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Castle of Blue Stones
Volcanic ash has ruined the world and only remote outposts remain. At the castle in the mountains, covered by snow, everyone only sees shades of blue. Except for Jaisy. By day she explores farther down the mountain. By night, she’s plagued with dreams of a panther and ghosts calling her name. When Jaisy’s job sends her into the dungeon, she discovers a hidden room filled with dangerous information. There are secrets within the damp, stone walls that those in control don’t want anyone to know. The leaders will kill to protect those secrets – even executing one of their own. Jaisy will not go quietly into the blue night, no matter how hard the leaders attempt to silence her.
214 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 19, 2019
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
March 28, 2020
Disclaimer: I received the book from the author to read and review. That does not influence my thoughts on this book in any way.
Ok, confession time, I will read ANYthing this author puts out, to-do list, grocery list, mindless doodle, etc. Her writing is THAT GOOD.
SPOILERS AFTER THIS POINT, YE HAVE BEEN WARNED!
That being said, however, the characters in this book were all...annoyingly TSTL, especially the Guardians. They KNEW what the MC was. They KNEW she was getting her memories back. They KNEW that her roommate was killed by a "wild animal/monster". So, instead of just shrugging, killing her before she became a real threat and moving on, they move her to their office to oversee her and abuse her?? Makes no sense. Also, the daughter of one of them was moved into the office of the MC and her friends to spy and they said LOTS of things that indicated their memories and powers were coming back, but she either didn't tell the Guardians or they didn't believe her or she couldn't hear when the MC and her friends were going on and on about things that were dangerous for those in power??
Also makes no sense that when the MC could rip the throats out of the "bad guys", she didn't, instead she did it to someone who treated her like garbage ONCE instead of the people who killed someone as punishment in front of the whole group, who treated her like trash with physical, mental and emotional abuse, etc.
I get the twist at the end, saw it coming and glad it went that way. But I want to see how the MC, IF the MC, decides to act on her character growth from her time at the castle. I want to see how she deals with the kidnapping, the PTSD from it, how she has grown and learned that maybe she and the rest of the ruling class aren't that fantastic and need to cool it a tad, etc.
So, the writing was on-point, the world was built well and I did appreciate the ending and the hint of character growth, but we don't get to see that growth really take root, the characters weren't the brightest and there is some off-page sex and some really gory violence, to upper YA, maybe even NA.
Not sad I read this, again, I'll read anything she writes, but this was not one of my more favorite of her books. 3.5 stars, rounded down to 3, because too many TSTL actions by all characters for me to suspend disbelief fully. This is me being honest, but sad about it.
Ok, confession time, I will read ANYthing this author puts out, to-do list, grocery list, mindless doodle, etc. Her writing is THAT GOOD.
SPOILERS AFTER THIS POINT, YE HAVE BEEN WARNED!
That being said, however, the characters in this book were all...annoyingly TSTL, especially the Guardians. They KNEW what the MC was. They KNEW she was getting her memories back. They KNEW that her roommate was killed by a "wild animal/monster". So, instead of just shrugging, killing her before she became a real threat and moving on, they move her to their office to oversee her and abuse her?? Makes no sense. Also, the daughter of one of them was moved into the office of the MC and her friends to spy and they said LOTS of things that indicated their memories and powers were coming back, but she either didn't tell the Guardians or they didn't believe her or she couldn't hear when the MC and her friends were going on and on about things that were dangerous for those in power??
Also makes no sense that when the MC could rip the throats out of the "bad guys", she didn't, instead she did it to someone who treated her like garbage ONCE instead of the people who killed someone as punishment in front of the whole group, who treated her like trash with physical, mental and emotional abuse, etc.
I get the twist at the end, saw it coming and glad it went that way. But I want to see how the MC, IF the MC, decides to act on her character growth from her time at the castle. I want to see how she deals with the kidnapping, the PTSD from it, how she has grown and learned that maybe she and the rest of the ruling class aren't that fantastic and need to cool it a tad, etc.
So, the writing was on-point, the world was built well and I did appreciate the ending and the hint of character growth, but we don't get to see that growth really take root, the characters weren't the brightest and there is some off-page sex and some really gory violence, to upper YA, maybe even NA.
Not sad I read this, again, I'll read anything she writes, but this was not one of my more favorite of her books. 3.5 stars, rounded down to 3, because too many TSTL actions by all characters for me to suspend disbelief fully. This is me being honest, but sad about it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 17, 2020
Jaisy’s world is full of ash. The most color that she, or anyone, can see is blue. There is supposedly nothing beyond that besides death. Jaisy isn’t convinced though. She’s determined to get to the bottom of the truth though what she finds might make her wish for her old peaceful existence.
As with most of Miss Elizabeth’s works, the story is immersive and creative. This was a blend of genres, not quite sci-fi, though I’m not sure exactly what label would work best. Paranormal perhaps? Maybe horror.
Jaisy was a strong MC though she did have a few questionable moments. I liked her though. No matter what, she kept her head up. Even when things were bleak. I wish a few of the background characters would’ve been a little more fleshed out.
All in all, this is one of those stories that you can binge in one sitting and fully enjoy.
Narration was smooth and easy to listen to.
This book was given to me for free at my request and I provided this voluntary review.
As with most of Miss Elizabeth’s works, the story is immersive and creative. This was a blend of genres, not quite sci-fi, though I’m not sure exactly what label would work best. Paranormal perhaps? Maybe horror.
Jaisy was a strong MC though she did have a few questionable moments. I liked her though. No matter what, she kept her head up. Even when things were bleak. I wish a few of the background characters would’ve been a little more fleshed out.
All in all, this is one of those stories that you can binge in one sitting and fully enjoy.
Narration was smooth and easy to listen to.
This book was given to me for free at my request and I provided this voluntary review.
July 14, 2019
2.5/5.0
An intriguing story full of lies and deceit, "Castle of Blue Stones" will have readers questioning everything till the end.
Read full review in the 2019 May issue of InD'tale Magazine.
An intriguing story full of lies and deceit, "Castle of Blue Stones" will have readers questioning everything till the end.
Read full review in the 2019 May issue of InD'tale Magazine.
April 7, 2019
They were told they were the survivors of a volcanic disaster that decimated 90% of the world’s population. Trapped within the walls of an impenetrable castle, her memories of her previous life gone, Jaisy was one of the many who were left to heed the impossible and often cruel demands of the Guardians. Were the conditions outside so deadly that no one could leave or was there something more sinister right within the walls of the “safe haven?”
Jaisy felt it, a wrongness, and knew that one day she would flee, even if she were to perish in the endless winter outside.
Leave it to Jordan Elizabeth to create a dark world veiled in mystery and the shadows of doubt and deceit as one girl fights all she has ever known to regain what she feels in her gut was stolen from her.
CASTLE OF BLUE STONES is written for an older young adult audience as one girl fights her own naiveté, her mounting suspicions and desperate hopelessness as she fights to survive and even thrive while harboring a dream about escaping into the unknown hell outside the castle walls. She will discover the lies and deceit, even as she discovers her own past, as well as the truth of what truly happened. Can she right the wrongs that have been done? Is she a blameless victim or has she played a part in the world she now knows?
Dark, veiled and shadowy, follow a girl trapped in a world not of her making a she struggles with her youth and comes face to face with a past that is less honorable than she may have liked.
I received a complimentary copy from Jordan Elizabeth!
Publisher: CHBB Publishing (March 19, 2019)
Publication Date: March 19, 2019
Genre: YA Dark Fantasy
Print Length: 212 pages
Available from: Amazon
For Reviews, Giveaways, Fabulous Book News, follow: http://tometender.blogspot.com
Jaisy felt it, a wrongness, and knew that one day she would flee, even if she were to perish in the endless winter outside.
Leave it to Jordan Elizabeth to create a dark world veiled in mystery and the shadows of doubt and deceit as one girl fights all she has ever known to regain what she feels in her gut was stolen from her.
CASTLE OF BLUE STONES is written for an older young adult audience as one girl fights her own naiveté, her mounting suspicions and desperate hopelessness as she fights to survive and even thrive while harboring a dream about escaping into the unknown hell outside the castle walls. She will discover the lies and deceit, even as she discovers her own past, as well as the truth of what truly happened. Can she right the wrongs that have been done? Is she a blameless victim or has she played a part in the world she now knows?
Dark, veiled and shadowy, follow a girl trapped in a world not of her making a she struggles with her youth and comes face to face with a past that is less honorable than she may have liked.
I received a complimentary copy from Jordan Elizabeth!
Publisher: CHBB Publishing (March 19, 2019)
Publication Date: March 19, 2019
Genre: YA Dark Fantasy
Print Length: 212 pages
Available from: Amazon
For Reviews, Giveaways, Fabulous Book News, follow: http://tometender.blogspot.com
April 7, 2019
I absolutely love the stories that this author writes. For one, I'm able to talk to my daughter about them without having to bleep out bits. And two, they are just so well written that you get so completely sucked in and I know that I personally feel sad when they're over
April 26, 2019
Elizabeth creates a claustrophobic variation on the young adult trope of plucky teen vs. dystopian regime that feels realistic yet fantastical.
Since she can remember, Jaisy has lived in the remote castle in the mountains, a castle the inhabitants can see only in shades of blue. The Guardians, leaders of the bureaucracy that sustains the inhabitants, warn that the world beyond the mountains is barely habitable after a disaster that covered the world in volcanic ash and robbed many of their memories. However, Jaisy is filled with a nebulous dissatisfaction, her free time spent trekking through the snow in search of something she cannot quite recall and her nights filled with dreams of ghosts and animals calling her name. A dissatisfaction that finds fuel when one of her friends claims to have discovered records that challenge the official narrative.
Elizabeth builds her narrative upon a common young adult trope: that of a low-status protagonist living in post-disaster dystopian bureaucracy. However, unlike the nation- or even world-spanning systems of some novels, this novel is set in a single small area with limited resources, making the development of a somewhat draconian social structure feel plausible.
This plausibility is further strengthened by the oppression being the imposition of hard work in jobs that the holders might not choose rather than a more baroque system of sporting vassalage or social engineering.
However, the book does have more fantastical elements, shifting the challenges beyond those of balancing living and having a life worth living: the strange hue shift in everyone’s vision adds strangeness to both the situation and the description; and the bureaucracy exhibits traits closer to the worlds of Kafka or Peake than one ravaged by purely natural disaster. Combined with Jaisy’s dreams and pieces of evidence that don’t tidily fit the official history, this creates a sense of paranoia and conspiracy that prevents her rebellion from seeming selfish or petty.
While it is difficult to discuss without spoiling the secret, and thus the pleasure of speculating, the reason behind this dissonance in history and social structure may cause some readers to question whether Jaisy is as oppressed as she seems. Thus, unlike many young adult fantasies, her opposition to the status quo lacks the sense of a glorious hero overthrowing a regime without virtue; whether this makes the struggle more or less enjoyable will depend upon the tastes of each reader.
Jaisy is an engaging protagonist, neither blindly believing she cannot be in the wrong nor meekly accepting the assertions of others that she is always in the wrong. However, while this displays as a realistic mix of self-doubt and determination when facing challenges from others, her reaction to—and subsequent rejection of—her past wrongdoing presents as shallower and easier than the scale of the matter might warrant; thus, some readers might lose sympathy part way through the book or feel cheated of the internal moral struggle they anticipate.
The supporting cast are pleasingly nuanced, with characters on either side of the bureaucracy displaying a mix of positive and negative traits; therefore, although the overall sense is still of plucky teen facing cruel system, the social structure feels like a single issue in a world of complex characters rather than a metaphor for good vs. evil.
Overall, I enjoyed this book despite not utterly rooting for the protagonist. I recommend it to readers seeking young adult fantasy with a solid yet not convoluted conspiracy.
I received a free copy from the author with a request for a fair review.
Since she can remember, Jaisy has lived in the remote castle in the mountains, a castle the inhabitants can see only in shades of blue. The Guardians, leaders of the bureaucracy that sustains the inhabitants, warn that the world beyond the mountains is barely habitable after a disaster that covered the world in volcanic ash and robbed many of their memories. However, Jaisy is filled with a nebulous dissatisfaction, her free time spent trekking through the snow in search of something she cannot quite recall and her nights filled with dreams of ghosts and animals calling her name. A dissatisfaction that finds fuel when one of her friends claims to have discovered records that challenge the official narrative.
Elizabeth builds her narrative upon a common young adult trope: that of a low-status protagonist living in post-disaster dystopian bureaucracy. However, unlike the nation- or even world-spanning systems of some novels, this novel is set in a single small area with limited resources, making the development of a somewhat draconian social structure feel plausible.
This plausibility is further strengthened by the oppression being the imposition of hard work in jobs that the holders might not choose rather than a more baroque system of sporting vassalage or social engineering.
However, the book does have more fantastical elements, shifting the challenges beyond those of balancing living and having a life worth living: the strange hue shift in everyone’s vision adds strangeness to both the situation and the description; and the bureaucracy exhibits traits closer to the worlds of Kafka or Peake than one ravaged by purely natural disaster. Combined with Jaisy’s dreams and pieces of evidence that don’t tidily fit the official history, this creates a sense of paranoia and conspiracy that prevents her rebellion from seeming selfish or petty.
While it is difficult to discuss without spoiling the secret, and thus the pleasure of speculating, the reason behind this dissonance in history and social structure may cause some readers to question whether Jaisy is as oppressed as she seems. Thus, unlike many young adult fantasies, her opposition to the status quo lacks the sense of a glorious hero overthrowing a regime without virtue; whether this makes the struggle more or less enjoyable will depend upon the tastes of each reader.
Jaisy is an engaging protagonist, neither blindly believing she cannot be in the wrong nor meekly accepting the assertions of others that she is always in the wrong. However, while this displays as a realistic mix of self-doubt and determination when facing challenges from others, her reaction to—and subsequent rejection of—her past wrongdoing presents as shallower and easier than the scale of the matter might warrant; thus, some readers might lose sympathy part way through the book or feel cheated of the internal moral struggle they anticipate.
The supporting cast are pleasingly nuanced, with characters on either side of the bureaucracy displaying a mix of positive and negative traits; therefore, although the overall sense is still of plucky teen facing cruel system, the social structure feels like a single issue in a world of complex characters rather than a metaphor for good vs. evil.
Overall, I enjoyed this book despite not utterly rooting for the protagonist. I recommend it to readers seeking young adult fantasy with a solid yet not convoluted conspiracy.
I received a free copy from the author with a request for a fair review.
June 28, 2022
overall i like the world the story is set in and the overall plot idea. however it was rough to get through it. If it weren't for tbr takeover i would have DNF'd it. i liked the way it ended but the beginning was confusing and the story jumps a lot. the damaged people damaging people is a bit too much for me as well. The flash backs and jumps forward make the timeline a bit fuzz. i feel like it could be great but it was hard to finish instead.
March 23, 2019
I give this book 4 stars only because it took a bit to get into the story, but once I did it held my interest very well. *Warning* While you read this book, remember, everything is not what it seems. Hehe.
You want mystery, fight sceens, animal spirits who help - here's your book. Jordan is one of my favorite steam punk writers and I look forward to all her books. I think you will too.
You want mystery, fight sceens, animal spirits who help - here's your book. Jordan is one of my favorite steam punk writers and I look forward to all her books. I think you will too.
August 7, 2020
What a cool story! The element of what is real and what is not really pulled me in. The story starts off with a dream, or is it a vision? Jaisy is a survivor from the volcano disaster that destroyed the world. The ash took her memories. Or so she is told. She tries to fall in line and do what she's told but there are parts of her life that don't make sense. And she is having visions that plague her. And why does she have fangs and have the urge to kill? As the pieces come together us readers/listeners go on this journey with her. And when the truth is exposed your mind will be blown. And get ready to meet a group of villains that will make you want to reach into this story and slap them yourselves. This is a great adventure story filled with mystery and suspense. You'll fall in love with Jaisy and her crew of allies. Get ready to have this story hit the heart. I loved it. I really hope this is made into a sequel. I don't feel like we are done with Jaisy's story yet. This narrator is the perfect voice of Jaisy. She portrays her as I would think she would be. This is a must read/listen.
June 10, 2019
4 CRANKY STARS
I’m sorry that I can only give this book 4 stars. The concept and storyline are entertaining but could use a little tweaking. I know that it is a young adult novel but there are a few confusing ideas. For instance, the main characters find an abandoned ski lodge-no food no electricity, but the phone works, and a snowmobile has a full tank of gas and working battery. Lots of little things like this. I also got really confused about the main character’s age in the beginning. But if you can ignore some of this, it’s a good story.
The story starts out with a young lady tramping through the snow. She has been told it is supposed to be white but all she sees is shades of grey, black and blue. The guardians have told them they live in the castle of blue stones because a volcano erupted, destroyed their world and the ash distorts the colors. They are the only survivors. But Jaisy can’t stand to stay indoors. Everyday she goes out in the freezing temperatures and walks. She marks her trail and tries to go a little further each time. Perhaps, she will find other survivors. They can’t be the only ones left.
Life is tough and the rules strict. Her nightmares are getting more vivid and feel more like memories. But that can’t be true, can it? After all, she’s been told she has lived here since she was two even though she has no memory of it. When she meets another girl who can see colors, she starts to believe that perhaps her dreams are returning memories. The ending is a twist I didn’t see coming and left me with the feeling that maybe the wrong people won.
I’m sorry that I can only give this book 4 stars. The concept and storyline are entertaining but could use a little tweaking. I know that it is a young adult novel but there are a few confusing ideas. For instance, the main characters find an abandoned ski lodge-no food no electricity, but the phone works, and a snowmobile has a full tank of gas and working battery. Lots of little things like this. I also got really confused about the main character’s age in the beginning. But if you can ignore some of this, it’s a good story.
The story starts out with a young lady tramping through the snow. She has been told it is supposed to be white but all she sees is shades of grey, black and blue. The guardians have told them they live in the castle of blue stones because a volcano erupted, destroyed their world and the ash distorts the colors. They are the only survivors. But Jaisy can’t stand to stay indoors. Everyday she goes out in the freezing temperatures and walks. She marks her trail and tries to go a little further each time. Perhaps, she will find other survivors. They can’t be the only ones left.
Life is tough and the rules strict. Her nightmares are getting more vivid and feel more like memories. But that can’t be true, can it? After all, she’s been told she has lived here since she was two even though she has no memory of it. When she meets another girl who can see colors, she starts to believe that perhaps her dreams are returning memories. The ending is a twist I didn’t see coming and left me with the feeling that maybe the wrong people won.
March 29, 2019
I received a digital copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.
With a Philip Pullman-esque storyline, Jordan Elizabeth has got another genre under her belt. Set in a fictional world, Castle of Blue Stones tells the story of the survivors of an apocalyptic volcano... Or so the protagonist thinks.
Led to believe she has lived in the castle since a volcanic eruption killed 90% of the population, Jaisy lives in a colourless world with no memory of what life was like before. Unable to leave due to the ice age conditions outside, Jaisy is forced to obey the impossible instructions set by the Guardians who seem to distrust her more than any other castle inhabitant.
As the story progresses, Jaisy begins to remember her past and realise the danger she and her friends are in. With rescue not an option, Jaisy must take her life and future into her own hands and save everyone from certain doom.
The author sucks readers into the storyline from the very beginning. Learning the truth at the same pace as Jaisy, Castle of Blue Stones is a gripping tale of fantasy, danger and untruths that are certain to keep readers wanting to know more.
Having raced through the book in one day, I was a little disappointed with the ending, which, although a satisfying conclusion, happened so quickly in comparison with the steady build up. Nonetheless, it was an enjoyable read and one of Jordan Elizabeth's better novels.
With a Philip Pullman-esque storyline, Jordan Elizabeth has got another genre under her belt. Set in a fictional world, Castle of Blue Stones tells the story of the survivors of an apocalyptic volcano... Or so the protagonist thinks.
Led to believe she has lived in the castle since a volcanic eruption killed 90% of the population, Jaisy lives in a colourless world with no memory of what life was like before. Unable to leave due to the ice age conditions outside, Jaisy is forced to obey the impossible instructions set by the Guardians who seem to distrust her more than any other castle inhabitant.
As the story progresses, Jaisy begins to remember her past and realise the danger she and her friends are in. With rescue not an option, Jaisy must take her life and future into her own hands and save everyone from certain doom.
The author sucks readers into the storyline from the very beginning. Learning the truth at the same pace as Jaisy, Castle of Blue Stones is a gripping tale of fantasy, danger and untruths that are certain to keep readers wanting to know more.
Having raced through the book in one day, I was a little disappointed with the ending, which, although a satisfying conclusion, happened so quickly in comparison with the steady build up. Nonetheless, it was an enjoyable read and one of Jordan Elizabeth's better novels.
April 13, 2019
Never a disappointing moment in any of Jordan Elizabeth's books. It's a thrilling, exciting, and mysterious story that has many twists and turns. It will keep you on your toes, at the edge of your seat while you try to make sense of the mystery unraveling right in front of you. It is a very well-written book and once again Jordan Elizabeth has crafted a world so beyond the realm of our imagination that it is totally worth reading about.
Jaisy is living in a world where volcanic ash and the shades of blue is all anyone is supposed to see. They are lead to believe that leaving this place means death. But Jaisy is restless, she sees something more and fears that they might not know the whole truth. She plans to uncover the mysteries of this place and finally be free of the shackles she feels around herself. However, what the truth entails is anyone's guess. Is it even worth looking for and is better for her to accept her peaceful existence in this world and keep on going as she always has?
Jaisy is about to find out how deceptive her world is and how much past can haunt you. I think this book is riveting. Jaisy's story of self-discovery had me intrigued right from the beginning and I enjoyed reading every single minute of it. I would definitely recommend this book to my fellow readers. It is a must read.
P.S. I received a complimentary copy of this book.
Jaisy is living in a world where volcanic ash and the shades of blue is all anyone is supposed to see. They are lead to believe that leaving this place means death. But Jaisy is restless, she sees something more and fears that they might not know the whole truth. She plans to uncover the mysteries of this place and finally be free of the shackles she feels around herself. However, what the truth entails is anyone's guess. Is it even worth looking for and is better for her to accept her peaceful existence in this world and keep on going as she always has?
Jaisy is about to find out how deceptive her world is and how much past can haunt you. I think this book is riveting. Jaisy's story of self-discovery had me intrigued right from the beginning and I enjoyed reading every single minute of it. I would definitely recommend this book to my fellow readers. It is a must read.
P.S. I received a complimentary copy of this book.
August 18, 2019
This was quite an adventure that had me hooked right from the start. I was absolutely drawn into this world and found myself experiencing some emotions towards specific characters that I wasn't expecting. By the end, I wasn't sure how to feel other than realizing I wanted to know more. What happens to Jaisy, Wordell, Antorjou (No clue if that is spelled right), and everyone else?
Jordan truly has a way of depicting a scene that leaves little to the imagination. I found myself walking right alongside Jaisy, visualizing the inside of the castle and the rest of the world, as she sees it. As mentioned before, I quickly developed a level of anger towards certain characters only to have a twist thrown in which made me re-think those emotions.
This is a story easily worthy of more than five stars and I really hope that a sequel, even if only brief, comes out to give some closure to Jaisy's goals for the world. As another reviewer stated, this story has a quality about it that is not unexpected from Jordan. I am also glad that her publishers are now putting out audiobooks so I can enjoy the stories my wife has raved about for so long.
Jordan truly has a way of depicting a scene that leaves little to the imagination. I found myself walking right alongside Jaisy, visualizing the inside of the castle and the rest of the world, as she sees it. As mentioned before, I quickly developed a level of anger towards certain characters only to have a twist thrown in which made me re-think those emotions.
This is a story easily worthy of more than five stars and I really hope that a sequel, even if only brief, comes out to give some closure to Jaisy's goals for the world. As another reviewer stated, this story has a quality about it that is not unexpected from Jordan. I am also glad that her publishers are now putting out audiobooks so I can enjoy the stories my wife has raved about for so long.
August 31, 2019
•audiobook•
I really enjoyed listening to this book. It ranked threefold higher than Delta, although not quite a 5 Star.
I don’t usually like the undertoned/•not disclosing spoiler genre• this should have been listed as. I definitely disagree with the sci fi ... it’s only in passing and off pages.
However, had a true genre been indicated, I probably wouldn’t have requested a book to review. So it’s all good!
Jaisy was a lovely heroine. At the point that it all clicked and the puzzle pieces came together, I’m just really surprised her conscience didn’t make her ponder her actions. I could certainly understand why the guardians felt and behaved how they did. She began to come to terms, yet ... she didn’t....
The roles of David, Karen, Misha, and someone else wasn’t very fleshed out and it seemed confusing. I don’t think the back stories were very well fleshed out. A good editor could quickly help this book tighten up into a best seller; it really has a lot of potential.
Overall, recommended for YA supernatural fantasy enthusiasts.
I really enjoyed listening to this book. It ranked threefold higher than Delta, although not quite a 5 Star.
I don’t usually like the undertoned/•not disclosing spoiler genre• this should have been listed as. I definitely disagree with the sci fi ... it’s only in passing and off pages.
However, had a true genre been indicated, I probably wouldn’t have requested a book to review. So it’s all good!
Jaisy was a lovely heroine. At the point that it all clicked and the puzzle pieces came together, I’m just really surprised her conscience didn’t make her ponder her actions. I could certainly understand why the guardians felt and behaved how they did. She began to come to terms, yet ... she didn’t....
The roles of David, Karen, Misha, and someone else wasn’t very fleshed out and it seemed confusing. I don’t think the back stories were very well fleshed out. A good editor could quickly help this book tighten up into a best seller; it really has a lot of potential.
Overall, recommended for YA supernatural fantasy enthusiasts.
July 24, 2022
I’ve always considered myself a good girl. I go for my walks. I do my job. Maybe I’m really not, because I look forward to lying.
this was an interesting read. the writing surrounding the trauma & ongoing abuse was fascinating. i could also say it was repetitive, but that felt like an understandable choice -- the repetition numbed you to the maltreatment the same way that jaisy was. i was, however, reminded at every turn just how young she was, from the horniness to the fickle moral values.
it's a fucked up story with some convoluted worldbuilding & kind of a hard reverse on "eat the rich"
-- which made it hard to root for the protagonist, who is also young & precocious & if jennifer check was toned down & brainwashed. fun enough read, but i just never managed to reach that point where i wanted to cheer her or her contemporaries on.
March 24, 2019
Where do I even begin with this story? It was a unique, attention-grabber, this-is-so-different-from-what-I've-previously-read-by-Jordan, how-did-you-come-up-with-this-idea, what-am-I-reading type of story. I loved it! It's like once I started, I couldn't stop. I ended up reading after dinner and had to force myself to stop around one in the morning. It was tough, especially since I was up for several more hours just thinking about what I'd read. There were so many characters that I loved to hate. The Protagonist was strong, yet naive at times, and I couldn't wait for her to escape the castle and go back to her real life. Yet when I learned the truth about her and her kind, I was kind of left speechless and then wasn't sure how I felt about her. There were lots of "reveals" that left me surprised with where the story was going, evenly distributed throughout as well. I feel like I'm rambling now, but this is a great story!
April 4, 2021
I really like the idea of this story, specially because the theme is not disclosed up front.
In the end it reveals to be a bit of a mixture that I don't think it was well weaved together.
Our main character is a kind of vampire (cus she has fangs and drinks blood) that starts to see colors when everyone else in her school only sees in blue tones. That's like going out of the norm and she has to hide her real self while being bullied.
We are supposed to be in inside her head but the narration is not that interesting - it takes the blue undertone of the story, so not really a bad performance.
It also has too little action and dialogue in proportion with her inner musings.
I did love the worldbuilding and some of the smaller characters, so it's with regret that I say the story failed to really grab me as a hole.
In the end it reveals to be a bit of a mixture that I don't think it was well weaved together.
Our main character is a kind of vampire (cus she has fangs and drinks blood) that starts to see colors when everyone else in her school only sees in blue tones. That's like going out of the norm and she has to hide her real self while being bullied.
We are supposed to be in inside her head but the narration is not that interesting - it takes the blue undertone of the story, so not really a bad performance.
It also has too little action and dialogue in proportion with her inner musings.
I did love the worldbuilding and some of the smaller characters, so it's with regret that I say the story failed to really grab me as a hole.
June 30, 2022
This story was full of mystery secrets and lies. Jaisy Is different. She starts to see through the secrets and lies and things become dangerous. I love the story and the author had us guessing at every turn of what was going to happen next. The story was full of secrets and lies and you didn't know if what was being told was the truth or not. I was floored when the truth finally came to life and what was told to The population was just a bunch of brainwashed stories. I felt like everything that I had thought was happening in the book was a lie. This book definitely had the author messing with your mind.
January 3, 2025
What a trip! Grim dark tale told by an unreliable narrator. This is the kind of story that throws you into the deep end and you spend most of the book clawing your way out as you try to piece together the clues both in what is said - and it what isn't said as you watch what is happening around the narrator.
Jordan Elizabeth did an excellent job of flipping the story around and almost making it feel like walking through a fun house with not knowing who or what to trust or who your sympathies should lie with. There are some paranormal and sci-fi aspects, but overall it reads most like horror - especially the ending.
Jordan Elizabeth did an excellent job of flipping the story around and almost making it feel like walking through a fun house with not knowing who or what to trust or who your sympathies should lie with. There are some paranormal and sci-fi aspects, but overall it reads most like horror - especially the ending.
April 25, 2019
This one was different, started a little slow but soon picked up speed and had me spellbound.
Jaisy and her kind were different, not really human and hated by those that were.
All is not what it seemed in the Castle, what is really outside? Visions or were they memories had Jaisy wondering about her past. The alleged volcano ash had wiped memories. So many twists and turns toward the end, thoroughly enjoyed it.
Jaisy and her kind were different, not really human and hated by those that were.
All is not what it seemed in the Castle, what is really outside? Visions or were they memories had Jaisy wondering about her past. The alleged volcano ash had wiped memories. So many twists and turns toward the end, thoroughly enjoyed it.
March 25, 2019
i received a free e-book from the author in exchange for an honest review. the book took quite numerous pages to get me into its story. but once i followed where the book was going, i started enjoying it tremendously! Jaisy was a character so strong & lovable that i immediately fell for her strength & panther-ness.
March 30, 2019
A very interesting and entertaining. Jaisy is wonderfully strong and she has such a gift.
I loved the backstory style and I wanted to see more from those characters so that I would love more books about these characters
I loved the backstory style and I wanted to see more from those characters so that I would love more books about these characters
April 1, 2019
twists and turns.. so many things that happened i didnt see coming.. good characters.. good storyline.. interesting and kept me interested. very good
May 10, 2019
Really good story, loved the world building and it kept me entranced all the way through! Wouldn't mind a sequel. ;)
July 15, 2022
Fantastic
Had me captivated all the way threw love how the story develops and the characters grow with it. Did not put this book down.
Had me captivated all the way threw love how the story develops and the characters grow with it. Did not put this book down.
April 11, 2019
Very interesting story. This one took a little while to get me pulled in, but once it did I was hooked. Jaisy is one strong girl. She trusted her instincts and never gave up. I did enjoy the story a lot.
March 23, 2019
The actual title of this book is Castle of Blue Stones. I really enjoyed this book. The characters are great and the storyline is so interesting. I stayed up way too late so I could see how it ended.
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