The Proem

The Nome Chronicles #0.5

by F.F. John

Neith expects her future partner to be someone whose wealth and position will benefit her powerful family. That is, until she meets Invier. The moment he expresses his desire to spend his life with her, Neith's world turns upside down.

There's a complication, however - Invier doesn’t come from an acceptable family and in a world where status is key, such a marital and business alliance would backfire. Neith's father would never tolerate it. Rivals would interpret a partnership with a family of such low-standing as an opportunity to crush her family.

Although their feelings for each other are strong, they quickly realize a relationship won't be an easy feat. Can they overcome personal concerns and rivals poised to keep them apart?

The Proem is a prequel short story to The Pursual, Book 1 of The Nome Chronicles series. The story introduces readers to the beginning of Neith and Invier’s romance and the challenges that lie ahead.

Explore this fast-moving young adult dystopian romance today.

Genres: Young Adult, Dystopia

103 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2017

About the author

As a child, F. F. John was an incredibly inquisitive and she was encouraged to find answers in books. When she’d read everything her home had to offer and there was no more space in the house to accommodate additional books, her mother told her to write her own stories. So, she did.

Today, she continues to create worlds of characters that have a lot to say about everything. And she lets them do just that. They tend to give answers to the riddles she’s yet to solve.

F. F. John is a lover of books, films and people. She's the author of The Nome Chronicles, a young adult dystopian series, and LegionBorn, an action-packed urban fantasy series.

Reviews

[Bobbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked the main characters Neith and Bel, and the society and the traditions in which they live . It's a good beginning to this series. I want to read more.

[Clare O'Beara · Rating 3 out of 5]

From first to last the girl in this short story can't stop thinking about Pairing and the right man for her, with mansions, councils and parties. She is self obsessed and only meets the wealthy in her normal life. At sixteen she's not setting the boundaries for achievement very high.
The author has clearly put a lot of work in to creating a courtly world like the privileged of Russia before the revolution. Indeed we hear of rebels, and glimpse miners. But nothing much seems to happen and I suppose that as this is a prequel we are just being introduced to the world before the story gets under way.
Although it's not very long, for me the tale dragged a bit, but if you have read the rest of the series you will probably enjoy it more. Also this is written in blog style with no indents for the start of paragraphs and a blank line between paragraphs. Ths makes it look like a report rather then fiction.
I availed of a free download offer. This is an unbiased review.

[Marina · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the prequel to Pursual and a wonderful book. The title attracted me. It's obvious that everything is well thought through. That's something I appreciate very much. I read the prequel before The Pursual and I'd recommend that order. Both titles are smart and interesting. Reading the beginning I expected it to focus on someone else, yet it was a good way to lead to the beginning of Neith and Invier's story. It is not a simple love story. It shows how difficult the pressure from society and family can be. And most of all how important it is to have freedom of choice and to fight for what you really want. The latter is something we see in Invier. Both Neith and Invier have different approaches to be able to stay together.
I enjoyed reading this and can highly recommend it. You shouldn't miss neither book in this series.

[Sandra "Jeanz" · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the society and all its rules and tradition. Already adore the main characters of Neith and Bel. Looking forward to reading more of this series!

[Hyacinth · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the prequel. It reminded me of another series that I've read but I can't remember the name of it. I would like to see what becomes of Neith and Invier.

[Candice Waite · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not for me

I received this book for an honest review. The idea sounded interesting however I found myself disliking the main character. She is a spoiled girl who thinks she should get everything she wants. I found myself skimming instead of being caught up in the story. It might be helpful for the glossary to be at the start of the book instead of the end to help you understand the world the author is trying to create. I'm sure others will fall in love with this story, it just wasn't for me.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a sweet love story that provides background for the series The Nome Chronicles (see my separate review of The Pursual, the first full book in this series). Has much of the tragic aura of Romeo & Juliet, but with the trappings of the Nome society. As such, an obscure old custom is revived, which may allow the lovers to be together. Excellent background for the first book!

[Chrissie · Rating 3 out of 5]

More like a 3.5, the reason for the rating is because this book was a bit slow moving until the last few chapters. There were also a bunch of typos, a lot of the sentences made no sense because of the typos, there were extra words, missing words, wrong words, it made it hard to read at some points.

[Melody Spencer · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very unique and interesting story. This prequel is a little complex with its wording but once you get into the characters and their customs it is an excellent read.

[Lady The Owls · Rating 3 out of 5]

Futuristic Society Rules & Customs

Story was okay. It is kind out of what I usually read. I will be reading the next book in the series.

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing beginning to a great series. Loved it and looking forward to more.

[Annemarie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading about the society described in this book and loved the world building. But the insta-love, oh gosh, the insta-love.

[Zrinka Jelic · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting take on futuristic society with old world societal rules when it came to choosing the life mates for those coming of age. Neith never gave it much thought, believed she'd be matched to best of her father's ability in order to expand his wealth and business. Marriage matches were just that, business deals. Along came Invier, a boy from much lower houses than hers, something like six houses below. Such match was never done or even heard of. Now, Neith must find a way to make her father match her with him. There is only one way but that practice was long abandoned. She must convince her father and Invier to agree to her wishes and resurrect the practice. Would Invier comply?