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TimeBend #1
Melt
She’s 17. She discovers she has powers. And the only person still alive to teach her about them is an assassin she just met.
Mala joins a secret group of assassins as a post apocalyptic war rages on around her. She learns her powers are unique. Which means everyone has an agenda for her...
Can Mala learn to control her gift? Can she control her heart? Can she control her life when her power draws people like a moth to a flame?
Mala joins a secret group of assassins as a post apocalyptic war rages on around her. She learns her powers are unique. Which means everyone has an agenda for her...
Can Mala learn to control her gift? Can she control her heart? Can she control her life when her power draws people like a moth to a flame?
- GenresDystopia
381 pages, Paperback
First published December 26, 2016
43 people are currently reading
486 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
March 31, 2020
Everyone uses reverse social distancing in this book. Tee-hee! And yeah, it's even more annoying than the original one.
Q:
You can mourn your fate. Hell, you can cry over a guy who dumped you. These rooms are your key to release. But when you leave these rooms, you leave grief inside. You cannot carry grief with you on your missions. You can carry vengeance. Justice. Hate. But grief will drown you. (c)
Q:
You're even funny in your own twisted little Misanthropic way. (c)
Q:
You can mourn your fate. Hell, you can cry over a guy who dumped you. These rooms are your key to release. But when you leave these rooms, you leave grief inside. You cannot carry grief with you on your missions. You can carry vengeance. Justice. Hate. But grief will drown you. (c)
Q:
You're even funny in your own twisted little Misanthropic way. (c)
March 16, 2022
Ann Denton has quickly become one of my favorite authors ever. Her story ideas are amazing and very creative and she always does a great job creating interesting and layered characters. So, when I finished the series starring Leon I happily went through her backlist to see what other series spoke to me. And in some way they all did, but this dystopian, sci-fi like story spoke to me the most. So, I got both books and yesterday evening I dove in.
Denton really created a unique and interesting world in this book. I'm not the kind of reader seeing images while reading, but the atmosphere of this world was incredibly vivid. I could almost smell the waters, feel the dangers and grab the fear. And once we left our heroine's safe home, I also really loved how Denton described the compound. It was almost like I was walking alongside the heroine and exploring the place with her.
I also quite liked the heroine herself. In a way she reminded me a little of Katniss, who also changed things and challenged the status quo without thinking about the consequences, without even realizing there were consequences, but simply because things didn't feel right. However, our heroine wasn't the skilled fighter with fire in her veins. She was a survivor, someone who is used to distrust people, called mad by loads of people while she's secretly brilliant.
Our heroine however can only thrive and shine because of the plot. Since this is a true dystopia and therefore quite a harsh world one can never trust anyone. There are therefore countless twists and turns and reveals and our heroine is kept on the tips of her toes all the time, but so are we, the readers. And where Denton could have made this a heroes versus villains story, she chose to make everything way more complex.
I'm excited to read the next book!
Denton really created a unique and interesting world in this book. I'm not the kind of reader seeing images while reading, but the atmosphere of this world was incredibly vivid. I could almost smell the waters, feel the dangers and grab the fear. And once we left our heroine's safe home, I also really loved how Denton described the compound. It was almost like I was walking alongside the heroine and exploring the place with her.
I also quite liked the heroine herself. In a way she reminded me a little of Katniss, who also changed things and challenged the status quo without thinking about the consequences, without even realizing there were consequences, but simply because things didn't feel right. However, our heroine wasn't the skilled fighter with fire in her veins. She was a survivor, someone who is used to distrust people, called mad by loads of people while she's secretly brilliant.
Our heroine however can only thrive and shine because of the plot. Since this is a true dystopia and therefore quite a harsh world one can never trust anyone. There are therefore countless twists and turns and reveals and our heroine is kept on the tips of her toes all the time, but so are we, the readers. And where Denton could have made this a heroes versus villains story, she chose to make everything way more complex.
I'm excited to read the next book!
March 20, 2017
‘Might as well let them think I’m immune to poison, since I’m a demon and all.’
New Mexico born author Ann Denton has studied playwriting at the University of New Mexico and earned a MA in Theater history at University of California Santa Barbara, has worked in the corporate world, traveled extensively and writes in the sci-fi fantasy, dystopian and teen/YA genres. MELT is her first published book. Of note, Ann states she is an INTJ – and for those unfamiliar with that acronym, ‘INTJ (introversion, intuition, thinking, judgment) is an abbreviation used in the publications of the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) to refer to "The Mastermind". INTJs are one of the rarest of the 16 psychological types and account for approximately 2–4% of the population. Women of this personality type are especially rare, forming just 0.8% of the population.’
Ann’s affinity for theater is evident in her writing – plot is carefully paced, characters are well defined (even though some are shapeshifters, dystopian, magic, etc), and the momentum of the novel is propulsive to the point that once started the urge is to complete the novel to discover the adrenaline rush of the end. The book is sophisticated by is intended for the young adult audience (those who love the Harry Potter type books – which of course includes curious adults!) and carries some valuable philosophical points – ethnic warfare, bartering, children as soldiers.
Though written with style and grace the opening of the book takes a chapter or two to gain footing, but once inside Ann Denton’s head concept the story unfolds as follows ‘Fire for fire. Blood for blood. A teenage girl must master her powers before she becomes prey in a post-apocalyptic war. After the apocalypse, the two surviving tribes are locked in a war for the Gottermund River, the only water source untainted by the bomb. Mala is a medic’s daughter who’d do anything to be normal. Even break the law. She believes she’s on the brink of insanity. She keeps having visions. She can’t stand to see the injured soldiers her mother treats, their haunted eyes make her hallucinate. To get rid of the delusions, Mala tries an illegal magic spell. And then, all hell breaks loose. An attack by the other tribe becomes a massacre. Mala’s mother is killed. And Mala’s hallucinations morph into something new—a power no one has ever seen before. She’s recruited into a covert group of assassins. They promise her vengeance. But Mala’s power draws people like a moth to a flame. And everyone has an agenda…Mala finds herself caught in a web of war, intrigue, and magic. Will she escape alive?
Yes, the story is bizarre – as is true of all successful dystopian novels that depend on fantasy to seduce the visions of the author. But Ann introduces just the right amount of concepts with her character development to make the book both entertaining and thought provoking – and that for young adult books is most refreshing! A fine first book.
New Mexico born author Ann Denton has studied playwriting at the University of New Mexico and earned a MA in Theater history at University of California Santa Barbara, has worked in the corporate world, traveled extensively and writes in the sci-fi fantasy, dystopian and teen/YA genres. MELT is her first published book. Of note, Ann states she is an INTJ – and for those unfamiliar with that acronym, ‘INTJ (introversion, intuition, thinking, judgment) is an abbreviation used in the publications of the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) to refer to "The Mastermind". INTJs are one of the rarest of the 16 psychological types and account for approximately 2–4% of the population. Women of this personality type are especially rare, forming just 0.8% of the population.’
Ann’s affinity for theater is evident in her writing – plot is carefully paced, characters are well defined (even though some are shapeshifters, dystopian, magic, etc), and the momentum of the novel is propulsive to the point that once started the urge is to complete the novel to discover the adrenaline rush of the end. The book is sophisticated by is intended for the young adult audience (those who love the Harry Potter type books – which of course includes curious adults!) and carries some valuable philosophical points – ethnic warfare, bartering, children as soldiers.
Though written with style and grace the opening of the book takes a chapter or two to gain footing, but once inside Ann Denton’s head concept the story unfolds as follows ‘Fire for fire. Blood for blood. A teenage girl must master her powers before she becomes prey in a post-apocalyptic war. After the apocalypse, the two surviving tribes are locked in a war for the Gottermund River, the only water source untainted by the bomb. Mala is a medic’s daughter who’d do anything to be normal. Even break the law. She believes she’s on the brink of insanity. She keeps having visions. She can’t stand to see the injured soldiers her mother treats, their haunted eyes make her hallucinate. To get rid of the delusions, Mala tries an illegal magic spell. And then, all hell breaks loose. An attack by the other tribe becomes a massacre. Mala’s mother is killed. And Mala’s hallucinations morph into something new—a power no one has ever seen before. She’s recruited into a covert group of assassins. They promise her vengeance. But Mala’s power draws people like a moth to a flame. And everyone has an agenda…Mala finds herself caught in a web of war, intrigue, and magic. Will she escape alive?
Yes, the story is bizarre – as is true of all successful dystopian novels that depend on fantasy to seduce the visions of the author. But Ann introduces just the right amount of concepts with her character development to make the book both entertaining and thought provoking – and that for young adult books is most refreshing! A fine first book.
May 1, 2017
I received this novel for free in return for a fair and unbiased review.
Melt is a well written first entry, in what promises to be, a solid series of novels. Melt is loosely broken down into 3 acts. The author does a good job jumping right into the story and gives it you a definite "fear of the unknown" vibe. There is a strong demonization of the enemy thing going on that left me with weird visuals of the "pale orc" from The Hobbit movies. I don't think that's where the author was trying to go... but that's what I got. The lack of any real reference points other than a vague capital, the northern front, and a secretive training installation left me a bit unenthusiastic in this first act.
The second act is essentially a "make her into a weapon" montage. I think I would have like to see a little more development of the characters in this act. Some of the secondary characters... even relatively important ones needed to be fleshed out more. I'm not going to use the term cardboard cutouts because there was some character definition... it just needed to be developed more.
Act three is where our protagonist gets thrown in over her head, but takes charge of herself and the mission. I thought the action moved along nicely and won't give away anything away in this review.
Overall, I think this was a very good first novel. I would have liked to have seen a more gradual transition for our heroine. It very much looked like two completely different characters between the first and second act. And while I got a bit bogged down in the opening chapters, I feel that this is a solid entry as Ann Denton's first foray into the written page.
I look forward to her follow ups!
Melt is a well written first entry, in what promises to be, a solid series of novels. Melt is loosely broken down into 3 acts. The author does a good job jumping right into the story and gives it you a definite "fear of the unknown" vibe. There is a strong demonization of the enemy thing going on that left me with weird visuals of the "pale orc" from The Hobbit movies. I don't think that's where the author was trying to go... but that's what I got. The lack of any real reference points other than a vague capital, the northern front, and a secretive training installation left me a bit unenthusiastic in this first act.
The second act is essentially a "make her into a weapon" montage. I think I would have like to see a little more development of the characters in this act. Some of the secondary characters... even relatively important ones needed to be fleshed out more. I'm not going to use the term cardboard cutouts because there was some character definition... it just needed to be developed more.
Act three is where our protagonist gets thrown in over her head, but takes charge of herself and the mission. I thought the action moved along nicely and won't give away anything away in this review.
Overall, I think this was a very good first novel. I would have liked to have seen a more gradual transition for our heroine. It very much looked like two completely different characters between the first and second act. And while I got a bit bogged down in the opening chapters, I feel that this is a solid entry as Ann Denton's first foray into the written page.
I look forward to her follow ups!
March 26, 2017
Books for young adults are still kind of a guilty pleasure for me, although I am not the preferred audience anymore. That is why I enjoy YA novels that are more gritty and realistic, they appeal more to me than purely teenage novels. I got that with this novel.
The world that author built for this novel is a dark, post-apocalyptic place where people fight for the remaining water. The scary thing is that I can totally imagine something like that in the future, picking water as most valuable thing in this world was very smart. Of course, there has to be not so realistic elements like magic and spells, but they fit nicely in this plot, it is not just for the action and destruction.
Main character Mala is sort of a tortured teenager that doesn't want to use magic abilities, but eventually she does. She is a well-developed character, in fact, characters are a strong point of this novel. They are not black and white, almost everyone has their good and bad sides and that makes them much more compelling.
Anyway, if you like YA novels with post-apocalyptic setting, strong and interesting female protagonist and a plot you will breeze through, this is for you. Only thing I don't care about are cliffhangers, and there is a big one at the end of the book.
The world that author built for this novel is a dark, post-apocalyptic place where people fight for the remaining water. The scary thing is that I can totally imagine something like that in the future, picking water as most valuable thing in this world was very smart. Of course, there has to be not so realistic elements like magic and spells, but they fit nicely in this plot, it is not just for the action and destruction.
Main character Mala is sort of a tortured teenager that doesn't want to use magic abilities, but eventually she does. She is a well-developed character, in fact, characters are a strong point of this novel. They are not black and white, almost everyone has their good and bad sides and that makes them much more compelling.
Anyway, if you like YA novels with post-apocalyptic setting, strong and interesting female protagonist and a plot you will breeze through, this is for you. Only thing I don't care about are cliffhangers, and there is a big one at the end of the book.
March 20, 2017
Poor Mala only wanted to be normal in a cruel world, but as always, life will give us what we want to be happy, but first it will made us strong.
First, I love the setting of this story, despite we already had a lot of post-apocalyptic stories out there, this one it’s a breath of fresh air and differs nicely from the others, the outline is simple, an accident of great magnitude happen and the remaining survivors are fighting for the last healthy resource of water, this conflict is fight by two sides, two tribes who possess magical abilities, but Mala refuses to show her powers and she start suffering because of it, having hallucinations, nightmares and more, and when she tries to use a spell for good, the worst will unleash.
I simply love it, the author could go on the easy way and just make one side good and the other bad, but no, it details a lot while at the same time keep everything simple and more engaging, the characters shine the most, as we don’t the usually good and bad characters this time, they all have shades from the pure good white to the cunning grey to the utter bad black, it’s incredible, I cannot wait for the second book to be released.
First, I love the setting of this story, despite we already had a lot of post-apocalyptic stories out there, this one it’s a breath of fresh air and differs nicely from the others, the outline is simple, an accident of great magnitude happen and the remaining survivors are fighting for the last healthy resource of water, this conflict is fight by two sides, two tribes who possess magical abilities, but Mala refuses to show her powers and she start suffering because of it, having hallucinations, nightmares and more, and when she tries to use a spell for good, the worst will unleash.
I simply love it, the author could go on the easy way and just make one side good and the other bad, but no, it details a lot while at the same time keep everything simple and more engaging, the characters shine the most, as we don’t the usually good and bad characters this time, they all have shades from the pure good white to the cunning grey to the utter bad black, it’s incredible, I cannot wait for the second book to be released.
March 14, 2017
I received my copy free through Goodreads. It is a post apocalyptic story where there is only one safe water source in the world. There has been a long battle raging for the river between the last two tribes of people left. Mala discovers she has a power and is recruited into a covert group of assassins. She is drawn into a world of intrigue, war and magic.
I really enjoyed the book and am looking forward to the second. The only problem I had with the book was there were several grammar errors and a lot of sentences missing a word, usually a or the or the like. I found these lapses jolting at times. Otherwise it was a good story about the possibility of a new kind of mutation after the type of war that would make most of the world uninhabitable of hundreds of years.
I really enjoyed the book and am looking forward to the second. The only problem I had with the book was there were several grammar errors and a lot of sentences missing a word, usually a or the or the like. I found these lapses jolting at times. Otherwise it was a good story about the possibility of a new kind of mutation after the type of war that would make most of the world uninhabitable of hundreds of years.
March 20, 2017
Melt: (A Timebend Novel-Book 1) by Ann Denton is dystopian fantasy at it's finest. Geared toward the YA audience, this book will engage older readers as well. In a post-apocalyptic word, a young girl, Mala, must fight for her survival. With two warring factions battling over the remaining water source, the Gottermund, it is dangerous indeed. As a medic's daughter, Mala has seen a lot, plenty of war wounds, blood and guts. She tends to space out a bit. In spite of her many hallucinations, Mala wants to be a normal teenager, but when she tries a new magic spell, she conjures all sorts of trouble. After her mother dies is a bloody battle, Mala's powers become even more pronounced. Soon she becomes an assassin. With all of this going on, the author still creates memorable character development, along with a keen understanding of powerful scene setting and language. A thought provoking and clever book that looks at complex subjects like children at war, cultural warfare and even bartering. With these elements as a foundation, Denton has written a riveting and mystifying tale. Looking forward to the next installment in the series.
October 2, 2017
I couldn't put this book down. The action is well balanced with moments of humor and unforgettable characters. I loved the many levels to the story: a strong female growing up and adapting to traumatizing changes; the politics of two cultures in the middle of a brutal war; and the intriguing play of magic, mutation, and science.
It was a clever and entertaining read. Can't wait for the next installment of the story!
It was a clever and entertaining read. Can't wait for the next installment of the story!
May 17, 2017
I won this book in a giveaway and I enjoyed this book so much! I can't wait for another one already. There were a few twists and turns I did expect and some I didn't expect. The ending was absolutely incredible!
August 27, 2018
Cliffhanger
Just when things start towards a resolution, BAM, cliffhanger. I really dislike that more and more authors think it's acceptable to do this to the reader. All it does is make me unhappy and feeling lied to.
Just when things start towards a resolution, BAM, cliffhanger. I really dislike that more and more authors think it's acceptable to do this to the reader. All it does is make me unhappy and feeling lied to.
March 29, 2020
Denton does not disappoint
This dystopian novel reels you in. And keeps you coming back for more. I literally could not put the book down from start to finish. I lamented needing to sleep!
This dystopian novel reels you in. And keeps you coming back for more. I literally could not put the book down from start to finish. I lamented needing to sleep!
December 9, 2020
A Page Turner
I have been emerged in this novel since I started it, the post apopalliptic world is fasinating. The characters are interesting and well developed. The pace is decent.
I have been emerged in this novel since I started it, the post apopalliptic world is fasinating. The characters are interesting and well developed. The pace is decent.
January 17, 2022
woah
Whoa I ram I was not expecting that ending even close. I can’t wait for the next book. I’m going to be on the edge of my seat waiting.
Whoa I ram I was not expecting that ending even close. I can’t wait for the next book. I’m going to be on the edge of my seat waiting.
February 24, 2017
I won this book in a giveaway, and I am glad I did! I loved the story, the setting, and the characters. The protagonist, Mala, is tough and not the whiny sort. The world that the story takes place in is unique. It starts out in a post apocalyptic world, quite awhile after a bomb was dropped. Order and settlements exist in this world, so it is not a free for all post apocalyptic world. There are two peoples fighting over an untainted river, the Senebals and the Erlenders. The Senebals are for the most part civilized, and a president leads them. Mala is a Senebal. The Erlenders are vicious and superstitious, and very brutal. The plot revolves around trying to defeat the Erlenders, and keep them away from the parts of the river that the Senebal have claimed. Luckily, the Senebal have an elite group of assassins called the Kreis, who have the unique ability to "melt," or change their age or appearance. Mala finds out she has a unique version of this ability, and everyone wants to use it. Throughout the book you are unsure if it science or magic involved, and it very well might be a bit of both. The story is fraught with tragedy, betrayal, action, romance, and intrigue. The end of Melt left off on the biggest cliffhanger, so I can't wait for the next book.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews