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Lake Ephemeral (Cheshire)
Six children without memories of their early years can never leave the valley that gave them life.
Seven manors surround Lake Ephemeral, and their residents are hiding terrifying secrets. Seraphin Ferón was first brought to the valley of Lake Ephemeral as an eleven-year-old orphan, to meet a mother she’d never known she had. But before Seraphin arrives, her mother falls ill with a mysterious illness and is kept locked away in the attic.
After Seraphin arrives, she discovers that the vast estate is plagued by an exotic, massive species of carnivorous plant–named the Coffin Flower, capable of consuming humans.
No one can answer Seraphin the riddle of why the residents stay at Lake Ephemeral year after year or why no one ever leaves. She decides, at all costs, to find her way into the attic and finally meet her mother. In the events that follow, Seraphin will be propelled into a horrifying new existence.
Teen science fiction for all ages. A group of scientists, a hidden valley, mystery, carnivorous plants, genetic experiments and thrilling adventure. Contains love and romance scenes that might not be suitable for ages under 14.
Parts 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 & 7 – The complete novel.
Seven manors surround Lake Ephemeral, and their residents are hiding terrifying secrets. Seraphin Ferón was first brought to the valley of Lake Ephemeral as an eleven-year-old orphan, to meet a mother she’d never known she had. But before Seraphin arrives, her mother falls ill with a mysterious illness and is kept locked away in the attic.
After Seraphin arrives, she discovers that the vast estate is plagued by an exotic, massive species of carnivorous plant–named the Coffin Flower, capable of consuming humans.
No one can answer Seraphin the riddle of why the residents stay at Lake Ephemeral year after year or why no one ever leaves. She decides, at all costs, to find her way into the attic and finally meet her mother. In the events that follow, Seraphin will be propelled into a horrifying new existence.
Teen science fiction for all ages. A group of scientists, a hidden valley, mystery, carnivorous plants, genetic experiments and thrilling adventure. Contains love and romance scenes that might not be suitable for ages under 14.
Parts 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 & 7 – The complete novel.
442 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 8, 2015
158 people are currently reading
492 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
October 10, 2020
RE-READ: SEPTEMBER 2020
I ultimately decided to reread this YA scifi thriller because though I had only read it a few years ago and remember really enjoying it, there were so many details that I had forgotten and I wanted a refresher. And as I read many things did come back to me, but it was still a great ride.
I enjoyed this book a lot even on a reread. I don’t read a bunch of young adult, particularly young adult scifi or fantasy, and I think its just because I have aged myself out of wanting to read about teenagers. But this story was so original, and so unique, that I didn’t care what age the characters were, I just wanted to know what would happen. Serafine has lived in a group home since the age of five not remembering anything about her life before. Suddenly days before her twelfth birthday, a man comes to collect her and take her home to see her mother who is very much alive and well and lives in a mysterious place called Lake Ephemeral.
I love the scifi genre known as Biopunk which this novel firmly fits into. The idea that geneticists and biologists have genetically modified our world is not excactly new (Monsanto anyone?) however, always seeing the extent to how and when nature fights back is always interesting. Humans have always wanted to play God, and with every new scientific discovery and progression we get closer and closer to that goal. Lake Ephemeral is a genetically modified world, complete with gigantic butterflies and man eating coffin flowers and 5 kids with gemstone eyes who are all the same age, and who are all just a little bit different from other kids. These kids and their parents are the only inhabitants of Lake Ephemeral. Each is named after the color of their eyes. Serafine has silver eyes, Amethyst’s are purple, Garnet’s are reddish black, Moonstone’s are icy blue, Onyx’s eyes are black and matte, and Malachite’s are several variations of green. Some of these kids like Onyx and Amethyst are perfectly content with their home. Others like Garnet long to get out, and Serafine is the only one who has seen the real world and thus sees how odd and abnormal the place is.
I hate to get too into the plot because part of the beauty of this novel is discovering its secrets on your own, but this story is awesome, and if you think genetically modified animals and plants are bad, find out what happens with genetically modified children. I highly highly recommend this novel for those who love a good science fiction biopunk tale. The dialogue can be unrealistic, and there are typical YA tropes that abound (the idea of eternal soulmates at sixteen will never win any awards for me), but for the most part, this book is fun. Fun to read and fun to think about. I’m very glad I gave it a reread. Anya Allyn is definitely an indie author to watch out for and I am very much looking forward to reading both her novel Paracosm, and the Dark Carousel series.
________________
ORIGINAL REVIEW
Read a book based entirely on its cover.
Look at that cover. Ain't it gorgeous?
And BONUS! This book is pretty awesome too.
This YA novel is not what I expected. I honestly put it on my list because of the cover. The brief synopsis didn't really do anything to entice me, and was so brief that I really didn't know what this book was about when I started. That is a good thing. It made this story much more enjoyable. Finding out everything as it unfolded was part of the magic. I haven't read a book this readable in a long time. It's been a long time since I read something I couldn't put down, promising myself "Just ONE more chapter" and it was a promise I couldn't deliver. I read the last 80% or so in one evening.
Sera grew up in the system, never knowing her parents or what happened to them. When she is told suddenly that her mother is still alive and that she has sent for her, Sera finally believes her life can change for the better. Her mother lives in a mysterious place called Lake Ephemeral. And everyone who lives there never leaves.
Sera finds that the only inhabitants are 5 other children (2 girls and 3 boys) and their parents. Each family is from another country and each is represented by a color. Malachite has green eyes and lives in Green House. Garnet has red eyes and lives in Red House. Etc. Etc. Etc. At first Sera is enchanted with Lake Ephemeral and loves the beauty she finds there as well as a tentative friendship with Malachite. The girls are pretty nasty to her, but this is kinda a YA trope isn't it? The only thing that Sera is worried about is the fact that her mother isn't there. She is very sick and hidden away. A few spooky things happen which make Sera question things. And like always, people who question things find themselves in trouble.
And then something happens less than halfway through that I did not see coming and which changes the course of the novel dramatically. And soon it becomes very clear that as beautiful as a place may be, it still does not make that place good.
Though there are quite a few overused YA devices at work in this novel (conveniences, cliches, girl on girl hate, predictable outcomes) but for the most part I didn't care. I thought this novel was unique and interesting and exciting from beginning to end. A refreshing change of pace from your typical YA novel. One part mystery, one part thriller, one part science fiction with a particular emphasis on the science. It was truly a gem to find.
I could write more about this novel but I don't want to give anything away, particularly because the twist is really well done and I don't want to spoil it. This is definitely an author I will be reading more of. This tale was imaginative and very well-written. The characters could have been more dynamic but the action totally makes up for some of their blandness. I highly recommend this one. And a big thanks to Heather for introducing me to this author and for buddy reading this with me. Be sure to check out her fantastic review.
And remember, plants are not always your friends.
4 stars.
____________________________
Pre-Review
Just snagged this for 99 cents! Woot!
Buddy read with my fellow crustacean, Heather starting November 15!
I ultimately decided to reread this YA scifi thriller because though I had only read it a few years ago and remember really enjoying it, there were so many details that I had forgotten and I wanted a refresher. And as I read many things did come back to me, but it was still a great ride.
I enjoyed this book a lot even on a reread. I don’t read a bunch of young adult, particularly young adult scifi or fantasy, and I think its just because I have aged myself out of wanting to read about teenagers. But this story was so original, and so unique, that I didn’t care what age the characters were, I just wanted to know what would happen. Serafine has lived in a group home since the age of five not remembering anything about her life before. Suddenly days before her twelfth birthday, a man comes to collect her and take her home to see her mother who is very much alive and well and lives in a mysterious place called Lake Ephemeral.
I love the scifi genre known as Biopunk which this novel firmly fits into. The idea that geneticists and biologists have genetically modified our world is not excactly new (Monsanto anyone?) however, always seeing the extent to how and when nature fights back is always interesting. Humans have always wanted to play God, and with every new scientific discovery and progression we get closer and closer to that goal. Lake Ephemeral is a genetically modified world, complete with gigantic butterflies and man eating coffin flowers and 5 kids with gemstone eyes who are all the same age, and who are all just a little bit different from other kids. These kids and their parents are the only inhabitants of Lake Ephemeral. Each is named after the color of their eyes. Serafine has silver eyes, Amethyst’s are purple, Garnet’s are reddish black, Moonstone’s are icy blue, Onyx’s eyes are black and matte, and Malachite’s are several variations of green. Some of these kids like Onyx and Amethyst are perfectly content with their home. Others like Garnet long to get out, and Serafine is the only one who has seen the real world and thus sees how odd and abnormal the place is.
I hate to get too into the plot because part of the beauty of this novel is discovering its secrets on your own, but this story is awesome, and if you think genetically modified animals and plants are bad, find out what happens with genetically modified children. I highly highly recommend this novel for those who love a good science fiction biopunk tale. The dialogue can be unrealistic, and there are typical YA tropes that abound (the idea of eternal soulmates at sixteen will never win any awards for me), but for the most part, this book is fun. Fun to read and fun to think about. I’m very glad I gave it a reread. Anya Allyn is definitely an indie author to watch out for and I am very much looking forward to reading both her novel Paracosm, and the Dark Carousel series.
________________
ORIGINAL REVIEW
Read a book based entirely on its cover.
Look at that cover. Ain't it gorgeous?
And BONUS! This book is pretty awesome too.
This YA novel is not what I expected. I honestly put it on my list because of the cover. The brief synopsis didn't really do anything to entice me, and was so brief that I really didn't know what this book was about when I started. That is a good thing. It made this story much more enjoyable. Finding out everything as it unfolded was part of the magic. I haven't read a book this readable in a long time. It's been a long time since I read something I couldn't put down, promising myself "Just ONE more chapter" and it was a promise I couldn't deliver. I read the last 80% or so in one evening.
Sera grew up in the system, never knowing her parents or what happened to them. When she is told suddenly that her mother is still alive and that she has sent for her, Sera finally believes her life can change for the better. Her mother lives in a mysterious place called Lake Ephemeral. And everyone who lives there never leaves.
Year after year, they chose to live in this deadly paradise. And none of them ever, ever stepped past that iron fence.
Sera finds that the only inhabitants are 5 other children (2 girls and 3 boys) and their parents. Each family is from another country and each is represented by a color. Malachite has green eyes and lives in Green House. Garnet has red eyes and lives in Red House. Etc. Etc. Etc. At first Sera is enchanted with Lake Ephemeral and loves the beauty she finds there as well as a tentative friendship with Malachite. The girls are pretty nasty to her, but this is kinda a YA trope isn't it? The only thing that Sera is worried about is the fact that her mother isn't there. She is very sick and hidden away. A few spooky things happen which make Sera question things. And like always, people who question things find themselves in trouble.
Lake Ephemeral made you think you were a butterfly. You didn't see the net in which you were captured. Not until you tried to fly away.
And then something happens less than halfway through that I did not see coming and which changes the course of the novel dramatically. And soon it becomes very clear that as beautiful as a place may be, it still does not make that place good.
This place is dangerous. It may look like the Garden of Eden, but underneath, the apple is rotting away.
Though there are quite a few overused YA devices at work in this novel (conveniences, cliches, girl on girl hate, predictable outcomes) but for the most part I didn't care. I thought this novel was unique and interesting and exciting from beginning to end. A refreshing change of pace from your typical YA novel. One part mystery, one part thriller, one part science fiction with a particular emphasis on the science. It was truly a gem to find.
I could write more about this novel but I don't want to give anything away, particularly because the twist is really well done and I don't want to spoil it. This is definitely an author I will be reading more of. This tale was imaginative and very well-written. The characters could have been more dynamic but the action totally makes up for some of their blandness. I highly recommend this one. And a big thanks to Heather for introducing me to this author and for buddy reading this with me. Be sure to check out her fantastic review.
Things happened for a reason. Dominoes falling in a line. Cause and effect. Nothing happened on its own account. There were patterns everywhere.
And remember, plants are not always your friends.
4 stars.
____________________________
Pre-Review
Just snagged this for 99 cents! Woot!
Buddy read with my fellow crustacean, Heather starting November 15!
April 16, 2015
When Seraphin Ferón arrived in the valley of Lake Ephemeral she was eleven years old – an orphan who had lived at an orphanage in Sydney which was the only home she remembered. Now she was faced with strangers who were telling her she wasn’t an orphan, and her mother was here, in one of the manors surrounding the lake. But for some reason she was unable to see her mother…
The strangeness of the seven manors; the families who lived in them – two parents, one child in each – the oddness of each child’s name and the fact that everyone was the same age; she couldn’t explain the uneasiness she felt (even if she had someone to talk to) But as she investigated the property, she discovered a beautiful butterfly aviary; also many exotic and dangerous plants; but she was warned to keep away from the Coffin Flower as it was one that could kill (and had done, so she was told)
When Sera befriended one of the boys, Kite, she was unsure whether to trust him – but more than that she needed to see her mother. What would happen if she was able to make her way to the attic where her mother was being held? What would be the terrifying consequences of finally meeting her? And would Kite feature further in the strangeness of her life; of their lives and the lives of everyone who seemed unable to leave the sanctuary of Lake Ephemeral? Sera was desperate to discover the hidden secrets of the valley – but there were others more determined to keep those secrets safe…
This young adult, science fiction novel by Aussie author Anya Allyn is the final and complete version of the Lake Ephemeral novellas; numbers 1-4 were individual, while this one includes 1-4 plus the concluding 5-7. The novel is gripping, intense and eerie – a fabulous intersection of weirdness by scientists who had no hesitation in experimenting on children, and the consequences of their actions. I have no hesitation in recommending Lake Ephemeral highly.
With thanks to the author for my copy to read and review.
The strangeness of the seven manors; the families who lived in them – two parents, one child in each – the oddness of each child’s name and the fact that everyone was the same age; she couldn’t explain the uneasiness she felt (even if she had someone to talk to) But as she investigated the property, she discovered a beautiful butterfly aviary; also many exotic and dangerous plants; but she was warned to keep away from the Coffin Flower as it was one that could kill (and had done, so she was told)
When Sera befriended one of the boys, Kite, she was unsure whether to trust him – but more than that she needed to see her mother. What would happen if she was able to make her way to the attic where her mother was being held? What would be the terrifying consequences of finally meeting her? And would Kite feature further in the strangeness of her life; of their lives and the lives of everyone who seemed unable to leave the sanctuary of Lake Ephemeral? Sera was desperate to discover the hidden secrets of the valley – but there were others more determined to keep those secrets safe…
This young adult, science fiction novel by Aussie author Anya Allyn is the final and complete version of the Lake Ephemeral novellas; numbers 1-4 were individual, while this one includes 1-4 plus the concluding 5-7. The novel is gripping, intense and eerie – a fabulous intersection of weirdness by scientists who had no hesitation in experimenting on children, and the consequences of their actions. I have no hesitation in recommending Lake Ephemeral highly.
With thanks to the author for my copy to read and review.
November 22, 2015
Buddy read with the multi-talented Jess, sometime this year November.
REVIEW
3.5 stars.
How does Anya Allyn come up with these things? Giant deadly flowers, disappearing lakes, children with gemstone-colored eyes, an isolated valley, and... all sorts of other spoilery things. Just like with her Dollhouse series, in Lake Ephemeral she weaves together all sorts of lovely elements to create an engaging, eerie story.
There were a few things I didn't like about this book—how easily certain things happen in the middle of the story, for example, and that the characters' relationships weren't fleshed out a bit more. But I loved reading this for all the creepy details and a few genuinely unsettling moments.
This book isn't completely free of tropes, but Allyn writes with a voice that makes them easier to handle. Also there aren't any books quite like hers, at least not that I've read.
Although I was somewhat disappointed in her latest novel, Paracosm, Allyn is quickly becoming a favorite author of mine. I can't wait to read more of her work.
REVIEW
3.5 stars.
The trees and fronds swayed, like they were listening to a music I couldn't hear. The whispers and songs of the cicadas and the unheard music flowed through me, like my own blood.
I'd never felt this kind of freedom.
How does Anya Allyn come up with these things? Giant deadly flowers, disappearing lakes, children with gemstone-colored eyes, an isolated valley, and... all sorts of other spoilery things. Just like with her Dollhouse series, in Lake Ephemeral she weaves together all sorts of lovely elements to create an engaging, eerie story.
There were a few things I didn't like about this book—how easily certain things happen in the middle of the story, for example, and that the characters' relationships weren't fleshed out a bit more. But I loved reading this for all the creepy details and a few genuinely unsettling moments.
This book isn't completely free of tropes, but Allyn writes with a voice that makes them easier to handle. Also there aren't any books quite like hers, at least not that I've read.
Although I was somewhat disappointed in her latest novel, Paracosm, Allyn is quickly becoming a favorite author of mine. I can't wait to read more of her work.
"Maybe I was stupid. But I thought the lake had everything I wanted." He paused. "Including you."
October 5, 2019
Okay this book is bizarre.
It is a tale about a "fountain of youth" About genome manipulation. About super soldiers. About humans.
So yeah, it's about as horrifying as you would expect.
It is a tale about a "fountain of youth" About genome manipulation. About super soldiers. About humans.
So yeah, it's about as horrifying as you would expect.
April 26, 2023
Abandon à la troisième partie, au quart du roman : page 119.
J'ai commencé ce livre en ayant juste envie d'un roman avec une atmosphère. J'ai abandonné ce roman car je ne suis ni emballée par ce livre, ni par ces personnages (dont des enfants de douze ans parlent parfois comme des adultes, ce qui me sort du roman), et sans aucune idée ou piste de l'intrigue. Bref je suis la première déçue car il m'attendait dans ma PAL depuis un bon moment mais peut-être a-t-il trop pris la poussière pour que je puisse en profiter pleinement ?
J'ai commencé ce livre en ayant juste envie d'un roman avec une atmosphère. J'ai abandonné ce roman car je ne suis ni emballée par ce livre, ni par ces personnages (dont des enfants de douze ans parlent parfois comme des adultes, ce qui me sort du roman), et sans aucune idée ou piste de l'intrigue. Bref je suis la première déçue car il m'attendait dans ma PAL depuis un bon moment mais peut-être a-t-il trop pris la poussière pour que je puisse en profiter pleinement ?
April 27, 2018
I love this author's works!
Young, strong, likable heroine in an otherworldly peril fraught with mystery and strange science fights for her life and the one's that she loves. It is really hard to go wrong when you have an outbreak of flesh eating plants taking over the countryside.
Young, strong, likable heroine in an otherworldly peril fraught with mystery and strange science fights for her life and the one's that she loves. It is really hard to go wrong when you have an outbreak of flesh eating plants taking over the countryside.
April 8, 2020
Une lecture assez surprenante je dois dire.
Ici nous faisons la connaissance de Sera, 12 ans, orpheline déposée par sa mère à l'âge de
5 ans.
Elle est baladée de famille en famille, mais son comportement fait qu'aucun couple ne veut
l'adopter. Un jour, la directrice de l'orphelinat reçoit une lettre de sa mère biologique et
Sera doit rentrer chez elle à Lake Ephemeral. Là-bas, elle fait la connaissance de 5 autres
enfants et de leur famille, ainsi que de Miss Fern sa gouvernante. Sa mère est malade et elle
ne peut la voir pour le moment.
C'est ainsi que sa vie nouvelle vie commence, le problème est que comment s'intégrer quand
tout le monde voit en vous une meurtrière et une traîtresse.
Sera va aller de découverte en découverte, et rien de ce qu'elle trouvera ne sera logique.
Je dois dire que j'ai eu beaucoup de mal au début du récit, car je ne voyais pas trop
où voulais en venir l'auteur, beaucoup de descriptions, beaucoup de longueurs ont fait que
je n'en voyais pas le bout. Pourtant à partir du moment où les choses ont commencées a
devenir bizarres et à partir un peu en cacahuète, j'ai adoré ma lecture. Je ne m'attendais pas
à ce que ma lecture parte dans ce sens là et je dois dire que l'auteur à une imagination
débordante. J'ai adoré le personnage de Kite, c'est le seul personnage secondaire a être aussi
bien travaillé, je trouve dommage que l'auteur n'aie pas approfondi les autres enfants, cela
aurait, je pense, apporté plus de piquant au récit. Par contre, Lake Ephemeral est magnifique
en description, et ses manoirs sont tout simplement splendides avec leur coupole.
La première partie du récit, on est avec Sera quand elle a 12 ans, et à partir de la
quatrième partie nous la retrouvons a 17 ans. Nous allons de rebondissements en rebondissements,
des choses horribles sont faites mais quand il s'agit de son enfant rien n'est impossible.
En bref, j'ai tout bonnement adoré ma lecture et franchement foncez si vous voulez être surpris.
Ici nous faisons la connaissance de Sera, 12 ans, orpheline déposée par sa mère à l'âge de
5 ans.
Elle est baladée de famille en famille, mais son comportement fait qu'aucun couple ne veut
l'adopter. Un jour, la directrice de l'orphelinat reçoit une lettre de sa mère biologique et
Sera doit rentrer chez elle à Lake Ephemeral. Là-bas, elle fait la connaissance de 5 autres
enfants et de leur famille, ainsi que de Miss Fern sa gouvernante. Sa mère est malade et elle
ne peut la voir pour le moment.
C'est ainsi que sa vie nouvelle vie commence, le problème est que comment s'intégrer quand
tout le monde voit en vous une meurtrière et une traîtresse.
Sera va aller de découverte en découverte, et rien de ce qu'elle trouvera ne sera logique.
Je dois dire que j'ai eu beaucoup de mal au début du récit, car je ne voyais pas trop
où voulais en venir l'auteur, beaucoup de descriptions, beaucoup de longueurs ont fait que
je n'en voyais pas le bout. Pourtant à partir du moment où les choses ont commencées a
devenir bizarres et à partir un peu en cacahuète, j'ai adoré ma lecture. Je ne m'attendais pas
à ce que ma lecture parte dans ce sens là et je dois dire que l'auteur à une imagination
débordante. J'ai adoré le personnage de Kite, c'est le seul personnage secondaire a être aussi
bien travaillé, je trouve dommage que l'auteur n'aie pas approfondi les autres enfants, cela
aurait, je pense, apporté plus de piquant au récit. Par contre, Lake Ephemeral est magnifique
en description, et ses manoirs sont tout simplement splendides avec leur coupole.
La première partie du récit, on est avec Sera quand elle a 12 ans, et à partir de la
quatrième partie nous la retrouvons a 17 ans. Nous allons de rebondissements en rebondissements,
des choses horribles sont faites mais quand il s'agit de son enfant rien n'est impossible.
En bref, j'ai tout bonnement adoré ma lecture et franchement foncez si vous voulez être surpris.
January 31, 2021
☆☆☆☆,75 /5
« Lake Ephemeral vous faisait croire que vous étiez un papillon.
Vous ne voyiez pas le filet dans lequel vous étiez pris.
Jusqu'à ce que vous essayiez de vous enfuir. »
« Cet endroit est dangereux. Il ressemble peut-être au jardin d’Éden, mais sous la surface, la pomme pourrit. »
Je ne suis pas du genre à retenir des citations. À la limite, une ou deux... Et ici, je suis déçue de ne vous en mettre que deux.
Le texte était profond et touchant. Il mérite d'être plus connu.
¤
En lisant le résumé, ma curiosité était déjà piquée.
Sera, 11 ans, a grandi dans un orphelinat. Un jour, elle découvre que sa mère est vivante et elle a l'opportunité de la rejoindre à Lake Ephemeral, un domaine résidentiel isolé. Là-bas, vivent aussi 5 autres familles, en marge du monde. Lake Ephemeral semble être un paradis naturel... pas vrai ?
¤
Ce livre est un OVNI. C'était incroyable.
Dans ce récit, nous sommes du point de vue de Sera. J'ai trouvé bien développé ses pensées et ses sentiments. Je ne sais pas comment l'auteure a joué avec ses mots. Les émotions de la jeune fille mais aussi, celles des autres enfants m'ont beaucoup touchée. Je trouve cela incroyable que l'auteure ait réussi à ce point à transmettre les ressentis de ses personnages.
Il se passe énormément de choses pendant l'histoire. On n'a pas le temps de se reposer. Nous allons de révélation en révélation. En plus, les thématiques soulevés dans ce roman, comme la préservation de la jeunesse, les recherches scientifiques et médicales, questionnent. C'était intéressant.
Il y avait quelques longueurs dans certains chapitres et je regrette qu'on n'ait pas vu ou su plus des autres personnages.
¤
Je ne pouvais pas lâcher ce roman. Je l'ai dévoré.
Je lisais une page, j'avais envie d'en savoir plus, d'arriver jusqu'à la fin.
Ce roman était une pépite. J'admire l'auteure pour l'originalité de son histoire.
« Lake Ephemeral vous faisait croire que vous étiez un papillon.
Vous ne voyiez pas le filet dans lequel vous étiez pris.
Jusqu'à ce que vous essayiez de vous enfuir. »
« Cet endroit est dangereux. Il ressemble peut-être au jardin d’Éden, mais sous la surface, la pomme pourrit. »
Je ne suis pas du genre à retenir des citations. À la limite, une ou deux... Et ici, je suis déçue de ne vous en mettre que deux.
Le texte était profond et touchant. Il mérite d'être plus connu.
¤
En lisant le résumé, ma curiosité était déjà piquée.
Sera, 11 ans, a grandi dans un orphelinat. Un jour, elle découvre que sa mère est vivante et elle a l'opportunité de la rejoindre à Lake Ephemeral, un domaine résidentiel isolé. Là-bas, vivent aussi 5 autres familles, en marge du monde. Lake Ephemeral semble être un paradis naturel... pas vrai ?
¤
Ce livre est un OVNI. C'était incroyable.
Dans ce récit, nous sommes du point de vue de Sera. J'ai trouvé bien développé ses pensées et ses sentiments. Je ne sais pas comment l'auteure a joué avec ses mots. Les émotions de la jeune fille mais aussi, celles des autres enfants m'ont beaucoup touchée. Je trouve cela incroyable que l'auteure ait réussi à ce point à transmettre les ressentis de ses personnages.
Il se passe énormément de choses pendant l'histoire. On n'a pas le temps de se reposer. Nous allons de révélation en révélation. En plus, les thématiques soulevés dans ce roman, comme la préservation de la jeunesse, les recherches scientifiques et médicales, questionnent. C'était intéressant.
Il y avait quelques longueurs dans certains chapitres et je regrette qu'on n'ait pas vu ou su plus des autres personnages.
¤
Je ne pouvais pas lâcher ce roman. Je l'ai dévoré.
Je lisais une page, j'avais envie d'en savoir plus, d'arriver jusqu'à la fin.
Ce roman était une pépite. J'admire l'auteure pour l'originalité de son histoire.
April 19, 2020
Je n'avais pas encore lu de livre OVNI...c'est maintenant chose faite!
Lake Éphemeral est un livre tellement particulier, bizarre, extraordinaire! Quand, dès les premières pages, on est emporté dans l'histoire, dans son ambiance si étrange, on ne peut absolument pas se douter où elle va nous mener. Tout est toujours incroyable, magique, beau mais ce livre fait également flipper. Certains passages sont glaçants, il met mal à l'aise souvent, mais on tourne les pages sans vraiment savoir où on va et au fil de l'histoire, on se demande vraiment comment l'auteur à fait pour prendre cette direction! Et je me le suis demandé tout au long de ma lecture, et ce, jusqu'à la fin!
Ce livre est LE livre qui m'a le plus fait sortir de ma zone de confort je crois mais je l'ai vraiment adoré!
Quelques petites choses ont fait que ce n'est pas le coup de cœur.
En effet, certains points, certains détails sont un peu trop bizarre, trop tirées par les cheveux, et sont difficilement compréhensibles, même pour une imagination débordante.
Mais c'est une lecture incroyable que je recommande vivement si vous voulez une lecture surprenante!
Et cette fin! Pour tout vous dire, j'y penserais encore dans des mois et des mois!
Lake Éphemeral est un livre tellement particulier, bizarre, extraordinaire! Quand, dès les premières pages, on est emporté dans l'histoire, dans son ambiance si étrange, on ne peut absolument pas se douter où elle va nous mener. Tout est toujours incroyable, magique, beau mais ce livre fait également flipper. Certains passages sont glaçants, il met mal à l'aise souvent, mais on tourne les pages sans vraiment savoir où on va et au fil de l'histoire, on se demande vraiment comment l'auteur à fait pour prendre cette direction! Et je me le suis demandé tout au long de ma lecture, et ce, jusqu'à la fin!
Ce livre est LE livre qui m'a le plus fait sortir de ma zone de confort je crois mais je l'ai vraiment adoré!
Quelques petites choses ont fait que ce n'est pas le coup de cœur.
En effet, certains points, certains détails sont un peu trop bizarre, trop tirées par les cheveux, et sont difficilement compréhensibles, même pour une imagination débordante.
Mais c'est une lecture incroyable que je recommande vivement si vous voulez une lecture surprenante!
Et cette fin! Pour tout vous dire, j'y penserais encore dans des mois et des mois!
November 17, 2020
[4.5/5]
Je ne m'attendais pas du tout à ça, ce roman a été une très agréable et surprenante surprise ! Cette originalité, cette imagination, cette ambiance... (qui n'est pas sans rappeler Tim Burton ou encore Ransom Riggs) Certes, c'est un roman "jeunesse" mais l'adulte que je suis ne s'est pas du tout sentie trop vieille, bien au contraire ; Lake Ephemeral a fait ce que j'attends de tout roman : il m'a mis des étoiles dans les yeux.
Ce n'est pas un coup-de-coeur à 100% car certaines choses sont un peu tirées par les cheveux et font un peu pâlir ces fameuses étoiles mais je suis tout de même bluffée.
Je ne m'attendais pas du tout à ça, ce roman a été une très agréable et surprenante surprise ! Cette originalité, cette imagination, cette ambiance... (qui n'est pas sans rappeler Tim Burton ou encore Ransom Riggs) Certes, c'est un roman "jeunesse" mais l'adulte que je suis ne s'est pas du tout sentie trop vieille, bien au contraire ; Lake Ephemeral a fait ce que j'attends de tout roman : il m'a mis des étoiles dans les yeux.
Ce n'est pas un coup-de-coeur à 100% car certaines choses sont un peu tirées par les cheveux et font un peu pâlir ces fameuses étoiles mais je suis tout de même bluffée.
September 17, 2019
What an amazing story. The world-building is chilling and the actions that a few are willing to do is horrific. In the telling of the story, we get snapshots of the past, but the story takes us there only when the main characters learn of it themselves. The unknown lives they've all had over and over again. The author's imagination is, well as I first mentioned, amazing and I would love to see the story continue. Once you've read the book, you too will want to know what awaits the survivors in a future of unlimited possibilities. I'm really glad I took a chance on reading a book by an author I hadn't read before.
December 24, 2019
"This place found us. That's what my father says. We're supposed to be at Lake Ephemeral. We don't need to know anything other than that."
Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
I had a massive book hangover after finishing Lake Ephemeral. I absolutely adored the story. It was definitely the best sci-fi thriller I've read in a long time.
The story begins with a young girl called Serafin who is moved from foster home to foster home, until a strange man appears claiming to know where Sera's mother is. Sera is taken away with him, to Lake Ephemeral, a vast, lush estate surrounding a huge lake, with six founding families each having a child of their own, complete with a manor house to live in.
Since Sera has been away from the other children for so long, she finds it hard to fit in with their ways. Unlike the outside world, there is no internet, and no phones and the whole estate is enclosed by fences. When Sera accidentally kills one of the children, Amethyst, the estate suddenly begins to look less like a paradise and more like a prison. There's the mysteriousness of the old, abandoned seventh manor, the coffin flowers (a large carnivorous plant) and the statues of two figures that rise up when the lake water drains.
I loved the character development in this book, and the way Allyn describes the jungle-like foliage of the estate, it's almost like you're there with the characters themselves. This story is so intricately woven and cleverly plotted out I didn't suspect the ending at all, and my kindle was gripped in my hand almost constantly.
The ending definitely shocked me, I did not see it coming. Even though I know what happens now, I still think I will reread this book because I loved everything about it, and it was rollercoaster ride I would love to go on again!
Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
I had a massive book hangover after finishing Lake Ephemeral. I absolutely adored the story. It was definitely the best sci-fi thriller I've read in a long time.
The story begins with a young girl called Serafin who is moved from foster home to foster home, until a strange man appears claiming to know where Sera's mother is. Sera is taken away with him, to Lake Ephemeral, a vast, lush estate surrounding a huge lake, with six founding families each having a child of their own, complete with a manor house to live in.
Since Sera has been away from the other children for so long, she finds it hard to fit in with their ways. Unlike the outside world, there is no internet, and no phones and the whole estate is enclosed by fences. When Sera accidentally kills one of the children, Amethyst, the estate suddenly begins to look less like a paradise and more like a prison. There's the mysteriousness of the old, abandoned seventh manor, the coffin flowers (a large carnivorous plant) and the statues of two figures that rise up when the lake water drains.
I loved the character development in this book, and the way Allyn describes the jungle-like foliage of the estate, it's almost like you're there with the characters themselves. This story is so intricately woven and cleverly plotted out I didn't suspect the ending at all, and my kindle was gripped in my hand almost constantly.
The ending definitely shocked me, I did not see it coming. Even though I know what happens now, I still think I will reread this book because I loved everything about it, and it was rollercoaster ride I would love to go on again!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 12, 2019
Enchanting
I didn't know what to expect when I started to read this book. I was quickly entranced and couldn't stop reading. I found it easy to imagine the children and the situations. I think this could easily be made into a movie or TV show, expanding through the histories of the characters. It would also be interesting to have a sequel, to know what happens next.
I didn't know what to expect when I started to read this book. I was quickly entranced and couldn't stop reading. I found it easy to imagine the children and the situations. I think this could easily be made into a movie or TV show, expanding through the histories of the characters. It would also be interesting to have a sequel, to know what happens next.
September 13, 2019
Really great Sci- Fi / Mystery
This became quite a page turner after Sera is removed from the “orphanage” where she had left Ed for 7 years and returned to the place her mother was at Lake Ephemeral. That is where all of the mystery and strangeness really takes place! I would be interested in a sequel to find out what happens to the other “children.”
This became quite a page turner after Sera is removed from the “orphanage” where she had left Ed for 7 years and returned to the place her mother was at Lake Ephemeral. That is where all of the mystery and strangeness really takes place! I would be interested in a sequel to find out what happens to the other “children.”
September 19, 2019
A very interesting stories a plot line that I did not expect twists and turns that are something that haven't been seen before
this story has a plot line that is very interesting one of them keep you continuing to read trying to figure out what's really going on the ending will surprise you it is well worth reading
this story has a plot line that is very interesting one of them keep you continuing to read trying to figure out what's really going on the ending will surprise you it is well worth reading
October 21, 2019
A page turner
As I read this book, I kept thinking what a great concept, it could happen. The author makes you fall in love with the children, dislike the custodians and feel sympathy for the scientists. As the secrets unfold you silently gasp then realize that you were lead there all along. It's a gripping read with quite a few twists! Loved it!
As I read this book, I kept thinking what a great concept, it could happen. The author makes you fall in love with the children, dislike the custodians and feel sympathy for the scientists. As the secrets unfold you silently gasp then realize that you were lead there all along. It's a gripping read with quite a few twists! Loved it!
December 15, 2019
The lake is hiding secrets. I enjoyed slowly finding those secrets as I read.
One criticism: the international travel was not believable. Too much happened just perfectly, in just the right place at just the right time, with characters who only appeared for that purpose. They could have just disappeared in the nearby city, and that would have worked.
One criticism: the international travel was not believable. Too much happened just perfectly, in just the right place at just the right time, with characters who only appeared for that purpose. They could have just disappeared in the nearby city, and that would have worked.
October 21, 2020
What a wild crazy ride. This book speak to the reader with words that touch every sense. The children's world is strange and twisted with tainted old world charm. It seems perfect but underneath are terrible secrets that keep you reading and needing to know more. Dark and chilling but poetically beautiful.
September 13, 2019
Scary yet satisfying
The story was well written and well presented. The characters are believable. It kept my interest as I couldn't figure out the final outcome til the end of the book. Not for anyone under the age of 13 at least.
The story was well written and well presented. The characters are believable. It kept my interest as I couldn't figure out the final outcome til the end of the book. Not for anyone under the age of 13 at least.
September 24, 2019
I was unsure about this book. Would it be a run of the mill story retold again? I was pleasantly surprised! It was different from what I had read before . Things were unexpected. I loved the way different things tied together. I would love to read a sequel. Where they go. What they do with their abilities. What about their children?
September 23, 2019
There were some interesting ideas; but the farther I got into the book the more it seemed to fall apart/go off the rails. It was, however, good for a free book - especially compared to some of the other stuff I've picked up on the kindle.
September 25, 2019
Captivating
I truly loved the uniqueness of this story. You never see the ending coming. You have never read a story like theirs! I would definitely read more about these characters and where their path leads! Thank you for a book well written!!
I truly loved the uniqueness of this story. You never see the ending coming. You have never read a story like theirs! I would definitely read more about these characters and where their path leads! Thank you for a book well written!!
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October 1, 2019Awesome thriller
I absolutely loved this awesome sci-fi thriller and I thought the ending was brilliant. I hope Anya does continue this with another book from the amazing world she has created for these kids.
I absolutely loved this awesome sci-fi thriller and I thought the ending was brilliant. I hope Anya does continue this with another book from the amazing world she has created for these kids.
October 26, 2019
Interesting concept
There have been many stories of the medical atrocities that occurred during World War Two, and this story takes that theme a bit further to a mysterious lake and a small band of people...
There have been many stories of the medical atrocities that occurred during World War Two, and this story takes that theme a bit further to a mysterious lake and a small band of people...
May 15, 2022
Fascinating
Oh wao! Lake ephemeral really went beyond my expectations . I was fascinated with the story. Could not stop reading. Want to know more. As more the story development more curious I became. I live it.
Oh wao! Lake ephemeral really went beyond my expectations . I was fascinated with the story. Could not stop reading. Want to know more. As more the story development more curious I became. I live it.
June 18, 2022
Une très bonne lecture, fluide, douce et en même temps palpitante.
Des personnages attachants (et d'autres méprisables), et surtout une histoire originale.
Lake Ephemeral est à la fois un rêve et un cauchemar.
Des personnages attachants (et d'autres méprisables), et surtout une histoire originale.
Lake Ephemeral est à la fois un rêve et un cauchemar.
February 27, 2019
Awesome!
This book was fantastic. I really loved it. I highly recommend it! I’ll be looking to read her other books as well.
This book was fantastic. I really loved it. I highly recommend it! I’ll be looking to read her other books as well.
April 23, 2019
3.5/5
La trame de fond était vraiment intéressante mais quelques raccourcis ont été pris ce qui m'a un peu saoulée.
La trame de fond était vraiment intéressante mais quelques raccourcis ont été pris ce qui m'a un peu saoulée.
September 13, 2019
Unique!
Exceptional young adult fiction! Loved the characters, the plot is amazing, liked the tidbits about butterflies, plants, trees, and the imaginary pod plants!
Exceptional young adult fiction! Loved the characters, the plot is amazing, liked the tidbits about butterflies, plants, trees, and the imaginary pod plants!
September 14, 2019
What a fabulous read. It is so refreshing to find a story that keeps you gripped to the end, with such a unique storyline. I do think this would make a brilliant movie!
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