Noni Grace always thought she was just an average teenager with an undying determination to leave her hometown. However, on the day of Noni’s high school graduation, everything changes, and the façade of her ordinary life fades away. A near-fatal car crash alters her life, as does the man who rescued her. Noni’s savior, Alexander Albright, reveals that Noni is anything but ordinary. She has unimaginable power inside her, and that power is now sought after by dark entities that won’t stop until they possess the very essence that keeps Noni alive. Leaving her hometown is the least of her worries, as Noni must now struggle to survive. With the help of Alex and his sister, Ileana, Noni learns everything about the powerful Light that lies dormant inside h er while trying to keep the truth hidden from her family. Noni must protect herself, her loved ones, and her Light from the creatures that seek it. It will take strength, sacrifice, and faith to awaken the truth about her power and keep everyone safe.
Breshea was born in Cleveland, OH in 1993. After attending Bowling Green State University and graduating with a Master's in Education in 2016, Breshea returned to Cleveland to begin her career as a middle school English teacher. During this time, she self-published her debut novel, 'A Shrouded Spark'.
Reread: it was wonderful as ever. Can't wait to get my hands on the next one!
Noni And The God Tree: A Shrouded Spark by Breshea Anglen is a Realism Fantasy, which deserves a solid 4☆ rating from me.
Noni wakes up from coma and finds out she and her cousin Bee was in a tragic accident which she shouldn't have survived. She doesn't remember anything about the accident but she learns about the man who saved her from the terrific incident in the police report and invite him to thank him not knowing meeting Alex would change her life forever.
The story hooked me from the beginning to end. Character development and the writing style of the author really impressed me. Ms. Anglen did a great job in this book. I enjoyed this one so much.
This is an un-put-downable book for me, the flawless writing and the language, amazing. I'm not fan of high fantasy myself but this is a great book to get lost in another world. I'd recommend this book to everyone who loves Realism Fantasy.
Thank you to the Author for providing a review copy inexchange of an honest review.
I’d give this a solid 3.5 stars - but when I feel the rating is in the middle, I round up.
The storyline itself is interesting. As our heroine Noni traverses her life after a tragic event, she starts to experience odd beginnings. A mysterious man enters her life and soon, Noni is thrust into a world she wouldn’t have ever dared to dream of…or has she?
This book is a realism fantasy novel. Part our world, part another, all believable…you just have to suspend disbelief to get there. It’s a fun ride, and leaves you wondering where it’s all going.
The negative for me: This book has a lot of “Stop start sentences”. For example, what should be 1 or 2 sentences, is for some reason 4 sentences. I liken it to being in a car with touchy brakes. You get rolling and eventually need to slow down and stop, so you hit the brakes, only for it to jerk you to an abrupt halt. Many sentences are a series of stops and starts instead of having a smooth flow. Unfortunately, this brings you out of the story and makes you focus on the actual words and writing.
Beyond this, the story is an effortless read. I’m highly interested in seeing where this story goes!
*I received this ARC in exchange for my honest review*
I received an advanced copy for free and leaving this review voluntarily.
Breshea Anglen is a fantasy author and this book is her debut self-published novel.
This story mainly follows Noni who is a normal teenager with a disastrous past. However, things get interesting once she experiences a near death accident. From then on her new journey begins filled with adventure, mysterious people and you are placed in a position which questions your beliefs in ancient mythology.
The plot initially doesn't reveal much, feels like a normal teenage girl with tantrums of her own. But as the story takes shape and many characters are introduced, plot widens, ancient history & magical aspects kick in. Its a treat to read. The language is easy and expressive. Many a times, without realizing I was Noni herself and was in her shoes and trying to understand what is happening around me. The story is crafted with utmost care and all aspects are very clear.
Noni has a strong character point and yes, the main actress. She is surrounded by people of almost equal value. Some selective incidents are completely erased from her memory. It is strange. After meeting with that near death accident, her life takes a long turn. She encounters scary guys, fights mystical beings and all this drags her into unwanted attention by lot of people from different realms.... Alex is a strange, handsome young man who is Noni’s counterpart. Their friendship leads to lot of interesting actions and in-turn helps Noni in realizing who she really is. This journey is one of a kind and definitely has put a good foundation for book 2.
Finally, This is a 5* read for me. Easygoing and truly enjoyable story. Everyone should read this book. I do not have any qualms on any aspect of this book. A great read.
I would like to note that I got this ARC in return for my honest review.
I really enjoyed this book. I was hooked from the beginning to the end. I never wanted to put it down. I loved the family’s support and concern for Noni (The main character). I liked this book through and through I can’t say enough good things about it. This book has POC representation and it is a realism fantasy novel. I can’t wait to see where this story goes!
I would recommend this book to anyone who likes realism fantasy and fantasy. I think this book would be great for any above the age of 11. I will be recommending this book to all of my book loving friends.😄
I don't give 5 stars often but I have no problem giving them to Breshea's A Shrouded Spark. I was not sure what to expect of this novel. Breshea sent it to me as an ARC to read and review. I am glad to say that I thoroughly enjoyed this novel and that I am going to have to patiently wait for her next one. While reading this book, I could not stop thinking about it when I had to put it down. I like a book like that. That makes you wanting more. This book has an original story with Characters you can love from the start and that you can just feel deep down into your soul. Noni was a very likeable and believable character and you go through her journey in this novel of not being just an ordinary teenager. The writing is just flawlessly written and the book was smooth reading which is sometimes hard to do in fantasy fiction and adventure stories like this one. I absolutely could not stop thinking or reading it. Breshea I am glad you gave me a chance to read this book. I cannot wait to read more of your works.
Four stars because it was extremely well written. 3 stars for the story. The story isn't bad at all, but definitely not great so far. This is meant to be a series, so hopefully it will pick up in subsequent books, but this one dragged at times. The end was abrupt and a cliff hanger, but, as previously stated, it is a series so hopefully things will be resolved and we can get into some action/adventure content.
Bresha Anglen is a kind and beautiful soul, her kindness is reflected in her protagonist, Noni.
Noni's journey is filled with the magic of growing into oneself and the magic of other realms. I enjoyed the references to myth and belief in Anglen's writing.
I gave this book 5 stars because it truly deserves it.
I absolutely loved the character development as the book progressed and how curious Noni was right from the beginning. The plot of the story reels the reader in but thankfully never becomes too much. There is a good balance of coming of age reality and fiction in this book.
The main character is Noni but all of her sidekicks like Alex her “guardian”, Eli, and her cousin Bri all have a vital role in the book and personally I love how there was as much importance given to all the characters and not just the main one.
In the beginning of the book, after her car crash, Noni acts like a typical teenager who works and has friends. But the moment the man who saved her life in the car crash meets her, she is delved into a universe of possibilities she never imagined existed.
I truly enjoyed this book, so thank you so much Breshea Anglen for sending me an ACR!
I got the chance to sit down and read this book and it just delivered! "A Shrouded Spark" tells the story of 18 year old Noni Grace who wakes up from a 2 week coma caused by an accident while Noni was in the passenger side and her cousin Bianca was driving. Not being able to remember anything, Noni is surprised that the damage was much more severe, and though her aunt and Bianca are tight lipped about it, there are reminders of the crash through the still healing scars on Noni's face, and the broken arm of Bianca. Though Noni struggles to remember that day, she triggers the memories of both of her parents passing away. Some parts of the story were really hard to read. Such as when Noni bought art materials and she wanted to try out painting again, though it had been a while since she last painted. Noni struggles a bit with her motor skills, like writing out her name or painting. As Noni struggles with recovering and sudden memories being brought back to the surface, she decides to track down the man who saved her life and thank him. Alex Albright is the 19 year old guy who saved her and maybe he might be the key on figuring out what's going on. I'm going to recommend this to all my friends, and family, and I'm excited for any future projects!
I don't give 5 stars often but I have no problem giving them to Breshea's A Shrouded Spark. I was not sure what to expect of this novel. Breshea sent it to me as an ARC to read and review. I am glad to say that I thoroughly enjoyed this novel and that I am going to have to patiently wait for her next one. While reading this book, I could not stop thinking about it when I had to put it down. I like a book like that. That makes you wanting more. This book has an original story with Characters you can love from the start and that you can just feel deep down into your soul. Noni was a very likeable and believable character and you go through her journey in this novel of not being just an ordinary teenager. The writing is just flawlessly written and the book was smooth reading which is sometimes hard to do in fantasy fiction and adventure stories like this one. I absolutely could not stop thinking or reading it. Breshea I am glad you gave me a chance to read this book. I cannot wait to read more of your works.
I don't give 5 stars often but I have no problem giving them to Breshea's A Shrouded Spark. I was not sure what to expect of this novel. Breshea sent it to me as an ARC to read and review. I am glad to say that I thoroughly enjoyed this novel and that I am going to have to patiently wait for her next one. While reading this book, I could not stop thinking about it when I had to put it down. I like a book like that. That makes you wanting more. This book has an original story with Characters you can love from the start and that you can just feel deep down into your soul. Noni was a very likeable and believable character and you go through her journey in this novel of not being just an ordinary teenager. The writing is just flawlessly written and the book was smooth reading which is sometimes hard to do in fantasy fiction and adventure stories like this one. I absolutely could not stop thinking or reading it. Breshea I am glad you gave me a chance to read this book. I cannot wait to read more of your works.
Noni is in a wreck with her cousin Bianca in which she should not have survived. She cannot remember anything about the wreck when she wakes from the coma. She only knows it was a bad wreck from Bianca’s account. Noni gets the police report to see if the man who pulled her out of the car is listed to thank him.
Meeting Alexander Albright, the man who saved her, changes her life forever. After he saves her a second time, she questions how he could have been in the right place at the right time twice. She learns he and his sister Ileana are not human and are from Nova.
Alex and Ileana help Noni with her powers to fight Negus and his darkness. Elijah, the creepy guy from work, has the power of sight and helps keep Noni safe.
Noni, Eli, Alex, and Ileana figure out the best way to protect Noni’s aunt and cousin is for her to leave Earth. Noni during an attack gets her memories back and she remembers she is Aisha.
I really enjoyed reading Noni’s story and cannot wait for book 2.
This book has a general audience approach that makes evey reader also feel unique and seen based on the relatable characters and circumstances that transcend the line between reader and book.
I got the chance to sit down and read this book and it just delivered! "A Shrouded Spark" tells the story of 18 year old Noni Grace who wakes up from a 2 week coma caused by an accident while Noni was in the passenger side and her cousin Bianca was driving. Not being able to remember anything, Noni is surprised that the damage was much more severe, and though her aunt and Bianca are tight lipped about it, there are reminders of the crash through the still healing scars on Noni's face, and the broken arm of Bianca. Though Noni struggles to remember that day, she triggers the memories of both of her parents passing away. Some parts of the story were really hard to read. Such as when Noni bought art materials and she wanted to try out painting again, though it had been a while since she last painted. Noni struggles a bit with her motor skills, like writing out her name or painting. As Noni struggles with recovering and sudden memories being brought back to the surface, she decides to track down the man who saved her life and thank him. Alex Albright is the 19 year old guy who saved her and maybe he might be the key on figuring out what's going on. I'm going to recommend this to all my friends, and family, and I'm excited for any future projects!
The story opens soon after Noni's near-death in a car accident with her cousin who is more like a sister. Noni's parents are long gone and her cousin's mother has raised her so the girls are close. That doesn't stop Noni from planning to go to school in California instead of staying in Ohio. She wants to go into nursing to honor her parents who were in healthcare.
The accident however has gotten Noni off track. She's having intention tremors when she tries to draw, art being her passion, and she's having night terrors, not surprising with the PTSD the accident left her with. She gets the idea that she needs to meet the man who saved her life the day of the accident.
Once she meets him, things get very wild. Magic, portals to other realms, old gods, It all mixes to make an interesting story that Noni is swept up in. She's a very likeable character, easy to root for. It did have an open ending that isn't my favorite way to end a book. The surprise secondary character that I really liked was Eli. His arc was a good one, from creepy kid to why people see him as such and his importance to Noni and her journey. I'm looking forward to the next book.
Reading this book will add something unique to the field of fictional fantasy. A Shrouded Spark will open up your mind and have you immersed in a realm of possibilities and imagination. Breshea Anglen has successfully captured the often turbulent transition from high school into society for teenagers, in this epic fantastical adventure about Noni Grace, who will experience exciting and challenging obstacles at every turn of the novel and provide you with a new, revitalizing, and quite original, heroine story.
Months after completing the book, I still found myself amazed at how the characters had won me over. Before long, you too will recommend A Shrouded Spark to others and bond over discussions on topics like, the contribution of each character's role, or how their roles' impacted the story. Breshea Anglen has presented an array of impressionable characters making it difficult to choose sides, as I searched for deeper meaning behind the actions of the protagonists and antagonists.
Overall, an easily-lovable book and wonderful read!
I had the great fortune to meet the author and purchase this wonderful book from her in person. Her energy and voice come through her writing in a spectacular way. The storytelling, the world building, the character development, and the twists and turns kept me enthralled from the first page to the last. Noni is a wonderful character who finds herself dropped in the middle of a strange and dangerous adventure she couldn’t have even dreamed of and struggles to not only find her place, but who she truly is. The mythos created by the author is unique and intriguing leaving so much to still be explored and just enough to make sure you keep coming back for more. The abrupt ending definitely makes me thankful that I already have book 2 in possession and excited to jump into the next part of the journey. I was enthralled from beginning to end and definitely will reread to see what I may have missed after reading book 2!
I was lucky enough to get an arc of this book to review. It is my first book from this author that I’ve read. When I started this book it was about a girl who has some bad experiences in her life. But the more I read it was so much more than that. It is a fantasy novel that reveals there is more to Noni’s life than she ever anticipated. The people she meets along the way showed her things she never knew. As I got further along in the novel, the more I was so intrigued and curious at the same time. The characters drew you so much that you were waiting on everything conversation they had. Each scene was so descriptive that you felt like you were in it. I really enjoyed this book and highly recommend it.
This is a wonderful read from an indie author and the journey she took us on with Noni. The story, with no spoilers, was enjoyable and rich and sweet. While the writing could have more showing and less telling, I can see how much skill and potential she has for writing stories.
***Met the author at a book fair, bought a copy and very happy I did. If this is the beginning of her writing career, I’ll definitely keep reading :)
A really wonderfully written and executed modern fantasy. The twists, storytelling and world building are amazingly done for a book that's less than 300 pages.
Noni, a 18 year old girl living in Ohio, wakes up from a coma after being in a car crash. Her saviour Alex seems to keep popping up and help to keep her alive. After one too many encounters, Alex reveals the thing that Noni never knew but as well felt: there was something different about her. With unimaginable power within, Noni needs to learn to control it and harness the power to her full potential. What she wasn't expecting, was all the half truths and darkness that would follow.
I really enjoyed this story (if you can't tell from it being only one of my few 5* reads). Anglen does a wonderful job of having deep, interesting characters all with separate personalities. While the story follows Noni in third person, you get a full read on each person and their motivations. The side characters - aunt Deirdre, cousin Bee, Terrell, Eli, Ileana - are diverse and thought through. It doesn't feel as if any of them are filler characters, there to further Noni's plot and make her seem in one way or the other. While Terrell having a crush on her is obvious - and she having one back - it isn't a focus and their friendship shines through more than anything else. I am hoping the rest of the series isn't a thing with a love triangle
The friendship throughout are done very well. I think the family bond between Bianca and Noni helps to strengthen their existing adult friendship. They grew up together, basically sisters, yet they're different people. They appreciate their differences and accept their flaws, but always care about each other. The conflict between them - given Noni is hiding such a HUGE secret - really does come from love and missing each other. Bee wants more time with her cousin and misses the old ways. It's such a realistic thing to come up within a fantasy setting. Usually, there's some comment about people being distant but no repercussions. This was a lovely change of pace and really highlighted the realistic world building Anglen was getting to.
The language used throughout is phenomenal. The prose is perfect for the ages of the characters and the timeline the story is set in while the descriptions really do create an intense and vivid picture of the world. Anglen has a wonderful mastery of storytelling and I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys fanatsy.
A received a free ARC copy of this book for an review. All opinions are my own.
I received this ARC from in return for my honest review and because she is a total sweetheart!
4 ⭐️ for me!!
This book was lots of fun! The characters are great and I love that this is a fantasy novel with POC representation!!! The story was such a great idea and was very intriguing from the beginning. I also loved the focus on family and the support, love, and concern that comes from our main character’s aunt and cousin!
I would recommend this book to anyone who loves Percy Jackson and other forms of mythology. It is YA, but seems to be very suitable for pre-teen/ teenagers too.
It should also be mentioned that the release of this book comes out December 2nd 2022 and is available for preorder on Amazon now!
An unexpected joy to read. This tale is filled with twists and turns and characters you cannot help but love. This tale is beautifully written and will captivate you by the author's ability to draw in you and make you believe you are there in their world. It was in the moment that she was describing Noni painting that I fell in love with it. It drew me back into a world that I once knew, and I couldn't wait to follow this young woman and her saviour on their journey.