Loved it! A well-written narrative of disability, dystopia, and exploration...consider it a spiritual successor to Lois Lowry's The Giver and M. Night Shyamalan's The Village.--Nicole Dieker, Discovery ReedsyBritta Jensen's epic worldbuilding shines and the story is full of mystery, suspense, and heart. I'm looking forward to more stories in this universe.--Amanda Bennett, Midday Moonrise Blog Long-listed for the 2016 Exeter Novel Prize A girl who's lost her mother. A boy learning about love. Both with a secret neither knows about and a journey that could tear them apart. When half-sighted Leanora catches her father committing an unspeakable crime she is forced to flee her village with her blind best friend, Dex. Together they seek answers to the Mists that caused disabilities in many communities on their planet. The journey of discovery isn't without hardship. Dex drifts away from Leanora, new truths emerge about her family and a newfound power haunts her. Across the deserts of Eloia her heart calls her in a new direction. Does she have the courage to heed its call, even if it means leaving everything she knows behind?
The sequel, Hirana's War, releases October 1, 2020.
I was sent an ARC of this book for review. The following is a non-biased, spoiler-free review. *****
Britta Jenson brings forth a most intriguing story that at its end, left me wanting to know more about the universe she’s crafted. The main characters, Leonora and Dex, escape their village in order to set out on a much-needed journey that inspires growth and forces both of them to figure out who they really are. Eloia Born is more than just a simple love story. It’s about leaving your comfort zones in search of life's truths. It plays on your emotions and forces you to accept things that you may not want to. It does this wonderfully. There are a few areas explored in the novel. Each of the places is unique, inhabiting a diverse group of people. The story is rich with discovery and will leave the reader itching to know more about all the locations, and the people that inhabit them. The journey is comprised of four areas: the village in which Leonora and Dex grew up, a desert land with giant, dog-like creatures; a rainforest with an interesting tribe and talking furball creatures, and a land full of vibrant, beautiful architecture. Each one acts as a different level of self-discovery. At certain times through the book, the story starts to drag on a little bit too much. After the first two times, I realized that this was the way the author decided to transition the story from one location to another. At the beginning of the book, it was slightly frustrating, but as the story progresses, it’s a mechanic that works. Other times, I felt like the story may have transitioned too fast. Does the pacing need some work? Yes, but not very much. Overall, I can’t really complain about the pacing. Out of all the places the two journey, I’d say the rainforest is the most interesting part to me. There is a certain character there that quickly became my favorite. While each piece is nicely crafted, it is, at times, hard to picture exactly where they are or what is going on around them. It’s right on the cusp of being a wonderfully painted picture except it’s missing one or two puzzle pieces. Sometimes, it’s hard to tell if that was done intentionally by the author. In some instances, the settings are set up in visual detail where in other situations, the description or use of scent takes a larger role. Like everything else in the book, it’s a very give and take feeling the entire journey. As the story explains, the two main characters are blind. Some time ago, a mist came over the lands, inflicting mutations and defects on all the inhabitants of the planet. Each group of people experiences a different kind of deformation. The descriptions that Britta uses to describe these people, how they look, interact and behave upon meeting the main characters, is unique to each of the four areas. Eloia Born is the first book out of two. Thankfully, there are a good number of questions that remain to be answered. The book leaves you wanting to know more about the lore and universe presented here. I’m excited to see where the story goes. This book lays the foundation for many more books to come if the author decided to head that route. While I can’t address the questions here without giving a lot away, I’m sure many readers will have the same questions by the end. Britta has laid a rock-solid foundation here with a load of room for home expansion. I would highly recommend this novel for anyone looking to immerse themselves into a new, beautifully crafted YA world.
Overall, this is an interesting story with unique characters. However, there were times when I felt like the characters were sharing an inside joke...talking about things it was assumed the reader would know even though they hadn’t been told in the narrative. Some of the major plot lines of the story also felt rushed, giving it a jumpy feel, especially at the end. I think a lot of this was due to enthusiastic inexperience and am sure it will get better as she continues writing. I look forward to the next installment!
I have been looking forward to this for quite some time! I dedicated my Thanksgiving break to having time to enjoy this without interruption and I am so glad I did. Once I started reading, I honestly didn’t want to stop. I admit that I was nervous when I saw the story would be told from two alternating points of view. I was also slightly leery when I realized the author was going to dedicate her first sections to presenting a backstory for Leanora and Dex. However, I am thrilled to say that Eloia Born was nothing like my past experiences. Just as I was getting to my “come on already” point, the story took off! The split narrative adds a depth to the story that would not have been present otherwise, each section blending nicely with the previous section while expanding it in some way for the reader. While Leonora comes across clearly to me throughout, I was having trouble understanding Dex after they left Asanis. Again, the split narration was the perfect way to show Dex’s humanity and I was able to connect with him, so much so that the turn of events in the tower of Nedara left me in complete shock and exceedingly angry.
And the humanity did not stop with the humans. The author blended these very same characteristics into the animals as well. I am a sucker for animals and to see how even the hardest human in the bunch responded to the animals – well, that was a reward all by itself. Who won’t love the gwynbee and ulsos?
It was a pleasant surprise to discover that each of the four regions of this world aligned so perfectly with recognizable growth in our main characters. Neither the recurring theme of acceptance nor the importance of being comfortable in your own skin can be missed. This story reminds me of all the things I like so much about Victoria Aveyard’s Red Queen series. It is a story of growth - not everything ends on a happy note, everyone has something to add to the story, and the journey was hard - but such is life. I believe that many young adult readers will find a bit of themselves in this story and perhaps even a desire to “choose kind.” If we can learn to recognize the gifts in others, realize that there is more to life than what we see, and honestly try to understand one another, this world – and our individual lives – could be very different.
Rich in detail and clearly enjoying her wordsmithing without being wordy, the author has presented a well-defined world, likeable characters, and a compelling story. I am looking forward to receiving my printed copy, the next book in the series, and more of this author in the future. #eloiaborn
I try to write reviews as soon as I finish the book, but sometimes life gets in the way and it takes me a bit longer. In this case, I finished reading Britta Jensen’s Eloia Born (received as an ARC), some months ago.
While writing a review immediately after reading enables me to go into the small details, a review a few months later gives me the opportunity to see if any of the book stayed with me.
Eloia Born, I’m happy to say, did. Months later, I still feel the vibrancy and the courage of the teenage protagonists, Leanora and Dex, as they flee Asanis, whose inhabitants were blinded by The Mists before Leanora was born. Daughter Asanis’s leader, and one of the two villagers with partial sight (a fact hidden from all others), seventeen-year-old Leanora discovers that there is more to the communal blindness than what village lore implies. As she starts asking questions she understands that the answers are linked to her mother’s disappearance from Asanis. Long-thought dead, could her mother be alive? And what exactly was The Mist?
Determined to seek out the truth, Leanora sneaks out of her village with Dex, the boy she loves despite her father’s disapproval. Her limited vision and Dex’s blindness are handicaps to overcome during their trek across the country, where they meet people and creatures that sometimes offer help, but more often represent danger. The further they go, the more they learn about their village and about each other, until their relationship changes completely.
I won’t go more into the story than that, as I don’t want to spoil it for other readers, but Eloia Born dexterously covers many different issues within its pages. It’s an intelligent and interesting book, in which I particularly appreciated (read loved) Britta Jensen’s world building and the subtlety of her points of view as she gives us chapters with both Leanora’s and Dex’s perspective.
I appreciated a bit less Leanora’s constant questioning of her relationship with Dex, which seemed over-thought at times. Though it made sense within the story, there are times I wanted Leanora to calm down and stop analyzing everything. In all fairness, it’s her questioning character that pushes her to go beyond her comfort zone, again and again.
Eloia Born is the first of a two-book series. I’m fond enough of the protagonists and intrigued enough by the story to read the second volume. I, too, want to unravel Eloia’s mysteries.
This review is based on an advanced reader’s copy I received from the author, all opinions are my own.
This sweeping YA sci-fi novel takes you on an adventure through the vast landscapes of Eloia, a strange planet full of hidden dangers and joyful surprises. For young lovers Leanora and Dex, each step of their journey makes them confront their harrowing past and uncertain future.
Britta Jenson's epic world-building shines, and the story is full of mystery, suspense, and heart. I'm looking forward to more stories in this universe.
Eloia Born by Britta Jensen is a compelling young adult science fiction novel that blends dystopian worldbuilding with deeply human themes of identity, belonging, and resilience. Set within a vividly imagined universe shaped by mystery and environmental consequence, the story offers both an adventurous journey and an emotional coming of age experience.
At the center of the narrative is Leanora, a partially sighted protagonist whose life is irrevocably altered after a shocking discovery forces her to flee her home. Accompanied by her blind friend Dex, the story unfolds as a journey across a fractured world, where the origins of widespread disabilities and the enigmatic Mists become central to their quest for truth. Jensen handles these elements with care, presenting disability not as limitation, but as an integral part of the characters’ identities and perspectives.
One of the novel’s strongest qualities is its immersive worldbuilding. The landscapes of Eloia feel expansive and layered, with a sense of history and mystery that gradually reveals itself as the story progresses. This is complemented by a steady buildup of tension, as secrets about Leanora’s past and her emerging abilities begin to surface, adding depth to both the plot and her character arc.
The relationship between Leanora and Dex provides an emotional anchor, evolving naturally as the journey challenges their understanding of trust, independence, and connection. Themes of love, loss, and self discovery are woven throughout the narrative, giving the story a balance between external adventure and internal growth.
Jensen’s writing maintains a clear and engaging pace, making the novel accessible while still offering meaningful depth. The combination of suspense, emotional resonance, and philosophical undertones creates a reading experience that is both entertaining and thought provoking.
Eloia Born will appeal to readers who enjoy young adult science fiction with strong character development, inclusive themes, and richly developed worlds. It is a promising and engaging start to a series that invites readers to explore both the outer and inner landscapes of its characters.
I purchased this book at the Twin Cities book festival from the author. Finally, months later, I've taken the plunge.
Overall, "Eloia Born" is a compelling read set in a diverse world with varied characters and adorable animal companions. After our two main characters are expelled from their home, they go on a journey of discovery and growth, down a path neither one of them expects. Jensen explores the way adversity can alter people for good and ill. I enjoyed exploring the various landscapes and how the characters learned about themselves with each encounter.
While most often, things were described very well, there were other times I just couldn't picture what was happening. The first land, Asanis, could have used further development. Everywhere else in the book, the landscape and society were beautifully described. Asanis I couldn't picture beyond trees and some water. Was it a forest arising out of a lake? Because there seemed to be swimming around large trees. The movement in the first section was confusing.
Some of the fight scenes didn't come across clearly. For instance, if there are warriors pointing spears at me, I find the likelihood of grabbing a spear out of one of the warrior's hand and defending myself against multiple attackers highly unlikely. So there were a few parts I had trouble suspending disbelief.
That being said, I enjoyed the diversity and adventure "Elois Born" offers up. It was a compelling read with a unique world and intriguing characters who suffer from various forms of disability. Plus, I definitely want my own gwynbee--can that be in the next marketing campaign? Recommended. I'd read more from this author!
Eloia Born is a beautifully written novel, a real and genuine page turner!!! I loved how Britta narrated the story using the point of view of both protagonists interchangably throughout the novel. It was indeed very interesting to know simultaneously how both Leanora and Dex were feeling about not only themselves but also their feelings for each other. Britta captures magically the growth of each character as their journeys and adventures progress. The novel ends at the perfect point, to allow the reader just enough time to catch their breath. Looking forward to reading the sequel, Hirana Bound - can't wait to find out where the story takes both characters and the readers!! Very highly recommended, definitely a must read 👍
This story is so beautifully told. The two main characters each have their own journeys and we get to experience both as they trek across an entire continent. The world is fascinating and unfolded to become even more complex. I love the variety in the different people and how that variety is so interconnected.
Definitely recommend if you love emotional journeys about learning, loving, discovering, and growing up.
This was a very interesting new read! Britta has a gift for worldbuilding and character development. I loved the interesting animals she created, and the way she was able to connect me with the characters in her story. However, sometimes the writing was a little hard to follow, and there was a risque scene that I didn't like. But all in all not a bad read!
This was an amazing read. It reminded me so much of the first time I read it.The first time I read pretty much this whole thing in one sitting which was a big deal for seventh grade me. Now that I typically read books in one day I felt like I should slow it down with this one and I'm glad I did. This book was exactly like I remembered but at the same time so very different. It has the amazing world I remember and the really interesting representation. However because of the ways I have grown both as a person and a reader I got very different things from it.
Characters Lenora is a really strong character which kinda surprised me because I feel like the first go around she was way more dependent on Dex and this time Dex was way more dependent on her. Also can we give a shout-out to the author for creating an accurate female character who experiences normal female things like periods. I know it sounds kinda weird but I love seeing this in a character because it makes them feel more real and relatable. I don't remember caring about Tarrok at all the first time I read it but now I'm just over here crying because of what a caring person he is. He really tried to understand Lenora and gets that she still a kid trying to figure things out. He is also very understanding with Dex and that deserves some respect. He doesn't go out of his way to hurt Dex even tho Dex doesn't necessarily treat him the same. I don't remember having any preticular feelings twords Dex the first time I read this book. I think I really wanted him and Lenora to work it out. Now however I can't even handle it with him. He was such an extremely toxic person who any time he felt jealous over Lenora he would just hide from his feelings with other girls instead of talking it out like an adult. His character was very static throughout the book and I would definitely say I liked him alot more in the beginning. All that being said one thing that still hasn't changed are the animals are my favorite characters in the book. Try to change my mind you can't.
World I love the set up of this world the way it was shaped and set up to have these separate colonies of people all with their own different hindrance that they have to learn how to survive from. I liked the way they moved throughout the world naturally without huge skips in time if that makes sense. They really had to fight to get where they were going and she showed us that.
Now it is time to go read Hiranas war and let the story unfold. I was luck enough to get an advanced copy from the author so I'm super excited for that because this is a book I have been excited about before I really even like to read.
Everyone was left completely blind after the Mists came. Everyone, that is, except for Leanora and her father—but that’s a secret. The first of many.
Leanora can see fragments if the light is right. Otherwise, it’s darkness like everyone else. Her friend, Dex, isn’t so lucky. The two must travel alone through desert, rainforest, and wilderness in order to discover the truth behind what plagued their community. And they might not like what they find.
Britta Jensen’s Eloia Born allows us a glimpse of what it’s like to experience life, love, and peril without the luxury of sight. It’s a beautifully crafted story that will leave you laughing, crying, and wondering what other secrets the planet of Eloia holds.
Everyone was left completely blind after the Mists came. Everyone, that is, except for Leanora and her father—but that’s a secret. The first of many.
Leanora can see fragments if the light is right. Otherwise, it’s darkness like everyone else. Her friend, Dex, isn’t so lucky. The two must travel alone through desert, rainforest, and wilderness in order to discover the truth behind what plagued their community. And they might not like what they find.
Britta Jensen’s Eloia Born allows us a glimpse of what it’s like to experience life, love, and peril without the luxury of sight. It’s a beautifully crafted story that will leave you laughing, crying, and wondering what other secrets the planet of Eloia holds.
Eloia Born was a fun read. The characters were relatable and genuine. I thoroughly enjoyed the world building and the story was easy to get into. What I really enjoyed was how the characters never let a so-called disability prevent them from doing certain things. The main thing that holds anyone back is fear. We all have that inside of us. I loved that the author used this in these characters and didn't hold them back because of an impairment. I happily await the next novel in the series.
This book is an eye-catching novel about love and how it changes over time. We all learn as we grow up and this book is a representation of that. Two narrators. Two perspectives. It truly is a work of art. I don't normally read sci-fi but this has a little bit of something for everybody.
Let it be known that my low rating has more to do with my dislike of sci-fi because I can't always grasp what's going on. The adventure was interesting but I couldn't connect with the characters and all the new animals introduced made it hard for me to remember what was what
The author creates a fascinating universe with rich detail and truly unique ideas. I would love to spend more time with these characters and their world.
I think this book would be really great as a movie as it is very fast-paced.
The richness of the world draws you in and holds you through out this story. The characters make you want to read more and I had a hard time stopping when I needed to do things like sleep. I'm looking forward to reading the next book.