; however, how many stories truly continue beyond that? Reality is one of those rare fantasy gems that takes readers beyond “happily ever after” and turns it into something a bit more sinister. The magic the Elementals did not even know they housed and the magic they had barely come to grasp to take down the Sorcerer Nandor is now beyond their control. While the other Elementals try to tame this seemingly uncontrollable magic, Kat wants to send Becky back to Earth and away from the danger of Oren. And while all of this is going on, the young Prince Renin wishes to travel back to the kingdom of Areth to claim the throne that is rightfully his. Greene splits her story into three and all three paths will captivate and take readers of all ages on an adventure they will be anxious to follow.
Due to Reality splitting off in three separate directions, the story moves quickly, but in a way where readers will not wish to put it down. One story leads characters on an adventure with two girls, who began as strangers, but unite as sisters, who partake in a seemingly impossible quest through unknown territory to possibly send one of them back to where they came from. Another story follows two people who discover they have magical abilities they no longer can control and, on top of those facts, people begin to fear magic due to a group that has arisen known as the Coalition Against Magic. And a final story about a young prince who journeys back to his home kingdom knowing he must take over the throne, but unknowing of the complications he has in store for him when he returns to his kingdom. Without giving away spoilers, each of these trails branches off to a story that will reach out to and intrigue an audience beyond the young adult one Greene had intended. Like its predecessor, Reality offers its characters some prophecy, an excellent portion of ‘what the heck is going on?’, and then sent off to where they should begin their journey with the additional knowledge that they may not even arrive where they need to go alive. All excellent makings of an intriguing fantasy tale.
If anything, the most enticing characters of the story are the two the fantasy series began with: Kat and Becky. After everything they endured together in Imagine, these two have beautiful development in Reality; having grown closer together, having had a chance to grow up in a way they could not believe, and having endured even more in the second book than ever thought possible. Both Kat and Becky act beyond the years of a 16 year old teenager and a 10 year old girl. Kat has amazing development and does not act like the angsty teenager she was before, only wanting what is best for Becky: to send her home and away from danger. Becky has matured beyond her years and wishes to stay to help discover what is causing the magic of Oren to go haywire, yet is accepting of her own absence of magical abilities and understands she is safest back on Earth. The strength these two find in one another is still amazingly strong, if not stronger, and their sisterly bond grows equally as strong through the duration of the story.
The evil threatening a magical land has been defeated… what happens now? Reality is the sequel to a good old-fashioned fairy tale and what can happen after “happily ever after”. Greene has strengthened her incredible storytelling skills in the second book of her fantasy series and has captivated the attention of more than her intended young adult audience. This sequel is one that splits into three separate stories that flow beautifully on their own. Each narrative is so incredibly detailed and descriptive and creates a reading experience that flows and allows readers to easily see what is happening within their minds. It is a story that is difficult to put down and picks up shortly after where Imagine left off. With its incredible conclusion, readers will wish to pick up a copy of Heritage immediately after completing Reality, wishing to know more about the adventures of Kat, Becky, and the friends and allies they have met along their adventures.
**Originally published on my blog Roll Out Reviews on March 5, 2019**
Author Jenna Greene gave her readers a classic good old-fashioned fairy tale in Imagine. While the first proved to be a non-political and wonderful means of escaping reality through a young adult fantasy prospective, the second in her series proved to be an incredible transition from a young adult means of escape to an enthralling and captivating tale to hold the attention of any reader of any age. What else can be said other than that Reality will give fantasy fans EXACTLY what they are looking for in a fantasy story: adventure, quests, magic, magic gone haywire, mystical creatures both new and known, and so much more.
Let us begin with Greene’s storytelling skills. Her skills of grasping readers’ attention have not waned and, while they were to be commended in Imagine, taking readers down a fun path of unlikely seemingly powerless characters taking down a powerful sorcerer, these skills have grown in strength in Reality. Sure, many readers have completed series of fantasy where, come the end, evil is vanquished; however, how many stories truly continue beyond that? Reality is one of those rare fantasy gems that takes readers beyond “happily ever after” and turns it into something a bit more sinister. The magic the Elementals did not even know they housed and the magic they had barely come to grasp to take down the Sorcerer Nandor is now beyond their control. While the other Elementals try to tame this seemingly uncontrollable magic, Kat wants to send Becky back to Earth and away from the danger of Oren. And while all of this is going on, the young Prince Renin wishes to travel back to the kingdom of Areth to claim the throne that is rightfully his. Greene splits her story into three and all three paths will captivate and take readers of all ages on an adventure they will be anxious to follow.
Due to Reality splitting off in three separate directions, the story moves quickly, but in a way where readers will not wish to put it down. One story leads characters on an adventure with two girls, who began as strangers, but unite as sisters, who partake in a seemingly impossible quest through unknown territory to possibly send one of them back to where they came from. Another story follows two people who discover they have magical abilities they no longer can control and, on top of those facts, people begin to fear magic due to a group that has arisen known as the Coalition Against Magic. And a final story about a young prince who journeys back to his home kingdom knowing he must take over the throne, but unknowing of the complications he has in store for him when he returns to his kingdom. Without giving away spoilers, each of these trails branches off to a story that will reach out to and intrigue an audience beyond the young adult one Greene had intended. Like its predecessor, Reality offers its characters some prophecy, an excellent portion of ‘what the heck is going on?’, and then sent off to where they should begin their journey with the additional knowledge that they may not even arrive where they need to go alive. All excellent makings of an intriguing fantasy tale.
If anything, the most enticing characters of the story are the two the fantasy series began with: Kat and Becky. After everything they endured together in Imagine, these two have beautiful development in Reality; having grown closer together, having had a chance to grow up in a way they could not believe, and having endured even more in the second book than ever thought possible. Both Kat and Becky act beyond the years of a 16 year old teenager and a 10 year old girl. Kat has amazing development and does not act like the angsty teenager she was before, only wanting what is best for Becky: to send her home and away from danger. Becky has matured beyond her years and wishes to stay to help discover what is causing the magic of Oren to go haywire, yet is accepting of her own absence of magical abilities and understands she is safest back on Earth. The strength these two find in one another is still amazingly strong, if not stronger, and their sisterly bond grows equally as strong through the duration of the story.
The evil threatening a magical land has been defeated… what happens now? Reality is the sequel to a good old-fashioned fairy tale and what can happen after “happily ever after”. Greene has strengthened her incredible storytelling skills in the second book of her fantasy series and has captivated the attention of more than her intended young adult audience. This sequel is one that splits into three separate stories that flow beautifully on their own. Each narrative is so incredibly detailed and descriptive and creates a reading experience that flows and allows readers to easily see what is happening within their minds. It is a story that is difficult to put down and picks up shortly after where Imagine left off. With its incredible conclusion, readers will wish to pick up a copy of Heritage immediately after completing Reality, wishing to know more about the adventures of Kat, Becky, and the friends and allies they have met along their adventures.
**Originally published on my blog Roll Out Reviews on March 5, 2019**
November 19, 2018
Again, this had the potential to be a really great read for YA. The abrupt hatred of the Elementals was a little confusing. Flyers were hung and everyone agreed? Still not a whole lot of character development happened.
May 13, 2023
When you get to part two: Hailt Province the story gets really good. The first part of the story was not my favorite. It is a little dark. The characters are wonderful.
October 15, 2016
Enjoyed the book, was a bit darker and more serious in tone than the first book as tension escalates and the less-than-awesome Coalition gains a foothold. Concern for the fate of some of the characters is high though, anxiously looking forward to the next one.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews