Vivatera

Vivatera #1

by Candace J. Thomas

DIAMOND QUILL WINNER for Novel of the Year, The League of Utah Writers
As long as Naomi could remember, she hid the scar on her neck. The star-shaped scar often shimmers and tingles, but mostly it burns, and the only thing Naomi has ever been instructed to do is hide it under a scarf.
But when a caravan of performers arrive in her obscure town, accompanied by the self-proclaimed prince of Southwick, Naomi's curiosity turns to an uncontrollable need for answers. The young woman accompanying the prince bears the very same scar. In one instant Naomi found a connection to her mysterious past. As Naomi rushes forward, she is snatched away by a dark stranger - turning her world to darkness and leaving her questions unanswered.
Naomi's life source is about to split open to reveal an overwhelming vessel of magic within her, and an origin that could undo everything.

Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult, Magic, Adventure, Science Fiction Fantasy, Fiction

382 pages, Paperback

First published August 8, 2010

About the author

Hi everyone!

Welcome to my Goodreads page, which I am here more often than I can admit. I love reading and sharing what I read. I haven't found a better arena for me to find like-minded book lovers.

I am the author of the award-winning Vivatera Series, the rom-com To Dream In Daylight, and the comedic paranormal satire Vampire-ish: A Hypochondriac's Tale, among other short fictions. I'm also a published poet and have my chapbook Wandering Beautiful.

My writing needs some element of the fantastical, I especially love fate-driven stories. I gravitate to stories that surprise me with their creativity. If it's something I envy, I'll be a fan forever. I'm fascinated with how others approach their own imagination and how they speak the language of art.

Me personally, I love Count Chocula, retrogaming on my Sega Genesis or PS2, and I'm a strong advocate for creativity. I hope you all enjoy my stories and find them super delightful.

Reviews

[Jessica · Rating 3 out of 5]

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I was sent an eARC of this novel from the publisher in exchange for my honest review. This does not change my view in any shape or form. Review also found here at Booked J.

There were a lot of things I really appreciated about Vivatera, but there were also a lot of things that I just wasn't altogether keen on about the novel. It was just one of those novels that I can rate pretty in favor but that I wasn't super into? We all have those moments in literature. It happens. It's one of those things about being a reader that is just... complicated.

I can't decide if it was merely my mood, and in turn it wasn't the right time for me and this book. I was coming down off of the high of some books that truly blew me away, after all. Or if it was just that the execution of Vivatera that just wasn't my cup of tea?

Before we get too deep into this review, I want to make it clear that I didn't hate this book or even dislike it, it just wasn't a standout for me (and my personal preference as a reader) and that's okay. I kind of straddled the line about it when it came down to my thoughts on it and it really just is what it is. Vivatera wasn't my favourite but it also wasn't my least favourite. This doesn't reflect Candace J. Thomas' ability as a writer.

I had issues with the beginning of Vivatera which ultimately stuck with me throughout the book, even in the moments that it improved. It started off quite slow and didn't really live up to the synopsis. I'm not sure what I expected from it but it wasn't really what I ended up receiving in the end. Which was disappointing and definitely lent itself into what my rating process would be.

Vivatera is the first book in a series and we all know that the first book is crucial to both the writer and the reader. Ultimately it was shaky in terms of hooking me into the books that are to come and there's no going around that fact.

I enjoyed it well enough but I can't say that I'm all that intrigued on a sequel. I don't know, I have a lot of mixed feelings on it, but there's still that chance that either I'll (a) reread it in the future to see if it really wasn't my time for Vivatera or (b) just dive into the sequel on a whim.

Ending my review on a positive note, there were still some elements to Vivatera that are important to note. Again, I didn't hate this book! There were a lot of things I really did enjoy or appreciate. I liked the premise and the characters, and the way that certain characters were portrayed. I thought the way that magic and reality were combined and really liked Naomi as a character.

In-fact, she is exactly the sort of main character that I often will connect with. There was something to her that just had the it-factor and I really think Thomas is onto something when it comes to her as a character. She is, ultimately, what kept me reading in the weaker points of Vivatera.

Another thing I liked about it was Thomas' prose. I just really found myself easing into the way that Thomas tells a story and think that this is something that will truly be showcased in any sequels in the future. While there were some tropes within her plotlines that I wasn't terribly keen on, she did make the reading experience all the more pleasant.

Ultimately, my feelings on Vivatera are a mixed bag and I think I'd have to return to it in the future to give it a fuller rating. I do think that it's worth the read and will gather up a pretty solidly loyal group of fans. And, of course, I don't regret reading it.

[Carol (StarAngel's Reviews) Allen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book – Vivatera
Author  – Candace J. Thomas
Series  – Vivatera
Publication Date  –
Genre  – Fantasy
Type  – Part of Series

Rating  – 4 out of 5 Stars

Complimentary copy generously provided by the author through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

My Thoughts - Story 
I have to be honest and share that this was difficult starting out. I felt like I was lost in the beginning and then started to feel confused on what was going on and what the back story was (especially with Reynolds and Taren).

But, I trudged on and was gifted with complete knowledge by the time the story was done, so overall I believe this 1st book was a beginning to the actual story. The book introduces you to all the characters that will play a major role in the books to come in the series.

I did like Naomi's character and how she was portrayed as a strong, smart girl that got thrown into a major whirlwind of problems as soon as her magic started to appear (and was recognized as someone important)

I also enjoyed Zander's character especially with how young he really is - he really stepped up in this book and became the voice of reason between the prince and Silexa.

There really wasn't a heart-stopping cliffhanger but just sets you up for more to come!

Re-Cap 
Naomi is an orphan who finds out that the birthmark she has means more than she ever thought. She gets into a bit of trouble with the guards during the prince's parade and ends up in the hands of her protector, Reynolds.

Reynolds takes Naomi on an adventure to safety but it ends up that Naomi is in more danger than Reynolds thought while he ends up with problems of his own.

Naomi must learn her magic and figure out what part she will play in the kingdom and who she really is.

Reason for Reading  –  Requested title through NetGalley

Story  – 4 out of 5 Stars
Steam  – 3 out of 5 Stars
Angst  – 4 out of 5 Stars
Writing  – 4.5 out of 5 Stars
Content Flow  – 4 out of 5 Stars

Would Read More from Author?    Yes

Recommend To  – Readers who love books about YA magic and fantasy with a bit of romance tied in.

[8stitches 9lives · Rating 2 out of 5]

Vivatera, part of the award-winning YA fantasy series of the same name, was previously published in 2013 to critical acclaim, but I have to admit I found it tough to get through from the very beginning. The worldbuilding and magic system weren't explained enough and left a lot to be desired, and no matter how hard I tried simple couldn't connect with the characters. There desperately needed to be more backstory, and although the premise was a great one with bucketloads of potential it fell flat due to poor execution.

The insta love dropped into the plot out of nowhere felt contrived and superficial adding further issues. The pace needed to be quicker and the whole novel felt bland, and, at times, boring. That said, I didn't see the ending coming which was satisfying. I'm interested to know whether I'd like the second instalment better than this, so I will likely pick it up to see whether anything's changed.

Many thanks to Shadesilk Press for an ARC.

[Monika · Rating 3 out of 5]

How delightful. A mystery. That puts every possibility before you.

Summary
Naomi never knew her parents. She doesn't know where her scar came from or why does she have dreams that sometimes come true. But one day she crosses paths with a stranger that seems to carry all of the answers. He's just not willing to share them.

Writing
The writing style is very simple and easy to read, though during more action-packed scenes it gets a little chaotic. It sometimes can make a scene feel a bit jumbled, almost like there is a sentence or two missing here and there.

I really liked the way dream sequences were written. I am usually not a fan of them, because most of the books tend to portray dreams as comprehensive, almost movie-like moments. But in Vivatera the dream feels like an actual dream - a set of images, sounds and feelings that sometimes just simply seems like it makes absolutely no sense.

Characters
Naomi is one of those characters that I hate seeing most in literature – she's absolutely flawless. She doesn't have any bad characteristics other than the fact that she's incredibly gullible (but even then it's showed as a "cute" thing). She's absolutely beautiful, strong, intelligent, a little quirky and of course, most importantly, she's The Chosen One™.

Zander – Naomi's friend – is a pretty fun character. He's adorable and insanely loyal, but just like her, he's waaay too perfect to feel like a real person.

And Reynolds is incredibly frustrating. His only characteristic is that he cares about Naomi and he's Very Strong. He's a love interest, nothing more. A prop.

The romance is absolutely ridiculous. The characters spend like 3 days together and they were willing to die for each other. I am not totally against the insta-love trope, I think it can be done right. But you need to make your characters at least talk to each other first.

The interactions between the characters rarely feel believable. Their attempts at communication seem insanely unnatural, because every character is constantly keeping some kind of secret that they are not willing to share at the moment and they dance around the topic or they release information in bits and pieces, which is a really cheap way of trying to create an interesting mystery.

Plot
This book has a pretty even pacing and it never managed to bore me. That said, it was very predictable. And all of the good plot twists were ruined by really crappy attempts at foreshadowing. It made everything waaaaay too obvious.

The story itself is pretty interesting, but the way it started doesn't feel very well thought-out. For example, I don't think anyone would throw an 12-year-old boy into the deepest dungeon to be tortured and have his father killed, simply for throwing a couple of walnuts at a guard.

I think that the ending was the best part of the book. It was filled with action and it actually made me feel invested in the story.

Overall
It's a pretty decent book with a classical fantasy vibe. It's a fun, quick read, but definitely not a memorable one.


I recieved a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review

[Melinda Howard · Rating 5 out of 5]

First of all I'd like to thank Candace for hosting a give-away and fate for allowing me to be one of three lucky recipients. Everyone loves a free lunch especially if it's some of the best food they have ever tasted, so good they greedily gobbled it. This is how I feel about this book, one of a kind among a crowd of clones.




Vivatera is an amazing (want for a better word) book. Naomi grew up under the guardianship of Malindra, sister to Jeanus. She lived contentedly until a magic user by the name of Lockwood came and killed Malindra. Naomi has prophetic dreams, a scar and a silk scarf. Once Malindra was gone she went to live with a farmer who was recently widowed and looked after his son Zander. One day while selling meat at the local market, a procession crossed through with the Crown Prince in a carriage with a woman with the same scar as Naomi. In a bid to get closer to her Naomi rushed into the procession and was soon swarmed by guards who tried to capture her. Enter Reynold's. He has been watching Naomi all her life and rescues her from the fray. Although protecting Naomi, he is enigmatic and strange keeping more secrets then he tells. All is not right in this world and Naomi may be the key to saving it; she just doesn't know yet........

Sound interesting? Well keep reading......

Some of the things I liked:

1. The mystery throughout the book kept me on the edge of my seat. Many times I started to put pieces of the puzzle together only to realize I was mistaken.

2. The character development throughout, especially Naomi's development as a character.

3. The mystery of the enigmatic Reynold's life and appearance. Although Reynold's eyes are described as "steely grey", the rest of his face is described with ambiguity, "his untidy, unshaven face".

4. The web of deceit and lies as well as the promise of more adventures to come. Could there be an unrequited or forbidden love between Reynold's and Naomi? Is Reynold's there only out of honour or is he there out of love?

5. The world building was AMAZING. I loved Candace's new take on magic and how people came to control it. Each scene was described with vivid detail and easy to imagine.

Things I didn't like:

1. Not all the characters were very well developed and were glossed over.

2. That is all.


I would recommend this book to anyone 13+ who loves fantasy and adventure. Candace J. Thomas has created a masterpiece and I can't wait to read the next instalment in the 'Secrets of Everstar' series entitled 'Conjectrix'.



READ IT!

[Jess · Rating 5 out of 5]

For some reason, it took me a little longer than usual to get into this book. However, thinking back, after finishing the book, I don't know that it was the book's fault or just me having a super-weird (for me at least) lull, where I wanted to be lazy and watch TV before bed, instead of reading until I force myself to put the book down and stop reading (even though I usually convince myself "just one more chapter").

While it did take me a bit to start getting into this book, I definitely did get really into by about half way through. It doesn't really start out slow, but it does take a little time to explain things and start putting all of the pieces of the puzzle together. However, it was suspenseful and surprising throughout the whole book. I definitely couldn't have predicted much of what happened.

I loved this book!!! Unlike some books in series I've read lately, I think it wraps things up nicely. It wrapped it up nicely enough that I'm eager to see what happens next, but not super pissed that they left it at such a cliff hanger that I cannot stand to wait another second to read the next book.

I really did think the author did a great job with the ending. It perfectly closed a chapter in Naomi's life, leaving a few loose ends to wonder about, and making it clear that the story would continue. I did not close this book thinking "are you kidding me? then immediately looking to see how long I have to wait to see what happens next." However, I did just look to see how long I have to wait, and the next book in the series is already out! Yay! So, I don't have to wait long at all to see what happens next with Naomi.

The only small issue I had with this book was the way that Naomi's dreams are written. They are kind of hard to understand/decipher. I know they're not supposed to make complete sense, but they seemed kind of odd to me.

Overall, I really liked this book and am definitely going to pick up the rest of the series!

I received a copy of this book for free in exchange for an honest review. Check out this and more review on my blog: Meet Your New Favorite Book

[thewoollygeek (tea, cake, crochet & books) · Rating 2 out of 5]

Confusing and slow paced, it picked up occasionally but mostly really slow going. I found it hard to connect to the main character and although I enjoyed parts I was largely disinterest. A real shame as sounded wonderful but not for me

Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for a free copy for an honest review

[Stacy Kersteter · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book seemed like it tried to come off as fast paced, but it was boring and seemed to drag on. I was really excited to read it from the beautiful cover and the description, but it fell flat. I love magic and secrets and finding out who you are but this book wasn't doing it for me.

[Tiera McMillian · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars rounded up here. Whew, this book is sitting on what I feel is a mountain of potential with the plot concept/premise. Unfortunately for me the way it was executed really put a damper on all that potential. The main problem, for me, is that all the backstory and world building actually occur at the end of the book, almost like an afterthought. Throughout most of the book I was agonizing over the lack of backstory and world building, thinking this must be a spin off of sorts.. I checked twice to make sure it was actually the first in the series. Even if an author wants to do a slow reveal on word building and backstory and maybe keep certain things to the end as a mystery there has to be something in the beginning alluding to the fact that eventually we might get some answers. There were also several instances where climactic parts of the story would vaguely end without much detail and cut to another chapter. I personally obviously like details and explanations of how things have occurred.

These things in particular needed to be at the beginning.. or at least hinted about, and revealed throughout the plot: A hint of or the actual prophecy at the beginning of the book, or at least a description of the different races so we know what they are throughout the book, that way when they do something "different" it makes some sense, or explaining vaguely towards the beginning.. maybe in a prologue or something the events that have lead us to now, like the old kings history, or the history of how the magic came to be in this world, or the history of the stones themselves.... Not having this information really hurt the plot in my opinion because it took away from the actual story which was really interesting and could have been riveting.

We have some really abrupt insta love in this story. That isn't really my thing but I can get on board if it seems to have some sort of foundation but here it really didn't have enough of anything. It was a tad jarring even where it popped up in the story, it seemed to be necessary for Naomi to exit camp but not for Reynolds? Either way, I feel like there should have been more prior to the proclamation.. like maybe a recognition, or maybe even dreaming about a boy hero.. or something.

That all being said.. There was enough explanations at the very end of the book to answer most of the questions I had and to ease some of my anxiety and frustration. I am sad at where the book ended, things were just starting to make sense and we come to an abrupt end just as I started to feel we were actually getting somewhere. I am torn between wanting to see what will happen next for these characters and not wanting to put myself through it..

*Received a copy via NetGalley and the Publisher Shadesilk Press in exchange for an honest review.*

[Vicky · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fantasy is my bread and butter. I love the stuff. So when I came across Vivatera, I was naturally excited to get stuck in. Magic! Adventure! Young adult romance!
After reading it… well. I didn’t hate this book, which it’s important to say right from the start. Not at all. But I didn’t really love it, either.
We’re introduced to Naomi, a girl who suddenly finds out that the birthmark on her neck actually means more than she ever thought it did; in fact, it marks her out as a magic-wielder. And that makes her dangerous, so she goes on the run with Reynolds, a mysterious man who knows more than he’s letting on about her past.
So. The writing is pacy, and the plot is action packed. And there is a lot to like here: I particularly liked the idea of Browneyes, a malicious demon who haunts the forest that Reynolds and Naomi have to travel through, and the idea behind magic: that it’s a virus that, when it infects you, gives you certain magical powers. Zander, Naomi’s friend who gets taken into the palace and battles to overcome his stutter whilst saving the day, is also a really sweet addition to the story, and one that I was rooting for all the way.
The writing is interesting, too: Naomi’s dream sequences are written in an off-kilter, absorbing way that leaves you puzzling and pausing over them, trying to find clues about what’s about to happen.
However, the story itself didn’t really hold my attention. Naomi is an incredibly generic kind of heroine: she’s perfect, kind, loving, always does the right thing, and has the kind of plot-twist involving her family at the end that made me roll my eyes with frustration. Her relationship with Reynolds is also slightly problematic, in my view: he tells her nothing, she pines after him, and they fall in love after about three days. What is there to feel invested in? Not a lot, because you already know how it will turn out.
You’re also kept hanging for a lot of the book- which might not necessarily be a bad thing, depending on how you like your revelations delivered- and while the story delivered on some of its most perplexing questions (which I won’t spoil here), it did so, for me, too late. I didn’t really care anymore.
Overall, then? While I can see why so many people liked Vivatera, it just wasn’t my thing. I wasn’t given enough to be invested in the characters, and at the end, the excitement was gone. Maybe next time!

