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Realm of Elestra
Lydia
Ripped away from Whipplehouse and the only family she had ever known, Lydia ekes out a living in the barren wasteland of Oregon as a prisoner of a family who never loved her. When Parker finds her at the county fair, Lydia can hardly believe her luck as she agrees to travel through time with the boy she once loved. They finally settle in the mysterious land of Elestra, a world like their own with magical powers, steam-powered devices, and even dragons. Abruptly left to her own devices on the shores of Sea City, Lydia embarks on a dangerous adventure with fast cars, accompanied by the infamous and quite exiled pirate-turned-mechanic Matthias Cross. When the tables turn and she begins to see Parker for who he really is, how can she escape the darkness buried in his heart? What will become of Lydia now that she knows there are more worlds than these?
85 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 13, 2019
About the author
Rebekah Dodson
76 books383 followersRebekah Dodson is a prolific word weaver of romance, fantasy, and science fiction novels. Her works include the series Postcards from Paris, The Surrogate, The Curse of Lanval series, several stand alone novels, and her upcoming YA novel, Clock City. She has been writing her whole life, with her first published work of historical fiction with 4H Clubs of America at the age of 12, and poetry at the age of 16 with the National Poetry Society. With an extensive academic background including education, history, psychology and English, she currently works as a college professor by day and a writer by night.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
December 25, 2020
I was a bit tepid after the first installment of this series, but this second installment was quick to grab me with its dive into a toxic, controlling love affair.
Unfortunately, while the previous book was a slow-burn with an intriguing if perhaps a tad rushed ending... this installment has the opposite problem. It's quite good for the most part - an opening that sets the stage and is relatively quick to dive into the meat of the story, fantastical worlds, an intriguing if awful romance... however, the ending loses me for a couple of reasons. One, a character is clearly killed off only for the author to pull an "Oh no, they survived what I portrayed as certain death," in the epilogue. And to drive that home, the author kills this character again off-screen. Secondly, Lydia's actions in the epilogue concerning her family make her very unsympathetic, IMO. I'm quickly being left without anyone I actually want to root for in this series.
The events and ending of this book also doesn't 100 percent mesh with the ending depicted in the last book, and I'm left confused as to when they first reunited. Last book's ending seemed to hint they each had a different "first" reunion, because time travel is whack like that. This book just muddies those waters.
Narrator was mostly okay, but there were times there seemed to be a mechanical filter over his voice. Perhaps a fault of his microphone?
I received this audiobook in exchange for a fair and honest review. Sorry to say that despite this series good moments, I have no plans to continue it.
Unfortunately, while the previous book was a slow-burn with an intriguing if perhaps a tad rushed ending... this installment has the opposite problem. It's quite good for the most part - an opening that sets the stage and is relatively quick to dive into the meat of the story, fantastical worlds, an intriguing if awful romance... however, the ending loses me for a couple of reasons. One, a character is clearly killed off only for the author to pull an "Oh no, they survived what I portrayed as certain death," in the epilogue. And to drive that home, the author kills this character again off-screen. Secondly, Lydia's actions in the epilogue concerning her family make her very unsympathetic, IMO. I'm quickly being left without anyone I actually want to root for in this series.
The events and ending of this book also doesn't 100 percent mesh with the ending depicted in the last book, and I'm left confused as to when they first reunited. Last book's ending seemed to hint they each had a different "first" reunion, because time travel is whack like that. This book just muddies those waters.
Narrator was mostly okay, but there were times there seemed to be a mechanical filter over his voice. Perhaps a fault of his microphone?
I received this audiobook in exchange for a fair and honest review. Sorry to say that despite this series good moments, I have no plans to continue it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 17, 2020
Lydia is an odd little prequel novella. it comes before a book titled Clock city, but after another novella titled Timekeeper.
Do read Timekeeper first. This novella explains the bizarre epilogue of Timekeeper, basically the timeline is not linear and it's all messed up with time travel and nothing takes place when you thought it did.
Lydia is an orphan sent out west on the orphan train. Her new family treats her like a slave, so when her childhood friend shows up to whisk her away she jumps at the chance.
what follows is a montage of literary references that will make book nerds smile.
As a story this book is very disconnected, the character of Lydia is a scared girl who keeps getting shuttled from one scary situation and abusive relationship to another. As a result I feel like she never really gets a chance to grow up.
As a prequel this book certainly made me eager to read Clock City. I am curious about how this all ties together.
Once again Andrew McDermott narrates with his soothing Irish accent. he dies a fair job of distinguishing one character from another, and he does a great job of reading description, making it engaging and active.
*I was given a code for this book and the above review is my own honest evaluation of the provided audio and story.*
Do read Timekeeper first. This novella explains the bizarre epilogue of Timekeeper, basically the timeline is not linear and it's all messed up with time travel and nothing takes place when you thought it did.
Lydia is an orphan sent out west on the orphan train. Her new family treats her like a slave, so when her childhood friend shows up to whisk her away she jumps at the chance.
what follows is a montage of literary references that will make book nerds smile.
As a story this book is very disconnected, the character of Lydia is a scared girl who keeps getting shuttled from one scary situation and abusive relationship to another. As a result I feel like she never really gets a chance to grow up.
As a prequel this book certainly made me eager to read Clock City. I am curious about how this all ties together.
Once again Andrew McDermott narrates with his soothing Irish accent. he dies a fair job of distinguishing one character from another, and he does a great job of reading description, making it engaging and active.
*I was given a code for this book and the above review is my own honest evaluation of the provided audio and story.*
December 3, 2020
Steam Punk Drama Adventure
A great follow up to the first book. It's a really cool concept, it is well written, and a really quick read that you don't want to put down. The narrators accent is amazing! That being said it was a little funny to have such a thick Scottish accent for something taking place in Missouri, not that I honestly minded personally. At just and Two hours an thirty minutes this was a really fast listen. I don't always like the steam punk style of writing but this one I really enjoyed. It was an interesting mix of drama, adventure, thriller, steam punk, and time/dimension travel. My only warning is that there is some graphic violence and is probably a PG13 level read so middle school and up should be fine, it isn't as graphic or as often as the first book but still present. Otherwise it is a clean read free of bad language and overly intimate scenes.
—I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
A great follow up to the first book. It's a really cool concept, it is well written, and a really quick read that you don't want to put down. The narrators accent is amazing! That being said it was a little funny to have such a thick Scottish accent for something taking place in Missouri, not that I honestly minded personally. At just and Two hours an thirty minutes this was a really fast listen. I don't always like the steam punk style of writing but this one I really enjoyed. It was an interesting mix of drama, adventure, thriller, steam punk, and time/dimension travel. My only warning is that there is some graphic violence and is probably a PG13 level read so middle school and up should be fine, it isn't as graphic or as often as the first book but still present. Otherwise it is a clean read free of bad language and overly intimate scenes.
—I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
August 24, 2020
Well that story did not go at all where I was expecting! Time travel, inter-dimensional travel, love, lust, politics, fast cars and a dream come true that might not be all it was cracked up to be. The tendrils of horror peeking out at the edged of the previous prequel come out in full strength in this book. Really, yeah, it is a lot in a short rather tragic book that builds a fascinating world rich in complexity.
Read
October 3, 2020Lydia (Realm of Elestra Prequels Book 2), my second read from author Rebekah Dodson. Well written & enjoyable. Narrator Andrew McDermott’s accent is perfect for this book and added greatly to the listening enjoyment. I was given an Audible copy of this book & am voluntarily reviewing it. (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).
November 12, 2020
The Start of this 2nd Prequel is very good and I enjoyed it thoughly, but the second half gets extremely dark and foreboding because Parker's actions and deeds. I Just love listening to this Narrator with his Wounderful Irish Lilt. I guess I will have to wait for the next book and see if it stays so dark or lightens back up.
April 26, 2020
Audible:I really liked this story.I am looking to more from this author. Andrew McDermott was a fine narrator.I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
October 15, 2019
Living a hard life, Lydia often wishes she can get away from it all. Every day, she envisions a life where she's free to do whatever she wishes. A life where all her worries are set aside and she's able to live for herself. An unexpected series of events catapults her into Parker's arms once more. Determined to make the most of the new life she's been given, she never once imagines how much trusting Parker will change the world as she knows it.
Rebekah has done it again. She's delivered a story that further enhances the first book of the Realm of Elestra series. In Lydia, we get to learn of her chaotic origins. This is a woman who's sacrificed so much for her family. A woman's who's determined in protecting herself and those she loves. In doing so, she opens herself up to the truth that surrounds the man she's married.
From the moment I began reading this series, I was hooked. Mind you, I love all things Steampunk. This book delivers on the genre and more. Full of delightful, intriguing, and complex characters, we're presented with a world where anything is possible. I've also enjoyed the fact that many aspects of Elestra mimicked the real world. So can't wait to see what the author has in store for us next!
Rebekah has done it again. She's delivered a story that further enhances the first book of the Realm of Elestra series. In Lydia, we get to learn of her chaotic origins. This is a woman who's sacrificed so much for her family. A woman's who's determined in protecting herself and those she loves. In doing so, she opens herself up to the truth that surrounds the man she's married.
From the moment I began reading this series, I was hooked. Mind you, I love all things Steampunk. This book delivers on the genre and more. Full of delightful, intriguing, and complex characters, we're presented with a world where anything is possible. I've also enjoyed the fact that many aspects of Elestra mimicked the real world. So can't wait to see what the author has in store for us next!
October 13, 2019
This was an incredible read that once I started I could not put it down. It moved along at an amazing pace, which was the perfect speed for reading as it was not to fast nor to slow. The characters are so real, that you feel as though you know them personally and no matter what you want to see them succeed and overcome everything that may be in their way. The story will grab you from the moment that you start reading and will not let you go unti the very last word is read on the last page. This book has to be read there is no doubt about it.
October 14, 2019
Lydia is a prequel to the Realm of Elestra series and if you read Timekeeper then you know this is a time travel mystery. In this book we get Lydia's story as she travels through time to Elestra with Parker. Things don't go the way they want them to, leading Lydia to another adventure. This book takes the reader on a journey filled with mystery, suspense, drama and an interesting adventure. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.
October 20, 2019
I've read several books written by Rebekah Dodson; she has done a great job at writing a good book; she is becoming one of my favorite authors. I can’t wait to read more of books her books.
The story line caught my attention at the very beginning and kept me interested throughout the entire book.
I loved the chemistry between the characters.
I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.
The story line caught my attention at the very beginning and kept me interested throughout the entire book.
I loved the chemistry between the characters.
I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.
February 5, 2020
A wonderful story of self-discovery. This is a fast-moving story of Lydia whose life has been hard for as long as she can remember. As she moves through her life twists and turns happen, as they will in life, and she deals with them to the best of her abilities. She finds love, learns that love can keep us blinded to truth, then finds love again. A whirlwind life of adventure that pulls the reader in and holds them tightly to the very last word! Excellent story with a magical twist!
October 14, 2019
This is a tale of interdimensional travel that is so intriguing! I love Lydia, she is such an awesome character. The story is very compelling and I did not want to put it down until I was done reading. Excellently written, as have previous books in the series, I am looking forward to more!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 16, 2019
We get Lydia's story in this book of the Realm of Elestra series. It is like a prequel and gives a deeper understanding of her character.
The time travel was as intriguing as was expected. And the characters lovable!
It was a great adventure!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The time travel was as intriguing as was expected. And the characters lovable!
It was a great adventure!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 9, 2020
Lydia (Realm of Elestra Prequels Book 2)
Rebekah Dodson.
This short story packs a lot in...time /space travel, fast cars, action, adventure, pirates, dragons.
I love the chemestry between the characters.
The storyline kept me hooked from the first page.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Rebekah Dodson.
This short story packs a lot in...time /space travel, fast cars, action, adventure, pirates, dragons.
I love the chemestry between the characters.
The storyline kept me hooked from the first page.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews