The Seer

The Kalila Chronicles #1

by Erin R. Howard

Viktor has one order to follow:
Kill the girl before her eyes are opened.

For thousands of years, his job has been to torment and kill seers: humans that have the gift of seeing the spiritual realm. So it was no surprise when his brother Matthias was once again sent to stop him and protect the girl.

Now the last of the seers’ bloodline hangs in the balance, as the estranged demon and angel brothers are forced to work together to save a girl’s life and escape to the sanctuary city of Bethesda.

Genres: Fantasy

289 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 27, 2018

About the author

Erin R. Howard is the YA urban fantasy author of The Kalila Chronicles and The Gates of Deceit (dystopian) series. She is also the content and acquisitions editor for Expanse Books, an imprint of Scrivenings Press.

She loves playing video games with her husband, watching movies with her children, and fueling her many craft addictions. Erin has a Creative Writing degree and is a member of Realm Makers, RagTag Writers, and Once Upon a Page. She resides in Western Kentucky with her husband and three children.

Reviews

[Jacob H · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fun book to read. The characters are really well written and thought provoking. The book made me ponder 3 things:
1. If demons ever get tired of what they do, and what happens when they fail?
2. If fallen angels or demons could go back and change their choice, would they?
3. Do angles ever get tired of watching us fail?
I am looking forward to the next book and see where it goes from here!

[Amy Anguish · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wasn't sure what to expect from a book about demons and angels mixing with the real world, but this story was beautifully imagined. In some ways, it reminded me of the style of Percy Jackson books, except Christian characters instead of Greek and Roman. Definitely looking forward to the next book to find out what happens next!

[Chautona Havig · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 Powerful Reasons I Can't Love or Hate This Book
Characters:

As much as I wanted to, I never connected with Thea as a character.  For example, I just finished reading the book and had to go look up her name.  I could name every other character, but not the protagonist who happens to have a name I love.  That feels... significant, somehow.  I can't say what is wrong with her (for me, anyway), but she feels... meh.  There.  What I did like is that she wasn't automatically amazing at what she needed to do or totally incapable, either.  She did just take off with an angel and a demon after a terrible experience awfully easily.  That didn't ring true.

But while the other characters all drew me in, what bothered me most (and is possibly the most brilliant thing the author did) is that I liked the character of the demon, Viktor, most. I liked both of his pasts warring within himself.  That, like the apostle Paul, he had trouble with the part of himself that wanted to do what he knew he must fought against the part of him that just wanted to do what he wanted.   This is a serious issue, though.  And I'll get to that in a minute.

Writing:

While the author is a good writer, this book needed a good editing.  I'm not talking about typos (there were a few but nothing horrific.  "Too" instead of "to" once--piddly stuff.  No, I'm talking about her tendency to use repetitive words and phrases.  It got old reading, "We're going to head down the hall" and the next sentence informing us, "They headed down the hall."  Um... okay.  No variance.  And if it was just now and then, I might not have noticed, but it felt like it was on every page.

Add to that and the "explaining" style of "telling" instead of showing us, and it got draggy.  We'd be told of some thought or emotion, have it shown to us, and then be told again as if an introductory community college class where essays tell you what they're going to tell you, then tell you, then tell you what they told you.  That happened... a LOT. I found myself having to work not to skip stuff.  I can't always say I succeeded.

The Theology:

Because this is speculative fiction, I'm uncomfortable addressing the theological issues I see in the book.  However, when spec fic includes things happening in our world, I have trouble ignoring where the world of the book clashes with the world of the Bible. In The Seer, the demon, Viktor, wants a new chance in a "sanctuary city" where apparently demons can be rescued from their deserved fate.  I don't claim to be a Bible scholar, but I've never found anything in Scripture that hints that demons can be redeemed or saved from their eternal punishment.

And yet, on the allegorical side, I can see that demon being the part of ourselves who needs the sanctuary of Jesus to free us from our rebellion.  I can even see the angel Matthias being a picture of Christ, helping the castaway to the city...

But then it breaks down, because the demon strikes a deal with the angel. They have to work together to save the girl, and only by working to his own end is this demon able to be rescued himself.  And... well... that is the opposite of what Scripture teaches.

Add to that, the "neutral" grounds and societies that are brought into the mix and...

The result is a book that waters down the pure truth of the Gospel.

Still, this is book one of three (or more?).  And it's well enough done that I want to read the next book.  I'm not sorry I requested the review copy of The Seer (and thanks to the publisher for sending it), but I can't say I loved it... can't say I hated it.  I... don't know. What I do know is that I will be buying the next in the series, hoping it'll settle some things for me.  If I change my mind about this one as a result, I'll amend my review.

[N K Maness · Rating 5 out of 5]

Team Viktor all the way. The characters are well written and love the story

[Lensey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book! I have taken a step back from the fantasy genre but was pulled back in when this book was loaned to me by a friend. The characters are very well-written, and the story flows so well that I could hardly put it down! I can’t wait for the next installment! (And added bonus that it begins in western Kentucky.)

[Heather Greer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the characters in this book especially Viktor. He seems more like us than many of us care to admit. Brings to mind the verse about spiritual conflict that says the things I want to do I don't do and the things I don't want to do are the things I do.

[Erica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Strong characters, interesting storyline. It left me wanting to see what happens next.

[Deana Dick · Rating 4 out of 5]

What if you had the ability to see in the spiritual realm? Would you be able to fight off the attacks with confidence, or hide hoping they will go away. This book takes us into a world that some pastors never speak about. The spiritual realm is something that some avoid discussing. It is not an easy subject, but the author has done a good job of letting us see past the natural into a place where good vs evil exist. Everyday there are battles being fought for us. We don’t see it, but it is there.
The introduction of Thea was quite intriguing . She has a special gift that some will want to destroy while others are there to protect her. I kept thinking what it would be like to see an angel and a demon fighting against each other. The details the author gives as the encounter takes place is a little graphic so if this would bother you be warned. I found it to be exactly as I thought it would be. The enemy doesn’t fight fair and his desire to destroy anyone who dares to challenge him are in for a battle.
I liked getting to know Matthias and how he was determined to get Thea to safety. His encouragement to help her allow her gift to be used was well worth reading about. Thea at first isn’t quite sure who to trust and I could sense her doubt. I would be too if some creature came to me with this story that I was a Seer. Thea seems to take things in stride and her willingness to learn her gift reminds me of the faith we need to trust God.
I’m not sure why I liked Viktor because he is a demon. Two brothers on different sides yet Viktor seemed to have a slight remorse for the way he decided to turn against God. The story is fast paced at times and I liked how the author in subtle ways shows us what it is like when demons and angels face off. Be warned that the story ends with a cliffhanger. The author has given readers a foundation with this book and I’m anxious to read what happens next.
I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.

[Jasmine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thea's life just got weird...and dangerous...

Well, The Seer is one of those odd ones where I have no idea how to even start formulating my thoughts. The story is quite different from my usual reading habits.

I'm not a complete stranger to spiritual warfare fiction, especially for teens, as I've read Frank Peretti, Ted Dekker, and Bill Meyers' Forbidden Doors series. But, I have to admit that this is the first book I've read where angels and demons are portrayed as main characters.

I'm going to lay it out there. This book is fiction so don't take your theology from it, however, it is a good introduction to the fact there are angels and demons in active warfare, and, that humans, usually unwittingly, have their own role in that battle. I was a bit uncomfortable with how humanized said celestial beings were, and with some theological issues, but I suppose that is the direction Erin R. Howard needed to take in order to make the story more accessible for teens. To be honest, I was caught up in the story and frequently forgot that Matthias and Viktor were anything other than hero and anti-hero.

The Seer is entertaining. It's interesting. It's different. It has all of the necessary requirements for a good YA book, and series, with an epic quest, a reluctant heroine struggling with issues of trust and faith and her own perceived inadequacy, there are lots of battles, secrets that are both ancient and family related, personal sacrifice, and even the faint possibility of romance. If you have a YA reader at home that enjoys speculative fiction they just might be interested in Erin R. Howard's series The Kalila Chronicles.

(I received a copy of this book from the author. All opinions are entirely my own.)

[Becca Hope · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love pretty much any fantasy novel that comes my way, and this book is no exception. While I wouldn’t say it was my all-time favorite, I would still say that it would go towards the top of my list. This book will make your heart pound and your butt scoot to the edge of your seat.

I loved the characters, especially Viktor. While he isn’t maybe the most likeable at first and his intentions don’t seem honorable, there is an inner battle in him that drew me to him. He is a demon, but also one who is running away from his evil life. Matthias was also a likeable character, who would do anything to protect Thea, no matter the cost. He’s a very passionate character, caring about everybody around him.

I liked Sam, but I wished I could’ve gotten to see more interaction between him and Thea. He is obviously a love interest for Thea, but we don’t get to see much between them. There were also a couple of plot holes that left me confused and minor conflicts that I felt were resolved quickly.

HOWEVER, all that being said, I still really thoroughly enjoyed this book. While minor conflicts were resolved quickly, the major conflict wasn’t, and of course it wouldn’t be. The author describes (and quite beautifully, I may add), spiritual war. While the book is fantasy, it also should remind us that there is a spiritual war going on around us, and one that we always need to be mindful of.

I had received a copy of this book as part of the Celebrate Lit Blogging Team and was required to give an honest review.

[Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Books that give a glimpse into the author’s perception of the spiritual world have long interested me. Sometimes they can be a bit unnerving as is the case with many of Frank Peretti’s books. Erin Howard doesn’t sugarcoat her story but it also is not intense enough to cause sleepless nights. I think she provided just the right mix of tension and relief in The Seer.
Thea has no idea of the deep spiritual heritage she received from her father and now he has died in a “military mishap.” She is a Seer. While she doesn’t know if yet, she has the ability to see the spiritual realm. Because of her father’s death, it has not been developed. An angel and a demon are vying for her loyalty. They help her to develop her gift through a variety of ways and with the help of individuals with different roles in the spiritual realm.
Readers will be reminded of the importance of prayer and of the battle going on in the spiritual world through the exciting plot of The Seer. The story ends with a little surprise and a bit of a cliff hanger. I look forward to reading more books in The Kalila Chronicles.
I would not hesitate to add The Seer and other books in The Kalila Chronicles to a K-12 Christian School library.
I want to thank Celebrate Lit for the complimentary copy of The Seer. This is my honest review.

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the nod to Celtic heritage on the cover. It made me take a second look and decide this might be a book that I’d like. I’m not normally a fan of this type of fiction. I prefer “real” with historical fiction. Or a fun and lighthearted romance. Really, I love a good fiction book but I don’t normally like delving into other realms and worlds.

This book does the delving in such a way that it feels real. I’m rooting them on as they try to save Thea from being annihilated before her gifts become known. It’s a battle between brothers to start with and then a battle of brothers against others once Viktor decides he’s had enough with killing.

Can they keep Thea safe and thwart the enemy?

This was a good read that read fast. The characters were believable and you really got to know them and feel like you were there. It let my imagination go and I felt that I could “see” what was happening. I recommend this book. It’s a young adult title and I’d say mid-teens up to adults will enjoy this book.

I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from Celebrate Lit. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.

[Patti Pierce · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you enjoy YA Fantasy, you should check this book out. Viktor is a demon with one mission to kill the last Seer before she realizes who she is and what she can do. His estranged brother Matthias is an angel who also has one primary job–to keep the last Seer alive. This story of brothers against brother is not a new one, but when they join forces to work together to save the Seer and Viktor’s life, this book takes the reader on an interesting journey. Viktor realizes he made a mistake when he fell from grace and wants to end his life of torturing and killing people. Matthias has to recognize he needs to help his brother to get all of them out of Bethesda–a sanctuary city. The world-building in this story makes it one worth reading. I loved reading Thea and watching as she comes to recognize she can see the Spiritual Realm. It shows the effects secrets can have on a family. If Thea has known about her gift earlier, she wonders what her life would have been like Truly this book illustrates the ramifications of Lucifer’s fall from Heaven and the battle between good and evil. So if you like Young Adult Christian fantasy, check out this book for yourself. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. This in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own.

[April · Rating 3 out of 5]

In this first entry into The Kalila Chronicles, Erin R. Howard writes an adventure tale about the unseen world of angels and demons and one girl who may - or may not - be able to see them.

I enjoyed the banter between the angel and the demon. It was fast, furious, and, at times, funny. The character development of the demon was well done. She didn’t complete the transformation of bad-to-good but seems to be leaving that for the next book. And I love to read stories that use multiple viewpoints for a single scene. It’s a great way to learn more about the character and insert backstories.

However, I did find the main character, Thea, not to be as developed or along the character arc as the demon, Viktor. And it was a little unbelievable that, as close as she was to her father, she had no knowledge of the Bible or his faith.

I’d recommend this to teens who need an entry-level book into a YA fantasy series with a Christian world view. If they already read fantasy, they might want to pass on this.

I received a complimentary copy of this book and all opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Tabitha Bouldin · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I want to read YA fantasy, a book like The Seer is exactly what I’m looking for.

With a precise hero’s journey and all the elements that make the fantasy genre sing, Erin Howard gives her all for this book. The constant bickering and drama between Matthias and Viktor kept me turning pages. I had to know what Viktor would do next. In fact, I’d love to see a book about the brothers that tells the story of how Viktor fell.

Thea’s reactions were so dramatic but genuine I could see every emotion. I have questions though. So many questions. I hope they’ll be answered in the next book, which I’m off to read as soon as I can.

The Seer is one of those books that prove no one is so far gone that God cannot find them and bring them home.

I requested a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. I was not required to leave a positive review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

[Ashley Dawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow. I was surprised by this one. I wasn't sure what to expect, I guess, but what I got was better. There were wonderful characters, very similar feel to some other YA books I've read and I will have my kids read this one because instead of gods from Greece, Roman, etc. it has a Christian perspective.

I liked the action in it and the story line flowed really well. I think this has a wonderful set up to be a great series. There are battles and then there are internal struggles. There is a lot to take from this book even if it is just a 'good read', there are many things in here that make you think twice.

It was a 4/5 for me. Can't wait to see what happens next.



Thank you to the author/publisher for the review copy of this book. I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.

[Debbie · Rating 3 out of 5]

"The Seer" by Erin R Howard is a book about good versus evil. I am not a fan of these types of story but I do like the idea and this book really makes me want to actually see into the spiritual realm, but then I am, ( I confess) a little scared of it because I don't like watching violence on tv, so I know I wouldn't like watching something like demons and angels battling which is real.
The main characters, even Viktor, have things that are likable about them. I didn't like the other demons in this story for obvious reason which I don't need to point out.
This is a fast paced read and does end in a cliff hanger and I will be reading the next book as soon as I can.
I was given a complimentary copy by the author and Celebrate Lit and these opinions are my own.

[Emily Yager · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wasn't sure what to expect from this read. It not that I didn't like this story, I did, there's a lot that I enjoyed about it. I just had a hard time connecting with Thea, but I did really like Viktor. The overall story was very interesting and held my attention throughout. The characters, plot, and everything was well written. I am looking forward to reading the next book in this series. If you're a fan of the Percy Jackson books, I think you'll enjoy this one as well.

[Julia N White · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fast-paced urban Christian fantasy with a healthy dose of humor sprinkled throughout. My favorite character of course is the sassy demon, Viktor, looking for redemption. Throughout the story, we learn about courage, loyalty, and sacrifice. I give this action-packed urban fantasy 5 out of 5 dragons with a 15+ age rating for mild action and clean/mild romance. If you finish this story wanting more don’t worry, it’s the start of a trilogy called The Kalila Chronicles.

[Tabitha Dukes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding writer! Outstanding work!

I never thought I would find another writer who wrote from a viewpoint that encaptures both of the spiritual realms and the humanity realms as I once read in The Present Darkness and The Pierce in the Darkness. Erin Howard proved not only me wrong but proved she is an outstanding writer. Keep the faith and keep writing.