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The Tethering #2
The Siren's Realm
The war has begun.
The Dragons are gaining power, and the Gray Clan stands alone. Desperate to find a way to stop the Pendragon, Emilia is forced to seek answers from someone who hasn't been seen in seventeen years… Her mother. Embarking on a magical journey filled with witches, wizards, centaurs and a dangerous and powerful Siren, Jacob and Emilia must take a leap of faith to a land neither could have ever imagined … and hope they can find their way home.
The Dragons are gaining power, and the Gray Clan stands alone. Desperate to find a way to stop the Pendragon, Emilia is forced to seek answers from someone who hasn't been seen in seventeen years… Her mother. Embarking on a magical journey filled with witches, wizards, centaurs and a dangerous and powerful Siren, Jacob and Emilia must take a leap of faith to a land neither could have ever imagined … and hope they can find their way home.
- GenresFantasyYoung Adult
242 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 27, 2015
64 people are currently reading
551 people want to read
About the author
Megan O'Russell
52 books495 followersFrom the epic fantasy world of Ilbrea to the vampire and werewolf-plagued dystopia of the domes, author Megan O'Russell offers readers thirty-two books across nine series.
With a passion for building immersive worlds, uncovering each character’s unique voice, and discovering innovative ways to bring stories to audiences, Megan has created and presented workshops across the country helping fellow authors along their journey, including facing the Indie Publishing process with clear eyes and a workable plan.
Megan's newest novel, Sketchbook of a Wayward Seer, is presented in partnership with the podcast Page by Page: Writing the Book in Real Time, where you can listen to a new, full chapter of the series every week. Other titles include Ember and Stone, Girl of Glass, The Cursebound Thief, and How I Magically Messed Up My Life in Four Freakin' Days.
With a passion for building immersive worlds, uncovering each character’s unique voice, and discovering innovative ways to bring stories to audiences, Megan has created and presented workshops across the country helping fellow authors along their journey, including facing the Indie Publishing process with clear eyes and a workable plan.
Megan's newest novel, Sketchbook of a Wayward Seer, is presented in partnership with the podcast Page by Page: Writing the Book in Real Time, where you can listen to a new, full chapter of the series every week. Other titles include Ember and Stone, Girl of Glass, The Cursebound Thief, and How I Magically Messed Up My Life in Four Freakin' Days.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
April 30, 2015
This book was a great continuation of the story. I loved seeing the growing relationship between Emilia and Jacob. Moving forward learning to depend on each other and work together is shown very well in this story.
The fact that they are so accommodating to each other is a little to perfect for me though. They are teenagers and they always just go along with each other. I would like to see them assert their own personalities and have to work through some conflict. I am hopeful that will be coming in the next book after the way that this one ended.
I really enjoyed this book and look forward to the next one in the series.
The fact that they are so accommodating to each other is a little to perfect for me though. They are teenagers and they always just go along with each other. I would like to see them assert their own personalities and have to work through some conflict. I am hopeful that will be coming in the next book after the way that this one ended.
I really enjoyed this book and look forward to the next one in the series.
May 11, 2015
Review to come.
May 18, 2015
After rescuing his best friend from the Dragons, Jacob and Emilia not only have to come to terms with suddenly being forced to grow up; but the magical and unbreakable connection between them. But time to recover is a luxury they don't have. Forced to go into hiding for their own protection, Emilia and Jacob decide to track down the one person that might know how to stop the Pendragon - Emilia's long-lost mother.
I am really enjoying this series. I've been looking forward to The Siren's Realm ever since I read The Tethering back in February, and it does not disappoint.
Emilia and Jacob are both having to grow up and face the reality of the threats around them, no matter how much Aunt Iz and Molly try to protect them.
Despite the fact that his life has consisted of steady abandonment and being shunned, Jacob is becoming such a strong and caring young man. He is dependable and the steady rock for Emilia. I felt there was less growth for him in this book, compared to book 1; it was more a case of confirming who he is. Along with continued hints towards his magic, which I'm excited to read more about (I have a feeling he's going to be breaking a few traditional rules and expectations).
I felt this story was much more about Emilia's personal journey. She's emotionally wounded by the betrayal of her boyfriend, Dexter; feels victimised by her bastard of a father; and guilty about being the cause of so much death and damage by the Dragons. She's ready to shut out the rest of the world, and she's losing her grip on her magic. It was really lovely to see her find her way and her purpose again.
I loved the relationship between them. O'Russell has done a fantastic job with how the tethering played out, I think the platonic theme was original, realistic, and I respected Jacob so much more for his control.
The setting for this book was brilliant, it was much stronger and confident than the first book, O'Russell has really hit her stride. It is so utterly creative, and you just immerse yourself in this world of magic, and the challenges ahead.
The only low point I had about this book was that, I found especially in the first half, that it was overwhelmed by magic. I know it establishes the foundation of this magical world and what witches and wizards find normal, but I found the story slowed a little each time the author paused to throw in one spell or another that solved what a mundane person wouldn't even consider a problem. It sometimes felt like magic was used to sweep things along. As I say, in the second half, when the story really gets going, you don't notice it.
So all in all, a fab series to get into - bring on part 3!
I am really enjoying this series. I've been looking forward to The Siren's Realm ever since I read The Tethering back in February, and it does not disappoint.
Emilia and Jacob are both having to grow up and face the reality of the threats around them, no matter how much Aunt Iz and Molly try to protect them.
Despite the fact that his life has consisted of steady abandonment and being shunned, Jacob is becoming such a strong and caring young man. He is dependable and the steady rock for Emilia. I felt there was less growth for him in this book, compared to book 1; it was more a case of confirming who he is. Along with continued hints towards his magic, which I'm excited to read more about (I have a feeling he's going to be breaking a few traditional rules and expectations).
I felt this story was much more about Emilia's personal journey. She's emotionally wounded by the betrayal of her boyfriend, Dexter; feels victimised by her bastard of a father; and guilty about being the cause of so much death and damage by the Dragons. She's ready to shut out the rest of the world, and she's losing her grip on her magic. It was really lovely to see her find her way and her purpose again.
I loved the relationship between them. O'Russell has done a fantastic job with how the tethering played out, I think the platonic theme was original, realistic, and I respected Jacob so much more for his control.
The setting for this book was brilliant, it was much stronger and confident than the first book, O'Russell has really hit her stride. It is so utterly creative, and you just immerse yourself in this world of magic, and the challenges ahead.
The only low point I had about this book was that, I found especially in the first half, that it was overwhelmed by magic. I know it establishes the foundation of this magical world and what witches and wizards find normal, but I found the story slowed a little each time the author paused to throw in one spell or another that solved what a mundane person wouldn't even consider a problem. It sometimes felt like magic was used to sweep things along. As I say, in the second half, when the story really gets going, you don't notice it.
So all in all, a fab series to get into - bring on part 3!
June 24, 2015
(I received this book for free as part of Goodreads First Reads giveaways).
(This review may contain spoilers).
Although this book is the second in a series, I found it easy to follow... though it was hard not to read about a red-haired character named Molly and not picture Molly Weasley from the Harry Potter books/films.
I felt a lot of sympathy for Emilia and Jacob in this book, especially at the beginning. I liked the fact that, although they were really close friends, it was still hard for Jacob and Emilia to be tethered together. I would have liked a bit more detail of how it all worked, though.
I thought the idea of the characters using talismans was a really interesting one. I would have liked to know more about why they had different talismans, though... and it was particularly interesting to learn that Jacob's limitations were perhaps different to the other magic users in the book.
I liked Claire an awful lot in this book. She was one of those smart-mouthed characters who adds a bit of humour and even though some of what she said was cliched, I would have really liked to see more of her in this.
It was good to see how the society of the centaurs differed to what the children were used to. By the end of the book, Iz's character had fallen somewhat in my estimation.
I didn't get the opportunity to meet Dexter, but it was good to see how his betrayal had affected Emilia. I felt that the emotions between Emilia and Jacob came across as real and sweet. There were some hard choices that had to be made... but I believed in the relationship between the two characters and also the friendships they formed with others.
I would have liked to see a bit more of the people outside of the magic users. In some ways, it did seem like Emilia was over-using her magic... but I thought the author did a good job of showing the differences in the ways Emilia and Jacob viewed and used their magic.
The concept of the Siren's Realm was an interesting one, but I didn't really understand the Siren's motives. I would have liked to learn a bit more about her and her world.
At some point in the future, it would be good to read the other books in this series. The ending of this one was immediately intriguing and I'd like to know more about the secondary characters, as well as the two main ones.
(This review may contain spoilers).
Although this book is the second in a series, I found it easy to follow... though it was hard not to read about a red-haired character named Molly and not picture Molly Weasley from the Harry Potter books/films.
I felt a lot of sympathy for Emilia and Jacob in this book, especially at the beginning. I liked the fact that, although they were really close friends, it was still hard for Jacob and Emilia to be tethered together. I would have liked a bit more detail of how it all worked, though.
I thought the idea of the characters using talismans was a really interesting one. I would have liked to know more about why they had different talismans, though... and it was particularly interesting to learn that Jacob's limitations were perhaps different to the other magic users in the book.
I liked Claire an awful lot in this book. She was one of those smart-mouthed characters who adds a bit of humour and even though some of what she said was cliched, I would have really liked to see more of her in this.
It was good to see how the society of the centaurs differed to what the children were used to. By the end of the book, Iz's character had fallen somewhat in my estimation.
I didn't get the opportunity to meet Dexter, but it was good to see how his betrayal had affected Emilia. I felt that the emotions between Emilia and Jacob came across as real and sweet. There were some hard choices that had to be made... but I believed in the relationship between the two characters and also the friendships they formed with others.
I would have liked to see a bit more of the people outside of the magic users. In some ways, it did seem like Emilia was over-using her magic... but I thought the author did a good job of showing the differences in the ways Emilia and Jacob viewed and used their magic.
The concept of the Siren's Realm was an interesting one, but I didn't really understand the Siren's motives. I would have liked to learn a bit more about her and her world.
At some point in the future, it would be good to read the other books in this series. The ending of this one was immediately intriguing and I'd like to know more about the secondary characters, as well as the two main ones.
November 25, 2015
This is a really great sequel. It continues the story right away without a lot of need for recap, but there are enough reminders sprinkled in so that you don't forget where everything left off. The characters are familiar with a few new ones thrown into the mix - I was thrilled to see more of the centaurs. The super-complicated relationship between the two main characters doesn't feel at all like drama for the same of drama - there are real life dangers that keep away any teen angst element. And the Siren's realm was really interesting and creepy... but I won't give anything away.
The writing itself is simple and clean - I don't remember any goofs. The dialogue always feels natural. I think any fan of the first book will be very pleased with this sequel. It definitely didn't disappoint ME.
Definitely grab these two books for quick Fantasy reads! I'm interested to see where this goes next, especially after the final scene.
The writing itself is simple and clean - I don't remember any goofs. The dialogue always feels natural. I think any fan of the first book will be very pleased with this sequel. It definitely didn't disappoint ME.
Definitely grab these two books for quick Fantasy reads! I'm interested to see where this goes next, especially after the final scene.
June 2, 2015
Sadly I haven't had the pleasure of reading The Tethering, but I think I picked up the story easily enough in The Siren's Realm. Due to this, I had no idea how they where tethered, other than a rescue attempt, this did take me a little while to figure out. I believe this does stand alone extremely well, but is even better after reading the first book - I guess.
The story is well told, and at a very steady pace, neither too fast or slow. And the characters, are well thought out and developed. Sadly though I didn't really find the story line believable. Or Jacob come to that! Two teenagers, alone, tethered together, and only platonic? Come on we all know there is almost zero chance of that ever happening. Maybe I few might but it isn't the norm by a long shot.
Otherwise I thoroughly enjoyed the story and I'm looking forward to book 3.
The story is well told, and at a very steady pace, neither too fast or slow. And the characters, are well thought out and developed. Sadly though I didn't really find the story line believable. Or Jacob come to that! Two teenagers, alone, tethered together, and only platonic? Come on we all know there is almost zero chance of that ever happening. Maybe I few might but it isn't the norm by a long shot.
Otherwise I thoroughly enjoyed the story and I'm looking forward to book 3.
September 4, 2022
I loved the first book in this series and raced on to this one, eager to know what happened next for Jacob and Emilia. But I think this was one of those series where the premise was better than the execution--and the first book was pretty much all premise and setup for the series. What intrigued me from that point on was mostly the interaction between Jacob and Emilia, and the magical world they lived in, but not really the specifics of it.
In this story, the children of the Gray clan (Jacob, Emilia, Claire, and Connor) go to live in the forest with the centaurs, where they learn magical dueling. Emilia encounters an elderly centaur, who stirs in her the desire to find her mother. Claire is a 13-year old computer hacking prodigy, and she told Emilia that her mother was named Rosalie (while her father is the Pendragon, as we learned in the last book... so basically, Voldemort.) Rosalie and the Pendragon (Emil LeFay) are "tethered" in the same way that she and Jacob are tethered, so the only way Rosalie could actually get away from him without him knowing exactly where she was, was to flee into the Siren's Realm: a magical alternate world reachable by jumping off of Cadillac Mountain in Maine (which was fun, since I've been there at sunrise.) But it's a dangerous place, full of magical transactions which can keep one stuck forever, if you're not wary. While there, Jacob wrestles with the question of whether Emilia truly loves him, or whether she's just stuck with him since they got themselves tethered on accident. I thought they'd let that question hang longer for the sake of the tension, since there were two more books in the series, but it basically got resolved in this one.
In this story, the children of the Gray clan (Jacob, Emilia, Claire, and Connor) go to live in the forest with the centaurs, where they learn magical dueling. Emilia encounters an elderly centaur, who stirs in her the desire to find her mother. Claire is a 13-year old computer hacking prodigy, and she told Emilia that her mother was named Rosalie (while her father is the Pendragon, as we learned in the last book... so basically, Voldemort.) Rosalie and the Pendragon (Emil LeFay) are "tethered" in the same way that she and Jacob are tethered, so the only way Rosalie could actually get away from him without him knowing exactly where she was, was to flee into the Siren's Realm: a magical alternate world reachable by jumping off of Cadillac Mountain in Maine (which was fun, since I've been there at sunrise.) But it's a dangerous place, full of magical transactions which can keep one stuck forever, if you're not wary. While there, Jacob wrestles with the question of whether Emilia truly loves him, or whether she's just stuck with him since they got themselves tethered on accident. I thought they'd let that question hang longer for the sake of the tension, since there were two more books in the series, but it basically got resolved in this one.
August 31, 2023
What does Emm hope to gain by finding her mother?
Her father has found her and she hates everything that he represents.
What does the pin dragon want to do with his daughter and why does he want to tether Emm with Dexter?
Wow, Emm is tethered to Jacob!
What will happen once Emm and Jacob enter the Siren's realm?
Will Emm, Emm's Mother, and Jacob make it out of the Siren's realm?
Who will have to give up their magic to get all three out?
Who will be coming after all three of them once they make it back to the "real world"?
There is a price to pay but who will be the ones to pay that price?
Oh, so many questions and so few answers here in my review.
If you are a fan of Megan O'Russell and have not read this series then I suggest you go grab the complete set Kindle version.
I have gone through books 1 and 2.
I should have come in quicker than I have with this review because I got caught up in this series and I am a long way into book 3 and I must stay that I will have to do a binge again.
I love Megan O'Russell's books!
Her father has found her and she hates everything that he represents.
What does the pin dragon want to do with his daughter and why does he want to tether Emm with Dexter?
Wow, Emm is tethered to Jacob!
What will happen once Emm and Jacob enter the Siren's realm?
Will Emm, Emm's Mother, and Jacob make it out of the Siren's realm?
Who will have to give up their magic to get all three out?
Who will be coming after all three of them once they make it back to the "real world"?
There is a price to pay but who will be the ones to pay that price?
Oh, so many questions and so few answers here in my review.
If you are a fan of Megan O'Russell and have not read this series then I suggest you go grab the complete set Kindle version.
I have gone through books 1 and 2.
I should have come in quicker than I have with this review because I got caught up in this series and I am a long way into book 3 and I must stay that I will have to do a binge again.
I love Megan O'Russell's books!
March 30, 2023
I liked this book but it was not as exciting as the first. I am enjoying the adventure Emilia and Jacob are on, but it is not as fleshed out as it could be. Like I said with this first book, this story would be better if it took its time. Everything happens quickly and it’s always one thing directly after another. Also, even when we are reading Jacob’s perspective, he never feels anything. No emotions besides “protect Emilia”, he doesn’t need to sleep or eat, he barely feels pain, and none of that feels realistic. Emilia’s emotions/physical feelings are described in more detail which makes her more fleshed out as a character and as a person than Jacob. I may not be the biggest fan of Emilia’s character because she can be a bit annoying at times but at least she is three-dimensional. Jacob’s entire everything is centered around Emilia. It is not healthy and it is not the best for character development.
January 30, 2023
Book 2 in The Tethering series
The Siren's Realm follows Emilia and Jacob on a magically, action-centered adventure seeking answers and peace while realizing a magical battle looms on the horizon. It's filled with twists, turns, secrecy, reunions, and a slow burn romance. Well-developed characters and detailed world building. I enjoyed their journey of discovery and look forward to continuing in book 3.
"If you wish to find your path, you must go back to the beginning."
"Wherever you go, I go."
"Together."
The Siren's Realm follows Emilia and Jacob on a magically, action-centered adventure seeking answers and peace while realizing a magical battle looms on the horizon. It's filled with twists, turns, secrecy, reunions, and a slow burn romance. Well-developed characters and detailed world building. I enjoyed their journey of discovery and look forward to continuing in book 3.
"If you wish to find your path, you must go back to the beginning."
"Wherever you go, I go."
"Together."
July 14, 2019
A really enjoyable story following directly on from book one where I was left utterly desperate to find out what happened. Did not disappoint! Except when I got to the end and now have to go through the same emotions while waiting on book three lol
I loved the introduction of some more of the magical creatures from the world, and also some mystical figures that the reader gets to learn about along with Jacob as the story unfolds. Can't wait for more!
I loved the introduction of some more of the magical creatures from the world, and also some mystical figures that the reader gets to learn about along with Jacob as the story unfolds. Can't wait for more!
April 20, 2021
Jacob and Emilia’s story continues
I have thoroughly enjoyed my journey to The Siren’s Realm. The story of Jacob and Emilia picks up where The Tethering left off and follows their journey to do all they can to save their family. The characters and plot kept me entertained from the very first page through the last page. I can’t wait to see what Book three in this series has in store!
I have thoroughly enjoyed my journey to The Siren’s Realm. The story of Jacob and Emilia picks up where The Tethering left off and follows their journey to do all they can to save their family. The characters and plot kept me entertained from the very first page through the last page. I can’t wait to see what Book three in this series has in store!
May 3, 2023
This book was pretty good! I enjoyed the storyline in this one. The characters are all very dynamic and fleshed out. Emelia’s mother isn’t who I expected, with with her mental state. And it sounds like we may have a redemption arc coming in next! The book ended, and I sat there, waiting for my phone to quit buffering. Come to find out that it was indeed the last sentence and the last chapter 😆 I can only do the same thing, just sit and wait!
April 11, 2021
The Siren’s realm was a good story. I enjoyed the conflict and the action. The realm was fascinating to me and I loved both Jacob and Emilia together. If you enjoy dragon books, then check this series out. It’s a incredible ride that takes you on a fun ride.
The narrator did a great job portraying all of the characters. The voices and inflections he used brought the characters to life.
The narrator did a great job portraying all of the characters. The voices and inflections he used brought the characters to life.
June 18, 2023
Second installment of Emilia and Jacob story has them searching for her mother. The one person who may be able to help them take down her father. I enjoyed the story. We get to see a part of the magical world where people go to disappear and not feel anything anymore. You truly need to have read the first book to fully understand what is happening in this story.
January 30, 2021
Intriguing Read
I know this series is geared toward younger people, yet it holds the reader spellbound no matter their age. I recommend this to anyone ready for adventure. You can't help but fall in love with the hero and heroine.
I know this series is geared toward younger people, yet it holds the reader spellbound no matter their age. I recommend this to anyone ready for adventure. You can't help but fall in love with the hero and heroine.
April 1, 2021
The story and struggles continue. Another amazing fast moving adventure which again left me saying “you can’t stop there”. Really looking forward to the 3rd in the series which I am glad to see has been published so I don’t have to wait.
September 16, 2022
This is a great series for young teens. There is no reference to sex only a little kissing as the relationship blossoms. There is a great deal of violence, but not super descriptive in details. I enjoyed the series as an adult.
February 25, 2023
Settling into the pace of these books - overall very quick. Which, to be honest, I appreciate after getting stuck in some meandering stories. The characters felt like they had a little bit more time to develop in this book, but the emotional stages still felt quite rushed.
March 3, 2025
Book #2 in The Tethering series! This is a YA Fantasy. Emilia finally finds her mother but doesn't go exactly as planned. Jacob & Emilia grow closer through their tethering bond. Packed with adventures beyond this world! Leaves you on a cliffhanger!
July 20, 2019
Super interesting
I hope there will be more in this story. It’s intriguing and kept me turning the page. I am left wanting to know more.
I hope there will be more in this story. It’s intriguing and kept me turning the page. I am left wanting to know more.
July 25, 2019
An excellent sequel to the story. Great arc and believable characters. Cant wait for more!
May 19, 2020
Second book
Enjoyable read, lock down means looking for titles or authors I have not come across before. This series is one of those, am already on book three.
Enjoyable read, lock down means looking for titles or authors I have not come across before. This series is one of those, am already on book three.
December 15, 2025
enjoyable but not as good as her Inker & Crown Series
July 4, 2020
The war has begun and Emilia and Jacob can do only one thing after the events of Graylock: cling to each other and hope. After Jacob tethers himself to Emilia to save her, he’s willing to risk it all to follow her, no matter where she’s going. As their sent away from the Grey mansion to the realm of centaurs- Sabbe, on of their elders sends Emilia on a mission to find her mother with words that she can help aid in the war. But to get to her they must find a figure who could get their magic bound if found out and she might not be able to even help. If she can, will they find Emilia’s mother? I truly enjoyed their adventures to find her mother and the world of the Siren’s realm. The idea of pulling from the old Greek and Latin myths added an extra layer to the story. The intensity was ramped up and this novel was a bit better than the first with more action and conflict. I truly enjoyed it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 21, 2015
This review was originally posted on Miss Little Book Addict YA House of Books. Click the link below to see full post
http://misslittlebookaddictya.blogspo...
Okay, I may be in danger of having things thrown at me here, but I gotta say I felt a little let down by THE SIREN'S REALM by Megan O'Russell. Not that it was written badly, or that there was a bad flow to the story, that is NOT THE CASE. I like the characters well enough, even if from book 1, THE TETHERING, I immediately related them to characters from a certain Wizarding world and a few other popular books.
There were definitely things I liked a lot, but they match up with things I don't like. And in this case I think a list of both would do nicely :)
Here's what I liked:
1-The world building (even if, again, it seemed a little too much of an homage to a wizard's world)
2-The pacing. It was one thing after another and twist after intriguing twist. It kept me glued to my eReader to see what was going to happen next.
3-Emilia and Jacob. They were a cute couple, though I think I like him better. They are both very loyal and strong and brave, yet they are also they're age, teenagers.
4-Aunt Iz. When you read the book, you'll understand.
5-The Dragons. Who doesn't love a good bad guy cult?!?!?!
Here's what I didn't so much like:
1-The many similarities to other popular book universes. I am perfectly happy to read books that were inspired by books and series, but what frustrated me was that Megan O'Russel clearly has a great talent for writing. She could have taken this so much further and made this world more her own unique creation.
2-THE SIREN'S REALM, and even the first book THE TETHERING did one of the two things that are my biggest per peeves when it comes to books, comics or tv: It was taken there too fast and too quickly. I realize there needs to be a constant flow and pace to a story to make it flow and keep the reader, but I also firmly believe that taking it just a little slower, allowing things to develop more naturally and organically is something that BOTH books in this series would have benefited from greatly.
3-The predictability. I saw Emilia's daddy bad guy situation coming way off! Same with Jacob being captured, tortured, escaping and interrupting Emilia's forced tethering that bound the two of them together.
4-I've also noticed a trend in YA books to go darker and push the limits more. It's not a bad thing, as long as it suits the book and feels like an organic part of the story. To me, the amount of torture, craziness, darkness and one bad thing after another felt forced. IMHO if Megan and her editors had pulled back just a little this would have been a much better read for me.
5-Rosalie, Emilia's mother. I get everything she had been through, why she did the things she did, but there was just something about, I can't put my finger on what, but I just didn't like her that much.
Like I said, there were very redeeming things about this book, and I would most likely read more from Megan O'Russel because she has a wonderful talent for writing and telling a good story. I love her covers too, especially the one for THE SIREN'S REALM, which is why I gave this a 3 star rating and not the 2.5 I was originally intending. I would recommend this book to fans of Harry Potter and fantasy, magic worlds. And if there's another book I would read it as well. Sadly, THE TETHERING and THE SIREN'S REALM just didn't live up to the expectation that I had built up for it in my mind.
http://misslittlebookaddictya.blogspo...
Okay, I may be in danger of having things thrown at me here, but I gotta say I felt a little let down by THE SIREN'S REALM by Megan O'Russell. Not that it was written badly, or that there was a bad flow to the story, that is NOT THE CASE. I like the characters well enough, even if from book 1, THE TETHERING, I immediately related them to characters from a certain Wizarding world and a few other popular books.
There were definitely things I liked a lot, but they match up with things I don't like. And in this case I think a list of both would do nicely :)
Here's what I liked:
1-The world building (even if, again, it seemed a little too much of an homage to a wizard's world)
2-The pacing. It was one thing after another and twist after intriguing twist. It kept me glued to my eReader to see what was going to happen next.
3-Emilia and Jacob. They were a cute couple, though I think I like him better. They are both very loyal and strong and brave, yet they are also they're age, teenagers.
4-Aunt Iz. When you read the book, you'll understand.
5-The Dragons. Who doesn't love a good bad guy cult?!?!?!
Here's what I didn't so much like:
1-The many similarities to other popular book universes. I am perfectly happy to read books that were inspired by books and series, but what frustrated me was that Megan O'Russel clearly has a great talent for writing. She could have taken this so much further and made this world more her own unique creation.
2-THE SIREN'S REALM, and even the first book THE TETHERING did one of the two things that are my biggest per peeves when it comes to books, comics or tv: It was taken there too fast and too quickly. I realize there needs to be a constant flow and pace to a story to make it flow and keep the reader, but I also firmly believe that taking it just a little slower, allowing things to develop more naturally and organically is something that BOTH books in this series would have benefited from greatly.
3-The predictability. I saw Emilia's daddy bad guy situation coming way off! Same with Jacob being captured, tortured, escaping and interrupting Emilia's forced tethering that bound the two of them together.
4-I've also noticed a trend in YA books to go darker and push the limits more. It's not a bad thing, as long as it suits the book and feels like an organic part of the story. To me, the amount of torture, craziness, darkness and one bad thing after another felt forced. IMHO if Megan and her editors had pulled back just a little this would have been a much better read for me.
5-Rosalie, Emilia's mother. I get everything she had been through, why she did the things she did, but there was just something about, I can't put my finger on what, but I just didn't like her that much.
Like I said, there were very redeeming things about this book, and I would most likely read more from Megan O'Russel because she has a wonderful talent for writing and telling a good story. I love her covers too, especially the one for THE SIREN'S REALM, which is why I gave this a 3 star rating and not the 2.5 I was originally intending. I would recommend this book to fans of Harry Potter and fantasy, magic worlds. And if there's another book I would read it as well. Sadly, THE TETHERING and THE SIREN'S REALM just didn't live up to the expectation that I had built up for it in my mind.
June 1, 2015
**I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review...**
They were only children when they found each other but even then they were inseparable. When Emilia is injured during a childhood accident and then heals before Jacob's very eyes, she's forced by magic-kind law to leave him, though she promises him that someday she'll return and leaves with him one of her most prized possessions.
She keeps her promise to him. Years later she returns and introduces him to a world, and a war that he never knew existed.
For Jacob, Emilia was all that mattered and he would do anything to prove himself worthy of her. He would do anything to protect her, to keep her safe. Nothing would stop him from saving her when she's kidnapped by the rebels of the magic world. Yet in saving her, he's also inadvertently tied them together in a bond that only death can sever.
[The above is a brief summarization of book 1 of the series THE TETHERING.]
What was once a magical life suddenly becomes a dark dream and Emilia and Jacob have to face some hard truths. They have to make choices that affect not just themselves but other members of their family and their household. And they must accept the changes of their world.
For me, the bond between them was obvious right from their first meeting in Tethering. It was a natural affection and love for one another, one that through their tethering is only amplified. Jacob has always loved her, even while she was with Dexter, and throughout THE SIREN'S REALM he struggles with the knowledge that though indivisibly bound, Emilia doesn't feel the same way for him. He can't leave her and wouldn't even if he could. It is, however, delightful to watch and see as this second story in the series develops and Emilia begins to see the truth in her own heart.
I loved watching these two teens struggle with their emotions, while also struggling with the weight of responsibility they both feel for the other members of their household and family. For all of man- and magic-kind, actually. They make some poor decisions along the way and perhaps they don't always fully think through the consequences of the actions they take, but being who they are, and bound as they are, they do the only thing they truly believe they can.
In the end what they did may save them, or it may just hasten their ruin.
I definitely recommend THE SIREN'S REALM as the next story you read. I do however recommend that you read book 1 of the series THE TETHERING first. For one: the story in SIREN'S REALM picks up almost directly from the end of THE TETHERING. And for two: a good majority of the backstory (found in TETHERING) is necessary in order to understand and follow the story in SIREN'S REALM. Characters casually mentioned, yet vastly important in book 2 are only ever introduced, described, and discussed in book 1. Emilia's history is practically the basis of the story line in the second book and is introduced and first explained in book 1.
Bottom line, read both books. You won't be disappointed and furthermore, you'll love every minute of your reading time
They were only children when they found each other but even then they were inseparable. When Emilia is injured during a childhood accident and then heals before Jacob's very eyes, she's forced by magic-kind law to leave him, though she promises him that someday she'll return and leaves with him one of her most prized possessions.
She keeps her promise to him. Years later she returns and introduces him to a world, and a war that he never knew existed.
For Jacob, Emilia was all that mattered and he would do anything to prove himself worthy of her. He would do anything to protect her, to keep her safe. Nothing would stop him from saving her when she's kidnapped by the rebels of the magic world. Yet in saving her, he's also inadvertently tied them together in a bond that only death can sever.
[The above is a brief summarization of book 1 of the series THE TETHERING.]
What was once a magical life suddenly becomes a dark dream and Emilia and Jacob have to face some hard truths. They have to make choices that affect not just themselves but other members of their family and their household. And they must accept the changes of their world.
For me, the bond between them was obvious right from their first meeting in Tethering. It was a natural affection and love for one another, one that through their tethering is only amplified. Jacob has always loved her, even while she was with Dexter, and throughout THE SIREN'S REALM he struggles with the knowledge that though indivisibly bound, Emilia doesn't feel the same way for him. He can't leave her and wouldn't even if he could. It is, however, delightful to watch and see as this second story in the series develops and Emilia begins to see the truth in her own heart.
I loved watching these two teens struggle with their emotions, while also struggling with the weight of responsibility they both feel for the other members of their household and family. For all of man- and magic-kind, actually. They make some poor decisions along the way and perhaps they don't always fully think through the consequences of the actions they take, but being who they are, and bound as they are, they do the only thing they truly believe they can.
In the end what they did may save them, or it may just hasten their ruin.
I definitely recommend THE SIREN'S REALM as the next story you read. I do however recommend that you read book 1 of the series THE TETHERING first. For one: the story in SIREN'S REALM picks up almost directly from the end of THE TETHERING. And for two: a good majority of the backstory (found in TETHERING) is necessary in order to understand and follow the story in SIREN'S REALM. Characters casually mentioned, yet vastly important in book 2 are only ever introduced, described, and discussed in book 1. Emilia's history is practically the basis of the story line in the second book and is introduced and first explained in book 1.
Bottom line, read both books. You won't be disappointed and furthermore, you'll love every minute of your reading time
June 2, 2015
THIS REVIEW WAS ORIGINALLY POSTED ON MIAINNARNIA.BLOGSPOT.CO.UK
THIS BOOK WAS PROVIDED TO ME VIA XPRESSO BOOK TOURS IN EXCHANGE FOR AN HONEST REVIEW.
MY THOUGHTS:
If you've read my review of The Tethering you'll know that I enjoyed it and I was excited to move onto the sequel, however I did have a lot of problems with it. I'm happy to say that I liked The Sirens Realm a lot more!
This book expanded on a lot of things I found intriguing in the first book but didn't think were developed as well as they could have been. I got a much better understanding of the world and I really enjoyed seeing more aspects of the magical world Megan O'Russell has created.
I also thought that the characters were a lot more developed than they were in the first book. I could definitely see how the events of the previous book effected Jacob and Emilia and the relationship between them, and this made the characters seem a lot more realistic and layered than they did in the first book. I ended up becoming quite attached to the main characters and their relationship, although I do wish there was more information about some of the side characters.
Without spoiling anything, this book involved a new setting that we didn't read about in book one. I thought this setting was really well described and I found it really easy to picture in my head. Megan O'Russell is really great at descriptions that paint a vivid picture of the world she has created, and this is something that I really like about her otherwise simple writing style.
Another issue I had with the first book was that the plot felt quite cliched and unoriginal, but that wasn't the case with the sequel. I thought that the story in the Sirens Realm was a lot more unique, and therefore it was more interesting and less predictable to me. Unfortunately there are still a few fantasy cliches that I noticed, so if you read a lot of fantasy books that might be something that will really get on your nerves.
Like the first book, one of my main problems with The Sirens Realm was that it was just too short! I felt like as soon as I got into the story (which took a little while, even though I'd just read the first book) it was over, and I really wanted more pages for the plot and the characters to be fleshed out even more. I suppose that if your biggest problem with a book is that there isn't enough of it, though, it must be a good sign!
IN CONCLUSION:
The Sirens Realm was a really entertaining follow up to The Tethering, and I thought it was a great improvement on the first book. I thought it was too short to completely develop the story, and there were some cliches that I couldn't overlook, but overall I definitely enjoyed it.
THIS BOOK WAS PROVIDED TO ME VIA XPRESSO BOOK TOURS IN EXCHANGE FOR AN HONEST REVIEW.
MY THOUGHTS:
If you've read my review of The Tethering you'll know that I enjoyed it and I was excited to move onto the sequel, however I did have a lot of problems with it. I'm happy to say that I liked The Sirens Realm a lot more!
This book expanded on a lot of things I found intriguing in the first book but didn't think were developed as well as they could have been. I got a much better understanding of the world and I really enjoyed seeing more aspects of the magical world Megan O'Russell has created.
I also thought that the characters were a lot more developed than they were in the first book. I could definitely see how the events of the previous book effected Jacob and Emilia and the relationship between them, and this made the characters seem a lot more realistic and layered than they did in the first book. I ended up becoming quite attached to the main characters and their relationship, although I do wish there was more information about some of the side characters.
Without spoiling anything, this book involved a new setting that we didn't read about in book one. I thought this setting was really well described and I found it really easy to picture in my head. Megan O'Russell is really great at descriptions that paint a vivid picture of the world she has created, and this is something that I really like about her otherwise simple writing style.
Another issue I had with the first book was that the plot felt quite cliched and unoriginal, but that wasn't the case with the sequel. I thought that the story in the Sirens Realm was a lot more unique, and therefore it was more interesting and less predictable to me. Unfortunately there are still a few fantasy cliches that I noticed, so if you read a lot of fantasy books that might be something that will really get on your nerves.
Like the first book, one of my main problems with The Sirens Realm was that it was just too short! I felt like as soon as I got into the story (which took a little while, even though I'd just read the first book) it was over, and I really wanted more pages for the plot and the characters to be fleshed out even more. I suppose that if your biggest problem with a book is that there isn't enough of it, though, it must be a good sign!
IN CONCLUSION:
The Sirens Realm was a really entertaining follow up to The Tethering, and I thought it was a great improvement on the first book. I thought it was too short to completely develop the story, and there were some cliches that I couldn't overlook, but overall I definitely enjoyed it.
June 4, 2015
What I liked: Compared to The Tethering, The Siren's Realm was more fleshed out in terms of how things in book one affected and followed the characters in book two. We also see how the characters and decisions affect what's happening in the story in what felt like a way that we didn't get in the first book. The choices that Jacob and Emilia make in this book will undoubtedly have consequences in the future that the author is already planning, especially what they had to do to get to the siren's realm. The characters were also fleshed out a little more in this story, which made them more relatable and easier for me to cheer on despite their circumstances they were up against. In this book, Jacob shows less development than he did in the first book, but the things that he does in the book also reenforce the ideas and what we think about Jacob as a character so far aside from what he went through at the hands of the Dragons. Emilia on the other hand had plenty of recovering to do after everything that ended up being thrown at her, and the way that was handled was done well. Aside from that, the platonic state of the relationship between Jacob and Emilia also showed a nice play in the story and also reenforced how Jacob is and it made me like his character even more.
What I didn't like: I felt like this story was too short to really convey the plot that it was trying to, similar to the story of the first book. It felt like the story could have been elongated to try and make it more interesting and have more development for the world. Yet we get a little more taste in magic than in the first one, but it wasn't what I was expecting and I was hoping for something a little more different.
Overall Review: This story was a fun, and entertaining read. Compared to the first book, The Siren's Realm was the better read and much more interesting overall. The series seems to get a little more interesting in each book, and that makes me wonder what the author has up her sleeve for the third book. I look forward to seeing what that one will be like in the future.
Recommend?: If you enjoyed The Tethering, then I suggest you carry on because The Siren's Realm was a good follow up to what happens to the characters.
What I didn't like: I felt like this story was too short to really convey the plot that it was trying to, similar to the story of the first book. It felt like the story could have been elongated to try and make it more interesting and have more development for the world. Yet we get a little more taste in magic than in the first one, but it wasn't what I was expecting and I was hoping for something a little more different.
Overall Review: This story was a fun, and entertaining read. Compared to the first book, The Siren's Realm was the better read and much more interesting overall. The series seems to get a little more interesting in each book, and that makes me wonder what the author has up her sleeve for the third book. I look forward to seeing what that one will be like in the future.
Recommend?: If you enjoyed The Tethering, then I suggest you carry on because The Siren's Realm was a good follow up to what happens to the characters.
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