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Embellished
When hunky, eighteen-year-old Travis Kurth lures his sister Bekka to assist him and his friends in an online game, he has no idea that all their lives are about to change… forever. Ripped from reality by an elemental force of nature, the party of five soon wake in a beautiful, but dangerous, new world called Orian. Bekka, who is suffering from a genetic disease, the same malady that killed their mother, finds herself in complete remission, but there’s little time to celebrate as one, then another of their party falls prey to this unforgiving land. Rescued from death by a battalion of human soldiers under the leadership of Vallas Onisquase, Crown Prince of Adosarath, Bekka discovers that in Orian refuge comes at a steep price. The arrogant, dangerously handsome Vallas, beguiled by Bekka’s beauty, sets in motion a plan to make her his own, but the royal entourage falls under attack by a blood-thirsty humanoid faction called Vadarcs. Abducted, Bekka finds herself deep in Vadarc territory with no chance of rescue. Leashed like an animal, abused, humiliated and placed on an auction block, she is purchased by blood and gold to become the property of Randar Ataurik, a humanoid, tusked, barbarian, Vadarc prince. Vallas who is obsessed with his newly betrothed, demands her return but Randar, in the long held tradition of Vadarcs, has bound her by blood. As the winds of war sweep the land, Bekka finds herself in a deadly triangle. Embellished is the first book in an epic, paranormal romance.
284 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 15, 2016
12 people are currently reading
38 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
July 10, 2017
I just have to say first what a stunning cover and I believe what you find inside matches it. What a brilliant story, being a gamer myself years ago I can fully understand the obsession that these characters had. Playing on line calls for working together so when one of them has to leave the game Travis calls on his terminally ill sister Bekka to make the numbers up. A freak storm pulls all five of these gamers right into the heart of Orian for real.
Now it is one thing fighting battles on a game but completely new skills are needed to fight in this new world. But they have arrived somewhat prepared because they are definitely all running on a full health bar, including Bekka. Their muscles are taut and the slightest imperfections have gone. Now they know this game inside out, they have strategy skills and now they have the physic but have they the ability to be warriors in real battles because if they haven’t then they won’t survive.
Oh my this is bloody good. These would be gamers are now real people in the game and don’t know what is happening back home. They soon find out that if they get injured in the game now it hurts and they can even die. What happens if they die? do they really die in the real world? So many questions and no answers.
Now I am becoming giddy with excitement because it is just one very large all action epic of a read. Romance is rearing it’s head too for Bekka where her only plan so far had been to plan for her own funereal but one suitor becomes two, poor Bekka never had a fella before, life even in here is so unfair. Can she really choose happiness for herself and risk thousands dying? or live a life or abuse to keep peace. Now here I am giving advice again to characters in books with my, ‘go for it’ and ‘OMG don’t’ moments. It really is a fantasy that you just melt into yourself.
There are bloody battles and heart ache for all of these young gamers to face and an acceptance of a new way of life because they can’t click their heels and go home. I found that there was no sense of time, yes time went on, death and even new life but did each day represent a day back home? Big changes were coming and I am definitely going to read about them in the next instalment of this series.
I wish to thank the author for a copy of this book which I have chosen to review.
Now it is one thing fighting battles on a game but completely new skills are needed to fight in this new world. But they have arrived somewhat prepared because they are definitely all running on a full health bar, including Bekka. Their muscles are taut and the slightest imperfections have gone. Now they know this game inside out, they have strategy skills and now they have the physic but have they the ability to be warriors in real battles because if they haven’t then they won’t survive.
Oh my this is bloody good. These would be gamers are now real people in the game and don’t know what is happening back home. They soon find out that if they get injured in the game now it hurts and they can even die. What happens if they die? do they really die in the real world? So many questions and no answers.
Now I am becoming giddy with excitement because it is just one very large all action epic of a read. Romance is rearing it’s head too for Bekka where her only plan so far had been to plan for her own funereal but one suitor becomes two, poor Bekka never had a fella before, life even in here is so unfair. Can she really choose happiness for herself and risk thousands dying? or live a life or abuse to keep peace. Now here I am giving advice again to characters in books with my, ‘go for it’ and ‘OMG don’t’ moments. It really is a fantasy that you just melt into yourself.
There are bloody battles and heart ache for all of these young gamers to face and an acceptance of a new way of life because they can’t click their heels and go home. I found that there was no sense of time, yes time went on, death and even new life but did each day represent a day back home? Big changes were coming and I am definitely going to read about them in the next instalment of this series.
I wish to thank the author for a copy of this book which I have chosen to review.
May 27, 2017
I have gone back and forth between a four and five rating for hours now. I'm going with 4.5 on this one. I like the ideas, the writing and the characters. That is almost everything about the book! It's the warning I have to add to the Novel that's giving me an issue. Although, I understand why the incident happens, I wish Glista had found a different way to further the plot.
Warning: Teen Suicide.
LITRPG is a growing genre that I find fascinating. The plot in these stories is, in some way, infused with a role playing video game. In this case, the main characters are sucked into the game during a storm.
I absolutely adore the fact that humans are cured of all illness when they enter the game. What a wonderful thing that would be if it were true. Those paralyzed could walk again - those with a terminal illness given a second chance at life.
Like most stories, there were a few things I would have changed - Bekka's apparent indifference to her situation at times being the main issue. The same can be said for any series I read though. There is always something I would do just a little differently.
I am looking forward to the second book in the series. 4.5/5 stars.
Warning: Teen Suicide.
LITRPG is a growing genre that I find fascinating. The plot in these stories is, in some way, infused with a role playing video game. In this case, the main characters are sucked into the game during a storm.
I absolutely adore the fact that humans are cured of all illness when they enter the game. What a wonderful thing that would be if it were true. Those paralyzed could walk again - those with a terminal illness given a second chance at life.
Like most stories, there were a few things I would have changed - Bekka's apparent indifference to her situation at times being the main issue. The same can be said for any series I read though. There is always something I would do just a little differently.
I am looking forward to the second book in the series. 4.5/5 stars.
April 28, 2017
I normally start writing a review at the beginning of the book but I have been so hooked only now I am writing this at 42%
At the beginning I wasnt so sure as it starts with several people playing an online game about another world. After lightening strikes the house they get sucked into the game and that's where I have also been sucked into the book.
Extremely strong characters which I have connected with
Richly atmospheric scenes which paints pictures with words
An absolutely fantastic and very unique book :)
Filled with suspense, adventure and completely action packed
Recommend to fans of fantasy, gaming,dystopia, suspense and adventure
Well done to the author for this very successful book, highly talented xx
At the beginning I wasnt so sure as it starts with several people playing an online game about another world. After lightening strikes the house they get sucked into the game and that's where I have also been sucked into the book.
Extremely strong characters which I have connected with
Richly atmospheric scenes which paints pictures with words
An absolutely fantastic and very unique book :)
Filled with suspense, adventure and completely action packed
Recommend to fans of fantasy, gaming,dystopia, suspense and adventure
Well done to the author for this very successful book, highly talented xx
June 18, 2017
Travis is a gamer, he and his friends are battling the evil forces plaguing Orian. But their healer abandons them, leaving them a man down. Desperate for the rare drop Travis turns to his sister, Bekka for aid. Unaware her participation will forever change her life. Bekka rarely leaves her room, suffering form the all-consuming illness which claimed the life of their mother and will soon claim her. But fate has other plans. As the boss falls the small group are being ravished by a storm, then the unexpected happens, they are forced into the game. But that is not all, each one of them is reset to full health. Bekka relishes in her new lease of life, but soon they come to learn the dangers of this world are as intense as those of the game itself. Without weapons or skill they fall prey to their surroundings, when all seem loss hope arrives, offering salvation. But if Bekka wants to protect those she loves from harm she must pay the price.
Embellished starts with a small group of people being drawn into a fantasy world, and I must say the same was true for me. I was hooked, I found this book difficult to put down and found myself heading to bed earlier and earlier just to have a little extra reading time. It is a tale of fantasy and romance, Bekka must choose between the price who promised her friends safety, and the Vadarc who abducts and claims her as his property. The choice is difficult, should Bekka follow her heart and risk and all consuming war where thousands, maybe millions will die, or does she act in the interest of the people of this strange new world? I loved this book, Those who read my reviews know such is not a phrase I utter lightly, maybe it is the gamer in me, maybe the fantasy/ romance lover, but there was a charm to this book I just couldn't ignore. Filled with love, suspense, war, epic battles, and difficult choices with characters who both capture your heart and your hatred. Book two is already on my Kindle.
This is a book I would, without hesitation, recommend.
I read this on KU but I have also purchased it.
Embellished starts with a small group of people being drawn into a fantasy world, and I must say the same was true for me. I was hooked, I found this book difficult to put down and found myself heading to bed earlier and earlier just to have a little extra reading time. It is a tale of fantasy and romance, Bekka must choose between the price who promised her friends safety, and the Vadarc who abducts and claims her as his property. The choice is difficult, should Bekka follow her heart and risk and all consuming war where thousands, maybe millions will die, or does she act in the interest of the people of this strange new world? I loved this book, Those who read my reviews know such is not a phrase I utter lightly, maybe it is the gamer in me, maybe the fantasy/ romance lover, but there was a charm to this book I just couldn't ignore. Filled with love, suspense, war, epic battles, and difficult choices with characters who both capture your heart and your hatred. Book two is already on my Kindle.
This is a book I would, without hesitation, recommend.
I read this on KU but I have also purchased it.
August 10, 2017
Embellished by Karen Glista is the first book in the Chronicles of Orian trilogy. When Travis talks his sister, Bekka, into helping him and his friends with an online game, he doesn't expect them to become trapped within the game. After nearly getting eaten by spiders, they're saved by soldiers traveling with Prince Vallas and his sister, Atharia. The prince is arrogant and entitled, yet he captivates Bekka, and is so drawn to her beauty that he's determined to marry her. Following their engagement announcement, Bekka and the princess are abducted by the bloodthirsty Vadarcs and taken to auction where they are bonded to the Vadarc princes. But are they as ruthless and barbaric as they seem? As Bekka is drawn to Prince Randar's charm, Vallas is prepared to stop at nothing to get her back, even if it means starting a war.
Karen Glista brings to life a fun concept, with a group of characters being transported into a video game, leaving them to question whether they're alive or dead in the so-called real world. Glista gives an emotional layer to the plot, contrasting Bekka with her brother and friends. While they feel trapped, she's never felt freer. She has been cured of the illness that plagued her most of her life, she can run and dance, and finally fall in love. Stereotypes are flipped as the dashing prince is more than what he seems, and the supposedly horrendous monster has a spark of humanity, leaving Bekka to wonder which one is the true beast. Embellished is a unique adventure, with twists and turns, romance and danger, monsters and heroes. A perfect novel for those who love adventure and romance!
Karen Glista brings to life a fun concept, with a group of characters being transported into a video game, leaving them to question whether they're alive or dead in the so-called real world. Glista gives an emotional layer to the plot, contrasting Bekka with her brother and friends. While they feel trapped, she's never felt freer. She has been cured of the illness that plagued her most of her life, she can run and dance, and finally fall in love. Stereotypes are flipped as the dashing prince is more than what he seems, and the supposedly horrendous monster has a spark of humanity, leaving Bekka to wonder which one is the true beast. Embellished is a unique adventure, with twists and turns, romance and danger, monsters and heroes. A perfect novel for those who love adventure and romance!
July 17, 2017
Whenever an author has the ability to create an entire fantasy world with unique names of its kingdoms, races, and and characters, and on top of that, develop original customs and traditions of its peoples, it's a creative feat worth utmost commendations and praises. Karen Glista, through an incredible imagination, has done just that!
The story begins with a group of teenagers playing an online MMORPG on their computers together in one room of the main characters' home in Galveston, TX. When their house is struck by lightning, they are somehow pulled into the game. With no time to determine the cause, Bekka, her brother Travis, and their friends must survive and adapt in the world of Orian.
Embellished is an amazing story of adventure, romance, and suspense! The author's remarkable use of descriptive imagery makes the reader feel like he/she has been teleported into this realm along with the main characters! A wide and diverse range of characters polish the pages of the story, and the details are so explicit that you can't but help suspect Ms. Glista might have possibly visted Orian herself.
Though I'm not much for romance novels (which is the dominant theme of Embellished), there is plenty of adventure and excitement, filled with gruesome battles and thrilling quests, to keep a "guy" like me turning the pages! If you're looking for a fantasy novel that has it all, get a copy of Embellished and enjoy!
The story begins with a group of teenagers playing an online MMORPG on their computers together in one room of the main characters' home in Galveston, TX. When their house is struck by lightning, they are somehow pulled into the game. With no time to determine the cause, Bekka, her brother Travis, and their friends must survive and adapt in the world of Orian.
Embellished is an amazing story of adventure, romance, and suspense! The author's remarkable use of descriptive imagery makes the reader feel like he/she has been teleported into this realm along with the main characters! A wide and diverse range of characters polish the pages of the story, and the details are so explicit that you can't but help suspect Ms. Glista might have possibly visted Orian herself.
Though I'm not much for romance novels (which is the dominant theme of Embellished), there is plenty of adventure and excitement, filled with gruesome battles and thrilling quests, to keep a "guy" like me turning the pages! If you're looking for a fantasy novel that has it all, get a copy of Embellished and enjoy!
October 9, 2017
I have been putting off writing this review, because I can tell that the author has put a lot of work and love into this book, but I have nothing very nice to say about it.
I desperately wanted to like this book. It sounded like it might be similar to K A Applegate's EverWorld series, which was my favourite as a teenager. I wouldn't have even minded some immature writing for the sake of the high school nostalgia. Sadly, the book reads more like the first attempt at a novel by someone who is still quite a few stories away from being published.
The dialogue varies between cringily awkward and haltingly formal. The pacing for the story is way off - it felt like it should have ended several times but just kept on going. And going. And going. I think this was meant to be an epic tale of romance and fantasy, but it just felt like a weird fan-fiction with weird hypocritical characters.
The different races and the world that the story is set in seems to be interesting, but we are drip-fed information at such a slow pace that it's hard to conjure a vivid mental image of anything or anyone. I received a free electronic copy of this book in exchange for a review, and my copy at least was very poorly edited. Dialogue ran into itself, there was sometimes no clear differentiation between voices, and it was at times difficult to follow.
I am truly sorry that I can't recommend this book.
I desperately wanted to like this book. It sounded like it might be similar to K A Applegate's EverWorld series, which was my favourite as a teenager. I wouldn't have even minded some immature writing for the sake of the high school nostalgia. Sadly, the book reads more like the first attempt at a novel by someone who is still quite a few stories away from being published.
The dialogue varies between cringily awkward and haltingly formal. The pacing for the story is way off - it felt like it should have ended several times but just kept on going. And going. And going. I think this was meant to be an epic tale of romance and fantasy, but it just felt like a weird fan-fiction with weird hypocritical characters.
The different races and the world that the story is set in seems to be interesting, but we are drip-fed information at such a slow pace that it's hard to conjure a vivid mental image of anything or anyone. I received a free electronic copy of this book in exchange for a review, and my copy at least was very poorly edited. Dialogue ran into itself, there was sometimes no clear differentiation between voices, and it was at times difficult to follow.
I am truly sorry that I can't recommend this book.
December 12, 2017
Rating: 4 stars
Reading the summary for Embellished left me a bit nervous. Video games, Vadarcs? It seemed like the kind of book I tend to steer away from at the library. Now I'm so glad I didn't. Embellished is about two teenage siblings who during a thunderstorm are sucked into a video game they're playing. In the fictional realm of Orion, the two of them quickly encounter dangers until they are saved by the royal entourage of Adosaroth. In Orian, Bekka is completely healed from her genetic disease that was killing her on Earth and her beauty draws the eye of many men. As war for Bekka's hand and heart take over the land, Bekka has t remain strong in order to survive unscathed.
The opening of the book was a bit weak, but as the plot progressed, I, for the life of me, could not put the book down. The book has just the right blend of intensity, romance, and unexpectedness to keep it engaging. The characters come to life and you get a good look at the human psyche as it is put through different traumas. I feel like when I put down the book, I learned more about myself and about humanity as a whole, which sounds crazy but you'd definitely see what I mean if you read this surprisingly complex book for yourself. Absolutely worth the read!
I received by this book as an ARC from Netgalley in an exchange for my honest review and opinion.
Reading the summary for Embellished left me a bit nervous. Video games, Vadarcs? It seemed like the kind of book I tend to steer away from at the library. Now I'm so glad I didn't. Embellished is about two teenage siblings who during a thunderstorm are sucked into a video game they're playing. In the fictional realm of Orion, the two of them quickly encounter dangers until they are saved by the royal entourage of Adosaroth. In Orian, Bekka is completely healed from her genetic disease that was killing her on Earth and her beauty draws the eye of many men. As war for Bekka's hand and heart take over the land, Bekka has t remain strong in order to survive unscathed.
The opening of the book was a bit weak, but as the plot progressed, I, for the life of me, could not put the book down. The book has just the right blend of intensity, romance, and unexpectedness to keep it engaging. The characters come to life and you get a good look at the human psyche as it is put through different traumas. I feel like when I put down the book, I learned more about myself and about humanity as a whole, which sounds crazy but you'd definitely see what I mean if you read this surprisingly complex book for yourself. Absolutely worth the read!
I received by this book as an ARC from Netgalley in an exchange for my honest review and opinion.
May 30, 2017
I have heard of, but never read, a story like this, where the characters literally get sucked into a game. I found the premise unique and intriguing. The characters were well developed, which was the key to turning this into a page-turner for me. I wanted to know what happened next! I wouldn't say it was a quick read, but it was definitely one that keeps your attention to the very end. Can't wait to read more from Glista!
February 10, 2017
I cringed a lot with dropped jaw, and it kept my heart racing. I was shocked that such a pretty book cover hid such a vicious fantasy world within it, but I guess that’s what I get for judging a book by it’s cover.
I really liked that this book is fast paced because it was a lot longer than I anticipated it would be, but I’m glad the story wasn’t rushed. The characters never get too much of a break before the next tragedy happens, which makes for an exciting adventure.
Embellished reminds me so much of the anime show, Sword Art Online (SAO), but it also reminds me of Kiersten Fay’s Demon Possession and Lizzy Ford’s WEST: History Interrupted, in a way. There’s a LOTR feel to it sometimes too, but the author did a great job of making the story her own.
I highly recommend this book to everyone, especially those who love paranormal romance. Though, there’s also a trace of scifi, fantasy here, which was refreshing and fun.
See my full review on my website, linked in my profile.
I really liked that this book is fast paced because it was a lot longer than I anticipated it would be, but I’m glad the story wasn’t rushed. The characters never get too much of a break before the next tragedy happens, which makes for an exciting adventure.
Embellished reminds me so much of the anime show, Sword Art Online (SAO), but it also reminds me of Kiersten Fay’s Demon Possession and Lizzy Ford’s WEST: History Interrupted, in a way. There’s a LOTR feel to it sometimes too, but the author did a great job of making the story her own.
I highly recommend this book to everyone, especially those who love paranormal romance. Though, there’s also a trace of scifi, fantasy here, which was refreshing and fun.
See my full review on my website, linked in my profile.
Want to read
May 1, 2018I would like to read this soon. It's just I can't get my kindle account to work with Netgalley.
I have kindle for the PC and not for an actual kindle device.
From what I managed to read of chapter 1 in the sample it seems promising and I'd love to give it a look through real soon. In fact I'd probably prefer to purchase it on my own in the future.
It looks to be a story with a possible plot with virtual worlds and fantasy elements.
And I'm sorry for the late feedback about it and I hope others found proper enjoyment with this book. ^_^
I have kindle for the PC and not for an actual kindle device.
From what I managed to read of chapter 1 in the sample it seems promising and I'd love to give it a look through real soon. In fact I'd probably prefer to purchase it on my own in the future.
It looks to be a story with a possible plot with virtual worlds and fantasy elements.
And I'm sorry for the late feedback about it and I hope others found proper enjoyment with this book. ^_^
December 18, 2020
Better than your average sword, sorcery, and romance tale, Embellished breaks down new barriers into a genre all it's own. How many gaming geeks haven't dreamed of going into the magical worlds they navigate through their computers, how many play to escape real life if only for a little while? But would actually being stuck in that world be all that your imagination has cracked it up to be? And is the price of staying there to stay alive worth it? What do you do when two powerful princes both want to claim you? Exciting, intriguing, and well written.
August 27, 2018
I loved the concept! The idea of being sucked into a computer game, of course is wonderful! Though the "romance" - got a little too much for my taste, so i did not finish.
April 24, 2017
This is a long book at over 300 pages but the story takes you over and the writing is excellent. This is the first book I have read by this author and I know it won't be the last. She has a wonderful command of words and the characters are brought to life in a way that will have you gritting your teeth and wanted to reek revenge on some. The main characters of Bekka can Randor are well written and like me, you'll come to love them as well as all the other characters too. The concept of the book is different to anything I've read before and the action, intrigue, suspense, is all fantastically well done. This book is filled with adventure and twists and turns and I can't wait to dive into book two to see how the story unfolds and what adventures await. Excellent five star book and the beginning of a great series.
did-not-finish
July 11, 2017DNF at 3%. I tried to give it a chance but the writing made me cringe. Bekka's internal thoughts were too exposition-y and the conversation between her brother and his friends was much more "how an adult imagines teenage gamers talk, but censored to remove curse words" than "how teenage gamers actually talk."
Does anyone still call people noobs unironically anymore? Because they do in this book, which was published at the tail end of 2016. I'm surprised no one got "pwned" but maybe I just didn't read far enough to get to that.
Does anyone still call people noobs unironically anymore? Because they do in this book, which was published at the tail end of 2016. I'm surprised no one got "pwned" but maybe I just didn't read far enough to get to that.
December 6, 2017
This book is over 300 pages but the writing is awesome so you won't mind! The book is well written and you will adore the characters. This book is unlike anything I have ever read. It is about teenagers playing MMORPG, lightening strikes and they wind up in the game. It is full of adventure, and twists and turns. I can't wait for book 2. I am giving a voluntary, honest review of an ARC from NetGalley.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews