Haven Wakes: The Haven Chronicles: Book One

by Fi Phillips

The year is 2110.

Everyone has their own robot, and magical worlds are just behind the next door…

Steve Haven always thought he was just another ordinary twelve-year-old boy. Well, as ordinary as he can be given he’s the nephew of Rex Haven, founder of the Haven Robotics Corporation.

But when Rex dies in mysterious circumstances and Steve is given a strange artefact known only as the Reactor, he finds out that the world he thought he knew is a lot stranger and more threatening than he ever imagined.

On the run from a group of dangerous villains, Steve finds himself plunged into a hidden and dangerous magical world. With his parents missing and no one in the normal world he can trust, Steve must join with his new-found magical friends to discover the truth about the Reactor and his uncle’s death.

Haven Wakes is the debut novel by Fi Phillips and the first in The Haven Chronicles, an exciting and enthralling journey through new worlds, both futuristic and magical.

If you enjoy fantastic settings, magical powers and futuristic devices, then you’ll love Haven Wakes.

Genres: Fantasy

310 pages, Paperback

Published September 24, 2019

About the author

Fi Phillips writes fantasy adventure with heart. These are stories of friendship, courage, and magical possibilities. She's the author of the Haven Chronicles, a series for readers who love portal magic, found family, and worlds that feel only a step away from our own.

Her fantasy series includes Haven Wakes, Magic Bound, and Haven's Deceit, with two more books on the way to finish the Haven Chronicles series.

She's published by Burning Chair Publishing.

Find her on Instagram, Facebook, and Bluesky as fiphillipswriter.

Buy signed copies and book bundles from: https://ko-fi.com/fiphillips/shop

Reviews

[Richard Ayre · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fantastic book. It introduces us to an incredible world-hundreds of years in the future, with robots and high technology, along with another; the secretive, magical world of Darkacre. I loved the way these two completely different worlds collide in the search for a power source that evil men (and magical creatures) are both desperate to get their hands on. The writing is brilliant; some of the dialogue made me laugh out loud, especially from Hartley Keg who has become an instant favourite, and the pace does not let up. The main character, Steve Haven is brilliant-a clever 12 year old who knows that he has to do the right thing, regardless of the consequences, but who still gets scared as anyone would who found themselves in his position.
I have already recommended this book to some of the students I teach as I know they will love it, but to be honest, it appeals to any age group.
If you love hero's, villains, and gripping action, you'll love Haven Wakes. I'm hoping there is going to be many more adventures with Steve and his crew of magical friends.

[Tea Leaves and Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

There's an element of many great fantasy writers in this book - but Fi Phillips also has a talent and voice of her own and for a debut this emerges very clearly throughout. The genre is also pretty unique - Fantasy and Sci-Fi elements - as a robot & darkling come face to face. More questions than answers at the end...but this is part of a series so that's

My reviews are very much centered around contemporary fiction, psychological thrillers and mystery... so it was really good to deviate once again into a genre that I tend to shy away from, and this was the perfect book to do that with.

A target age range I would say could encompass young adult but would absolutely include adult readers as well.

[Maddy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is basically a YA novel but would have a wider audience with those who enjoy stories taking place in magical worlds. It's a very quick read - I read it in a day. This is Book 1 in a trilogy, and is setting you up for the series.


Steve Haven is the main character and is a (very mature) 12 year old boy, living in the year 2110 where robots are commonplace. His parents often disappear for long periods of time and Steve finds himself in a boarding school he hates, surrounded by bullies - and not just the children!


His Uncle is the CEO of the top robotics firm, and when he dies Steve is taken from school to go to his funeral, as the only relative they can find. This coincides with Steve receiving a mysterious package. What Steve can't know is that his life will never be the same again.


This book would be perfect for late primary/early secondary school children, but could be enjoyed by children of all ages - even over 50! 😁

[Alana · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found Haven Wakes to be a good fantasy and sci-fi read. The main character, Steve, is a quite grown up 12 year old. He is pulled into a magical world against his will and throughout the book, we learn about the magical world with him.
There are elements of Neil Gaiman and Harry Potter (both very good things) but the story is definitely unique and Fi Phillips has created a wonderfully fantastical world with some great characters. The book starts with a Darkling and it was only much later in the book do you discover more about it, which I enjoy – need some suspense! There are some good characters – clear villains and I liked the mix of robots and sci-fi with more traditional magical characters. It made me open to seeing what any character could be – there are no limitations.
I found it an easy page-turning read, it was very absorbing. I’d aim it at young teenagers. I’m looking forward to seeing how it develops!

[Peter Oxley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm a sucker for mystical creatures, strange other fantasy worlds and larger-than-life, out-of-this-world characters - and this book has them in spades! Haven Wakes follows the adventures of Steve Haven, an ordinary kid who finds himself thrust from humdrum school life into a world of magic, mayhem and intrigue.

If you love Skullduggery Pleasant or Harry Potter, this is well worth a read, but it also has shades of Neil Gaiman's Neverwhere, China Mieville's UnLunDun, and even Doctor Who in the form of the enigmatic and chaotic Hartley Kegg, who is growing into one of my favourite fictional characters of all time...

Looking forward sooo much to the next one!

[M.J. Mallon · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is the year 2110. 12 year Steve’s father is an archaeologist. There is a falling out between his uncle Rex ‘robotics genius and philanthropist’ and his father. He is lonely, his parents are always away and are ‘a team.’ He is stuck at school, feeling sorry for himself but… a massive adventure is about to happen!


It becomes clear that his uncle’s death is a murder and there is a lots to get to rips with… what with auras, and characters who ‘seethed wiith magic,’ a darkling… and a place called dark acre.

It’s funny in bits and definitely entertaining!

““You’d get on with my chemistry teacher,” said Steve. “He’s never happier than when he’s blowing things up.””

“The sight of the fire imp had scared off his hangover and he felt in dire need of a weapon to defend himself.”


And some lovely character descriptions, this is of Frobisher the gatekeeper:

“Frobisher sat in a deckchair beside an archway that stretched between two red-brick terrace houses. His hair was patchy and his baldness, plus his frown, emphasised the generous size of his nose, which jutted out like it wanted something to be hung on it.”

This is for you if you like: Magic, pixies, goblins, revenants, fairies (darklings) travelling magic, fire imps and devourers! A fun packed and imaginative adventure. Really enjoyed. Entertaining and funny in parts. Loved the characters and the magic! The ending wrapped up any loose ends and opened up the potential for book 2 which is on my reading list. Looking forward to continuing this series.

⭐⭐⭐⭐

[Peter · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a book that made me feel so comfortable and cosy.. A good read for all fantasy fans that like a well written easy read. The book starts when Steve is dropped into an adventure when his Uncle dies, his mother rushes off to find his father leaving Steve at boarding school and a package is mysteriously left for him. Magic is not far away, and Steve’s eyes are about to be opened, and news friends will be needed to help him over come the villains’ dastardly plans. This is the first book in the series, but can be read as a stand alone; the book finishes this part of our journey with Steve. Thank you to Burning Chair Publishing and Net Galley for letting me read an ARC. The views expressed are all mine, freely given.

[Sue Wallace · Rating 4 out of 5]

Haven Wakes by Fi Philips.
Haven Wakes is book 1 in the Haven series.
Steve Haven finds himself plunged in a hidden and dangerous magical world. His parents are missing and there is no one in the normal world he can trust. Can Steve discover the truth about the reactor and his uncles death?.
I really enjoyed this book. Great story and some good characters. Looking forward to the next book. 4*.

[Lori Peterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Received as a review copy, this is an honest review. Steve Haven has had an odd life so far and it’s about to get stranger when he discovers he is connected to Rex Haven and his robotics company. Given a mysterious device that throws his life into danger and plunging a wild fantasy world. A beautiful written adventure that will leave you wishing it was longer. A brilliant series beginning, highly recommended.

[Beccy Thompson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book from The Book Club Reviewers request- Thank you
This is the first book in a new sci fi series and not only did I absolutely love it so did my 15 year old. The main character Steve is very engaging and the story is well written. My son likened it to a robotic Harry Potter- make of that what you will!
A brilliant read- thank you

[A.P. Goodman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Title: Haven Wakes
Author: Fi Phillips

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A YA mashup of Sci-Fi and Fantasy.

This book was a super fun genre mashup. I found the plot compelling, the characters engaging, and the writing well done.

From time to time, there were some jumps I didn't follow, but overall, it was a fantastic read.

This was the first book in Phillips' series, and I am compelled to find out what happens next!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[B. Fleetwood · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this first book of The Haven Chronicles, we meet Steve Haven, aged 12, a schoolboy with absent parents. We know they are often away on mysterious business which is not explained, and Steve is forced to return to his miserable and very old fashioned boarding school.
His life is then flipped when his distant uncle - the head of a robotic company - dies and as the only relative available, he has to go to the funeral. Hartley, a larger than life - but very likeable character - crashes into Steve's world just in the nick of time as Steve is catapulted into an exciting adventure with magic, portals into other worlds and action-a-plenty.
I loved the opening of the book with the Darkling. It did, however take me a while to get to grips with Steve's character. One minute he seemed much younger than his 12 years, another he seemed to use the language and phrasing of a middle aged person. The romantic attraction to Blessing seemed to me above his years.
The prose is mainly dialogue which, whilst making this a quick read, meant it lacked descriptive passages which I think would have enriched and added to the story.
The book would be well aimed at younger teens and the series has a lot of promise.
3&1/2 stars rounded up.

[Lily Lawson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Steve is an unlikely hero who goes on his own journey taking the reader with him. Each character you meet, you are wondering if they can be trusted, each part of the story leaves you wondering what will happen next and wanting to know NOW. I couldn't put this down and I am little older than the YA readership it is aimed at. Very pleased there will be more as I still have questions. Fi Phillips has a wonderful imagination and really knows how to engage the reader. This is a real page turner. In short I loved it and I really want to know what happens next. Not sure how many books there are in the series but I know I am buying them all.

[MrsA · Rating 5 out of 5]

You know when you discover a new world and new characters and you get really excited because you see on twitter the author is writing another one? Well this is one of those books.

Haven Wakes is the story of a boy, Steve, who is launched into a hitherto unknown underworld of magic and mystery that exists just below the surface of his fairly ordinary existence. We meet magical beings, darklings, a harpy and explore underground passages, magic doors and the Gathering.

It has a steam punk vibe to it with robots and future technology jostling with the unexplainable. I loved it and can’t wait to see what happens next. I felt like this adventure, whilst complete on its own, was just the start.

[Suzanna Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

A colourful collection of colourful characters and a clever mix of magic and futuristic sci-fi makes Haven Wakes an entertaining read.
Intrigue abounds as Steve Havens life is about to be turned upside down and he's drawn into a world he never knew existed. The author scatters clues throughout the story to keep the reader guessing what will happen next.
Recommended for readers of Harry Potter fans and lovers of fantasy adventure.

[Emma Miles · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyable

Haven wakes is a thoroughly enjoyable read with enough action and mystery to keep you eagerly turning the pages. With relatable young protagonists and intriguing adult characters, it's a book that, like Harry Potter, would appeal to all ages.
The blend of our world with a magical other world was well portrayed and easy to lose yourself in. With touches of the futuristic and technology, it gave me a wonderful Dr Who vibe!

[K.M. Allan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has been on my #TBRPile for a long time and it was a fun read to finally pick up. When Steve’s parents go missing and a mysterious package sent by his recently deceased uncle puts him in danger, Steve needs help, and he doesn’t expect it to come from new friends and magic traveling doors. Mixing futuristic elements of technology and robots with old-school fairies and spells, Haven Wakes is a solid, magical adventure, and just the start of this unique fantasy series.

[Ami · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely and throughly enjoyed Haven Wakes. It is filled with surprises and plenty of twists and turns. I highly recommend it and hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this ebook from the author and this is my honest and freely given opinion.

[Ian Thompson-Villeneuve · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this one. very strong start to a series. looking forward to book 2

[Tina M · Rating 2 out of 5]

Massively Jumbled Mess

NOTE: I received early access from NetGalley, for this manuscript, in exchange for writing an impartial review. Completed on 6/14/2022.

The largest problem I had with this book starts from the very beginning, and continues to snowball it's way through the entire novel, stemming from the fact that the author attempts to combine SciFi, Fantasy, and Magick together. This includes sub-genres of robotics, smatterings of mythology and folklore, and some components of time travel, and this is all while trying to give the impression this is occurring while in a dystopian society in the year 2110. As well, everyone from the magic side has their own unique ability that even one from this "dark" ( Phillips word, not mine) world admits is too difficult to explain. All 3 genres have a light undercurrent, with none being particularly more enhanced than the other. These 3 never cohesively merge together, especially with the mishmash of all the other crowded sub-genres trying to compete for space.

Details are sporadic and light on the world building, as well as flushing out any character depth, details, and/or descriptions.

It all leaves you a bit overwhelmed, and mostly fuzzy and grainy, similar to an out of focus photograph. Just as you spend any amount of time and sense as it's coming into focus you're pulled out of "there," wherever there might be, and your off and running to the next location of these peculiar world environments.

The minute the 3 main characters finally meet back up and go to tell the supposed trusted ally what's been going on, there's deception and lies written all over this particular character. You can see it coming a mile away. Especially since it's hinted at way at the beginning of the novel. Similar to a spoiler being planted in a review.

There's also another character early on in the book that's being developed, referred to as a darkling. She is in and out, quite frequently, of the storyline up to 17% of the book, or location 775 out of 4446, in and out of the first 16 chapters and then suddenly there's no mention again until briefly at 71%, location 3175 out of 4446, in chapter 32 out of 40. At 77%, location 3415 out of 4446, chapter 33, we're finally introduced to the character and her story. I guess the actual page numbers are 312, but for some annoying reason, it doesn't give page numbers.

This is just two examples of some of the issues which should've been caught in editing, or in an effort from the author to see any glaring defects that could've been addressed before going to publication.

I couldn't originally find a target group this was aimed towards, but soon discovered through the mentions of other reviewers, it's considered YA, and I should've known it wouldn't be quite as fleshed out as I would've liked.

Furthermore, I should've look closer at the description on NetGalley. This has been in publication since October 2019, and is still on NetGalley trying to drum up reviews, readership, and a following. The next in the series is due to be released in August of this year, 2022. I'm shocked on Amazon it has an average rating of 4.2 and on Goodreads 4.3. It's hard to believe that more than mentioned, didn't receive this as an early release, and wanting to stay in the good graces of the powers that be, and were afraid to go any lower in their rating. And trust me, it unfortunately happens more than you'd like to think.

It is categorized as fairy tale, mythology, folklore/folk tales. I'm not sure why when it's not until almost 65% of the book being completed, that Philips finally tosses this in. Almost like she had a checklist she wanted to include in the book and she was working down through it to be able to put the little check mark next to it, indicating done. (Or possibly a little gold star lol) Maybe this has to do with the targeted age group, the genre to list it under, or who knows what else, in order to qualify.

By the end, I was just as happy to check it off my to-do list as being completed, and to be able to write up and submit my review.

I won't be reading any further in the series, and can't even say I'd recommend this for the YA crowd.

[Valeria · Rating 3 out of 5]

"To human eyes, she looked like a shadow."
-Fi Phillips, Haven Wakes

3🌟/5

I received this e-book from NetGalley.

"Haven Wakes" is the first book in "The Haven Chronicles".

Steve Haven is the main character of this story and the nephew of Rex Haven, the founder of the Haven Robotics Corporation. The death of his uncle, his parents missing and the reactor (an object which is of utmost importance to the plot of this story) will catapult Steve into a magical world where he will have to learn whom he can trust, a world of which Steve was not aware...until now.

"Haven Wakes" is a light and fast-paced read and even though I did not seem to care enough about any of the characters, as they were at best...okay, I would give the second book a try nonetheless.

[Sunny · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a really good series if you enjoy middle grade fantasy. I had to pick up books 2 and 3 after reading this one b/c I enjoyed it so much and want to see what will happen. It’s like Harry Potter meets Alex Rider. You’ve got the magic element and you’ve got the secretiveness from the other side making it like a cat and mouse game. The characters, at least the good guys, are very likeable, especially the kids.

Middle school kids will enjoy these books b/c they move quickly and are interesting. The stores build on each other, making them easy to follow and stay interested. I’m really looking forward to seeing how the series finishes out, it’s definitely kept me intrigued. *I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.*

[Natasha du Plessis · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have a lot of questions regarding this book. Why does Steve not share a normal dormitory room with his other school mates? Why does he not hear from his parents? Why does the school not care where he disappears to?
I have more questions regarding this book that was not answered and hope that it will be answered in the second installment of this series. This book did not grab me as I expected it would, maybe it would improve with the next book. I found the characters as well as the story line enjoyable. I loved the magic in the book and was left wondering if Steven has any abilities that he does not know about.

[Moona · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fi Phillips' debut novel "Haven Wakes" is an exhilarating blend of magic and futuristic technology set in the year 2110. The story follows twelve-year-old Steve Haven, who, after the mysterious death of his uncle Rex, inherits a strange artifact called the Reactor. This discovery thrusts him into a hidden magical world filled with danger and intrigue. With his parents missing and villains on his trail, Steve must rely on his newfound magical friends to uncover the truth. This first installment in The Haven Chronicles captivates with its imaginative settings and thrilling adventure, making it a must-read for fantasy lovers.

[Samantha Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a fan of Sci-Fi and Fantasy novels I was intrigued to read this YA novel with a blend of magic and robots and can say that it was definitely a fun story.

A quick read, mainly written in dialogue which helps the story to move along, full of interesting characters and a storyline that has left me wondering what happens next - there are a few questions that have been left unanswered and I look forward to finding out more.

A read for younger teens (although this can be enjoyed by all ages!) and full of promise for the series.

[N.R. Baker · Rating 5 out of 5]

There's a lot to like about Haven Wakes. A fascinating cast of heroes and villains, both human and magical, populate a future high-tech world where robots and gadgets are commonplace. The main character, 12-year-old Steve Haven, finds himself on an exciting journey of discovery where dangers and new friends await.

Fi Phillips has written a proper adventure story with enormous appeal. It lends itself perfectly to a series and I could easily see the Haven Chronicles becoming firm favourites with middle-grade readers and the young at heart.

[Emziethebookworm · Rating 5 out of 5]

Now I ain't lying when a say this but this book right here was something out of this world, yes it took me a while to read it but oh wow I took my time with this one as I didn't want to miss anything out, as you can see I am very happy that a came across this book.
This book was so different from what I have read over the course of 2022, and I ain't gonna stop here with this one, I am going to read the rest of the series to see what other adventures await for my new favourite characters that a met in haven wakes.
Now I am on my way to read book 2,so excited to meet them again.

[Louise · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very quick read but quite enjoyable.

I wasn’t expecting it to be as YA as it was but it made for a refreshing change to read something not so adult.

I loved the world-building and the mystery but there were a lot of questions without answers and I guess that’s intentional to set up for the next book. To keep you guessing so you want more.

This author is new to me but I will definitely keep reading.

[Bertha Alicia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've never liked making comparisons because that tend to confuse the reader in the long run, so I'm just going to say that this book might be to the liking of fans of Harry Potter or Artemis Fowl.
Set in the relatively near future, Haven Wakes follows the adventures of Steve Haven, the son of a renowned archaeologist, a normal teenager with a normal life, who is sent to boarding school in the absence of his parents. From that moment on, Steve's life will take a magical turn, literally speaking.
A very easy to read book, quickly written and full of well-defined characters, that can turn a boring afternoon into an afternoon full of magic.

[Camille · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun read' I really enjoyed the characters and plot as well as the magical elements. There were parts of the book that seemed scattered/rushed but overall it was an easy read.