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The Amaryllis
Eden should’ve died in that car crash. It would’ve been the human thing to do. Unfortunately, since meeting the mysterious Phil Bronwyn, human things are becoming few and far between. For a seventeen-year-old living in Joy, Georgia, a fascination with the new boy shouldn’t be the only thing that makes Eden feel like she belongs. But with nothing to show for her free time but a gig in her parents’ flower shop, a single friend, and a penchant for panic attacks, she has trouble relating to people her own age.Maybe that’s what drew him to her. Phil is from exposure, from his sister’s impending death, and from the pain that molded him into the creature of darkness he has become. He’s thrown up walls that make feelings for Eden as impossible as falling in love with the steak on your plate. At least, that’s what he tells himself. Worlds collide when Phil is unable to stand by and watch the object of his long-dormant affections burn to death in that car, even if saving her means damning her. Even if saving her means leaving her best friend to rot. Even if saving her means unleashing a darkness far greater than that which dwells in the soul of a The one that dwells in ours.
474 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 14, 2019
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Blurb:
den should’ve died in that car crash. It would’ve been the human thing to do. Unfortunately, since meeting the mysterious Phil Bronwyn, human things are becoming few and far between.
For a seventeen-year-old living in Joy, Georgia, a fascination with the new boy shouldn’t be the only thing that makes Eden feel like she belongs. But with nothing to show for her free time but a gig in her parents’ flower shop, a single friend, and a penchant for panic attacks, she has trouble relating to people her own age.Maybe that’s what drew him to her. Phil is running: from exposure, from his sister’s impending death, and from the pain that molded him into the creature of darkness he has become. He’s thrown up walls that make feelings for Eden as impossible as falling in love with the steak on your plate.
At least, that’s what he tells himself.
Worlds collide when Phil is unable to stand by and watch the object of his long-dormant affections burn to death in that car, even if saving her means damning her. Even if saving her means leaving her best friend to rot. Even if saving her means unleashing a darkness far greater than that which dwells in the soul of a demon:
The one that dwells in ours.
Blurb:
den should’ve died in that car crash. It would’ve been the human thing to do. Unfortunately, since meeting the mysterious Phil Bronwyn, human things are becoming few and far between.
For a seventeen-year-old living in Joy, Georgia, a fascination with the new boy shouldn’t be the only thing that makes Eden feel like she belongs. But with nothing to show for her free time but a gig in her parents’ flower shop, a single friend, and a penchant for panic attacks, she has trouble relating to people her own age.Maybe that’s what drew him to her. Phil is running: from exposure, from his sister’s impending death, and from the pain that molded him into the creature of darkness he has become. He’s thrown up walls that make feelings for Eden as impossible as falling in love with the steak on your plate.
At least, that’s what he tells himself.
Worlds collide when Phil is unable to stand by and watch the object of his long-dormant affections burn to death in that car, even if saving her means damning her. Even if saving her means leaving her best friend to rot. Even if saving her means unleashing a darkness far greater than that which dwells in the soul of a demon:
The one that dwells in ours.
May 3, 2020
The Amaryllis by Alyssa Adamson
A Kryptic Review…
I gave this book 3.5 stars
Eden is a typical high school student with a passion for flowers given that her parents are local florists in a tiny town called Joy. Her best friend is a zealous ginger named Zach and she is content with a mundane life, that is until Phil, a mysterious stranger walks into her parents’ flower shop.
She develops a lethal attraction to this stranger and seeks to get to get to know him but her efforts fail, that is until a car accident that nearly kills her. Things get interesting when she walks aware miraculously unharmed while her friend Zach is sent to the intensive care unit with injuries that threaten his life. Eden soon learns that her second chance at life comes at a cost that she may be unwilling to pay.
The first thing that struck me about this book was how beautifully it is written. Alyssa Adamson has taken great care to convey her story well. She chose the exact right words to create a mysterious and ethereal romantic atmosphere which sang off the pages. The most exquisite piece of writing comes in at the epilogue where our protagonist reflects over the events of the book.
The story starts off slowly but builds slowly and meticulously into an enthralling read, until somewhere just past the middle where is seems to go nowhere and ends in a manner that left me wanting. I understand where the author was going but felt something was missing which left the dots unconnected.
Eden has all the makings of a curious character, but there is no tangible character arc where she develops and learns and grows. There is nothing spectacular about Eden which begs the question as to why a mysterious hunk like Phil would fall for such a plain jane. The explanation never comes.
The characterisation is further confusing by Zach’s character arc and his involvement in the story.
I personally don’t enjoy storylines where the plot would not have happened if characters had just communicated better with one another, but I understand the world’s appeal for miscommunication driven plots. We see it in modern literature all the time. I just am not a fan.
Overall the book was an enjoyable read, but it did not give me the escape that my favourite books of all time did, nor was I compelled to keep turning the page because I was so invested in knowing what happens next to the characters. I would like to end again with stating that the book is fantastically written and I commend the author on her skills.
If slow-burn fantasy romance is your thing, and you enjoy well-written literature this one is recommended for you. Just make sure you are not as fussy as I am about plot and character development or you may, like me, be left wanting.
Happy reading, Kryptic Fans!
Connect with me
A Kryptic Review…
I gave this book 3.5 stars
Eden is a typical high school student with a passion for flowers given that her parents are local florists in a tiny town called Joy. Her best friend is a zealous ginger named Zach and she is content with a mundane life, that is until Phil, a mysterious stranger walks into her parents’ flower shop.
She develops a lethal attraction to this stranger and seeks to get to get to know him but her efforts fail, that is until a car accident that nearly kills her. Things get interesting when she walks aware miraculously unharmed while her friend Zach is sent to the intensive care unit with injuries that threaten his life. Eden soon learns that her second chance at life comes at a cost that she may be unwilling to pay.
“As I walked barefoot through the untamed wild, the sound of civilization gradually faded into existence. I must’ve walked a great deal further tonight than any other spent escaping my roommate.”
The first thing that struck me about this book was how beautifully it is written. Alyssa Adamson has taken great care to convey her story well. She chose the exact right words to create a mysterious and ethereal romantic atmosphere which sang off the pages. The most exquisite piece of writing comes in at the epilogue where our protagonist reflects over the events of the book.
The story starts off slowly but builds slowly and meticulously into an enthralling read, until somewhere just past the middle where is seems to go nowhere and ends in a manner that left me wanting. I understand where the author was going but felt something was missing which left the dots unconnected.
Eden has all the makings of a curious character, but there is no tangible character arc where she develops and learns and grows. There is nothing spectacular about Eden which begs the question as to why a mysterious hunk like Phil would fall for such a plain jane. The explanation never comes.
The characterisation is further confusing by Zach’s character arc and his involvement in the story.
I personally don’t enjoy storylines where the plot would not have happened if characters had just communicated better with one another, but I understand the world’s appeal for miscommunication driven plots. We see it in modern literature all the time. I just am not a fan.
Overall the book was an enjoyable read, but it did not give me the escape that my favourite books of all time did, nor was I compelled to keep turning the page because I was so invested in knowing what happens next to the characters. I would like to end again with stating that the book is fantastically written and I commend the author on her skills.
If slow-burn fantasy romance is your thing, and you enjoy well-written literature this one is recommended for you. Just make sure you are not as fussy as I am about plot and character development or you may, like me, be left wanting.
Happy reading, Kryptic Fans!
Connect with me
March 2, 2019
‘A single glimpse down at my bare hand saw that I glowed…like the sun.’
Alyssa Adamson is a pretty young author who shares no biographical data except that she has now successfully published three novels – THE PISONIC SOLDIER, KING COBRA and THE AMARYLLIS. Her audience seems to be the Teen and Young Adult readers and the novels are rich in intrigue, mystery and romance.
Alyssa has that gift to create the tension that is to drive her thrillers in the relatively benign opening of her book, as though she wants us to tease us into her net. ‘ She staggered into sight first, followed closely by a mop of white-blond hair. A towering frame. Violet eyes so foreign, so alien, I couldn’t decide – were they beautiful or repulsive. Even up close he was perfectly smooth, perfectly symmetrical – all around perfectly perfect in every way….He leaned against the counter, arm so close to mine that I could feel the warmth pouring off his bare skin. For the first time, I noted that he wore a t-shirt without the added protection of a coat, despite the snow outside. “What was it your mother called you?” “Eden.” I thrust out my hand and he took it without hesitation. Time stood still. An electric current raced through my skin, shocking me. Burning me until the only feeling left was the ache in my bones. Gravity shifted, very nearly knocking me off my feet as it yanked me toward him instead of the ground. If not for the counter sitting between us, I swore I would’ve tumbled into his arms. Readily. Willingly. Happily.’ And this initial encounter between Eden and Phil sets the tone for the bizarre and completely engrossing tale to follow.
Alyssa offers a synopsis that rounds out the scope of her complex thriller romance: Eden should’ve died in that car crash. It would’ve been the human thing to do. Unfortunately, since meeting the mysterious Phil Bronwyn, human things are becoming few and far between. For a seventeen-year-old living in Joy, Georgia, a fascination with the new boy shouldn’t be the only thing that makes Eden feel like she belongs. But with nothing to show for her free time but a gig in her parents’ flower shop, a single friend, and a penchant for panic attacks, she has trouble relating to people her own age. Maybe that’s what drew him to her. Phil is running: from exposure, from his sister’s impending death, and from the pain that molded him into the creature of darkness he has become. He’s thrown up walls that make feelings for Eden as impossible as falling in love with the steak on your plate. At least, that’s what he tells himself. Worlds collide when Phil is unable to stand by and watch the object of his long-dormant affections burn to death in that car, even if saving her means damning her. Even if saving her means leaving her best friend to rot. Even if saving her means unleashing a darkness far greater than that which dwells in the soul of a demon: The one that dwells in ours.’
What happens in the course of this novel is a spellbinding thriller, told with dexterity and signifying the solid growth of a new voice!
Alyssa Adamson is a pretty young author who shares no biographical data except that she has now successfully published three novels – THE PISONIC SOLDIER, KING COBRA and THE AMARYLLIS. Her audience seems to be the Teen and Young Adult readers and the novels are rich in intrigue, mystery and romance.
Alyssa has that gift to create the tension that is to drive her thrillers in the relatively benign opening of her book, as though she wants us to tease us into her net. ‘ She staggered into sight first, followed closely by a mop of white-blond hair. A towering frame. Violet eyes so foreign, so alien, I couldn’t decide – were they beautiful or repulsive. Even up close he was perfectly smooth, perfectly symmetrical – all around perfectly perfect in every way….He leaned against the counter, arm so close to mine that I could feel the warmth pouring off his bare skin. For the first time, I noted that he wore a t-shirt without the added protection of a coat, despite the snow outside. “What was it your mother called you?” “Eden.” I thrust out my hand and he took it without hesitation. Time stood still. An electric current raced through my skin, shocking me. Burning me until the only feeling left was the ache in my bones. Gravity shifted, very nearly knocking me off my feet as it yanked me toward him instead of the ground. If not for the counter sitting between us, I swore I would’ve tumbled into his arms. Readily. Willingly. Happily.’ And this initial encounter between Eden and Phil sets the tone for the bizarre and completely engrossing tale to follow.
Alyssa offers a synopsis that rounds out the scope of her complex thriller romance: Eden should’ve died in that car crash. It would’ve been the human thing to do. Unfortunately, since meeting the mysterious Phil Bronwyn, human things are becoming few and far between. For a seventeen-year-old living in Joy, Georgia, a fascination with the new boy shouldn’t be the only thing that makes Eden feel like she belongs. But with nothing to show for her free time but a gig in her parents’ flower shop, a single friend, and a penchant for panic attacks, she has trouble relating to people her own age. Maybe that’s what drew him to her. Phil is running: from exposure, from his sister’s impending death, and from the pain that molded him into the creature of darkness he has become. He’s thrown up walls that make feelings for Eden as impossible as falling in love with the steak on your plate. At least, that’s what he tells himself. Worlds collide when Phil is unable to stand by and watch the object of his long-dormant affections burn to death in that car, even if saving her means damning her. Even if saving her means leaving her best friend to rot. Even if saving her means unleashing a darkness far greater than that which dwells in the soul of a demon: The one that dwells in ours.’
What happens in the course of this novel is a spellbinding thriller, told with dexterity and signifying the solid growth of a new voice!
March 11, 2019
“Alyssa Adamson is one storyteller that impresses all the time.”
After reading the first book King Cobra, I have become one of the ardent followers of Alyssa. I always long for more. This time she has also not performed below expectation in this novel Amaryllis. The Fantasy romance novel is shrouded in mystery.
It starts out normally as a simple novel with a young girl struggling as hard as myself to cope with the compulsory art class. Well on the lighter note – I really love art when I was younger, art class was my favorite. This book in an instance creates a flashback of all those boyhood days.
Well, there is more to this story of Alyssa Anderson than art class and early humor of “vagina flower.” Alyssa slowly takes us through the twist of a strange love affair. What started as a harmless handshake takes the whole love story to a whole new level of mystery.
Alyssa has the best skill in telling a good story and creative twists that keeps you glued to the pages of the novel to the very last page. Alyssa has certainly shown mastery of the art in her narrative and character creation.
After reading the first book King Cobra, I have become one of the ardent followers of Alyssa. I always long for more. This time she has also not performed below expectation in this novel Amaryllis. The Fantasy romance novel is shrouded in mystery.
It starts out normally as a simple novel with a young girl struggling as hard as myself to cope with the compulsory art class. Well on the lighter note – I really love art when I was younger, art class was my favorite. This book in an instance creates a flashback of all those boyhood days.
Well, there is more to this story of Alyssa Anderson than art class and early humor of “vagina flower.” Alyssa slowly takes us through the twist of a strange love affair. What started as a harmless handshake takes the whole love story to a whole new level of mystery.
Alyssa has the best skill in telling a good story and creative twists that keeps you glued to the pages of the novel to the very last page. Alyssa has certainly shown mastery of the art in her narrative and character creation.
June 8, 2019
The Amaryllis is a dark Y.A. paranormal thriller story about a girl, Eden, who finds the mysterious Phil very attractive, except there is much more to Phil than meets the eye. The story is told in the first person from Eden's point-of-view. The main characters, Eden, and her friend, Zach, become involved with Phil, and "friends" of his, Gregory and Lily after meeting them at school.
The character development was strong, although I couldn't quite understand why Eden wasn't more suspicious of her new friend's strange ways.
It's fast-paced and the plot quickly becomes quite complex and dark, as more is revealed about the true identity and nature of Eden's friend, Phil, and the narcissistic Gregory.
When Eden's longtime friend, Zach, is severely injured, Eden begs her friend to help. The consequences are quite horrifying as the plot twists into a sinister and dark conclusion that is actually quite satisfying.
I enjoyed the characters and felt they were well developed. The dialogue was natural and the book was well edited. It's a little too dark and sinister for my usual reading preference, but if you enjoy that kind of story, you will no doubt enjoy The Amaryllis.
The character development was strong, although I couldn't quite understand why Eden wasn't more suspicious of her new friend's strange ways.
It's fast-paced and the plot quickly becomes quite complex and dark, as more is revealed about the true identity and nature of Eden's friend, Phil, and the narcissistic Gregory.
When Eden's longtime friend, Zach, is severely injured, Eden begs her friend to help. The consequences are quite horrifying as the plot twists into a sinister and dark conclusion that is actually quite satisfying.
I enjoyed the characters and felt they were well developed. The dialogue was natural and the book was well edited. It's a little too dark and sinister for my usual reading preference, but if you enjoy that kind of story, you will no doubt enjoy The Amaryllis.
March 9, 2019
The Amaryllis is a young adult, fantasy, paranormal romance novel written by author Alyssa Adamson. It tells the teenage love story of Eden and Phil and one thing this book is not is bubbly or cutesy. Malevolence abounds and let me just say the ending doesn't leave an opening for a sequel; at least not involving the relationship between these two characters. Also, you're probably going to ugly cry a little and if a happy ever after is a requirement for your romances, you might want to consider Twilight, as the two stories share similar aspects.
Adamson is clearly a talented writer. Her characters are fully fleshed, dialogue is well done and believable, and her plot flows effortlessly throughout - fast paced or meandering perfectly, depending on what the scene demands. The heart of the book being the romance between these teenagers was written just as well as has been done by much more experienced authors. It can be difficult to make romance age appropriate and realistic and many have failed. This author nailed it.
Adamson is clearly a talented writer. Her characters are fully fleshed, dialogue is well done and believable, and her plot flows effortlessly throughout - fast paced or meandering perfectly, depending on what the scene demands. The heart of the book being the romance between these teenagers was written just as well as has been done by much more experienced authors. It can be difficult to make romance age appropriate and realistic and many have failed. This author nailed it.
March 3, 2019
This is an extraordinary story. Even without a HEA ending, It is so completely well written and thought through. I could not put it down. lI found myself reading it straight through in one sitting.
It also needs a warning with it. It has a very sad ending, so you need tissues. It has been a very long time since a book made me cry so much.
This is Phil and Eden story. He is the new kid at school. Well 1 of 3. But he is more than he seems. When he saves her from a car crash that should have taken her life her life is changed forever. Is she close his or hers did he learns what it means to love. Study prepared for the ending of this book. It will leave you speechless and possibly crying mess it certainly did to me. I’m hoping there is another book to come. I’d certainly hate for it to end this way,
It also needs a warning with it. It has a very sad ending, so you need tissues. It has been a very long time since a book made me cry so much.
This is Phil and Eden story. He is the new kid at school. Well 1 of 3. But he is more than he seems. When he saves her from a car crash that should have taken her life her life is changed forever. Is she close his or hers did he learns what it means to love. Study prepared for the ending of this book. It will leave you speechless and possibly crying mess it certainly did to me. I’m hoping there is another book to come. I’d certainly hate for it to end this way,
March 11, 2019
This is not your typical teenage paranormal romance, and that's the book's greatest strength; the heroine remains a strong character, and experiences tremendous growth by the end of the book. She manages to fall in love and be changed by it without losing the core of her identity in the process. The plot was well-paced and the dialogue wasn't forced or unnatural.
My biggest criticism is that some of the characters needed more development. In particular, I would have loved more time spent on Lily and Zach. Another minor criticism is that a couple times in the beginning, the book jumps around a bit and refers to characters by name without any exposition - they haven't been "officially" named yet in the story as it were, and it was a bit confusing and broke me out of the narrative for a bit, though not so much that it had much effect on my overall enjoyment of the book.
My biggest criticism is that some of the characters needed more development. In particular, I would have loved more time spent on Lily and Zach. Another minor criticism is that a couple times in the beginning, the book jumps around a bit and refers to characters by name without any exposition - they haven't been "officially" named yet in the story as it were, and it was a bit confusing and broke me out of the narrative for a bit, though not so much that it had much effect on my overall enjoyment of the book.
February 21, 2019
This is the first book I've ready by this talented author, but it won't be the last.
I really enjoyed The Amaryllis from the first page and finished it in one night, because I was too hooked to wait a whole night to find out what happened.
If you like young adult urban fantasy, paranormal, etc, you won't want to miss this one.
I can't wait for a sequel, and hopefully there will be more than one. I really need a whole series please!
I really enjoyed The Amaryllis from the first page and finished it in one night, because I was too hooked to wait a whole night to find out what happened.
If you like young adult urban fantasy, paranormal, etc, you won't want to miss this one.
I can't wait for a sequel, and hopefully there will be more than one. I really need a whole series please!
March 2, 2019
Twilight-esqe
The Amaryllis is a young adult love story with Paranormal elements thrown in. It really feels like Twilight: young boy (Phil) with weird skin and odd mesmerizing eyes, everyone is captivated by them in school, Phil and Eden (the main character) embark on a journey of young love. The ending though was way different. I won’t spoil it but it definitely surprised me. (Is there a book 2? If not, I would like one please!) It was a fun and interesting read.
The Amaryllis is a young adult love story with Paranormal elements thrown in. It really feels like Twilight: young boy (Phil) with weird skin and odd mesmerizing eyes, everyone is captivated by them in school, Phil and Eden (the main character) embark on a journey of young love. The ending though was way different. I won’t spoil it but it definitely surprised me. (Is there a book 2? If not, I would like one please!) It was a fun and interesting read.
October 28, 2019
Alyssa told an amazing love story of Phil and Eden. Definitely wished for a happier ending but that would have made it another obvious love story and some great stories deserves a twist. Great job making me pull my hair out :-), in frustration of Eden ignorance of not realizing the love Phil had until to late. I loved this story, told in a way that made fiction fantasy and paranormal seem real. It actually was a little scary, due to my spiritual beliefs, but a very enjoyable read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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