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The Children of Gavrilek #2
The Children of Gavrilek
***Originally released 2013. Cover change only***
Sailing aboard a storm-thrashed vessel from America to Cuba, a young
woman (Audrianna) and her mysterious son (Devon) are shipwrecked
and left for dead. They survive thanks to the mystical efforts of a small
community located on the coast of 1920s Georgia. While in the care of
this unique group and its beautiful and loving leader, Kendis, Audrianna
comes to discover the secrets of her son’s cognitive powers, his (and
Kendis’s) otherworldly origins, and an enthralling, Earth-changing
“game” that threatens the existences of both the alien descendants of
Gavrilek and the unsuspecting inhabitants of Earth. The key to the
universe’s survival lies in the unraveling of Audrianna’s conflicted past
and desires, as well as in the seemingly motley collection of castoffs that
Kendis has nurtured and trained.
Invigorated by mesmerizing prose and fervid imagination, The Children
of Gavrilek weaves together world history, science fiction, and romance
to unleash a powerful story of wrenching emotion and unexpected
relevancy for today’s age. Its author is at the height of her narrative
powers and her creation will keep you captivated from the opening
pages until the last sentence.
Sailing aboard a storm-thrashed vessel from America to Cuba, a young
woman (Audrianna) and her mysterious son (Devon) are shipwrecked
and left for dead. They survive thanks to the mystical efforts of a small
community located on the coast of 1920s Georgia. While in the care of
this unique group and its beautiful and loving leader, Kendis, Audrianna
comes to discover the secrets of her son’s cognitive powers, his (and
Kendis’s) otherworldly origins, and an enthralling, Earth-changing
“game” that threatens the existences of both the alien descendants of
Gavrilek and the unsuspecting inhabitants of Earth. The key to the
universe’s survival lies in the unraveling of Audrianna’s conflicted past
and desires, as well as in the seemingly motley collection of castoffs that
Kendis has nurtured and trained.
Invigorated by mesmerizing prose and fervid imagination, The Children
of Gavrilek weaves together world history, science fiction, and romance
to unleash a powerful story of wrenching emotion and unexpected
relevancy for today’s age. Its author is at the height of her narrative
powers and her creation will keep you captivated from the opening
pages until the last sentence.
ebook
First published August 22, 2013
4 people are currently reading
578 people want to read
About the author
Julie Kirton Chandler
3 books24 followersJulie Kirtón Chandler is a registered nurse, specializing in emergency and critical care. She was formally trained in the military, first as an active duty combat medic and later as an Army Nurse Corps Officer. Today, Julie and her domestic partner of 12 years, Charity, spend the majority of their time in the San Francisco Bay area where Julie works as a civilian nurse.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
July 7, 2016
What a bizarre story! I like scifi and paranormal books but this one had some weird @** stuff in it that gave me the occasional creeps. And yet as soon as it ended, i bought and started listening to the next gavrilek book.
Well, the confusing cliff hanger helped push me along a bit too...
If you got this book when it was free, like i did, It's definitely worth the $1.99 to get and listen to the audio book.
Well, the confusing cliff hanger helped push me along a bit too...
If you got this book when it was free, like i did, It's definitely worth the $1.99 to get and listen to the audio book.
October 1, 2013
This is a really engaging premise. Basically the protagonist is a human woman living in the prohibition era who has a half-human child. We get the impression she knows little of the alien ancestry of her son, until she finds herself shipwrecked among people who are his relatives. We learn new insights as she finds her way among her's son's distant relations about who he is, who they are, and who she is at heart. This is a very interesting direction for sci fi, placing the story in a historical setting, and this offers a lushness to the story. There are several rather blush=inducing scenes, and they are well worth it to tell the story of Audrianna, and Tru's origins. A unique and compelling read!
March 4, 2014
I agree that "the Children of Gavrilek" is hard to get into at first but once the story line gets going...you are hooked!!! I am not typically a SCI-FI kinda girl but I really enjoyed this story and the author's development of the characters. You really get to know them and start to root for Audrianna and Kendis to be together and learn to trust one another. There is just the right amount of love,history, action,and plenty of excitement!!! I think that my only complaint would be the way the story ended. You were definitely left hanging but I guess that adds to the anticipation for her second book! I would definitely recommend this book and have already shared it with a friend!!
September 2, 2019
This could have easily been a three star book; Audrianna's relationship with Kendis was the most interesting thing in this series by far. I was actually engaged and enthralled and it was nice seeing her enlighten Audrianna about some of the things she'd been miseducated about. But in the second half of the book things took a definite nose dive.
Why is the KKK member portrayed as a harmless bumbling idiot? Why is Audrianna so consistently and easily fooled? Why does she begin to trust Maria when Maria flat out admits that she lied to her? Why are there so many literal Nazis in this book? They're being set up as the long-term villains rather than short term because (I assume) Audrianna doesn't realise what their deal is, but there is way too much ambiguity about it.
I feel like in this book the writing became even more wooden and clinical; there was so little of it that I enjoyed. And the Gavrilek plot is officially too badly written and obscure for me to care about. This whole Game thing is nonsensical.
I've been listening to the audiobooks as performed by Teas Irondale, without whom I'm sure I would have absconded. She has a lovely voice in general, is great at differentiating characters and puts a lot of feeling into her narration, even when she's reading something that's frankly ridiculous. I do feel some kinda way about the voices she did for some of the black characters though, lol.
I'm going to finish the series because I already wasted so much time on it. But I'm not happy about it.
Why is the KKK member portrayed as a harmless bumbling idiot? Why is Audrianna so consistently and easily fooled? Why does she begin to trust Maria when Maria flat out admits that she lied to her? Why are there so many literal Nazis in this book? They're being set up as the long-term villains rather than short term because (I assume) Audrianna doesn't realise what their deal is, but there is way too much ambiguity about it.
I feel like in this book the writing became even more wooden and clinical; there was so little of it that I enjoyed. And the Gavrilek plot is officially too badly written and obscure for me to care about. This whole Game thing is nonsensical.
I've been listening to the audiobooks as performed by Teas Irondale, without whom I'm sure I would have absconded. She has a lovely voice in general, is great at differentiating characters and puts a lot of feeling into her narration, even when she's reading something that's frankly ridiculous. I do feel some kinda way about the voices she did for some of the black characters though, lol.
I'm going to finish the series because I already wasted so much time on it. But I'm not happy about it.
November 21, 2013
WOMAN OF A DIFFERENT KIND
Fantasy novels require suspension of belief. This fantasy revolves around a romance between two women: Baroness Audrianna von Traugott and Kendis Lewis, a whiskey bootlegger with Gavrilekian emerald eyes. Kendis is a naiad. To humans she is “cullid.” Hmm, an interracial love story set in the Sea Islands near Savannah, Georgia at the height of segregation and Prohibition plus mumbo jumbo about biverse energy, chasing mirrors and Gavrilekians, who are clowns who speak ancient Egyptian and who pose as Klansmen? Yep, that’s pretty fantastic. By creating a tone, reminiscent of the film FRIED GREEN TOMATOES and the novel EARTHSEA by Ursula Le Guin, the author makes her fantasy work. The graphic sex scenes make this book suitable for a mature audience.
The Kabuki dance between the women drives the tension. Like Audrianna, who is initially stranded, the Gavrilekians are stranded on earth --forced to co-opt human bodies. To survive Gavrilekians use human soul energy, and if they are lucky, it can return them to Gavrilek. While Gavrilekians can read minds, that proves useless in the face of human emotion, which Gavrilekians avoid assiduously. Kendis copes by being unflappable. For example when Kendis offers to be a stand-in lover in response to reading Audrianna’s thoughts about her ex-Gavrilekian lover, Countess Lorna Mehlinger, Audrianna cannot hide her prejudice. “If my appearance bothers ya that much, Audrianna, just close your eyes,” Kendis says. “You’ll feel the pleasure all the same.” Ha!
When new Gavrilekian characters are introduced, including Audrianna’s former lover who is now a Nazi, Audrianna and her Gavrilekian son, Tru, are forced to choose sides. The seemingly random information presented earlier becomes important. A high stakes cosmic game ensues. How each woman interprets love versus attachment will determine the destiny of many.
The end is a bit of a cliff-hanger. Perhaps the names of the main characters offer the best insight. Audrianna’s first name means grace and noble strength. Her last name means God’s trust. Kendis’ first name means purity. Her last name means famous warrior. Kendis is the hero. Audrianna is the agent of change. Five stars.
Fantasy novels require suspension of belief. This fantasy revolves around a romance between two women: Baroness Audrianna von Traugott and Kendis Lewis, a whiskey bootlegger with Gavrilekian emerald eyes. Kendis is a naiad. To humans she is “cullid.” Hmm, an interracial love story set in the Sea Islands near Savannah, Georgia at the height of segregation and Prohibition plus mumbo jumbo about biverse energy, chasing mirrors and Gavrilekians, who are clowns who speak ancient Egyptian and who pose as Klansmen? Yep, that’s pretty fantastic. By creating a tone, reminiscent of the film FRIED GREEN TOMATOES and the novel EARTHSEA by Ursula Le Guin, the author makes her fantasy work. The graphic sex scenes make this book suitable for a mature audience.
The Kabuki dance between the women drives the tension. Like Audrianna, who is initially stranded, the Gavrilekians are stranded on earth --forced to co-opt human bodies. To survive Gavrilekians use human soul energy, and if they are lucky, it can return them to Gavrilek. While Gavrilekians can read minds, that proves useless in the face of human emotion, which Gavrilekians avoid assiduously. Kendis copes by being unflappable. For example when Kendis offers to be a stand-in lover in response to reading Audrianna’s thoughts about her ex-Gavrilekian lover, Countess Lorna Mehlinger, Audrianna cannot hide her prejudice. “If my appearance bothers ya that much, Audrianna, just close your eyes,” Kendis says. “You’ll feel the pleasure all the same.” Ha!
When new Gavrilekian characters are introduced, including Audrianna’s former lover who is now a Nazi, Audrianna and her Gavrilekian son, Tru, are forced to choose sides. The seemingly random information presented earlier becomes important. A high stakes cosmic game ensues. How each woman interprets love versus attachment will determine the destiny of many.
The end is a bit of a cliff-hanger. Perhaps the names of the main characters offer the best insight. Audrianna’s first name means grace and noble strength. Her last name means God’s trust. Kendis’ first name means purity. Her last name means famous warrior. Kendis is the hero. Audrianna is the agent of change. Five stars.
December 31, 2013
"The Children of Gavrilek" is one of those sleeper books. It starts off kind of slow with Audrianna , and her son Devon (Tru) on a ship that sinks and then they are magically saved. The story instantly picks up and leaves you wanting to read the book until your eyes physically have to take a break. I have to save I have never read a science fiction book but after reading this one I would venture to read more. I loved that the story took place on Tybee Island, being that I have actually been there and I thought it fit the scene for the book. This book has it all sex, love, suspense, friendship, and betrayal. Chandler has a wonderful way of drawing you into the book itself, where in certain situations you could swear you were right there with the characters. At times I did find the slang a little hard to understand, and had to re-read it a few times to get the gist of what was being said. It also was a complex read, but the book was worth taking the extra time to understand what was going on. The end of the book will leave you speechless and wanting more.
September 8, 2013
This book is quite a good read. The story is complex and interesting. The plot is unpredictable and has clearly been crafted from the author’s imagination rather than from a cookie-cutter outline typical of this genre. The author introduces us to an alien race of people (The Children of Gavrilek) who have been stranded on Earth and who have been forced to occupy or “hide” in the bodies of soulless creatures to survive. Their two most endearing characteristics are their inability to tolerate emotion and their direct, often awkward use of language. WARNING: This is not a children’s book. There are several sexual situations in the book that are likely to make anyone blush. That said, the author does an AMAZING job of keeping the novel out of the league of porn. The passages are written with a soft, sultry touch, and although they tend to be on the graphic side, they do not deface the story. I see this series as quite an intriguing beginning for this unknown author.
September 9, 2013
Fantastic, but it is definitely not for everyone. If you don’t enjoy science fiction and/or fantasy, this book is not for you. If you don’t enjoy, or at least tolerate same sex romance, this book is not for you. The story is very detailed and if you don’t pay close attention to the plot, you will be lost. So, if you are a skimmer, this book is not for you. I really could not stop reading. For me, it was the characters. The different take on science fiction was also very intriguing. There is a huge cliffhanger at the end, so I’m going to ask the same question as the others… when is the sequel coming out?
August 21, 2014
I am not a reader of much science fiction. This book was suggested by my roommate and since I had no book in hand, thought I would give it a try. I was happy I did. I do agree it is slow at first but once it got going, I found the characters to be well-drawn and the subject matter interesting. I like a book that makes me think and the concepts of the alien-human relationship, the biverse and god vs.anti-god did just that. The underlying "game" being played also offered some additional food for thought. I guess I am saying the book was multi-dimensional which I enjoyed.
I would read the next in the series to see where she takes it.
I would read the next in the series to see where she takes it.
November 25, 2013
This beautifully written fantasy is just plain fun to read! Set in the deep south during the prohibition and pre WWII era-with just enough mystical plot, historical fiction, mystery, and of course, sexiness-this author cleverly weaves a tale of a new and different type of "race" and their impact on humanity and planet earth. And if it's romance that you crave, there is a love story that twists and turns (through some incredible sex scenes) and will leave you wanting more!
September 29, 2013
This is one of those books that just gets better with every page you turn, beautifully created characters and great storyline, make for a really great read.
This is the first time I have read anything by this author but I can assure you it won’t be the last, she definitely has the gift for writing fantasy sci-fi, try it guys.
This is the first time I have read anything by this author but I can assure you it won’t be the last, she definitely has the gift for writing fantasy sci-fi, try it guys.
October 28, 2013
Wow! Where did this author come from? I got this ebook for free on Amazon, and I almost feel guilty that I didn't pay for it. If you have the patience to read EVERY SINGLE WORD of this book, you will find a story so creative it will have your mind turning somersaults, and so sexy you'll have to find a fan to read with! Soooo impressed!
January 13, 2023
I'd love to read more... to know more of Gavrilek. Chandler has a unique way of telling stories by not telling all of it. she will leave you hanging! I love the character development. I just hope the volume 2 will be like or better than volume 1. highly recommended.
March 20, 2016
This book is a wonderful read, very well written.
November 14, 2013
Preposterous sci fi without much sci, but it does have a bisexual heroine and some good sex scenes!
November 25, 2013
great book anxious to read the next in the series! Held my attention throughout the whole book.
January 12, 2014
i so enjoyed this book, totally different and original. I found second half of book much darker than first, but on whole was very exciting.
September 21, 2014
WOW... Captivating from start to finish. Creative and thought provoking drawing
the reader into every scenario. Very cleverly written. Can't wait for the next from
Julie Kirtón Chandler.
the reader into every scenario. Very cleverly written. Can't wait for the next from
Julie Kirtón Chandler.
April 17, 2017
Confusing
Part mystery, part pornographic, and all out confusing. I have no ideal what I just read. This book actually made my head hurt. Who is who? What is who? What is the game? And could Audriana be anymore ineffective? She honestly has no clue just lives in complete confusion just as I did reading it. Kendis should have let her drown. I would have. Trouble and more trouble and she still doesn't have a heart. Whatever the game is neither she nor I can play it. A woman comes back as a man. Maria seems all powerful but Kendis kicks her butt, Lorna's as well but unfortunately she passes on Audriana and she is the one who really really needs to disappear. Could the writer have made her anymore unlikable? I will take a pass on the other books in this series. Too much Audriana, too much Lorna, and too much Maria. Not to mention just too darn confusing.
Part mystery, part pornographic, and all out confusing. I have no ideal what I just read. This book actually made my head hurt. Who is who? What is who? What is the game? And could Audriana be anymore ineffective? She honestly has no clue just lives in complete confusion just as I did reading it. Kendis should have let her drown. I would have. Trouble and more trouble and she still doesn't have a heart. Whatever the game is neither she nor I can play it. A woman comes back as a man. Maria seems all powerful but Kendis kicks her butt, Lorna's as well but unfortunately she passes on Audriana and she is the one who really really needs to disappear. Could the writer have made her anymore unlikable? I will take a pass on the other books in this series. Too much Audriana, too much Lorna, and too much Maria. Not to mention just too darn confusing.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews