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Kiah's Soul-Shifting Journey #1
The Quadrant War
After my mother and brother died, my dad dropped me off at the orphanage. I didn't want to be here, I withdrew-I spoke to no one . . . except Ryker. My feelings for Ryker are strong. I've tried not to love him-I lose everyone I love. Besides-how could anyone love someone with a secret as strange as mine? The orphanage is not what it seems. We have been raised to fight and die in the Quadrant War. They will be here soon to take us away. Ryker and his group of followers plan to rebel. Maybe-I can help-maybe with the use of my secret ability, Ryker and I can lead our New Freedom Force to fight against the overseer who has brought starvation, death, and destruction to our quadrant. Am I the chosen one-the one destined to bring peace to the quadrants? I don't know. What I do know is that if we don't act now, all hope will be lost . . . not just for us, but also for the quadrant people-my people.
344 pages, Paperback
First published March 30, 2013
2 people are currently reading
87 people want to read
About the author
Ann Denton
25 books93 followersAnn Denton lives in a small community in Oklahoma where her four grandchildren are the center of her attention. Ann has shared her imagination with them since they were babies. She has spent hours of playtime with her grandsons playing everything from “pirate ship” to dressing up as aluminum foil robots. With her granddaughter, she has had countless magical tea parties and played “princess dress up.”
Ann has written poetry for years, but most recently, she collaborated with her fifteen-year-old grandson to write her very first young adult series . . . Kiah’s Soul-Shifting Journey. In January of 2013, her debut novel, The Quadrant War, book (1) was published. The Tech War, book (2) was released in September of 2013, and War's Redemption, book (3) of the trilogy was released in June of 2014.
Ann's favorite genre is young adult—both to read and write; however, she also enjoys reading other genres. Ann does most of her writing late at night when her characters take on a life of their own and keep her awake.
Ann has written poetry for years, but most recently, she collaborated with her fifteen-year-old grandson to write her very first young adult series . . . Kiah’s Soul-Shifting Journey. In January of 2013, her debut novel, The Quadrant War, book (1) was published. The Tech War, book (2) was released in September of 2013, and War's Redemption, book (3) of the trilogy was released in June of 2014.
Ann's favorite genre is young adult—both to read and write; however, she also enjoys reading other genres. Ann does most of her writing late at night when her characters take on a life of their own and keep her awake.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
September 11, 2013
Darn, I'm lost for words...and that doesn't usually happen.
It's not going to be easy to review a novel as beautiful as this one.
SF writer, Brian Aldiss once said, “There are two kinds of writers: those that make you think, and those that make you wonder.”
Through this novel, I think Ann did both. And did so quite brilliantly, if I might add.
It's best to have a few tissues handy to get through the earlier part of the novel, especially for the first chapter. It's possibly the most emotional of them all and is a lot to take in...but it also lays a solid foundation for the book. You feel an instant connection with the 7-year old Kiah, the lead character of the book and you get a glimpse of her world...a (dystopian) world poised on the brink of destruction. The way Ann portrays Kiah makes you feel like a fellow traveler along Kiah's amazing journey and the connection only grows stronger with the addition of Ryker, the lead male character.
Ann did a great job at keeping the plot intriguing and the flow consistent, without including any unnecessary elements. Now, I don't want to give any spoilers away but I will say this. If Morpheus was here, he'd be seriously confused. :)
Can't wait for The Tech Wars to come out.
It's not going to be easy to review a novel as beautiful as this one.
SF writer, Brian Aldiss once said, “There are two kinds of writers: those that make you think, and those that make you wonder.”
Through this novel, I think Ann did both. And did so quite brilliantly, if I might add.
It's best to have a few tissues handy to get through the earlier part of the novel, especially for the first chapter. It's possibly the most emotional of them all and is a lot to take in...but it also lays a solid foundation for the book. You feel an instant connection with the 7-year old Kiah, the lead character of the book and you get a glimpse of her world...a (dystopian) world poised on the brink of destruction. The way Ann portrays Kiah makes you feel like a fellow traveler along Kiah's amazing journey and the connection only grows stronger with the addition of Ryker, the lead male character.
Ann did a great job at keeping the plot intriguing and the flow consistent, without including any unnecessary elements. Now, I don't want to give any spoilers away but I will say this. If Morpheus was here, he'd be seriously confused. :)
Can't wait for The Tech Wars to come out.
September 1, 2013
*I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review*
Favorite Quote: "We are here because we know that the only guarantee in life is that if you do nothing, then nothing will change. We are here to follow your dream because it has been so long since we've had any hopes or dreams of our own."
Kiah's Soul-Shifting Journey is an adventure set in a dystopian world with romantic elements. I call it an adventure because it's a sweeping epic story about teenagers realizing that society is wrong and fighting to change it. Life is bleak for everyone that isn't in the upper echelon of society. One of the things I really liked about this story is that the fight is possible. In so many dystopians, I read about rebellion and think that there isn't even a slim chance of victory. That's just depressing. Ann Denton creates a society where 90% suffer for the sake of 10% living well. It's only a matter of time until the masses rise up against oppression.
Main character Kiah changes quite a bit as the novel progresses. It must be very difficult to be told she is 'The One' destined to save everyone. She ends up embracing her role much better than I expected. Kiah is a strong female protagonist, though she doesn't start out that way. While I felt sorry for the Kiah at the beginning of the book, I'm glad she matured enough to outgrow her self-pity since too much of that really doesn't make for good reading. I love the cover, I can picture Kiah looking just like this.
Romantic interest Ryker is almost too good to be true. He never seems intimidated in the least by Kiah or the attention she garners. Standing by her side, he supports her in everything. Ryker is fiercely loyal and just an overall good guy. He'd give his life for Kiah and their cause.
The secondary characters are many, which isn't surprising considering Kiah is building an army. Most just kind of blend in with the rest. Sally is Kiah's best friend and always seems to know the right thing to say. Molly changes so abruptly and completely in her feelings for Kiah, I think I got whiplash. I really liked Sam and wish he'd been developed a little more.
Finishing Kiah's Soul-Shifting Journey left me feeling satisfied. That just isn't the case with most dystopians. Of course I don't expect a 'happily ever after', but I wish more dystopian authors would write more like Ann Denton. She manages to weave a great tale of oppression and suffering, while still leaving room for victory and hope.
I recommend Kiah's Soul-Shifting Journey to everyone high school and up that enjoys an adventure set in a dystopian society. I also think this book would be fine for middle school age, with the caveat that it is about war, and where there is war, there is death, blood, and suffering. I'm definitely looking forward to book two.
Favorite Quote: "We are here because we know that the only guarantee in life is that if you do nothing, then nothing will change. We are here to follow your dream because it has been so long since we've had any hopes or dreams of our own."
Kiah's Soul-Shifting Journey is an adventure set in a dystopian world with romantic elements. I call it an adventure because it's a sweeping epic story about teenagers realizing that society is wrong and fighting to change it. Life is bleak for everyone that isn't in the upper echelon of society. One of the things I really liked about this story is that the fight is possible. In so many dystopians, I read about rebellion and think that there isn't even a slim chance of victory. That's just depressing. Ann Denton creates a society where 90% suffer for the sake of 10% living well. It's only a matter of time until the masses rise up against oppression.
Main character Kiah changes quite a bit as the novel progresses. It must be very difficult to be told she is 'The One' destined to save everyone. She ends up embracing her role much better than I expected. Kiah is a strong female protagonist, though she doesn't start out that way. While I felt sorry for the Kiah at the beginning of the book, I'm glad she matured enough to outgrow her self-pity since too much of that really doesn't make for good reading. I love the cover, I can picture Kiah looking just like this.
Romantic interest Ryker is almost too good to be true. He never seems intimidated in the least by Kiah or the attention she garners. Standing by her side, he supports her in everything. Ryker is fiercely loyal and just an overall good guy. He'd give his life for Kiah and their cause.
The secondary characters are many, which isn't surprising considering Kiah is building an army. Most just kind of blend in with the rest. Sally is Kiah's best friend and always seems to know the right thing to say. Molly changes so abruptly and completely in her feelings for Kiah, I think I got whiplash. I really liked Sam and wish he'd been developed a little more.
Finishing Kiah's Soul-Shifting Journey left me feeling satisfied. That just isn't the case with most dystopians. Of course I don't expect a 'happily ever after', but I wish more dystopian authors would write more like Ann Denton. She manages to weave a great tale of oppression and suffering, while still leaving room for victory and hope.
I recommend Kiah's Soul-Shifting Journey to everyone high school and up that enjoys an adventure set in a dystopian society. I also think this book would be fine for middle school age, with the caveat that it is about war, and where there is war, there is death, blood, and suffering. I'm definitely looking forward to book two.
September 19, 2013
None of us are afraid of dying. We are afraid of living in this kind of oppression."
This story opens up and grabs your attention. The reader is pulled into this fantasy with it's heartfelt emotion and unpredictable plot. The descriptions are so vivid that you can see the story play out in front of you as if you were watching a movie.
I was drawn to the characters instantly. This coming of age story is like nothing else I have ever read. My curiosity only intensified as the story came to life. The writing is clear and flows naturally. There is so much heart in this adventure novel that I didn't want to put it down.
"Toby was my best and only friend. We lived deep in the woods away from any other families. I had never played with any other kids. I would seldom see anyone except my family. Occasionally, men in uniforms would come and talk to my dad. He would always give them an envelope. After the uniformed men would leave, my dad would storm off into the woods, and mom would go to her room and cry."
This story opens up and grabs your attention. The reader is pulled into this fantasy with it's heartfelt emotion and unpredictable plot. The descriptions are so vivid that you can see the story play out in front of you as if you were watching a movie.
I was drawn to the characters instantly. This coming of age story is like nothing else I have ever read. My curiosity only intensified as the story came to life. The writing is clear and flows naturally. There is so much heart in this adventure novel that I didn't want to put it down.
"Toby was my best and only friend. We lived deep in the woods away from any other families. I had never played with any other kids. I would seldom see anyone except my family. Occasionally, men in uniforms would come and talk to my dad. He would always give them an envelope. After the uniformed men would leave, my dad would storm off into the woods, and mom would go to her room and cry."
October 25, 2013
In a dystopian future much has changed, there is little hope. But that changes as Kiah, the sixteen-year-old heroin begins to awaken. Kiah's Soul-Shifting Journey: The Quadrant War by Ann Denton is an exciting a thought provoking book. The author has built a world utilizing enough of our existing social issues and spirituality to make it all too believable. Denton also does a fine job creating realistic characters we can relate to. And, her plot twists make this a difficult book to put down. I’m ready for the next one. Highly recommended – five-stars!
February 19, 2015
You can read this review and more on my blog:
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Okay, picture one of those classic coming of age books, movies, and TV shows. You know, like the Little Princess, Ann of Green Gables, Pollyanna, or Little House on the Prairie. Now add more romance, give the main character a supernatural power, and drop her into a futuristic, dystopian America, and you'll have this book!
Kiah was an interesting character to me. Even though she had the ability to project her soul out of her body, she was just a normal teenage girl in so many ways. She pouts, complains, gets jealous, and throws tantrums. In the beginning, I found myself getting frustrated with her. I understood why she behaved the way she did, but I often want my heroes and heroines to be better than the average person. It's so much easier to root for someone when they always do, say, and think the right thing; but as the story progressed, I found myself really enjoying Kiah's imperfections!
The mistakes she made just gave me the opportunity to be proud of her when she finally got things right.
I got a kick out of watching her learn and grow into such a strong and caring leader.
After her brother and mother both tragically die and her father is forced to fight in the Quadrant War, she's sent to live in an orphanage.
While there she refuses to speak to anyone because of the trauma that she's endured with the exception of her best and only friend, Ryker.
However, she is eventually forced to come out of her shell and quickly grow up when the Quadrant War reaches the front steps of her orphanage.
She finds out that the troopers will be coming for her and all the the older children, and they will be forced to fight and most likely die.
It's at this point that the hero in her starts to emerge.
She's reluctant at first, and understandably afraid, but she rises to the occasion and learns from her mistakes.
I was surprised with the amount of action that was in this story.
I was expecting maybe one or two scenes to be action packed, but the author doesn't shy away from using violence when necessary to highlight the harsh reality of war.
The entire book wasn't all doom, gloom, and personal growth though. There were plenty of sweet and heartwarming moments that kept it from feeling to serious and depressing.
The importance of friendship was a very present theme throughout the story, and there is a very sweet romance that is front and center the entire book.
Ryker and Kiah's relationship was straight out of the pages of a romance novel! No matter how bleak things got, they always found moments to sneak away and just be with each other
Ryker was a sweetheart!
He was a strong sometimes overprotective hero, but he never devolved into that borderline abusive alpha male that tends to be in too many YA novels lately. I think it's great to have a truly nice guy be presented as the ideal man/ book boyfriend. He had no problem letting Kiah take the lead, but he was also an excellent leader himself. Each of them had their own moment to shine, and I really felt like they were partners and trusted each others instincts.
All in all, I would say that this book is a fresh take on the YA dystopian novel. I had a great time reading it, and thought about the characters for hours after I finished reading, and I'll definitely be reading the next in the series!
I would recommend this book for young adults and adults who enjoy dystopian and romantic novels.
This book is VERY clean and has no profanity, but because of the violence I would recommend it for ages 12 and up.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Okay, picture one of those classic coming of age books, movies, and TV shows. You know, like the Little Princess, Ann of Green Gables, Pollyanna, or Little House on the Prairie. Now add more romance, give the main character a supernatural power, and drop her into a futuristic, dystopian America, and you'll have this book!
Kiah was an interesting character to me. Even though she had the ability to project her soul out of her body, she was just a normal teenage girl in so many ways. She pouts, complains, gets jealous, and throws tantrums. In the beginning, I found myself getting frustrated with her. I understood why she behaved the way she did, but I often want my heroes and heroines to be better than the average person. It's so much easier to root for someone when they always do, say, and think the right thing; but as the story progressed, I found myself really enjoying Kiah's imperfections!
The mistakes she made just gave me the opportunity to be proud of her when she finally got things right.
I got a kick out of watching her learn and grow into such a strong and caring leader.
After her brother and mother both tragically die and her father is forced to fight in the Quadrant War, she's sent to live in an orphanage.
While there she refuses to speak to anyone because of the trauma that she's endured with the exception of her best and only friend, Ryker.
However, she is eventually forced to come out of her shell and quickly grow up when the Quadrant War reaches the front steps of her orphanage.
She finds out that the troopers will be coming for her and all the the older children, and they will be forced to fight and most likely die.
It's at this point that the hero in her starts to emerge.
She's reluctant at first, and understandably afraid, but she rises to the occasion and learns from her mistakes.
I was surprised with the amount of action that was in this story.
I was expecting maybe one or two scenes to be action packed, but the author doesn't shy away from using violence when necessary to highlight the harsh reality of war.
The entire book wasn't all doom, gloom, and personal growth though. There were plenty of sweet and heartwarming moments that kept it from feeling to serious and depressing.
The importance of friendship was a very present theme throughout the story, and there is a very sweet romance that is front and center the entire book.
Ryker and Kiah's relationship was straight out of the pages of a romance novel! No matter how bleak things got, they always found moments to sneak away and just be with each other
Ryker was a sweetheart!
He was a strong sometimes overprotective hero, but he never devolved into that borderline abusive alpha male that tends to be in too many YA novels lately. I think it's great to have a truly nice guy be presented as the ideal man/ book boyfriend. He had no problem letting Kiah take the lead, but he was also an excellent leader himself. Each of them had their own moment to shine, and I really felt like they were partners and trusted each others instincts.
All in all, I would say that this book is a fresh take on the YA dystopian novel. I had a great time reading it, and thought about the characters for hours after I finished reading, and I'll definitely be reading the next in the series!
I would recommend this book for young adults and adults who enjoy dystopian and romantic novels.
This book is VERY clean and has no profanity, but because of the violence I would recommend it for ages 12 and up.
January 21, 2015
Reviewed for Readers Favorite
Imagine growing up in a world that has always been at war. In fact, at war so long that no one actually remembers why they are at war in the first place. This is the world that Ann Denton has created in Kiah's Soul-Shifting Journey: The Quadrant War. Kiah is a young girl that has a unique talent called Soul-Shifting, or as her older brother used to call it Butterfly Dreaming. During these episodes she is able to travel outside her body to see things happening in other places, to other people and at other times, in the past or the future. She and a small group of friends band together against this war, the Quadrant War that has always been going on, but no one even remembers why, and the fighting is far from their daily lives but the effects are seen in the poor conditions of the towns. As they start to fight against the war, and as Kiah soul-shifts they find that nothing they knew about their world, or this war is quite what it seems, and life doesn't have to be as much of a struggle as it is.
Kiah's Soul-Shifting Journey: The Quadrant War brings us to a world that is fighting a war, each quadrant against each other, and it has been this way so long, no one remembers why. The premise of the story is so realistic, it could easily be any country today. The effects of the long-standing war on the towns and villages is seen in daily life, and translates to current life quite well. Ann Denton then brings in the fantasy world with the Soul-shifting aspect. Using this unique concept to discover the truths of the war, the history and the future is top notch. Adult and young adult readers alike will be able to find things that relate to todays life, and moral lessons as well. A merger of fantasy, history and inspiration, this is a book that anyone will enjoy.
Imagine growing up in a world that has always been at war. In fact, at war so long that no one actually remembers why they are at war in the first place. This is the world that Ann Denton has created in Kiah's Soul-Shifting Journey: The Quadrant War. Kiah is a young girl that has a unique talent called Soul-Shifting, or as her older brother used to call it Butterfly Dreaming. During these episodes she is able to travel outside her body to see things happening in other places, to other people and at other times, in the past or the future. She and a small group of friends band together against this war, the Quadrant War that has always been going on, but no one even remembers why, and the fighting is far from their daily lives but the effects are seen in the poor conditions of the towns. As they start to fight against the war, and as Kiah soul-shifts they find that nothing they knew about their world, or this war is quite what it seems, and life doesn't have to be as much of a struggle as it is.
Kiah's Soul-Shifting Journey: The Quadrant War brings us to a world that is fighting a war, each quadrant against each other, and it has been this way so long, no one remembers why. The premise of the story is so realistic, it could easily be any country today. The effects of the long-standing war on the towns and villages is seen in daily life, and translates to current life quite well. Ann Denton then brings in the fantasy world with the Soul-shifting aspect. Using this unique concept to discover the truths of the war, the history and the future is top notch. Adult and young adult readers alike will be able to find things that relate to todays life, and moral lessons as well. A merger of fantasy, history and inspiration, this is a book that anyone will enjoy.
August 25, 2014
What are you waiting for? Your butterfly-dreaming adventure awaits!
What are you waiting for? Your butterfly-dreaming adventure awaits!
That moment when you know you NEED sleep, but you just can't put the book (or the Nook) down! Yep that about sums it up.
This book kept me up until 5a.m. knowing full well I'd be a zombie the next day. My best description of this story would be a play on the Hunger Games with a cool paranormal twist. Although there are aspects of this story that want me to compare it to the Hunger Games do not be deceived this is it's own story full of it's very own awesomeness for sure! This battle for humanity has a much different feel, & the characters add so much.
I was intrigued by this soul-shifting idea, & Kiah won me over. Watching her emerge from her cocoon so to speak; I love who she has become. Ryker is an absolute dream, & I'm still awing the things he says & does. Lets just say we all need a Ryker in our lives! Max cracks me up, & Sally is simply the best...although Molly & Sheria totally shocked me. You'll understand why when you read it! What are you waiting for? Your butterfly-dreaming adventure awaits! =)
What are you waiting for? Your butterfly-dreaming adventure awaits!
That moment when you know you NEED sleep, but you just can't put the book (or the Nook) down! Yep that about sums it up.
This book kept me up until 5a.m. knowing full well I'd be a zombie the next day. My best description of this story would be a play on the Hunger Games with a cool paranormal twist. Although there are aspects of this story that want me to compare it to the Hunger Games do not be deceived this is it's own story full of it's very own awesomeness for sure! This battle for humanity has a much different feel, & the characters add so much.
I was intrigued by this soul-shifting idea, & Kiah won me over. Watching her emerge from her cocoon so to speak; I love who she has become. Ryker is an absolute dream, & I'm still awing the things he says & does. Lets just say we all need a Ryker in our lives! Max cracks me up, & Sally is simply the best...although Molly & Sheria totally shocked me. You'll understand why when you read it! What are you waiting for? Your butterfly-dreaming adventure awaits! =)
April 7, 2014
*A Copy of this Book Was Given To Me By The Author In Exchange For An Honest Review*
Wow... This book was just amazing! I was very easy to be sucked into the dystopian world that the United States of America had fallen into, broken and divided into four quadrants with little to no technology for the common man sounds more like a horror story than the epic tale it was spun into. Kiah is an amazing character that is easy to fall into step with and join her on a journey of self discovery while trying to keep those she love out of harms way. The story has a great pace, not rushed at all and an ending that leaves the reader craving more!
*Review has been done in conjunction with Nerd Girl Official.
*For more information regarding our reviews please visit our Fansite: www.facebook.com/NerdGirl.ng
Wow... This book was just amazing! I was very easy to be sucked into the dystopian world that the United States of America had fallen into, broken and divided into four quadrants with little to no technology for the common man sounds more like a horror story than the epic tale it was spun into. Kiah is an amazing character that is easy to fall into step with and join her on a journey of self discovery while trying to keep those she love out of harms way. The story has a great pace, not rushed at all and an ending that leaves the reader craving more!
*Review has been done in conjunction with Nerd Girl Official.
*For more information regarding our reviews please visit our Fansite: www.facebook.com/NerdGirl.ng
April 14, 2014
This review is from: Kiah's Soul-Shifting Journey: The Quadrant War (Kindle Edition)
a review by Robert K. Swisher Jr.
I rarely read futuristic novels. I am more of a non-fiction buff. When this book was recommended to me I was apprehensive at first but after the first chapter I was hooked. The United States has fallen and people are on the path to reclaim their rights and human dignity. Great characters, a thought out premise, a desire to get to know the characters, and a ending that is not predictable. Plus..to top it off another book in the series. It was an enjoyable read. One that took me away from the facts of non-fiction into the land of what if.
April 24, 2014
What an exciting read! Appropriate for anyone teen or older, this adventurous novel kept me wondering what would happen next. Dynamic personalities work together, fighting for freedom in this futuristic story about Kiah, her family and friends. The author makes it easy to connect with these characters, and I found myself rooting for the good guys throughout the book. I was surprised by the twist at the end and can't wait to find out what happens in the next book in this series! Go Kiah! She's fierce!
May 27, 2013
If you want to read a suspenseful and exciting book that you CANNOT put down... this one is the one for you. The twists and turns that you will take on this book with Kiah and her group of teenage friends will literally makes the hairs on the back of your neck stand up at times. Very highly recommended and cannot wait to read the next one!
November 10, 2013
This story brings you into the life of Kiah, and her life that takes you to an orphanage, if it wasn't bad enough being at an orphanage it seems as though there is a hidden agenda!
this book brings emotions alive, and you will connect with the characters and almost know them =)
can't wait to read next book =)
this book brings emotions alive, and you will connect with the characters and almost know them =)
can't wait to read next book =)
August 4, 2013
Loved this story!! Somewhat similar to Hunger Games and NBC's Revolutions--Would make a great movie! Great quick read for teen and adults alike!!
October 20, 2013
Fast paced and a quick read. I enjoyed it!
November 18, 2013
A must read for teens! Great gift idea!
October 14, 2013
This is a DNF. I was actually really disappointed in this book. Read the first few chapters and then BAM! It slowed down soo much, like I'm 53% way through and I actually don't even want to read it any more...and that's not normally me. I will keep this book on my kindle, I eventually hope to finish reading this sometime, but not anytime soon. If you are one of those people who can slug through a slow book go for it, if you can't...don't go for it.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews