Leah Parker is resilient and hardworking. She’d always prided herself in maintaining a level head, even under pressure. Everything changes when she begins to see strange apparitions and hear ghostly voices on the morning of her birthday.
In a blink of the eyes, Leah’s life takes a drastic turn that spirals her into the unknown. Something is out to get her, but she’s unsure if she’s losing her mind, or the faces and demands of the dead are real. Unable to find the answers she needs, she has no choice but to rely on ex-best friend, Brandon Morris, for help.
But as she will soon discover, Brandon has his own secrets. Some of which defy logic and only add to the mystery surrounding Leah. And mix feelings between the two complicate matters by getting in the way of what they really want, and what they must do.
Can Brandon lighten the load on her by figuring out what or who wants her dead? Or will their past history get in the way of the storm brewing just beyond Leah’s grasp?
Kristy Centeno loves to spin tales of creatures that go bump in the night, with a sprinkle of romance to top them off. Her passion for writing stems from a lifelong enjoyment of reading and the pleasure derived from the magical worlds created by authors like her. She prefers her female leads strong, independent, and stubborn who will stop at nothing to save their loved ones and protect those they care for.
Kristy currently resides in Pennsylvania with her five kids, a quartet of noisy parakeets, and a spoiled puppy. When she’s not working or writing, she juggles her free time between raising a handful of minions and pursuing other career goals.
I was apprehensive when I started with this series. Reading the synopsis about the book, I was a little put off because it sounded like a ghost story. I am not into ghost stories. I was pleasantly surprised that is was more than just ghosts. I’m afraid if it would have been what I feared it was, I would have stopped reading it. But thankfully it turned out to be something completely different. I like when books surprise me.
Leah, the lead female in this story, is your average 21 year old auburn haired college student. She comes from a not so lovely family. Her mother despises her and blames her for the death of her father. She is utterly alone in the sense of family, but she is determined to make it on her own. Her life was going great until she got stuck on an assignment with the feared Brandon Morris. Her life became complicated the day of her 21st birthday with the sudden appearances of these ghostly images and the reunion with Brandon on an assignment the two of them wanted nothing to do with. I love the personality of Leah and her conflict between doing what is right in her heart and struggling to do what is expected of her. The self-turmoil is easily relatable and something many young adults in her position are faced with. Especially the peer pressure when it comes to bullying and having to make the right decision to protect oneself but also protect someone that is faced with being bullied.
Brandon Morris, long time ex friend of Leah and the epitome of gothic. His long black hair adds to his sexy blue eyes and pale skin giving him the edge that bring a different light to the term goth. His appearance and his inner personality are two different characteristics you would think go together. Brandon has an outer shell he has crafter to protect himself from the constant bullies he has lived with since his early childhood, but deep down he is tender, kind, loving, and big hearted. This is what I love most about his character. His ability to understand and forgive is amazing. He was best friends with Leah as childhood friends but they grew apart when bullying became so overwhelming that Leah was faced with the same problems. In an effort to protect herself she abandons Brandon and he understand and forgives her because he cares too much for her to be hurt in the ways he was hurting. What a fabulous character this author created with Brandon. Things get complicated though when the two are reunited for a class project.
I was excited to discover there was more to this ghost story than being haunted. Sadly it took 65 percent of the book before it got anywhere near interesting on the supernatural scale. I thought for the whole first half that maybe it was just a regular love story that blossoms back between old friends. It was slow to pick up interest and I wish that the author spent a little less time going to behavioral classes and picked up the pace a bit more with the plot.
The one major problem I had with this story was the over use of name calling. It was like Brandon and Leah were constantly saying one another’s names. It became a bit redundant. I also don’t understand the random insert of vampires into this story. It was a bit odd and they didn’t fit. Maybe it fits in later, but for me the lack of supporting character development outside of Brandon and Leah was disappointing and the oddity of vampires in this world doesn’t add up.
I was originally going to give this book a 3 star rating, but changed my mind towards the end to give it 4 stars since the ending picked back up to pull my interest in for the next book in the series. Let’s hope book two isn’t as slow as book one.
People who just rate books and leave are really doing a disservice to authors. If you loved it, say why. If you liked it, say why. If you didn’t like it, take the time to be respectful and say why. As for me, I loved this book. I don’t think the errors should be placed on the author’s shoulders but her publishers. Given the chance to have correctly edited this piece, it would’ve been easily one of the most popular books out there. This author deserves credit for the effort she put into her work. She has such a great imagination and such a detailed and in depth story. I’m sorry there wasn’t more. I’ve never wanted to continue reading a book so badly. It stopped too soon. Don’t let the one negative review dissuade you from reading this book. If you can look at what’s beyond in front of you, you’ll find a nice story with high emotions and suspense. Mrs. Centeno took some of the greatest preternatural creatures and placed them in a sub-world of ours, living unbeknownst among humans. Enchanters are just a small but dying group of them. Leah, although a little hard to believe where her actions come from, had fallen in love with an Enchanter and given a glimpse inside a world she doesn’t belong. I laughed at some of the spots in the book. It was interesting how she portrayed some of the oldest creatures of myth. I was also very intrigued when reading the story as a whole. I had formed my idea of what would happen around page fifty then endured more than seventy pages of story before the last thirty which was really information she could’ve added more to. I feel this story wasn’t finished and the author certainly could’ve spent more time on some areas, and a little less on others. But the premise of the story is what I fell in love with. It’s that premise and the authors imagination that will keep me coming back to read more of her work. It was truly an enjoyable read. That’s why I’m giving it 4 stars. No, it’s not perfect and I wholeheartedly believe this is beyond the author’s fault. I hope that, should you give this book a chance, you'll fall in love as much as I did.
*Note: I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Well written combined with a gripping plot gives us an entertaining YA Paranormal Romance book the 'Enchanter'. I first need to congratulate the author on her choice for the book cover it says it all. Captivating the mind in its simplicity as you wonder what secretes it keeps within its pages. Well paced and a fast read with good build up to the end, an end that hopefully will not be the end since there was still a few questions unanswered. Well #1 in the beginning does indicate that much, so I for one will be looking forward to read the rest of the books out of this author's pen. A gripping love story sending out a clear message not being judgmental but forming your own opinion of a person. Not allowing peer pressure to predict your behavior towards another. Through out the plot line Leah Parker was confronted with this when confronting Brandon Morris. A sweet man that loved her from the age of six. His obvious maturity at the age of twenty two anchoring his character making him strong and believable even if he had his own secrets. Modest, shy and determined making this very handsome young man a remarkable Enchanter. With a mythical world becoming real in Leah's world she was forced to see him for who he was. Confronting her own shortcomings in a well adjusted mature fashion. Dealing with a uncaring mother, the suicide of her late father on her eight birthday as she turns twenty one and her growing feelings for Brandon. Struggling with her own secrets that was kept from her since birth. Realizing she was more than just the daughter of Diana and Josh Parker. The friends Matt, Vanessa, Sonya and Dimitri all played their roll beautifully to enhance the plot making it believable in its deliverance. Adding the presences of the unknown Natalie and Nelson Porter you can be certain you will be thoroughly entertained. Adding into the mix you have an old and a jealous Vampire, haunting soul devourers and disgusting demons to set the pace. With a creepy neighbor that kept the mood questionable. A book I can recommend to all lovers of the mystic world with a touch of Mythology that older readers would also enjoy.
Leah Parker, a college student who works and is paying her own way through college has been having these nightmares since her birthday. She has also been seeing these ghosts like figures who talk to her and want to know why she left them and want her to help them. Leah has no idea what is going on. Leah thinks she is beginning to lose her mind and believes all of her friends may think the same thing.
And to top of all that she has this project to do and has been assigned a partner and guess who her partner is; a young man who stays to himself and has been a loner for as long as Leah can remember. Leah has known this young man, Brandon Morris since kindergarten; he was once her best friend. Leah’s problem with Brandon goes with peer pressure.
No one really likes Brandon they think he is weird. Alas no one has ever taken the time to get to know him and Leah listens to everyone else wanting to protect her own reputation. But once given this second chance and a few years down the road with a little bit of growing under her belt Leah realizes that Brandon just may not be as bad as she thinks especially when the sparks start flying between the two.
After Leah is attacked one night and she finds out that something is out there and it wants her Leah figures out that Brandon is the only one that can help her. She also learns that Brandon has a few secrets of his own. Brandon just may be the only one well with the help of his vampire friend Dimitri that can give Leah the answers she needs and keep her safe.
Enchanter was unlike any book I have read before. I like reading books about vampires and couldn’t wait to devour Enchanter when I saw that it was listed in the vampire genre on Goodreads. I thought that I would be reading about your typical vampire but boy was I wrong. Dimitri is way different than other vampires and so are his cousins. I can’t wait to read more in The Giver of Life Trilogy.
Good story with well-written characters. Interesting creatures and abilities make this book a quick read. All that being said, this publisher seriously needs an editor. The number of mistakes in this book is outrageous! The writing really deserves better.
Decent read. Not what I expected. Its a very slow start, but it gets interesting towards the end. ill pick up book two out of curiosity. I'm hoping its not as slow to start.
For the longest time all of my reading devices were primarily anything and everything to do with the paranormal. Angels, demons, shape shifters, you name it and I was reading it. Then I went on sort of a sabbatical from the paranormal. I hadn't really thought much about it until I read the blurb for Enchanter. The second I saw it I knew I had to read it, and I'm so glad I did because it's a terrific story with a swoon worthy book boyfriend.
I will tell you straight out, Brandon Morris isn't my usual book boyfriend. He's got long black hair that goes past his shoulders, intensely blue eyes and from the sound of him, I think the word "emo" may have come to mind. But Brandon Morris is so much more than that. He's the strong silent type and he's definitely the brooding kind. He's also smart, loyal and has a muscular, inked up body that had me thinking very naughty thoughts. Seriously, scenes of Brandon just kissing Leah made me weak in the knees.
I'll come back to Brandon later, because I need to introduce another important character, Leah Parker. Leah is a girl that has had a very sad and traumatic past. She suffered a tragic loss on her eighth birthday that pretty much set the path for the rest of her life. For some reason her mother hates her and she can't understand why.
Odd things have always to Leah, but her story really starts on her twenty first birthday when things start to get even stranger. She hears voices calling out for her help and she starts to meet unusual "people" all on a day that should be a happy one.
To make her birthday even more unpleasant, she finds out her professor has paired her up with Brandon Morris (swoon) to work on a class project that's worth a huge chunk of her grade. Now, I'm swooning because I read the book. Leah and her friends are not swooning over Brandon. As hot as he is, Brandon is not a very desirable partner.
What makes matters worse is Leah and Brandon have a past. They were neighbors and friends as children. As they grew older, classmates started bullying Brandon because he was different. Leah is not one of his bullies, nor did she defend him. Needless to say, Brandon isn't thrilled about being Leah's partner either. They try to get out of it, but they can't.
As they meet to work on their project, the two get passed their anger and Leah gets passed the guilt she feels over not being kinder to Brandon when they were younger. During this time their attraction to each other grows and even though they try to fight it.....they kiss. I know, I know...just a kiss? It was a kiss that turned me into a puddle and wanting more.
Just so you know their project is not the only thing that brings them together. They discuss their pasts and Brandon finds out about all the crazy that's going on in Leah's life now. Of course being Brandon, he wants to find a way to help her.
And then the paranormal truly kicks in and I loved it. I couldn't really figure out the voices and what exactly Leah was and Kristy Centeno puts it all together in the end. Not before she broke my heart with something I hope, hope, hope can be changed. I was so obsessed with Brandon I wrote a whole new ending in my head and now I will hope for the best.
If you haven't guessed by now Enchanter, ends in a cliffhanger. There are so many questions to be answered and I can't imagine how this will all come together. The series will be a trilogy and I CAN'T WAIT for the next book to be published!!
Four supernatural stars for Enchanter. And please hurry! I need more!
"Interview Brandon Morris and then write an essay about him? I did not see that happening, especially considering the fact that the guy was completely allergic to people."
It seems it has become a habit of mine to not give too much importance to the books’ descriptions. Of course, when I joined the tour I read this book’s description because otherwise I would not have come into play. But it's been a while and I forgot what it was about. Actually, the fact that I didn’t read the description feed my curiosity. Why? Because Enchanter by Kristy Centeno begins as a contemporary. As I was still in the mood for this genre, I said OK, bring it! As contemporary, the book touches important issues of teenager life and especially that being a "bully" is not good thing. You don’t have to be a jerk, to torment those who are not so cool, but neither should assist uncaring or shut up for fear of losing your "social position". Do not worry! The characters are not some teenagers, but younger of 21 years. The idea is that if you don't do what your heart tells, you can lose years that you could spend with the one who can be your soul mate. It would be lame, right?
"I’ve wasted so much valuable time following people who label others for what they’re not, when I could’ve been spending that time with the one person that makes me feel as if the world doesn’t even exist. How is that for a rude awakening!"
Then the book starts to get some aspects of mystery, and I thought: "Hmm ... interesting!" And it really was! The suspense grows. Attacks, shadows, unknown, murders begin to emerge and spice the story! You are at the point where you become very curious where we get, what path we will take. Not us, but the course of events. Well, they go straight to fantasy or urban fantasy if you will. The unknowns become mysteries, attackers are supernatural beings, and the attacks get fierce. Disclosures just bring other unknowns and lead to a dilemma: when you cannot be the lover to that person you want most, can you be just a good friend for him?
Well, here our heroes find themselves, in an impossible love and in danger of death.
The author chooses a solution which, although very possible, it seems a little easier. In addition, in my opinion, some situations brought by those revelations were talking about above asked for a clearer resolution for some of the relationships.
I would have liked also that some secondary characters, very appealing, to be more involved in the action and have a more important word to say, even if they will have brought only trouble.
The ending you will find yourself if you want to spend a pleasant time reading this book.
„Hopefully, I could learn how to be the girl I should have been from the beginning, and hopefully, Brandon would come to see how much I loved him.”
This stars thing it's a bit difficult sometimes. 3,7 stars
I have to say straight off the mark I was not happy with the ending I LOVED IT….. I WANTED TO KEEP READING MORE NOW I HAVE TO WAIT FOR THE ANSWERS TO MY QUESTIONS TILL THE NEXT BOOK. This book had everything I love mystery, fantasy, adventure, danger with just enough romance. Leah is a struggling college student who never fitted in anywhere really, her father died when she was younger and her mother appears to hate her and want nothing to do with Leah. The only true friend she had as a child was Brendon and she turned her back on him when everyone starts to pick on the nerdy kid in school, Leah chose to abandon her close friendship with Brendon instead of standing by his side and running the risk of being ostracized as well On Leah’s 21st birthday she starts to notice strange things happening with her, she is seeing things that others cannot and hearing voices. Leah starts to believe she is going crazy being attacked by strange creatures and when shown the CCTV footage there is nothing there but her she knows she is going crazy. Till one day when forced to work with Brendon on a class assignment and starts spending time with him and through fear she explains to Brendon some of what has been happening to her Brendon believes her and takes matters into his own hands. While Leah faces with issues she has with Brendon and their past, Leah is very quickly pulled into a world where vampires and soul destroyers do exist. Leah quickly realizes that the world she once knew is not all there is. She finds out the real reason why her mother hates her so. Leah must find out who she is and deal with the fact that Brendon loves her and she has feeling for him but can never have him for he is promised to another. This book kept me glued to my IPAD I did not want to put it down, the author created this amazing world for the reader to step into with just enough of everything to keep you wanting more. There was just enough mythological creature in it that I love. You slowly got to understand the mystery behind Brendon. The book was very entertaining and I can say that when the next book is out I will be lining up to read and review it also. I desperately want to know what will happen to Leah and Brendon. This book was well written and captivating. I challenge all our follower to read this book, you won’t be disappointed.
If you love paranormal, you are going to love this book. It has a bit of everything in it and I can't wait to see more from this series. This will end in a cliff hanger so be prepared. There is are some many supernaturals in this book that at times it could be overwhelming. Leah is a normal girl, she's in college, she lives with her friend and well she is living her life. Let's say for the sake of everything when she turns twenty one everything changes, but she doesn't know why. Brandon is in her class, he left and came back and he is very independent. He keeps to himself, attends one class with Leah and by chance they are paired together. During this time Leah starts having vivid dreams, being attacked by shadows and she thinks she is losing it. Brandon is full of his own secrets too. When the voices start to talk to Leah, she knows that she is now going crazy. She confides to Brandon and lets just say the things he is saying doesn't make too much sense. When the situations get more serious and the voices tell her that she needs to figure out who she is quicker than later. That is when life gets a little more crazy.
There is so much suspense in this book, but it is more than that. You see Brandon and Leah struggling because Brandon is promised to someone else and Leah is trying to do the right thing and let him follow what he promised his parents. Brandon has loved Leah forever and he is willing to give up what he promised to be with her. Something is trying to kill Brandon and Leah and Leah has not figured out what she is or what has been hiding in her for a very long time. There is so much that goes on in this book. There are Vampire witches, Ghouls, Enchanters, Enchantresses, soul survivors, and I will bet more to come. It was challenging in parts because it got very wordy but when it got to the seeing the action in this book, the book kept you moving.
This is a going be a series that you will love if you are paranormal reader. It gives you the fantasy, the action, the love, and the magic of the story. I can't wait to read the next book in this series. I really need to know what happens.
Leah Parker lives with her friend Vanessa and her husband Carlos since leaving her mother's house. Lately she has been having nightmares and dizzy spells that she can't control. When she is assigned to be partners with Brandon Morris at school she knows her luck can't get any worse, but soon she discovers how wrong she really is.
Brandon Morris has gone to school with Leah since kindergarten and has always felt something for her but in high school he disappeared for a year and then returned looking more handsome and buff than when he left. But he still remains a mystery and stays away from most people.
As Brandon and Leah begin to work together on their project they begin to get closer and soon Leah begins to open up to Brandon about what has been going on in her life. Soon she finds herself faced with things that can not explained and must decide if she can trust Brandon and if something is out there wants her.
I really enjoyed this book and it left me really wanting the next book in the series.
I liked Leah with both her innocence and what she has had to endure in her life before hand with her mother and father. The reader knows something is going on with Leah with her headaches and dizziness but we aren't sure why it's happening. Yet soon we discover that something out there wants to hurt Leah but we are never sure what is going to happen or what we will discover.
Brandon knew things so I wasn't sure what his role was going to be and what his link was going to be to what was going on with Leah. I loved what we learned about what Brandon did in regards to Dmitri and it was awesome. I loved Brandon's other "talents" and how he used them.
I must admit that I was mad at the issues between Brandon and Leah and was very frustrated at the end with what we learned about the Giver of Life. I am eagerly waiting for the next book in the series!
I gave "Enchanter" five stars because the story was excellently developed and the scenes were described beautifully. The Author, Kristy Centeno, created vivid images in my head so I was in-turn able to picture the story as if it were a movie. It was filled with interesting plots and mind blowing twists. I enjoyed this book down to the last page and I cannot wait for the author to complete part two! At times this book was practically impossible to put down. It is one of those books that compels you too keep reading to find out what happens next. I fell in love with the characters, specially with Brandon Morris. He was by far the most interesting character I have read about to date. I really enjoyed getting to know him in a deeper level as the story progressed. I do not want to go into details regarding the story because I want the reader to experience the book as I did. All I will say is that this book is definitely worth reading. I would recommend this book to everyone, specially anyone whom is intrigued by the combination of mystery and romance. It is now one of my all-time favorite books!
I don't often get to read just for fun and relaxation anymore, so that time is precious to me. I was not disappointed when I picked up Enchanter recently, despite the proofreading errors that Kristy Centeno's publishing company neglected to take more seriously and get updated right away. I know Kristy has worked hard on the book and did invest in editing and proofreading as a professional author should. I asked her. The results just weren't updated in the sales listing, but don't let that stop you from enjoying this great read.
Something else I appreciated about this book was the accessibility and friendliness of the author. Reading is a personal adventure and being able to connect with the author is as rewarding as the read itself. Grab a good read and drop her a note on Facebook sometime. Happy reading!
I particularly enjoyed the balance between the paranormal aspects and the romantic aspects and that the romance wasn't so thick that it bordered on being a romance novel or erotic in anyway. I look forward to more books about these characters and the world Kristy has created.
I'm sorry to say that but this book was simply lame. There was no real introduction into the Leah's world just a few (hard) facts about her life.
Also I absolutely hated the heroine.
1) Leah forgets about her birthday. Is it just me or does it sound impossible? Add to that the fact that her father committed suicide the day of her 7th bday, and tell me... can you really FORGET about it? And shrug it off. Or not confide in your best friend whom you know and live with for 3 years?? Seriously, people. 2) mix with this wonderful "introduction" a gay best friend... I have read so many books with gay-best pals that its making me sick. Its so cliche, so typical and annoying. (I have nothing against homosexuality, mind you. But books tend to stereotype it too much.) 3) same project? Nevermore anyone?
* I have volunteered to share my review and all the opinions are 100% my own * This is the story of Leah Parker who has been teamed up with Brandon Morris on a school project. Both of them are not happy about this and try to get out of it. Brandon has loved Leah since they were six years old but he never got around to telling Leah that and when they are teamed on this school project, things start to happen and secrets start to be revealed. Leah has had to deal with a lot over the past years, with the death of her father when she was eight years old and also dealing with a mother who doesn’t care about her. But secrets are revealed that Leah discovers who she really is and what she can do in a world where she now has her eyes opened to. This was a great story In the Giver of Life series by Kristy Centeno.
Let me start off by saying when you read a book there is no policy that says you have to leave a review, but it is beneficial to readers who have not read the book yet. I guess it gives them insight into the story beforehand. So by All means if you are one of the MANY (like me) who like to just read, rate and go, I say keep it up, its your book life do as you feel.
ANYWHO TO THE MY MAIN POINT: Decided to re-read Enchanter it was better than reading it the first time. I would truly recommend this book to everyone. It is not your typical paranormal story. Theses characters are different, not like the normal such as vampires or shape shifters. No honey this is something unheard of entirely. I'd say give it a go. Great plot and some action, in my opinion a lot of mystery.
Great young adult paranormal romance.. I honestly could not out it down. Some of the plot was fairly obvious, but it really didn't take away from the novel overall. Leah, young college gal, is paired up with Brandon, who she's known since kindergarten, for a project... they haven't spoken since kindergarten due to their 'social' differences.. as they work together, and fall in love, Leah funds out Brandon is predestined to be with someone who is enchanted, like himself... battling their own free will along with demons, they find out more than they ever expected could be true.... I really hope this is not the only book and their is a sequel... I would love to see how Leah copes with all that's expected of her, and how she and her long lost sister get along
I really enjoyed this unique story and love the characters. I thoughT it started abruptly with little information but the more I read the more I understood. By the time I finished reading I was completely invested in what was going to happen, and I wish that I could read the next book already because I am a rather impatient person, especially when I am enjoying the plot of a good book. I just can't wait to find out what happens next! This is a great book for paranormal readers, I almost didn't think so at first but after finishing, and reluctantly making friends with patience, I watched the story progress and was delighted with what I discovered.
At first, Leah seems an angry young adult dealing with an alcoholic mom, but her life is shrouded in so many ways, the truth cannot be seen at first. However, reconnecting with a boy from her childhood seems to trigger the arrival of demons, but could that be a coincidence. After all, imaginary voices and barely visible people keep insisting she save them…
What a well written, high adventure story between good and evil, with an unfulfilled yet strong love story interweaved throughout.
Loved it. 5 stars!
Received an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Hit the jackpot on this one!
Enchanter started off a little slow for me but intrigued me enough to continue reading and I'm glad I did. I felt the connection with Brandon almost immediately and with Leah as she found herself the connection with her grew. The suspense and mystery kept my emotions on alert and I'm excited for more of the Enchanter world.
Enchanter started off a little slow for me but intrigued me enough to continue reading and I'm glad I did. I felt the connection with Brandon almost immediately and with Leah as she found herself the connection with her grew. The suspense and mystery kept my emotions on alert and I'm excited for more of the Enchanter world.