Time to Live

Inheritance of Time #1

by Jordan Elizabeth

A witch’s magical orbs. Clan Wars that have lasted centuries. A heritage shrouded in secrecy.


Welcome to seventeen-year-old Banon Andreeta’s world.


Banon is a child of Clan Genae and can do things most people can’t. Which might account for her rebellious behavior. Or maybe she’s just a magnet for trouble. Either way, she’s in hot water more often than the average teen.


When she rejects Fred, a random creep at the mall, she makes an enemy who will bring unwanted attention from Clan Julae, her own clan’s mortal enemy.


She also makes a friend in Clan Julae – the intriguing Hadley. Drawn to each other, neither understands the forces behind the attraction. Or that they are from opposing clans. Hadley only knows Banon is in danger and he must protect her.


But the long-standing Clan War is not as much in the past as the Genae thought. Their very existence is threatened by enemies known and unknown. And the only thing between them and death is Banon. A secret weapon even they don’t know they have.

Genres: Fantasy, Paranormal, Romance, Young Adult

333 pages, ebook

Published October 2, 2018

Reviews

[Dianne · Rating 2 out of 5]

Banon is the secret weapon that could end the witch clan wars. She’s also a rebellious teen well aware of her “gifts.” Prone to be a trouble magnet, her abrasive personality makes a grave enemy in a rival clan, yet, the heart knows no boundaries and one boy will do all he can to protect her.

Jordan Elizabeth’s young adult fantasy tale, TIME TO LIVE has all of the ingredients to be a fascinating young adult read, but for me, it missed the mark. Don’t get me wrong, the plot is a good one, but its main character, Banon is an unlikeable heroine who would make the perfect “Most likely to have no friends,” winner. Her attitude is a little too self-entitled and to be honest, ruined the rest of the story for me. When I was witness to how she treated her parents, that sealed the deal on whether I could recommend this book to young adults.

I have always found wonderful reading from this author, but this time out, I was sorely disappointed in this YA offering.

I received a complimentary ARC edition from Jordan Elizabeth!

Series: Inheritance of Time - Book 1
Publication Date: October 2, 2018
Publisher: Jordan Elizabeth
Genre: Fantasy | Paranormal YA
Print Length: 222 pages
Available from: Amazon
For Reviews, Giveaways, Fabulous Book News, follow: http://tometender.blogspot.com

[Cranky - The Book Curmudgeon · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Cranky Stars


I really enjoyed reading this book, I couldn't put it down. The story flowed easily, the characters weren't hollow, and the sarcasm was on point. I laughed a lot.


Two clans with an ancient feud, one is violent, the other nurturing, both don't know the truth of what happened all those years ago.


You follow a rebellious and snarky teen and a strong gentle giant that learns of their past and how it fits into this unnecessary feud. She has a gift for saving those in danger, he has a gift for saving her. Together they find the truth and end the feud.

[Melissa Levine · Rating 2 out of 5]

I've enjoyed the majority of Jordan's stories. Overall, this story was okay. I'm a fan of magical-related stories like this one, but, unfortunately, this story didn't pull me in like it usually does.

I wasn't a fan of Banon. While I thought the name was unique and, therefore, different, she just wasn't a likable character, in my opinion. She exploits her friends, seems to treat her parents like...well, not in a daughterly way, and always tries to get her way with Hadley/Julian. It also seemed strange or too coincidental that someone always needs help wherever she goes.

Questions/Comments:

There's a burglar in Banon's house. He's standing in front of her father's desk. How does Banon manage to kick him in the face without him questioning why she's moving closer?

She stabs the burglar/kid with a pen and he doesn't cry out or anything? Just covers the wound with his hand?

So instead of calling the police on the kid that breaks into her house, she leaves a note for her parents that she's going to a friend's house. Prior to leaving, she calls the police. Wouldn't it make more sense to leave the note and go to her friends? Wouldn't the police/her parents now be wondering who called the police?

At the party, there's a guy passed out on the floor that Banon ends up kicking to awake. While talking to him she notices that there's "A bubble of liquid formed in the corner of the left eye." Huh?

The drunk video game guys in the basement couldn't touch Banon without her hitting or scratching them, yet, when she encounters Hadley in the bathroom, who pulls her inside and holds her against him, she just laughs it all off.

Why did Banon mention vampirism when talking to Hadley?

Banon sends a text to Jacqueline while also saying she would know what it was really about. Obviously, Jacqueline knows about Clan Julae but... what did her message mean? She was leaving with a killer? Someone she shouldn't be leaving with?

