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Nirvana
Every attempt is a waste of time. Time. If only my time on Earth would run out, expire, perish. For centuries I’ve been haunted by a past I cannot change. Everyone has a weak spot. Where is mine? Death surrounds me pursuing others and I never feel sorrow for the loss. Just envious. When will I meet the reaper? When will I take my final breaths of life?
But there is another like me—or so they say. If he exists, will he be strong enough to rid me of my envy and finally put me six feet under? But what if I’m stronger? Will death escape my grasp while I take another’s life? Or will he send me to my grave?
But there is another like me—or so they say. If he exists, will he be strong enough to rid me of my envy and finally put me six feet under? But what if I’m stronger? Will death escape my grasp while I take another’s life? Or will he send me to my grave?
348 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 15, 2018
3 people are currently reading
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
October 22, 2017
So when I first read about this book, I thought it sounded quite interesting. Someone who has lived centuries enduring the deaths surrounding him and not being able to follow, no matter how hard he tries. I wanted to know the answer to the questions that were asked in the synopsis: 'When will I meet the reaper? When will I take my final breaths of life?' I was intrigued, I needed to know more!
I started the book, and was immediately entranced. I've never read through the eyes of an immortal, nor through the eyes of someone with superpowers that I always wanted. I hadn't expected that whatsoever from what I read about the book, and was immediately glad I had picked it up. It was like Mystique and Storm had a child...what more could you want?
Radke had me gripped through the entire book and making me scream at the MC for being stupid as well (that's when I knew she had me drawn in)...after many centuries of living, you think they would learn, right? Well, eventually they should. And it was nice to watch him grow as he made new connections and figuring out what his life was truly about. I mean, all he wanted to do was die...do you blame him after living for so long and watching so much death?
I want to thank Radke for giving me this arc in exchange for my honest review. I truly enjoyed it and am so happy I finally got to it!! :D
I started the book, and was immediately entranced. I've never read through the eyes of an immortal, nor through the eyes of someone with superpowers that I always wanted. I hadn't expected that whatsoever from what I read about the book, and was immediately glad I had picked it up. It was like Mystique and Storm had a child...what more could you want?
Radke had me gripped through the entire book and making me scream at the MC for being stupid as well (that's when I knew she had me drawn in)...after many centuries of living, you think they would learn, right? Well, eventually they should. And it was nice to watch him grow as he made new connections and figuring out what his life was truly about. I mean, all he wanted to do was die...do you blame him after living for so long and watching so much death?
I want to thank Radke for giving me this arc in exchange for my honest review. I truly enjoyed it and am so happy I finally got to it!! :D
December 17, 2017
I received this ARC in exchage for an honest review.
OK, soo.. ARCs... I love them, because if I get lucky and get a good book, I’ll have the bragging right; but at the same time, I’m scared af when I get one on my hand, because I don’t get many offers to ARC so I really want to love it (so I’d have the bragging right lol), and then I’d either just not give a damn or simply hate it. And this book, Nirvana by K.E Radke, just couldn’t make me care less than it already did.
But first, I’d like to talk a bit about my expectation. The blurb sounds awesome. The main character, Joe, or Mateo as I learned later on, sounds like a freaking badass with his immortality and shape-shifting ability. I kinda freaked a bit about the romance aspect of it, because I
Let’s just get on with it.
CHARACTERS:
MATEO I have only four words for him: sexist, childish, mean and hypocritical.
I wanted to start by talking about my most favorite character in the whole book, which is old man Bracken, but I’d have to start with Mateo, because I can’t really make any comment about Bracken without dipping in to the Mateo review, which I orignally intended to save for last.
My first impression of him wasn’t that he had a childish narrative voice and was mean af, a conclusion I only drew as I slowly dragged myself through the book, but of a very powerful person who was manipulative and in control and just my type of fictional guy. And then he thought, hey, the girl put a gun to my head because I said uh-huh in the wrong tone and all my hopes flew out of the window. I know it’s supposed to be humor but he sound dead serious to me and no, he didn’t present any humourous thoughts before this and you just don’t say shits like that to strangers holding guns to your head, even if you can’t die. The right thought should be, hey, did the girl figured out something was wrong?. Even though, I’m pretty curious about what’d happen if the girl (she’s Summer btw) just blew his head off. It’d be very interesting to see if his head and brain would slowly mend up or the bullet would bounce off like little kids on bouncy house. Anyway, so much for first impression.
As the story progressed, I can’t help but notice all the supposed-to-be-funny-but-actually-mean-and-degrading-af thoughts he had all the time: to Summer, who’s been nothing but nice to him, he secretly thought of her as midget and half person because she’s small, he viewed her as an incessant nuisance, he made degrading stereotypical comments about her. I have an exellent example:
“You don’t listen to directions, and if you get lost I won’t be able to find you, you all look alike. I can’t even see people’s faces here unless I’m walking around on my knees.”
And then Summer be like, “That was rude and racist!” (my thought exactly) and he just shrugged. HE MEANT WHAT HE SAID! I can’t think of anything else this action could have implied. And I’m quite sure it’s supposed to be humour but please, rude and racist is not funny unless it’s two teenage friends dissing each other.
I cant’t think of a single character in this book that he hadn’t been mean to. Everyone had to get a piece of his insufferable ass: Summer, Bracken, Run, even the little kid Marcus! This didnt’t make him cold and distant like what I suppose the author meant, just more like an emotionally stunted asshole.
And about him being childish, I simply can’t imagine how a person could have learned so little in so many years living. The narrative voice was often annoying, like one of those badly written YA contemporary where the characters did nothing but complain about her pimple and boy problems and be mean to others but the author kept on insisting that they are lovely little snowflakes. Except here we didn’t hear about boys and pimples but about how wretched his existence is and how awful women are. If I had rolled my eyes at every comments of his that I hated, they’d have been now on the floor! Another thing is that, he clinged to being a man, talking about how he loved his wife and children, and hanging out with Run, who was basically an all-time-high menwhore designed just to show off how much of a good man Mateo is, and I remember exactly, at 38% of the book, this came up:
I peeked at myself quickly to make sure I hadn’t turned into a girl. I could see the bulge in my pants and tried to close my legs to make sure somethings was really there and I wasn’t seeing things. I felt a little pain - oh yea, it’s still there.
What’s the problem with being a woman?! How had he even lived with his wife without dissing her dignity and sense of selfworth out?! How did he even get a wife in the first place? Probably had to rip her out of her father’s arms. And considering he had a wife and two kids and lived a few centuries already, how can the word “sexist” make him BLUSH!? I just don’t get it. This character makes absolutely no sense to me!
Another thing that I couldn’t comprehend was the thing with his hair. Granted, I skipped a few chapters in the middle because I couldn’t make myself care what he did, and may be there’s an answer to be found, but seriously, it’s just like the tantrums the little girl I’m babysitting now usually throws when someone wants to brush her hair. And she is nine years old! He also displayed here a stunning performance of hypocrisy, which made me really want to throw a tantrum of my own: it’s a bit hard to explain when I dont’ want to copy paste a long ass section of the book in here, but, anyway, they were talking about his hideous hair, and he accidently mentioned Bracken also thought his hair were hideous, then Summer talked about how she wanted to meet Bracken, and Mateo, like usual, get the me-wanna-jump-off-cliff look on his face, and Summer threatened to chop down the tree he usally hid in. So he stayed and asked what she wanted to do for the day. Summer decided he needed a haircut, and (mind you, he’s supposed to be this wonderful protector of nature and all its magnificent beauty) he was like, “Forget the tree, I’m not a doll to play with.” I mean, if he were such a dedicated protector (at the beginning of the book he WAS willing to sacrifice himself for two whales) then what’s wrong with sacrifying a few locks of hair? They grow back faster than trees!
I also find at some spot, Mateo’s actions wayy overexagerrated. Like here, when Summer asked if they were friends, he totally froze and then Summer woke him up and said “Your face drained of all its color and you stood there silently for about twenty-five minutes.” I mean, if I were her, I’d have assumed he fell asleep standing. It doesn’t prove anything except that Mateo is a freaking drama queen.
It sounds like I’m nitpicking details here but they just disturb me so much. I’m terribly sorry that he has all the time in the world to do whatever the F he wanted and decided to waste it moping. Please don’t tell me all he had to do was turn in to a person to learn something new, he could have decided to take the longer road to bring some excitement in to his life! And the thing about protecting nature was just totally ineffective. If he wanted to protect it so badly, there are other ways, I mean, he could have built an effin’ empire and run it to protect whatever the F he wanted. That’d be an interesting story.
SUMMER
Another character that killed me with her supposed innocence. She reminds me at some spots of Ana from Fifty Shades because they are firstly around the same age, and secondly because of their love for squealing. Squealing at ice-cream, squealing at the thought of going out with Mateo squealing squealing squealing. But aside from that, I don’t hate her. I feel like she’s the chraracter that’s been done the most unjust to: all that we know about her is that she’s a generic small Asian girl (we didn’t even know which country she came from) who ist supposed to be badass and super nice and loving and had somehow been able to hold on to some of her innocence at the age of 23. And according to Mateo she’s also an annoying midget-y half person. But because Bracken said “Not all women are bad,” it might imply that she’s an unique little snowflake. *snore*
RUN
His purpose in this story is a total mystery to me. I didn’t enjoy his story, I don’t think his appearance made any difference to the main storyline, I simply can’t figure out why the F does he have to be there!
BRACKEN
Finally, I’ve reached the part where I kann actually enjoy writing. He’s practically wisdom wrapped in a wrinkly package. What he had to teach Mateo he had collected in his limited years on earth, and IMO Mateo couldn’t have learned much more that what Braken’s told him.
ANNIE
Well she was the perfect example of what Mateo could have done with his mental state. So I liked her.
AVA
All I could feel for her was pity. The way it’s written made me think that Ava is just a charity case for Summer. A totally brainless slut who got constantly dissed behind the back by Mateo and her supposed friend Summer. What have poor Ava done!?
PLOT
I’d say nearly non-existent, because the things I saw most was Mateo internal self-torture. The book picked up pace at the last third part, but then it’s already too late because if I hadn’t get it as an ARC I’d have given up a long time ago.
CONCLUSION
IMO the problem was simply that, Radke had chosen the wrong character to portray. The whole time I couldn’t help but think, were Mateo a little immortal shape-shifting child , this kind of mind-set would have been perfect. The loss of wife and children could have been replace with loss of parents and siblings, his relationship with Summer could have been the discovering of friendship (I just can’t believe that he never had a good friend in his not-immortal life), Bracken role as a mentor to him would have been more prominent and from Mateo’s side, it would have been more believable because I couldn’t swallow the fact that a 60, 70 year old man (I’m not sure how old he was) could have been lecturing a centuries-year-old with fully functioning brain man who has seen all shits in the world. His figuring out women would have been more believable I also could be paranoid but I think Radke was also trying to weave in a bit of innocence into Mateo, but sorry, just please pick a 9 or 10-year-old child, and then it’d have been perfect.
The same thing could also have been said for Summer, even though I think she could have been portrayed as a bit older than Mateo, then the interactions with her boyfriend wouldn’t have to be cut.
Run could have simply be cut out of the book and it wouldn’t have made an impact.
And I (don’t want to get personal but) think that Radke could have some grudge against women, because all the female characters in this book she’s describe in varying grades of degrading ways. It bothers me even more than Mateo’s general misogyny.
Well, there, I’m done (actually I still have some more comments on my notebook that I haven’t touched, but the review is already long enough already and I’ve also had enough already). I need coffee.
2 STAR (for its passed potential as a wonderful children book)
OK, soo.. ARCs... I love them, because if I get lucky and get a good book, I’ll have the bragging right; but at the same time, I’m scared af when I get one on my hand, because I don’t get many offers to ARC so I really want to love it (so I’d have the bragging right lol), and then I’d either just not give a damn or simply hate it. And this book, Nirvana by K.E Radke, just couldn’t make me care less than it already did.
But first, I’d like to talk a bit about my expectation. The blurb sounds awesome. The main character, Joe, or Mateo as I learned later on, sounds like a freaking badass with his immortality and shape-shifting ability. I kinda freaked a bit about the romance aspect of it, because I
Let’s just get on with it.
CHARACTERS:
MATEO I have only four words for him: sexist, childish, mean and hypocritical.
I wanted to start by talking about my most favorite character in the whole book, which is old man Bracken, but I’d have to start with Mateo, because I can’t really make any comment about Bracken without dipping in to the Mateo review, which I orignally intended to save for last.
My first impression of him wasn’t that he had a childish narrative voice and was mean af, a conclusion I only drew as I slowly dragged myself through the book, but of a very powerful person who was manipulative and in control and just my type of fictional guy. And then he thought, hey, the girl put a gun to my head because I said uh-huh in the wrong tone and all my hopes flew out of the window. I know it’s supposed to be humor but he sound dead serious to me and no, he didn’t present any humourous thoughts before this and you just don’t say shits like that to strangers holding guns to your head, even if you can’t die. The right thought should be, hey, did the girl figured out something was wrong?. Even though, I’m pretty curious about what’d happen if the girl (she’s Summer btw) just blew his head off. It’d be very interesting to see if his head and brain would slowly mend up or the bullet would bounce off like little kids on bouncy house. Anyway, so much for first impression.
As the story progressed, I can’t help but notice all the supposed-to-be-funny-but-actually-mean-and-degrading-af thoughts he had all the time: to Summer, who’s been nothing but nice to him, he secretly thought of her as midget and half person because she’s small, he viewed her as an incessant nuisance, he made degrading stereotypical comments about her. I have an exellent example:
“You don’t listen to directions, and if you get lost I won’t be able to find you, you all look alike. I can’t even see people’s faces here unless I’m walking around on my knees.”
And then Summer be like, “That was rude and racist!” (my thought exactly) and he just shrugged. HE MEANT WHAT HE SAID! I can’t think of anything else this action could have implied. And I’m quite sure it’s supposed to be humour but please, rude and racist is not funny unless it’s two teenage friends dissing each other.
I cant’t think of a single character in this book that he hadn’t been mean to. Everyone had to get a piece of his insufferable ass: Summer, Bracken, Run, even the little kid Marcus! This didnt’t make him cold and distant like what I suppose the author meant, just more like an emotionally stunted asshole.
And about him being childish, I simply can’t imagine how a person could have learned so little in so many years living. The narrative voice was often annoying, like one of those badly written YA contemporary where the characters did nothing but complain about her pimple and boy problems and be mean to others but the author kept on insisting that they are lovely little snowflakes. Except here we didn’t hear about boys and pimples but about how wretched his existence is and how awful women are. If I had rolled my eyes at every comments of his that I hated, they’d have been now on the floor! Another thing is that, he clinged to being a man, talking about how he loved his wife and children, and hanging out with Run, who was basically an all-time-high menwhore designed just to show off how much of a good man Mateo is, and I remember exactly, at 38% of the book, this came up:
I peeked at myself quickly to make sure I hadn’t turned into a girl. I could see the bulge in my pants and tried to close my legs to make sure somethings was really there and I wasn’t seeing things. I felt a little pain - oh yea, it’s still there.
What’s the problem with being a woman?! How had he even lived with his wife without dissing her dignity and sense of selfworth out?! How did he even get a wife in the first place? Probably had to rip her out of her father’s arms. And considering he had a wife and two kids and lived a few centuries already, how can the word “sexist” make him BLUSH!? I just don’t get it. This character makes absolutely no sense to me!
Another thing that I couldn’t comprehend was the thing with his hair. Granted, I skipped a few chapters in the middle because I couldn’t make myself care what he did, and may be there’s an answer to be found, but seriously, it’s just like the tantrums the little girl I’m babysitting now usually throws when someone wants to brush her hair. And she is nine years old! He also displayed here a stunning performance of hypocrisy, which made me really want to throw a tantrum of my own: it’s a bit hard to explain when I dont’ want to copy paste a long ass section of the book in here, but, anyway, they were talking about his hideous hair, and he accidently mentioned Bracken also thought his hair were hideous, then Summer talked about how she wanted to meet Bracken, and Mateo, like usual, get the me-wanna-jump-off-cliff look on his face, and Summer threatened to chop down the tree he usally hid in. So he stayed and asked what she wanted to do for the day. Summer decided he needed a haircut, and (mind you, he’s supposed to be this wonderful protector of nature and all its magnificent beauty) he was like, “Forget the tree, I’m not a doll to play with.” I mean, if he were such a dedicated protector (at the beginning of the book he WAS willing to sacrifice himself for two whales) then what’s wrong with sacrifying a few locks of hair? They grow back faster than trees!
I also find at some spot, Mateo’s actions wayy overexagerrated. Like here, when Summer asked if they were friends, he totally froze and then Summer woke him up and said “Your face drained of all its color and you stood there silently for about twenty-five minutes.” I mean, if I were her, I’d have assumed he fell asleep standing. It doesn’t prove anything except that Mateo is a freaking drama queen.
It sounds like I’m nitpicking details here but they just disturb me so much. I’m terribly sorry that he has all the time in the world to do whatever the F he wanted and decided to waste it moping. Please don’t tell me all he had to do was turn in to a person to learn something new, he could have decided to take the longer road to bring some excitement in to his life! And the thing about protecting nature was just totally ineffective. If he wanted to protect it so badly, there are other ways, I mean, he could have built an effin’ empire and run it to protect whatever the F he wanted. That’d be an interesting story.
SUMMER
Another character that killed me with her supposed innocence. She reminds me at some spots of Ana from Fifty Shades because they are firstly around the same age, and secondly because of their love for squealing. Squealing at ice-cream, squealing at the thought of going out with Mateo squealing squealing squealing. But aside from that, I don’t hate her. I feel like she’s the chraracter that’s been done the most unjust to: all that we know about her is that she’s a generic small Asian girl (we didn’t even know which country she came from) who ist supposed to be badass and super nice and loving and had somehow been able to hold on to some of her innocence at the age of 23. And according to Mateo she’s also an annoying midget-y half person. But because Bracken said “Not all women are bad,” it might imply that she’s an unique little snowflake. *snore*
RUN
His purpose in this story is a total mystery to me. I didn’t enjoy his story, I don’t think his appearance made any difference to the main storyline, I simply can’t figure out why the F does he have to be there!
BRACKEN
Finally, I’ve reached the part where I kann actually enjoy writing. He’s practically wisdom wrapped in a wrinkly package. What he had to teach Mateo he had collected in his limited years on earth, and IMO Mateo couldn’t have learned much more that what Braken’s told him.
ANNIE
Well she was the perfect example of what Mateo could have done with his mental state. So I liked her.
AVA
All I could feel for her was pity. The way it’s written made me think that Ava is just a charity case for Summer. A totally brainless slut who got constantly dissed behind the back by Mateo and her supposed friend Summer. What have poor Ava done!?
PLOT
I’d say nearly non-existent, because the things I saw most was Mateo internal self-torture. The book picked up pace at the last third part, but then it’s already too late because if I hadn’t get it as an ARC I’d have given up a long time ago.
CONCLUSION
IMO the problem was simply that, Radke had chosen the wrong character to portray. The whole time I couldn’t help but think, were Mateo a little immortal shape-shifting child , this kind of mind-set would have been perfect. The loss of wife and children could have been replace with loss of parents and siblings, his relationship with Summer could have been the discovering of friendship (I just can’t believe that he never had a good friend in his not-immortal life), Bracken role as a mentor to him would have been more prominent and from Mateo’s side, it would have been more believable because I couldn’t swallow the fact that a 60, 70 year old man (I’m not sure how old he was) could have been lecturing a centuries-year-old with fully functioning brain man who has seen all shits in the world. His figuring out women would have been more believable I also could be paranoid but I think Radke was also trying to weave in a bit of innocence into Mateo, but sorry, just please pick a 9 or 10-year-old child, and then it’d have been perfect.
The same thing could also have been said for Summer, even though I think she could have been portrayed as a bit older than Mateo, then the interactions with her boyfriend wouldn’t have to be cut.
Run could have simply be cut out of the book and it wouldn’t have made an impact.
And I (don’t want to get personal but) think that Radke could have some grudge against women, because all the female characters in this book she’s describe in varying grades of degrading ways. It bothers me even more than Mateo’s general misogyny.
Well, there, I’m done (actually I still have some more comments on my notebook that I haven’t touched, but the review is already long enough already and I’ve also had enough already). I need coffee.
2 STAR (for its passed potential as a wonderful children book)
August 22, 2017
I receive this novel from the author for honest review.
Great Fantasy!
I have read her first book Dead Man's Hand and I loved it. I was excited to read this one Nirvana. Let me tell you that this was different from the first book.
It was other amazing novel. This book had me from the beginning. Love the journey in this story is exciting and magical. Every page, Every chapter was a page turner. Love the different place it takes you. All I wanted was to jump into the book and travel everywhere with Teo. I would love to be shapeshifter who can't die. But wonder how would that feel? How would you feel?
Omg how badly would love to be Teo.
The theme and setting are well put together. The characters are just perfect in this book.
I highly recommend everybody get this book. It so Good!
Hope to see more of Kendra writing!
💖💖💖💖
Great Fantasy!
I have read her first book Dead Man's Hand and I loved it. I was excited to read this one Nirvana. Let me tell you that this was different from the first book.
It was other amazing novel. This book had me from the beginning. Love the journey in this story is exciting and magical. Every page, Every chapter was a page turner. Love the different place it takes you. All I wanted was to jump into the book and travel everywhere with Teo. I would love to be shapeshifter who can't die. But wonder how would that feel? How would you feel?
Omg how badly would love to be Teo.
The theme and setting are well put together. The characters are just perfect in this book.
I highly recommend everybody get this book. It so Good!
Hope to see more of Kendra writing!
💖💖💖💖
December 23, 2017
This is quite an enjoyable read. After you get past the first few chapters and the past and present whiplash. I found myself hoping things would work out for Mateo (Joe). He was such a stubborn character as was Summer. Great writing style
September 26, 2017
I enjoyed this book. It was well written and adventurous!
And when I say adventurous, I mean it makes you want to jump right in and go where he goes. I'm not sure how to explain it but I will try. I hate adventure books. To me they lack a plot and overload you with useless information. While this book isn't really a "adventure" book, it kind is but in its own category.
Not to mention funny. I can't tell you how many times I laughed out loud. All the characters were such a melting potbut so enjoyable.
Honestly I think the only character I wasn't to fond of, even though he was funny, was Run.
Especially when we first meet him. To him women were just objects to do his bidding. Cook, clean, etc till they got sick of him and he'd just find another. Also wasn't a fan of him unable to take no for a answer like when he asked Joe if he wanted pot. Joe said no but Run kept pushing and pushing. It actually pissed me off.
Other than that, I did like this book. It was hard to get into but got better as it went along. Pretty much like a roller-coaster. Starts off slow then builds and builds and builds then Wham! Your thrown into maddening fun. Lol
And when I say adventurous, I mean it makes you want to jump right in and go where he goes. I'm not sure how to explain it but I will try. I hate adventure books. To me they lack a plot and overload you with useless information. While this book isn't really a "adventure" book, it kind is but in its own category.
Not to mention funny. I can't tell you how many times I laughed out loud. All the characters were such a melting potbut so enjoyable.
Honestly I think the only character I wasn't to fond of, even though he was funny, was Run.
Especially when we first meet him. To him women were just objects to do his bidding. Cook, clean, etc till they got sick of him and he'd just find another. Also wasn't a fan of him unable to take no for a answer like when he asked Joe if he wanted pot. Joe said no but Run kept pushing and pushing. It actually pissed me off.
Other than that, I did like this book. It was hard to get into but got better as it went along. Pretty much like a roller-coaster. Starts off slow then builds and builds and builds then Wham! Your thrown into maddening fun. Lol
June 10, 2017
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I really loved the plot and how the Main character development was evident throughout the story. I also really liked how Kendra didn't stick to just one type of authenticity. The sarcasm in the characters alone was amazing. I'm also a huge fan of flashbacks in the characters past life, so when I start to see Joe's flashbacks, I was instantly pulled in. And not to mention the whole shape-shifting mystery?!
I was so impressed at how Kendra managed to perfectly describe each character, so that I could easily envision them as who she portrayed them to be. OH and can I just say how many times Run made me laugh?!?! He wasn't the only one either. Then we have the old man. He always brought Mateo back into reality and calling him out on his crap. He was the perfect best friend image in this book.
-
There were some things that I saw. One was that there were some minor grammar and spelling errors that could have been fixed, but I understood what was trying to be said. Also, in my personal opinion, I felt like Summer was turned kind of needy on the middle to ending. She was this unafraid girl who put a GUN to Mateo (Joe) because she figured out he wasn't really who he said he was, but later on she begins to want to know where he is all the time and doesn't give him his space. However, I really did like her sarcastic and take-no-crap personality
-
All in all it was a great book and I highly recommended it to anyone who loves fantasy filled action with a hint of romance. I really hope for a second book because I would LOVE to see a certain couple's next adventure....
I was so impressed at how Kendra managed to perfectly describe each character, so that I could easily envision them as who she portrayed them to be. OH and can I just say how many times Run made me laugh?!?! He wasn't the only one either. Then we have the old man. He always brought Mateo back into reality and calling him out on his crap. He was the perfect best friend image in this book.
-
There were some things that I saw. One was that there were some minor grammar and spelling errors that could have been fixed, but I understood what was trying to be said. Also, in my personal opinion, I felt like Summer was turned kind of needy on the middle to ending. She was this unafraid girl who put a GUN to Mateo (Joe) because she figured out he wasn't really who he said he was, but later on she begins to want to know where he is all the time and doesn't give him his space. However, I really did like her sarcastic and take-no-crap personality
-
All in all it was a great book and I highly recommended it to anyone who loves fantasy filled action with a hint of romance. I really hope for a second book because I would LOVE to see a certain couple's next adventure....
October 25, 2017
I received an ARC for an honest review of this book.
This book is about a shapeshifter named Mateo, Teo for short, who is unable to die. This haunts him as he only wants to join his long deceased wife.
Teo finds out there is another in the world like him and hopes that he may be able to set him free from his eternal life, which he views as a curse.