[Layla Crowie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received an eARC through NetGalley. So I'm not 100% sure how much the ARC differs from the final product as Goodreads suggests the book is longer than the copy I received.

Overall I really enjoyed the story idea. Anything to do with magic and self-discovery is always right up my alley. However I also require a lot of depth to my characters, which I feel was a little lacking. Especially as this story is told from multiple view points.

At times there was a lot of detail about the surrounding areas, and then nothing at all about the people. Some of the scenes appeared a little skimmed over, and I feel that they could have been perfect opportunities for more character interactions and relationship building.

The world itself sounds vast and there are so many different culture's and races that I felt needed to be experienced a little bit more. I really wanted to connect deeply with the world and the characters, as a lot of them had the makings of really interesting, in depth people. I just felt that there was something missing.

And one slightly picky view (again I'm not sure if this is different in the finished book) is that all of the characters have great, well thought out names, except for a character named 'Browneyes' - I feel for such a mysterious, badass, villain - she deserved a better name than just Browneyes. All the other characters have great names, and I was just disappointed. She seems like she should be an important character, although not much was revealed about her past, and how she connects to everything.

Great story premise - I just wanted a bit more from the characters so I could really root for them.

[Hayley Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my review in any way and the thoughts expressed are my own.

A new fantasy world set to take a unique look at magic. Naomi, a young girl with beautiful blonde hair, has always been different and not just because of her hair colour. Everyone is captivated by her and long to be close to her but her only friend is Zander. When Naomi sees another girl with the same star scar on her neck, she launches into a royal parade in hopes of talking to her. When the guards stop her and capture Zander, a mysterious boy appears and whisks her away.

Reynolds, the stranger, seems familiar to Naomi and reveals that he has been watching over her and knew her late guardian Malindra. Desperate to save Zander, and curious about the new man, Naomi agrees to go with Reynold in exchange for him rescuing her friend. Now the pair must travel to a safe haven without being captured by those that hunt them.

Meanwhile, Zander wakes to the horrors of the palace dungeon. He is imprisoned there for days until Prince Bryant offers him a job. Zander must serve the Prince and help him care for his love who he has hidden away within the palace. Sworn to keep the secret from everyone, even the King, Zander meets a charming woman with the same scar as Naomi.

I loved the characters in this book, especially Naomi and Zander. Watching Zander trying to overcome his stutter whilst struggling with world-altering dangers and trying to protect those he cares for. He is a kind-hearted and trusting boy even after everything he’s been through and really shows the goodness of everyday people, not just the epic heroes.

Many female protagonists, especially those in love triangles, enthral men with only a look. While Naomi does do this, her ‘charm’ is greatly attributed to the magic within her. It calls to others, makes them happy and makes people strive to be the best versions of themselves. I loved how the author took the concept of love at first sight and turned it into a complex form of magic. Throughout the entire book, I longed to know more about Naomi, who she was, why she had magic and what her magic was exactly. When it was finally revealed, I’m glad to say I wasn’t disappointed.

The love bubbling between Naomi and Reynolds was clear from the start and grew as their adventure continued. At first, I was uncomfortable with it since I thought Naomi was around thirteen (the same age as Zander) since she was described as being a small, young girl while Reynolds was referred to as a young man. However, it’s clarified when it states that she was invited to live with Zander’s father so that she could care for his young son plus it was revealed that there’s a nine-year age gap between Reynolds and Naomi (while large for teens, it’s better when you think of Naomi as being seventeen making Reynolds twenty-six). The author was great at displaying how you can have such deep and indescribable feelings for someone with little logic or reason.

In many fantasy novels, magic has always been a natural part of the world but not in this story. Instead of being a part of you like your soul, this magic feeds on people like a parasite within a host. This world didn’t originally have magic, but something years ago brought it forth for it to infect numerous people. From the prologue, it’s obvious Reynolds was the cause of infecting at least one person, Taren who still hates him for it. Taren has a unique perspective on others’ magic since he was able to look inside them and understand the very core of their magic. This was a great technique at really showing the reader what each type of magic, each person, was about.

This was a surprisingly great book with a unique magic system and interesting characters. The climax was exciting with plenty of twists, turns and reveals to keep everyone happy. I give it 5/5, it has become one of my favourites and am eagerly awaiting the next instalment in the series.

[Amy · Rating 1 out of 5]

I was really looking forward to reading this book. The plot sounded exciting and different to anything I'd read before, however it just didn't live up to the expectations I had.

I felt like the I'd been thrown into the middle of the book as soon as I started. The characters were all vague with no real backstory. There was no world building, no depth. I didn't particularly enjoy the writing style either. It was as if there were a million ideas and all noted down in the order events were due to take place, but no time taken to blend them together, absolutely nothing for your imagination to thrive off, as well as far too many brief, boring introductions to characters.. I found myself lose interest in this book from 10% in and it was honestly a struggle to continue.

[Jypsy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Vivatera had an intriguing synopsis. The actual story, however, fell flat. The story is the death of the king and his daughters have magic that could save the kingdom. The character Naomi meets this guy for ten minutes then takes off with him and falls for him and etc. Yes, I completely trust any man I've spoken to for at least ten minutes. Seriously? Just not believable enough for me. The story could have been great if it were more put together. Unfortunately, I had no connection with this story. Thanks to NetGalley for an arc in exchange for an honest review.

[Ritika Gupta · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought this was a good premise. The cover is definitely very very interesting, hence the reason I picked it up. The books got better as I read, but still I had trouble finishing it. The pace is a little slow for my liking, but the setting is good. More than halfway through the book, I still wasnt sure about the magic concept that were spoken about in the book and that definitely put me off.

I received an ARC from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.

[Vanessa]

DNF @ 23%...as much as I tried, I just couldn’t get into this story. The complexity of the characters and how the author jumps around left me confused as to who was whom and where the story was going.

A huge fan of fantasy, I am disappointed this one didn’t get more than just love for the cover...

Thank you, Netgalley, for offering up this title for review.

[Kari Marie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I just did not care for the characters. I honestly cannot even remember this book. I finished it a couple weeks ago. I read the description and it did not ring any bells.

Thank you to NetGalley for a free copy. This was an honest review.

[Daniela Zekotic · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book took me a little longer to read than I've wanted to. It started off promising, with introducing our, in my opinion, three main characters, Naomi, Zander and Reynold. Naomi grew up under the guardianship of Malindra, thinking she was just a normal girl. The day Malindra got killed my a magic user, Naomi went to live with a farmer and his son Zander. One day as the two of them were selling meat at the local market, a parade crossed through with the Crown Prince and a mysterious woman who turns out to bear the same scar as Naomi, a star on her neck. Naomi tries to get a closer look, but in the process gets chased by the guards. Zander tries to come to her rescue, but gets captured while Naomi manages to run away with the help of Reynold. He has been watching her all of Naomi's life and introduces her to a strange and new myterious world full of magic.

The story kept me intrigued for the first couple of chapters, but soon I got a bit bored with the story. Many things that happened didn't quite seem to add up and too much was happening at once. But then again, there will be more books to the series, so everything is probably going to be answered in them.
I didn't quite like Naomi and Reynold's relationship. It seemed a bit too rushed to me and quite unrealistic. I'm not sure if I would be intrigued by a guy who has been watching me my whole life. I also thought Naomi's character was a bit flat. She did possess kindness, but I never saw her as charming as the other characters in the book seemed to.

I did like the world surrounding the whole story. The author takes a new take on magic and tells us how people can control it. Especially those scenes were described with details and I could imagine easily how the magic in Naomi's world works.

[Desiree · Rating 4 out of 5]

Actual rating three and a half stars

In short The Vivatera is the story of a girl named Naomi discovering the mystery that is herself in a mythical world full of people and creatures which may or may not be trying to help her. She is a mystery to herself and most others with an unfortunate past, a shaky present and a very unknown future.
This was a very intricate story with a ton of characters. It took me much longer than it should have to read. This was mainly due to the fact that every couple of pages I was searching back for a snippet of information or a character that had been mentioned in the past and was latter made important or noteworthy. This sometimes made the story feel more significant and at other times made me shake my fists at the sky. Overall I really enjoyed the story. The world building was great and it is obvious that a lot of thinking and time went into creating the world in which the characters live and the intricacy of the story line.
However, a few things fell flat for me. I felt that most of the characters had very little depth to them, most of all Naomi. She was very flat. The only real characteristic that she possessed was kindness. There really was very little to her. Every other character was always commenting on how charming she was but I never once felt that charm from her. In fact she was my least favorite character of all. The only characters that I really enjoyed were Zander and the sisters. Everyone else just felt blah to me. And there are so many different characters, and a lot with similar names that at times I felt lost about who I was reading about.
The climatic scene towards the end felt very rushed. there was so much that happened to lead up to what I thought would be an epic battle between Naomi and her friends and a horrible dark wizard but then he was just *poof* gone, with very little conflict. It was fairly disappointing.
Lastly, There was a whole lot left unanswered and unresolved. I understand that this was done so that there could be a sequel and I appreciate that but I have looked and I have seen no upcoming date for said sequel even though The vivatera was published in 2010. I would love to read it whenever it does come out.
I know that it sounds like there was a lot more that I didn't like about this book than I did but that is not true. The intricacy of the plot and the amazing possibilities for the sequel or series was more than enough to hold my interest. The story truly was amazing, it could have benefited from a little extra editing but it was so multidimensional that I have really high hopes for the story and especially the character development in the book/s to come. I definitely recommend this to fantasy lovers who love world building.

A copy of The Vivatera was won from a First Reads contest. Thanks Good Reads!

[Sadik Uddin · Rating 3 out of 5]

It’s a dumping ground for residual magic. It has mutated the animals that live inside into hideous creatures and other things. I’d rather not have them following us.

Magic, adventure, and something dark are all things one might expect to follow reading such a quotation. Sure enough, Candace J. Thomas does not disappoint, and readers are left scurrying after Naomi Bucklingdown, the protagonist of Vivatera, as kicks it off with her running for her life.

However, we are not only following Naomi’s story, Vivatera recounts the harrowing adventures of Reynolds Fairborne, Zander, and several other characters - all experiencing their own struggles in different parts of Parbraven, the magical world Thomas has created. Chapters are written from a third person point of view and at times several chapters can follow one character’s travels before switching over to a different character elsewhere. This type of gradual change is very beneficial – especially in a book that is setting up for readers to read future books in the series.

This fact, that Vivatera is the first in the series, is important to keep in mind because many of the critiques about this book stem from the time spent setting up the world, characters, and other background information.

Several times I found myself wondering who a referenced character was and/or if I was supposed to know that individual or if it would be revealed later on. This was because Thomas repeatedly introduces historical figures, other characters or mythical creatures in the world of Parbraven without any follow-up. Sometimes this technique of waiting to reveal more works out, but this was happening so often, it distracted from the main story.

Typically, I am engrossed by the main character of a book simply because that is who the author reveals the most about, making it easy to form either a love or hate relationship with and for that character. Unfortunately, Naomi did not stand out in either a positive or a negative manner for me, neither did Reynolds – though, I will admit his anguished background gave him more depth.

Speaking of Naomi and Reynolds, one has to wonder about their relationship. It is hinted at the back of the book, it is hinted from the first chapter and it is something that lurks over the entirety of the story. Now, I love a good mystery, but while reading Vivatera this relationship began to feel forced – especially because it is just THERE in your face right from the get-go. Of course, by the end of the book, it is established that there is a proper reason for their connection. Nevertheless, when first reading the book I almost felt like this was making a farce of the cliché, “love at first sight”. I believe Thomas could have spent more time exploring Naomi and Reynolds relationship and connection without making it feel forced or simply as a means to keep the plot moving.

Despite these critiques, Vivatera is a book I would recommend to anyone interested in Science Fiction, Fantasy and Young Adult books.

Why?

Firstly, look at the title Vivatera, which can be broken down to Viva and Tera. Viva is used typically as an utterance of spontaneous feeling in the Romance languages, such as Spanish, Portuguese, and Italian expressing one’s desire for someone, or something else to live. Tera is similar to Terra which is Latin for country, region or even earth. Now I cannot tell for certain what Candance J. Thomas meant, but I interpreted the title Vivatera as a shout out for the world Thomas is creating to live and flourish.

And quite simply put, Candance J. Thomas did an amazing job with the world building in Vivatera. Readers will be transported into a magical world where nothing can be expected because everything is fresh and unique. In many ways, it feels like watching the beginning of the universe itself, which I suppose is true in this case since it’s the first book in the series.

Thomas also does a superb job on exploring how magic can exist in her universe and how it can be utilized by creatures and humans alike, this left me wanting to see what will come next in the series simply to see how things will progress further.

I mentioned character depth and development as a critique earlier, but I must also mention it as a positive in regards to the side characters.

Candance J. Thomas deserves credit for making me fall in love with several of the side characters, such as Zander and Ferra. Ferra's wild and quirky nature really made her likable, while other characters were relatable and more realistic, providing a depth to their backgrounds and personalities that made me want to learn more about them or follow them.

Mischief was printed all over Ferra’s face.‘Remember, not all is what it seems.'

Maybe that should be the summary of Vivatera because more of often than not readers will find themselves discovering twists that are not always predictable and this, dear readers, is the real power behind the intricacy with which Candance J. Thomas weaves her story.

Overall, I give Vivatera 3 / 5 STARS .

I did not end Vivatera with a million and one unanswered questions – something I am eternally grateful for - nor did I end the book with a burning need to immediately go out and buy the next book in the series. However, Thomas’s ending provides closure to the majority of the questions that popped into my head during my reading and it does so in a way that feels like a natural conclusion to this current chapter in the lives of the characters we met. I genuinely want to pick up the next book just to know what will happen to Naomi, Reynolds, and the rest of the gang in the future – it makes me want to read until the last star, the brightest of all, finishes its journey across Parbraven

Random Tidbit/Musings:
Look at the title Vivatera, which can be broken down to Viva and Tera. Viva is used typically as an utterance of spontaneous feeling in the Romance languages, such as Spanish, Portuguese, and Italian expressing one’s desire for someone, or something else to live. Tera is similar to Terra which is Latin for country, region or even earth. Now I cannot tell for certain what Candance J. Thomas meant, but I interpreted the title Vivatera as a shout out for the world Thomas is creating to live and flourish.

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Read the full review: Write To Read | City of Books
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[Heidi · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was the first book I read on my new Kindle - yay! I still like the satisfaction of turning pages & watching my bookmark move, but it was so nice to read it while I was on the treadmill - and have it fit in my purse. I also loved to just highlight a word & get the definition.
Okay - so enough about my kindle. The book was REALLY good. It's been a LONG time since I've read a book that was that intricate. So many characters & things going on. I don't read a lot of fantasy, but it was truly enjoyable. I could totally see it as a movie. I do wish there was a bit more actual romance & not just teasing, but hopefully in the next book! I loved the characters, the storyline and the setting descriptions.

[Sadie · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars. I liked this story and the characters. There were a lot of new approaches to magic and the fantasy genre. I know some other reviewers have said they struggled with the beginning and getting into the story, but I liked the fact that I didn't know what was going on, just like the main character. I liked how the story unfolded and that the reader learned about this fantasy world as Naomi, the main character learned about it. I also liked that the book didn't end with all the questions answered. There were elements in the story that could have been more developed as well as some of the relationships, but overall I enjoyed reading it and was surprised to find myself not wanting to put it down. I plan on reading the other books in the series.

[Janene · Rating 4 out of 5]

Vivatera is book one about Naomi Everstar and the magic she and her family possess. I found there were times when I was confused about the intricacies of the magic but that was soon cleared up. The worlds are full of life and the characters are all unique and interesting. This is an excellent example of young adult adventure. Well worth reading.

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Name: Vivatera
Author: Candace Thomas
Pages: 356
Release Date: February 22, 2019
Genre: YA Fantasy/Fantasy

LGBTQ: None
People of Color: People with non-white skin are included, but many of these are humanoid people with deep ties to the earth or magic
Bechdel Test: A hesitant pass. There are women who do things other than support men but love interests reign supreme. The dominant female character trope is "damsel in distress."
Trigger Warning: Naomi does have a stalker for part of the book.

I received a free eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. The review is also found at here at FierceFemaleReads

The reader follows a number of young characters, but the dominant characters are Naomi, Zander, and Reynolds. Naomi is an orphan who has more than the average charm. Zander is Naomi's friend who suffers dearly when the king's men fail to capture Naomi. He ends up as an attendant to the prince. Naomi has a hidden protector, a rogue magic-wielder named Reynolds, who steps out of the shadows when the king's men realize she may have magic. Naomi and Reynolds have an instant connection and Reynolds decides he must leave Naomi before her charm overcomes his iron will. She is left at a magic encampment to learn about her gifts and to meet other wielders. Magic is not born in a person but usually is the result of an accident where natural elemental magic is involved. Naomi decides she must go in search of Reynolds after she has a distressing vision about him, Several other campers decide to accompany her. The book records her, Reynolds, and Zander's adventures (with other minor characters stepping in with their point of view from time to time). They meet interesting people, we learn more about the magic system and how it is threatened, and we meet the king who has been driven mad by the desire for magic.

The basic premise was interesting and I think there is a lot of potential for the series. I particularly liked Zander as well as Ferra and her spunky attitude.

I did not feel much of a connection with either Reynolds or Naomi. I also was not invested in their love story. The reasons why certain characters do things (especially Naomi) was very flimsy. Zander, the sisters, etc. felt like they had much more compelling reasons to move their stories as well as the narrative itself along. I think if the book had one more good edit, it would be in great shape.

The violence was not overly gruesome, there is some bad language but not much, and there are no sexual episodes. For these reasons, I would recommend it as suitable for middle school and up.

[Monica · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book follows the main character Naomi who unbeknownst to herself has magical abilities. Ripped apart from an adoptive mother, Malindra, she lives on a pig farm and is close to the abusive farmer's son, Zander, who is plagued by a stutter. Early on, Naomi is whisked away by a secretive Reynold while she is watching a royal procession where the prince and a woman with the same matching scar are paraded through the streets of the city. Guards take Zander and Naomi is "saved" by Reynold. Reynold and Naomi make their way to a camp where on their trek they face various dangers and a female who is following Reynold who is only identified as "brown eyes." I have a feeling that this book will be about Naomi developing her magical abilities, the Prince wanting something to do with her powers, Reynold falling in love with her + a possible additional love interest, and Zander being either brainwashed by the Prince or will be held as leverage.

I cannot tell you the rest because I did not finish the book @ 31% for the following reasons, but FIRST, the pros:

PROS:
1. The book has an interesting-enough plot with a world that is expansive enough to keep the reader entertained. I desperately wanted to become immersed in the book.

CONS:
1. To get to the bottom of it all? The book lacks heart. There are plenty of adventure-filled situations where characters are in dire straights but I do not get any emotion out of them. I get an understanding that they are scared or nervous, but it is superficial. I cannot FEEL what they feel, if that makes any sense. This point leads to the next one-
2. The dialogue feels flat and when the teens in the book interact with each other, the way they communicate is rather childish and more suitable for JFIC books.
3. Sloppy writing- For one, I caught a lot of grammatical errors. Two, the way in which some of the characters responded to situations was not believable. For example, Naomi has spent 31% of the book without ADAMANTLY getting to the bottom of who her saviors are or where she is being taken. Furthermore, she has been trusting the word of her captors that they will go back and save Zander. She gives him about 1-2 thoughts then forgets all about him.

Interesting plot line and world, but I just didn't feel like I could connect to the characters like I have been able to in other books...

[Sanya Salehi · Rating 2 out of 5]

(ARC received in exchange for a truthful review)

“The strange mutant creatures had been altered through time and magic, with large teeth and strange white eyes, big and bug like. The fur left on them was patchy and gray; the rest of the body covered with red scales.”

Vivaterra was like a roller coaster where once you get to the top there is no drop. Now, don’t get me wrong, I would not classify this as a “bad book,” just not up to par with any of the fantasy adventure books that I enjoy.

Let’s go more in depth:

Vivatera follows the story of Naomi who has a strange birthmark on her neck and magic flowing through her. A bunch of other stories get introduced that ultimately connect to her.

Yup that’s all I got.

The book was overall super confusing, to the point that I just don’t understand anything past the halfway point.

The Characters:

Naomi - “Naomi pulled back her hood. Her hair glinted in shades of honey, seeming to take its energy directly from the sun. The fluid blonde curls attracted directly from the sun. The blonde curls attracted attention immediately. The color didn't appear commonly in Sharlot - or in parbraven for that matter.”

She somewhat annoyed me. Like, she seemed to not really accept how powerful she was, to the point where it just got downright frustrating. She also had a tendency to believe everyone she met. I hate characters that are obviously special, but just choose to ignore or deny it.

I usually would talk about more, but that’s to only character that I somewhat cared about.

My Opinion:

This book started off really good. There was some great descriptive writing and language that sucked you into the world right away. However, the scenes just transitioned way to quickly and the new storylines were so abruptly placed that I thought that my kindle was glitching out. I also felt as if there was not enough time with each character to actually form a relationship with them, therefore I really did not care what happened to any of them. The action also just came out of nowhere with no tension or suspense, so it killed it for me. I do have to say that the dialogue was often intriguing and immersive, but overall lack of suspense and tension really killed it for me.

[Jithendra Jithu · Rating 5 out of 5]

Vivatera

by Candace J. Thomas ✨📚📚

Rating:5/5

Review:

👉Step into a world where magic crackles in the air and adventure awaits around every corner with Vivatera by Candace J. Thomas! 🌟📖 From the very first page, this enchanting tale swept me off my feet and transported me to a realm teeming with mystery, intrigue, and the promise of untold wonders.

👉At the heart of the story lies Naomi, a young woman whose life is irrevocably changed when she discovers a mysterious scar on her neck—a scar that pulses with hidden power and hints at a destiny she never imagined. As Naomi embarks on a journey to uncover the truth behind her mark, she finds herself drawn into a web of secrets, danger, and unexpected alliances that will test her courage and resilience to their limits. 🌿🔮

👉What sets Vivatera apart is its richly imagined world, meticulously crafted by Thomas's masterful prose. 🖋️ From the quaint village of Sharlot to the majestic halls of power, every corner of this vibrant realm is brought to life with vivid detail and immersive imagery, inviting readers to lose themselves in its enchanting embrace.

👉But it's not just the world-building that shines in Vivatera—it's the characters who truly steal the show. 🌟 From the determined and fiercely independent Naomi to the charming and enigmatic Reynolds, each character is rendered with depth, nuance, and a complexity that makes them feel like old friends. 💕 And let's not forget Zander, whose journey from vulnerability to strength is a testament to the power of resilience and the bonds of friendship.

👉As the plot unfolds, Thomas weaves a tapestry of intrigue and suspense that kept me turning pages late into the night. 💥 From heart-pounding action sequences to tender moments of connection and discovery, Vivatera is a rollercoaster ride of emotions that will leave you breathless and begging for more. 💔🔥

👉In conclusion, Vivatera is a triumph of storytelling—a dazzling debut that heralds the arrival of a major new voice in fantasy literature. With its unforgettable characters, immersive world-building, and gripping plot twists, this book is a must-read for fans of the genre and newcomers alike.

[Manvi Narang · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Humans are not naturally born with magic. No one would choose this. It’s a poison that saturates your body until it needs to breathe on its own. It possesses and controls you, and each element has its own way of seduction.”

Vivatera offers a magical world full of depth, lore, and vivid world-building. For readers who loved Fourth Wing but are looking for something with less spice and more focus on fantasy, this book might just be your next pick.

The story revolves around two friends, Naomi and Zander, each navigating their own complex paths but ultimately intertwined in the same universe. The dual storyline keeps things interesting, though the pace does drag a bit in the first half, leaving readers somewhat confused before it all starts coming together toward the end.

One of the strongest aspects of Vivatera is its world-building, complete with whimsical creatures, prophetic dreams, magical stones, and family legacies stretching across a vast and mysterious magical world. The friendship and found family that Naomi builds along the way also brings warmth and heart to the book—because really, what is a hero without their sidekicks?

However, some elements like the magic-induced connection between Naomi and Reynolds felt rushed, especially with the “insta-love” aspect that wasn’t quite convincing. Still, I can see where the allure came from, considering the nature of the magic in this universe.

Taren, on the other hand, is a character full of potential. He’s by far one of the most intriguing figures, and I’m excited to see how his arc develops in the rest of the series. There’s a lot of promise for deeper character exploration, particularly with Taren, and I look forward to seeing where the plot heads next.

Overall, while the writing style at times felt like a flurry of ideas organized in a somewhat chaotic manner, Vivatera shines in its imaginative scope. The book’s second half picked up and managed to pull the pieces together, setting the stage for what could be an even stronger sequel. I’m excited to see the character development deepen and to watch the story truly unfold in the next installment!

[Nikita Angeles · Rating 1 out of 5]

Vivatera is a young adult fantasy about Naomi, a young orphaned girl with no insight to who she truly is, her self-discovery, her magic and her importance to the world.

The premise is so, so promising.

And in some respects, it pays off. The magic is interesting, somewhat unique and beautifully described at times. Almost sentient, playful or moody things inside the wielders. The world building in places is full and interesting as well. There are a lot of intriguing mysteries laid out that pull you along.

However, the book just wasn’t what I’d expected.

The pacing is rushed rather than fast. So rushed it’s jarring and the story becomes entirely unbelievable and confusing.

The romance was lack lustre. No intensity, no build up. We are told they are in love but not shown. There’s no discovery or growth to it. No chemistry.

And unfortunately, while the characters were likeable and interesting at points, I just could not feel invested in any of them. It might have been the rushed, sometimes confusing amounts of characters pushed into the small amount of story or the fact that it was often difficult to picture them, get a sense of their age, their stakes in anything that happens around them. I left the book feeling like the characters were strangers and that, for me, is the worst part since I put a lot of weight on character and relationships – more so than plot oftentimes.

The story could have benefited better with some build up and increasing pace rather than jumping immediately into the thick of things, especially with the scale of the story and world Thomas seemed to be reaching for.

I have received a copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

– 1/5 Interesting premise and some beautifully written qualities let down by overly rushed yet overly full plot and unbelievable romance.

Quick Review - https://nikitaangeleswrites.wordpress...

[Amber-louise · Rating 2 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review via NetGalley.

Vivatera is a YA fantasy novel that follows Naomi, a girl with a question mark clouding her past and her heritage. Naomi has uncontrolled magic abilities building inside her and has never had to use them until she is chased down by the Kings guard after spotting a mysterious woman with an identical scar in her chest in the shape of a star. This opens a can of worms and a long journey that results in her finding out who she is and where she belongs.

This book was not for me. It has all the right elements I like to read about in YA and there was potential for a good story but I just struggled so much to get through it and be transported like I usually am when I read. I had serious issues with the unbelievable and unchemical insta-love between Naomi and Reynolds I never cared about nor understood. When you find out more about his part in her history it actually just comes across creepy and forced.

I did like the side characters more than the main character because they were actually believable and relatable, especially the relationship between Katia and Landon. I felt like the many different view points did not work at all and just dragged the whole story out and made it overly complicated.

There was a pacing issue and some descriptions were repetitive and drawn out when they did not need to be and yet there were times when there were not enough so there’s no balance there for me at all.

There were too many characters with complicated names making at hard to keep up and follow.

I will say this though, the descriptions for the places and rooms were great and that rush made us go quicker so it wasn’t a complete loss.

I will not be reading the other two books because of how much I struggled to get through this one which is a shame really because it’s a very interesting concept that just got lost in its own complexity.

2.5 stars from me I’m afraid :(