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Paragon
Now that high school is over, Randi just wants to live her quiet life in her little town, but it doesn’t feel right without her friends there. Ever the daredevils, they’ve gone to seek adventure in the capital city of Grandin, and Randi can’t help but feel left behind. Not to mention that she definitely can’t stop thinking about that kiss she and Eddy shared before he left.
When Randi discovers a mysterious mark on her skin that matches an illustration in A Handbook on Paragonhood, she’s thrown into a world of powerful gods and ancient magic that she thought only existed in the myths. She’ll have to step out of her comfort zone-and into the dangerous streets of Grandin-to find a way to protect herself and the people she loves.
Randi’s not the only one with a secret, and she finds herself questioning who she can trust.
With the fate of the world on the line, can she live up to being one of the chosen?
When Randi discovers a mysterious mark on her skin that matches an illustration in A Handbook on Paragonhood, she’s thrown into a world of powerful gods and ancient magic that she thought only existed in the myths. She’ll have to step out of her comfort zone-and into the dangerous streets of Grandin-to find a way to protect herself and the people she loves.
Randi’s not the only one with a secret, and she finds herself questioning who she can trust.
With the fate of the world on the line, can she live up to being one of the chosen?
- GenresTime Travel
396 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 17, 2020
109 people want to read
About the author
Shauna Alderson
3 books132 followersShauna Alderson writes Mystical Teen Fic (and Music). She began writing teen fantasy even before she was a teen. After she “grew up”, she completed creative writing courses (and a BA in Development Studies) at the University of Calgary. When not reading or writing, she can usually be found teaching ESL, composing on the piano, creating art, or volunteering abroad. She also enjoys dessert, Studio Ghibli films, and being the silliest person she knows.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
January 14, 2020
This book has everything I love: mystery, romance, strong characters, and a great plot! Just when I thought I had it figured out, something else changed; it really kept me on my toes. Eddy and Neil are both frustrating at times, but I think Randi has a good head on her and will make the best choice.
Each chapter begins with information about the paragons and legends surrounding them. This helps the reader become immersed in the world and learn right along Randi and her friends. There are some guy-wrenching moments, but in the end, it all makes sense and is for the best. If you like paranormal, mythological mysteries with romance and time travel thrown in, this book had it all!
Each chapter begins with information about the paragons and legends surrounding them. This helps the reader become immersed in the world and learn right along Randi and her friends. There are some guy-wrenching moments, but in the end, it all makes sense and is for the best. If you like paranormal, mythological mysteries with romance and time travel thrown in, this book had it all!
June 11, 2023
It sounded really interesting when i read the blurb, but honestly i found the characters to be quite boring. None of them really was interesting to me and i were quite bored because of that. The fantasy was kind of cool.
2.5 Stars.
I got this eARC from netgalley
2.5 Stars.
I got this eARC from netgalley
January 24, 2020
Give me magic, a group of teens and a plot to save the world, and you can be sure I'll be on board with your book ! The blurb had me at the first sentence, and I couldn't wait to start reading !
Regarding the plot, I thought it was a pretty basic trope, with a teen who finds herself with mysterious powers and has to go on a quest to find others like her and make sure the world doesn't get destroyed because of an evil group of powerful people. Still, the magic context and the intrigue between all the characters made the whole story interesting to read. I was a bit thrown off by the beginning though. After something like 2 pages that introduce us to Randi, the main character, the author throws a million information about the Paragon mythology in the reader's face and I got really disturbed. I felt like I was drowning in information and I had no idea what to do with it. I also couldn't care very much about the whole mythology in general. I definitely would have prefered to see a proper mythology tree or have all the explanations about it in a few pages before or after the story.
I loved the characters. Really. As always, I prefered the side characters, but the whole friend crew around which the plot is centered is great, and has an amazing dynamics. There is a strong bond between them, and yet, they each have their own secrets, leading to plot twists that kept me reading on no matter how tired I was. Louis was definitely my favorite character and I'll now hold him dear in my heart <3
What makes me not rate Paragon 5 stars is the fact that even though there were some Paragon mythology scattered around the book at the beginning of chapters, in the story, the reader is not given much insight about it. I wanted to know more about the original Paragons, I wanted more magic, especially from Randi. I just wanted to have more magical elements and backstory incorporated IN the story.
Other than that, it was an entertaining book that had me captivated once I got over how fast paced the beginning was. The plot isn't boring, and the characters are likeable. Pretty good !
Regarding the plot, I thought it was a pretty basic trope, with a teen who finds herself with mysterious powers and has to go on a quest to find others like her and make sure the world doesn't get destroyed because of an evil group of powerful people. Still, the magic context and the intrigue between all the characters made the whole story interesting to read. I was a bit thrown off by the beginning though. After something like 2 pages that introduce us to Randi, the main character, the author throws a million information about the Paragon mythology in the reader's face and I got really disturbed. I felt like I was drowning in information and I had no idea what to do with it. I also couldn't care very much about the whole mythology in general. I definitely would have prefered to see a proper mythology tree or have all the explanations about it in a few pages before or after the story.
I loved the characters. Really. As always, I prefered the side characters, but the whole friend crew around which the plot is centered is great, and has an amazing dynamics. There is a strong bond between them, and yet, they each have their own secrets, leading to plot twists that kept me reading on no matter how tired I was. Louis was definitely my favorite character and I'll now hold him dear in my heart <3
What makes me not rate Paragon 5 stars is the fact that even though there were some Paragon mythology scattered around the book at the beginning of chapters, in the story, the reader is not given much insight about it. I wanted to know more about the original Paragons, I wanted more magic, especially from Randi. I just wanted to have more magical elements and backstory incorporated IN the story.
Other than that, it was an entertaining book that had me captivated once I got over how fast paced the beginning was. The plot isn't boring, and the characters are likeable. Pretty good !
January 6, 2020
I joined NetGalley years ago, and my account has been sitting there doing nothing. Well, 2020 has changed that! I re-activated my account and this was the first novel I downloaded.
Paragon, by Shauna Alderson, grabbed me first by the cover. I'm slightly obsessed with clocks—especially when you can see their inner-workings. I thought it was a beautiful image.
This book was categorized in the New Adult genre. I have been drawn to that category recently, as I am close in age to those characters than general YA or Adult fiction. I find it to be an easier connection to the character's when they are existing in this time frame. However, I think it may be mislabeled as New Adult, as our main character is 18, and still roots her pretty firmly in YA, in my opinion. That being said, after reading the excerpt, I was under the impression that this story was essentially taking place in present day, which it is. Sort of.
But, the first few pages of the novel had me wondering if that was really the case. It almost felt like originally the author was having this story take place in another time. Fast-forward to a few pages later, we were back in present day, taking a train and making a cellphone call.
That little blip aside, this book was gripping. I downloaded this book on a Saturday evening and finished by Sunday. The only reason it took me so long was because I was reading it on my cellphone because my Kindle decided to kick-the-bucket. I loved the little quotes prior to the chapters too. It provided information on the workings of the Paragons without disrupting the flow of the novel itself. This was a well used tool!
It was also full of unexpected twists -- particularly about our main character, Randi's cousin, Brittany. I did not expect her role to be what it was, so that was a nice little turn of events.
Alderson has me connecting with Randi right away. As someone who holds family very close, and enjoys that small town feel --I was right there with her when her little world got a whole lot less little. Of course, this is the start to a series, so now I have to patiently wait for book 2.
If you have a hankering for a fast-paced story filled with elemental powers, time travel, and a world where those who are tasked with protecting humanity are hunted for their power, this is the book for you.
P.S. I really dislike Eddy, if you've read this book, or finish reading it -- please tell me you don't like him either.
Paragon, by Shauna Alderson, grabbed me first by the cover. I'm slightly obsessed with clocks—especially when you can see their inner-workings. I thought it was a beautiful image.
This book was categorized in the New Adult genre. I have been drawn to that category recently, as I am close in age to those characters than general YA or Adult fiction. I find it to be an easier connection to the character's when they are existing in this time frame. However, I think it may be mislabeled as New Adult, as our main character is 18, and still roots her pretty firmly in YA, in my opinion. That being said, after reading the excerpt, I was under the impression that this story was essentially taking place in present day, which it is. Sort of.
But, the first few pages of the novel had me wondering if that was really the case. It almost felt like originally the author was having this story take place in another time. Fast-forward to a few pages later, we were back in present day, taking a train and making a cellphone call.
That little blip aside, this book was gripping. I downloaded this book on a Saturday evening and finished by Sunday. The only reason it took me so long was because I was reading it on my cellphone because my Kindle decided to kick-the-bucket. I loved the little quotes prior to the chapters too. It provided information on the workings of the Paragons without disrupting the flow of the novel itself. This was a well used tool!
It was also full of unexpected twists -- particularly about our main character, Randi's cousin, Brittany. I did not expect her role to be what it was, so that was a nice little turn of events.
Alderson has me connecting with Randi right away. As someone who holds family very close, and enjoys that small town feel --I was right there with her when her little world got a whole lot less little. Of course, this is the start to a series, so now I have to patiently wait for book 2.
If you have a hankering for a fast-paced story filled with elemental powers, time travel, and a world where those who are tasked with protecting humanity are hunted for their power, this is the book for you.
P.S. I really dislike Eddy, if you've read this book, or finish reading it -- please tell me you don't like him either.
June 18, 2020
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Before I begin, I have never read a YA novel with time travel as the main theme. This book was very entertaining and unique and I enjoyed reading it for the most part.
Firstly, the characters are the highlight of the story. I really liked Randi as the main character. She is scared and timid by nature, but still faces challenges and tries to sort out her life. Moreover, I also liked her relationship with Neil and Eddy. Each of the characters brought something different to the story. However, my favorite character was Louis. He was the perfect supporting character, and I loved his friendship with Randi.
Secondly. the author did the world building in a very nice manner. You get to learn more about the 7 paragons and how they acquire their powers. Also, I loved the whole concept of Dreamscape and how the characters can train in their dream state. On a side note, I also liked the history of Paragonhood explained in the beginning of each chapter.
However, the only reason I didn’t give it a 5 star rating was because of how the time travel was explained. I got confused and conflicted with the rules of the Timekeeper when Freya explains it to Randi. On one side, it was interesting to read the various possibilities that could take place if we altered time. But on the other hand, I couldn’t grasp the logic and just went with the flow. Moreover, I found characters like Brianna to be very interesting, but we don’t get to know her history.
Apart from that, this was very entertaining! Overall, “Paragon” was a fun ride, I am looking forward to book 2 to see how the story continues.
June 27, 2020
Check out my blog post here: cosmiclattesandbooks.com/2020/06/25/b...
I struggled to get into this at first, but once I got about 25% into it though, I was hooked and reading it was quick and easy. I started to like the characters more and the plot was getting increasingly interesting. The premise was also pretty interesting. We have a world where there are Paragons, powerful gods with ancient magic. They are believed to be mythical, but are still hunted by Hunters. Randi, our main character is one of these Paragons. She needs to step out of her comfort zone so that she can protect herself and those that she loves. She needs answers, and she struggles to find who she can trust.
You are given a lot of information about the mythology of Paragonhood at first, almost too much to know what to do with at first, but once you get used to that, the pace improves. I actually enjoyed reading about the myths, and in the end, all of the information that is given in the beginning makes sense and is important. I especially loved the sci-fi twist.I always love speculative fiction that implements twists that are rooted in sci-fi.
The trope of a teen who finds herself with magic, on a quest to save the world, is a rather common one. I feel like it was well executed in Paragon. The magic was something I had not seen before. There were elements of it (i.e. the dreamscape, totems, and the eighth power) that were new and intriguing. It definitely made the story more interesting to read.
The setting was also pretty interesting. Here we have a world where even speaking about the myths of Paragons could get you a visit from the Hunters. The world is dangerous and there are strange things happening in the nearby shrines. The world felt real and it felt like there were high stakes.
The characters were all fleshed out. They all had their own secrets that led to new twists and turns that were unexpected and fresh. The group of friends had such a strong bond and each had their own voices that all worked well together, without all sounding exactly the same. Some of them frustrated me, especially with some of the choices they made, but that did not hamper my enjoyment of the book. Randi was an interesting character to read a perspective from. You can see a lot of growth from her character. She goes from being very insecure and unsure of herself to knowing what she wants and how to get it. I really liked to see her grow through the course of the novel.
I would recommend this to anyone who loves magical worlds or quest stories. I would also recommend this to anyone who likes sci-fi twists or mythical tales of overcoming overwhelming adversity!
I struggled to get into this at first, but once I got about 25% into it though, I was hooked and reading it was quick and easy. I started to like the characters more and the plot was getting increasingly interesting. The premise was also pretty interesting. We have a world where there are Paragons, powerful gods with ancient magic. They are believed to be mythical, but are still hunted by Hunters. Randi, our main character is one of these Paragons. She needs to step out of her comfort zone so that she can protect herself and those that she loves. She needs answers, and she struggles to find who she can trust.
You are given a lot of information about the mythology of Paragonhood at first, almost too much to know what to do with at first, but once you get used to that, the pace improves. I actually enjoyed reading about the myths, and in the end, all of the information that is given in the beginning makes sense and is important. I especially loved the sci-fi twist.I always love speculative fiction that implements twists that are rooted in sci-fi.
The trope of a teen who finds herself with magic, on a quest to save the world, is a rather common one. I feel like it was well executed in Paragon. The magic was something I had not seen before. There were elements of it (i.e. the dreamscape, totems, and the eighth power) that were new and intriguing. It definitely made the story more interesting to read.
The setting was also pretty interesting. Here we have a world where even speaking about the myths of Paragons could get you a visit from the Hunters. The world is dangerous and there are strange things happening in the nearby shrines. The world felt real and it felt like there were high stakes.
The characters were all fleshed out. They all had their own secrets that led to new twists and turns that were unexpected and fresh. The group of friends had such a strong bond and each had their own voices that all worked well together, without all sounding exactly the same. Some of them frustrated me, especially with some of the choices they made, but that did not hamper my enjoyment of the book. Randi was an interesting character to read a perspective from. You can see a lot of growth from her character. She goes from being very insecure and unsure of herself to knowing what she wants and how to get it. I really liked to see her grow through the course of the novel.
I would recommend this to anyone who loves magical worlds or quest stories. I would also recommend this to anyone who likes sci-fi twists or mythical tales of overcoming overwhelming adversity!
February 28, 2020
I felt the whole time like I was missing information that could have been provided to feel more connected to the story and world it was set in. For one it is set in a present-day, sort of, maybe? But instead of Earth (or maybe it is?) it's a completely made up world of four lands? (kingdoms? countries? continents?). There was no book map of this world, which is a major bummer to me because I really appreciate when we're given a visual medium to set the stage.
It started off pretty quickly but still felt like it meandered for almost half the book before things really start to take off. And finally more things happen but then the twists and reveals and betrayals happen almost nonstop. You get to the time travel aspect by three quarters in and it keeps ramping it up with the threat of fixing everything before paradoxes and aberrations ruin the world. And that is the threat related to the Paragons. But there is this whole other plot only related to Randi and possibly something related with her bloodline not dealing with being a Paragon but these shadows she sees? Spirits? Beings from another dimension that are invading the world from fissures in space-time and how they'll take over the world eventually killing everyone...isn't resolved.
I was just a bit flummoxed as to how such a huge plot ends with a line about how they'd have time to figure it out and fix everything? But you never truly confirmed what this threat was in the first place, why Randi could only see them. It was the plot point I was most looking forward to being solved and now I'm left hanging as this is a standalone book. It even feels like this book could have been worked on and really fleshed out more and turned into a duology or trilogy if it had been in a different perspective or had multiple point of views. I give it credit for having a sort of original idea but it just felt a bit lackluster given all the elements it had threaded in.
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.
It started off pretty quickly but still felt like it meandered for almost half the book before things really start to take off. And finally more things happen but then the twists and reveals and betrayals happen almost nonstop. You get to the time travel aspect by three quarters in and it keeps ramping it up with the threat of fixing everything before paradoxes and aberrations ruin the world. And that is the threat related to the Paragons. But there is this whole other plot only related to Randi and possibly something related with her bloodline not dealing with being a Paragon but these shadows she sees? Spirits? Beings from another dimension that are invading the world from fissures in space-time and how they'll take over the world eventually killing everyone...isn't resolved.
I was just a bit flummoxed as to how such a huge plot ends with a line about how they'd have time to figure it out and fix everything? But you never truly confirmed what this threat was in the first place, why Randi could only see them. It was the plot point I was most looking forward to being solved and now I'm left hanging as this is a standalone book. It even feels like this book could have been worked on and really fleshed out more and turned into a duology or trilogy if it had been in a different perspective or had multiple point of views. I give it credit for having a sort of original idea but it just felt a bit lackluster given all the elements it had threaded in.
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.
December 20, 2020
I have received an ARC from the author @shauna.alderson in exchange of an honest review! I’d like to thank her for sending me such and amazing story.
•
About the book:
When Randi discovers a mysterious mark on her skin that matches an illustration in A Handbook on Paragonhood, she’s thrown into a world of powerful gods and ancient magic that she thought only existed in the myths. She’ll have to step out of her comfort zone-and into the dangerous streets of Grandin-to find a way to protect herself and the people she loves.Randi’s not the only one with a secret, and she finds herself questioning who she can trust.With the fate of the world on the line, can she live up to being one of the chosen?
•
Review:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I honestly really enjoyed this book I think the author did a great job in building the character and also the world. I never read anything with time travel but everything made sense and I was always interested to find out more, it really made me keep wanting to read. I kept telling myself “just one more chapter” and then I ended up finishing the book haha
.
The characters were amazing and my favourite is Neil! He is just argh everything, I love him! The plot twist was epic, and I was gasping/smiling a lot during my read. I loved the twists and turn and shocking discoveries that made the story amazing! I would love to know what happens next and what Randi will do next.
I definitely recommend this book, it’s worth checking out!
•
About the book:
When Randi discovers a mysterious mark on her skin that matches an illustration in A Handbook on Paragonhood, she’s thrown into a world of powerful gods and ancient magic that she thought only existed in the myths. She’ll have to step out of her comfort zone-and into the dangerous streets of Grandin-to find a way to protect herself and the people she loves.Randi’s not the only one with a secret, and she finds herself questioning who she can trust.With the fate of the world on the line, can she live up to being one of the chosen?
•
Review:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I honestly really enjoyed this book I think the author did a great job in building the character and also the world. I never read anything with time travel but everything made sense and I was always interested to find out more, it really made me keep wanting to read. I kept telling myself “just one more chapter” and then I ended up finishing the book haha
.
The characters were amazing and my favourite is Neil! He is just argh everything, I love him! The plot twist was epic, and I was gasping/smiling a lot during my read. I loved the twists and turn and shocking discoveries that made the story amazing! I would love to know what happens next and what Randi will do next.
I definitely recommend this book, it’s worth checking out!
April 13, 2020
In a world much like our own, Randi, newly graduated from high school in her small town, just wants to be a hair stylist. But the mark of a Paragon (hard from Zimbell House Publishing) appears. The gods have given seven tokens for each generation to fight evil. However is someone can call the owners and claim all the tokens, they can manifest an eighth power, time travel. So hunters are going around trying to collect the tokens and kill Paragons. The authorities seem to ignore the problem. So Randi and her friends go to the nearest big city hoping to find clues as to what is happening (and actually looking at the college there) . At the same time, spirits are coming up from a mine and causing people to turn violent. In addition, every night instead of sleeping, Randi finds herself in a training gym. Shauna Alderson tells an exciting tale with some neat twists that kept me absorbed. Fun.Review printed by Philadelphia Free Press
March 17, 2020
I really didn't expect to like this book so much. In fact, the first couple of chapters confirmed that I wouldn't. AND THEN IT GOT GOOD. It seems to be an alternate universe very similar to ours. Fast paced with non-stop action. A team of interesting friends who really care about each other and you can really root for. Even new friendships that just absolutely melt your heart. The romance is also sweet and subtle. I'm still shocked by the change in how I felt at the beginning of the book vs how I feel having finished it. A great read and I'm excited to see what else we get from Shauna Alderson.
June 24, 2020
I thought Shauna Alderson’s Paragon to be a pretty good read. This is the first book I have by this author and would be interested in reading more by them. I liked the mystery, the unique characters, romance, twists and the fast paced plot. I was entertained from the start and all the way to the end.
I am giving Paragon four stars. I recommend it for readers who enjoy to read the young adult and time travel genre that includes sweet romance.
I received this book from the publisher. This review is 100% my own honest opinion.
I am giving Paragon four stars. I recommend it for readers who enjoy to read the young adult and time travel genre that includes sweet romance.
I received this book from the publisher. This review is 100% my own honest opinion.
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June 10, 2020This book was absolutely amazing. I couldn't wait to keep reading and find out what happens. The imagination and world Shauna created are wonderful. I could picture some of the events in my head as I read. The love triangle and strong friendships established in paragon were wonderful. Thank you for a truly great read Shauna.
March 25, 2020
This book was a fantastic read, the perfect balance between light and dark with a little romantic sizzle! Couldn't put this book down, read it in 2 days and was just floored! Cant wait to see if there will be more to come..... I highly recommend this
August 8, 2020
This is a YA SFF —which I don’t normally read. I had some trouble following the roles of the Paragons, Treasurers, Hunters and Timekeepers. But I enjoyed the characters as they made their way from teens into adulthood. There was action, danger, friendship and romance.
June 19, 2020
I won Paragon through a giveaway from Hurn Publications, so glad that I did. Very, very good read.
One of those books you don't want to end.
Can't wait for more books by Shauna Alderson. Thank you so much for giving me the chance to read your book. I loved it!
One of those books you don't want to end.
Can't wait for more books by Shauna Alderson. Thank you so much for giving me the chance to read your book. I loved it!
September 17, 2020
A Wonderful Reading Experience
Shauna Alderson’s novel is an excellent example of believable characters in an world where obtaining powers is possible. Her protagonist and supportive cast were well developed. Alderson has a knack for writing fun dialogue which makes you care and feel part of her character’s conversations. I found myself truly enjoying the story early on and have already recommended it to colleagues and students.
Shauna Alderson’s novel is an excellent example of believable characters in an world where obtaining powers is possible. Her protagonist and supportive cast were well developed. Alderson has a knack for writing fun dialogue which makes you care and feel part of her character’s conversations. I found myself truly enjoying the story early on and have already recommended it to colleagues and students.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews