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Mosaic Chronicles #1
Discern
Coming soon from Author Andrea Pearson...
202 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 25, 2014
424 people are currently reading
1802 people want to read
About the author
Andrea Pearson
99 books334 followersAndrea, a Brigham Young University graduate, is an avid reader and outdoor enthusiast (hiking, fishing, boating, biking, spending time in the Rocky Mountains, and taking walks). She spent a year and a half serving the Spanish speaking community in Toronto, Canada, and fluently speaks 2 ½ languages. She plays several instruments, not including the banjo, and loves putting together musical arrangements. Her favorite sports are basketball and football, though several knee surgeries and incurably awful coordination prevent her from playing them.
Andrea is always in the mood for a good movie with close friends and family (especially her husband and mom), with a large glass of milk and a bowl of overly buttered popcorn nearby. She also enjoys oil painting, making earrings, squeezing every bit of oxygen out of Ziploc bags, and she hopes to someday travel to Italy and Alaska.
Andrea is always in the mood for a good movie with close friends and family (especially her husband and mom), with a large glass of milk and a bowl of overly buttered popcorn nearby. She also enjoys oil painting, making earrings, squeezing every bit of oxygen out of Ziploc bags, and she hopes to someday travel to Italy and Alaska.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 283 reviews
July 14, 2015
I wasn't super impressed with Discern. It had an interesting set up, and I really enjoy books with magic in our world. I love elemental magic. But I don't love novels that are essentially one long prequel to the rest of the series. It was all a set up for the other three books, and even as a prequel it didn't explain enough. The way the storyline was presented had me constantly asking questions, not because I was intrigued and wanted to know more, but because I was extremely lost. Maybe I misunderstood the world building, or missed a huge chunk in the beginning.
My biggest problem was with the characters. I never found the main character, Nicole, relatable. She was just there. I didn't hate her, but I didn't like her either. Her friend, Lizzie, could have been awesome, but she was hardly ever in the book and I never found out why she was important. Austin made me want to vomit. His "tall, dark, and handsome" mysterious character was far too over the top for me. I found myself hating him rather than intrigued by him the way Nicole was. He was a trope character, and every scene with him read like a romance novel. We never found out if he actually had any substance to his character. He was handsome and powerful, and that was about it. I'm not a huge romance fan, so he ruined the book for me.
Some people may really enjoy this book, but I was not one of them. It certainly has potential, and some others really enjoyed it. But when the book reads more like a romance than a fantasy, the book's not for me.
My biggest problem was with the characters. I never found the main character, Nicole, relatable. She was just there. I didn't hate her, but I didn't like her either. Her friend, Lizzie, could have been awesome, but she was hardly ever in the book and I never found out why she was important. Austin made me want to vomit. His "tall, dark, and handsome" mysterious character was far too over the top for me. I found myself hating him rather than intrigued by him the way Nicole was. He was a trope character, and every scene with him read like a romance novel. We never found out if he actually had any substance to his character. He was handsome and powerful, and that was about it. I'm not a huge romance fan, so he ruined the book for me.
Some people may really enjoy this book, but I was not one of them. It certainly has potential, and some others really enjoyed it. But when the book reads more like a romance than a fantasy, the book's not for me.
August 6, 2014
I read this book after all the beta readers, right before it was sent to the editor. I really enjoyed it. It moved along quickly and held my interest the entire time, which doesn't happen for me with a lot of YA novels set in a mostly contemporary world (mostly because I didn't much like high school, I don't want to read about it).
Discern takes place at a university. I really liked that the author has a connection to her Key of Kilenya series, though this book definitely is for an older audience. There's romance, hot guys, good friends, lots of danger . . . and magic!
I like how the character has to work to be able to use her magic, and that there were definite rules and consequences that apply. I'm looking forward to reading more in the series to see how the characters grow in power and interact with each other. There is violence and kissing I would recommend to anyone 14+ who love YA adventure mixed with romance.
Discern takes place at a university. I really liked that the author has a connection to her Key of Kilenya series, though this book definitely is for an older audience. There's romance, hot guys, good friends, lots of danger . . . and magic!
I like how the character has to work to be able to use her magic, and that there were definite rules and consequences that apply. I'm looking forward to reading more in the series to see how the characters grow in power and interact with each other. There is violence and kissing I would recommend to anyone 14+ who love YA adventure mixed with romance.
December 29, 2025
Nicole Williams is an Arete, a fourth child with magical abilities. She hasn’t come into her own, yet, but when she is put to the test, I have a feeling she will rise to the occasion. Some of it was predictable, but that’s okay. It’s pretty hard to write something totally new in this day and age. I was riveted to the pages and the characters came to life through Andrea Pearson’s words. The world she created was fascinating and richly developed, and I was lost in it.
I picked up Discern by Andrea Pearson a long time ago, on a free day, 6.3.16 to be exact.
See more at http://www.fundinmental.com
I picked up Discern by Andrea Pearson a long time ago, on a free day, 6.3.16 to be exact.
See more at http://www.fundinmental.com
November 2, 2014
*I received a free eBook copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.*
Discern is about a girl, Nicole Williams, who is an Arete. An Arete is a fourth child with magical powers. They can control the elements based on their hair colour. But despite her efforts, she can’t channel her power. Nicole then goes on an expedition, organised by Katon University, and wants to prove to everyone that she belongs with them.
I give this book four stars. I really, really liked it. It got me hooked from the first page and I read this book in one sitting. This book was fun and easy to read. It was fast-paced and had me interested the whole time. There was action and adventure. The story was well-written and the characters were likeable. Nicole, the main character, was brave and wanted to learn more about her powers. Lizzie, Nicole’s best friend was a very good friend and supported Nicole all the time. Austin, Nicole’s love interest was incredibly cute. There was a lot of mystery in this book. The world was fascinating. It has magic, possessed books, spiders, shadows, enchanted shadows, musical instruments, etc. in it. Somehow it reminded me of Harry Potter.
I enjoyed reading this book. It was unique and wonderful.
Discern is about a girl, Nicole Williams, who is an Arete. An Arete is a fourth child with magical powers. They can control the elements based on their hair colour. But despite her efforts, she can’t channel her power. Nicole then goes on an expedition, organised by Katon University, and wants to prove to everyone that she belongs with them.
I give this book four stars. I really, really liked it. It got me hooked from the first page and I read this book in one sitting. This book was fun and easy to read. It was fast-paced and had me interested the whole time. There was action and adventure. The story was well-written and the characters were likeable. Nicole, the main character, was brave and wanted to learn more about her powers. Lizzie, Nicole’s best friend was a very good friend and supported Nicole all the time. Austin, Nicole’s love interest was incredibly cute. There was a lot of mystery in this book. The world was fascinating. It has magic, possessed books, spiders, shadows, enchanted shadows, musical instruments, etc. in it. Somehow it reminded me of Harry Potter.
I enjoyed reading this book. It was unique and wonderful.
December 18, 2016
Discern (Katon University #1) by Andrea Pearson is an exciting and unique fantasy novel for young adults, although I am 60 and loved it too! It is full of strange creatures, suspense, magic, hint of romance, mystery, action, and lots of smaller mysteries in the bigger mysteries. The plot is exciting and action-packed and never dull. There are plenty of twist and turns that keep you guessing. The fantasy is fresh and different. Love that alone! So many mysteries left undone so I am off to read book 2! The characters are developed and unique. Wonderful job! Enjoyed it tremendously!
October 23, 2015
Caught me right from the opening sentence. It was different and intriguing. I had to look at the cover again, to make sure I was reading the right book. It honestly looked boring, and I didn't feel it reflected the book, until half way through. I loved the book, it really was different. I did not particularly care for the spiders. Just saying.
September 25, 2014
This was a fun urban fantasy. I really appreciated that it was an entirely new take on a magical world. The MC is likable, the guy is mysterious, and the best friend is quirky and fun.
May 10, 2024
While this book introduced us to a somewhat interesting world, the characterisation sucked and the writing left much to be desired. I found much of the dialogue and Nicole’s inner thought to be quite cringey, she didn’t feel like an actual person. Also, magic in this world felt quite serious so please someone explain to me why the silly rule of “your hair colour matches your main magical element” existed? I’m sorry but it felt so ridiculous.
Although I am mildly curious, I shan’t be carrying on with this series.
Although I am mildly curious, I shan’t be carrying on with this series.
November 21, 2014
This was a really confusing book. On the one hand I had a couple of major problems with it. Nicole is kind of whiney, gets caught up in dumb drama, and is really judgmental. Her and Lizzie's conversations, cooing over the hot boys made me roll my eyes and were pretty irritating. The romance between her and Austin was really annoying, am I the only person tired of the "He hates her, look he's kissing her and they're in loooooove!" Twilight-esque relationships? The back story was not explained real well: what exactly are the Aretes and what is their relation to humanity? The writing also made me cringe some times. It was too fast, didn't build up scenes too well, and the character's conversations were not realistic at all times.
This is the part where you are probably wondering why on earth I gave it five stars with all these problems. Well....despite all these annoying flaws this book STILL managed to suck me in. I could not put it down. I have not come across a book in quite awhile that had me staying up late, trying to finish it so I could go to sleep. It had me on the edge of my seat (or bed, actually), speeding through my Kindle, my heart pounding. Generally for me, after the five star rating comes the "favorite" rating. I have technically knocked one 'star' off for those annoyances because this book will not be added to my favorites list.
So do I recommend this book? Well it is definitely not an example of great literature and has some pretty annoying flaws. But it has an intriguing story line and if you're the kind of person who can kind of skim the flaws and doesn't get bogged down in them then I think you will really, really enjoy this book. So yes, I do recommend this book for certain people.
Note: I received a free copy in exchange for my honest review.
This is the part where you are probably wondering why on earth I gave it five stars with all these problems. Well....despite all these annoying flaws this book STILL managed to suck me in. I could not put it down. I have not come across a book in quite awhile that had me staying up late, trying to finish it so I could go to sleep. It had me on the edge of my seat (or bed, actually), speeding through my Kindle, my heart pounding. Generally for me, after the five star rating comes the "favorite" rating. I have technically knocked one 'star' off for those annoyances because this book will not be added to my favorites list.
So do I recommend this book? Well it is definitely not an example of great literature and has some pretty annoying flaws. But it has an intriguing story line and if you're the kind of person who can kind of skim the flaws and doesn't get bogged down in them then I think you will really, really enjoy this book. So yes, I do recommend this book for certain people.
Note: I received a free copy in exchange for my honest review.
February 4, 2016
Nicole Williams is an Arete--the fourth child born in a family. All fourth children have magical abilities and they can be either wind, fire, earth, or water. Nicole is a wind Arete and she can't seem to channel her magic. She feels like she is the only one that can't.
She and her best friend Lizzie are at Katon University, going to school. Lizzie is good at her magic. And then there is Austin, a rare Arete who doesn't have to channel his magic. Nicole wants to go to Arches National Park on an archeological trip with Austin and other students. But she has to pass tests and one is to show that she has her power. She does make the trip to Arches. There they find power and something else. Something that makes them all afraid. Will Nicole learn to control her powers? Will she find out how and what item to use to channel it? Will she and her friends have to use their power to keep the evil back and make it out alive?
This is a fantastic story--no foul language and a little bit of romance, just enough to tease you--you know it's there. the characters are well thought out and there is very little angst--I'm glad the characters are a bit more adult and not spoiled teens. I can't wait to get to the next book and find out more about Nicole and Austin.
I got this book by the recommendation of the author, and I'm glad I got to read such a well-written story.
She and her best friend Lizzie are at Katon University, going to school. Lizzie is good at her magic. And then there is Austin, a rare Arete who doesn't have to channel his magic. Nicole wants to go to Arches National Park on an archeological trip with Austin and other students. But she has to pass tests and one is to show that she has her power. She does make the trip to Arches. There they find power and something else. Something that makes them all afraid. Will Nicole learn to control her powers? Will she find out how and what item to use to channel it? Will she and her friends have to use their power to keep the evil back and make it out alive?
This is a fantastic story--no foul language and a little bit of romance, just enough to tease you--you know it's there. the characters are well thought out and there is very little angst--I'm glad the characters are a bit more adult and not spoiled teens. I can't wait to get to the next book and find out more about Nicole and Austin.
I got this book by the recommendation of the author, and I'm glad I got to read such a well-written story.
January 25, 2018
Nicole is settling in her freshman year of college at Katon University. Despite an exemplary high school life, she's nervous: this is a university for Aretes, those with magic, and although she's supposedly capable, she hasn't yet been able to call any magic. But college life throws even more surprises than she expected. Her dorm room is haunted by spiders. A magical book is determined to follow her around. And an expedition is coming up which offers both opportunity and danger . . .
This wasn't terrible, but it has a lot of really bizarre logic near the end to make the plot work that backfired for me.
The characters were generally good. Nicole comes from a very wealthy background, but her attempts to remain independent of her controlling parents means she's trying to get through things without them. I actually wish this had gotten a little more focus, particularly when she has to deal with her mom directly. I didn't see the emotional upheaval I expected (having seen this play out in real life) from having to confront someone who's trying her hardest to undercut Nicole's independence. Because despite how much she might hate her family, that's still a lot of baggage to overcome, and could have provided a bit more depth to the plot.
On the other hand, her struggles with finding out how to release her own power were well-drawn. Only fourth children have magic in this universe (I guess seven was stretching credibility), and although the world appears to be exactly like ours the magic is well known and generally accepted. I do wish the small hints about its origin had gotten a bit more explanation. Magic on the whole appears to be a hard career, as users are limited both by ability and by how much they train and study. Nichole has the studying side down, because that's the only variable she feels she can control.
I don't care for romances in general, so I skimmed the parts where Nicole is noticing the hot prodigy who refuses to talk to her. That plays out pretty much how you might expect, from the initial frustration to the growing attraction to admitting that they actually are interested. I would have preferred more of getting to know him instead of mostly being shown he's hot and super powerful, but at least there were a few scenes that dug in, and since this is a series I expect he'll have time to develop. I did find it odd when he revealed the big secret that it was so brutal, and he was so calm talking about it. It doesn't really seem like he's over it, and either way he should've had a bigger reaction to some of what they found at the excavation because of it.
Now for the bizarre logic. Everything up through the start of the expedition made at least plausible sense. Then we get to the "remote" expedition that's still close enough to a town for one member to spend the night in a hotel and the days on site. So the problem is, when people start finding bodies brutally murdered, WHY IS EVERYONE DETERMINED TO STAY IN TENTS ON SITE? Tents. TENTS. And then things escalate and they're STILL staying in tents and wringing their hands about the tragedy.
This is the point, by the way, that I've long since stopped being nervous about anyone and am instead laughing as each new gruesome discovery is unearthed. The police are notified about the dead body, but it isn't being treated as a crime scene at all (no one is telling the group to evacuate until way too late). There's a scene at the end where Nicole is expecting the authorities to arrive with backup, but she and very few others decide it's a better idea to go after the murderers by themselves, down tunnels that the enemy knows far better than they do . . .
I actually might keep reading this series purely for the comedy value. Which is sad because the story was going for a horror vibe and ended up feeling like a campy horror B movie instead. The small details worked a lot better when it was just ordinary college life stuff, and not an archeology expedition that by the way has terrible, terrible practices (just pick up any ancient magical artifacts and bring them to us for evaluation! No need to worry about possibly live curses or keeping the site documented for actual archeologists!).
Overall this was a decent effort, but would have been better served if the expedition had either never taken place or had been completely overhauled. I rate this book Neutral.
See my reviews and more at https://offtheshelfreviews.wordpress....
This wasn't terrible, but it has a lot of really bizarre logic near the end to make the plot work that backfired for me.
The characters were generally good. Nicole comes from a very wealthy background, but her attempts to remain independent of her controlling parents means she's trying to get through things without them. I actually wish this had gotten a little more focus, particularly when she has to deal with her mom directly. I didn't see the emotional upheaval I expected (having seen this play out in real life) from having to confront someone who's trying her hardest to undercut Nicole's independence. Because despite how much she might hate her family, that's still a lot of baggage to overcome, and could have provided a bit more depth to the plot.
On the other hand, her struggles with finding out how to release her own power were well-drawn. Only fourth children have magic in this universe (I guess seven was stretching credibility), and although the world appears to be exactly like ours the magic is well known and generally accepted. I do wish the small hints about its origin had gotten a bit more explanation. Magic on the whole appears to be a hard career, as users are limited both by ability and by how much they train and study. Nichole has the studying side down, because that's the only variable she feels she can control.
I don't care for romances in general, so I skimmed the parts where Nicole is noticing the hot prodigy who refuses to talk to her. That plays out pretty much how you might expect, from the initial frustration to the growing attraction to admitting that they actually are interested. I would have preferred more of getting to know him instead of mostly being shown he's hot and super powerful, but at least there were a few scenes that dug in, and since this is a series I expect he'll have time to develop. I did find it odd when he revealed the big secret that it was so brutal, and he was so calm talking about it. It doesn't really seem like he's over it, and either way he should've had a bigger reaction to some of what they found at the excavation because of it.
Now for the bizarre logic. Everything up through the start of the expedition made at least plausible sense. Then we get to the "remote" expedition that's still close enough to a town for one member to spend the night in a hotel and the days on site. So the problem is, when people start finding bodies brutally murdered, WHY IS EVERYONE DETERMINED TO STAY IN TENTS ON SITE? Tents. TENTS. And then things escalate and they're STILL staying in tents and wringing their hands about the tragedy.
This is the point, by the way, that I've long since stopped being nervous about anyone and am instead laughing as each new gruesome discovery is unearthed. The police are notified about the dead body, but it isn't being treated as a crime scene at all (no one is telling the group to evacuate until way too late). There's a scene at the end where Nicole is expecting the authorities to arrive with backup, but she and very few others decide it's a better idea to go after the murderers by themselves, down tunnels that the enemy knows far better than they do . . .
I actually might keep reading this series purely for the comedy value. Which is sad because the story was going for a horror vibe and ended up feeling like a campy horror B movie instead. The small details worked a lot better when it was just ordinary college life stuff, and not an archeology expedition that by the way has terrible, terrible practices (just pick up any ancient magical artifacts and bring them to us for evaluation! No need to worry about possibly live curses or keeping the site documented for actual archeologists!).
Overall this was a decent effort, but would have been better served if the expedition had either never taken place or had been completely overhauled. I rate this book Neutral.
See my reviews and more at https://offtheshelfreviews.wordpress....
February 26, 2018
Andrea Pearson had brought a fresh, new young adult paranormal fantasy series to the reading table with DISCERN! In a world where only the fourth-born child has magic, Nicole finds herself somehow unable to bring her magic forward, no matter how hard she tries. Is she a late bloomer? Are her powers stunted?
Now away at a special university for magic wielders, she hopes to find a way to unlock her talents or be the only girl at school who fails. When the opportunity arises to go on a mysterious and dangerous expedition, she is one of the few selected, but what happens becomes more than merely an adventure, it becomes a deadly find she may not survive.
Unanswered questions, strained relationships unexplained, there is the potential for much more to come and so many questions to be answered! Ms. Pearson has created characters that range from quirky to terrifying, and has given Nicole a love interest that borders on really aggravating, but, maybe we will learn why in later books?
Series: Mosaic Chronicles - Book 1
Publication Date: August 25, 2014
Publisher: Andrea Pearson
Genre: YA Fantasy
Print Length: 257 pages
Available from: Amazon
For Reviews & More: http://tometender.blogspot.com
Now away at a special university for magic wielders, she hopes to find a way to unlock her talents or be the only girl at school who fails. When the opportunity arises to go on a mysterious and dangerous expedition, she is one of the few selected, but what happens becomes more than merely an adventure, it becomes a deadly find she may not survive.
Unanswered questions, strained relationships unexplained, there is the potential for much more to come and so many questions to be answered! Ms. Pearson has created characters that range from quirky to terrifying, and has given Nicole a love interest that borders on really aggravating, but, maybe we will learn why in later books?
Series: Mosaic Chronicles - Book 1
Publication Date: August 25, 2014
Publisher: Andrea Pearson
Genre: YA Fantasy
Print Length: 257 pages
Available from: Amazon
For Reviews & More: http://tometender.blogspot.com
Want to read
January 19, 2019Boxed set Mosaic Chronicles 1-4 Free had to enter individually so review one at a time....
November 17, 2014
Discern is a YA/Mystery/Suspense/Horror Story that I found both intriguing, mysterious, with lots of details which made for a really satisfying way to spend a couple of long evenings. There were a couple of slow spots but on the most part it was fast paced.
Part of the story is set on Katon University one of a few in the United States where magic is taught and only magic Aretes(Ah reet tay) can attend. The rest of it takes place in The Arches in the Moab Desert.
Discern is the story of Nicole, and her best friend, Lizzie a fire Arete, both Freshmen.. from Dallas, Texas Nicole wants to learn magic but she has yet to be able to channel anything and does not even have a focus yet! She only has a short period where she can find her focus and show she has magic or face the horror of being expelled from Katon University.
Why couldn't Lizzie have found a better apartment theirs is infested with spiders? Weren't there any other apartments available on campus and the surrounding area? Apparently not so they got the home made 'bug' hair spray and it seemed to do the job, at least for awhile... for some reason the spiders seem to be attracted to Nicole!
Everywhere that Nicole goes people stare but no one will tell her why.. for the first few days on campus, then someone tells her it looks like her magic is overpowering her especially because she cannot channel. Classes go well until Professor Colebidge's where they have to pick something magical out of a pile most of it looks just like junk to Nicole plastic straws, wads of gum, used tissues, old toy cars.. what's she going to do she cannot feel magic, so she reaches to the bottom of the pile and pulls out a hundreds of year old leather book that calls her name and seems to want something from her. Professor Colebidge is intrigued that the book has shown it's self to Nicole as he has had many years and he has not been able to do anything with it and how did it get in the pile? when it was locked in Colebidge's office!
A different class where students either show their focus or find it, all but a few Nicole included who do not! Nicole is sent to Colebidge's Wind class to find her focus.. surely a fourth child of an Arete family has magic, she does not want to lose her place here and become a disgrace and laughing stock to her family and others.
Lizzie wants her to go out to a party at Austin's apartment but Nicole does not want to go because of Austin, he always glares at her. Lizzie goes while she does some reading homework but she decides to go as it is boring, on her way across the campus to Austin's she feels like something is there following here... so she runs there. While getting a drink of water in the kitchen she meets Austin making cookies he shows Lizzie how to make a better fire. Then the lights go out and lightening crashes and the door to the apartment slams open like a big wind opened it and there is the leather book right next to Nicole, she believes it is Evil and wants it back locked up with Professor Colebidge in his office.
The professor has found Nicole,s focus her Cello she's disappointed, why couldn't it have been something fabulous? not her old Cello. She's still got to show she has magic and time is getting short! Colebidge is mounting an expedition to The Arches, in the Moab Desert and she wants to go, but she needs to prove that she is vital to the trip!
Why has her mother suddenly shown up on a Sunday afternoon? What does she want? Why the sudden interest in what she is reading? And the interest with the tree and the vines outside Nicole's apartment? Why is the book stalking her? Why does her mother want her dead?
I am afraid you will have to read Discern to find out!!
An extremely fascinating read a combination of mystery and suspense, horror and love story. Nicole an Arete who cannot channel her own magic is entering Katon University one of five such places where they study magic! Will Nicole find her focus and be able to channel her gift? If she has one?
Discern is a very detailed book with lots of things happening, unique story that ended with more mysteries and questions? but it is thoroughly enjoyable and I will be reading hot of the presses when it comers out next year, 2015.
A really great book Andrea I look forward to reading the next adventure with Austin and Nicole!!
Part of the story is set on Katon University one of a few in the United States where magic is taught and only magic Aretes(Ah reet tay) can attend. The rest of it takes place in The Arches in the Moab Desert.
Discern is the story of Nicole, and her best friend, Lizzie a fire Arete, both Freshmen.. from Dallas, Texas Nicole wants to learn magic but she has yet to be able to channel anything and does not even have a focus yet! She only has a short period where she can find her focus and show she has magic or face the horror of being expelled from Katon University.
Why couldn't Lizzie have found a better apartment theirs is infested with spiders? Weren't there any other apartments available on campus and the surrounding area? Apparently not so they got the home made 'bug' hair spray and it seemed to do the job, at least for awhile... for some reason the spiders seem to be attracted to Nicole!
Everywhere that Nicole goes people stare but no one will tell her why.. for the first few days on campus, then someone tells her it looks like her magic is overpowering her especially because she cannot channel. Classes go well until Professor Colebidge's where they have to pick something magical out of a pile most of it looks just like junk to Nicole plastic straws, wads of gum, used tissues, old toy cars.. what's she going to do she cannot feel magic, so she reaches to the bottom of the pile and pulls out a hundreds of year old leather book that calls her name and seems to want something from her. Professor Colebidge is intrigued that the book has shown it's self to Nicole as he has had many years and he has not been able to do anything with it and how did it get in the pile? when it was locked in Colebidge's office!
A different class where students either show their focus or find it, all but a few Nicole included who do not! Nicole is sent to Colebidge's Wind class to find her focus.. surely a fourth child of an Arete family has magic, she does not want to lose her place here and become a disgrace and laughing stock to her family and others.
Lizzie wants her to go out to a party at Austin's apartment but Nicole does not want to go because of Austin, he always glares at her. Lizzie goes while she does some reading homework but she decides to go as it is boring, on her way across the campus to Austin's she feels like something is there following here... so she runs there. While getting a drink of water in the kitchen she meets Austin making cookies he shows Lizzie how to make a better fire. Then the lights go out and lightening crashes and the door to the apartment slams open like a big wind opened it and there is the leather book right next to Nicole, she believes it is Evil and wants it back locked up with Professor Colebidge in his office.
The professor has found Nicole,s focus her Cello she's disappointed, why couldn't it have been something fabulous? not her old Cello. She's still got to show she has magic and time is getting short! Colebidge is mounting an expedition to The Arches, in the Moab Desert and she wants to go, but she needs to prove that she is vital to the trip!
Why has her mother suddenly shown up on a Sunday afternoon? What does she want? Why the sudden interest in what she is reading? And the interest with the tree and the vines outside Nicole's apartment? Why is the book stalking her? Why does her mother want her dead?
I am afraid you will have to read Discern to find out!!
An extremely fascinating read a combination of mystery and suspense, horror and love story. Nicole an Arete who cannot channel her own magic is entering Katon University one of five such places where they study magic! Will Nicole find her focus and be able to channel her gift? If she has one?
Discern is a very detailed book with lots of things happening, unique story that ended with more mysteries and questions? but it is thoroughly enjoyable and I will be reading hot of the presses when it comers out next year, 2015.
A really great book Andrea I look forward to reading the next adventure with Austin and Nicole!!
October 19, 2014
If it is a book about magic then I am going to read it. Some have been good and some well not so good. Happily for me this was a good one. Ms. Pearson has a great way of introducing characters. As with real life you get to know them gradually, and I liked that. I got to discover what made these characters tick in a way that paced well, and I could care about them. Sometimes you don't get that, and something happens to them and you could care less.
Nicole is a freshman at Katon University and Arete. She is a hormonal teenager with magic issues. Poor girl can't get her magic to work quite right. I love that she isn't a prodigy and a know it all. She has real life issues. Parents, boys, and academics. She is smart but she doesn't come off as smarty pants smart. She is real world smart and a go getter. Ms Pearson did an excellent job of making this character likeable and you do just feel bad for her at times.
The world is brought together very nicely. She gives you images of the surrounding, and you can envision it perfectly. I like that it is a modern theme and magic is an everyday occurrence. People know that there is magic around them and as real world people would do they all have their opinions on it. Katon University is a magic based school. Not only do they learn magic they also learn the same academics that you would take if you went to college as a regular person. You do have the smarty pants I am better than you character and yes; she is annoying, and I ended up hating her about two sentences into her introduction. In addition to the annoying one there is the cute bubbly best friend (Lizzie) who ties allot of the story together and the mystery guy (Austin) who is obviously talented but is aloof and you are always wondering what is up with him.
As I said before the introduction of the characters is well done, and it flows all the way through the book. You learn not only about the characters this way but also how this type of magic works. Not just for each character but in general as well. Each time something of interest happens we learn just a bit more. This way worked well, and it always kept you guessing and honestly a step behind. That is not bad though because it keeps you guessing and wanting more story.
I want to learn more about Lizzie and Austin. I can't wait to see what is in store for Nicole and her magic. I wonder how powerful she is. I look forward to the next book because things were left open, and it makes you feel like things are unresolved. I recommend this for anyone who likes magic and fantasy. I think that this book would be suitable for anyone 13 and up. Maybe even younger because it is very clean, and the romance is well not there. It's implied but never goes into detail. The author does focus more on the story of Nicole and her magic.
Review orginated at http://www.shelfofimagination.com/
Nicole is a freshman at Katon University and Arete. She is a hormonal teenager with magic issues. Poor girl can't get her magic to work quite right. I love that she isn't a prodigy and a know it all. She has real life issues. Parents, boys, and academics. She is smart but she doesn't come off as smarty pants smart. She is real world smart and a go getter. Ms Pearson did an excellent job of making this character likeable and you do just feel bad for her at times.
The world is brought together very nicely. She gives you images of the surrounding, and you can envision it perfectly. I like that it is a modern theme and magic is an everyday occurrence. People know that there is magic around them and as real world people would do they all have their opinions on it. Katon University is a magic based school. Not only do they learn magic they also learn the same academics that you would take if you went to college as a regular person. You do have the smarty pants I am better than you character and yes; she is annoying, and I ended up hating her about two sentences into her introduction. In addition to the annoying one there is the cute bubbly best friend (Lizzie) who ties allot of the story together and the mystery guy (Austin) who is obviously talented but is aloof and you are always wondering what is up with him.
As I said before the introduction of the characters is well done, and it flows all the way through the book. You learn not only about the characters this way but also how this type of magic works. Not just for each character but in general as well. Each time something of interest happens we learn just a bit more. This way worked well, and it always kept you guessing and honestly a step behind. That is not bad though because it keeps you guessing and wanting more story.
I want to learn more about Lizzie and Austin. I can't wait to see what is in store for Nicole and her magic. I wonder how powerful she is. I look forward to the next book because things were left open, and it makes you feel like things are unresolved. I recommend this for anyone who likes magic and fantasy. I think that this book would be suitable for anyone 13 and up. Maybe even younger because it is very clean, and the romance is well not there. It's implied but never goes into detail. The author does focus more on the story of Nicole and her magic.
Review orginated at http://www.shelfofimagination.com/
November 14, 2014
The Story-
Nicole is an Arete, a fourth child with magical powers, unfortunately she can't figure out her focus object to release her powers. She is hoping that her studies at Katon University will reveal them. She loves her Arete classes and is very interested in the history of the Aretes. She doesn't love her apartment, which fills with spiders nightly and was the scene of several disappearances. And then there is the book that keeps following her around.
Nicole jumps at the chance to go on a research project with her professor, and the hottest guy in school, who just happens to be able to control his magic and then some. But, things are not what they seem in the caverns of Arches National Park, and very old magic is leaking into the world. If Nicole can't learn to release her magic, her entire expedition might die.
My Thoughts-
This is a well written paranormal that touches the very top ages of the YA market. It is an exciting adventure, and one of my favorites, where the main character doesn't know their own potential. Nicole is a wonderful character. She is desperately seeking to understand her Arete powers and their history, and though worried, she is strong and brave. She faces her fears and works on her problems. She finds help when necessary, and she sleeps with hundreds of spiders in her bedroom! Yikes! Those parts of the story creeped me out. The author does a great job with the visuals.
There is a slight bit of romance, which I'm sure will develop throughout the series. The plot is solid, and draws you deeply into the story. As a reader I couldn't help but wonder at why Nicole's magic was blocked, and as she discovers more, I couldn't put the book down. The villains of the story are unique monsters that really had me thinking. They hint at a deeper plot point coming down the line, and the question of the "following" book is high on the list of things I want to know. Things do get a bit gruesome, but not so bad that it will leave the reader stressed. Plus, the deaths really added to the tension and feel of the story. It makes the bad guys seem so much more wrong and scary.
I really enjoyed this one. 5 Stars!
Nicole is an Arete, a fourth child with magical powers, unfortunately she can't figure out her focus object to release her powers. She is hoping that her studies at Katon University will reveal them. She loves her Arete classes and is very interested in the history of the Aretes. She doesn't love her apartment, which fills with spiders nightly and was the scene of several disappearances. And then there is the book that keeps following her around.
Nicole jumps at the chance to go on a research project with her professor, and the hottest guy in school, who just happens to be able to control his magic and then some. But, things are not what they seem in the caverns of Arches National Park, and very old magic is leaking into the world. If Nicole can't learn to release her magic, her entire expedition might die.
My Thoughts-
This is a well written paranormal that touches the very top ages of the YA market. It is an exciting adventure, and one of my favorites, where the main character doesn't know their own potential. Nicole is a wonderful character. She is desperately seeking to understand her Arete powers and their history, and though worried, she is strong and brave. She faces her fears and works on her problems. She finds help when necessary, and she sleeps with hundreds of spiders in her bedroom! Yikes! Those parts of the story creeped me out. The author does a great job with the visuals.
There is a slight bit of romance, which I'm sure will develop throughout the series. The plot is solid, and draws you deeply into the story. As a reader I couldn't help but wonder at why Nicole's magic was blocked, and as she discovers more, I couldn't put the book down. The villains of the story are unique monsters that really had me thinking. They hint at a deeper plot point coming down the line, and the question of the "following" book is high on the list of things I want to know. Things do get a bit gruesome, but not so bad that it will leave the reader stressed. Plus, the deaths really added to the tension and feel of the story. It makes the bad guys seem so much more wrong and scary.
I really enjoyed this one. 5 Stars!
September 28, 2016
This pretty much started out similar to many YA books. Girl & BBF start university (albeit this is an "Arete" - Magical University) - think Harry Potter the College years! - Girl spots HAWT boy in class and approaches him to help her with her "magical" issues - REJECTED!!!
Just like that, this train went off the tracks - and now will never return to platform 9 3/4s!
This world is very much like our own, but every 4th child has magical abilities. These abilities normally manifest themselves around the age of 18 - it starts with something called "restart". Which is a bit like an electrical shock or jolt from a defibrillator machine - At least that's how I understood it. Magic is derived from the elements: Earth, Air, Fire & Water. Their hair color determines their element.
Nicole is a Water Arete and restarted just prior to her 18th birthday - but has yet to find a "focus" for her magic. This is an item (many are simply common items) allows the person to use magic through it. Since, she has yet to find her focus, and she's very determined to find it, she really can do no magic.
Nicole's BFF - Lizzie - is a red head 0- thus she is a fire elemental - she can start fires but not manipulate it beyond that so far.
Enter - Hunky, Brooding, Male - Austin - of course he restarted early when he was 15ish. He is a rare 4th child of 4th child parents. His potential is considered extraordinary.
Professor Coolidge, a world-renowned specialist in magical items. Tells the class about an expedition that he will be leading to Arches National Park, where magical pulsings have been sensed repeatedly by Aretes & for hundreds of years people have gone missing from there.
The world building was very unique and inventive. While the story set up for a romance, the intrigue and mystery of the events in Arches as well as on Campus we heart racing. Just when you thought the ride was over it started back up...
Truly enjoyed this story. Loved the likeable characters and plotted the demise of the not so likeable ones.
While this story did leave a lot of loose ends dangling about, it simply made me want to read the next ones.
Just like that, this train went off the tracks - and now will never return to platform 9 3/4s!
This world is very much like our own, but every 4th child has magical abilities. These abilities normally manifest themselves around the age of 18 - it starts with something called "restart". Which is a bit like an electrical shock or jolt from a defibrillator machine - At least that's how I understood it. Magic is derived from the elements: Earth, Air, Fire & Water. Their hair color determines their element.
Nicole is a Water Arete and restarted just prior to her 18th birthday - but has yet to find a "focus" for her magic. This is an item (many are simply common items) allows the person to use magic through it. Since, she has yet to find her focus, and she's very determined to find it, she really can do no magic.
Nicole's BFF - Lizzie - is a red head 0- thus she is a fire elemental - she can start fires but not manipulate it beyond that so far.
Enter - Hunky, Brooding, Male - Austin - of course he restarted early when he was 15ish. He is a rare 4th child of 4th child parents. His potential is considered extraordinary.
Professor Coolidge, a world-renowned specialist in magical items. Tells the class about an expedition that he will be leading to Arches National Park, where magical pulsings have been sensed repeatedly by Aretes & for hundreds of years people have gone missing from there.
The world building was very unique and inventive. While the story set up for a romance, the intrigue and mystery of the events in Arches as well as on Campus we heart racing. Just when you thought the ride was over it started back up...
Truly enjoyed this story. Loved the likeable characters and plotted the demise of the not so likeable ones.
While this story did leave a lot of loose ends dangling about, it simply made me want to read the next ones.
October 29, 2014
Contemporary, New Adult, Paranormal
Seattle, Washington & Moab, Utah
Nicole Williams is a fourth child with magical abilities also known as an Arete. No matter how hard she tries she just can’t Channel her power. It seems she is the only student at Katon University that is unable to do so and to fail at magic.
While she might not be able to control or Channel her power it doesn’t stop power from finding her. She is dealing with possessed books and cursed spiders. And that is only the beginning as things move quickly to magical currents and freaky shadows. Soon Nicole turns to both her best friend and a fellow student that is considered a magical rarity, Austin Young, for help. Austin also happens to be the hottest guy on campus. He also just might be interested in her.
Now Nicole is competing to be included on a university-led expedition to Arches National Park. Nicole is determined to show that she does belong even if it is mostly to herself. Though to qualify for the trip she needs to produce at least some Wind magic and so far that seems impossible.
Nicole begins to wonder if she made the right choice as the competition progresses. Especially when she learns that the fossils they are studying might not be as dead as everyone thinks they are.
This is a very different story about magic and starts the series off very well. The reader learns more about this world at the same time that Nicole does and it makes for an engaging read. The characters are well written and with some mystery woven into the story it makes for a story that is hard to put down. It will also have readers wanting to know what will happen in the rest of the series. The book ties up some loose ends while still leaving enough to lead into the next book but it is not really a cliffhanger and makes for a satisfying read.
Seattle, Washington & Moab, Utah
Nicole Williams is a fourth child with magical abilities also known as an Arete. No matter how hard she tries she just can’t Channel her power. It seems she is the only student at Katon University that is unable to do so and to fail at magic.
While she might not be able to control or Channel her power it doesn’t stop power from finding her. She is dealing with possessed books and cursed spiders. And that is only the beginning as things move quickly to magical currents and freaky shadows. Soon Nicole turns to both her best friend and a fellow student that is considered a magical rarity, Austin Young, for help. Austin also happens to be the hottest guy on campus. He also just might be interested in her.
Now Nicole is competing to be included on a university-led expedition to Arches National Park. Nicole is determined to show that she does belong even if it is mostly to herself. Though to qualify for the trip she needs to produce at least some Wind magic and so far that seems impossible.
Nicole begins to wonder if she made the right choice as the competition progresses. Especially when she learns that the fossils they are studying might not be as dead as everyone thinks they are.
This is a very different story about magic and starts the series off very well. The reader learns more about this world at the same time that Nicole does and it makes for an engaging read. The characters are well written and with some mystery woven into the story it makes for a story that is hard to put down. It will also have readers wanting to know what will happen in the rest of the series. The book ties up some loose ends while still leaving enough to lead into the next book but it is not really a cliffhanger and makes for a satisfying read.
November 13, 2014
I found this book much more mature than the author's previous series, The Key of Kilenya, which I also read and enjoyed.
Discern left me wanting more, and wanting it now. The main character, Nichole, is an intelligent, thoughtful, and kind person. I like that. I'm so tired of main characters being on the wrong side of "good" and having the author appear to glory in vanity, lies, theft, and other things from the dark side of morality. As a Christian, I am adamant that the books I read are uplifting, entertaining, thought-provoking, but also able to provide an escape from my work and other day-to-day trials and difficulties.
Discern is all of the good things I want, plus it's a very good story with well developed characters who are easy to like, or easy to not like in the case of the ones who are not good people. Yes, I know real life isn't like that. There are some very bad people who are very likeable and nice. But, as Red Riding Hood said as part of "Into the Woods", Not all nice people are good people (paraphrased, thus no quotes).
I really like that this book is set in our time, but is an alternate universe. That's refreshing, if not a bit confusing at times.
If I have a gripe, and it may show a weakness I have, it's my seeming ability to confuse the two main characters, Nicole and Lizzie. I sometimes think one is the other as I read. I don't know if that is because of the writing style, or because I'm basically senile. Or both.
But because I enjoyed this mature, honest book so much, I think my 5-star rating is well earned and well deserved.
I heartily recommend "Discern" and can't wait for the rest of the series. I hope this series has 8 or 10 books in it. I'd love to read about Nicole's children. And maybe her grandchildren, too.
Get this one and read it. If you go into it with an open, fantasy-loving mind, you won't be disappointed.
Discern left me wanting more, and wanting it now. The main character, Nichole, is an intelligent, thoughtful, and kind person. I like that. I'm so tired of main characters being on the wrong side of "good" and having the author appear to glory in vanity, lies, theft, and other things from the dark side of morality. As a Christian, I am adamant that the books I read are uplifting, entertaining, thought-provoking, but also able to provide an escape from my work and other day-to-day trials and difficulties.
Discern is all of the good things I want, plus it's a very good story with well developed characters who are easy to like, or easy to not like in the case of the ones who are not good people. Yes, I know real life isn't like that. There are some very bad people who are very likeable and nice. But, as Red Riding Hood said as part of "Into the Woods", Not all nice people are good people (paraphrased, thus no quotes).
I really like that this book is set in our time, but is an alternate universe. That's refreshing, if not a bit confusing at times.
If I have a gripe, and it may show a weakness I have, it's my seeming ability to confuse the two main characters, Nicole and Lizzie. I sometimes think one is the other as I read. I don't know if that is because of the writing style, or because I'm basically senile. Or both.
But because I enjoyed this mature, honest book so much, I think my 5-star rating is well earned and well deserved.
I heartily recommend "Discern" and can't wait for the rest of the series. I hope this series has 8 or 10 books in it. I'd love to read about Nicole's children. And maybe her grandchildren, too.
Get this one and read it. If you go into it with an open, fantasy-loving mind, you won't be disappointed.
December 4, 2014
Interesting unusual read. Nicole is a sweet hard working girl who wants to get in touch with her magic. She feels like a failure. Not knowing she is powerful and that she holds the key to some things within her, she is off on adventures. Austin is a powerful arete who seems to be angry and dismissive but in reality his powers affect him in ways no one knew they could. He likes Nicole and is also at a internal struggle because of a old girlfriend whom he doesn't want to hurt. Together Nicole and Austin with their professor fight off a species that no one thought existed anymore and learned about what is to come.
EAch person in the book faces their own struggles and demons. Some more than others. Some characters such as judi ann you will really really dislike whereas others you will love like Nicole. Austin you start out disliking but as you get to see each side of him you see a warm guy and begin to like him despite the misgivings.
This group of students go on a study where all is not as it seems and danger lurks everywhere. We see what greed can do and how it warps people and puts them in more danger (Professor Howard). We see that kindness and compassion while doing what is right helps to give you chances and saves you.
This is a adventure that the characters bring you on. A amazingly wondrous adventure where the writing is magical as is the story. We see what happens when greed takes over, when you anger something and even the beginnings of a romance.
A fantastical tale that has you excited to read on and see what is going to happen next to these characters. You root some on and boo others but never do you want the story to end. So look forward to seeing what is next as they prepare themselves for the unknown danger that lies ahead now that the extinct are now alive and well.
Received in exchange of a honest review.
EAch person in the book faces their own struggles and demons. Some more than others. Some characters such as judi ann you will really really dislike whereas others you will love like Nicole. Austin you start out disliking but as you get to see each side of him you see a warm guy and begin to like him despite the misgivings.
This group of students go on a study where all is not as it seems and danger lurks everywhere. We see what greed can do and how it warps people and puts them in more danger (Professor Howard). We see that kindness and compassion while doing what is right helps to give you chances and saves you.
This is a adventure that the characters bring you on. A amazingly wondrous adventure where the writing is magical as is the story. We see what happens when greed takes over, when you anger something and even the beginnings of a romance.
A fantastical tale that has you excited to read on and see what is going to happen next to these characters. You root some on and boo others but never do you want the story to end. So look forward to seeing what is next as they prepare themselves for the unknown danger that lies ahead now that the extinct are now alive and well.
Received in exchange of a honest review.
September 30, 2015
{My Thoughts} – Nicole is a college Freshman at Katon University. This specific university is one of few in the United States that is there for Magically enabled people to better learn their magical skills. Nicole is an Arete, a fourth child of parents with magical abilities. It is explained in this book that most people only have one or two children because it is really hard for them to have more then that, and those that manage to have a fourth give birth to an Arete.
Nicole is an interesting character. She seems to have her flaws, but she has her solid points as well. She is an amazing Cello player. Her description makes her seemingly beautiful. She appears to be well schooled and has a ton of book smarts. She also has common sense and isn’t afraid to study until she can’t anymore. She has problems channeling her magic, she has problems controlling her magic, she has problems all around, but can she get it under control before it’s too late?
Austin is a classmate of hers that is different in a sense, but he is adorable, and handsome and a lady’s man. He is everything every girl wants in a guy. The other girls fawn over him and Nicole keeps her distance, thinking that he is a teacher’s pet and well a jerk. I can see where she got the impression, but I wonder if it will stay true throughout the entire book? I guess you will need to read it to find out.
These two characters make for a nice duo throughout the book. They get along and then they don’t, and then they might and well you get the picture. I really enjoyed reading this book, and I look forward to reading the remainder of the series when it is released. In the mean time I know I will need to track down the Novellas that have been released. I am always interested in reading more on a series!
Nicole is an interesting character. She seems to have her flaws, but she has her solid points as well. She is an amazing Cello player. Her description makes her seemingly beautiful. She appears to be well schooled and has a ton of book smarts. She also has common sense and isn’t afraid to study until she can’t anymore. She has problems channeling her magic, she has problems controlling her magic, she has problems all around, but can she get it under control before it’s too late?
Austin is a classmate of hers that is different in a sense, but he is adorable, and handsome and a lady’s man. He is everything every girl wants in a guy. The other girls fawn over him and Nicole keeps her distance, thinking that he is a teacher’s pet and well a jerk. I can see where she got the impression, but I wonder if it will stay true throughout the entire book? I guess you will need to read it to find out.
These two characters make for a nice duo throughout the book. They get along and then they don’t, and then they might and well you get the picture. I really enjoyed reading this book, and I look forward to reading the remainder of the series when it is released. In the mean time I know I will need to track down the Novellas that have been released. I am always interested in reading more on a series!
December 21, 2014
142 pages
-I was sent a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review-
Nicole is an Arete-a fourth born child who has magical powers. She has just begun studying at Katon University-a college especially for people with these magical abilities-and she’s hoping that soon she will find her focus, the item that will allow her to unlock her full magical potential and begin ‘channelling’ her powers.
There’s some really weird stuff going off at her home and an awesome research trip at school that Nicole desperately wants to go on, but she needs to access her magic first!
I really enjoyed Discern. The writing is fast paced and a lot of action is crammed into its 142 pages and it definitely leaves you wanting more. Some of the ideas are quite original-hair colour deciding what element your magic can control, for instance, although some did get a little confusing at times. It’s mentioned quite frequently that being able to master multiple elements is quite rare and takes a very powerful Arete, but Nicole encounters several people who can do this in her adventures, and may even be able to do it herself despite not being able to channel her magic properly.
Nicole’s eventual love interest is incredibly obvious from the first moment the character is introduced but I can overlook that because the characters are fairly well written and the story is compelling. It leaves a lot of things unanswered when it ends and I found myself needing to know what happens next.
I would definitely recommend Discern to anyone with an interest in fantasy writing (although less so if you don’t like hit-you-in-the-face-with-obviousness love stories), and will be keeping an eye out for the next one too!
-I was sent a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review-
Nicole is an Arete-a fourth born child who has magical powers. She has just begun studying at Katon University-a college especially for people with these magical abilities-and she’s hoping that soon she will find her focus, the item that will allow her to unlock her full magical potential and begin ‘channelling’ her powers.
There’s some really weird stuff going off at her home and an awesome research trip at school that Nicole desperately wants to go on, but she needs to access her magic first!
I really enjoyed Discern. The writing is fast paced and a lot of action is crammed into its 142 pages and it definitely leaves you wanting more. Some of the ideas are quite original-hair colour deciding what element your magic can control, for instance, although some did get a little confusing at times. It’s mentioned quite frequently that being able to master multiple elements is quite rare and takes a very powerful Arete, but Nicole encounters several people who can do this in her adventures, and may even be able to do it herself despite not being able to channel her magic properly.
Nicole’s eventual love interest is incredibly obvious from the first moment the character is introduced but I can overlook that because the characters are fairly well written and the story is compelling. It leaves a lot of things unanswered when it ends and I found myself needing to know what happens next.
I would definitely recommend Discern to anyone with an interest in fantasy writing (although less so if you don’t like hit-you-in-the-face-with-obviousness love stories), and will be keeping an eye out for the next one too!
October 28, 2014
I got this book as a review copy from eBooks for Review. It sounded quite interesting and I was definitely in the mood for a good young adult story. I mean, come on: Magic, spiders and other creepy creatures. So I started to read it as soon as I had time.
I really enjoyed this book. It was fast paced and I finished it in no time. I instantly liked the main character, Nicole, and her best friend Lizzie. She is a hard working student, who can do awesome stuff with her cello and she’s a sweet friend. If only she could use her magic her life would be even better. If she finds out that she can go on an expedition, she really wants to do it. The only problem is that she will have to be able to use her magic if she wants to be on the team. That might be a problem, but as she is the main character, she will find a way to deal with that. I mean, why mention the expedition if she can’t come?
But OMG the spiders in the apartment gave me the creeps. I was reading this book at night and I am not afraid of spiders, but there were so many of them and it was just creepy. I could nearly see them crawling in my own bedroom. If you are afraid of spiders you might want to think twice before reading this book. Some other moments were pretty scary as well. It does fit the genre, so I didn’t mind.
The end of this book is not the end of the story, as it is the first part of the Katon University series. There is a lot about this story that I still want to know, so I definitely want to read part two of this series. It won’t come out before 2015, so I have to wait a little on that one, but I will definitely put the second book on my wishlist.
I really enjoyed this book. It was fast paced and I finished it in no time. I instantly liked the main character, Nicole, and her best friend Lizzie. She is a hard working student, who can do awesome stuff with her cello and she’s a sweet friend. If only she could use her magic her life would be even better. If she finds out that she can go on an expedition, she really wants to do it. The only problem is that she will have to be able to use her magic if she wants to be on the team. That might be a problem, but as she is the main character, she will find a way to deal with that. I mean, why mention the expedition if she can’t come?
But OMG the spiders in the apartment gave me the creeps. I was reading this book at night and I am not afraid of spiders, but there were so many of them and it was just creepy. I could nearly see them crawling in my own bedroom. If you are afraid of spiders you might want to think twice before reading this book. Some other moments were pretty scary as well. It does fit the genre, so I didn’t mind.
The end of this book is not the end of the story, as it is the first part of the Katon University series. There is a lot about this story that I still want to know, so I definitely want to read part two of this series. It won’t come out before 2015, so I have to wait a little on that one, but I will definitely put the second book on my wishlist.
November 12, 2014
*I have received a copy for free in exchange for an honest review.
Discern was definitely an interesting read. One thing I found that I enjoyed the most was the world building, which was fantastic. I loved how that, even in magic school, the students need to learn what the muggles are learning too, like math and English. It's like let's make the special people suffer too! I also liked how it's the fourth child that has the magic, then I realized that if this was real it would be my younger sister, not me, that had the powers. That's when it didn't seem as cool.
Most of the characters were enjoyable. I loved the best friend, Lizzie. She brought the story to life. There were parts where I would get bored with Nicole, then Lizzie would pop in and make everything better. You know how I said I enjoyed most of the characters? Well if it wasn't for Nicole's mom and Judith Ann I would have pretty much liked all of the characters. The mom was such a (pardon my language) bitch! And don't even get me on Judith Ann. Bringing her along on the expedition, for me, was pointless and unnecessary. The story would would have been fine and more enjoyable without her there.
The only thing I found was missing was Nicole's siblings. We only know that Nicole is the fourth child but other than that we don't see or hear anything about them. I do hope we get to see more of them in the future books.
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Discern was definitely an interesting read. One thing I found that I enjoyed the most was the world building, which was fantastic. I loved how that, even in magic school, the students need to learn what the muggles are learning too, like math and English. It's like let's make the special people suffer too! I also liked how it's the fourth child that has the magic, then I realized that if this was real it would be my younger sister, not me, that had the powers. That's when it didn't seem as cool.
Most of the characters were enjoyable. I loved the best friend, Lizzie. She brought the story to life. There were parts where I would get bored with Nicole, then Lizzie would pop in and make everything better. You know how I said I enjoyed most of the characters? Well if it wasn't for Nicole's mom and Judith Ann I would have pretty much liked all of the characters. The mom was such a (pardon my language) bitch! And don't even get me on Judith Ann. Bringing her along on the expedition, for me, was pointless and unnecessary. The story would would have been fine and more enjoyable without her there.
The only thing I found was missing was Nicole's siblings. We only know that Nicole is the fourth child but other than that we don't see or hear anything about them. I do hope we get to see more of them in the future books.
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October 10, 2014
Magic, danger, love interest, first year collage, a strange mother, budding romance, what the freak was going on with THAT class mate...? It was a good book, easy to read. Read the book and you'll know what character I'm talking about.
One review said that this book was intense....really? I didn't think so. I just thought this book was a fun ride. I did think that the descriptions of the plant like things were imaginative....strange. A group of people who are 4th borns get some kind of magical ability to control the elements based on their hair color, but can also control other elements if powerful/ strong enough.
I like how she build on her characters through out the stories. Character development is usually at the binging of the story and can take along time and be very boring. With this story, character development was throughout the story. Getting to know the characters was like getting to know a real person, it took over time and new things keep popping up, not a bad thing. The story was fast paced.
Nicole, the heroine is learning about herself and the world around her. Coming of age story...sure. She's in a world that she knows almost nothing about, she can't even control her own powers, her own element. When the need arises she skips her own element goes to another and almost kills herself. Ignorance is bliss? Not on this case, although she liked it that she can't feel pain any longer, but sacred her all the same.
One review said that this book was intense....really? I didn't think so. I just thought this book was a fun ride. I did think that the descriptions of the plant like things were imaginative....strange. A group of people who are 4th borns get some kind of magical ability to control the elements based on their hair color, but can also control other elements if powerful/ strong enough.
I like how she build on her characters through out the stories. Character development is usually at the binging of the story and can take along time and be very boring. With this story, character development was throughout the story. Getting to know the characters was like getting to know a real person, it took over time and new things keep popping up, not a bad thing. The story was fast paced.
Nicole, the heroine is learning about herself and the world around her. Coming of age story...sure. She's in a world that she knows almost nothing about, she can't even control her own powers, her own element. When the need arises she skips her own element goes to another and almost kills herself. Ignorance is bliss? Not on this case, although she liked it that she can't feel pain any longer, but sacred her all the same.
November 3, 2014
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review.
I was excited to read this book. I love books that involve some kind of magic in the story line and Discern seemed to have a different take then the standard magic book. I started the book on Wednesday night read maybe 10 pages then put the book down. I was interested but decided I’d read more later. When I picked the book up again the following night I was completely hook. I mean I stayed up until 2am to finish the book hooked. I really liked the main characters and wanted to know more about the Arete. Also parts of the book creeped me out to the point I was using a flashlight to check for spiders on my way to the bathroom so I really wanted to finish the book and see what happened. I’m excited to read the novellas and can’t wait for the sequel. I will say if you are like me you won’t be thrilled with all the characters in the book. Some take a bit to warm up to others are like nails on a chalkboard but they are supposed to be.
On a slightly different note. I have been reading other reviews of this and a few books and I’m started to get annoyed with other reviewers complaining about unanswered questions in books. Discern does leave some questions unanswered but that happens with almost all books in a series. If the author answered everything in the first book what would be the point of a sequel?
Overall another quick read and another I will be rereading soon.
I was excited to read this book. I love books that involve some kind of magic in the story line and Discern seemed to have a different take then the standard magic book. I started the book on Wednesday night read maybe 10 pages then put the book down. I was interested but decided I’d read more later. When I picked the book up again the following night I was completely hook. I mean I stayed up until 2am to finish the book hooked. I really liked the main characters and wanted to know more about the Arete. Also parts of the book creeped me out to the point I was using a flashlight to check for spiders on my way to the bathroom so I really wanted to finish the book and see what happened. I’m excited to read the novellas and can’t wait for the sequel. I will say if you are like me you won’t be thrilled with all the characters in the book. Some take a bit to warm up to others are like nails on a chalkboard but they are supposed to be.
On a slightly different note. I have been reading other reviews of this and a few books and I’m started to get annoyed with other reviewers complaining about unanswered questions in books. Discern does leave some questions unanswered but that happens with almost all books in a series. If the author answered everything in the first book what would be the point of a sequel?
Overall another quick read and another I will be rereading soon.
December 2, 2014
Though I only dabble in fantasy books, especially teen genre, I like to read them now & then to escape as well as to preview for my 13 year old who is also a book worm. I was given a copy of this book and asked for an honest review. Life has been hectic, so it took me a while, but once I picked this book up it was the perfect escape.
The characters were likeable, the typical 'college kid' struggles and relationships took me back while the air of 'magic' kept me interested in the storyline and on the edge of my seat - also rooting for Nicole ...ok and the dreamy and unique Austin!
I'm not good at recounting details on paper (or type!), I tend to just get lost in a book then when I'm through there's more a feeling than a recount of names, places & events. This book left me feeling like it was well written, a simple and interesting escape from the day-to-day, and I was also left excited to see where the characters go next. I can't wait for my 13yr old daughter to get to this book, of course I added it to her list of 'to be read' ebooks and will encourage her to drop a review when she does!
Thanks for a great read, and again, teen fantasy is not my typical go-to read but I do look forward to diving into the next book(s) of this series & can't wait to compare notes with my teen when she gets to know Nicole, Lizzie, Austin and the other 'Arete's' on their journey of magic!
The characters were likeable, the typical 'college kid' struggles and relationships took me back while the air of 'magic' kept me interested in the storyline and on the edge of my seat - also rooting for Nicole ...ok and the dreamy and unique Austin!
I'm not good at recounting details on paper (or type!), I tend to just get lost in a book then when I'm through there's more a feeling than a recount of names, places & events. This book left me feeling like it was well written, a simple and interesting escape from the day-to-day, and I was also left excited to see where the characters go next. I can't wait for my 13yr old daughter to get to this book, of course I added it to her list of 'to be read' ebooks and will encourage her to drop a review when she does!
Thanks for a great read, and again, teen fantasy is not my typical go-to read but I do look forward to diving into the next book(s) of this series & can't wait to compare notes with my teen when she gets to know Nicole, Lizzie, Austin and the other 'Arete's' on their journey of magic!
December 10, 2014
I received a free copy of this ebook in exchange for an honest review.
Discern is the first in Katon University book series and is about Nicole who is an Arete, a fourth child who has magical powers. We first meet Nicole as she begins classes at Katon University, a school for aretes. However, Nicole has not discovered what her focus is and has not produced any magic and is feeling self-conscious about being surrounded by others who have. What makes her situation worse (in her own eyes) is that neither of her parents are arête and they seem kind of embarrassed by Nicole's.
What is really cool about this book is there are a few ongoing mysteries and some are solved in this one, but others will be resolved in later books. For example, Nicole and her best friend, Lizzie, live in an apartment which has a spider issue and has a had a few student disappearances over a few years, too. On top of that, Nicole seems to have awakened a book and now this book keeps appearing near her.
And the big mystery of the book is the strange magical pulses in a place in Utah. One of the professors is hosting a trip to this place, Arches to investigate it and in order to prove herself to the other students, Nicole puts her name down to go. But, one of the tests she has to pass is to produce magic. I must admit, I really did enjoy the layers of this book and all the fun characters that we meet as well as the magic, all the mysteries surrounding the school, plus a really interesting twist....
Discern is the first in Katon University book series and is about Nicole who is an Arete, a fourth child who has magical powers. We first meet Nicole as she begins classes at Katon University, a school for aretes. However, Nicole has not discovered what her focus is and has not produced any magic and is feeling self-conscious about being surrounded by others who have. What makes her situation worse (in her own eyes) is that neither of her parents are arête and they seem kind of embarrassed by Nicole's.
What is really cool about this book is there are a few ongoing mysteries and some are solved in this one, but others will be resolved in later books. For example, Nicole and her best friend, Lizzie, live in an apartment which has a spider issue and has a had a few student disappearances over a few years, too. On top of that, Nicole seems to have awakened a book and now this book keeps appearing near her.
And the big mystery of the book is the strange magical pulses in a place in Utah. One of the professors is hosting a trip to this place, Arches to investigate it and in order to prove herself to the other students, Nicole puts her name down to go. But, one of the tests she has to pass is to produce magic. I must admit, I really did enjoy the layers of this book and all the fun characters that we meet as well as the magic, all the mysteries surrounding the school, plus a really interesting twist....
November 15, 2014
I received this book in exchange for an honest review, so here comes honesty!
This was one fun magical journey! Having not read anything by this author before, I was unsure what to really expect in the beginning. What I found was a world of magic that was done in a very unique and intriguing way, pulling me in from the beginning and keeping me there right up to the very end. The author brilliantly explains the way magic is used and how each 'type' works. It's picked up quickly so there is no lull in the story or super long explaining.
The characters are so well written that you get caught up in their lives and adventures as if you are right there with them. There are times you want to yell at them, smack them, cry with/at them, etc. Once the characters have been well established, the book quickly begins to become shrouded in mystery and suspense. When one thing seems to be leading somewhere, think again! It just might be going down another path.
This really was a great book that was hard to put down. I'm looking forward to Book 2 to find out what happens next!
This was one fun magical journey! Having not read anything by this author before, I was unsure what to really expect in the beginning. What I found was a world of magic that was done in a very unique and intriguing way, pulling me in from the beginning and keeping me there right up to the very end. The author brilliantly explains the way magic is used and how each 'type' works. It's picked up quickly so there is no lull in the story or super long explaining.
The characters are so well written that you get caught up in their lives and adventures as if you are right there with them. There are times you want to yell at them, smack them, cry with/at them, etc. Once the characters have been well established, the book quickly begins to become shrouded in mystery and suspense. When one thing seems to be leading somewhere, think again! It just might be going down another path.
This really was a great book that was hard to put down. I'm looking forward to Book 2 to find out what happens next!
October 26, 2014
This book is simply captivating! Since I read the first sentence, I couldn't put the book down.
The story is interesting, well-written and the characters are like your everyday college kids but they are not normal, they are Aretes - people with magical powers. Other than Harry Potter, this book shows a heroine who struggles to "channel" her magic and doesn't quite know yet how to overcome her problem. But she is determined and works hard to deal with her obstacles.
Besides the mystery (why are all these strange things happening to her? why is she so different from other Aretes? will she ever be able to channel her magic), we got a cute and adorable love story that keeps us asking: how will the two end up?
If you love good mystery and fantasy books, if you enjoyed Harry Potter, if you're loving well-written and original books, go ahead and buy this one, you won't regret it!!Discern
The story is interesting, well-written and the characters are like your everyday college kids but they are not normal, they are Aretes - people with magical powers. Other than Harry Potter, this book shows a heroine who struggles to "channel" her magic and doesn't quite know yet how to overcome her problem. But she is determined and works hard to deal with her obstacles.
Besides the mystery (why are all these strange things happening to her? why is she so different from other Aretes? will she ever be able to channel her magic), we got a cute and adorable love story that keeps us asking: how will the two end up?
If you love good mystery and fantasy books, if you enjoyed Harry Potter, if you're loving well-written and original books, go ahead and buy this one, you won't regret it!!Discern
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