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Piercing the Veil #1
Intangible
Peter Stewart grew up on a unique version of the Arthurian legends taught him by his father, a harebrained quantum physicist who asserts that anything is possible. But Peter disbelieves anything which cannot be scientifically explained, despite a nagging sense that there is more to the world than meets the eye.
Lily Portman is an orphan with a secret: she can see creatures that are invisible to everyone else. These creatures control every human being she has ever met to varying degrees... until she meets Peter and his father.
When a mysterious stranger stages an accident which nearly costs Peter and Lily their lives, suddenly Lily learns that she is not crazy after all, and Peter discovers the truth of his father’s stories… including the existence of Arthur’s ancient nemesis, one who calls himself the Shadow Lord, and a prophecy with implications so profound that it will alter not only the course of their lives, but potentially the fate of the world.
Lily Portman is an orphan with a secret: she can see creatures that are invisible to everyone else. These creatures control every human being she has ever met to varying degrees... until she meets Peter and his father.
When a mysterious stranger stages an accident which nearly costs Peter and Lily their lives, suddenly Lily learns that she is not crazy after all, and Peter discovers the truth of his father’s stories… including the existence of Arthur’s ancient nemesis, one who calls himself the Shadow Lord, and a prophecy with implications so profound that it will alter not only the course of their lives, but potentially the fate of the world.
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First published November 20, 2013
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About the author
C.A. Gray
29 books507 followersC.A. Gray is the author of three YA Amazon bestselling trilogies: PIERCING THE VEIL (magic and quantum physics meet Arthurian legends), THE LIBERTY BOX (dystopian metaphysics and mind control technology), and UNCANNY VALLEY (dystopian coming-of-age with neuroscience and super intelligent A.I). She starts with some scientific concept that she’s interested in learning more about herself, and then creates lots of epic chaos and high-stakes action to go along with it. Her stories are free of gratuitous violence, language, and sexual content, and she abhors depressing endings… but they’re not all kittens and rainbows either! She also listens to and reviews audiobooks on her website, here on Goodreads, on Instagram, and on her podcast, Clean Audiobook Reviews, where she also occasionally interviews other authors.
By day, C.A. Gray practices naturopathic medicine, podcasts, and writes medical non-fiction under her maiden name (Dr. Lauren Deville). She lives in Tucson, AZ with her husband Frank, and together they maintain an occasionally contentious film review blog (under her real name: Lauren Baden. Three names. Yes.) She’s kind of the queen of multitasking—so in her spare time, she creates whatever meals or crafts she found most recently on Pinterest, drinks lots of coffee (Aeropress btw) and occasional wine (reds—and she saves the corks for craft projects), works out (while listening to audiobooks), and studies the Bible—about half of the podcasts on Christian Natural Health are scripture meditations.
She does sleep, too. Promise.
Join her newsletter for best-of-the-month reads, freebies and giveaway information, as well as new releases! http://eepurl.com/F3rof
By day, C.A. Gray practices naturopathic medicine, podcasts, and writes medical non-fiction under her maiden name (Dr. Lauren Deville). She lives in Tucson, AZ with her husband Frank, and together they maintain an occasionally contentious film review blog (under her real name: Lauren Baden. Three names. Yes.) She’s kind of the queen of multitasking—so in her spare time, she creates whatever meals or crafts she found most recently on Pinterest, drinks lots of coffee (Aeropress btw) and occasional wine (reds—and she saves the corks for craft projects), works out (while listening to audiobooks), and studies the Bible—about half of the podcasts on Christian Natural Health are scripture meditations.
She does sleep, too. Promise.
Join her newsletter for best-of-the-month reads, freebies and giveaway information, as well as new releases! http://eepurl.com/F3rof
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 108 reviews
October 20, 2015
Adventures to save the world sometimes create unlikely allies. Such is the case in C. A. Gray’s Intangible when one young genius who believes only in hard, scientific facts discovers the fairytales and legends his father would share with him may be more than fantasy. Arthurian legends, Excalibur, fair maidens and dark sorceresses, tales sent down through the generations or history and knowledge culminating in the coming of age of one young contemporary boy, Peter Stewart?
Almost everyone has a spirit creature watching over them, guiding them, influencing them, but few have the gift to see them. Lily Portman has always been thought to be a little unbalanced, and this young orphan has paid a high emotional cost for her “gift.” Together, they discover the truth behind the legends as well as the truth behind that things Lily sees on an incredible journey that blends science and fantasy, adventure and danger when they are whisked away to another realm in search of one special hero, who they claim is most likely Peter. So why doesn’t he feel like a hero or a savior? Will Peter be the only one to be able to stop the Shadow Lord? Get ready for the adventure of a lifetime along with these kids and the creatures behind the veil.
C. A. Gray has shaken and stirred her magical tale into a perfect cocktail of fantasy, legends and hard scientific facts. Ms. Gray has built a delightfully realistic word that can be envisioned in full-color mental mode, while populating her world with quirky, endearing characters that must learn to trust and believe in what cannot be quantified through science. Delightful characters, wonderful dialogue and conflict, a fun, fast and furious read for ALL ages.
I received this copy as part of C. A. Gray's Impossible Release Day Tour & Giveaway stopping at Tome Tender October 15, 2014
Series: Piercing the Veil - Book 1
Publication Date: November 20, 2013
Publisher: Wanderlust Publishing
Genre: YA Fantasy
Print Length: 484 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
Almost everyone has a spirit creature watching over them, guiding them, influencing them, but few have the gift to see them. Lily Portman has always been thought to be a little unbalanced, and this young orphan has paid a high emotional cost for her “gift.” Together, they discover the truth behind the legends as well as the truth behind that things Lily sees on an incredible journey that blends science and fantasy, adventure and danger when they are whisked away to another realm in search of one special hero, who they claim is most likely Peter. So why doesn’t he feel like a hero or a savior? Will Peter be the only one to be able to stop the Shadow Lord? Get ready for the adventure of a lifetime along with these kids and the creatures behind the veil.
C. A. Gray has shaken and stirred her magical tale into a perfect cocktail of fantasy, legends and hard scientific facts. Ms. Gray has built a delightfully realistic word that can be envisioned in full-color mental mode, while populating her world with quirky, endearing characters that must learn to trust and believe in what cannot be quantified through science. Delightful characters, wonderful dialogue and conflict, a fun, fast and furious read for ALL ages.
I received this copy as part of C. A. Gray's Impossible Release Day Tour & Giveaway stopping at Tome Tender October 15, 2014
Series: Piercing the Veil - Book 1
Publication Date: November 20, 2013
Publisher: Wanderlust Publishing
Genre: YA Fantasy
Print Length: 484 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
December 30, 2013
I received an Arc from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I wish I read this sooner! I kept postponing this book because honestly, I was a bit hesitant and doubtful that I'm gonna love this book. Well, suprise! Suprise!
This book is awesome! I never thought that physics and the Arthurian legend mixed together can create one cool YA fantasy. I really love this book. I enjoyed the adventure and the story, which i think was a cool interpretation of King Arthur's legend. The twists were awesome and exciting. The revelation at the end was just the perfect intro for the next book.
Peter, the protagonist, is a hardcore science guy. So he's having a hard time digesting everything that's happening to him, which he's denying all the time. But overall he's a good kid and thinks of the others' welfare before his own. My favorite character is Lily. A seer who spent her childhood thinking she was mad because she can see spectres on every person she sees. Lily rocks and she also kicks ass. She can hold her own against anyone especially against bullies (ehem, Brock). The other characters were all likable, too. Even the flawed ones like Brock and Kane.
If you like stories about King Arthur then you're going to enjoy this exciting spinoff. I would definitely recommend this to all YA and fantasy readers out there.
I wish I read this sooner! I kept postponing this book because honestly, I was a bit hesitant and doubtful that I'm gonna love this book. Well, suprise! Suprise!
This book is awesome! I never thought that physics and the Arthurian legend mixed together can create one cool YA fantasy. I really love this book. I enjoyed the adventure and the story, which i think was a cool interpretation of King Arthur's legend. The twists were awesome and exciting. The revelation at the end was just the perfect intro for the next book.
Peter, the protagonist, is a hardcore science guy. So he's having a hard time digesting everything that's happening to him, which he's denying all the time. But overall he's a good kid and thinks of the others' welfare before his own. My favorite character is Lily. A seer who spent her childhood thinking she was mad because she can see spectres on every person she sees. Lily rocks and she also kicks ass. She can hold her own against anyone especially against bullies (ehem, Brock). The other characters were all likable, too. Even the flawed ones like Brock and Kane.
If you like stories about King Arthur then you're going to enjoy this exciting spinoff. I would definitely recommend this to all YA and fantasy readers out there.
December 11, 2015
Mary's NetGalley Catch-up: 1 of 80
In the spirit of being fair, let me disclaimer this review by saying that I read until 35% and then jumped ahead and read the last 15%. I read exactly half of this book and I gotta say, I don't know what's in that other 50% but I have a very strong suspicion that it's exposition as that's what the entire other 50% is.
Peter is a very intelligent 14 year old boy who doesn't know how to socialize. (Trust me, this book is FAR more interesting if you just imagine that Peter is a young Sherlock Holmes ala Benedict Cumberbatch's Sherlock.) Anyway, his dad raised him on legends of King Arthur and then he meets this girl called Lily who can see these evil spirit creatures that hover around people. She's quite rude and demands to know where Peter's and his dad's evil spirit things are since they don't have any.
One plot contrivance later, Peter, Peter's best friend, his archenemy, and Lily are all in a car and this guy Kane tries to make them crash into his car because jealousy. They don't crash though because Peter can make the car float and then those evil spirit thingies turn corporeal and chase them to a tree which is a portal and they end up where the Watchers are waiting. They have been waiting for King Arthur's line to give them a child of prophecy and lo and behold, Peter is it.
That's the first 35% of this book. Which I don't have a problem with if it was written well, but it's just not. There's very little in the way of smooth transitions. All of the King Arthur stuff is just thrown in our face and the characters just sorta make decisions that will lead the plot to them instead of going towards the plot.
For instance, Lily can see these evil spirits and Brock, our resident bully with a terrible home life, has this attractive woman one. Lily--who has had 14 years to get really fucking good at hiding her gift mind you--hates talking to these things. But what does she suddenly think is fun? Oh that's right, antagonizing one. Because the plot needs to move forward, realistic characters be damned.
And that's really what did it in for me in this book. The characters are nothing more than the vehicle for the plot to move forward. No one was acting like a real person. The dialogue does not sound like real people. It was more like "Well Peter has to make this decision, so let's make him make that decision." But characters have to make decisions with logical explanations, you know? Harry Potter isn't going to run into the Forbidden Forest without a reason. There's a prompt, a reason, a clear line of thought and character.
None of that was present here.
The dialogue was stilted and not at all how any teenagers speak.
"In the last five minutes since we got here?" Brock said skeptically. "How do you even know who our parents are, or where they live? How do you even know who we are?"
"I think that's why they're called Watchers," Cole whispered.
I also fall into the category that some prologues can be done super well. I don't think they're necessary or a lot of times even needed, but it can be a great way to add action at the beginning of the book. This prologue? Just told me that Peter was King Arthur and ruined essentially the first 35% because I'm just waiting for a reveal of a fact that I already know.
Speaking of King Arthur! This book bastardizes that legend more than Monty Python.
Apparently Guinevere was an evil spirit that got a body and she pretty much started this whole thing because she got Arthur to fall in love with her. Arthur was so amazing that he started to break away from her spell though and then Mordred takes Guinevere as a wife because evil spirit reasons. Guinevere is able to possess Mordred and then father kills son but Guinevere wasn't the big bad so now Excalibur is hidden somewhere and it's the one sword that can kill the big bad.
Okay, so it's not terrible. I may have over exaggerated but to be fair, Monty Python isn't a terrible representation of the legend of King Arthur. Anyway! WHAT THE HELL!?! You know what this undermines?!?! LAUNCELOT AND GUINEVERE'S LOVE!!!
Granted, I'm not an Arthurian scholar. I'm not. I've read Le Morte d'Arthur when I went through my pretentious high school phase. I don't remember much but I do remember that romance was kinda a big deal. And you just made Guinevere a succubus.
And one of the points to prove that this legend is real is Peter's dad says something along the lines of "But a lot of cultures across the world have this legend!"
Uh....no. They don't. King Arthur is kinda firmly in Europe and even then, a very specific northeast piece of Europe. Yeah, he got big, but it's not like tales about Arthur popped up all over the world at the same time. They did AFTER Arthur was a thing.
The last 15%? So utterly and completely predictable that you could have asked me when I was 10% in how this was going to end. Seriously. If you asked me at the 10% mark in "Mary, how do you think this story will end?"
"Well, my good friend, I haven't read much about this book but here's my best guess."
"Ah yes, yes, quite good. Quite good. Not having read the book myself, I can't quite say if you're right or not but it sounds terribly cliché and exactly like what would happen."
"Wait....why did you ask if you didn't know?"
Okay so the metaphor got away from me, but you get the point.
Lastly, this is written for the wrong age group. It should not be classified as Young Adult. Mid-grade adult would better serve this book but even still, it makes too many grave mistakes for it to be entertaining or surprising.
If this book had better characters, it would be a better book. If it also made the transitions smooth, it would be a better book. If it didn't hit me over the head with the exposition stick, it would be a better book.
As it is?
This is not a good book.
In the spirit of being fair, let me disclaimer this review by saying that I read until 35% and then jumped ahead and read the last 15%. I read exactly half of this book and I gotta say, I don't know what's in that other 50% but I have a very strong suspicion that it's exposition as that's what the entire other 50% is.
Peter is a very intelligent 14 year old boy who doesn't know how to socialize. (Trust me, this book is FAR more interesting if you just imagine that Peter is a young Sherlock Holmes ala Benedict Cumberbatch's Sherlock.) Anyway, his dad raised him on legends of King Arthur and then he meets this girl called Lily who can see these evil spirit creatures that hover around people. She's quite rude and demands to know where Peter's and his dad's evil spirit things are since they don't have any.
One plot contrivance later, Peter, Peter's best friend, his archenemy, and Lily are all in a car and this guy Kane tries to make them crash into his car because jealousy. They don't crash though because Peter can make the car float and then those evil spirit thingies turn corporeal and chase them to a tree which is a portal and they end up where the Watchers are waiting. They have been waiting for King Arthur's line to give them a child of prophecy and lo and behold, Peter is it.
That's the first 35% of this book. Which I don't have a problem with if it was written well, but it's just not. There's very little in the way of smooth transitions. All of the King Arthur stuff is just thrown in our face and the characters just sorta make decisions that will lead the plot to them instead of going towards the plot.
For instance, Lily can see these evil spirits and Brock, our resident bully with a terrible home life, has this attractive woman one. Lily--who has had 14 years to get really fucking good at hiding her gift mind you--hates talking to these things. But what does she suddenly think is fun? Oh that's right, antagonizing one. Because the plot needs to move forward, realistic characters be damned.
And that's really what did it in for me in this book. The characters are nothing more than the vehicle for the plot to move forward. No one was acting like a real person. The dialogue does not sound like real people. It was more like "Well Peter has to make this decision, so let's make him make that decision." But characters have to make decisions with logical explanations, you know? Harry Potter isn't going to run into the Forbidden Forest without a reason. There's a prompt, a reason, a clear line of thought and character.
None of that was present here.
The dialogue was stilted and not at all how any teenagers speak.
"In the last five minutes since we got here?" Brock said skeptically. "How do you even know who our parents are, or where they live? How do you even know who we are?"
"I think that's why they're called Watchers," Cole whispered.
I also fall into the category that some prologues can be done super well. I don't think they're necessary or a lot of times even needed, but it can be a great way to add action at the beginning of the book. This prologue? Just told me that Peter was King Arthur and ruined essentially the first 35% because I'm just waiting for a reveal of a fact that I already know.
Speaking of King Arthur! This book bastardizes that legend more than Monty Python.
Apparently Guinevere was an evil spirit that got a body and she pretty much started this whole thing because she got Arthur to fall in love with her. Arthur was so amazing that he started to break away from her spell though and then Mordred takes Guinevere as a wife because evil spirit reasons. Guinevere is able to possess Mordred and then father kills son but Guinevere wasn't the big bad so now Excalibur is hidden somewhere and it's the one sword that can kill the big bad.
Okay, so it's not terrible. I may have over exaggerated but to be fair, Monty Python isn't a terrible representation of the legend of King Arthur. Anyway! WHAT THE HELL!?! You know what this undermines?!?! LAUNCELOT AND GUINEVERE'S LOVE!!!
Granted, I'm not an Arthurian scholar. I'm not. I've read Le Morte d'Arthur when I went through my pretentious high school phase. I don't remember much but I do remember that romance was kinda a big deal. And you just made Guinevere a succubus.
And one of the points to prove that this legend is real is Peter's dad says something along the lines of "But a lot of cultures across the world have this legend!"
Uh....no. They don't. King Arthur is kinda firmly in Europe and even then, a very specific northeast piece of Europe. Yeah, he got big, but it's not like tales about Arthur popped up all over the world at the same time. They did AFTER Arthur was a thing.
The last 15%? So utterly and completely predictable that you could have asked me when I was 10% in how this was going to end. Seriously. If you asked me at the 10% mark in "Mary, how do you think this story will end?"
"Well, my good friend, I haven't read much about this book but here's my best guess."
"Ah yes, yes, quite good. Quite good. Not having read the book myself, I can't quite say if you're right or not but it sounds terribly cliché and exactly like what would happen."
"Wait....why did you ask if you didn't know?"
Okay so the metaphor got away from me, but you get the point.
Lastly, this is written for the wrong age group. It should not be classified as Young Adult. Mid-grade adult would better serve this book but even still, it makes too many grave mistakes for it to be entertaining or surprising.
If this book had better characters, it would be a better book. If it also made the transitions smooth, it would be a better book. If it didn't hit me over the head with the exposition stick, it would be a better book.
As it is?
This is not a good book.
August 3, 2014
Copy provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
I wasn't sure what to expect when I started this book, as I didn't read the synopsis or any reviews beforehand. I went in with an open mind, and I was completely blown away.
It was well-written, and extremely entertaining. I loved the writing style, and though it involved a lot of scientific terms - such as the string theory - it was explained in a way that made it very easy to understand.
After finishing the book, I read several reviews comparing Intangible to the Harry Potter series. There were quite a few similarities, and while the influence was obvious at times, it does not detract from the charm of the story.
Mixing modern science with Arthurian legend, Intangible is a very creative and well-researched book. I would highly recommend this to fans of Harry Potter, or anyone interested in reading a new twist on the legend of King Arthur.
I wasn't sure what to expect when I started this book, as I didn't read the synopsis or any reviews beforehand. I went in with an open mind, and I was completely blown away.
It was well-written, and extremely entertaining. I loved the writing style, and though it involved a lot of scientific terms - such as the string theory - it was explained in a way that made it very easy to understand.
After finishing the book, I read several reviews comparing Intangible to the Harry Potter series. There were quite a few similarities, and while the influence was obvious at times, it does not detract from the charm of the story.
Mixing modern science with Arthurian legend, Intangible is a very creative and well-researched book. I would highly recommend this to fans of Harry Potter, or anyone interested in reading a new twist on the legend of King Arthur.
January 9, 2014
I want to be as honest about this as possible, so here goes!
This book, while quite amazing with its story and character development and the complex ways they weave within each other, has a serious flaw. Flaw perhaps is not the correct word, it might be too strong. Yet, here I am, saying it. You can judge that one once you've read my review.
I understand that when something works for someone else (and works for a million different ways - or is it a billion now?) it is natural to want to use their success to bolster our own. They say that imitation is the highest form of flattery, but it's also a slippery slope when it comes to someone's livelihood.
The parallels that Intangible had to Harry Potter was at times rather uncanny, at others a little obscure but still there, and then at others not there at all.
I'm not saying that C. A Gray copied Harry Potter, but perhaps she drew some inspiration from it that has transferred into her book. I will list some of the similarities below and you can be the judge:
The main group of children (ages ranging from 12-14), a trio, two boys (protagonist - Peter, and best friend - Cole) and a girl (Lily). Yep, I get it, often there's a group in the stories, that's nothing exceptional.
Harry Potter - Orphan, treated poorly by his remaining family, kind of nerdy.
Peter - Science nerd, geeky and picked on at school.
Both are a little socially awkward, yet brilliantly bright. They excel at things they put their minds to but are not afraid to break the rules.
Hermione - Muggle born (a reason to be singled out), exceptionally bright and Harry's right hand girl, yet not a love interest.
Lily - Orphan, also exceptionally bright and has been singled out her whole life for being different for having a special gift. She is Peter's right hand girl and
Some of the similarities between the girls are also comparable to the other characters e.g. orphan.
Ron - Harrys best friend. Kind of a little dopey at times and comes from a family that sets him apart from others.
Cole - Peter's best friend. Also kind of dopey at times. He comes from a rather rich family, but that also sets him apart from the others.
The similarities outside of the main characters is a little stronger.
There's a Dumbledore equivalent, a Hogwarts equivalent and even a twisted Draco Malfoy equivalent. The group of teachers at Hogwarts that helped to protect Harry, also has an equivalent in Intangible. Cole's mother and father reminded me of Harry's Uncle and Aunt... statures reversed of course.
Yet, perhaps some of the strongest similarities are the little things...
A portal, where one has to run head first into a tree to use it, it's in plain sight of the human world too, yet they don't know it's there. Does that not sound a lot like the portal to the Hogwarts Express at platform 9 3/4?
Still not convinced?
How about the antagonist who is referred to as The Shadow Lord - sound similar to The Dark Lord does it not?
I still haven't convinced you yet?
What about the cropping up in the story, just like in Harry Potter? Admittedly the uses are a little different, but with all the rest, it's just a bit too much of a coincidence?!
Time for a confession, I am not a Harry Potter fanatic, I've only read the first three books... however, I drew an awful lot of comparisons between the two stories. It makes me wonder, if a Harry Potter fanatic read this book, would they find some more comparisons that I don't know about?
This is important to note, as it did skew my reading of the book, but I want to now talk about the rest of the story that was nothing like Harry Potter. This part of the story was brilliant. I loved the science and alchemy and magic (even though that's in HP too) it was so well created, that I don't think the story needs the HP crutch to stand on.
If you like the Arthurian folklore and myths, this might just give you a taste of something new and previously unheard of. I loved the twists from my history learning throughout school, I knew enough to have the general plot in the back of my mind when I began reading, but that was very quickly blown out of the water!
The best description I can come up with for this book, is a combination of Harry Potter, meets The Lion, the witch and wardrobe, meets Iron Man. It's an interesting mix of pure fantasy, well researched and complex science (although completely easy to understand), history and folklore, and mystery.
There was one thing I noticed in regard to the English used, at 90% through, numb chucks, should have been nunchucks. It was there twice.
**Note: I received this as an electronic ARC from Net Galley in return for an honest review**
This book, while quite amazing with its story and character development and the complex ways they weave within each other, has a serious flaw. Flaw perhaps is not the correct word, it might be too strong. Yet, here I am, saying it. You can judge that one once you've read my review.
I understand that when something works for someone else (and works for a million different ways - or is it a billion now?) it is natural to want to use their success to bolster our own. They say that imitation is the highest form of flattery, but it's also a slippery slope when it comes to someone's livelihood.
The parallels that Intangible had to Harry Potter was at times rather uncanny, at others a little obscure but still there, and then at others not there at all.
I'm not saying that C. A Gray copied Harry Potter, but perhaps she drew some inspiration from it that has transferred into her book. I will list some of the similarities below and you can be the judge:
The main group of children (ages ranging from 12-14), a trio, two boys (protagonist - Peter, and best friend - Cole) and a girl (Lily). Yep, I get it, often there's a group in the stories, that's nothing exceptional.
Harry Potter - Orphan, treated poorly by his remaining family, kind of nerdy.
Peter - Science nerd, geeky and picked on at school.
Both are a little socially awkward, yet brilliantly bright. They excel at things they put their minds to but are not afraid to break the rules.
Hermione - Muggle born (a reason to be singled out), exceptionally bright and Harry's right hand girl, yet not a love interest.
Lily - Orphan, also exceptionally bright and has been singled out her whole life for being different for having a special gift. She is Peter's right hand girl and
Some of the similarities between the girls are also comparable to the other characters e.g. orphan.
Ron - Harrys best friend. Kind of a little dopey at times and comes from a family that sets him apart from others.
Cole - Peter's best friend. Also kind of dopey at times. He comes from a rather rich family, but that also sets him apart from the others.
The similarities outside of the main characters is a little stronger.
There's a Dumbledore equivalent, a Hogwarts equivalent and even a twisted Draco Malfoy equivalent. The group of teachers at Hogwarts that helped to protect Harry, also has an equivalent in Intangible. Cole's mother and father reminded me of Harry's Uncle and Aunt... statures reversed of course.
Yet, perhaps some of the strongest similarities are the little things...
A portal, where one has to run head first into a tree to use it, it's in plain sight of the human world too, yet they don't know it's there. Does that not sound a lot like the portal to the Hogwarts Express at platform 9 3/4?
Still not convinced?
How about the antagonist who is referred to as The Shadow Lord - sound similar to The Dark Lord does it not?
I still haven't convinced you yet?
What about the cropping up in the story, just like in Harry Potter? Admittedly the uses are a little different, but with all the rest, it's just a bit too much of a coincidence?!
Time for a confession, I am not a Harry Potter fanatic, I've only read the first three books... however, I drew an awful lot of comparisons between the two stories. It makes me wonder, if a Harry Potter fanatic read this book, would they find some more comparisons that I don't know about?
This is important to note, as it did skew my reading of the book, but I want to now talk about the rest of the story that was nothing like Harry Potter. This part of the story was brilliant. I loved the science and alchemy and magic (even though that's in HP too) it was so well created, that I don't think the story needs the HP crutch to stand on.
If you like the Arthurian folklore and myths, this might just give you a taste of something new and previously unheard of. I loved the twists from my history learning throughout school, I knew enough to have the general plot in the back of my mind when I began reading, but that was very quickly blown out of the water!
The best description I can come up with for this book, is a combination of Harry Potter, meets The Lion, the witch and wardrobe, meets Iron Man. It's an interesting mix of pure fantasy, well researched and complex science (although completely easy to understand), history and folklore, and mystery.
There was one thing I noticed in regard to the English used, at 90% through, numb chucks, should have been nunchucks. It was there twice.
**Note: I received this as an electronic ARC from Net Galley in return for an honest review**
January 16, 2015
Had my college physics professor used this book to explain things, or at least reduced some of the tougher concepts down to the distilled version we get in Intangible, by C.A. Gray, I totally might have done better in class. At least it would have held my attention longer and I wouldn’t have wanted to throw myself off the roof tops of the science building before every physics exam. Using physics to explain magic was a brilliant way to keep the fantastical story some-what grounded in realty. It was also a great way to allow a character to explain certain elements or foundation blocks of the world being created, without it feeling forced.
I thought there were so many wonderful aspects of this story. The writing was good and the characters were believable. What was I excited about? Lots. While there are lots of things that reminded me a lot of Harry Potter, that was ok. Let’s face it, while teleportation (or Apparition as JKR calls it) isn’t exactly a concept unique to Harry Potter, the **crack** associated with that action is something that reminds me specifically of Harry Potter. Here’s what you get to read about (and what made me think of Harry Potter): magical creatures (the one nimbi reminded me so much of Peeves); battles with real swords and with magical force fields alike (a dime-a-dozen in this genre); a prophecy (Order of the Phoenix and Prof. Trelawney); a secret city – castle and all – in the middle of England that people can’t find or if they stumble on it, it looks old and run-down (Hogwarts or the Quidditch WC Field); books which show the reader things (Tom Riddle’s diary showing Harry the (planted) Aragog scene); magical coins that get warm under certain conditions (Dumbledore’s Army’s fake galleons); the Ancient Tongue (sounded a lot like various spells and charms – I was waiting for wingardium levosia); tapping the wall to enter the secret library (getting from the Leaky Cauldron to Diagon Alley); the Sorcerer’s Stone (do I really even need to do the comparison?) and the old grey haired wise man of Isdemus (Dumbledore, anyone?). And there were ideas that weren’t necessarily reminiscent of Harry Potter, but were certainly not new to the genre (multiple people the prophecy could be about, even at the book’s end; use of other dimensions; the trio of kids (Peter, Lily and Cole) who almost always seem to be 2 boys and 1 girl; parent’s hiding stuff from the children; a long-lost twin; etc.). That said, there were also some unique ideas. I point again to the intertwining of physics and actual science with the story. And, it at least felt like the author did some excellent research in preparing to write this.
For the most part, the book was well paced and there was plenty of action and magic. The plot is off to a good start and there’s lots of room for character development and a good base of it too. I am hard pressed to find much to criticize. While the earlier comparison to Harry Potter may seem like criticism, it isn’t. While there were similarities, there were also plenty of differences and nuisances that made it clear that even if JK Rowling’s wonderful works were inspiration, there is definitely a different story at work here. All the King Arthur mythology driving the story is a nice difference. And there was so much of it, given to us through the wonderful device of the Riddle’s Diary like book – we learn about Lancelot, Arthur, Cecily, Morgana, Camelot, Excalibur… and it is all now there ripe for the what ever plot points the next books need. This installment is clearly a set up for what I see goodreads has as two more books. And it was a well crafted start. The world building was just enough to set the tone and create a well developed picture but there is still room for so much more. There was only one thing that felt a tiny bit off, and that was around a decision of Peter’s – because I didn’t feel we (or Lily) had quite enough history with him to justify or expect certain self-destructive behavior. But that was easily forgotten and forgiven with the action that followed. I also think the action, the magical battle, was well paced and written and I can’t remember reading a battle that took so much care to explain it all and have everything line up, in quite some time. Well done!
Overall, I can’t wait to read the next installment.
I thought there were so many wonderful aspects of this story. The writing was good and the characters were believable. What was I excited about? Lots. While there are lots of things that reminded me a lot of Harry Potter, that was ok. Let’s face it, while teleportation (or Apparition as JKR calls it) isn’t exactly a concept unique to Harry Potter, the **crack** associated with that action is something that reminds me specifically of Harry Potter. Here’s what you get to read about (and what made me think of Harry Potter): magical creatures (the one nimbi reminded me so much of Peeves); battles with real swords and with magical force fields alike (a dime-a-dozen in this genre); a prophecy (Order of the Phoenix and Prof. Trelawney); a secret city – castle and all – in the middle of England that people can’t find or if they stumble on it, it looks old and run-down (Hogwarts or the Quidditch WC Field); books which show the reader things (Tom Riddle’s diary showing Harry the (planted) Aragog scene); magical coins that get warm under certain conditions (Dumbledore’s Army’s fake galleons); the Ancient Tongue (sounded a lot like various spells and charms – I was waiting for wingardium levosia); tapping the wall to enter the secret library (getting from the Leaky Cauldron to Diagon Alley); the Sorcerer’s Stone (do I really even need to do the comparison?) and the old grey haired wise man of Isdemus (Dumbledore, anyone?). And there were ideas that weren’t necessarily reminiscent of Harry Potter, but were certainly not new to the genre (multiple people the prophecy could be about, even at the book’s end; use of other dimensions; the trio of kids (Peter, Lily and Cole) who almost always seem to be 2 boys and 1 girl; parent’s hiding stuff from the children; a long-lost twin; etc.). That said, there were also some unique ideas. I point again to the intertwining of physics and actual science with the story. And, it at least felt like the author did some excellent research in preparing to write this.
For the most part, the book was well paced and there was plenty of action and magic. The plot is off to a good start and there’s lots of room for character development and a good base of it too. I am hard pressed to find much to criticize. While the earlier comparison to Harry Potter may seem like criticism, it isn’t. While there were similarities, there were also plenty of differences and nuisances that made it clear that even if JK Rowling’s wonderful works were inspiration, there is definitely a different story at work here. All the King Arthur mythology driving the story is a nice difference. And there was so much of it, given to us through the wonderful device of the Riddle’s Diary like book – we learn about Lancelot, Arthur, Cecily, Morgana, Camelot, Excalibur… and it is all now there ripe for the what ever plot points the next books need. This installment is clearly a set up for what I see goodreads has as two more books. And it was a well crafted start. The world building was just enough to set the tone and create a well developed picture but there is still room for so much more. There was only one thing that felt a tiny bit off, and that was around a decision of Peter’s – because I didn’t feel we (or Lily) had quite enough history with him to justify or expect certain self-destructive behavior. But that was easily forgotten and forgiven with the action that followed. I also think the action, the magical battle, was well paced and written and I can’t remember reading a battle that took so much care to explain it all and have everything line up, in quite some time. Well done!
Overall, I can’t wait to read the next installment.
August 20, 2014
More reviews on my blog, Exploring Pages.
Thank you Netgalley and Wunderlust Publishing for providing me with a copy of this book!
DNF at 55 %
Intangible is without a doubt, a book that holds great potential. It reminded me a lot of Rick Riordan's Percy Jackson series, and therefore it could have been the next big thing in the middle grade genre. Notice the emphasis I now put on 'could have been'. In a way I'm really sorry to say this, but this book was not my cup of tea.
When it comes to a fantasy novel I understand that it's necessary to focus on the world building. In this case, however, the author focused so much on the world, and seemed to have completely forgotten about the rest. Let's start off by saying how little plot there actually was to be found. It constantly involved the characters discussing things that were completely out of topic, shouting at each other, doing research and hearing about the Arthurian legends. It felt way too stretched out and started dragging after a while. I feel like the whole story could have been told in one book instead of stretching it out in order to have a series.
The characters in Intangible are likable, though that's where it ends. I didn't love or feel for any of them, even though there were some that were very interesting and I would have liked to learn more about. Others, on the other hand, were extremely annoying. The protagonist, in particular, was someone I really didn't care about. I've never had a thing for prodigies in books, but when that is combined with a boy who tries to push science into everything and explains everything by means of science. Everyone has a passion, but this went way too far for my enjoyment. After a while I wasn't afraid anymore to skip a few pages just because they were filled with Peter's scientific explanations. It did make Peter's character come across as realistic, which I must consider as a good thing. Also the fact that the author managed to combine fantasy and science is an important reason why so many people seem to like this book so much. Yet honestly, it really didn't do anything for me and became more and more annoying by the page.
The only thing I really did like about this book are the Arthurian legends it is based on. I've always had a weakness for mythology and folklore, and the story of Arthur is not an exception. This was my first read based on these legends, and I just adored that aspect of the book. The idea of an imaginary world which resembles a utopia with a lot of influences from that time made me want to pack my bags and go search for it, if I actually knew where to start looking.
I wanted to like this book so much, mainly because of the Camelot folklore, yet in the end there was nothing left that could possibly hold my attention. I couldn't get into it, and I don't think continuing would have helped. Intangible just did not live up to my expectations. Those reasons all together eventually turned out to be the main reason why I gave up on this book, and I'm sad I did.
"The Watchers have been protecting you to the best of our ability all your life, and have been watching for your birth for approximately 1500 years." Then he added pleasantly, "Would you like some coca?"
- C.A. Gray, Intangible
Thank you Netgalley and Wunderlust Publishing for providing me with a copy of this book!
DNF at 55 %
Intangible is without a doubt, a book that holds great potential. It reminded me a lot of Rick Riordan's Percy Jackson series, and therefore it could have been the next big thing in the middle grade genre. Notice the emphasis I now put on 'could have been'. In a way I'm really sorry to say this, but this book was not my cup of tea.
When it comes to a fantasy novel I understand that it's necessary to focus on the world building. In this case, however, the author focused so much on the world, and seemed to have completely forgotten about the rest. Let's start off by saying how little plot there actually was to be found. It constantly involved the characters discussing things that were completely out of topic, shouting at each other, doing research and hearing about the Arthurian legends. It felt way too stretched out and started dragging after a while. I feel like the whole story could have been told in one book instead of stretching it out in order to have a series.
The characters in Intangible are likable, though that's where it ends. I didn't love or feel for any of them, even though there were some that were very interesting and I would have liked to learn more about. Others, on the other hand, were extremely annoying. The protagonist, in particular, was someone I really didn't care about. I've never had a thing for prodigies in books, but when that is combined with a boy who tries to push science into everything and explains everything by means of science. Everyone has a passion, but this went way too far for my enjoyment. After a while I wasn't afraid anymore to skip a few pages just because they were filled with Peter's scientific explanations. It did make Peter's character come across as realistic, which I must consider as a good thing. Also the fact that the author managed to combine fantasy and science is an important reason why so many people seem to like this book so much. Yet honestly, it really didn't do anything for me and became more and more annoying by the page.
The only thing I really did like about this book are the Arthurian legends it is based on. I've always had a weakness for mythology and folklore, and the story of Arthur is not an exception. This was my first read based on these legends, and I just adored that aspect of the book. The idea of an imaginary world which resembles a utopia with a lot of influences from that time made me want to pack my bags and go search for it, if I actually knew where to start looking.
I wanted to like this book so much, mainly because of the Camelot folklore, yet in the end there was nothing left that could possibly hold my attention. I couldn't get into it, and I don't think continuing would have helped. Intangible just did not live up to my expectations. Those reasons all together eventually turned out to be the main reason why I gave up on this book, and I'm sad I did.
March 18, 2017
Thanks C.A. Gray for sending me her book, I loved it! Full review coming soon!
Update:
First of all, how gorgeous is this cover? I just love it so much.
Now, back to the story. I started this book with two different prejudices, the first being that I hoped I would like it better than The Liberty Box, and the second one being that I hoped I would like it because I love Arthurian legends and retellings. Well, I wasn't disappointed. This books takes the original legend as we more or less know it, and adds a twist. In modern day, people are waiting for the Child of the Prophecy to show up, a descendant of King Arthur who would finish the task his ancestor started.
Harry Potter feels set aside (the child of the prophecy, and the hidden magic mostly) this book was really fun, original and enjoyable. I really like the characters, especially Lily, who is really endearing and kind of relatable. Peter is clearly a hero-who-doesn't-want-to-be-one and won't believe he can be one anyway, and while it's not a very original position as a main character, it's fun to read because as a reader, we know he has to be the one (at least to some extent, because come on, the book wouldn't be about him anyway) but he keeps refusing it. I also really liked his dad, who believes anything is possible, and Cole, his best friend.
As for the story, I really enjoyed reading it. It's been a while since I last read or watched something related to King Arthur (since it was featured on OUAT I think) and it was really refreshing as I love these tales. I also found that the twist was interesting, and really fitted the original story. It just made sense, I guess.
What else can I say? I really enjoyed reading this book, I always wanted to know what would happen next, and I will have to pick the sequel very soon. The narration was compelling, and the story was full of unexpected twist. I would definitely recommend it!
Full review: https://clemisbookishworld.wordpress....
Update:
First of all, how gorgeous is this cover? I just love it so much.
Now, back to the story. I started this book with two different prejudices, the first being that I hoped I would like it better than The Liberty Box, and the second one being that I hoped I would like it because I love Arthurian legends and retellings. Well, I wasn't disappointed. This books takes the original legend as we more or less know it, and adds a twist. In modern day, people are waiting for the Child of the Prophecy to show up, a descendant of King Arthur who would finish the task his ancestor started.
Harry Potter feels set aside (the child of the prophecy, and the hidden magic mostly) this book was really fun, original and enjoyable. I really like the characters, especially Lily, who is really endearing and kind of relatable. Peter is clearly a hero-who-doesn't-want-to-be-one and won't believe he can be one anyway, and while it's not a very original position as a main character, it's fun to read because as a reader, we know he has to be the one (at least to some extent, because come on, the book wouldn't be about him anyway) but he keeps refusing it. I also really liked his dad, who believes anything is possible, and Cole, his best friend.
As for the story, I really enjoyed reading it. It's been a while since I last read or watched something related to King Arthur (since it was featured on OUAT I think) and it was really refreshing as I love these tales. I also found that the twist was interesting, and really fitted the original story. It just made sense, I guess.
What else can I say? I really enjoyed reading this book, I always wanted to know what would happen next, and I will have to pick the sequel very soon. The narration was compelling, and the story was full of unexpected twist. I would definitely recommend it!
Full review: https://clemisbookishworld.wordpress....
June 17, 2016
2.5 stars
Did I enjoy this book: I . . . I can’t tell if I’m supposed to take it seriously. I’m pretty sure it’s not supposed to be a parody, but it was hard not to get that vibe, especially when the teen whiz kids (who bear an eerie similarity to HP and his crew) save the universe by—oh god I don’t even want to type it—reversing the polarity of Avalon, which just happens to be a big castley blob of dark matter trapped between dimensions . . . I think Captain Picard might have a few things to say about that particular plot twist . . . Add to that some stuff that’ll make hardcore Arthurians’ heads spin (like, for example, a Guinevere who’s actually an evil spirit), and you’ll be just as genre confused as I am.
Oh, and Ms. Gray? I believe the word you’re looking for is “nunchacku” (or at the very least, “nunchucks”) — “numb chucks” are actually, if you can believe it, a group of unfeeling gentlemen who don’t capitalize their names.
Did I enjoy this book: I . . . I can’t tell if I’m supposed to take it seriously. I’m pretty sure it’s not supposed to be a parody, but it was hard not to get that vibe, especially when the teen whiz kids (who bear an eerie similarity to HP and his crew) save the universe by—oh god I don’t even want to type it—reversing the polarity of Avalon, which just happens to be a big castley blob of dark matter trapped between dimensions . . . I think Captain Picard might have a few things to say about that particular plot twist . . . Add to that some stuff that’ll make hardcore Arthurians’ heads spin (like, for example, a Guinevere who’s actually an evil spirit), and you’ll be just as genre confused as I am.
Oh, and Ms. Gray? I believe the word you’re looking for is “nunchacku” (or at the very least, “nunchucks”) — “numb chucks” are actually, if you can believe it, a group of unfeeling gentlemen who don’t capitalize their names.
August 31, 2016
This was a great read. The only other young adult fiction I've read recently has been the Harry Potter series, so I am tempted to compare this to that: the plot is more involved, the pacing is better, and the vision of the fantasy world is more articulated. The combination of physics and Arthurian legend are a lot of fun, and give it a sci-fi feel. The end of the book sets the scene for further plot and character development, so I'm looking forward to the sequels.
July 6, 2014
This series is perfect for the Harry Potter lover. An adventure right from the start! I quickly got through this one and couldn't wait to start the next book. I admire all the research and planning that the author must have done. Her ability to wind fact with fiction weaves a wonderful story.
October 24, 2018
Reviewed on NetGalley
December 31, 2013
Conflicting emotions, they're everywhere with this one!
And with that, let's begin the review, shall we?
Intangible is, quite simply, a unique, modern retelling of the old, well-renowned Arthurian legend. You know, with King Arthur, and Camelot and all that interesting stuff! With that alone, the plot line is very original and undeniably entertaining.
The prologue is possibly the best part about the opening of this book. When the first thing you read is of a car crash, there really isn't much you can do to resist reading on! The author has no intentions of losing borderline readers. I guess you could almost classify this as cheating, because straight after the prologue, we're taken back in time, to follow protagonist Peter through a few ordinary days of School, but you're still compelled to continue, nonetheless, because you've read that awesome prologue and are henceforth, hooked! Exactly like knowing something exciting is going to happen in the near future, yet unaware of when.
It's a good tactic nonetheless, on Gray's behalf, because it got me reading, even through the slow chapters.
Which brings me to the next topic; the plot. Remember at the start of this review, with the conflicting emotions? Yeah, this is the part it really kicks in.
Ultimately, you're aware that the book is based on the stories of King Arthur, and because of the prologue, you know it's definitely got the fantasy element, but sometimes, especially while reading the first part, you'd swear it was just about some science lover and his struggles through school! This really put me off, because on the one hand, I couldn't wait for all the exciting, fantasy stuff, but on the other, I couldn't see that ever happening either.
The confusing and slow-paced plot was definitely one of the book's biggest flaw for me. Fortunately, all that was forgotten about later on in the book!
Character development in 'Intangible', was the second thing that left me with conflicting emotions. Oh my God, was this a love-hate relationship!
First of all, I thought that the main character, Peter, was both awesome and irritating! As a fellow lover of science, his knowledge blew my mind! Like seriously, I had to collect and fix the pieces together again, all while reading on! Not a very easy task, trust me! But the extent to which his love for science dominated his personality was quite annoying. For one, he always had to be right. Even when we knew he was wrong, and the others knew he was wrong, and he knew he was wrong.. he still had to be right! His logical reasoning clashed with sudden, impulsive moments, and I have to say, it wasn't all too convincing.
But along with all those flaws, came his redeeming qualities. This kid is seriously one of the most stubborn characters you will come across! Haha. His stubbornness contributed to already mentioned need to be right, but more importantly, it showed us that he wasn't ready to be pushed around. Just take his punching Kane as a prime example. That took balls, which I think is necessary with a protagonist in this sort of story.
Other than Peter, I had no problems with any characters. They were all well developed, though that was limited, and I ended up liking them all! Even Brock!
Apart from the 'two sides of the same character' situation, the constantly varying point of views sometimes proved a source of conflict. I don't mean varying point of views as in a different character per chapter, I mean a different character per sentence. Okay, I confess to using hyperbole, but still, the book wasn't really set in the usual third person. I did some searching, and found that it's called 'third person omniscient', meaning that the author "not only reports the facts but may also interpret events and relate the thoughts and feelings of any character". This was a positive in that you were allowed insight into each of the characters, but negative in that the development of said characters was really limited, and the whole thing got a little confusing at times.
Whatever doubts I had during my read of this book, seemed to vanish as the book's ending neared. I can't even begin to explain how good the ending was! Descriptions of Carlion were good earlier on in the book, but pale in comparison to how well the author brought Avalon castle to life! C.A. Gray made Peter much more likable and realistic as the story unraveled, and the whole point of view thing turned out to really suit the epic battle between the nimbi and the penumbra, the good guys and the bad.
While I was left with conflicting emotions for the majority of the book, the ending totally made up for all that! I couldn't have been more satisfied, and eagerly await the sequel, 'Invincible'.
And with that, let's begin the review, shall we?
Intangible is, quite simply, a unique, modern retelling of the old, well-renowned Arthurian legend. You know, with King Arthur, and Camelot and all that interesting stuff! With that alone, the plot line is very original and undeniably entertaining.
The prologue is possibly the best part about the opening of this book. When the first thing you read is of a car crash, there really isn't much you can do to resist reading on! The author has no intentions of losing borderline readers. I guess you could almost classify this as cheating, because straight after the prologue, we're taken back in time, to follow protagonist Peter through a few ordinary days of School, but you're still compelled to continue, nonetheless, because you've read that awesome prologue and are henceforth, hooked! Exactly like knowing something exciting is going to happen in the near future, yet unaware of when.
It's a good tactic nonetheless, on Gray's behalf, because it got me reading, even through the slow chapters.
Which brings me to the next topic; the plot. Remember at the start of this review, with the conflicting emotions? Yeah, this is the part it really kicks in.
Ultimately, you're aware that the book is based on the stories of King Arthur, and because of the prologue, you know it's definitely got the fantasy element, but sometimes, especially while reading the first part, you'd swear it was just about some science lover and his struggles through school! This really put me off, because on the one hand, I couldn't wait for all the exciting, fantasy stuff, but on the other, I couldn't see that ever happening either.
The confusing and slow-paced plot was definitely one of the book's biggest flaw for me. Fortunately, all that was forgotten about later on in the book!
Character development in 'Intangible', was the second thing that left me with conflicting emotions. Oh my God, was this a love-hate relationship!
First of all, I thought that the main character, Peter, was both awesome and irritating! As a fellow lover of science, his knowledge blew my mind! Like seriously, I had to collect and fix the pieces together again, all while reading on! Not a very easy task, trust me! But the extent to which his love for science dominated his personality was quite annoying. For one, he always had to be right. Even when we knew he was wrong, and the others knew he was wrong, and he knew he was wrong.. he still had to be right! His logical reasoning clashed with sudden, impulsive moments, and I have to say, it wasn't all too convincing.
But along with all those flaws, came his redeeming qualities. This kid is seriously one of the most stubborn characters you will come across! Haha. His stubbornness contributed to already mentioned need to be right, but more importantly, it showed us that he wasn't ready to be pushed around. Just take his punching Kane as a prime example. That took balls, which I think is necessary with a protagonist in this sort of story.
Other than Peter, I had no problems with any characters. They were all well developed, though that was limited, and I ended up liking them all! Even Brock!
Apart from the 'two sides of the same character' situation, the constantly varying point of views sometimes proved a source of conflict. I don't mean varying point of views as in a different character per chapter, I mean a different character per sentence. Okay, I confess to using hyperbole, but still, the book wasn't really set in the usual third person. I did some searching, and found that it's called 'third person omniscient', meaning that the author "not only reports the facts but may also interpret events and relate the thoughts and feelings of any character". This was a positive in that you were allowed insight into each of the characters, but negative in that the development of said characters was really limited, and the whole thing got a little confusing at times.
Whatever doubts I had during my read of this book, seemed to vanish as the book's ending neared. I can't even begin to explain how good the ending was! Descriptions of Carlion were good earlier on in the book, but pale in comparison to how well the author brought Avalon castle to life! C.A. Gray made Peter much more likable and realistic as the story unraveled, and the whole point of view thing turned out to really suit the epic battle between the nimbi and the penumbra, the good guys and the bad.
While I was left with conflicting emotions for the majority of the book, the ending totally made up for all that! I couldn't have been more satisfied, and eagerly await the sequel, 'Invincible'.
September 14, 2015
1.5/5
Summed up in one sentence: Holy exposition, Batman!
Seriously, this was just a build up for the series. It was long and boring, and I never felt connected to any of the characters. No one was believable, and we had long sections of the King Arthur legends thrown in as backstory. I mean, I knew the story was influenced by the legends, but if I wanted to read them I'd go look for them. I just feel like we didn't need to be told the legends in order to understand the story. It wasn't the exact Arthurian legend, word for word, there was a bit of originality to it, but it just felt so out of place and with this being based on those legends it was odd. It just didn't work as well as I think the author wanted it to.
I have issues with our main character. He's this super smart genius who is under-challenged in school so he makes up his own experiments during science class. Honestly, he has Gary Stu written all over him. It wouldn't be so bad, if he wasn't crushing on the prettiest girl in school who he could never ever date because she's going out with the star football player (which I believe would actually be soccer to me as I am from America but that's not the point), who, by the way, is an absolute jerk to our beloved main character. But he's only a jerk because his father doesn't love him enough and expects too much from him, while Peter's dad is always there and believes in him even when Peter doesn't believe in himself!! Everyone just bothered me so much. Especially Isdemus, oh man. Whenever someone asks him a question, his answer is usually "I can't tell you that" or "Now's not the time for that discussion" when yes, now would be a very good time for that discussion. He's literally used just so we as readers don't get information too fast, which is fine and dandy if it were executed better. If a character is asking a question I'm asking myself and they get an answer like "Oh ho ho small child I'm sorry but we're not far enough along in the story for that revelation!!" I get very annoyed.
This book annoyed me a lot.
We started out with a prologue and I know a lot of people say prologues are awful and should never be used, but this time they're right. The prologue would have done so much better within the actual story. In fact, it DID happen in the actual story. The author took a snippet of the narrative and pushed it to the front, called it a prologue and that was that. It was okay when I read it, but when I caught up in the story, it was disconnected and just didn't flow well at all.
Then there's the surprise ending. I wouldn't even call it a surprise. It was more of a dumb cliche played poorly. While I didn't exactly see it coming, when it happened it was more of an "are you kidding me you actually went there" sort of reaction. I didn't think it could get any sappier, and then it did.
I have no desire to continue this series. I don't care if it gets better, this was just so annoying to read. I don't like the writing style, I don't care about any of the characters, it was so incredibly childish, yet I wouldn't even give it to my young cousin to read. I can enjoy childish books, when they're done right. This just wasn't done right. It clearly is setting up for something bigger, but it was full of so much exposition the story got lost.
Also, I'm never a fan of our main character who is clearly the plot point adamantly declaring they are not, in fact, the plot point. The story is about you. Of course you're going to be the chosen one. I'd rather not read an entire story about how you refuse to believe you're the chosen one, even after it being mostly proven you are.
Summed up in one sentence: Holy exposition, Batman!
Seriously, this was just a build up for the series. It was long and boring, and I never felt connected to any of the characters. No one was believable, and we had long sections of the King Arthur legends thrown in as backstory. I mean, I knew the story was influenced by the legends, but if I wanted to read them I'd go look for them. I just feel like we didn't need to be told the legends in order to understand the story. It wasn't the exact Arthurian legend, word for word, there was a bit of originality to it, but it just felt so out of place and with this being based on those legends it was odd. It just didn't work as well as I think the author wanted it to.
I have issues with our main character. He's this super smart genius who is under-challenged in school so he makes up his own experiments during science class. Honestly, he has Gary Stu written all over him. It wouldn't be so bad, if he wasn't crushing on the prettiest girl in school who he could never ever date because she's going out with the star football player (which I believe would actually be soccer to me as I am from America but that's not the point), who, by the way, is an absolute jerk to our beloved main character. But he's only a jerk because his father doesn't love him enough and expects too much from him, while Peter's dad is always there and believes in him even when Peter doesn't believe in himself!! Everyone just bothered me so much. Especially Isdemus, oh man. Whenever someone asks him a question, his answer is usually "I can't tell you that" or "Now's not the time for that discussion" when yes, now would be a very good time for that discussion. He's literally used just so we as readers don't get information too fast, which is fine and dandy if it were executed better. If a character is asking a question I'm asking myself and they get an answer like "Oh ho ho small child I'm sorry but we're not far enough along in the story for that revelation!!" I get very annoyed.
This book annoyed me a lot.
We started out with a prologue and I know a lot of people say prologues are awful and should never be used, but this time they're right. The prologue would have done so much better within the actual story. In fact, it DID happen in the actual story. The author took a snippet of the narrative and pushed it to the front, called it a prologue and that was that. It was okay when I read it, but when I caught up in the story, it was disconnected and just didn't flow well at all.
Then there's the surprise ending. I wouldn't even call it a surprise. It was more of a dumb cliche played poorly. While I didn't exactly see it coming, when it happened it was more of an "are you kidding me you actually went there" sort of reaction. I didn't think it could get any sappier, and then it did.
I have no desire to continue this series. I don't care if it gets better, this was just so annoying to read. I don't like the writing style, I don't care about any of the characters, it was so incredibly childish, yet I wouldn't even give it to my young cousin to read. I can enjoy childish books, when they're done right. This just wasn't done right. It clearly is setting up for something bigger, but it was full of so much exposition the story got lost.
Also, I'm never a fan of our main character who is clearly the plot point adamantly declaring they are not, in fact, the plot point. The story is about you. Of course you're going to be the chosen one. I'd rather not read an entire story about how you refuse to believe you're the chosen one, even after it being mostly proven you are.
July 11, 2014
Peter is a highly intelligent 14 year old with a lot of theories and not the best social life. He is firmly grounded in reality and has little time or patience for stories, legends of mythology
Lilly has seen the supernatural since she was a child, fully aware of the invisible spirits and creatures that lurk everywhere and have their coils in everyone.
Lilly gets confirmation that she is not actually insane while Peter has his world view shattered when they both find themselves under attack by unknown forces – and the very centre of an an epic prophecy that dates back to Arthurian times – they may be the lynch pin in an invisible war for humanity that has been raging for centuries.
This book seems to be the first book in a series and I think it has fallen into the trap that many first books do – it’s far more concerned with introducing the world and the characters than it is with actually telling a story. A huge amount of this book is exposition, character development (though not so much of that) and world building (and world revelation) without any particular adherence to the story. There are times when the exposition is delivered in great big info dumps or long mental rambles that feel like lectures (well, in some cases, actually are lectures) more than actually telling a story. We have a few peaks of action but the rest is revelation and info reveal.
The world building is intriguing, the different magic system, the history, the Arthurian legend all comes together to be a fairly original world setting with really high potential. The invisible world, the different kind of spirits, what they can do, the underlying war and the hidden side community. I also like how it drew in scientific principles into its magic – it really is an excellent world and concept.
I do think there were some elements that could have been addressed more – like it’s said that people don’t invent things to make people’s gifts obsolete and that most people don’t push their gifts – that sounds like a recipe for a very very stagnant society.
But it doesn’t always hold together well. Like the hidden community has a rather utopian sharing of resources, everyone contributes to the whole and they don’t have currency – then they have a shop with a sale. Or there’s a point made on how Arthurian legends are true because so many cultures have the stories… but they don’t. Arthurian legends are a British and (later) French thing which have entered more wider popular culture, but you’d be hard pressed to point to even a Europe-wide collection of Arthurian legend, let alone world wide. This book is also set in England and generally does a decent job of that – but if you are English you are going to have moments of “huh? Oh, American author…” they’re not as jarring as several I’ve seen, but they’re still there.
Read More
Lilly has seen the supernatural since she was a child, fully aware of the invisible spirits and creatures that lurk everywhere and have their coils in everyone.
Lilly gets confirmation that she is not actually insane while Peter has his world view shattered when they both find themselves under attack by unknown forces – and the very centre of an an epic prophecy that dates back to Arthurian times – they may be the lynch pin in an invisible war for humanity that has been raging for centuries.
This book seems to be the first book in a series and I think it has fallen into the trap that many first books do – it’s far more concerned with introducing the world and the characters than it is with actually telling a story. A huge amount of this book is exposition, character development (though not so much of that) and world building (and world revelation) without any particular adherence to the story. There are times when the exposition is delivered in great big info dumps or long mental rambles that feel like lectures (well, in some cases, actually are lectures) more than actually telling a story. We have a few peaks of action but the rest is revelation and info reveal.
The world building is intriguing, the different magic system, the history, the Arthurian legend all comes together to be a fairly original world setting with really high potential. The invisible world, the different kind of spirits, what they can do, the underlying war and the hidden side community. I also like how it drew in scientific principles into its magic – it really is an excellent world and concept.
I do think there were some elements that could have been addressed more – like it’s said that people don’t invent things to make people’s gifts obsolete and that most people don’t push their gifts – that sounds like a recipe for a very very stagnant society.
But it doesn’t always hold together well. Like the hidden community has a rather utopian sharing of resources, everyone contributes to the whole and they don’t have currency – then they have a shop with a sale. Or there’s a point made on how Arthurian legends are true because so many cultures have the stories… but they don’t. Arthurian legends are a British and (later) French thing which have entered more wider popular culture, but you’d be hard pressed to point to even a Europe-wide collection of Arthurian legend, let alone world wide. This book is also set in England and generally does a decent job of that – but if you are English you are going to have moments of “huh? Oh, American author…” they’re not as jarring as several I’ve seen, but they’re still there.
Read More
January 1, 2014
I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Arthurian legends have never interested me in the slightest. In fact up until now, all I could have to you about King Arthur is that he had something to do with a round table. And so when I received this book I can tell you that if I had anything else on hand to read, reading this book would have been postponed. However, I was very pleasantly shocked by this book!
The novel follows a modern-day 14 year old science nerd called Peter, who after an "accident" caused by a stranger, finds out that all of the bedtime stories told by his father were true. If you are a bit hesitant to read about a 14 year old boy, I initially felt the same, but my opinion quickly changed. Regardless of age and gender, I still think you can enjoy this book. Having never read any books based around Arthurian legends, I found the story line very unique. And because of this it was a very refreshing change from books that I usually read.
The characters were fantastic in the sense that they were believable. Their reactions to things that were happening and what they were discovering were all understandable. I quite liked Peter as the hero of the story because growing up he wouldn't have seemed very heroic with him being a weedy unpopular kid. (Who doesn't like an underdog?) The only thing remarkable about him was his extreme intelligence. His knowledge of science actually played into the story very well as it was used to somehow make the fantasy element logical. Peter wasn't the only interesting character, others were also great such as Lily, a girl who had dealt seeing things that no one else could her whole life and yet still remained a strong girl who was very sure of herself and her sanity.
Gray created a world so believable that at times I had to remind myself that I was reading fiction. Remind myself that there is no "Ancient Tongue" for me to control things and no little invisible creatures wrapped around me telling me what to think (and I am still reassuring myself of this now). I have a lot of reverence for Gray for truly making you consider that anything is possible.
What was also nice about this book was that it wasn't completely predictable. While I admit I did partially guess what the twist at the end was, it didn't occur to me until very near the end. One thing that does irk me a bit, was that it was never made clear who was aware of this twist (for example, if the others involved knew about it). Hopefully that will become clear in the next book.
Speaking of the end, I can't decide whether I am very disappointed with it, or I admire Gray for finding a way of definitely getting me to read the next book. At any rate, I will certainly be reading the rest of the series when it becomes available.
If you haven't read this book, you should give it a shot.
Arthurian legends have never interested me in the slightest. In fact up until now, all I could have to you about King Arthur is that he had something to do with a round table. And so when I received this book I can tell you that if I had anything else on hand to read, reading this book would have been postponed. However, I was very pleasantly shocked by this book!
The novel follows a modern-day 14 year old science nerd called Peter, who after an "accident" caused by a stranger, finds out that all of the bedtime stories told by his father were true. If you are a bit hesitant to read about a 14 year old boy, I initially felt the same, but my opinion quickly changed. Regardless of age and gender, I still think you can enjoy this book. Having never read any books based around Arthurian legends, I found the story line very unique. And because of this it was a very refreshing change from books that I usually read.
The characters were fantastic in the sense that they were believable. Their reactions to things that were happening and what they were discovering were all understandable. I quite liked Peter as the hero of the story because growing up he wouldn't have seemed very heroic with him being a weedy unpopular kid. (Who doesn't like an underdog?) The only thing remarkable about him was his extreme intelligence. His knowledge of science actually played into the story very well as it was used to somehow make the fantasy element logical. Peter wasn't the only interesting character, others were also great such as Lily, a girl who had dealt seeing things that no one else could her whole life and yet still remained a strong girl who was very sure of herself and her sanity.
Gray created a world so believable that at times I had to remind myself that I was reading fiction. Remind myself that there is no "Ancient Tongue" for me to control things and no little invisible creatures wrapped around me telling me what to think (and I am still reassuring myself of this now). I have a lot of reverence for Gray for truly making you consider that anything is possible.
What was also nice about this book was that it wasn't completely predictable. While I admit I did partially guess what the twist at the end was, it didn't occur to me until very near the end. One thing that does irk me a bit, was that it was never made clear who was aware of this twist (for example, if the others involved knew about it). Hopefully that will become clear in the next book.
Speaking of the end, I can't decide whether I am very disappointed with it, or I admire Gray for finding a way of definitely getting me to read the next book. At any rate, I will certainly be reading the rest of the series when it becomes available.
If you haven't read this book, you should give it a shot.
December 10, 2015
I received this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This review was originally posted on my blog, Paperbacks & Protagonists.
Arthurian legends have always been an interest of mine – not that I can tell you anything about them to be honest. Except for the fact that King Arthur had a round table and that his Queen consort was named Guinevere…but anyway, I digress.
When I received this book, I fell in love with the synopsis but was worried how the story would turn out. The cover isn’t that good looking and I had never heard of C. A. Gray before. Thankfully, I was pleasantly surprised by this story.
Intangible follows a fourteen-year-old science enthusiast named Peter, who, after an ‘accident’, discovers that all of the bedtime stories he was told as a child are actually true. Upon beginning this book, I was intrigued by reading a male protagonist as it has been a while since I last read a book where one featured. I was a bit hesitant about the story also because of Peter’s age. However, it soon became apparent that all my worrying was for nothing.
Being based around Arthurian legends gives this book the uniqueness that so many YA readers and writers crave for.
I loved each of the characters. They were very believable and hence realistic. Their reactions and to what was happening and to what they were discovering were understandable and relatable. I enjoyed the fact that Peter, the hero of the story, was in actual fact an underdog. His knowledge of science played well into the storyline, making some of the fantasy elements seem logical.
Lily was another great character. She was sure of herself and her sanity even though she had dealt with seeing things that others can’t her whole life.
In fact, Gray’s writing was so superb that I had to remind myself that what I was reading is fictional and not real life. It is the type of writing that makes you think anything is possible, and that is what I loved about it.
Although Intangible did contain elements of predictability, it wasn’t full of it. The plot twist at the end was mysterious – I still cannot figure out who in the book was aware of it. Hopefully this will be cleared up in the next book which I will definitely be reading and hopefully reviewing.
Upon finishing this book, I was slightly disappointed, but I think that’s another thing that makes me want to continue the series.
Overall, Intangible was a really fun read and probably one of the best debut’s that I've had the chance to read. If you’re thinking about picking it up, I highly recommend you to do so.
This review was originally posted on my blog, Paperbacks & Protagonists.
Arthurian legends have always been an interest of mine – not that I can tell you anything about them to be honest. Except for the fact that King Arthur had a round table and that his Queen consort was named Guinevere…but anyway, I digress.
When I received this book, I fell in love with the synopsis but was worried how the story would turn out. The cover isn’t that good looking and I had never heard of C. A. Gray before. Thankfully, I was pleasantly surprised by this story.
Intangible follows a fourteen-year-old science enthusiast named Peter, who, after an ‘accident’, discovers that all of the bedtime stories he was told as a child are actually true. Upon beginning this book, I was intrigued by reading a male protagonist as it has been a while since I last read a book where one featured. I was a bit hesitant about the story also because of Peter’s age. However, it soon became apparent that all my worrying was for nothing.
Being based around Arthurian legends gives this book the uniqueness that so many YA readers and writers crave for.
I loved each of the characters. They were very believable and hence realistic. Their reactions and to what was happening and to what they were discovering were understandable and relatable. I enjoyed the fact that Peter, the hero of the story, was in actual fact an underdog. His knowledge of science played well into the storyline, making some of the fantasy elements seem logical.
Lily was another great character. She was sure of herself and her sanity even though she had dealt with seeing things that others can’t her whole life.
In fact, Gray’s writing was so superb that I had to remind myself that what I was reading is fictional and not real life. It is the type of writing that makes you think anything is possible, and that is what I loved about it.
Although Intangible did contain elements of predictability, it wasn’t full of it. The plot twist at the end was mysterious – I still cannot figure out who in the book was aware of it. Hopefully this will be cleared up in the next book which I will definitely be reading and hopefully reviewing.
Upon finishing this book, I was slightly disappointed, but I think that’s another thing that makes me want to continue the series.
Overall, Intangible was a really fun read and probably one of the best debut’s that I've had the chance to read. If you’re thinking about picking it up, I highly recommend you to do so.
December 17, 2014
Received a copy via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
If you're a fan of the Harry Potter series and are familiar with the Arthurian legend, then you'll love this book! As a HUGE Potterhead I instantly fell in love with Gray's style of storytelling--this was a seriously irresistible coming-of-age fantasy adventure! Can't stress this enough: Harry Potter + Arthurian Legend = AWESOME Sauce!!!
I was slightly busier than usual, so it took me a bit longer to finish. But I thought the pacing was perfect. I was able to pick it up and jump right back into the action. Every time I had to put it down, all I could do was think about how badly I wanted to find out what happened next. You could tell this book was well researched and thought out. Nothing felt rushed. The twists and turns were fun and very surprising. Ms. Gray did a beautiful job of blending the reality and fantasy worlds together and the exposition was handled in an extremely entertaining manner. So often you can get caught up in the tiny details of explaining your world. Gray nailed it.
What was really interesting is that the main characters aren't all that loveable right off the bat. They're awkward--a little lost. Anti-heroes of a sort. Particularly Brock and Peter. Realistic! But I just loved seeing each and every one of these characters go through a journey or growth and self-discovery. I felt compelled to root for these kids.
"Intangible" is smart, very well written, and a heap of fun! Very much looking forward to the next installment.
If you're a fan of the Harry Potter series and are familiar with the Arthurian legend, then you'll love this book! As a HUGE Potterhead I instantly fell in love with Gray's style of storytelling--this was a seriously irresistible coming-of-age fantasy adventure! Can't stress this enough: Harry Potter + Arthurian Legend = AWESOME Sauce!!!
I was slightly busier than usual, so it took me a bit longer to finish. But I thought the pacing was perfect. I was able to pick it up and jump right back into the action. Every time I had to put it down, all I could do was think about how badly I wanted to find out what happened next. You could tell this book was well researched and thought out. Nothing felt rushed. The twists and turns were fun and very surprising. Ms. Gray did a beautiful job of blending the reality and fantasy worlds together and the exposition was handled in an extremely entertaining manner. So often you can get caught up in the tiny details of explaining your world. Gray nailed it.
What was really interesting is that the main characters aren't all that loveable right off the bat. They're awkward--a little lost. Anti-heroes of a sort. Particularly Brock and Peter. Realistic! But I just loved seeing each and every one of these characters go through a journey or growth and self-discovery. I felt compelled to root for these kids.
"Intangible" is smart, very well written, and a heap of fun! Very much looking forward to the next installment.
December 27, 2013
I'm not usually one for fantasy novels because they tend to get really technical at times, but this novel had just the right amount of information without bogging down the storyline. Each character had a little something that kept you interested in their day to day lives.
Peter is wise beyond his years and extremely smart, and this causes a lot of problems along the way. Lily is an extraordinary girl who can see things that others cannot and this at times makes her feel like she is going crazy. I don't want to give too much away, but I will say this was a page-turner. I was immediately drawn into the different aspects of the Arthurian side of things and loved the concept of shadow figures around humans controlling them.
This gave the story a unique twist, in my opinion, and kept things interesting, C. A Gray really knows how to keep you guessing. I loved that this story was left open-ended. Hopefully, more books are on the horizon.
This is a book that will appeal to young and adult alike. I gave this book 5 stars. I'm looking forward to more from this author.
5 Stars
Billie Jo
Peter is wise beyond his years and extremely smart, and this causes a lot of problems along the way. Lily is an extraordinary girl who can see things that others cannot and this at times makes her feel like she is going crazy. I don't want to give too much away, but I will say this was a page-turner. I was immediately drawn into the different aspects of the Arthurian side of things and loved the concept of shadow figures around humans controlling them.
This gave the story a unique twist, in my opinion, and kept things interesting, C. A Gray really knows how to keep you guessing. I loved that this story was left open-ended. Hopefully, more books are on the horizon.
This is a book that will appeal to young and adult alike. I gave this book 5 stars. I'm looking forward to more from this author.
5 Stars
Billie Jo
November 18, 2013
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Honestly, cannot fault this novel. It was a unique take on many overheard legends, and had an astonishingly large amount of detail. It must have taken a long time to come up with all the small details, maybe even longer than it took coming up with the idea...
The characters were well constructed and entirely believable. The plot was also, and I found myself checking behind me to see whether I had a penumbra or not! It was just the right amount of scary, yet I was still able to get to sleep... eventually...
I absolutely loved the concept of the novel, and wish there was more to read as it didn't get boring at all. The only negative thing I can say about this novel is that it wasn't long enough!
Overall, I would strongly urge anyone and everyone to read this book as the plot was great, the characters, the dialogue, the emotion, just everything! I guarantee this book will leave you hooked and awaiting the sequel
Honestly, cannot fault this novel. It was a unique take on many overheard legends, and had an astonishingly large amount of detail. It must have taken a long time to come up with all the small details, maybe even longer than it took coming up with the idea...
The characters were well constructed and entirely believable. The plot was also, and I found myself checking behind me to see whether I had a penumbra or not! It was just the right amount of scary, yet I was still able to get to sleep... eventually...
I absolutely loved the concept of the novel, and wish there was more to read as it didn't get boring at all. The only negative thing I can say about this novel is that it wasn't long enough!
Overall, I would strongly urge anyone and everyone to read this book as the plot was great, the characters, the dialogue, the emotion, just everything! I guarantee this book will leave you hooked and awaiting the sequel
January 16, 2014
I was very excited to start reading this book and I must say that I was not disappointed! The mix of modern science with the tales of King Arthur and Excalibur made for very interesting reading. I didn't always get the scientific references, and lucky for me neither did some of the characters, so the author was able to cleverly explain those references in plain English without being too obvious.
The cast of characters contains a good mix of jock, geek, devoted best friend and new girl. While the main focus is on Peter, the loveable science nerd who can't seem to stay out of trouble, I felt that the other characters were well rounded.
The story is fast paced and full of plenty of action and twists and turns. I was so engrossed in the story that I didn't want it to end. I can't wait for #2!
Disclaimer: I received this book from the author free of charge in exchange for an honest review.
The cast of characters contains a good mix of jock, geek, devoted best friend and new girl. While the main focus is on Peter, the loveable science nerd who can't seem to stay out of trouble, I felt that the other characters were well rounded.
The story is fast paced and full of plenty of action and twists and turns. I was so engrossed in the story that I didn't want it to end. I can't wait for #2!
Disclaimer: I received this book from the author free of charge in exchange for an honest review.
January 12, 2014
Intangible is an intriguing reimagining of fantasy legend through the lens of particle physics. They don't beat you over the head with the science (but props to the MacGyver reference in Chapter 1!), but it's an intriguing idea that leads to some fun twists on the fight scenes, which are more interesting because they are team-oriented (think Avengers or Xmen). Intangible was a fun read. I felt like it went deeper into some of the Arthurian legends than I'd gone before. I couldn't always tell where the original legends left off and CA Gray's take kicked in, which wound up being part of the charm for me. Looking forward to the next part of the trilogy. If there's a downside to having so many important characters, it's that they haven't all received complete character development yet. I'm hoping to get a little more insight into those characters and histories in book 2.
November 19, 2013
A real page-turner! I was hooked from the start. Frankly I wasn’t interested in Arthurian legends until I started reading Intangible. Gray obviously spent a lot of time on research and weaved the legends into a well-crafted story that made it all come alive. I liked the characters, especially Lily. We are left wondering ‘who is the prophecy about?’ Peter, Lily, Kane or somebody else? Kane is trying to be somebody important and is afraid he isn’t. Lily, the foster child with a tragic past, always thought she was crazy but now knows that the prenumbra are real. Scientifically-minded Peter is in for the shock of his life as he discovers the hidden city just down the road. Creative, fun, intriguing and clean enough for a family read. 5 stars!
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April 5, 2014I received this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
There was nothing I disliked about this book, it just wasnt my cup of tea. I think the characters and premise were interesting. I just couldn't get into this book. Maybe the character was a little too young for my liking. I like more of a romance to my novels. It is just a preference. I havent gotten into the fantasy genre yet. Hopefully at some point Fantasy will interest me and when it does I will def. come back to this novel...
There was nothing I disliked about this book, it just wasnt my cup of tea. I think the characters and premise were interesting. I just couldn't get into this book. Maybe the character was a little too young for my liking. I like more of a romance to my novels. It is just a preference. I havent gotten into the fantasy genre yet. Hopefully at some point Fantasy will interest me and when it does I will def. come back to this novel...
July 6, 2016
Intangible was intriguing! Wonderfully written and entertaining. It took me longer than usual to read this book because it wasn’t fast paced nor was it very captivating for me. Some have mentioned it was a page turner and that just wasn’t the case for me. It was slow and steady throughout. And at first I thought that was a bad thing. After finishing it, I can honestly say I sincerely enjoyed it and the pacing. I can’t wait to read the rest of the series.
I received a free digital copy from the author via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I received a free digital copy from the author via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
March 26, 2014
This story is if Harry Potter were an Arthurian legend plus Quantum Mechanics; the perfect blend of fantasy and science! I love that the explanations for all the "magic" are scientific, this magical world has real laws and limitations. The main character, Peter, is a skeptic so the reader is made to believe in what is happening along with him. Lily is my favorite, she gives a whole new meaning to manic pixie girl!
I loved this book and I have already recommended it to my friends. I can't wait to read book two!
I loved this book and I have already recommended it to my friends. I can't wait to read book two!
January 18, 2014
I just love this book. The plots are wonderfully written.The Arthurian Legend interested me. I've never known about that legend until I read Intangible. My favourite chracter is Lily, the foster child. She had a tragic past and always thought that she's the only one that can see creatures that are invinsible to others until she met Peter and his father. Suitable for those who love paranormal stories.
*I got this ebook from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
*I got this ebook from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
August 9, 2015
5 out of 5 stars
LOVED this book! I'm reading through the series and I love them just as much! I am normally not a fantasy reader, but Gray has won me over with her incredible writing style and her unique ideas.
I highly recommend Gray and this series.
*A complementary copy was given by the publisher for an honest review*
Pippa, My Secret Book Spot
LOVED this book! I'm reading through the series and I love them just as much! I am normally not a fantasy reader, but Gray has won me over with her incredible writing style and her unique ideas.
I highly recommend Gray and this series.
*A complementary copy was given by the publisher for an honest review*
Pippa, My Secret Book Spot
December 8, 2013
This book hooked me from the start! Gray is a natural, & somehow seamlessly combines fantasy, Arthurian legends, dark matter & string theory into a compelling tale. I couldn't put it down!
June 30, 2014
I received a free copy of this ebook from the author.
I loved this book. The Arthurian legends really interested me the most. I wish we got to see / hear more of the nimbi but overall a great book.
I loved this book. The Arthurian legends really interested me the most. I wish we got to see / hear more of the nimbi but overall a great book.
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