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Volcano Chronicles #1
I, Volcano
According to ancient rhymes, the islanders of Ansar and Skarle are children of the volcano, born of fire and destined to be lovers. After the eruption, the prophecies are forgotten as all are forced to flee. Nobody cares about silly nursery rhymes now, certainly not Jalob.
When shy medic Jalob Baleine heads to war, it isn’t for romance. She only wants to help refugees who have no home or allies. Because they are kin. Jalob was born under the same glowering volcano, on an idyllic island surrounded by dolphins. Like the refugees, she fled the lava and secretly cherishes the old ways.
She falls asleep, ignoring the pull of tides, and dreams of a loving touch. Who doesn’t? And sure, maybe Jalob hasn’t felt whole for years, but war isn’t the time for fantasies. She keeps to herself and hopes someone else will sort the war out. One woman can’t heal the world. After all, she has enough to do, what with tending the sick and her supervisor, Susan, always on her back.
Then Jalob meets stroppy violinist, Corail Esplash. After an explosive introduction, they’re forced to spend time together. Stress makes them long for a reprise, and a fragile line dances between love and hate. Inevitably, the young women exchange island stories. Corail is head-strong and rude, a typical Ansar who loves to tease and be chased. And Jalob—strong, loyal, from Skarle—has such fast legs… Could the old rhymes about destiny be right? Ah, fate.
Death and war are relentless enemies, and difficult choices lie ahead. Can a shy girl rekindle the power of a dead volcano and harness the ocean? One woman can’t heal the world, but maybe Jalob is the only one who can save Corail.
When shy medic Jalob Baleine heads to war, it isn’t for romance. She only wants to help refugees who have no home or allies. Because they are kin. Jalob was born under the same glowering volcano, on an idyllic island surrounded by dolphins. Like the refugees, she fled the lava and secretly cherishes the old ways.
She falls asleep, ignoring the pull of tides, and dreams of a loving touch. Who doesn’t? And sure, maybe Jalob hasn’t felt whole for years, but war isn’t the time for fantasies. She keeps to herself and hopes someone else will sort the war out. One woman can’t heal the world. After all, she has enough to do, what with tending the sick and her supervisor, Susan, always on her back.
Then Jalob meets stroppy violinist, Corail Esplash. After an explosive introduction, they’re forced to spend time together. Stress makes them long for a reprise, and a fragile line dances between love and hate. Inevitably, the young women exchange island stories. Corail is head-strong and rude, a typical Ansar who loves to tease and be chased. And Jalob—strong, loyal, from Skarle—has such fast legs… Could the old rhymes about destiny be right? Ah, fate.
Death and war are relentless enemies, and difficult choices lie ahead. Can a shy girl rekindle the power of a dead volcano and harness the ocean? One woman can’t heal the world, but maybe Jalob is the only one who can save Corail.
ebook
Published August 23, 2021
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About the author
Eule Grey
27 books77 followersEule Grey has settled, for now, in the north UK. She’s worked in education, justice, youth work, and even spread the butter in a sandwich factory.
Eule writes LGBTQI books with the characters she’s been seeking since childhood: neurodivergent villains, characters with mental health issues, conflicted thoughts, and a craving for cupcakes. Best of all, Eule adores writing romantic stories, often with a dash of the paranormal.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
August 23, 2021
3.50 Stars. This was an interesting book but my feelings are a bit mixed. I believe it was a good debut, but I do think the book’s quality was higher than my actual enjoyment. It was a story that felt very different in some ways, but also similar in others and at times is not the easiest to read.
Jalob (she/her, they/them) is training to be a medic. Instead of staying with her father to practice with him in a safe environment, she decides to go to the front lines of the war to aid in the refuge crisis. As you might imagine, there were definitely some parts that were hard to read emotionally. While this book has almost a very light fantasy feel to it, it reminded me of many conflicts and wars that have gone on in the past or are currently still going on. I can be up and down when it comes to reading war books, but this was more about the people being oppressed than the actual war, which made it harder for me to read.
While there are depressing feelings around this book, there is a romance that is at the heart of the book. For me it fell in the okay category. One of the mains was a little aggressive for my tastes, and while I understand why, it took me a bit to enjoy them as a couple because of her actions/personality. The romance was also faster moving that I normally like. It seemed like a case of these two people were destined to be and so they were. This is not something I’m always big on, but for a book that had these sad and tougher moments, the romance even being at a faster speed, helped to balance things out. While I won’t give anything away for spoiler reasons, the way the ending was written, ended up being my favorite part of the book which improved my enjoyment of it as a whole.
I realized that this was going to be a start of a series and my first thought was I’m not sure if I want to continue. Then I read the coming attraction of the first chapter or so of book two and I found myself surprisingly interested. It seems like it moves to maybe a new island or place in this world and I think I want to know more. In the end this was not an easy read emotionally -reading about human atrocities never are- but there was friendship and romance that helped to balance the book out. Not the best match for my personal tastes, but a solid debut.
An ARC was given to me for a review.
Jalob (she/her, they/them) is training to be a medic. Instead of staying with her father to practice with him in a safe environment, she decides to go to the front lines of the war to aid in the refuge crisis. As you might imagine, there were definitely some parts that were hard to read emotionally. While this book has almost a very light fantasy feel to it, it reminded me of many conflicts and wars that have gone on in the past or are currently still going on. I can be up and down when it comes to reading war books, but this was more about the people being oppressed than the actual war, which made it harder for me to read.
While there are depressing feelings around this book, there is a romance that is at the heart of the book. For me it fell in the okay category. One of the mains was a little aggressive for my tastes, and while I understand why, it took me a bit to enjoy them as a couple because of her actions/personality. The romance was also faster moving that I normally like. It seemed like a case of these two people were destined to be and so they were. This is not something I’m always big on, but for a book that had these sad and tougher moments, the romance even being at a faster speed, helped to balance things out. While I won’t give anything away for spoiler reasons, the way the ending was written, ended up being my favorite part of the book which improved my enjoyment of it as a whole.
I realized that this was going to be a start of a series and my first thought was I’m not sure if I want to continue. Then I read the coming attraction of the first chapter or so of book two and I found myself surprisingly interested. It seems like it moves to maybe a new island or place in this world and I think I want to know more. In the end this was not an easy read emotionally -reading about human atrocities never are- but there was friendship and romance that helped to balance the book out. Not the best match for my personal tastes, but a solid debut.
An ARC was given to me for a review.
May 5, 2022
This story starts almost at the end then retreats back to how Jalob and Corail end up where they are. I have a soft spot for this style of storytelling. It peaks my interest, then I become so engrossed in the story I forget I know the direction the story is heading.
Jalob is a refugee from the island of Skarle where a volcano erupted and destroyed her homeland. Jalob and her family found a safe haven in Farland.
Corail is from the island of Ansar which she also had to flee due to volcanic eruptions. Corail and her mother are refugees in Mainland. The Mainlanders are intent on wiping out the Ansaric culture and peoples. Jalob leaves the safety of her home to give aid to the Ansaric people being forced to live in abject poverty and under martial law. She meets and falls in love with Corail in the middle of the genocide.
I, Volcano is written in the first person narrative form with Jalob’s voice. Her language skills learning were disrupted by her relocation and having to learn a new language. This is reflected in the narrative voice which is at times halting and abrupt. Yet when Jalob reminisces of her homeland her speech is poetic and emotional. This dichotomy added an authenticity to the intent of the story.
Jalob is a character written to be loved by all. Open hearted, trusting and brave are but a few of her attributes. Corail, on the other hand, has been downtrodden to the extent that she pushes back at everyone and everything offered her. Her trust in human nature is annihilated. She is a tough character to even like let alone love yet Jalob understands her and the author hopes that we learn to as well.
This is a love story in the middle of a war and genocide which makes it hard to digest at times but well worth the read.
I received an advanced review copy from BookSirens and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Jalob is a refugee from the island of Skarle where a volcano erupted and destroyed her homeland. Jalob and her family found a safe haven in Farland.
Corail is from the island of Ansar which she also had to flee due to volcanic eruptions. Corail and her mother are refugees in Mainland. The Mainlanders are intent on wiping out the Ansaric culture and peoples. Jalob leaves the safety of her home to give aid to the Ansaric people being forced to live in abject poverty and under martial law. She meets and falls in love with Corail in the middle of the genocide.
I, Volcano is written in the first person narrative form with Jalob’s voice. Her language skills learning were disrupted by her relocation and having to learn a new language. This is reflected in the narrative voice which is at times halting and abrupt. Yet when Jalob reminisces of her homeland her speech is poetic and emotional. This dichotomy added an authenticity to the intent of the story.
Jalob is a character written to be loved by all. Open hearted, trusting and brave are but a few of her attributes. Corail, on the other hand, has been downtrodden to the extent that she pushes back at everyone and everything offered her. Her trust in human nature is annihilated. She is a tough character to even like let alone love yet Jalob understands her and the author hopes that we learn to as well.
This is a love story in the middle of a war and genocide which makes it hard to digest at times but well worth the read.
I received an advanced review copy from BookSirens and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 25, 2022
Some books contain an entire world and a spectrum of emotions in a simple setting. I, Volcano is one of those stories.
Jalob is already scarred from having left her beloved island which was mostly destroyed by a volcano. She is one of the few survivors and wears the guilt always. Maybe that’s part of the reason she chooses to join a group of medics in the war torn mainland. The need to sacrifice and to heal by fire. Of course, the reality of the suffering and cruelty is overwhelming and yet, Jalob and her friend, Susan, plod on, trying to help as many people as possible. In the midst of tragedy, she finds a bright light, Corail, a sharp tongued, fierce woman who dares Jalob to love her.
I loved I, Volcano with its unique lyrical voice and strong-willed characters. I cried, the combination of the scotus news and simultaneously finishing the bittersweet tale let me grieve into the story. Although there are flaws, the intent and the heart are present on every page.
4.5 stars.
Jalob is already scarred from having left her beloved island which was mostly destroyed by a volcano. She is one of the few survivors and wears the guilt always. Maybe that’s part of the reason she chooses to join a group of medics in the war torn mainland. The need to sacrifice and to heal by fire. Of course, the reality of the suffering and cruelty is overwhelming and yet, Jalob and her friend, Susan, plod on, trying to help as many people as possible. In the midst of tragedy, she finds a bright light, Corail, a sharp tongued, fierce woman who dares Jalob to love her.
I loved I, Volcano with its unique lyrical voice and strong-willed characters. I cried, the combination of the scotus news and simultaneously finishing the bittersweet tale let me grieve into the story. Although there are flaws, the intent and the heart are present on every page.
4.5 stars.
May 29, 2022
What we go through, the context in which we read stories informs the way we experience them. Reading this book while there’s a war raging a few hours from here, with families finding refuge in the village I live in and becoming part of our lives, gave it another level of poignancy. Would I have loved this story as much had I read it when it came out last summer? To some extent, yes, probably, but it hit very close to home right now.
Jalob Baleine and her father escaped their island when she was a child and a volcano destroyed everything. At twenty-three, the young Skarle joins the medics to help the Ansar refugees under attack from the Mainlanders. Corail Esplash is a gifted violinist with no filter and a tendency to lie to hide her insecurity. According to folklore, Skarle and Ansar are kin and meant to be together, Dolphins and Sea Lions, and fate bring Jalob and Corail together.
Strangely enough, even if I’m usually very character-driven, what I liked best, in this case, is the writing. Jalob’s constant self-deprecation and Corail’s sharp tongue made it a little difficult for me to love them as people. I like them as a couple, however, I like that they’re meant to be, I like the legends and the inevitability.
I, Volcano is the kind of story that I think of as the book equivalent of UFOs. It should have left me drowning in despair, struggling to keep reading, and, instead, I felt inspired. It’s a hard read, a story of war and love trying to emerge even as the world seems to be ending. It reads like folktales and poetry. It is very much worth the effort but choose your moment.
I received a copy from the author and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
Read all my reviews on my blog: Jude in the Stars
Jalob Baleine and her father escaped their island when she was a child and a volcano destroyed everything. At twenty-three, the young Skarle joins the medics to help the Ansar refugees under attack from the Mainlanders. Corail Esplash is a gifted violinist with no filter and a tendency to lie to hide her insecurity. According to folklore, Skarle and Ansar are kin and meant to be together, Dolphins and Sea Lions, and fate bring Jalob and Corail together.
Strangely enough, even if I’m usually very character-driven, what I liked best, in this case, is the writing. Jalob’s constant self-deprecation and Corail’s sharp tongue made it a little difficult for me to love them as people. I like them as a couple, however, I like that they’re meant to be, I like the legends and the inevitability.
I, Volcano is the kind of story that I think of as the book equivalent of UFOs. It should have left me drowning in despair, struggling to keep reading, and, instead, I felt inspired. It’s a hard read, a story of war and love trying to emerge even as the world seems to be ending. It reads like folktales and poetry. It is very much worth the effort but choose your moment.
I received a copy from the author and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
Read all my reviews on my blog: Jude in the Stars
December 20, 2021
A copy of the book was provided to Sapphic Book Club for free in exchange for an honest review.
Rating: 3.5/5 stars
I, Volcano deals heavily with oppression and warfare, including violence, gore, and sexual harassment, related to migrants fleeing a volcanic eruption that left them without a homeland. Given those themes, it's a fairly heavy book. The narrative follows Jalob Baliene, a medic who volunteers to help treat these refugees, who come from her sister island. Jalob herself lost her hometown to a similar fate.
While working in the midst of a continually deteriorating situation without the protection she was promised, Jalob meets a violinist named Corail. Corail is a refugee as well and they quickly bond, eventually falling in love. Their relationship is intrinsically linked to their shared cultural background.
I was honestly surprised at how emotional this book made me. While it's a really interesting concept and I enjoyed how well-incorporated the island cultures were to the narrative, I had some mixed feelings about how much of the characters' actions and even personalities were based on the islands where they were raised, especially given that both had to leave their homes at an early age.
Despite some flaws, I found that I, Volcano was based on an excellent concept and I'm looking forward to seeing how the series continues! The overall conflict between ethnic groups was not resolved by the end of this book, so I'm hoping for more information about that in the next book. I felt like Jalob and Corail both had a satisfying ending, though, so this would work as a stand-alone read as well!
Rating: 3.5/5 stars
I, Volcano deals heavily with oppression and warfare, including violence, gore, and sexual harassment, related to migrants fleeing a volcanic eruption that left them without a homeland. Given those themes, it's a fairly heavy book. The narrative follows Jalob Baliene, a medic who volunteers to help treat these refugees, who come from her sister island. Jalob herself lost her hometown to a similar fate.
While working in the midst of a continually deteriorating situation without the protection she was promised, Jalob meets a violinist named Corail. Corail is a refugee as well and they quickly bond, eventually falling in love. Their relationship is intrinsically linked to their shared cultural background.
I was honestly surprised at how emotional this book made me. While it's a really interesting concept and I enjoyed how well-incorporated the island cultures were to the narrative, I had some mixed feelings about how much of the characters' actions and even personalities were based on the islands where they were raised, especially given that both had to leave their homes at an early age.
Despite some flaws, I found that I, Volcano was based on an excellent concept and I'm looking forward to seeing how the series continues! The overall conflict between ethnic groups was not resolved by the end of this book, so I'm hoping for more information about that in the next book. I felt like Jalob and Corail both had a satisfying ending, though, so this would work as a stand-alone read as well!
August 25, 2021
I honestly have mixed emotions about this book. I know it was a debut novel but wow, what a subject to pick. War is never good but I found it was not so much a war as people being oppressed. In many ways this made it harder to read and keep going.
I'm having trouble separating my feelings from the book. Parts I really didn't like although admittedly the author handled them well. I enjoyed the romance although aggressively handled.
It appears that there is going to be a second book. Again I have mixed feelings if I would read it. But, honestly I probably would as I hate to leave things unfinished.
I guess I would recommend the book with just a warning that there is a side you may find hard to read.
Enjoy!
I'm having trouble separating my feelings from the book. Parts I really didn't like although admittedly the author handled them well. I enjoyed the romance although aggressively handled.
It appears that there is going to be a second book. Again I have mixed feelings if I would read it. But, honestly I probably would as I hate to leave things unfinished.
I guess I would recommend the book with just a warning that there is a side you may find hard to read.
Enjoy!
November 17, 2021
An interesting adventure
Medic Jalob is at war with only the intentions to help those that need her skills and support. When she is forced to spend time with musician Corail, things are tense until they share their experiences and stories. When Jalob realises she has more to do in this war, she is on path of discovery and finally understands why she is there, and it is for a very different reason than just helping the sick, wounded, refugees.
Such an exciting but emotional adventure with many unexpected twists and turns. I loved that this story had a mythical and fantasy element, which helped lighten the harrowing surrounding of war and survival. It bought a touch of magic and wonder to the story.
Jalob was a character I found myself really relating to. Her morals and the weight on her shoulders, that need to want to be helpful and change things whilst always feeling powerless and overwhelmed by such a task was something that I just couldn’t help but feel touched and connected to. For some it is a daily struggle to feel so much, have this need but feeling lost and Jalob embodies all the fears, worries, and want to do such a thing.
Corail helped to balance everything. She presented as a challenge for Jalob but it also worked that Jalob was a challenge for Corail. They had to form a bond, forced somewhat but you just knew all that tension was them fighting personal battles to maintain standards, expectations they had set for themselves.
A really interesting and exciting adventure that was quite the experience. I really enjoyed the story and experiencing everything they went through in restoring some peace in their lives, so definitely recommend the story if you want some adventure with a little romance.
Medic Jalob is at war with only the intentions to help those that need her skills and support. When she is forced to spend time with musician Corail, things are tense until they share their experiences and stories. When Jalob realises she has more to do in this war, she is on path of discovery and finally understands why she is there, and it is for a very different reason than just helping the sick, wounded, refugees.
Such an exciting but emotional adventure with many unexpected twists and turns. I loved that this story had a mythical and fantasy element, which helped lighten the harrowing surrounding of war and survival. It bought a touch of magic and wonder to the story.
Jalob was a character I found myself really relating to. Her morals and the weight on her shoulders, that need to want to be helpful and change things whilst always feeling powerless and overwhelmed by such a task was something that I just couldn’t help but feel touched and connected to. For some it is a daily struggle to feel so much, have this need but feeling lost and Jalob embodies all the fears, worries, and want to do such a thing.
Corail helped to balance everything. She presented as a challenge for Jalob but it also worked that Jalob was a challenge for Corail. They had to form a bond, forced somewhat but you just knew all that tension was them fighting personal battles to maintain standards, expectations they had set for themselves.
A really interesting and exciting adventure that was quite the experience. I really enjoyed the story and experiencing everything they went through in restoring some peace in their lives, so definitely recommend the story if you want some adventure with a little romance.
December 11, 2021
A copy of the book was provided to Sapphic Book Club in exchange for an honest review.
“Wait for me,
I,
Volcano
A-Lone
Will reach your island”
The plot: Jalob is a young woman from an Island called Skarle, who was forced to move away as a child by the eruption of the Island volcano with her father, leaving everything behind.
Moving to the mainland it's hard, she is different in every way from all the rest of the kids, she looks and sounds different.
Jalob aches missing her native sea, with the dolphins swimming free in the ocean, cradling herself in the comfort of old lores and tales of the past.
“A Skarle born of the sea and volcanoes, created from passion and natural forces.I’m a woman with hands the size of dinner plates and shoulders like mountains.I’ll never stop trying, and when it’s the end, the Skarle in me will still keep going.”
Her big heart and willingness to help people made her choose to study at the Medic school.
Finished with her studies she decides to volunteer travelling to another island, to support the local medics camp close to the war zone.
Jalob has to leave again her safe bubble, to help others that like her lost their island looking for refuge and found hate, prejudice and violence in their new land.
In the new perilous life as Medic Jalob makes friends with her Medic colleague Susan, a brave, strong older woman who teaches Jalob the ways around the misery and injustices of war.
Not long after her arrival Jalob collides at a concert with Corail, the local violinist.
Coralin storms in her life changing everything and awakening old legends in Jalob's heart.
Corail is from a sister island of Jalob’s Skarle called Ansars,
Legends says Skarle and Ansars folks are made from the Volcano itself and destined to each other, opposite to complement each other.
Will the legends tell the truth and Jalob and Corail have a happy ending so far from the sea and the Volcano that burns still in their passionate hearts?
My review :
"I, Volcano" is a story that erupts violently, with love for the sea and the fight to preserve identities.
The beginning of the book is abrupt, it starts with events almost at the end of the story and made me really confused and unsettled by its irruence..
It was surely brave from the author but I think personally some readers might be put off from this harsh start.
I can reassure you that the rest of the book is not so harsh and alternates light tones to more intense, emotional and dramatic moments.
I giggled a few times while reading, there is a lot of poetry and softness in this book, and a contagious feeling of love for the sea permeating from the book.
Jalob's growth throughout the book made me emotional and proud like a parent.
It was almost like seeing my personal growth during the years.
How many times I, myself felt in the wrong place, and how much I still don’t fit around far from home, or generally in our society.
Corail on the other hand as a character is really moody and restless, continuously in conflict with herself and she pushes the other to the limit as defense mechanism.
She is like volcano close to eruption with lava and passion burning in her veins, bright and passionate.
I didn't like Corails as much as a character on her own but I grew to like the relationship with Jalob.
Jalob is the anchor to stop Corail from drifting away from herself.
The main problem in the first half of the book is how Corail's attitude, so passionate and fiery, sounds aggressive and sometimes even annoying.
In the story the war is a background event, is not so central and there are not many details about it, as if not at its consequences.
The end was really satisfying and I wish the structure of the book would be different to not lose the rhythm.I felt often that the pieces of this story are forced together.
This story is a good reminder that it's worth rowing against the perilous streams you meet in life if it means to give yourself a second chance to be your true self.
I would suggest it to sea lovers and fans of the "opposites attract each other".
I’m curious to read the other books in the series and get melancholic thinking of the sea.
Enjoy!
“Wait for me,
I,
Volcano
A-Lone
Will reach your island”
The plot: Jalob is a young woman from an Island called Skarle, who was forced to move away as a child by the eruption of the Island volcano with her father, leaving everything behind.
Moving to the mainland it's hard, she is different in every way from all the rest of the kids, she looks and sounds different.
Jalob aches missing her native sea, with the dolphins swimming free in the ocean, cradling herself in the comfort of old lores and tales of the past.
“A Skarle born of the sea and volcanoes, created from passion and natural forces.I’m a woman with hands the size of dinner plates and shoulders like mountains.I’ll never stop trying, and when it’s the end, the Skarle in me will still keep going.”
Her big heart and willingness to help people made her choose to study at the Medic school.
Finished with her studies she decides to volunteer travelling to another island, to support the local medics camp close to the war zone.
Jalob has to leave again her safe bubble, to help others that like her lost their island looking for refuge and found hate, prejudice and violence in their new land.
In the new perilous life as Medic Jalob makes friends with her Medic colleague Susan, a brave, strong older woman who teaches Jalob the ways around the misery and injustices of war.
Not long after her arrival Jalob collides at a concert with Corail, the local violinist.
Coralin storms in her life changing everything and awakening old legends in Jalob's heart.
Corail is from a sister island of Jalob’s Skarle called Ansars,
Legends says Skarle and Ansars folks are made from the Volcano itself and destined to each other, opposite to complement each other.
Will the legends tell the truth and Jalob and Corail have a happy ending so far from the sea and the Volcano that burns still in their passionate hearts?
My review :
"I, Volcano" is a story that erupts violently, with love for the sea and the fight to preserve identities.
The beginning of the book is abrupt, it starts with events almost at the end of the story and made me really confused and unsettled by its irruence..
It was surely brave from the author but I think personally some readers might be put off from this harsh start.
I can reassure you that the rest of the book is not so harsh and alternates light tones to more intense, emotional and dramatic moments.
I giggled a few times while reading, there is a lot of poetry and softness in this book, and a contagious feeling of love for the sea permeating from the book.
Jalob's growth throughout the book made me emotional and proud like a parent.
It was almost like seeing my personal growth during the years.
How many times I, myself felt in the wrong place, and how much I still don’t fit around far from home, or generally in our society.
Corail on the other hand as a character is really moody and restless, continuously in conflict with herself and she pushes the other to the limit as defense mechanism.
She is like volcano close to eruption with lava and passion burning in her veins, bright and passionate.
I didn't like Corails as much as a character on her own but I grew to like the relationship with Jalob.
Jalob is the anchor to stop Corail from drifting away from herself.
The main problem in the first half of the book is how Corail's attitude, so passionate and fiery, sounds aggressive and sometimes even annoying.
In the story the war is a background event, is not so central and there are not many details about it, as if not at its consequences.
The end was really satisfying and I wish the structure of the book would be different to not lose the rhythm.I felt often that the pieces of this story are forced together.
This story is a good reminder that it's worth rowing against the perilous streams you meet in life if it means to give yourself a second chance to be your true self.
I would suggest it to sea lovers and fans of the "opposites attract each other".
I’m curious to read the other books in the series and get melancholic thinking of the sea.
Enjoy!
May 8, 2022
This in one of the most engaging stories I've read. The characters are well developed and they are easy to connect with. The 8ssues they were dealing with are real issues that sometimes we all identify with. I loved it.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 14, 2022
Can there be love or hope in a war zone? The setting for this is a hospital in the war zone. The novel is both bleak and hopeful. There’s despair but moments of camaraderie and love. Jalob is a Skarle from an island that was destroyed by a volcano and now lives elsewhere with her father. She volunteered to work at a hospital in the war zone to help victims. Corail is an Ansar refugee. Ansars are the ones the soldiers in this desolate place are fighting against.
As the war worsens, and the refugees become even more despised, the two women and a second medic, Susan, form an alliance. The hopeful and lovely part of this is how Jalob’s folklore of their common ancestors provides them all with hope and self-respect. It’s not easy, of course. Jalob and Corail fall in love, but the relationship is one step forward and two steps back because of the situations both are in. The last part of the book before the epilog is one of determination and perseverance against all odds.
I stepped away from this a few times, but every time I came back to it, I asked myself why I had, because the writing immediately pulled me in again. Its immediacy brings home the way our world is right now, but offers a glimmer of hope.
As the war worsens, and the refugees become even more despised, the two women and a second medic, Susan, form an alliance. The hopeful and lovely part of this is how Jalob’s folklore of their common ancestors provides them all with hope and self-respect. It’s not easy, of course. Jalob and Corail fall in love, but the relationship is one step forward and two steps back because of the situations both are in. The last part of the book before the epilog is one of determination and perseverance against all odds.
I stepped away from this a few times, but every time I came back to it, I asked myself why I had, because the writing immediately pulled me in again. Its immediacy brings home the way our world is right now, but offers a glimmer of hope.
November 6, 2021
A Joyfully Jay review.
3 stars
This book feels very much as if it takes place in the 1940s during World War II, for all that it takes place in an alternate world. The level of technology, the constant threats of war and violence, the mentions of the Mainland and the Great Island and the channel of water between them help to further flesh out the image in my head, but the book itself does very little to inspire its own flavor. This story is Eule Grey’s debut book and … it kind of shows. There are two stories being told in this book, unbalanced and so disparate that it’s hard to get a feel for either of them, and it’s rather sad because there is honest talent in the writing.
Read Elizabeth’s review in its entirety here.
3 stars
This book feels very much as if it takes place in the 1940s during World War II, for all that it takes place in an alternate world. The level of technology, the constant threats of war and violence, the mentions of the Mainland and the Great Island and the channel of water between them help to further flesh out the image in my head, but the book itself does very little to inspire its own flavor. This story is Eule Grey’s debut book and … it kind of shows. There are two stories being told in this book, unbalanced and so disparate that it’s hard to get a feel for either of them, and it’s rather sad because there is honest talent in the writing.
Read Elizabeth’s review in its entirety here.
August 26, 2022
I, Volcano
Eule Grey
Once again, Eule has left me speechless. Her writing is superb and has so much meaning. The well crafted storytelling mixed with real life issues, is done in such a way that makes you really think. But! You are entertained as well. Eule writes with such heart that it radiates from each and every page. Do yourself a favor, pick up I, Volcano. Definitely 5 stars! While you’re at it check out A Pinky Promise and The Flying Mermaid. You will not be disappointed. I want to Thank Eule for sending me this book. I have had it for awhile, but I didn’t forget. I have loved every book she has been so kind to send me. Check this out! Also go check out her Instagram! She definitely deserves way more love over there! I tagged her!
Eule Grey
Once again, Eule has left me speechless. Her writing is superb and has so much meaning. The well crafted storytelling mixed with real life issues, is done in such a way that makes you really think. But! You are entertained as well. Eule writes with such heart that it radiates from each and every page. Do yourself a favor, pick up I, Volcano. Definitely 5 stars! While you’re at it check out A Pinky Promise and The Flying Mermaid. You will not be disappointed. I want to Thank Eule for sending me this book. I have had it for awhile, but I didn’t forget. I have loved every book she has been so kind to send me. Check this out! Also go check out her Instagram! She definitely deserves way more love over there! I tagged her!
November 21, 2021
I, Volcano is a dystopian novel set in an oppressed island nation. Jalob Baleine is a medic who was forced to evacuate from Skarle, her home nation when she was 10. She meets Corail Esplash, a brash violinist from Ansar, and sparks fly.
I was really torn when reading this book. There were parts that I really enjoyed, like Jalob’s character. The responsibility Jalob felt to save others, her struggle to articulate her feelings, and her longing for home endeared her to readers.
I also liked the contrast between Jalob and Corail. From their personalities to their physical statures, the two women were opposites in every way.
As much as I enjoyed the opposites attract theme, there were times when I felt like I was muddling through the story. In my opinion, the story would have been stronger with a bit more curation.
The book includes a teaser for a sequel, and I would give it a try. I’m betting Grey’s writing gets even stronger with the second installment in the series.
Thank you to the author for providing a free review copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily and it reflects my honest opinion. For more reviews, visit www.bookpicksandpics.com.
I was really torn when reading this book. There were parts that I really enjoyed, like Jalob’s character. The responsibility Jalob felt to save others, her struggle to articulate her feelings, and her longing for home endeared her to readers.
I also liked the contrast between Jalob and Corail. From their personalities to their physical statures, the two women were opposites in every way.
As much as I enjoyed the opposites attract theme, there were times when I felt like I was muddling through the story. In my opinion, the story would have been stronger with a bit more curation.
The book includes a teaser for a sequel, and I would give it a try. I’m betting Grey’s writing gets even stronger with the second installment in the series.
Thank you to the author for providing a free review copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily and it reflects my honest opinion. For more reviews, visit www.bookpicksandpics.com.
December 6, 2021
I, Volcano had such potential, the premise sounded intriguing and I loved the cover. However, the book itself left me with incredibly mixed feelings. To some degree, it felt almost as though the book itself was torn between telling two disparate stories, and didn't really find a balance within itself. I also found the romance itself to be almost aggressive in how it was presented, particularly as I had struggled to really connect with either character - although Jalob certainly had more of an impact on me. There just wasn't enough to sell me on this one unfortunately.
August 31, 2021
I wasn't a huge fan of this book. This is a debut novel and it was very interesting what the author decided to write. The romance was way to aggressive and not my cup of tea. I know there will be a second book but I am not sure if I would be willing to read it.
November 10, 2021
I had a really difficult time reading I, Volcano. I couldn't connect with either of the main characters and found myself pushing myself to read the next page.
September 29, 2021
Thank you for the ARC read, I voluntarily give this book an honest review. Wow reading Jalob and Corail world hits so closely to any media in our world. War is everywhere! It does shine a bright light on alot of issues, Whether its infighting or others invading. Unless its in your face no one wants to pay attention to the cause and effect of the outcome. Jalob is learning these lessons the hard way, how a young person feels the call to do better in, to try to make a difference really! To think was everyone right that Jalob was to weak-willed to be in the front of the action? Surviving on Ansars to just have another day with her beautiful violinist, can a blessing come from the darkness around? Love is a beautiful thing if it can survive.
February 12, 2023
It wasn't what I expected, but that's not a bad thing. Actually, I like it when a book manages to surprise me. The writing style was quite different. At first it seemed a little awkward, but after a while it really sucked me in. I liked the emphasis on cultural heritage and pride, but the repetition of it got a little annoying. The best part of the book for me was the resilience and stubborn hope of Jalob in a horrible, terrifying situation. Now I'm curious about the sequel.
February 23, 2023
I loved the premise of the book, but the execution was only decent. I found myself trying not to skim the pages just to get to the point. For a wartime dystopian novel, there was a lot of hurry-up and wait. The relationship between the two MCs was cute, but I didn't really find myself rooting for them. I didn't emotionally connect with either character.
Overall, it wasn't a bad book, just a meh one.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Overall, it wasn't a bad book, just a meh one.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 26, 2021
It could be anywhere. It's a book about the present times, even though it's an imaginary place. A giant book that sweeped me away. I read the first page and couldn't stop to the last page. What an ending! i need more like this
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