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Eleora
Orphaned in childhood, Mara has always done what is necessary to survive--even pledged herself to a sinister spirit named Rivka. When Mara's sister is struck by a mysterious illness, Rivka offers Mara a choice--watch her sister die, or become a slave in exchange for the medicine needed to save her. Mara sells herself to Zev, an old friend who shares her sordid history with Rivka. Motivated by revenge and a lust for power, Zev coerces Mara into a life of prostitution and espionage in order to find Eleora, the magical gemstone necklace guarded by the Council of Ambassadors. Trapped in a tangled web of Zev and Rivka's schemes, Mara's life becomes a never-ending spiral of seduction and treachery until a kind young healer on the Council unexpectedly offers her freedom. In her new life, Mara finds healing, friendship, and even love but knows she must rid herself of Rivka to be truly free. Now Mara must choose whether to fulfill her oath and betray her new friends or double-cross Rivka and risk losing her sister forever.
322 pages, Paperback
First published May 12, 2017
2 people are currently reading
15 people want to read
About the author
Melissa Keaster
3 books8 followersI've loved to write since I learned to use a pen. After years of reading, journaling, blogging, and crafting short stories for my own entertainment, I wrote a novel for NaNoWriMo in 2010. I was a winner that year, but the novel was terrible. Fortunately, I didn’t let that discourage me.
In 2012, I became very ill with an allergic disease called mast cell activation syndrome, which caused a wide range of symptoms including regular episodes of anaphylactic shock. When I could no longer safely leave my home even while wearing a mask, I became a shut-in. During that time, I wrote and revised Eleora, much of which is a symbolic record of my personal journey. Beginning in November 2015, I experienced progressive miraculous healing through prayer ministry and am now able to leave my home and eat any food I desire without reacting.
I'm a wife, mother, music teacher, writer, and minister with the healing prayer ministry that changed my life forever. I live in north Louisiana with my husband, Brandon (a.k.a. Superman), and my two favorite red-heads, Micah and Sara.
The stories that inspire me most are stories of redemption. These are the stories I like to write.
You can find out more about me on my website, www.melissakeaster.com.
In 2012, I became very ill with an allergic disease called mast cell activation syndrome, which caused a wide range of symptoms including regular episodes of anaphylactic shock. When I could no longer safely leave my home even while wearing a mask, I became a shut-in. During that time, I wrote and revised Eleora, much of which is a symbolic record of my personal journey. Beginning in November 2015, I experienced progressive miraculous healing through prayer ministry and am now able to leave my home and eat any food I desire without reacting.
I'm a wife, mother, music teacher, writer, and minister with the healing prayer ministry that changed my life forever. I live in north Louisiana with my husband, Brandon (a.k.a. Superman), and my two favorite red-heads, Micah and Sara.
The stories that inspire me most are stories of redemption. These are the stories I like to write.
You can find out more about me on my website, www.melissakeaster.com.
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
June 30, 2017
There were three aspects of Eleora that were especially beautiful and will cause it to stick with me indefinitely.
First, character development. The reader saw and smelled and tasted and felt so much of the characters' experience. From Mara's inward battles with self-loathing, to her outward rage over injustice against the weak and defenseless, the reader could truly sense her pendulum swings of experience and emotion.
Secondly, the food. This element was unexpectedly enjoyable and surprising to me. There are simple pleasures in life, as simple as a meal gathered around a table, that some of the most oppressed and broken amongst us have never experienced. Whether intentional or not, the author's particular attention to food and drink - how they tasted and smelled - shed even more light on the oft overlooked or unacknowledged gifts those are.
Lastly, and most significant, was how this story written by a young author pointed to the Story written by the best Author. This was a story of redemption, and illuminated the beautiful reality of a life lived in light of the King. "But God, being rich in mercy..." Mara was met, healed, and embraced in spite of her shame. She was the recipient of a new life and unmerited love.
Eleora is a vibrant picture of the greater Story.
I'm eager to see how Melissa continues to develop as a writer. I anticipate each new novel being even more rich, illustrative, and steadier in rhythm than the previous one.
First, character development. The reader saw and smelled and tasted and felt so much of the characters' experience. From Mara's inward battles with self-loathing, to her outward rage over injustice against the weak and defenseless, the reader could truly sense her pendulum swings of experience and emotion.
Secondly, the food. This element was unexpectedly enjoyable and surprising to me. There are simple pleasures in life, as simple as a meal gathered around a table, that some of the most oppressed and broken amongst us have never experienced. Whether intentional or not, the author's particular attention to food and drink - how they tasted and smelled - shed even more light on the oft overlooked or unacknowledged gifts those are.
Lastly, and most significant, was how this story written by a young author pointed to the Story written by the best Author. This was a story of redemption, and illuminated the beautiful reality of a life lived in light of the King. "But God, being rich in mercy..." Mara was met, healed, and embraced in spite of her shame. She was the recipient of a new life and unmerited love.
Eleora is a vibrant picture of the greater Story.
I'm eager to see how Melissa continues to develop as a writer. I anticipate each new novel being even more rich, illustrative, and steadier in rhythm than the previous one.
September 14, 2017
THIS BOOK DESERVES MORE STARS.
After reading such a book as this, I really hesitate to write a review. There's no way my words can live up to the standards set by this book. It so entered my life that when I had to set it down I truly ached to get back to the story. It's characters became very real to me and even now I wonder if there aren't real people out there, living real stories, much like the ones in the book. I was so sad that there wasn't a sequel offered at the end. If the author ever writes one I'll be at the head of the line to get it. This book will lighten your spirit, make you smile often and become part of you if you read it. I wish there was a special 6th star to be given to books that are above outstanding. And to think I almost didn't read it after the first couple of pages because I thought the story was about things I wasn't interested in. I promise touring you read this book far enough it will be one of the best books you've ever read! What a ride. What a story. I most highly recommend this book to everyone and I do mean everyone! :) :D
HIGHEST RECOMMENDATION POSSIBLE!!!!!! :) :D ******
After reading such a book as this, I really hesitate to write a review. There's no way my words can live up to the standards set by this book. It so entered my life that when I had to set it down I truly ached to get back to the story. It's characters became very real to me and even now I wonder if there aren't real people out there, living real stories, much like the ones in the book. I was so sad that there wasn't a sequel offered at the end. If the author ever writes one I'll be at the head of the line to get it. This book will lighten your spirit, make you smile often and become part of you if you read it. I wish there was a special 6th star to be given to books that are above outstanding. And to think I almost didn't read it after the first couple of pages because I thought the story was about things I wasn't interested in. I promise touring you read this book far enough it will be one of the best books you've ever read! What a ride. What a story. I most highly recommend this book to everyone and I do mean everyone! :) :D
HIGHEST RECOMMENDATION POSSIBLE!!!!!! :) :D ******
August 28, 2018
Captivating!
Eleora has the action and imagination of The Lord of the Rings with poetic undertones comparable to Redeeming Love- an unexpected but delightful combination! I loved the depth of layers and will read this again. I’m sure I missed some buried jewels on the first read because I was racing to discover what would happen next!
Eleora has the action and imagination of The Lord of the Rings with poetic undertones comparable to Redeeming Love- an unexpected but delightful combination! I loved the depth of layers and will read this again. I’m sure I missed some buried jewels on the first read because I was racing to discover what would happen next!
July 16, 2017
I'm not the reading type, but Eleora is a book that I couldn't put down. It's a perfect story that makes the characters seem so real and relatable. This book has the perfect balance of action, love, and a touch of humor, and it kept my undivided attention to the end. I can't wait to see what the author comes up with next.
August 3, 2024
Y’all this review is going to be looooong.
I waited three years in order to read this book (I was only thirteen when I learned about it) and BOY, DID IT DELIVER.
This was my first super-serious novel to read (I mean, the mc goes through A LOT the poor girl), and DANG, my gut was messed up in some parts.
It was such a beautiful story. So much growth, forgiveness, and redemption happen in the 300 pages of Eleora. It definitely helped me see the King in clearer light and gave me a fresh perspective of why Jesus died on the cross for us. It was such a good reminder and Melissa Keaster did it so beautifully and masterfully.
When I turned the last page to find the next one blank, I gotta admit, I said (out loud, haha) “that’s it?” I’m telling you I did not want to stop reading this book.
I wasn’t expecting the world building to be the best, but MAN I was consumed with the history and locations of every place. Even with the book focusing on the message and Mara, I still enjoyed the delicious background and details every fantasy land should have.
I loved how Melissa described people with a scent. The contrast between Zev’s Frankincense and Declan’s earthy scent brought the two to life and made them seem even more real.
I just finished this book, and I already want to turn to page one and begin reading it again.
It’s that good.
I waited three years in order to read this book (I was only thirteen when I learned about it) and BOY, DID IT DELIVER.
This was my first super-serious novel to read (I mean, the mc goes through A LOT the poor girl), and DANG, my gut was messed up in some parts.
It was such a beautiful story. So much growth, forgiveness, and redemption happen in the 300 pages of Eleora. It definitely helped me see the King in clearer light and gave me a fresh perspective of why Jesus died on the cross for us. It was such a good reminder and Melissa Keaster did it so beautifully and masterfully.
When I turned the last page to find the next one blank, I gotta admit, I said (out loud, haha) “that’s it?” I’m telling you I did not want to stop reading this book.
I wasn’t expecting the world building to be the best, but MAN I was consumed with the history and locations of every place. Even with the book focusing on the message and Mara, I still enjoyed the delicious background and details every fantasy land should have.
I loved how Melissa described people with a scent. The contrast between Zev’s Frankincense and Declan’s earthy scent brought the two to life and made them seem even more real.
I just finished this book, and I already want to turn to page one and begin reading it again.
It’s that good.
September 23, 2017
My mum betrayed me by making me read this... I'M UPSET. But it was still good, ugh aksjdkajfkajf.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews