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The Neverway Chronicles #2
Specter
Sookie Haverly is missing, but was she taken by a curse or a terrible creature haunting the Neverway. Rosamond is determined to find her sister in spite of the dangers she knows she will encounter in the mountains.
Haunted by his past and nightmares, Victor Jenks must return to Briarstone Abbey and the Neverway as he struggles to unravel the mystery of the girl's disappearance.
In this original novella loosely inspired by Red Riding Hood, journey deep into a dangerous wilderness, explore an enchanted Abbey, and experience the bond between siblings.
A Neverway Novella
Haunted by his past and nightmares, Victor Jenks must return to Briarstone Abbey and the Neverway as he struggles to unravel the mystery of the girl's disappearance.
In this original novella loosely inspired by Red Riding Hood, journey deep into a dangerous wilderness, explore an enchanted Abbey, and experience the bond between siblings.
A Neverway Novella
179 pages, ebook
Published August 15, 2018
27 people want to read
About the author
Savannah Jezowski
27 books76 followersSavannah lives in a drafty farmhouse in Amish country with her Knight in Shining Armor, who is no less shiny after eight years of matrimony, and a loyal brigade of kitties, who may or may not sleep on the job. Her work has been published in Ray Gun Revival, Mindflights and in the student publication of Fountains at PCC. She is also an author in the Five Enchanted Roses collection. She likes books, faeries and writing hats. Quite recently, dragons were spotted having tea on her estate.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
October 12, 2019
Awesome story with equally awesome writing! Savannah just has a way with words. :D
January 8, 2019
There’s something about revisiting a storyworld that stole your breath and hoping, praying even, that the sequel is as good as the first one. In the Neverway chronicles, the sequel was even better!
Wow. In the first book, After, I immediately loved the unique, dark, and mysterious world created by Savannah Jezowski and though I did enjoy the first book, it was the need to finish the story that caused me to pick up book two. But honestly, Specter was so much more than a sequel.
My favorite character from the first book is the main character in Specter
(don’t you just love it when that happens?!), and I’ll just go ahead and say that his story was magnificent.
The character transition from boy to man, innocent to seasoned, and sheltered to being the protector, was truly outstanding. His response to the things happening in his life felt so REAL! Not always right, but he was an incredibly lifelike character. In fact, all of the characters were simply amazing.
The storyline, again, had me white-knuckled at times. And that ending?! Goodness, I’ll need a moment to collect my thoughts. I loved the little tidbits of fairy tales included in the storyline too, not enough to cause Specter to be predictable, but enough to get you excited that you might (though probably not…) predict something!
Once again, this is a clean book with no cursing or sexual content, however the action and gore is decently high.
Overall, I loved Specter so much and definitely recommend it (after the first book of course) and look forward to finally getting my hands on the next book! I rate it 5 out of 5 stars!
I received this book from the author for the purpose of this review. All comments and opinions are entirely my own.
This is a LiteratureApproved.com Review.
Wow. In the first book, After, I immediately loved the unique, dark, and mysterious world created by Savannah Jezowski and though I did enjoy the first book, it was the need to finish the story that caused me to pick up book two. But honestly, Specter was so much more than a sequel.
My favorite character from the first book is the main character in Specter
(don’t you just love it when that happens?!), and I’ll just go ahead and say that his story was magnificent.
The character transition from boy to man, innocent to seasoned, and sheltered to being the protector, was truly outstanding. His response to the things happening in his life felt so REAL! Not always right, but he was an incredibly lifelike character. In fact, all of the characters were simply amazing.
The storyline, again, had me white-knuckled at times. And that ending?! Goodness, I’ll need a moment to collect my thoughts. I loved the little tidbits of fairy tales included in the storyline too, not enough to cause Specter to be predictable, but enough to get you excited that you might (though probably not…) predict something!
Once again, this is a clean book with no cursing or sexual content, however the action and gore is decently high.
Overall, I loved Specter so much and definitely recommend it (after the first book of course) and look forward to finally getting my hands on the next book! I rate it 5 out of 5 stars!
I received this book from the author for the purpose of this review. All comments and opinions are entirely my own.
This is a LiteratureApproved.com Review.
October 30, 2018
This was the ideal book to read during Halloween week! Spooky, action-packed, and filled with favorite characters from earlier books in the series. I was delighted to return to Briarstone and see Corwin and Bet in action--and in love.
The heroine in this story has an excellent character arc. She is annoying through much of the story, but this just made her more believable. She is a dreamer and very stubborn. I couldn't relate at . . . Oh, okay, so I related a bit too much for comfort!
Victor also had a solid character arc, and I look forward to seeing him come into his own as a hero.
Diggory is sweet . . . and I'm worried about him . . .
Great stuff! I highly recommend this one. If you haven't yet discovered The Neverway Chronicles, you're missing out!
The heroine in this story has an excellent character arc. She is annoying through much of the story, but this just made her more believable. She is a dreamer and very stubborn. I couldn't relate at . . . Oh, okay, so I related a bit too much for comfort!
Victor also had a solid character arc, and I look forward to seeing him come into his own as a hero.
Diggory is sweet . . . and I'm worried about him . . .
Great stuff! I highly recommend this one. If you haven't yet discovered The Neverway Chronicles, you're missing out!
Want to read
September 9, 2018My computer has become contrary of late and will not let me rate books. However, I give Specter four stars. I really liked it!
As I enjoyed Wither, Savannah Jezowski's unique retelling of Beauty and the Beast, I was so excited to read Specter, the novella that continues the story. The book was very enjoyable. While the world these characters populate is a frightening one, inhabited by ghouls, creepers, wraiths, neverwolves and many other menaces, the author manages to create endearing characters. I especially loved Rosamond Haverly, the eldest of the Haverly sisters. While I loved Lilybet in Wither, she was a bit brash at times, and I find it hard to connect with characters like that. Rosamond had the right amount of awkwardness and spunk that totally endeared her to my heart. She is also a bookworm, another endearing attribute to which I can relate. I also loved a character named Diggory and want to see more of him in future stories.
Sookie, the youngest Haverly girl, is missing, and the spook Victor, who is determined to keep his village safe, is determined to find her. Accompanied by Rosamond and Diggory, (a woodcutter's son), the trio journey toward Briarstone Abbey, the structure that seeks to keep humanity safe from the undead and all other forms of danger. Could Sookie be at the abbey or somewhere else? What of the devious creature that pursues the trio on their quest?
I enjoyed meeting Lilybet and Corwin again. And, learning more about the invisible servants in the abbey was lots of fun.
Specter is a story about doing what must be done despite the danger. It is a story that explores questions not easily answered; why must we suffer? How can we understand the Ever Father's ultimate plan? Must we simply trust blindly? And, if we do, when will his true plan be revealed? The story is one of sacrifice and strength, a story in which all is given. While I prefer stories without cliffhanger endings, I enjoy the fact that there are more adventures to come. The author also provides a sneak peek into the next book, so I was able to glimpse more of Sookie's personality. I also loved a character in that preview named Jimmy Hawkes. He seems very intriguing.
Thoroughly recommended! God bless you all.
As I enjoyed Wither, Savannah Jezowski's unique retelling of Beauty and the Beast, I was so excited to read Specter, the novella that continues the story. The book was very enjoyable. While the world these characters populate is a frightening one, inhabited by ghouls, creepers, wraiths, neverwolves and many other menaces, the author manages to create endearing characters. I especially loved Rosamond Haverly, the eldest of the Haverly sisters. While I loved Lilybet in Wither, she was a bit brash at times, and I find it hard to connect with characters like that. Rosamond had the right amount of awkwardness and spunk that totally endeared her to my heart. She is also a bookworm, another endearing attribute to which I can relate. I also loved a character named Diggory and want to see more of him in future stories.
Sookie, the youngest Haverly girl, is missing, and the spook Victor, who is determined to keep his village safe, is determined to find her. Accompanied by Rosamond and Diggory, (a woodcutter's son), the trio journey toward Briarstone Abbey, the structure that seeks to keep humanity safe from the undead and all other forms of danger. Could Sookie be at the abbey or somewhere else? What of the devious creature that pursues the trio on their quest?
I enjoyed meeting Lilybet and Corwin again. And, learning more about the invisible servants in the abbey was lots of fun.
Specter is a story about doing what must be done despite the danger. It is a story that explores questions not easily answered; why must we suffer? How can we understand the Ever Father's ultimate plan? Must we simply trust blindly? And, if we do, when will his true plan be revealed? The story is one of sacrifice and strength, a story in which all is given. While I prefer stories without cliffhanger endings, I enjoy the fact that there are more adventures to come. The author also provides a sneak peek into the next book, so I was able to glimpse more of Sookie's personality. I also loved a character in that preview named Jimmy Hawkes. He seems very intriguing.
Thoroughly recommended! God bless you all.
February 22, 2019
I was excited to dive back into the world of the Neverway. Wither was such s compelling retelling. I'm glad the author is continuing the story and adding to the world. Victor was a character I remember really liking in Wither and I was curious about his story. It was neat to get to see more of his life as a spook. The only part of this story that I really didn't like was Rosamond. I get what the author was trying to do, by not having her not be the typical female lead. I found her a bit exasperating myself and it really made me miss Bet's spunk. That's just my opinion, another reader might love her. It's still a really good story overall. The setting is dark, and full of chilling creatures. Something I love in these types of books. It leaves you with quite the cliffhanger. So be prepared.
August 31, 2018
Specter By Savannah Jezowski, was my first foray into her mysterious and creepy world of The Neverway. While there are two other works set in this world, After and the prequel novella Wither, I felt that Specter had sufficient character development and backstory to stand on it's own. I knew that there was more, knew enough to not be confused, and know that most certainly want to go back and read the others.
My favorite POV character was Rosamond. She is just like me and I could relate to her on many levels. Crushing on a guy who doesn't notice you, wanting to stay in and read all day, and willing to do anything for your sister.
But the second POV character, Victor, was where the heart of the story was. His arc is the strongest with the greatest change, resulting in a satisfying conclusion, to what is basically a to be continued ending.
But the plot threads in this story world are what really blew me away. It's like Beauty and the Beast meets little red riding hood, meets Snow White. I really need to see where this series is going next.
*I was given an electronic copy of this book for review purposes, with no expectation of a favorable review. All opinions expressed here are my own, and were reached honestly through the pure enjoyment of the reading experience.*
My favorite POV character was Rosamond. She is just like me and I could relate to her on many levels. Crushing on a guy who doesn't notice you, wanting to stay in and read all day, and willing to do anything for your sister.
But the second POV character, Victor, was where the heart of the story was. His arc is the strongest with the greatest change, resulting in a satisfying conclusion, to what is basically a to be continued ending.
But the plot threads in this story world are what really blew me away. It's like Beauty and the Beast meets little red riding hood, meets Snow White. I really need to see where this series is going next.
*I was given an electronic copy of this book for review purposes, with no expectation of a favorable review. All opinions expressed here are my own, and were reached honestly through the pure enjoyment of the reading experience.*
October 16, 2020
Specter is the second book in the Neverway Chronicles, the sequel to After, and linked to the story “Wither” in the Five Enchanted Roses anthology.
One of the things I love about Ms. Jezowski’s writing is how she manages to blend sweet and spooky. I honestly had to read Wither twice before I realized that “creepers” were her version of zombies. As someone who has never been much of a fan of zombies, it says a lot that I love this series.
The world building of this series is fantastic. I love how grounded it feels. The characters interact with their environment in real, believable, and familiar ways that transport me into the Neverway, or Pandorum, or the Haverly’s little village, and yet there is plenty that is fantastical. This book is a beautiful blend of darkness and fairy tale shot through with the light of a Christian message that is neither too obscure nor too obvious.
The plot, with its twists and turns kept me turning the pages breathlessly as the characters banded together to search for Sookie, Rosamund’s little sister who has gone missing, all while trying to battle or dodge the terrifying creature that is now stalking the Neverway for unknown reasons.
I polished this off in two sittings, I absolutely could not put it down.
But as always with Ms. Jezowski’s writing, it was the characters that gripped my heart.
Dear Rosamund, with her love of fairy tales and dreams of romance, her nose stuck in a book, her desire to be useful battling with her desire to be loved and her secret fears that she is neither was so disarming. I loved that she felt just like an ordinary, regular person. (And although I hope I would be more capable should I ever end up on a fantasy quest… I’m fairly certain I’d probably be a lot like Rosamund: determined to do my best, but not really very well-equipped for anything I might face). It is always refreshing to go on an adventure with someone who is not supremely qualified for the quest!
My beloved Victor, whom I fell in love with in After… struggling with the hurts he has endured, and tugging at my heartstrings whenever he remembered events from After (I love that book, y’all. If you haven’t read this series, this is the PERFECT time of year to grab up these books and settle in with them… I recommend a cozy blanket, a warm beverage, and a couple of uninterrupted hours – even if you have to hide somewhere to get them… this series is WORTH IT… also, I very selfishly want Savannah to write the next book soon, so if we flood her with sales of this series, that might help). How he is wrestling against his fears, his gifts, and his memories. His longing to just return to a time of innocence and simplicity resonated with me, and I just wanted to give him a hug.
Sweet, solid, dependable Diggory, a new face in this story… oh, my heart aches for him. (And I’m a little worried about him due to some of the events at the end of the book that are very concerning but I can’t talk about because SPOILERS!)
When we hit the climax in this book, I started reading out loud, screaming along with the characters as they tried to stop things from happening, as they stood in front of monsters in order to protect their friends… it’s not every book that compels me to read it out loud to myself… and it’s always a sign that I’m enjoying it thoroughly.
I absolutely loved this installment of this series, and now I’m at a loss again, because the next book isn’t out yet, and I’m still in the mood for something spooky (October isn’t over yet, after all).
Five unreserved dragon eggs!
One of the things I love about Ms. Jezowski’s writing is how she manages to blend sweet and spooky. I honestly had to read Wither twice before I realized that “creepers” were her version of zombies. As someone who has never been much of a fan of zombies, it says a lot that I love this series.
The world building of this series is fantastic. I love how grounded it feels. The characters interact with their environment in real, believable, and familiar ways that transport me into the Neverway, or Pandorum, or the Haverly’s little village, and yet there is plenty that is fantastical. This book is a beautiful blend of darkness and fairy tale shot through with the light of a Christian message that is neither too obscure nor too obvious.
The plot, with its twists and turns kept me turning the pages breathlessly as the characters banded together to search for Sookie, Rosamund’s little sister who has gone missing, all while trying to battle or dodge the terrifying creature that is now stalking the Neverway for unknown reasons.
I polished this off in two sittings, I absolutely could not put it down.
But as always with Ms. Jezowski’s writing, it was the characters that gripped my heart.
Dear Rosamund, with her love of fairy tales and dreams of romance, her nose stuck in a book, her desire to be useful battling with her desire to be loved and her secret fears that she is neither was so disarming. I loved that she felt just like an ordinary, regular person. (And although I hope I would be more capable should I ever end up on a fantasy quest… I’m fairly certain I’d probably be a lot like Rosamund: determined to do my best, but not really very well-equipped for anything I might face). It is always refreshing to go on an adventure with someone who is not supremely qualified for the quest!
My beloved Victor, whom I fell in love with in After… struggling with the hurts he has endured, and tugging at my heartstrings whenever he remembered events from After (I love that book, y’all. If you haven’t read this series, this is the PERFECT time of year to grab up these books and settle in with them… I recommend a cozy blanket, a warm beverage, and a couple of uninterrupted hours – even if you have to hide somewhere to get them… this series is WORTH IT… also, I very selfishly want Savannah to write the next book soon, so if we flood her with sales of this series, that might help). How he is wrestling against his fears, his gifts, and his memories. His longing to just return to a time of innocence and simplicity resonated with me, and I just wanted to give him a hug.
Sweet, solid, dependable Diggory, a new face in this story… oh, my heart aches for him. (And I’m a little worried about him due to some of the events at the end of the book that are very concerning but I can’t talk about because SPOILERS!)
When we hit the climax in this book, I started reading out loud, screaming along with the characters as they tried to stop things from happening, as they stood in front of monsters in order to protect their friends… it’s not every book that compels me to read it out loud to myself… and it’s always a sign that I’m enjoying it thoroughly.
I absolutely loved this installment of this series, and now I’m at a loss again, because the next book isn’t out yet, and I’m still in the mood for something spooky (October isn’t over yet, after all).
Five unreserved dragon eggs!
December 21, 2020
Spector focuses on Victor and Rosamond's stories as they search for the missing Sookie. This is a stepping stone story. You meet a few new characters and you revisit some of the minor characters from the first book who become the focus. This story does have a bit of a red riding hood flavor to it as well.
Victor is a protector of people like his brother Eli but he is running from his past and keeps people at a distance. He fears to let people get close due to the pain he knows it will cause if he ends up losing them. A lot of this fear stems from the pain and anger he has buried regarding his brother Ivan's death. He is also grappling with his dream talent that he does not fully understand and with his keeping his faith in the Ever's plan. Throughout the book he is striving to make sense of past loss and what his future purpose might be. You see the walls begin to crack as he can't help but let his companions into his heart. He is such a good soul and it is nice to see that by the end of this book he is ready to face his fears and to open his heart realizing that if he doesn't he isn't really living.
Rosamond is quite the character. She tries so hard to be strong but she fumbles through every attempt. Her personality is so different than her sister Bet. Everyone underestimates her. One thing that hinders her is her desire to have the one love that she can't. She has a single minded focus on Victor and ends up missing the love that is closest to her in Diggory. I think she finally begins to realize she needs to let Victor go and that maybe she never gave Diggory a chance. Her character is also to learn it is okay to be different. Her sister's strength is different but that does not mean Rosamond does not contain her own kind of strength.
Victor, Rosamond and Diggory have quite the harrowing adventuring searching for Sookie in the Neverway and fighting/alluding the Neverwolf. The Neverwolf is almost a pitying creature knowing how it came to be. I kinda hope there is hope of redemption for it even though it has caused all kinds of horror. And Mina on her throne just needs to go.
This book ends on a bit of a cliff hanger with Sookie's mystery still in full swing. The writing is as engaging as always with this author but I was hoping for more resolution in Sookie's mystery. I look forward to Victor finally going home to his family and for Sookie to be found. Can't wait for NEVER!
Victor is a protector of people like his brother Eli but he is running from his past and keeps people at a distance. He fears to let people get close due to the pain he knows it will cause if he ends up losing them. A lot of this fear stems from the pain and anger he has buried regarding his brother Ivan's death. He is also grappling with his dream talent that he does not fully understand and with his keeping his faith in the Ever's plan. Throughout the book he is striving to make sense of past loss and what his future purpose might be. You see the walls begin to crack as he can't help but let his companions into his heart. He is such a good soul and it is nice to see that by the end of this book he is ready to face his fears and to open his heart realizing that if he doesn't he isn't really living.
Rosamond is quite the character. She tries so hard to be strong but she fumbles through every attempt. Her personality is so different than her sister Bet. Everyone underestimates her. One thing that hinders her is her desire to have the one love that she can't. She has a single minded focus on Victor and ends up missing the love that is closest to her in Diggory. I think she finally begins to realize she needs to let Victor go and that maybe she never gave Diggory a chance. Her character is also to learn it is okay to be different. Her sister's strength is different but that does not mean Rosamond does not contain her own kind of strength.
Victor, Rosamond and Diggory have quite the harrowing adventuring searching for Sookie in the Neverway and fighting/alluding the Neverwolf. The Neverwolf is almost a pitying creature knowing how it came to be. I kinda hope there is hope of redemption for it even though it has caused all kinds of horror. And Mina on her throne just needs to go.
This book ends on a bit of a cliff hanger with Sookie's mystery still in full swing. The writing is as engaging as always with this author but I was hoping for more resolution in Sookie's mystery. I look forward to Victor finally going home to his family and for Sookie to be found. Can't wait for NEVER!
September 10, 2018
Since Wither was my favorite story in the 5 Enchanted Roses anthology that released several years ago, I was excited to return and discover the fates of several characters whose ends were left ambiguous. I thought that Specter would answer those questions . . . which it did, but now I just have more questions on top of those.
I enjoyed returning to this world, that's for sure, and I was glad that Corwin and Bet eventually appeared again. Victor is a fascinating character, and I enjoyed his chapters (even as I rolled my eyes at his insistence that he's better off alone — you goose, no one is better off alone!). Rosamond was . . . less engaging. On one hand, she's reasonably relatable and realistic. (She copes with adventure about as well as I probably would, which is to say, not very.) On the other hand, she frustrated me at times on the romantic front. (You have a crush, darling. I highly doubt that this is true love. And so I would very much appreciate if you'd stop being so dramatic about it.)
Aside from Rosamond, however, Specter is an engaging and interesting story. Although it's a novella set between two other books, it stands on its own quite well. And while it's not the most amazing book I've ever read, it was exciting and enjoyable, definitely worth picking up.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I enjoyed returning to this world, that's for sure, and I was glad that Corwin and Bet eventually appeared again. Victor is a fascinating character, and I enjoyed his chapters (even as I rolled my eyes at his insistence that he's better off alone — you goose, no one is better off alone!). Rosamond was . . . less engaging. On one hand, she's reasonably relatable and realistic. (She copes with adventure about as well as I probably would, which is to say, not very.) On the other hand, she frustrated me at times on the romantic front. (You have a crush, darling. I highly doubt that this is true love. And so I would very much appreciate if you'd stop being so dramatic about it.)
Aside from Rosamond, however, Specter is an engaging and interesting story. Although it's a novella set between two other books, it stands on its own quite well. And while it's not the most amazing book I've ever read, it was exciting and enjoyable, definitely worth picking up.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
August 21, 2019
Ok I have to say I really really love this book! It's my new favourite so far in this series. Even though I really am heart broken with something that I was really hoping would happen. But though my wish didn't come true, I really love this story.
Rosamund and Victor are my two favorite characters out this series! (And Ivan too, but thats a different story) I connected with them so much, I didn't want the story to end!
I love Savannah writing style and her story telling! I want to read more of her books! She is one of my new favourite authors! I really can't wait to read more in the Neverway Chronicles!
Rosamund and Victor are my two favorite characters out this series! (And Ivan too, but thats a different story) I connected with them so much, I didn't want the story to end!
I love Savannah writing style and her story telling! I want to read more of her books! She is one of my new favourite authors! I really can't wait to read more in the Neverway Chronicles!
August 19, 2020
More than a check in story
5 years after the end of After, we check in with some of the secondary characters. Since everyone was interesting in After, it was great to see them again. But, this book was very interesting itself and has made me really want the next book to be here, too!
5 years after the end of After, we check in with some of the secondary characters. Since everyone was interesting in After, it was great to see them again. But, this book was very interesting itself and has made me really want the next book to be here, too!
January 6, 2019
I still don't like Victor. It's about time he got his sorry self over to see his brother.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews