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The Sentinels of Eden #1
Songlines
We belong to the Earth, Lainie-Bug. We were sent here in human form for a reason. If you don’t know what to do, then just be human.
Right. Like that was ever a simple thing to do.
In the heart of the Wimmera region of Victoria, an ancient gateway to Eden is kept hidden and safe by a creature so powerful that even the moon would obey her commands – at least it would if she had any idea that she wasn’t just a normal girl about to finish high school.
When a mining company begins exploratory sampling near Lainie’s sheep farm, a family secret is revealed that makes her regret not having learnt more about her Indigenous heritage.
What she’s told by their farmhand, Harry – an Aboriginal Elder – can’t possibly be true, but then the most irritating guy in class, Bane, begins to act even more insanely toward her than ever, until she can no longer deny that something very unusual is going on.
When Harry doesn’t return from his quest to seek help to protect the area from the miners, Lainie sets out to discover the truth of her heritage, and of the secret she’s been born to protect.
322 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 19, 2016
22 people are currently reading
1228 people want to read
About the author
Carolyn Denman
9 books78 followersCarolyn lives on a farm on the outskirts of Melbourne with her husband, daughters, her parents and a very needy naked cat called Sly. She has written short stories for 'Aurealis' and 'Andromeda Spaceways' magazines and is currently working on an AI romance series. After that she may just retire to Eden. Apparently they have great music there.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 91 reviews
April 29, 2017
Now this one was a very interesting read! It is young adult yet still very readable for an older age audience. It is a fantasy but not of the usual kind. This one is part Biblical, part Aboriginal and therefore quite original. I really liked it.
The author writes well and there are many beautiful descriptive passages . She also has a talent for characterisation and it is easy to like Noah and Bane and Lainey and to want good things to happen to them. I also enjoyed the humour in their interactions and conversations which was delivered with a very light touch and made me smile a lot and even occasionally laugh out loud.
I was knocked sideways by the ending. Totally unexpected. I really hope book 2 comes out very soon because I need resolution!
The author writes well and there are many beautiful descriptive passages . She also has a talent for characterisation and it is easy to like Noah and Bane and Lainey and to want good things to happen to them. I also enjoyed the humour in their interactions and conversations which was delivered with a very light touch and made me smile a lot and even occasionally laugh out loud.
I was knocked sideways by the ending. Totally unexpected. I really hope book 2 comes out very soon because I need resolution!
March 28, 2017
Lainie and her best friend Noah were in their final year of school, studying for exams and cramming for good results. They both wanted to go away to uni, either Melbourne or Sydney, the following year. Noah and Lainie had been best friends since childhood with their farms bordering each other; since Lainie’s parents had died when she was very small, it was just Aunt Lily and herself, along with farmhand Harry, an Aboriginal elder, caring for their farm.
Bane (given name Ben) had been the bane of Lainie’s life through school – violent and bad-tempered, he seemed to have it in for Lainie, always tormenting her and driving her nuts. She had no idea what she’d done to cause him to dislike her so much, but she did her best to put it to one side.
The news of a mining company starting exploratory digging for gas on the edge of Lainie’s farm had Aunt Lily furious. The Aboriginal caves and sacred sites in the area had to be protected at all costs – when Harry told Lainie of her role in this, she didn’t believe him. But as time moved forward, and Harry didn’t return from his quest, Lainie and Noah realised something strange was happening. Lainie needed to find out more about her heritage – but would this search put her in danger? Could she stop the miners from doing the damage they would do if they continued?
Songlines by Aussie author Carolyn Denman is an enticing mix of paranormal, mystery and Indigenous heritage which I thoroughly enjoyed. Written for a Young Adult audience, nevertheless it’s highly readable for those of us who’ve long ago left the age of YA ;) Set in the rural countryside of Victoria, it is a well-written novel which is book #1 in The Sentinal of Eden series, and I’m very much looking forward to book #2. Highly recommended.
With thanks to the author for my digital copy to read and review.
Bane (given name Ben) had been the bane of Lainie’s life through school – violent and bad-tempered, he seemed to have it in for Lainie, always tormenting her and driving her nuts. She had no idea what she’d done to cause him to dislike her so much, but she did her best to put it to one side.
The news of a mining company starting exploratory digging for gas on the edge of Lainie’s farm had Aunt Lily furious. The Aboriginal caves and sacred sites in the area had to be protected at all costs – when Harry told Lainie of her role in this, she didn’t believe him. But as time moved forward, and Harry didn’t return from his quest, Lainie and Noah realised something strange was happening. Lainie needed to find out more about her heritage – but would this search put her in danger? Could she stop the miners from doing the damage they would do if they continued?
Songlines by Aussie author Carolyn Denman is an enticing mix of paranormal, mystery and Indigenous heritage which I thoroughly enjoyed. Written for a Young Adult audience, nevertheless it’s highly readable for those of us who’ve long ago left the age of YA ;) Set in the rural countryside of Victoria, it is a well-written novel which is book #1 in The Sentinal of Eden series, and I’m very much looking forward to book #2. Highly recommended.
With thanks to the author for my digital copy to read and review.
August 30, 2019
This is a most unusual YA fantasy set in a rural Australian setting, fusing biblical stories with stories from the Aboriginal dreamtime to create a very special place hidden away from the rest of the world. This first in a series of novels is about the sentinels who are given the task of protecting this hidden place and preventing it from being found by the rest of the world.
The characters include the older generation who have been looking after the hidden valley and a set of teenagers about to finish high school who are just growing into their abilities. A coal seam gas mining company has been testing near the valley so they will need to learn their roles and learn to harness their powers if they are to keep the land protected. With likeable characters, a little romance, a magical hidden valley to explore this is an interesting and original start to an intriguing series.
With thanks to Netgalley and Odyssey Books for a digital copy to read.
The characters include the older generation who have been looking after the hidden valley and a set of teenagers about to finish high school who are just growing into their abilities. A coal seam gas mining company has been testing near the valley so they will need to learn their roles and learn to harness their powers if they are to keep the land protected. With likeable characters, a little romance, a magical hidden valley to explore this is an interesting and original start to an intriguing series.
With thanks to Netgalley and Odyssey Books for a digital copy to read.
October 7, 2019
When you pick-up a book with a subtitle about the Eden you (probably) expect a certain amount of religion. I prepared myself for this, as Christianity and I have a tumultuous relationship (to say the least; raised Christian but follow a very different religion today). I was pleasantly surprised that the use of Eden and religion in Songlines was extremely well done.
Religion and Eden
Yes the Garden of Eden, the Bible and God are all factors in Songlines. But unlike most books with these elements, Carolyn Denman hasn't written a Christian or even overtly religious book. Instead she's taken some well known aspects of Christianity and used them to bring magic into our world. The use of religion here isn't intrusive to the story; and wasn't a problem for me at any point. It's actually a positive point of the story in that it allows our characters to easily accept many of the 'magical' things happening as it's a part of their accepted life long religion.
Cheesy YA?
For the most part Denman manages to keep things relatively non-cheesy. With one exception regarding a floating sword (all I could think of was Legend of Zelda and Link grabbing spinning swords). However there is no doubt that Songlines is YA. It has many of the typical aspects you'd expect including: awkward friendships and possible love interests, lack of authority/power over situations, and a spunky, stubborn lead gal. As I always say, you cannot complain that when you read a YA book it reads like YA; as that is the entire point.
Lead Heroine
Our leading teenage girl is fairly resilient. I like how she doesn't immediately give into believing what she is told about Eden existing and she doesn't allow herself to be manipulated by the adults or situations around her the way some YA heroines do. Denman has given us a teenage girl that is easy to cheer for and respect without ever forgetting that she is still a teenager with awkward moments, difficult thoughts and lots of confusion about everything.
Overall
I give this four stars because it is a really good read for what it is. It's the kind of book where you read the blurb and you get exactly what you are expecting. There's nothing too intense or trigger worthy that I can think of. It's a solid good ol' YA book that is well-written with a clear plot. It's hard to fault a book when all the pieces fit together so nicely. The thing that Songlines isn't is all that special or something above and beyond the average YA book; and for me that's okay but does make it only four star worthy and not five stars. It's missing that special something. I will definitely carry on in the series and read book 2 as it is a good story, I like the characters and while religion sets the basis for the book it's not preachy at all.
Please note: I received an eARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley and BookSirens. This is an honest and unbiased review.
Religion and Eden
Yes the Garden of Eden, the Bible and God are all factors in Songlines. But unlike most books with these elements, Carolyn Denman hasn't written a Christian or even overtly religious book. Instead she's taken some well known aspects of Christianity and used them to bring magic into our world. The use of religion here isn't intrusive to the story; and wasn't a problem for me at any point. It's actually a positive point of the story in that it allows our characters to easily accept many of the 'magical' things happening as it's a part of their accepted life long religion.
Cheesy YA?
For the most part Denman manages to keep things relatively non-cheesy. With one exception regarding a floating sword (all I could think of was Legend of Zelda and Link grabbing spinning swords). However there is no doubt that Songlines is YA. It has many of the typical aspects you'd expect including: awkward friendships and possible love interests, lack of authority/power over situations, and a spunky, stubborn lead gal. As I always say, you cannot complain that when you read a YA book it reads like YA; as that is the entire point.
Lead Heroine
Our leading teenage girl is fairly resilient. I like how she doesn't immediately give into believing what she is told about Eden existing and she doesn't allow herself to be manipulated by the adults or situations around her the way some YA heroines do. Denman has given us a teenage girl that is easy to cheer for and respect without ever forgetting that she is still a teenager with awkward moments, difficult thoughts and lots of confusion about everything.
Overall
I give this four stars because it is a really good read for what it is. It's the kind of book where you read the blurb and you get exactly what you are expecting. There's nothing too intense or trigger worthy that I can think of. It's a solid good ol' YA book that is well-written with a clear plot. It's hard to fault a book when all the pieces fit together so nicely. The thing that Songlines isn't is all that special or something above and beyond the average YA book; and for me that's okay but does make it only four star worthy and not five stars. It's missing that special something. I will definitely carry on in the series and read book 2 as it is a good story, I like the characters and while religion sets the basis for the book it's not preachy at all.
Please note: I received an eARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley and BookSirens. This is an honest and unbiased review.
April 10, 2017
The Good:
This is a fun story full of cool ideas, a rural coming-of-age tale and paranormal romance with a uniquely Aussie twist. The setting is super authentic and the fantasy elements are portrayed with real vision. The ending escalates quickly.
The Bad:
It’s very YA, which doesn’t seem to be my genre at all—heaps (that’s Australian for ‘a lot’) of melodrama, heaps of angst, heaps of confused inner monologue. Of course these probably aren’t criticisms that would deter an avid reader of YA fiction. I also found the story unfocused in places.
'Friends' character the protagonist is most like:
Lainie is cool. Smart, brave and down to earth, she lacks the flaws to have been a character on Friends. But I have a shoehorn for just this purpose. She is independent like Phoebe, master of observation like Chandler, and introspective like Ross.
This is a fun story full of cool ideas, a rural coming-of-age tale and paranormal romance with a uniquely Aussie twist. The setting is super authentic and the fantasy elements are portrayed with real vision. The ending escalates quickly.
The Bad:
It’s very YA, which doesn’t seem to be my genre at all—heaps (that’s Australian for ‘a lot’) of melodrama, heaps of angst, heaps of confused inner monologue. Of course these probably aren’t criticisms that would deter an avid reader of YA fiction. I also found the story unfocused in places.
'Friends' character the protagonist is most like:
Lainie is cool. Smart, brave and down to earth, she lacks the flaws to have been a character on Friends. But I have a shoehorn for just this purpose. She is independent like Phoebe, master of observation like Chandler, and introspective like Ross.
December 17, 2016
Firstly, I must confess that I know the author, but this did not affect my review. If I had not liked the book, I simply would not have reviewed it or rated it.
Initially, I wasn’t sure that I wanted to buy Songlines, let alone review it. I was worried that I was going to read yet another YA novel involving angels with the usual love triangle thrown in. (Please get me a bucket I’m going to be sick!).
Yet, when I heard the author’s tagline for the book I was intrigued: “Cherubim, the Garden of Eden, plus a flaming sword and all set on Australian sheep farm.”
I thought, “Maybe this will be different.”
You know what? It was - I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Songlines centres around a teenage girl, Lainie, who lives on a sheep farm with her Aunt Lily and their farmhand Harry – an aboriginal elder. Lainie’s best friend is Noah, a boy she’s known since childhood and who lives on a nearby farm. They are both in their final year of high school in the nearby town of Nalong. Lainie’s nemesis, a boy named Ben, also attends the school and his violent outbursts over the years have earned him the nickname Bane. The book opens with Lainie experiencing a troubling premonition about her aunt confronting mining surveyors on their property. Her prescience and feelings of imminent danger escalate and through them she, Noah and Bane discover that the world around them is far different than they believed and their roles in it are beyond anything they could imagine.
What I loved about this book was its characterisations and its setting. It was a delight to read a fantasy novel set in rural Australia and Denman captures what it’s like to be an Aussie kid going to school in a small country town. Having been a farm girl who went to a tiny high school in rural Victoria, these sections resonated very strongly with me and I found myself smiling as I read these passages – they ring true as do the sections depicting life on the farm.
The pacing for the novel is steady, but it doesn’t race along and one of the benefits of this is that Denman has time to develop her characters in depth and as such they are easy to relate to. Their motivations, their hopes and their angst are all explored. Though most of this is written in the first person, from Lainie’s POV, there are sections that are written in the third person from other character’s perspective and this works really well. I normally loathe reading first person stories and if I enjoy them then it’s proof of good writing. The “voice” of Lainie is a blend of naivete, farm girl practicality and confused and hurt teen, but it reads as, or rather sounds, uniquely Australian. Denman does this through clever use of the vernacular and colourful metaphors which made me smile a lot. However, this is not done to such an extent that it will prove troublesome for international readers.
Beyond the religious aspects of this tale, this is a coming of age story for all the teens involved in it and there other messages about personal freedom, environmental protection, dealing with loss and grief, facing fears, taking responsibility and ultimately embracing destiny despite the costs.
The end was satisfying and definitely made me want to see what’s next in Denman’s The Sentinels of Eden series.
4 Stars.
Initially, I wasn’t sure that I wanted to buy Songlines, let alone review it. I was worried that I was going to read yet another YA novel involving angels with the usual love triangle thrown in. (Please get me a bucket I’m going to be sick!).
Yet, when I heard the author’s tagline for the book I was intrigued: “Cherubim, the Garden of Eden, plus a flaming sword and all set on Australian sheep farm.”
I thought, “Maybe this will be different.”
You know what? It was - I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Songlines centres around a teenage girl, Lainie, who lives on a sheep farm with her Aunt Lily and their farmhand Harry – an aboriginal elder. Lainie’s best friend is Noah, a boy she’s known since childhood and who lives on a nearby farm. They are both in their final year of high school in the nearby town of Nalong. Lainie’s nemesis, a boy named Ben, also attends the school and his violent outbursts over the years have earned him the nickname Bane. The book opens with Lainie experiencing a troubling premonition about her aunt confronting mining surveyors on their property. Her prescience and feelings of imminent danger escalate and through them she, Noah and Bane discover that the world around them is far different than they believed and their roles in it are beyond anything they could imagine.
What I loved about this book was its characterisations and its setting. It was a delight to read a fantasy novel set in rural Australia and Denman captures what it’s like to be an Aussie kid going to school in a small country town. Having been a farm girl who went to a tiny high school in rural Victoria, these sections resonated very strongly with me and I found myself smiling as I read these passages – they ring true as do the sections depicting life on the farm.
The pacing for the novel is steady, but it doesn’t race along and one of the benefits of this is that Denman has time to develop her characters in depth and as such they are easy to relate to. Their motivations, their hopes and their angst are all explored. Though most of this is written in the first person, from Lainie’s POV, there are sections that are written in the third person from other character’s perspective and this works really well. I normally loathe reading first person stories and if I enjoy them then it’s proof of good writing. The “voice” of Lainie is a blend of naivete, farm girl practicality and confused and hurt teen, but it reads as, or rather sounds, uniquely Australian. Denman does this through clever use of the vernacular and colourful metaphors which made me smile a lot. However, this is not done to such an extent that it will prove troublesome for international readers.
Beyond the religious aspects of this tale, this is a coming of age story for all the teens involved in it and there other messages about personal freedom, environmental protection, dealing with loss and grief, facing fears, taking responsibility and ultimately embracing destiny despite the costs.
The end was satisfying and definitely made me want to see what’s next in Denman’s The Sentinels of Eden series.
4 Stars.
October 16, 2017
Songlines is a fresh and unusual YA urban fantasy, with a unique supernatural twist: situating Paradise in a remote corner of the Victorian countryside. Songlines begins with Lainie Gracewood finishing off her last weeks of school, unaware that her university plans are about to be derailed. Her mission to protect her aunt’s farm from unscrupulous mining prospectors becomes an exploration of the land’s profound ties to humanity – and the role a close-knit network of farmers plays in safeguarding this sacred connection.
Lainie’s character was a real highlight for me. I liked her adventurous spirit, her wicked sense of humour and her practical approach to every issue – whether it be looking after an orphaned joey, or finding a way to save the farm’s precious cave system with its hidden secrets. The mystery of the river which sends its sorrowful music into Lainie’s dreams, the role the Garden of Eden plays, and the inclusion of a strong romance element keeps the story spinning along. Songlines is an absorbing story I think would suit all readers of YA, from young to old. I have posted an interview with Carolyn on my website. http://elizabethfoster.com.au/author-...
Lainie’s character was a real highlight for me. I liked her adventurous spirit, her wicked sense of humour and her practical approach to every issue – whether it be looking after an orphaned joey, or finding a way to save the farm’s precious cave system with its hidden secrets. The mystery of the river which sends its sorrowful music into Lainie’s dreams, the role the Garden of Eden plays, and the inclusion of a strong romance element keeps the story spinning along. Songlines is an absorbing story I think would suit all readers of YA, from young to old. I have posted an interview with Carolyn on my website. http://elizabethfoster.com.au/author-...
October 26, 2016
Songlines is the first book in The Sentinels of Eden series written by Carolyn Denman. High school senior, Lainie Gracewood, has a daydream vision of a bulldozer coming straight for her, effortlessly tearing her tree roots from the ground below her. Startled awake by the coach’s whistle, Lainie finds herself back at soccer practice, watching her best friend, Noah Ashbree, trying to break up an altercation between two players. Lainie’s vision had come after Aunt Lily had chained herself to a bulldozer of Kolsom Mining Company, which had been illegally destroying the forest on her land whilst trespassing on private property. As Lainie’s visions continue to get stronger, she wakes each morning with a song holding on to the edge of her subconscious. When one of the local tribal Elders (and custodian to The Garden of Eden, home of the Tree of Life and the Tree of Knowledge), Harry Doolan, discloses to Lainie that she is of Indigenous blood and has a power greater than she could ever possibly imagine, Lainie goes into extensive research mode, only to learn that the local area of Nalong has an interesting history which comes from the Dreamtime. Unsure how she fits into the scheme of things, Lainie not only sets out to investigate her own family history but also her tribal lands and where she truly comes from, while making a few startling discoveries along the way.
Carolyn Denman’s powerful tale of the Indigenous peoples of Australia and their role in protecting sacred sites of their ancestors reached into my very core. Legends of the Dreamtime are something I have grown up with as a Blackfella of Gubbi Gubbi Country. Sacred sites and the Dreaming (ie. rock art, tribal markings, the waters which are woven by the Rainbow Serpent, and Tiddalick the Frog) teach not only how the lands were created but also teach humility and of our belonging to Country. Mention of one of Australia’s great authors, May Gibbs, whilst reading the story of Songlines, also gave me a nostalgic smile. It was wonderful to not only read a book which deals with the Dreaming, but also see mentions of such epic titles as Snugglepot and Cuddlepie – an essential book in any Australian home library. Songlines has woven many different genres into one, ensuring that the reader is not only entertained by the modern day teenage storyline, but also educated by history, legend, ritual and faith of Australia’s first peoples. I very much enjoyed Songlines and recommend it to readers who are interested in the true history of Australia, presented with action, adventure, humor, spirituality and a touch of the paranormal.
- Rosie Malezer for Readers’ Favorite
Carolyn Denman’s powerful tale of the Indigenous peoples of Australia and their role in protecting sacred sites of their ancestors reached into my very core. Legends of the Dreamtime are something I have grown up with as a Blackfella of Gubbi Gubbi Country. Sacred sites and the Dreaming (ie. rock art, tribal markings, the waters which are woven by the Rainbow Serpent, and Tiddalick the Frog) teach not only how the lands were created but also teach humility and of our belonging to Country. Mention of one of Australia’s great authors, May Gibbs, whilst reading the story of Songlines, also gave me a nostalgic smile. It was wonderful to not only read a book which deals with the Dreaming, but also see mentions of such epic titles as Snugglepot and Cuddlepie – an essential book in any Australian home library. Songlines has woven many different genres into one, ensuring that the reader is not only entertained by the modern day teenage storyline, but also educated by history, legend, ritual and faith of Australia’s first peoples. I very much enjoyed Songlines and recommend it to readers who are interested in the true history of Australia, presented with action, adventure, humor, spirituality and a touch of the paranormal.
- Rosie Malezer for Readers’ Favorite
March 25, 2018
Songlines is the first book in the Sentinels of Eden series by Carolyn Denman. It was one of the most unique YA fantasy books I’ve read in a while!! It is set in the beautiful Australian countryside, and it’s full of bright, original characters that I just couldn’t get enough of! I must admit that I was skeptical after reading the synopsis, but I was pleasantly surprised, and I ended up rating this book 4.25/5 stars!!
Songlines was written by an Australian author and takes place in Australia itself, and several of the characters have Aboriginal ancestry. This was very interesting to me, since I live in the US and known next to nothing about Australia. I love that the characters and setting were different from what I usually read, because we need those diverse characters in YA literature!
First of all, this story was VERY character-driven. While the last book I reviewed had an epic plot and lots of intense action scenes, this book was much slower and focused more on world-building and character development. Which of course, I LOVED. All these characters grew so much over the story, and the author did an amazing job at portraying them and the relationships they had with each other. They really made the story for me. I mean, I loved the plot and concept and all, but I fell in love with these characters. I was so emotional at the end of the novel for so many reasons because I’d grown so attached to these characters! Lainie and Bane are one of my new favorite literary couples (y'all know i love hate-to-love relationships)!!
I’m a Christian, so I’m very familiar with the Garden of Eden and the story of Adam and Eve’s sin. I love how Carolyn Denman took the story of the Garden of Eden and used it to make a very intriguing world and plot. She did not alter the story from the Bible; she just added onto it to create a YA fantasy that has elements of Christianity in it but that can still be enjoyed by readers from any religion. It took me a while to get used to the concept, but once I did, I fell in love with the story!
I really enjoyed this book, and I can't wait to read the next in the series!!!
Songlines was written by an Australian author and takes place in Australia itself, and several of the characters have Aboriginal ancestry. This was very interesting to me, since I live in the US and known next to nothing about Australia. I love that the characters and setting were different from what I usually read, because we need those diverse characters in YA literature!
First of all, this story was VERY character-driven. While the last book I reviewed had an epic plot and lots of intense action scenes, this book was much slower and focused more on world-building and character development. Which of course, I LOVED. All these characters grew so much over the story, and the author did an amazing job at portraying them and the relationships they had with each other. They really made the story for me. I mean, I loved the plot and concept and all, but I fell in love with these characters. I was so emotional at the end of the novel for so many reasons because I’d grown so attached to these characters! Lainie and Bane are one of my new favorite literary couples (y'all know i love hate-to-love relationships)!!
I’m a Christian, so I’m very familiar with the Garden of Eden and the story of Adam and Eve’s sin. I love how Carolyn Denman took the story of the Garden of Eden and used it to make a very intriguing world and plot. She did not alter the story from the Bible; she just added onto it to create a YA fantasy that has elements of Christianity in it but that can still be enjoyed by readers from any religion. It took me a while to get used to the concept, but once I did, I fell in love with the story!
I really enjoyed this book, and I can't wait to read the next in the series!!!
March 3, 2017
Loved it. It ticked all the boxes for me fantasy and romance. It doesn't matter what age you are it's suitable for all, which is a plus being a teacher. My husband enjoyed it as well, we are really hanging out for book number two.
September 16, 2016
Songlines is an enchanting mix of the mythological and the real, in a fantastic contribution to Australian Young Adult fiction. Carolyn Denman refuses to pander to a young target audience, and instead provides them with a rich and developed story that can easily be enjoyed by those of all ages.
The novel centers on teen Lainie Greenwood, who’s just about to finish her VCE and take off to the big city. Her plans are interrupted when she has a vision of her aunt facing off against a powerful mining company. She and her best friend Noah rush home to find that exact scene playing out. And the visions don’t stop there. Haunted by a mysterious song that appears to be coming from the river, Lainie discovers she is part of an ancient bloodline destined to protect the mythical Garden of Eden.
One of Denman’s strengths is that every character in Songlines is refreshingly relatable. Although the protagonist initially comes across as the dreaded ‘cool girl’, it doesn’t take long before we see a much more complex character, whose desire to be just one of the crowd can be read as much a flaw as an asset. There are many who would suggest that placing the Garden of Eden in rural Victoria borders on the ludicrous. However this unusual plot device allows Denman to include an intriguing mix of Indigenous Dreaming traditions and religious mythology that piqued my curiosity and manages not to offend either set.
The pacing starts off shaky, with a bit too much focus on Lainie’s everyday school life. But once Songlines got going, I was hooked. The reader is eventually carried off with the story, and the story really benefits from occasionally shifting its focus away from the protagonist. I finished up the novel desperate to know what happens next, and cannot wait for the sequel. With enough romance and intrigue to satisfy a cross-section of teenage readers, Songlines hits its target beautifully.
The novel centers on teen Lainie Greenwood, who’s just about to finish her VCE and take off to the big city. Her plans are interrupted when she has a vision of her aunt facing off against a powerful mining company. She and her best friend Noah rush home to find that exact scene playing out. And the visions don’t stop there. Haunted by a mysterious song that appears to be coming from the river, Lainie discovers she is part of an ancient bloodline destined to protect the mythical Garden of Eden.
One of Denman’s strengths is that every character in Songlines is refreshingly relatable. Although the protagonist initially comes across as the dreaded ‘cool girl’, it doesn’t take long before we see a much more complex character, whose desire to be just one of the crowd can be read as much a flaw as an asset. There are many who would suggest that placing the Garden of Eden in rural Victoria borders on the ludicrous. However this unusual plot device allows Denman to include an intriguing mix of Indigenous Dreaming traditions and religious mythology that piqued my curiosity and manages not to offend either set.
The pacing starts off shaky, with a bit too much focus on Lainie’s everyday school life. But once Songlines got going, I was hooked. The reader is eventually carried off with the story, and the story really benefits from occasionally shifting its focus away from the protagonist. I finished up the novel desperate to know what happens next, and cannot wait for the sequel. With enough romance and intrigue to satisfy a cross-section of teenage readers, Songlines hits its target beautifully.
April 23, 2018
In Denman’s breathtaking debut, a teenage girl is torn between humanity and freedom, and love and responsibility. First in this exciting fantasy series, Songlines provides its young adult readers with evocative and soul-stirring concepts on truth, loss, identity, adolescence and the meaning of life.
Lainie, a lanky, fun-loving yet mature teen living with her over-protective Aunt on a regional sheep property, soon discovers her real identity as a higher being; a younger generation Cherub in a line of Cherubim sent to Earth as human to protect the sacred Garden of Eden. Her understanding of her Indigenous heritage, her newfound Sentinel powers, and the truth of the disappearance of her mother unravels slowly on account of a mining threat to their land, and Lainie is then forced to navigate her way through complex feelings of adjustment, acceptance and responsibility.
There is a definite appeal in this rich and dramatic fictional plot. From the unearthly supernatural powers that Lainie inheritingly possesses, to the dichotomy between the rural Australian farmland and the lustrous, ethereal land hidden within – however both worlds steeped in sacred history and promised to protect. The meaning of ‘Songlines’ weaves neatly into Denman’s tale, combining the Aboriginal tradition of a song or story recording a journey through the landscape, with the biblical roots of her Edenite river of song and the ancient pathway that leads there.
Denman also cleverly and tastefully poses thought-provoking questions around obligation versus free will, of the differences between being human and being an Edenite, and whether the tranquility of Paradise is in fact free from life’s tainted intricacies. The story is cast with a set of strong, fascinating characters, whom are all drawn to one another, both in their bid to save and protect the land from intruders, and because it is their natural compulsion to be bound by the force that is Eden. Much of the journey is built with tension surrounding the relationships between Lainie and her best friend, Noah (another Cherub), and the surly and aloof Bane (ultimately her Guardian soul mate). Lainie and Bane’s relationship is an intriguing part of the journey, leading an integral sub-plot of twists, excitement, and a series of heavily mixed emotions surrounding lust, belonging and the freedom of choice.
This blend of Australian heart and spiritual soul easily captures a reader’s interest with wonder and illumination. Its major plot twist at the end certainly causes a sense of breathlessness, and even a tinge of sadness that leaves us hanging on tenterhooks to continue the journey in books two and three.
Songlines is an intricately intense and well-crafted fantasy allegory with relatable themes of trust, courage, sacrifice, friendship and family, as well as much world- and character-building appeal that begs its readers to complete the whole Sentinels of Eden series. (YA Fantasy, 13 – adult)
Lainie, a lanky, fun-loving yet mature teen living with her over-protective Aunt on a regional sheep property, soon discovers her real identity as a higher being; a younger generation Cherub in a line of Cherubim sent to Earth as human to protect the sacred Garden of Eden. Her understanding of her Indigenous heritage, her newfound Sentinel powers, and the truth of the disappearance of her mother unravels slowly on account of a mining threat to their land, and Lainie is then forced to navigate her way through complex feelings of adjustment, acceptance and responsibility.
There is a definite appeal in this rich and dramatic fictional plot. From the unearthly supernatural powers that Lainie inheritingly possesses, to the dichotomy between the rural Australian farmland and the lustrous, ethereal land hidden within – however both worlds steeped in sacred history and promised to protect. The meaning of ‘Songlines’ weaves neatly into Denman’s tale, combining the Aboriginal tradition of a song or story recording a journey through the landscape, with the biblical roots of her Edenite river of song and the ancient pathway that leads there.
Denman also cleverly and tastefully poses thought-provoking questions around obligation versus free will, of the differences between being human and being an Edenite, and whether the tranquility of Paradise is in fact free from life’s tainted intricacies. The story is cast with a set of strong, fascinating characters, whom are all drawn to one another, both in their bid to save and protect the land from intruders, and because it is their natural compulsion to be bound by the force that is Eden. Much of the journey is built with tension surrounding the relationships between Lainie and her best friend, Noah (another Cherub), and the surly and aloof Bane (ultimately her Guardian soul mate). Lainie and Bane’s relationship is an intriguing part of the journey, leading an integral sub-plot of twists, excitement, and a series of heavily mixed emotions surrounding lust, belonging and the freedom of choice.
This blend of Australian heart and spiritual soul easily captures a reader’s interest with wonder and illumination. Its major plot twist at the end certainly causes a sense of breathlessness, and even a tinge of sadness that leaves us hanging on tenterhooks to continue the journey in books two and three.
Songlines is an intricately intense and well-crafted fantasy allegory with relatable themes of trust, courage, sacrifice, friendship and family, as well as much world- and character-building appeal that begs its readers to complete the whole Sentinels of Eden series. (YA Fantasy, 13 – adult)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 2, 2024
'Your mother’s grave is a lie.’ Harry to Lainie.
When the two important adults in Laine's life, Aunt Lily and Harry, try to tell her that the mother she never knew is actually alive in some ‘Eden’, she reacts with anger. Though not clued up on the Book of Genesis, Lainie is sure the original Garden was not in the Great Southern Land (Australia). Besides, her mother lies buried. Harry then disappears. This is the catalyst for Lainie to seek out her roots.
This unusual adventure, aimed at Young Adults, is so thoughtful it deserves a wide readership. It mixes a coming-of-age tale and romance with ancient memories, religious motifs and mythologies.
The slow burn narrative begins in a nowheresville ‘where the creeks are named after dead animals’. Carolyn Denman builds the details of school life, farm work and hikes through the fire-prone bush until the fantastical elements seem to arise quite plausibly from this backdrop .
I see it as an engrossing story of protecting the one Eden we all have now, our Earth. Lainie and her friends, Bane, Noah and Tessa, represent our only hope – young people. Earth’s enemies are symbolised by the mining giant Kolsom. But there is more going on than the struggle between these Sentinels of a special place and Kolsom’s devious agents. Something seems to be going badly wrong with the nature of Eden itself.
‘I smiled at him, winked, then stepped across the boundary into Paradise.’
Don’t be fooled by the early steady pace; the acceleration toward the utterly unforeseeable events took me by surprise. You are bound to want to know what on earth – and Eden – is going to happen next. Fortunately, the sequel is now available too.
A note about song lines: To Indigenous Australians, a songline, or dreaming track, is one of the paths across the land or sky which mark the route followed by creator-beings. These made the earth and everything in it. This early time is called the Dreamtime or the Dreaming. Carolyn Denman says in the foreword, ‘My desire is that this tale reflects the co-existance and interconnectedness of belief systems.’ I think she suceeds remarkably well.
When the two important adults in Laine's life, Aunt Lily and Harry, try to tell her that the mother she never knew is actually alive in some ‘Eden’, she reacts with anger. Though not clued up on the Book of Genesis, Lainie is sure the original Garden was not in the Great Southern Land (Australia). Besides, her mother lies buried. Harry then disappears. This is the catalyst for Lainie to seek out her roots.
This unusual adventure, aimed at Young Adults, is so thoughtful it deserves a wide readership. It mixes a coming-of-age tale and romance with ancient memories, religious motifs and mythologies.
The slow burn narrative begins in a nowheresville ‘where the creeks are named after dead animals’. Carolyn Denman builds the details of school life, farm work and hikes through the fire-prone bush until the fantastical elements seem to arise quite plausibly from this backdrop .
I see it as an engrossing story of protecting the one Eden we all have now, our Earth. Lainie and her friends, Bane, Noah and Tessa, represent our only hope – young people. Earth’s enemies are symbolised by the mining giant Kolsom. But there is more going on than the struggle between these Sentinels of a special place and Kolsom’s devious agents. Something seems to be going badly wrong with the nature of Eden itself.
‘I smiled at him, winked, then stepped across the boundary into Paradise.’
Don’t be fooled by the early steady pace; the acceleration toward the utterly unforeseeable events took me by surprise. You are bound to want to know what on earth – and Eden – is going to happen next. Fortunately, the sequel is now available too.
A note about song lines: To Indigenous Australians, a songline, or dreaming track, is one of the paths across the land or sky which mark the route followed by creator-beings. These made the earth and everything in it. This early time is called the Dreamtime or the Dreaming. Carolyn Denman says in the foreword, ‘My desire is that this tale reflects the co-existance and interconnectedness of belief systems.’ I think she suceeds remarkably well.
January 6, 2017
Songlines by Carolyn Denman is a YA urban fantasy set on a sheep station in a fictional town in Victoria, Australia. Drawing on the beliefs of a number of religions, including Judeo-Christian and Indigenous traditions, the story revolves around the idea of an Eden that was transported to Australia for protection.
The novel starts out as Lainie Gracewood and her best friend Noah Ashbree are about to finish high school. When a mining company starts exploring near Lainie’s aunt’s sheep station, their farmhand, Harry, an Aboriginal Elder, reveals a family secret that rocks her to her core. She is unwilling to believe what he has told her, until Harry disappears on a quest to save the area from the miners, and Lainie discovers a link between herself, Noah, and Bane, the boy who has been the bane of her existence since she was five, that make it impossible to discount the revelation. She also realises that, with Harry gone, it is up to her and Noah to protect the land.
Denman’s depiction of the Australian landscape, life in a small rural town, and her version of Eden are clear and concise, the characters and their relationships well developed. The dialogue is vernacular and authentic, and Lainie has a clear teen voice. At times I found the plot somewhat slow, which reduced the build-up of suspense, however the second half of the book picked up the pace to an exciting and dramatic conclusion. An enjoyable read for those who like speculative fiction of a supernatural nature. 3 ½ stars
Review first published on my blog. Go to https://sonyaspreenbates.wordpress.com for this and other reviews.
The novel starts out as Lainie Gracewood and her best friend Noah Ashbree are about to finish high school. When a mining company starts exploring near Lainie’s aunt’s sheep station, their farmhand, Harry, an Aboriginal Elder, reveals a family secret that rocks her to her core. She is unwilling to believe what he has told her, until Harry disappears on a quest to save the area from the miners, and Lainie discovers a link between herself, Noah, and Bane, the boy who has been the bane of her existence since she was five, that make it impossible to discount the revelation. She also realises that, with Harry gone, it is up to her and Noah to protect the land.
Denman’s depiction of the Australian landscape, life in a small rural town, and her version of Eden are clear and concise, the characters and their relationships well developed. The dialogue is vernacular and authentic, and Lainie has a clear teen voice. At times I found the plot somewhat slow, which reduced the build-up of suspense, however the second half of the book picked up the pace to an exciting and dramatic conclusion. An enjoyable read for those who like speculative fiction of a supernatural nature. 3 ½ stars
Review first published on my blog. Go to https://sonyaspreenbates.wordpress.com for this and other reviews.
December 4, 2016
When Lainie discovers her family’s secret biblical heritage shortly before graduation, she is understandably shocked. The implications for her country Victorian farm, her friends, and her aunt are many and complex. Yet when she finds herself standing between a mining company and her late parents’ farm, the acceptance of her heritage becomes paramount, despite to consequences to her family, friends, and the unwanted bond with a Guardian.
Songlines is ultimately a story of change, mirroring the move from high school to the ‘real world’ with the discovery of a parallel and perfect world in desperate need of protection. Unexpected roles, friends, and relationships dominate this YA novel, leaving Lainie trying to reconcile her highschool based world view with what she learns of the her heritage, and has to re-evaluate her opinions of her old schoolmates. The result is a supernatural story relating to trying to work out not just Lainies’s own future, but how it affects those around her as well.
Songlines presents as a unique story, blending cultural differences and supernatural discovery as a metaphor for change and acceptance of self. While all the standard YA mechanisms for plot progression and reader engagement exist, enabling a familiar feel for ease of reading, the ability to blend modern country Australia with Judeo-Christian mythology creates a distinctive and engaging style of story-telling that is highly enjoyable.
Songlines is ultimately a story of change, mirroring the move from high school to the ‘real world’ with the discovery of a parallel and perfect world in desperate need of protection. Unexpected roles, friends, and relationships dominate this YA novel, leaving Lainie trying to reconcile her highschool based world view with what she learns of the her heritage, and has to re-evaluate her opinions of her old schoolmates. The result is a supernatural story relating to trying to work out not just Lainies’s own future, but how it affects those around her as well.
Songlines presents as a unique story, blending cultural differences and supernatural discovery as a metaphor for change and acceptance of self. While all the standard YA mechanisms for plot progression and reader engagement exist, enabling a familiar feel for ease of reading, the ability to blend modern country Australia with Judeo-Christian mythology creates a distinctive and engaging style of story-telling that is highly enjoyable.
September 7, 2016
so far I have read 3 lines and it is a very gripping tale
November 27, 2016
Reviewed for readers favorite
Songlines by Carolyn Denman is the first book in the Sentinels of Eden, a young adult paranormal series set in Australia. Lainie views herself just like any normal teenager as she finishes high-school with her best friend, Noah, and helps her aunt at the sheep farm.
But when a mining company begins to creep into her family's property tainting the family's water supply, her aunt reveals a family secret she's been holding since the death of Lainie's mother. Lainie is not quite human.
Lainie refuses to believe what her aunt and Harry, Aboriginal Elder tell her, especially when her heritage has to do with things like Cherubim and the Garden of Eden. But as time passes and more of her unique abilities come to light, Lainie can no longer deny that something is different about her. Then, Harry, her best link to her past, disappears trying to protect Eden from miners it's up to Lainie to rise to the occasion and learn the true meaning of the secret she must protect.
Songlines by Carolyn Denman is the kind of paranormal novel that emulates the best of the genre while add something completely unique and refreshing to it.
Well written with engaging characters I really enjoyed following Lainie journey of self discovery and acceptance.
Author Carolyn Denman is currently writing the fourth book in the series which is a relief considering how Songlines ended. I'm definitely interested in learning more about Lainie, Bane, and Noah!
A great read for any fan of the paranormal.
Songlines by Carolyn Denman is the first book in the Sentinels of Eden, a young adult paranormal series set in Australia. Lainie views herself just like any normal teenager as she finishes high-school with her best friend, Noah, and helps her aunt at the sheep farm.
But when a mining company begins to creep into her family's property tainting the family's water supply, her aunt reveals a family secret she's been holding since the death of Lainie's mother. Lainie is not quite human.
Lainie refuses to believe what her aunt and Harry, Aboriginal Elder tell her, especially when her heritage has to do with things like Cherubim and the Garden of Eden. But as time passes and more of her unique abilities come to light, Lainie can no longer deny that something is different about her. Then, Harry, her best link to her past, disappears trying to protect Eden from miners it's up to Lainie to rise to the occasion and learn the true meaning of the secret she must protect.
Songlines by Carolyn Denman is the kind of paranormal novel that emulates the best of the genre while add something completely unique and refreshing to it.
Well written with engaging characters I really enjoyed following Lainie journey of self discovery and acceptance.
Author Carolyn Denman is currently writing the fourth book in the series which is a relief considering how Songlines ended. I'm definitely interested in learning more about Lainie, Bane, and Noah!
A great read for any fan of the paranormal.
November 11, 2016
What if the entrance to the Garden of Eden were moved to an Australian sheep farm for safekeeping?
Carolyn Denman draws on an intriguing mix of Biblical and Aboriginal mythology as she explores this original premise in Songlines, the first novel in the Sentinels of Eden series. At first, the main characters seem like ordinary small town teens, but it soon becomes apparent that they have some extraordinary quirks and qualities – and I’m not just talking about the superpowers!
This book is certainly a page-turner. Although it’s aimed at young adults, I’d recommend it to anyone who enjoys speculative fiction with strong characters. I’ll definitely be keeping an eye out for the next one in the series.
Carolyn Denman draws on an intriguing mix of Biblical and Aboriginal mythology as she explores this original premise in Songlines, the first novel in the Sentinels of Eden series. At first, the main characters seem like ordinary small town teens, but it soon becomes apparent that they have some extraordinary quirks and qualities – and I’m not just talking about the superpowers!
This book is certainly a page-turner. Although it’s aimed at young adults, I’d recommend it to anyone who enjoys speculative fiction with strong characters. I’ll definitely be keeping an eye out for the next one in the series.
November 1, 2016
What a great read with a different types of supernatural twist. I loved the characters especially Lainie, she was no wimp. When her life is turned upside down by secrets revealed about her family her and her friends go on a quest to find Eden. There is so much more than meets the eye going on. I loved this story and the characters were so believable. Great YA will be purchasing one for the teens in my life.
September 5, 2016
What a great start for this writer. The scene setting, character introduction and character development were clear and concise. After Lanie learns of her unique talents the pace picks up to a suspenseful and unpredictable finale. It is obviously written for younger teens in mind, but i enjoyed the tale in any case.
February 28, 2017
Just a quick review... Yes, this sounds biased because I know Caroline personally, but no, I honestly could not put Songlines down once I had started. Now I don't normally cry at books, but man, when i got to the end of this one... JUST LEMME READ NUMBER TWO ALREADY!!! XD
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February 12, 2017This book is an entry in the Aurealis Awards for 2016, for which I am a judge. Any review will be withheld until the results of the awards are announced.
August 20, 2020
This was a gift from a lovely donor as part of the 2019 r/fantasy bingo (which I probably should have gotten around to reading sooner, oops). So of course, I wanted to love it, but unfortunately it was a huge disappointment.
It's not a badly written book (though some of the metaphors made me cringe), but it just had so many elements that didn't work for me: a portal fantasy set-up where they don't even go through the portal until two-thirds of the way in, not one but two magically-induced insta-love pairings, and a bad habit of forgetting that the MC was part-indigenous until it was suddenly convenient for the plot. Surprisingly, as an atheist, I didn't mind the overt Christian themes (this is literally a book about the Garden of Eden, though none of the characters show much connection to religion), but I couldn't take the idea of our main characters being called Cherubs seriously, either. Which, admittedly, says more about me than this book or its portrayal of religion.
Fingers crossed the next Aussie fantasy I pick up works better for me.
It's not a badly written book (though some of the metaphors made me cringe), but it just had so many elements that didn't work for me: a portal fantasy set-up where they don't even go through the portal until two-thirds of the way in, not one but two magically-induced insta-love pairings, and a bad habit of forgetting that the MC was part-indigenous until it was suddenly convenient for the plot. Surprisingly, as an atheist, I didn't mind the overt Christian themes (this is literally a book about the Garden of Eden, though none of the characters show much connection to religion), but I couldn't take the idea of our main characters being called Cherubs seriously, either. Which, admittedly, says more about me than this book or its portrayal of religion.
Fingers crossed the next Aussie fantasy I pick up works better for me.
November 1, 2017
I bought this book because I fell in love with the cover art - yes, on kindle.
The story is aimed at young teens and is very predictable.
The story is aimed at young teens and is very predictable.
June 25, 2017
This book is based on the original premise that Eden is somewhere in the Australian bush. Lainie has inherited the obligation to protect the gateway from interference. There is a nice dry sense of humour to the writing. I particularly like "The sun was as bright as a tradie's wardrobe..." I also like the relationship between Lainie and Bane and the way they are drawn to each other. I was cheering for their relationship from the beginning. The book ends...well I can't say can I...it is a satisfying ending in the sense that loose ends are tied up but there are things you want to happen and they haven't. Lucky there is a sequel.
May 24, 2019
Songlines is a fantastic weave of a common Bible story and a fantasy imagination. Bordering on the paranormal, this introduction to a unique YA adventure does more than bring the reader into its world, it takes everything we know in our world and adds “what-if?” to develop a beautiful, never-before-seen, scenario.
Though Songlines is very much based on the Bible’s Garden of Eden, I would not consider it wholly a “Christian book” necessarily. There is some mild cursing included in the dialogue and a lot of twists to the story of Eden that many Christian readers may be disappointed to see skewed in an “unbiblical” way (this is due to its Aboriginal inspiration as well). However, this book is not meant to provide a theologically sound point, it is a fantasy novel based on the concept of the sinless, perfect, paradise from Genesis. But, the author certainly kept the story of the Bible whole, as in, scripture that is quoted and explained is accurate to the actual story of the Garden of Eden, the difference is the storyline of this book. That may not make sense, but I’m trying not to post spoilers…So, long explanation short, I actually found this book to be very interesting and quite enjoyable.
It is YA, and a classic one at that. Which can be a good thing if done the right way. Predestined “soul mates” linked together in some way. Check. The most attractive characters in school banding together against a common enemy. Check. Lack of communication and a whole lot of internal, emotional conflict. Check. And of course, denying romantic attraction in the name of “they deserve better than me”. Also check.
Let me clarify, the above isn’t bad, I just found it incredibly easy to predict the storyline because so much was cliche.
So overall, I loved the unique spin off of the Garden of Eden and Songlines truly did hold my attention all the way through the book. I’m definitely interested in finishing the series, even if I found some of the character’s decisions to be predictable, so I give Songlines 4 out of 5 stars and do recommend it as a great YA Fantasy/Paranormal read!
I mentioned the very mild cursing, but it has no sexual scenes aside from a few (not-detailed) kisses. There is no action or gore worthy of being mentioned either.
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.
Though Songlines is very much based on the Bible’s Garden of Eden, I would not consider it wholly a “Christian book” necessarily. There is some mild cursing included in the dialogue and a lot of twists to the story of Eden that many Christian readers may be disappointed to see skewed in an “unbiblical” way (this is due to its Aboriginal inspiration as well). However, this book is not meant to provide a theologically sound point, it is a fantasy novel based on the concept of the sinless, perfect, paradise from Genesis. But, the author certainly kept the story of the Bible whole, as in, scripture that is quoted and explained is accurate to the actual story of the Garden of Eden, the difference is the storyline of this book. That may not make sense, but I’m trying not to post spoilers…So, long explanation short, I actually found this book to be very interesting and quite enjoyable.
It is YA, and a classic one at that. Which can be a good thing if done the right way. Predestined “soul mates” linked together in some way. Check. The most attractive characters in school banding together against a common enemy. Check. Lack of communication and a whole lot of internal, emotional conflict. Check. And of course, denying romantic attraction in the name of “they deserve better than me”. Also check.
Let me clarify, the above isn’t bad, I just found it incredibly easy to predict the storyline because so much was cliche.
So overall, I loved the unique spin off of the Garden of Eden and Songlines truly did hold my attention all the way through the book. I’m definitely interested in finishing the series, even if I found some of the character’s decisions to be predictable, so I give Songlines 4 out of 5 stars and do recommend it as a great YA Fantasy/Paranormal read!
I mentioned the very mild cursing, but it has no sexual scenes aside from a few (not-detailed) kisses. There is no action or gore worthy of being mentioned either.
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.
March 2, 2017
Can't wait for the next book!
April 14, 2019
Find a more in-depth review of this and other books at Lost in Literature
The concept of this book is rather unique and is the main reason I picked this up, the blend of western fantasy with aboriginal stories sounded fascinating and I desperately needed to read this.
It was a slow burn of a novel which isn't always what I am after and in this case, took me a while to get into, but overall I really enjoyed the way the characters are portrayed as smart fully formed humans with skills and capabilities. The premise of the Garden of Eden having been moved to the bush of Australia was definitely interesting, and surprisingly devoid of angels (I don't know why but a deeply dislike angels as characters in novels). I was a bit disappointed that there was less aboriginal content and representation that I had anticipated, but overall a good story.
Personal taste wise I really dislike the "destined to be together and no way out" trope when it comes to romances and the one in this novel is no different. I found it difficult to enjoy and believe at times yet it was engaging enough for me to feel the effects of it. Lainie herself was a great character when she wasn't being a heap of YA heroine stereotypes. Again I prefer novels without the stunning character everyone adores who thinks she's hideous and incapable of being loved.
Overall is it a spectacular book? No. Will I continue reading the series in anticipation of the fourth book soon to be released? Yes, Yes I will.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The concept of this book is rather unique and is the main reason I picked this up, the blend of western fantasy with aboriginal stories sounded fascinating and I desperately needed to read this.
It was a slow burn of a novel which isn't always what I am after and in this case, took me a while to get into, but overall I really enjoyed the way the characters are portrayed as smart fully formed humans with skills and capabilities. The premise of the Garden of Eden having been moved to the bush of Australia was definitely interesting, and surprisingly devoid of angels (I don't know why but a deeply dislike angels as characters in novels). I was a bit disappointed that there was less aboriginal content and representation that I had anticipated, but overall a good story.
Personal taste wise I really dislike the "destined to be together and no way out" trope when it comes to romances and the one in this novel is no different. I found it difficult to enjoy and believe at times yet it was engaging enough for me to feel the effects of it. Lainie herself was a great character when she wasn't being a heap of YA heroine stereotypes. Again I prefer novels without the stunning character everyone adores who thinks she's hideous and incapable of being loved.
Overall is it a spectacular book? No. Will I continue reading the series in anticipation of the fourth book soon to be released? Yes, Yes I will.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 28, 2017
The good
The idea of guardians protecting the entrance to the Garden of Eden definitely is unique. It's intriguing and I honestly think it's one of the more unique stories I've read.
Connected to that, it also has to be said that Carolyn Denman really does as much as she can to stay respectful to the beliefs mentioned in her novel. That alone deserves a little round of applause.
But this is where it ends for me...
The bad
Sometimes it felt like there were way too many details, unnecessary parts and overall just too much information I didn't really need. Although it didn't ruin the story for me, it did make it harder to read on and not feel like it's dragging on and on.
I didn't feel the romance in this story. I knew up front what would happen so it's a bit predictable, but apart from that I just couldn't feel that spark we all love feeling. I might be putting it a bit too harsh but I had the idea that the romance wasn't real. It didn't feel authentic.
Something that's completely on myself is that I couldn't connect with the characters. The MC, Laini, just isn't my kind of girl. She goes from acting like an adult to being childish and impulsive to trying to be an adult and... It just didn't feel genuine after a while.
The idea of guardians protecting the entrance to the Garden of Eden definitely is unique. It's intriguing and I honestly think it's one of the more unique stories I've read.
Connected to that, it also has to be said that Carolyn Denman really does as much as she can to stay respectful to the beliefs mentioned in her novel. That alone deserves a little round of applause.
But this is where it ends for me...
His one line phrase was about as helpful as a Chihuahua rounding up cattle.
The bad
Sometimes it felt like there were way too many details, unnecessary parts and overall just too much information I didn't really need. Although it didn't ruin the story for me, it did make it harder to read on and not feel like it's dragging on and on.
I didn't feel the romance in this story. I knew up front what would happen so it's a bit predictable, but apart from that I just couldn't feel that spark we all love feeling. I might be putting it a bit too harsh but I had the idea that the romance wasn't real. It didn't feel authentic.
Something that's completely on myself is that I couldn't connect with the characters. The MC, Laini, just isn't my kind of girl. She goes from acting like an adult to being childish and impulsive to trying to be an adult and... It just didn't feel genuine after a while.
Why did I always have to make life so much more complicated than it needed to be?
November 3, 2016
Songlines is a YA fantasy novel set in contemporary, rural Australia. You can’t help but like the lead character, Lainie, for her down to earth, gritty personality. Her sidekick, Noah, is both endearing and attractive, and we see their relationship unfold as Lainie questions where the line falls between friendship and love. Throw into the mix a seemingly crazy, unstable, teenage dude, and you’ve got yourself an intriguing mystery to boot. The plot occasionally drags in places, but the regular injection of tense scenarios and revealing twists, does overall keep things moving. There are some interesting takes on life and death. And the inclusion of components of aboriginal culture added something more to the text. Add to that some flashes of brilliance in the writing style, and the result is a tidy teenage novel that is quintessentially Australian.
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