The story is interesting and a fresh take on your generic shifter novel. The main character is sad and tortured in his long unending life, but still manages to make a few key friends along the way. The cast of characters are very diverse in a way that doesn't feel forced, and the flashbacks to Teo's origins really bring the story together and help you understand his point of view.
The supporting characters is where the book really shines in my opinion. Bracken was one of my favorite characters and I love how he doesn't let Teo get away with anything, and how he keeps him on his toes. Run is a fun character who makes you laugh and I found myself liking Summer right from the start.
Overall, it was a great read if you are into fantasy novels. I don't usually like shapeshifter stories but this is one of those books that is so unique that I was compelled to keep reading.
This book is about a shapeshifter named Mateo, Teo for short, who is unable to die. This haunts him as he only wants to join his long deceased wife.
Teo finds out there is another in the world like him and hopes that he may be able to set him free from his eternal life, which he views as a curse.
The story is interesting and a fresh take on your generic shifter novel. The main character is sad and tortured in his long unending life, but still manages to make a few key friends along the way. The cast of characters are very diverse in a way that doesn't feel forced, and the flashbacks to Teo's origins really bring the story together and help you understand his point of view.
The supporting characters is where the book really shines in my opinion. Bracken was one of my favorite characters and I love how he doesn't let Teo get away with anything, and how he keeps him on his toes. Run is a fun character who makes you laugh and I found myself liking Summer right from the start.
Overall, it was a great read if you are into fantasy novels. I don't usually like shapeshifter stories but this is one of those books that is so unique that I was compelled to keep reading.
June 13, 2017
Immortality can be a curse.
What do you do when you have eternity and no purpose?
This story follows an extraordinary man-a shapeshifter and more as he wanders about not sure what the purpose of his life is and how to end it.
I loved the beginning.It got me hooked and curious about what sort of creature this man is.
I could not predict how this story would proceed,which is something I really like about this book.
This was a beautiful tale of a man and his loss and grief.The story of his struggles to get attached to people in fear of losing them.His pursuit of another like him who could help him understand what he is and what he is meant to do.
I love the side characters and their influence in Joe's life.His relationship with each of them is unique.
I found myself laughing out loud in a lot of places.JOE and his friends are funny!!
The two timelines which follow Joe's story give an insight into why he is the way he is and that really helped me to connect with him.
The story is neither too fast nor too slow.It however dragged a little in the end and I was being impatient!
The ending was sort of abrupt and I would love to read about what happened next!
What do you do when you have eternity and no purpose?
This story follows an extraordinary man-a shapeshifter and more as he wanders about not sure what the purpose of his life is and how to end it.
I loved the beginning.It got me hooked and curious about what sort of creature this man is.
I could not predict how this story would proceed,which is something I really like about this book.
This was a beautiful tale of a man and his loss and grief.The story of his struggles to get attached to people in fear of losing them.His pursuit of another like him who could help him understand what he is and what he is meant to do.
I love the side characters and their influence in Joe's life.His relationship with each of them is unique.
I found myself laughing out loud in a lot of places.JOE and his friends are funny!!
The two timelines which follow Joe's story give an insight into why he is the way he is and that really helped me to connect with him.
The story is neither too fast nor too slow.It however dragged a little in the end and I was being impatient!
The ending was sort of abrupt and I would love to read about what happened next!
September 17, 2017
Nirvana, written by Kendra Radke, is a special book.
It follows the story of Joe/Matteo, an immortal man who can shapeshift, the weather is somewhat linked to his emotions, and when really angry he can cause fire.
He has very few friends, hates touching and want to die to be with his wife again.
In his search to find a way to die his friendship with Summer becomes greater, even if he hates their friendship because he doesn’t want to outlive her.
She gets more involved in his search to die, even if she isn’t fully aware of that.
He finds a way to die, but if he does it won’t tell you.
It’s really down to earth and when reading it, it feels real. The emotions feel so real and you get why he feels the way he feels and before you know it, you finished the book and you don’t know if you should cry, yell or smile (and I mean that in the good way.)
Lastly the book has a fantasy element, the shape shifting/immortality part and although it makes up the whole story, it doesn’t feel like a fantasy story.
So I definitely recommend this book, even if you don’t like the fantasy genre, and I really hope you’ll enjoyed it the way I did.
It follows the story of Joe/Matteo, an immortal man who can shapeshift, the weather is somewhat linked to his emotions, and when really angry he can cause fire.
He has very few friends, hates touching and want to die to be with his wife again.
In his search to find a way to die his friendship with Summer becomes greater, even if he hates their friendship because he doesn’t want to outlive her.
She gets more involved in his search to die, even if she isn’t fully aware of that.
He finds a way to die, but if he does it won’t tell you.
It’s really down to earth and when reading it, it feels real. The emotions feel so real and you get why he feels the way he feels and before you know it, you finished the book and you don’t know if you should cry, yell or smile (and I mean that in the good way.)
Lastly the book has a fantasy element, the shape shifting/immortality part and although it makes up the whole story, it doesn’t feel like a fantasy story.
So I definitely recommend this book, even if you don’t like the fantasy genre, and I really hope you’ll enjoyed it the way I did.
December 26, 2017
From the start, the plot of the book was interesting. It quickly picked up for me and there were some funny parts in the story. The alternating between the main character's past and present to tell his story was good. However, I had some problems with the plot and the time in the middle of the story. I knew where Summer fit into the plot as a character, but it went on a little bit too long without any action. Some of the scenes were a bit random and just happened at the beginning of chapters without any context. Near the end of the story, the plot picked up and it became interesting again. I was not expecting the solution and the ending at all. Overall, I thought that it was an interesting concept on life and death. Though it could use some development around the middle, this book was a good read. I would have liked to know more about the main character's decision afterwards because the ending was abrupt.
September 26, 2017
This was an amazing book. I love Tea's story. He is a shapeshifter who can't die and is just trying to find a way to be with his wife again. She died years ago and he just wants to join her in death. He has made a few friends over the years that all play a part in keeping him in line. Bracken is the older man who doesn't take any gruff from Teo and tells him like it is. Run had me laughing so many times. Summer is the character who at first tries to keep Teo from leaving jail and even takes something that belongs to him.
I loved this from the beginning I have read many shifter books and this one gives it's own twist to it. I do have to say I think the flash backs are my favorite parts to the story. I loved how you get to see what happened to Teo to make him the way he is. You get to go on an incredible journey when you read this book.
I loved this from the beginning I have read many shifter books and this one gives it's own twist to it. I do have to say I think the flash backs are my favorite parts to the story. I loved how you get to see what happened to Teo to make him the way he is. You get to go on an incredible journey when you read this book.
September 30, 2017
First of all, I would like to say how much I love this cover. It definitely drew my eye which is important. All of the characters were likable in this book which is something that's hard to find. The main character was humorous and just all around enjoyable to read about. The magic element was a surprise and a god one. I loved it, and for some reason, I wasn't expecting it at all.
I'm not a fan of flashbacks usually but I kind of liked them in this book because I got to know other characters better. I thought Radke did a fantastic job describing all of the characters. I felt like I was standing right beside them and was watching everything that was going on.
I liked the story but I did find myself getting bored when it slowed down. Still a good story and I recommend it to anyone that likes light fantasy reads.
I'm not a fan of flashbacks usually but I kind of liked them in this book because I got to know other characters better. I thought Radke did a fantastic job describing all of the characters. I felt like I was standing right beside them and was watching everything that was going on.
I liked the story but I did find myself getting bored when it slowed down. Still a good story and I recommend it to anyone that likes light fantasy reads.
October 8, 2017
a very fabulous read 👍 👍 👍
i really enjoyed every minute of it... it was so so great... the adventures, I love how the story progresses, the character build up... my favourite character of all is Bracken, I so love him, he's so full of wisdom and I love how he was a friend, a brother, and later on a father figure, he really cares and worries for the main character despite having a problem of his own and speaking of... i really adored how the main character changed from point a to point b... over all, It's fun, I really enjoyed it and I may re-read it again in the future because that's how enjoyable this whole book journey is :)
i really enjoyed every minute of it... it was so so great... the adventures, I love how the story progresses, the character build up... my favourite character of all is Bracken, I so love him, he's so full of wisdom and I love how he was a friend, a brother, and later on a father figure, he really cares and worries for the main character despite having a problem of his own and speaking of... i really adored how the main character changed from point a to point b... over all, It's fun, I really enjoyed it and I may re-read it again in the future because that's how enjoyable this whole book journey is :)
December 25, 2017
It’s taken me a while to finish this read. When I first started this book it was very sad for me. It definitely has you on the edge of your seat. It is a rare treat to have a book that has you having that feeling the entire book. I am so thankful to be given this book from the author. Thank you so much for the opportunity. I was so angry at Mateo the whole book but loved the plot twist at the end. I loved the back and forth of the book and the challenges Mateo faced. What do you do when you watch everyone you love die? Do you continue to look for love or cut your losses early? I definitely recommend this to others.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 30, 2018
Since the massacre of his family, and his entire village, all Mateo wanted to do was die, but death eluded him due to a curse he had been plagued with.
I was gripped by the very first chapter of this story. It kept me wanting to read more. The characters were well developed. I liked them all, especially Bracken. I even like Summer, who was quite annoying at times. There was a lot of back and forth ‘boyfriend/girlfriend type’ drama, even though there wasn’t the boyfriend/girlfriend relationship.
It’s a good and intriguing story line that will keep you wondering until the end if he finds who he has been looking for, and accomplishes his life long goal.
I was gripped by the very first chapter of this story. It kept me wanting to read more. The characters were well developed. I liked them all, especially Bracken. I even like Summer, who was quite annoying at times. There was a lot of back and forth ‘boyfriend/girlfriend type’ drama, even though there wasn’t the boyfriend/girlfriend relationship.
It’s a good and intriguing story line that will keep you wondering until the end if he finds who he has been looking for, and accomplishes his life long goal.
December 19, 2017
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Nirvana tells the story of a shapeshifter who cannot die. I found it to be a sad tale which is part of the reason I loved it. Anytime an author can get me emotionally involved in a book I consider it to be a great book. Radke’s writing appeals to your senses and leaves you with strong emotions towards her characters. I consider this to be a sign of an excellent writer. Nirvana kept me engaged the whole time. I couldn’t stop reading. Definitely check this book out!
Nirvana tells the story of a shapeshifter who cannot die. I found it to be a sad tale which is part of the reason I loved it. Anytime an author can get me emotionally involved in a book I consider it to be a great book. Radke’s writing appeals to your senses and leaves you with strong emotions towards her characters. I consider this to be a sign of an excellent writer. Nirvana kept me engaged the whole time. I couldn’t stop reading. Definitely check this book out!
January 31, 2018
I'd read and enjoyed Entangled Collateral, so as this was written in the same narrative style (which I personally like) I dived right in. A very different 'voice' for the main character in this book, their personalities are nicely distinct which is good. The whole shapeshifting idea is new to me as I don't intentionally choose supernatural and it was related very well. The first few chapters throw you around a little but then the story pulls itself together and by the end Radke delivers a well rounded plot. Poignant at times but also pleasantly humorous. Thumbs up.
June 6, 2018
The best part about this book was the diversity. Radke did a fantastic job including so many different cultures. And...this book is nothing like her others, showing just how diverse of an author she can be.
The story follows Mateo, who is a immortal shapshifter. His emotions effect and change the weather, which was a really cool twist, as he has no control for what he unleashes. His adventures take place all over the world, and Radke did a fantastic job of describing each location. It was like I was there!
The story follows Mateo, who is a immortal shapshifter. His emotions effect and change the weather, which was a really cool twist, as he has no control for what he unleashes. His adventures take place all over the world, and Radke did a fantastic job of describing each location. It was like I was there!
December 19, 2017
When I was offered this book for an honest review, I jumped on it. I thought the idea was a great one. Unfortunately, I was not able to get into this book. I finished, but it was not my cup of tea and finishing it was kind of forced. The writing was stilted. Having read nothing else from this author, I do not know if this is normal or purposeful for this character. I think there was a lot of potential here that simply wasn't reached.
October 10, 2017
This story was an adventure from beginning to end! I absolutely love eveything supernatural and have always been fascinated with shape shifters. The author brings to light a tortured soul desperately trying to reunite with his wife through death. I agree with previous reviews about the flashbacks creating a better picture of our main character and how he got to be who he is. It was very well done and easy to follow.
May 24, 2018
This was a book I normally wouldn't have read but I enjoyed reading this. My heart went out for Joe with what he went through. The author did a great job creating this story and the characters
February 25, 2017
I thoroughly enjoyed his novel! It had everything I wanted, shapeshifting, a pushy love interest, some hilarious conversations and so much travel.
The story follows Mateo (aka Joe) who meets Summer while attempting to break out of jail... awesome start right!!! And then suddenly Summer turns up in his life again and again and annoyingly for him again. You also learn about Teos past which is extremely intense!!
Teo has lived a really long life and is depressing suicidal and finds out that there is another man out there who has lived as long as him (if not longer)
The adventure then follows Teo trying I find the person who might be able to put him out of his misery - and believe me he thinks he is in misery.
I hope you love it as much as I do
The story follows Mateo (aka Joe) who meets Summer while attempting to break out of jail... awesome start right!!! And then suddenly Summer turns up in his life again and again and annoyingly for him again. You also learn about Teos past which is extremely intense!!
Teo has lived a really long life and is depressing suicidal and finds out that there is another man out there who has lived as long as him (if not longer)
The adventure then follows Teo trying I find the person who might be able to put him out of his misery - and believe me he thinks he is in misery.
I hope you love it as much as I do
April 22, 2017
I really enjoy this book! It isn't the type of book I read normally, but I really loved it. The story is really gripping, with the backstory of Teo, his relationship with the old man and specially with Summer.
The story during the book is really interesting, even if I found the end a little bit slow. But I couldn't put the book down until I finish it!
So I highly recommend you this book.
Hope you'll love it as much as I did!
The story during the book is really interesting, even if I found the end a little bit slow. But I couldn't put the book down until I finish it!
So I highly recommend you this book.
Hope you'll love it as much as I did!
November 21, 2017
I downloaded this book from Amazon Kindle Unlimited because I had read K. E. Radke's book Dead Man's Hand. All opinions are my own. After reading her first novel I couldn't help but want to read more of her work. Nirvana did not disappoint! 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟A fantasy unlike anything else I have read. Mateo is a shapeshifter and an immortal. His only wish is to live and die like a normal. He travels the world because he can not bear to stay in one place and watch the world go by. The story travels back and forth throughout his life allowing you to become involved with characters in his world. The characters are so easy to relate too and the dialouge is captivating. A great read! Keep them coming @k.e.radke I absolutely loved this one! Review also posted on Instagram @jasonnstacie, Amazon, and my blog at readsbystacie.com
November 24, 2017
I received this book from the author for an honest review. This book had me hooked from page one. I constantly had questions as to how Mateo became how he is? Why was he choosen? ect.
Not all my questions were answered but a lot of things I didn't think of were answered. It's got a romance aspect to it which was a very cutesy romance.
I read Dead Man's Hand prior to this one and these two books were EXTREMELY different. different in a good way though.
This book is a bit darker, but has good morals and messages throughout the story.
It deals with some mental illness issues as well and are very well represented! Mateo wants answers and will stop at nothing to get them.
I really hope she writes a second one so we can find out more about Mateo, Annie and Summer.
Not all my questions were answered but a lot of things I didn't think of were answered. It's got a romance aspect to it which was a very cutesy romance.
I read Dead Man's Hand prior to this one and these two books were EXTREMELY different. different in a good way though.
This book is a bit darker, but has good morals and messages throughout the story.
It deals with some mental illness issues as well and are very well represented! Mateo wants answers and will stop at nothing to get them.
I really hope she writes a second one so we can find out more about Mateo, Annie and Summer.
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