When Banon has to pee, she has Hadley step in the bathtub...the "frigid tub..." Um, how is it frigid? I could understand if the tub was full of freezing water, but it's empty. Plus, he's dressed.

How do you bite the skin between someone's fingers? And, yes, I just tried to do that to mine. It didn't work.

One of Banon's dream has her in a tree with stiff legs from inaction. So she hasn't moved for a while. Yet, she was "...careful to breathe evenly through her nose to avoid getting cramps...from panting." If she hasn't moved in a while, why would she randomly start panting?

After picking up Banon, so she wouldn't go to school, Hadley comments about how this was the first time she didn't look like a rainbow. What about when he first saw her at the mall and she was wearing a black shirt with blue pants? Or when they were together at the party? She wore a black dress with matching boots.

Hadley is eating a veggie burger with Banon. This is an example of me "thinking too much into a story." So, Hadley has just put some ketchup on his burger and then replaced the bun back on top. The next page, he's putting mustard on it. Now...unless he's never had a burger before-meaning he's not sure what condiments he'll like on it-why would he have replaced the bun when he wasn't finished applying his condiments?

While I came across many questionable phrases, this one stood out: "They always say vegetarians taste the best. No salt in the system, just sugar." I don't get it?! Vegetarians eat salt.

Questionable scene:
One minute Banon knocks Fred onto his back, "...dragging her down on top of him." So, she has the upper hand. But wait! The next part has him suddenly straddling her. When did that happen?

OR...

When Fred and crew are chasing Banon through the woods after killing Nic, she hides under a porch until they leave and then she opens the cellar window and goes inside. What does she do next? She moves a tackle box over to a different window and climbs back out. What was the point of her going in cellar? She could have stayed undert the porch. Why didn't she just walk/crawl around to the front of the house?

Banon was worried about leaving fingerprints behind but not being caught on video?

How did Clan Julae know Clan Genae was having a meeting, much less where it was going to be? It's not like they had an informant or spy because they only just found out that Genae was in the same city as them. I get the leader of Julae got information from Jacqueline, but I doubt Banon/Genevieve would have told her anything about the meeting or where it was taking place.

Why did it seem like Banon/Genevieve was the only one with powers? At the big fight scene, she was the only one using magic... Even at the meeting, the clan has after the fight, no one mentions her powers instead they're scared that with the war going on it will keep "...her from attaining the powers."

Banon/Genevieve seemed to have been inside for a while listening to the clan members talk. So, who set the front yard on fire? Hadley/Julian? If so, not much information is provided. One minute Hadley/Julian is texting Banon/Genevieve, the next it seems like they've already been talking for a while, he sets the fire, she has Duncan call the fire department. Oh, that's right, there was no fire. So, why did she text Hadley/Julian asking him to keep the members outside? How was he supposed to do that? I'm not a fan of the way that scene was written.

I didn't understand how Clan Julae came about?! There was a part mentioned about Hadley/Julian and Banon/Genevieve's other three children having something to do with it but I'm lost there.

Who brought Henry back? And what took so long for Banon/Genevieve and Hadley/Julian to be reincarnated?

Banon/Genevieve is in the car with Henry. She's thinking about attacking him. "All she had to do was roll down, turn a little bit, and kick him above the ear. Hopefully, he wouldn't swerve or fall over unconscious..." What would she expect to happen then? If she didn't want him unconscious, what would be the point of attacking him?

Henry is getting ready to talk to Hadley/Julian on the phone. Hadley/Julian starts the conversation with "Don't you dare hurt her!" Henry's response (the important/questionable part) is "By the way, you shouldn't use such foul language." What foul language?

Repetition: When Henry first calls Banon/Genevieve on the phone, he tells her that he had offered to marry her in their past lives. Then he mentions it again when the two are together and Enid shows up.

Enid thinks that Henry has somehow turned Hadley/Julian into a "cold-hearted man." Huh? That would make him sound like he doesn't care about anyone but himself, and that's not the case.

Who are all the people in the two clans to where they all get powers?

Banon/Genevieve thinks that Jacqueline would "...be thrilled to know her life was taken to save the world." She'd be dead, so there would be no way of her knowing. It would be different if she was conscious, but she wasn't during this time. Or her thoughts on Silvia. "As for Silvia...Julian could believe Silvia smoke, drank, and took enough drugs she really couldn’t care much about life, right?" He doesn't really know either girl though...plus, isn't Silvia one of her best friends? Just seems like a strange thing to think/say about her dear friends.

During the fight with Henry, Hadley/Julian aims lightning at him and there's the smell of burnt flesh. "Genevieve jerked away from Henry. As she reached for Julian, a sound erupted from his mouth, his lips splitting open. Blood ran down his chin rivulets." Why was there blood?

The ending just confused me. When did she talk to the imp about the witch, who just happened to be Silvia? No, wait, Silvia was her own person. So, was the witch just taking over her body or something? I wonder since Banon/Genevieve commented about how she was into drugs and didn't seem to care about much.

Also, Banon/Genevieve's mother comes to visit her and the family at their house. Obviously, her parents have never been there before. Why had they never visited when Banon/Genevieve and Hadley/Julian have four kids now?

[Dave Higgins · Rating 3 out of 5]

Elizabeth fuses an urban fantasy world free of the usual creatures with key tropes of young adult fiction to create something both fresh and familiar.

Seventeen-year-old Banon Andreeta is a child of Clan Genae. Her parents believe she is merely a rebellious teenager, ignorant of her lineage and the powers it will bring; however, her magic manifested early, both inspiring her to stand up rather than back down and granting her the prowess needed to prevail. But, when a random sexual harasser at the mall turns out to be a member of Clan Julae, her family’s mortal enemies, she finds herself at the heart of an escalating war.

Unlike many universes where magical beings living among humans unnoticed, the fantastical element of this story is two extended families who have access to slight advantages. This combination of a low number of supernaturals and a lack of immediately impossible effects makes the clans’ extended concealment from each other and the population in general more plausible than the more usual grab-bag of vampires, werewolves, demons and mages all racing around crowded cities without raising questions.

While there are explicit displays of supernatural power, Elizabeth enhances the sense of subtlety further by not making explicit exactly what all the powers of the two clans are, leaving the reader to wonder where the line between magic and fortune is.

The central arcs of the book are closer to a usual young adult fantasy: Banon is both special and torn between two potential boyfriends. However, the former does not take the common turns of rejecting destiny or being “graceful yet clutzy”, and the latter is resolved in a way that maintains angst without sustaining the endless churn between options; as such, they are likely to satisfy those readers who enjoy the classic tropes of the genre without seeming tedious to those who prefer innovation.

Although this is stated to be the first volume of a series, it feels more like a stand-alone than some single novels so is unlikely to leave readers feeling that plot arcs are unresolved, let alone that they have been baited into getting half a story.

Banon herself is a good balance of traditional young adult heroine and nuanced character, allowing teen readers to empathise with her struggle against flawed parents without making her seem either too perfect or too naïve. However, her rebellious nature and frequent public displays of prowess are somewhat at odds with the discretion implied by her having successfully concealed her development of powers much earlier than usual; thus, while some readers might not be bothered or find hints of justification in later revelations, others could suffer from a sense of dissonance.

The supporting cast, both clan and normal, are a good mix of the usual tropes and unique features, creating a sense that this is a real world without losing the similarity that drives a tale about conflict between two groups.

Overall, I enjoyed this book. I recommend it to readers seeking young adult urban fantasy with a pervasive romance arc.

I received a free copy from the author with a request for a fair review.

[Helgaleena Healingline · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's easy to get confused by this tale of star-crossed reincarnated lovers, both belonging to rival clans of hereditary magic wielders. That's because so many strands are interweaving as the ancients who started the entire rivalry manipulate the efforts of the main characters to 'get it right' this time around and solve the cosmic itch.

The salty colloquialisms of upstate New York add a great suburban background. And the heroine Banon is graced with early-blooming magic of her own that allows her to effectively make use of things the rest of the Clans can only achieve with practice and the presence of those power widgets, the Orbs.

Ironically, until all the kinks of the past are straightened out, it's only volume Zero, Time to Die Again. And also ironically, the most empathy this tale wrung from me was how past life memories can make hash of present life dilemmas sometimes. I know, right?

Whenever the point of view leaps to the shamanic observational level, you are going to wonder what the relevance is to the modern-day timeline. And it won't make any sense until you get to the very end of the epilogue, either. I think that might be the whole point, but what is undeniable is that when the foretold family is finally achieved, they are at last disentangled from the past and truly living.

[Sheila · Rating 4 out of 5]

Blending magic and superpowers, Jordan Elizabeth creates a conflicted seventeen-year-old heroine, helping the weak, opposing the wrong, and eager to move away from her parents’ influence. It doesn’t help that her parents don’t like her boyfriend, or that they keep secrets. Because Banon’s not meant to know her powers yet—not till she comes of age. And she’s not meant to marry outside her clan.

Two clans and one clan war start this novel, giving a sense of Romeo and Juliet crossed with A Midsummer Night’s Dream. But witches or fae hide complex, often confusing motivations, and it’s hard to guess whose side the dark stranger is on for the first half of this book. One clan is clearly evil, mostly; the other mostly good. But there’s history too, in a story that crosses continents and eras. Sometimes befuddling, sometimes simply exciting, filled with action, heady with romance and tragedy, and with great snarky dialog from its teen protagonist, Time to Live might invite many characters to die; lines will be crossed and rules broken before the end. It’s a fast fun young adult novel, perfect for girls who wish they had superpowers with which to save the world.

Disclosure: I was given a free copy and I offer my honest review.

[Kayla Krantz · Rating 5 out of 5]

After Banon turns down a creep at the mall, she opens herself up for a world of trouble. Banon is no ordinary 17-year-old girl. She has powers. No one knows though, and she’s afraid of what will happen when the truth comes out. After an assassin is sent from the rival Clan, she has no choice but to reveal her secret. She might be the key to winning the war once and for all.

I love how quickly this went from a seemingly normal book to an urban fantasy. When the book opened, I wasn’t really sure what it was about. A bunch of teen boys trying to pick up some girls. From there, the main protagonist, Banon, stands out. She stands up for herself and has no idea that the random creep she’s turning down is really part of the enemy Clan.

I liked Banon. She was spunky and rebellious, though I admit she made a few questionable decisions. She wasn’t afraid to put up a fight though, and that’s something I always admire. Especially in female MCs. The Clan wars between witches was interesting, and the more I learned of the characters, the more engaged with the story I became.

Narration was well done.

This book was given to me for free at my request and I provided this voluntary review.

[Fizza · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a story that started centuries ago and now it's time for it to end. However, things are rarely predictable in the real world, especially when magic is involved. I absolutely loved it for a number of reasons. Firstly, it's a very imaginative story that kept me on my toes through out the book, nothing predictable happened here. Secondly, I loved the characters, Banon more than anyone else. She is a teenager who doesn't know how to act normal, her character is quite interesting and fun to read. She made me laugh quite a few times. Thirdly, Jordan Elizabeth's way of writing is just as good as always. I have yet to read her book that I didn't like. She is among the authors I'd one-click without even reading the blurb. So, there is that. It's a great fantasy novel with lots of twists and turns, adventure, romance, action, and a hint of mystery. All is all a perfect mix. I'd definitely recommend it to all my fellow readers, hoping that they enjoy it as much as I did.
P.S. I received a complimentary copy of this book for which I'd like to thank the author. <3

[Philleys Peters · Rating 5 out of 5]

Witches and clan wars. A secret weapon that her clan is unaware of. Now this is a fantastic reason to read this book. Banon is a witch of untold powers, powers she has grown into from a very young age. Something that does not occur until age eighteen or older, if ever. And Banon is only seventeen. She keeps her abilities hidden from her parents, her clan, from everyone. But things happen. She has unknowingly made a mortal enemy of the leader of the powerful Clan Julae, her own Clan Genae's rival and arch nemesis. There is even a brewing romance between Banon and Hadley, brother of the Clan Julae leader. But hold on a minute. She is engaged to Nik! And what is with the interchanging names? Who is Julian, really? And Genevieve? Now here are mysteries worth uncovering! Great storytelling!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Linda Hamonou · Rating 5 out of 5]

It seems that Jordan Elizabeth is back at writing nice intricate tales with a lot to look forward to.
This book was amazing.
The story not only has a modern dimension but it also takes roots in the past as it deals with reincarnation.
There is also a tale of magic going on at the same time with powerful being playing a game with destiny and fate.
It was an awesome read and I would recommend it to anyone who like Christmas time TV series like "The cave of the golden rose" or "Desideria and The Dragon Ring" but also people who like strong character female super hero in a more modern setting.

[Sandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Ms. Elizabeth fantasies each one is so unique and really interesting. Case in point is this piece of work. With wonderful twists, a touch of magic and unpredictable this story will keep you fully engaged and you will not want to put it down. Imps who know the loopholes, an angry witch and a kidnapper are all things you will find in this fantasy. Confused well reading the book will help with that. If you like romance, adventure, and a really good story this is the one for you. I did receive a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.

[Kaye Lynne Booth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the privelage of a review copy and found it to be a delightful story of magic and mayhem. I was able to fall into this young adult novel and kept the pages turning.... I question why this book is titled as such, but I think the cover is killer. I enjoyed this tale to the utmost and give "Time to Live" five stars.

See my full review here: https://kayelynnebooth.wordpress.com/...

[Tanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

Her life is not as easy as she wants it to be but that is just her life. She rejects a boy which starts to cause problems. She gets help from another and just when they thought the clan wars were over it may not be. What is going to happen? Will life ever be the same? See what will happen

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lorella Piras · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simply loved, loved, loved this book! I couldn't put it down, I simply had to know what happens.
The storyline is great, the overall theme is good and the character development is also very good.
Enjoy friends you will be hooked.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Levian · Rating 5 out of 5]

i received a free ebook from the author in exchange for an honest review. i had no interest in the clans nor the wars. but i was very intrigued by Banon. she was a tough character, so lovable and easy to root for. the romance was icing on the cake, not essential yet it made things even more perfect. it was an easy read, with the story being so engaging.

[Kirsti Call · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.

This book was so creative and so MUCH fun to read! I loved the premise, the twists and turns and mystery and the relationship of the main characters. Compelling story and plotline with magical elements!

[Kandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book by this author. So many wonderful things to say, but don't want to leave any spoilers. I will say there are some magical beings in this book. Great characters and a very interesting story line. Love it!

[Kimberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book is a good teen and young adult read. The story has a lot of twists and turns. The characters are good. The story has fantasy, action, adventure, romance, and a hint of mystery read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Diana · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting story. I was a nice short story.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting young adult fantasy adventure story. Engaging developed well characters. It is a well written. It has been a pleasure to read this book.

[Nadea Croix · Rating 5 out of 5]

I like this story It was well written and really leave you on the edge of your seat with page after page thrown in some intricate challenges and characters makes a great read

[Brenda Allen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book, that kept my attention all the way to the end, and every chapter was received amazingly and I recommend you give it a read.

[Maria · Rating 3 out of 5]

Banon, a rebellious seventeen-year old who is also a casual crime fighter, one day tells off a creep at the mall. But little does she know she’s messing up with the wrong guy – for he turns out to be part of a boy gang – a ‘Clan’ - that's the mortal enemy of the Clan she belongs to. The boy – Fred – stalks her for revenge while Hadley, his brother tries to protect her from him. In the midst of this, these two become close, and together they discover the history of the Clans' enmity – and seek to destroy its very source.

I really enjoyed the chase. There is something thrilling about mortal enemies chasing each other to death. Also, these Clans reminded me of the author's Runners and Riders which I also enjoyed a lot. Here's my my review.

Loved Banon’s character. She is all rebelliousness – from her clothes to her general deviant or otherwise carefree attitude towards life. It makes her other choices more meaningful. She has some cool hobbies – and of course she is a badass criminal fighter with amazing moves. Though the secret to her success was more than a bit disappointing but it was made up for by getting eliminated in the end, which was only fair.. A rebellious protagonist was very fun and refreshing to read and even relatable to some of us who have had this phase in our teenage (I did). Initially she reminded me a bit of Weronica (also a cool, badass character) – from Victorian - which is one of my favourite novels by this author – but the two diverged soon.

So like I said, I did enjoy myself during the chase, but that was the initial plot. Then it becomes all about the Clans' history and ending their enmity. There was a lot of fantasy involved...and I found myself not liking the magic system, which was a problem since the later part of the plot relies heavily on fantasy. I also couldn't bring myself to care about their history. It got very confusing anyway, the origin story. The characters got mixed up, the plot going in weird directions. And up till the ending a lot of things seemed confusing or pointless. I think I liked the non-fantasy parts better, if I am being honest (except Banon's history. That was interesting).

I have a lot of feelings about the insta-love, but I will shorten my rant: I am already fed up with insta-romances. I know it was kind of justified in this case, but still, the build-up to it seemed unnecessary because it had already been obvious all along. Not to mention that she she cheated on Nikolai. Banon’s history had not been his fault. He did deserve better.

So overall, this was an enjoyable read, minus most of the fantasy, which seemed a bit out-of-place to me.

*An eCopy of this book was provided to me by the author in exchange for my honest review.