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Adopted at an early age she’s been given every advantage. Eighteen-year-old Ashlinn Ryllae Elan has wondered, for most of her life, where she fit in. Where did she really come from and why she was abandoned with nothing more than a Celtic inspired pendant necklace. After her eighteenth birthday, strange dreams plague her during the night leaving her to wonder about the man who now seems to haunt her nightly. The connection she feels to this handsome stranger leaves her wishing for him to be real and she longs to know more about him. Little does she know that her entire world is about to change.

Alaric Rhys Faerondarl has waited a long time for Ashlinn to come of age. He is her Guardian and they are Kindred. He has been tasked to keep her safe and bring her home. Their destinies are intertwined and he will do whatever it takes to keep her out of the hands of The Morrígan and the Fomorians. But will it be enough to overcome the obstacles that have been set before them?
The battle to save the Realms is just beginning.

Disclaimer: Kindred is intended for mature readers due to some adult content.

295 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 21, 2016

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About the author

Jana LaPelle

8 books41 followers
Jana LaPelle was born and raised in central Kentucky where she resides to this day. Growing up she found a love for reading at an early age, as early as five or six years old. Her favorite part of her school day was going to the library. Soon she became a Sci-Fi geek and fell in love with all sorts of fantastical tales. Once discovering ebooks to feed her addiction she was hooked and now never leaves home without an entire library of books at her fingertips. Her Kindle is a constant companion. Nowadays, her free time is spent bringing the stories in her head to life and pursuing a long-lived dream of writing. Instead of finding her curled up with a good book during her free time, it is now spent typing away on her next book. Some of her favorite authors and inspiration are Amy Bartol, Elisabeth Naughton, Casandra Clare, Addison Moore, and Jennifer Armentrout to name a few.

Aside from reading and writing, Jana enjoys the simple things in life, such as time spent with family and friends, vacationing on the gulf coast in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida. She dreams of traveling abroad, in particular, Ireland and Scotland and hopes to do that sooner rather than later, especially since Ireland has become one of her muses. Her son, Gabriel, is a daily source of inspiration and without whom she may have never embarked on her journey as a writer.

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5 stars
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23 (29%)
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
Profile Image for Nicole Hale.
972 reviews28 followers
January 18, 2021
Nice start!



I am a newbie to this author and I was just browsing looking for something fantasy to read about and this one checked all my boxes I was looking for.

prophecy’s, goddesses and gods, Faries, elves, shifters, fated mates and so much more. This book sucked me in and it was a crazy ride!

The only thing I didn’t like was that during the book there was a lot of monologue that didn’t need to be there. Like a character would say something then the responding characters would pretty much repeat what the first one said then reply. It doesn’t deter the storyline I just found it annoying. But other than that everything-else was fantastic and I will read on to book 2.
Profile Image for Ms. Cyn.
1,544 reviews
October 23, 2018
Just roll with it

Although at times I cringed at how naive and at times cheesy the dialogue between Ashlinn and Alaric got, I really enjoyed the idea behind this story. I just had to accept Ashlinn's character. She is young and romantic, but she is much stronger than she appears. I think the problem is that there isn't much of a backstory, but eventually she tells about some of her training that her adopted mother put her through. Makes a lot more sense.

There are some things that seem unlikely. For example, Ashlinn's adopted mother believed the letter that Danu left explaining everything, but it was never explained how that happened. Even so, it wasn't hard for me to just roll with it. Pretty much had to do that throughout the book, but I don't mind.
Profile Image for Cecilia.
603 reviews
January 1, 2019
I enjoyed this book.
It has faeires and i like the main couple

5,704 reviews40 followers
April 15, 2017
This was a very good YA story.. very entertaining.. very interesting.. the writing was very well done and the characters kept me going.. i found myself wonderful what was going to happen next and i cant wait to read the next one.. i am glad i got to review it
Profile Image for Roxy the Fury.
591 reviews
February 13, 2019
Not my kind of book. It read in a stilted manner with formal dialogue from teenagers. Just not my cup of tea.
Profile Image for Jessica Bronder.
2,015 reviews32 followers
August 22, 2017
Ashlinn Ryllae Elan knows that she was adopted and throughout her life has wondered who she is and where she comes from. As she is getting ready to head to college tragedy strikes and she learns of her true heritage. First she meets Alaric who is supposed to protect her but they both learn that they are each other’s Kindred, mates. The she learns that her father, Rhespen is a panther shifter and her mother Danu is the High Queen of Fae.

But with any good story, Ash is not just learning to use her powers for a HEA ending. Before she was born, Danu made a deal with a fae prince to break the curse on the Tree of Life. Danu has to give her daughter to Tarron to break the curse. But Tarron is dark and will not agree to break the blood contract even if Ash has found her Kindred with Alaric.

This is a great young adult fantasy story. Ash is trying to find her place in the world then realizes that her world is a lot bigger and more dangerous than most people will ever know. I like how she grows with the knowledge of her mother’s blood contract and how strong she becomes as a woman that could be a role model to girls. But things are not easy and even though she has found her Kindred she still may have to go with Tarron to break the curse.

I really liked this story. It kept me on the edge of my seat and had me turning pages frantically. I was sad to see this story come to an end but that just means that I get to jump right into Chosen.

I received Kindred from Ari at Candid Book Reviews for free. This has in no way influenced my opinion of this book.
Profile Image for Jenessa Gayheart.
Author 5 books3 followers
January 12, 2017
This book has so much action going on, I constantly wanted to read the next page to see what's going to happen next. The whole situation seemed imminent because initially "our world" was involved in the forming of the main character, so this could have happened here just yesterday, not "sometime in a distant time and realm." The fact that I kept reading despite the obvious grammatical issues really says something. I'm typically a stickler for proper word usage, but if I had quit reading just for the editing issues, I would have missed out on an otherwise thrilling story filled with surprises, the wit and spunk of the main character Ashlinn, her friends old and new who round out the story with rich personality, and the excitement of finding out who she really is and what is in store for her. I trust that book #2 will be as filled with intrigue!
Profile Image for Joshua Griffith.
Author 16 books34 followers
January 8, 2019
Great story worth reading

I thoroughly enjoyed this one! The story revolves around Ashlinn and Lexie, two sisters on a family vacation until tragedy strikes in the form of a horrific car crash. Lexie is battered but Ashlinn is in a coma for week, which is where the story takes an interesting turn as she is able to astral project into the realm of the Faerie, where she meets a little spunky pixie and informs her that's she trapped in limbo and needs her guardian. Ashlinn doesn't understand why she would blurt this out but the pixie knows. This sets the stage for both the sisters to get a crash course in the supernatural as elves come to their aid. There's plenty of action, suspense and mystery that will keep you turning the pages just to see what happens next. I highly recommend this one!
52 reviews1 follower
February 26, 2019
Amazing Celtic fantasy.
Right from the start, I was intrigued by the concept of Ashlinn being abandoned with a Celtic pendant necklace when she was a baby. Her life is pretty good with her adopted mother until she and her family are in a car crash when Ashlinn is 18, and only she and Lexie live through it. While Ashlinn is in a coma, she goes into the Faerie realm and this is where she starts to learn about her past – and her future, especially as it concerns her Guardian, Alaric. He’s the elf man she’s been dreaming of. Ashlinn is pulled into a world with magic creatures and royalty and she’s face with confronting her destiny. A well-written book with a great story line!
Profile Image for Lauren Mayet.
534 reviews28 followers
December 26, 2017
Wow

OMG....I discovered this book on Pinterest of all places. I have be fascinated with kindred spirits and faeries and such for some time. This one was slow to start but once it picked up it didn’t stop. Ashlinn and Alaric’s relationship is all consuming from the beginning. There is a magnetism the can only be felt between soul mates. They belong together; they complete each other. Their love is meant to save their world. OMG I love this story and can’t wait to see how this story continues to unfold.
364 reviews5 followers
January 6, 2020
This book takes a number of well known and well used concepts and merges them into one in an interesting and unique way. Given the number of themes, it could easily have been complicated and hard to follow, but it isn’t. It could also feel like the author has tried to cram all of their ideas into one book, but it doesn’t. It flows well and feels well thought out. The author has done a good job combining everything without the story getting lost in the process. They build an interesting world and fill it with diverse characters
Profile Image for Levia.
1,382 reviews16 followers
May 22, 2017
This was an amazing read! It was a lot longer than I expected but this was a good thing. I loved meeting Ashlinn and her cousin. The world is very in depth and there is always something new to discover. I absolutely cannot wait to continue the series and hope the author continues to write many more books for this series. I voluntarily reviewed this book that I received from candid reviews. All opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Isis Ray-sisco.
762 reviews
May 26, 2017
Kindred by Jana LaPelle is the first book in the Otherworld book series. It is a fantastic start to it as well. I loved the characters and the world she created. There were plenty of twists and turns in the plot that kept me reading. I can't wait to read book 2. I liked Alaric and Ashlinn's story. I can't wait to see how it plays out in the next book. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys YA fantasy reads.
Profile Image for Amy Hannagan.
761 reviews3 followers
May 31, 2017
Wow. I had no expectations going into this book, I had barely read the blurb. But once I saw that it was a fae book, I was all in. These characters are likable and have a refreshingly honest relatability that isn't always found in fantasy books. I really loved this story and look forward to diving into book 2. There are some small grammatical issues but they in no way deflect from the plot of the book. I requested a copy of this book for review.
3 reviews
July 9, 2018
I really enjoyed this book so much so I have just bought and started the next one already.

I love that no matter what's thrown Ashlinn's way she thinks positively and even though it's a struggle with lots of down times she still manages to put on a brave face.
Profile Image for Carrie Whitethorne.
Author 23 books71 followers
March 24, 2017
This fast paced fantasy is a great read.
With a number of references to druid folklore, mythical creatures and some interesting plot twists, there is enough to keep the reader engaged and wanting to know whats coming next.
The characters are dynamic, with various flaws and quirks to keep them interesting.
looking forward to book two.
Profile Image for Gemma Cameron.
112 reviews3 followers
December 31, 2017
So you're a normal teenager getting ready to start college when your life gets turned upside down. Turns out you aren't who you think you are. With great loss comes great adventure and trying times for Ashlinn.

This books takes you into Ashlinns new world- the realm Faerie. Kindred takes you on a roller coaster journey that has become Ashlinn's life. She has to adjust to a new world, a soul mate, finding out who her mother and father are but she embraces it and the reader feels her strength and goodness along the way.

Ashlinn's niece Lexie is beside her the whole time and has surprises to deal with as well. The bond they have shows and this is a story of friendship and unconditional love.

Kindred is a tale of love, magic, friendship and adventure. Ashlinn's make friends throughout her journey including her armed guard who are funny, likeable and strong. Also Jaz, the sprite who made me laugh and want a best friend just like her.

This story so easy to read and I was totally immersed in this world. I didn't want to put it down and on some occasions delayed sleep until I found out what was happening only to come across another surprise. There is something for everyone who enjoys YA fiction with elves, faeries, gods and goddesses, shifters and much more.

The story is one of love with the hero being strong and supportive, of friendship, adventure, good and evil. There are good times and bad and the author leaves you hanging on for more. It's a great and original read and I cannot wait to read book 2- Chosen.
Profile Image for Kalli Kounavong.
439 reviews19 followers
July 10, 2018
The story itself itself good. I could read this story and get swept up in the story-line, but it did seem a little rushed. The first half of the book seemed rushed and repetitive. The characters over-explained a lot, and then repeated themselves. The plot of the story seemed to change a couple of times before getting back on track. Halfway through the book, the story smoothed out a little and the writing got better. At times, I was unsure of the relationship between Alexia and Ashlinn because there were points where they would say they were aunt and niece, and other times that they were sisters. The book could be a lot better, and it seems familiar in a lot of ways. I wouldn't say not to read it though, because the story is really good and the 2nd book is written way better. So definitely give it a chance.
Profile Image for Dianna.
6 reviews2 followers
September 28, 2016
Looking forward to book 2..!!!

First of all. I love the cover. I'm a cover snob but this one grabbed my attention right off. From one chapter to the next and the next the story of Ashlin keeps you interested. As many books, you have a young girl coming of age. But Ashlin doesn't just come of age, she transforms into a strong, loving, old soul, bad ass little minx of a woman. When she meets her Kindred her life changes in so many ways. I enjoyed many of the characters, Alaric, Alexia, Jaz and T & T.
I hope you enjoy this book too.
Profile Image for Lloyd L Wright.
Author 1 book2 followers
November 2, 2016
Ashlinn finds a lot more than she bargained for as her dreams become reality and she learns that her life is much more complicated than your average girl would expect. This fantasy story takes us on a trip filled with wonder. It is a terrific read and well worth the time to take in the story. And the transition at the end leaves you desirous of more. I really loved it.
Profile Image for Rosanna.
814 reviews15 followers
April 2, 2017
I've just recently found this author and she really didn't disappoint!! The first book in her series is hot!
Ashlinn was abandoned when she was just a baby with just a necklace with a pendant that she's been wearing ever since. She was then adopted by the woman who found her.
After her 18th birthday her mom and the rest of her family except her niece make it out of the car accident where she's in a coma. Coherent but stuck in limbo.
Weird how ever since just before her 18th birthday she's been dreaming of this gorgeous man. While in her coma she projects to this man and comes to her rescue. Her her Kindred and her mate. He's also the Prince. Just one little problem... Her real mother has promised her to another through a blood contract and he's come to collect. Tarring is a bit on the Dark side you might say.
The world Jana has created on the Otherworld is magnificent!! From the elves to sprites to the Royal family to the Dark magic. You fall into this new realm with Ashlinn and Lexie and you instantly fall in love!!
Can't wait to read the second book in the series!!
Profile Image for Lora Nowak.
85 reviews
April 8, 2017
I admit I struggled at times to keep up with whom was speaking and had to go back and reread a bit to understand. There are some issues with grammar, I am by far a critic, just the one word "Magic" being spelled as "Majic" distracted me initially but I got past that. Jana LaPelle has created a wonderful world for readers that enjoy fantasy and believe in soulmates~

**Warning, Spoiler Alert***

A lot has happened to bot Ashlinn and Alexia in a short period. Hidden and raised in the "Mortal Realm" by humans that loved and cherished them, only they lost everyone in a serious car accident. This is where the story turns to fantasy. Prince Alaric was assigned to be Ashlinn's guardian at her birth in the Fairy Realm, but he immediately felt the bond between them that would make them each other's "Kindred" or mates. Both Ashlinn and Alexia are now in the Faerie Realm. They soon discover her father: Rhespen is a panther shifter and her mother: Danu is the High Queen of the Fae and mother goddess to the Tuatha De' Danaan.. Ashlinn and Alaric have completed a strong spiritual bond and since discovering she's also part panther shifter, she has stronger needs to complete the intimate parts of the shared bond prior to any formal ceremony. They have been blessed by Cliodhna goddess of love and beauty, she urges them to complete their bonds soon, they also take counsel with Alaric's uncle, The Dagda, High King of the realms. Alaric & Ashlinn's bond is very strong and continues to strengthen as she comes into her own powers. Before Ashlinn was even born, the Tree of Life in the Faerie Realm was cursed and Danu sought to protect it, since the Tree of life gives life to every realm. She (Danu) therefore seeks out an unmated prince Tarron and enters into a blood contract promising her unborn daughter to be his in order to lift the curse on the Tree of Life.The tree of Life has suffered for many years prior to Ashlinn's arrival to the realm and she is quite unique.She feels emotions from the suffering Tree and cares deeply about all of the living surrounding her. She is Prince Alaric's "Kindred", daughter of Danu and her shape shifting father, Rhespen. Ashlinn is the one that the prophecy the realm has known of, she is the light, the one who can save the Tree of Life and all realms. Alexia is a druid and also has found her Kindred in Declan. They are anxiously trying to find a way to break the blood contract, but so far it's not hopeful. The Morrigan (the dark queen) and her army of the Formorian's are trying to capture or kill Ashlinn in any way possible. Alaric, Ashlinn, their family & guard learn from one of the Formorian's that was captured during an attempt on their lives, that he was taken into The Morrigan's Keep as a child, stolen from his parents as are other children, even humans. Ashlinn sees light in Garrik and offers him the choice to serve her cause in saving the Tree and therefore the Realms and he vows his fealty to his new princess. Tarron will not back down from the blood contract and he brings only darkness with him. Ashlinn has premonitions of being forced to be with Tarron and she's terrified his darkness will overcome her.

The story is unique and while some parts kind of make me think that Ash & Lexie are speaking as they've been a part of the Faerie Realm their entire life, then they say things that normal girls may say, if they were still in the "Mortal Realm" I love, love, love Jasmine, a Sprite and like a sister & best friend to both girls. Time is dwindling down as the group come up with as many plans as possible to keep Ash from Tarron but it is going to happen. Ashlinn discovers something at the end of the book, which she decides to keep secret for now. I am looking forward to "Chosen" since I know this book will be about Ashlinn being forced to be with Tarron and his dark fae. I hope she can hold on to all of the love from her Kindred, her family and her own light~
Profile Image for Adriane Alexander.
252 reviews2 followers
April 9, 2017
I enjoyed this book and look forward to the next to find out what happens.
Profile Image for Hetal.
811 reviews112 followers
April 11, 2017
Received a copy from the author in exchange for a review.

So, I always feel a little sad when a book I'm dying to read doesn't meet what I expected it to be. BUT let me premise my review by saying that this book wasn't my cup of tea, but I think others would thoroughly enjoy it. Read on to find out why!

In every sense of the word, Kindred sounded like the answer to my heart's desire in terms of books. Elves, princes, soul mates, destinies. It has all the elements of a strong YA: dead parents, tragedy, romance, strong friendships, quirky side characters, it's all there.

BUT BUT BUT. I could not, no matter how hard I tried, get over the insta-love AND insta-relationship.

When Ashlinn falls into a coma of sorts, her soul (?) reaches out to a man named Alaric. He is her Kindred, her guardian. She must be awakened, she tells him. What? Up till the coma you were a normal teenage girl, now you're talking like a regal queen and know all this crap about him being your kindred? No. Introducing us to the plot like that is weak in my opinion.

Then, when she wakes and finds Alaric at her bedside, she knows him, but has no idea what's going on. From the moment Ashlinn wakes up, they are instantly pretty much in a relationship. WHAT?
"Looking at this elf man in front of me, it's almost as if I can sense what he is feeling. He looks so unhappy that I can't help myself from lifting my hand to caress his cheek"

In the words of Elsa...



The plot itself wasn't bad. Jasmine the little fairy is a quirky character you couldn't help but adore. The bond between Ashlinn and Alexia is sweet, though does any one else wonder how they adjusted to their world so fast? It takes them literally like 5 minutes to start referring to their world as the mortal realm and see themselves as other. There's usually an adjustment period when you have a full blown identity crisis, you know?

Alaric is swoony, but really just doesn't have a character outside of protecting and loving Ash. GROW A PERSONALITY MAN.

Anyway, I'd like to say that even though this wasn't my cup of tea, if you like soul-mate books, elves and magic, and are the type who jumps head first into the whole love at first sight thing, this book is 100% for you!! It's creative and has gorgeous descriptions of the world. Characters are quirky and funny and it's a short and fast read!



If you like my review, considering taking a peek and my blog here
Profile Image for Hannah.
214 reviews2 followers
May 1, 2017
Kindred was a great YA novel. Though I feel like everyone has jumped on the band wagon of writing about fairies and elves, this book has a completely different story to tell. I thought the writing was excellent as well as the story itself. This was a fantastic read and I highly recommend it.

Ashlinn was adopted at a very young age with a pendant being the only tie she had to her birth mother. When she is in a car wreck her entire life is flipped upside down. She starts having strange dreams and is stuck in her own body and not able to wake up. When she dreams of a man, she knows he will be the one to help her, but has no clue how she knows this. She finds out her pendant is more than it seems, as is the rest of her life.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews