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Ella: is one of many
“LOVED this book! It is one of the best sci-fi/horror books I’ve ever read. Ella grabs you right from the beginning and keeps you hooked until the end. Just the right amount of creepy, and wtf moments without being overly gory.” - Misty BookBub
With humanity on the brink of annihilation, Ella must choose: protect the planet and the humans she’s come to love or embrace her true reptilian nature.
Ella is different
and dangerous
Abandoned as a small child on earth, Ella has grown up ignorant of her true origins. She has always felt out of place, but when she questioned why her hair, her eyes, her gut-wrenching hunger were unusual, her “mother” would change the subject.
Now an adult on her own, Ella discovers who…what she is, but every answer could cost a million lives.
Ella is One of Many
“Ella is a really entertaining story, with a clever and well thought out plot. Aside from the action and adventure it also raises some thought-provoking questions about nature versus nurture, albeit in a very extreme way. The true heart of this book is Ella herself however, and while it may seem counterintuitive to root for a “monster” this is exactly what I found myself doing, which is surely a testament to the skill of the author.” - Annette Goodreads- GenresScience Fiction
190 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 10, 2019
13 people are currently reading
33 people want to read
About the author
Carol James Marshall
23 books75 followersCarol James Marshall is an author who specializes in horror stories, combining comedy, paranormal, sci-fi and suspenseful elements. She has 7 books and 4 short stories already out in the world and is currently working on Santa Muerte, a Latino-influenced series about witches that will be released in 2023.
Marshall is a low vision author who uses technology and large fonts to write her books.
When she isn't writing or enjoying audiobooks, Carol works as a translator. With her background in both Los Angeles, California and Mexicali, Mexico, she now lives in Georgia along with her husband and two children.
Marshall is a low vision author who uses technology and large fonts to write her books.
When she isn't writing or enjoying audiobooks, Carol works as a translator. With her background in both Los Angeles, California and Mexicali, Mexico, she now lives in Georgia along with her husband and two children.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
September 10, 2019
As the tagline says , Ella is one of many, but many what exactly? That is a mystery that will be revealed as the story unfolds , and the answer may surprise you. If you like your science fiction with a side of horror this may just be the perfect book for you. In terms of both plot and pace, “Ella” hits the ground running and barely gives the reader a chance to catch a breath from beginning to the ending which arrives all too soon.
Ella, as we learn, is something of a loner, more from necessity than by choice. She lives a nomadic life, moving from town to town , working as an agency nurse, and never spending long enough in any town to make friends or set down roots and nothing seems likely to change as we see her arrive in yet another new town. Since the death of the woman who raised her, she has been feeling more isolated , and when she notices a small girl looking lonely and neglected she feels something begin to shift inside, almost against her will. But, Ella has a dark secret, and she knows that if she lets the girl get too close it could be a tragedy. The little girl is not the only sign that something is changing, for the first time Ella not only feels attracted to a work colleague, but allows herself to act on it, which almost exposes her true nature. This could be disastrous, especially since it seems that forces unknown are keeping an eye on her for their own reasons. The plot thickens when the truth about Ella's origin is finally revealed, and she is no longer alone, but one of many. As she learns more about where she comes from and what she is capable of, she will have to make some tough decisions about who she really is.
Ella is a really entertaining story, with a clever and well thought out plot. Aside from the action and adventure it also raises some thought provoking questions about nature versus nurture, albeit in a very extreme way. The true heart of this book is Ella herself however, and while it may seem counter intuitive to root for a “monster” this is exactly what I found myself doing, which is surely a testament to the skill of the author. The loneliness of the character shines through in some beautifully bittersweet passages such as “ She wished the laughter were bubbles that would float in through the window. She would catch them, bring them to her ear, and for maybe a minute or two feel the laughter within herself.” I also loved the development of her relationship with Audrey, the little girl from the playground, and the huge impact it had on Ella's overall story arc and the dramatic conclusion of the book. It seems like Audrey may have an unusual story of her own to tell, and I for one would not mind hearing more of it.
As I mentioned earlier in this review, the book is a science fiction thriller, but there is a definite horror vibe, along with some gruesome descriptions, so if you are faint of heart consider yourself warned but if you are willing to take a risk on this book, I don't think you will be disappointed.
Ella, as we learn, is something of a loner, more from necessity than by choice. She lives a nomadic life, moving from town to town , working as an agency nurse, and never spending long enough in any town to make friends or set down roots and nothing seems likely to change as we see her arrive in yet another new town. Since the death of the woman who raised her, she has been feeling more isolated , and when she notices a small girl looking lonely and neglected she feels something begin to shift inside, almost against her will. But, Ella has a dark secret, and she knows that if she lets the girl get too close it could be a tragedy. The little girl is not the only sign that something is changing, for the first time Ella not only feels attracted to a work colleague, but allows herself to act on it, which almost exposes her true nature. This could be disastrous, especially since it seems that forces unknown are keeping an eye on her for their own reasons. The plot thickens when the truth about Ella's origin is finally revealed, and she is no longer alone, but one of many. As she learns more about where she comes from and what she is capable of, she will have to make some tough decisions about who she really is.
Ella is a really entertaining story, with a clever and well thought out plot. Aside from the action and adventure it also raises some thought provoking questions about nature versus nurture, albeit in a very extreme way. The true heart of this book is Ella herself however, and while it may seem counter intuitive to root for a “monster” this is exactly what I found myself doing, which is surely a testament to the skill of the author. The loneliness of the character shines through in some beautifully bittersweet passages such as “ She wished the laughter were bubbles that would float in through the window. She would catch them, bring them to her ear, and for maybe a minute or two feel the laughter within herself.” I also loved the development of her relationship with Audrey, the little girl from the playground, and the huge impact it had on Ella's overall story arc and the dramatic conclusion of the book. It seems like Audrey may have an unusual story of her own to tell, and I for one would not mind hearing more of it.
As I mentioned earlier in this review, the book is a science fiction thriller, but there is a definite horror vibe, along with some gruesome descriptions, so if you are faint of heart consider yourself warned but if you are willing to take a risk on this book, I don't think you will be disappointed.
December 20, 2019
V generation brilliant
Love the the whole reptilian theme. Child of the V generation myself. Just too short. More please. Highly recommended x
Love the the whole reptilian theme. Child of the V generation myself. Just too short. More please. Highly recommended x
September 7, 2019
Full disclosure, I was provided a copy of this book by the author, however, have voluntarily chosen to write a review. All opinions are my own
One of a kind, yet one of many…
Abandoned as a child and raised by adoptive parents, Ella has always been different. Her uniqueness doesn’t stop at her looks, though, and her pale eyes and silvery almost iridescent hair that under the right light sparkles with greens and pinks has caught the attention of more than one person over the years. Ella is different and has been painfully aware of this from a young age. Sheltered by her mother and her secret protected, she has no idea even how to explain it to those around her or even if she should for fear of being shunned. As a result of her uniqueness and special abilities, she is resolved to leading a primarily nomadic existence. Roaming from town to town as a traveling nurse, Ella strives to lay low and be prepared to leave at a moment’s notice. While not content, at least she’s safe and that’s what matters. That was before. Before she met Jenny and Audrey. Now, having experienced love and affection Ella no longer wants to lay low. Ella is sick of staying in the shadows, but will her foray into the light bring destruction to those who care about her? Ella needs to know if her secret once disclosed brings acceptance or open a Pandora’s box of trouble that can’t ever be closed.
Ella is the newest novella by author Carol James Marshall and follows the main character on a journey of growth and self-discovery. As a stranger in a strange land with an appetite for the bizarre, Ella attempts to navigate a world that may not accept her if they knew who she truly was. The problem is that Ella doesn’t really know who she is herself. I really love how Marshall tackles the age-old questions of “who am I?”, “where did I come from?” and “ why am I here?” from an angle that may have the more conspiracy-oriented reader looking over their shoulder or giving a unique looking stranger a more critical eye. Ella is seeking acceptance and for a time she gets it, but she realizes that acceptance doesn’t always equal peace.
Even though Ella is shorter than Marshall’s other offerings, it is no less full of action, adventure, comedy, and tragedy. I still find myself thinking about Ella and he plight long after I have read the final pages. I would recommend Ella for anyone who primary likes Science Fiction, Fantasy, or Paranormal genres but truly Ella is a story that I feel will appeal across many readers, genres and walks of life
One of a kind, yet one of many…
Abandoned as a child and raised by adoptive parents, Ella has always been different. Her uniqueness doesn’t stop at her looks, though, and her pale eyes and silvery almost iridescent hair that under the right light sparkles with greens and pinks has caught the attention of more than one person over the years. Ella is different and has been painfully aware of this from a young age. Sheltered by her mother and her secret protected, she has no idea even how to explain it to those around her or even if she should for fear of being shunned. As a result of her uniqueness and special abilities, she is resolved to leading a primarily nomadic existence. Roaming from town to town as a traveling nurse, Ella strives to lay low and be prepared to leave at a moment’s notice. While not content, at least she’s safe and that’s what matters. That was before. Before she met Jenny and Audrey. Now, having experienced love and affection Ella no longer wants to lay low. Ella is sick of staying in the shadows, but will her foray into the light bring destruction to those who care about her? Ella needs to know if her secret once disclosed brings acceptance or open a Pandora’s box of trouble that can’t ever be closed.
Ella is the newest novella by author Carol James Marshall and follows the main character on a journey of growth and self-discovery. As a stranger in a strange land with an appetite for the bizarre, Ella attempts to navigate a world that may not accept her if they knew who she truly was. The problem is that Ella doesn’t really know who she is herself. I really love how Marshall tackles the age-old questions of “who am I?”, “where did I come from?” and “ why am I here?” from an angle that may have the more conspiracy-oriented reader looking over their shoulder or giving a unique looking stranger a more critical eye. Ella is seeking acceptance and for a time she gets it, but she realizes that acceptance doesn’t always equal peace.
Even though Ella is shorter than Marshall’s other offerings, it is no less full of action, adventure, comedy, and tragedy. I still find myself thinking about Ella and he plight long after I have read the final pages. I would recommend Ella for anyone who primary likes Science Fiction, Fantasy, or Paranormal genres but truly Ella is a story that I feel will appeal across many readers, genres and walks of life
June 5, 2020
This book is rich in imagination and characterization. Ella is a character you'll root for. It is obvious from the start that there is a mystery about her. At one point, we find out something very unsavory about her, that actually seems to disgust her as much as it did me. Further on in the book, we discover answers about the other main/secondary characters. This book has many sides to it and is full of surprises. It was very easy to keep on reading until the end!
September 10, 2019
Another hit from the lively, imaginative mind of a talented author. If you enjoyed The Women of the Grey series by Carol Janes Marshall, you will love Ella! If you haven’t read that series, start with Ella, and pick up The Women of the Grey afterward.
Ella is a traveling nurse. Furnished rented apartments, one after the other, where she can hide herself and her secrets from the world. Everything is minimized, so Ella can be out the door at the first sign of trouble.
Ella isn’t like other people. It isn’t just her small stature, or her platinum blond hair with just hint of green in the right light. Even her brown eyes with their inhuman ring of gold around the iris doesn’t really alert those around her. All these things taken together give Ella a bit of an otherworldly appearance. Of all the questions people have had about her, her own questions are what haunt her. Ella isn’t really sure what she is, or where she came from. But those aren’t Ella’s most important secrets.
Those dark secrets keep Ella from friendship, from love, or even casual social interaction with anyone. But Ella is so tired of being lonely. Since her adoptive mother died, she has had no human connections at all. Doesn’t everyone deserve a life with love and friendship? Surely there is one person that can accept her as she is.
Her new place and her current job will be the catalysts that change Ella’s life. Will Ella finally find what she has yearned for? Or will Ella’s dark secrets destroy everyone around her?
Ella is a traveling nurse. Furnished rented apartments, one after the other, where she can hide herself and her secrets from the world. Everything is minimized, so Ella can be out the door at the first sign of trouble.
Ella isn’t like other people. It isn’t just her small stature, or her platinum blond hair with just hint of green in the right light. Even her brown eyes with their inhuman ring of gold around the iris doesn’t really alert those around her. All these things taken together give Ella a bit of an otherworldly appearance. Of all the questions people have had about her, her own questions are what haunt her. Ella isn’t really sure what she is, or where she came from. But those aren’t Ella’s most important secrets.
Those dark secrets keep Ella from friendship, from love, or even casual social interaction with anyone. But Ella is so tired of being lonely. Since her adoptive mother died, she has had no human connections at all. Doesn’t everyone deserve a life with love and friendship? Surely there is one person that can accept her as she is.
Her new place and her current job will be the catalysts that change Ella’s life. Will Ella finally find what she has yearned for? Or will Ella’s dark secrets destroy everyone around her?
November 7, 2019
This is not my usual genre, but I liked the book very much. It was suspenseful and the first half of the book was very unpredictable. I kept asking what exactly is Ella? No one is what and who they seem in this book. The book also brings an ethical dilemma to the forefront: what if predators had a conscience? What if they were forced to kill, but were plagued by remorse and guilt every day because of it?
How does a predator like a wolf live among sheep? Because the loveable and caring Ella is a wolf, make no mistake, however much she might wish she were a sheep like everyone else. And her pack is coming!
How does a predator like a wolf live among sheep? Because the loveable and caring Ella is a wolf, make no mistake, however much she might wish she were a sheep like everyone else. And her pack is coming!
September 15, 2019
LOVED this book! It is one of the best scifi/horror books I've ever read. Ella grabs you right from the beginning and keeps you hooked until the end. Just the right amount of creepy, and wtf moments without being overly gory. The story is well written, engaging, and you can't help but love the characters despite their peculiarities... or wanting to choke Best with her weird little vine! I can't wait to read the other books this author has written, and I sincerely hope she continues the story of Ella so we can find out what happens to the other characters.
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September 18, 2019Ella hooked me in from the first page to the last! Thank you Carol J Marshall for expanding my horizons. Truly a great sci-fi mystery. I can't wait to see what's in store for Ella and her family in your next book. (hint hint)
March 15, 2024
"Ella’s food had to be alive, breath in the lungs, meaty, and, if possible, human. Her dinner plate was not something she could share in public."
I loved second half of the book more than the first one, and I also wanted more awkward dates.
From the cover you can already tell that Ella isn't human, we get to learn exactly who she is and why she was left on Earth later in the book. It's a short book so it didn't take us and Ella too long to get all of the information.
What does it take to become a monster? Are you just born like that or can you become one? In Ella's case she was raised with love and care and that had made her empathetic and caring monster, but compared to many others she's not even that monstrous, most of the time. Interesting take on nature vs. nurture in this alien/human story.
It's a queer sci-fi with horror elements and a pretty satisfying ending. Only thing that I didn't like was when Ella picked the kittens as her meal, thankfully it wasn't described in detail, but it still was heartbreaking.
"No, this was food, not a "he." Something not deserving of life."
I kept seeing parallels with how aliens treat humans and how humans treat animals but there wasn't an explicit connection to it and I felt like it would have been a perfect commentary on veganism. Refrigerated human flesh, yummy for aliens but disgusting for humans right? Apparently it depends on who you are, hungry individual or a meal that they see in you.
I kind of wanted more alien scenes, but I'm glad it ended the way it did, not to spoil anyone but humanity and love can be found in unlikely creatures.
I loved second half of the book more than the first one, and I also wanted more awkward dates.
From the cover you can already tell that Ella isn't human, we get to learn exactly who she is and why she was left on Earth later in the book. It's a short book so it didn't take us and Ella too long to get all of the information.
What does it take to become a monster? Are you just born like that or can you become one? In Ella's case she was raised with love and care and that had made her empathetic and caring monster, but compared to many others she's not even that monstrous, most of the time. Interesting take on nature vs. nurture in this alien/human story.
It's a queer sci-fi with horror elements and a pretty satisfying ending. Only thing that I didn't like was when Ella picked the kittens as her meal, thankfully it wasn't described in detail, but it still was heartbreaking.
"No, this was food, not a "he." Something not deserving of life."
I kept seeing parallels with how aliens treat humans and how humans treat animals but there wasn't an explicit connection to it and I felt like it would have been a perfect commentary on veganism. Refrigerated human flesh, yummy for aliens but disgusting for humans right? Apparently it depends on who you are, hungry individual or a meal that they see in you.
I kind of wanted more alien scenes, but I'm glad it ended the way it did, not to spoil anyone but humanity and love can be found in unlikely creatures.
April 26, 2020
Good, quick read
Originally drawn in by the cover while perusing other kindle books, I found Ella to be an interesting and fun science fiction novel. The plot has a good pace to string you along and doesn't bog itself down with too many details as some scifi can do. A good self-contained story.
Originally drawn in by the cover while perusing other kindle books, I found Ella to be an interesting and fun science fiction novel. The plot has a good pace to string you along and doesn't bog itself down with too many details as some scifi can do. A good self-contained story.
March 14, 2023
In general it wasn’t too bad, but something was definitely missing... maybe more suspense? More action? More feelings? A bit of romance? Or if it’s supposed to be horror- more horror?
My reaction through all the book was like a straight line - - - - - - and then the end boom, quite a disappointment 🙄
My reaction through all the book was like a straight line - - - - - - and then the end boom, quite a disappointment 🙄
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews