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Virago #3
If Only
The page-turning thrill ride continues in the epic conclusion to the best-selling Virago Fantasy series
Gold Medal Winner of the Global Book Awards
Across space and time, 17-year-old Parker Kittredge is drawn into the plot of a lethal assassin. To escape peril, Parker and her friends are transported from New York City to return to Spyridon where they find the once peaceful alien planet is now a world without honor where nothing is sacred.
Parker must reclaim her powers and face her enemies including a professed lover whom she no longer trusts.
But will she ever go home again?
Rich in vivid imagery and nail-biting intrigue, readers will laugh, cry, and cheer on Parker, Edison, and Henley in this fast-paced coming of age tale. Fans of The Hunger Games, Divergent, and Stranger Things will want to delve into this spine-chilling adventure and will love this book!
Gold Medal Winner of the Global Book Awards
Across space and time, 17-year-old Parker Kittredge is drawn into the plot of a lethal assassin. To escape peril, Parker and her friends are transported from New York City to return to Spyridon where they find the once peaceful alien planet is now a world without honor where nothing is sacred.
Parker must reclaim her powers and face her enemies including a professed lover whom she no longer trusts.
But will she ever go home again?
Rich in vivid imagery and nail-biting intrigue, readers will laugh, cry, and cheer on Parker, Edison, and Henley in this fast-paced coming of age tale. Fans of The Hunger Games, Divergent, and Stranger Things will want to delve into this spine-chilling adventure and will love this book!
242 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 13, 2022
4 people are currently reading
456 people want to read
About the author
Carol B. Allen
3 books31 followersCarol B. Allen is an author and international, award-winning creative professional. She has held leadership positions in firms that believe in strengthening community across the New York Tri State Area. She plays an active role in supporting opportunities to enhance young women's interest in the STEM fields as well as advancing causes that protect the environment.
She serves on the Advisory Board for Advancing Women in Science and Medicine (AWSM), part of Northwell Health's Feinstein Institute for Medical Research. Additionally, she has participated on the Advisory Committee for the Girl Scouts STEM program and is a member of the Think Tank for Women in Business and Technology..
A University of Michigan graduate, Carol received high honors and the prestigious Student of Distinction recognition.
Carol resides in Westchester County and is an active member of the Pound Ridge Authors Society. When she isn't writing, Carol enjoys the city life and the country life, balancing her time with her family, exploring the cultural offerings of Manhattan as well as the great outdoors of the bucolic Northeast woodlands.
*On each and every purchase of One If, A Virago Fantasy, a percentage of the proceeds will be donated to support organizations that protect the environment and advance women in STEM fields.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
September 13, 2022
I got this book because I like action and adventure mostly. This is an interesting book, very well written and the scenes are very vivid so it allowed me to get into it more. I always like to turn to fantasy and adventure novels when I need a break from stress in the real world, and with the way things have been going with me lately, this book was just what I needed! It has everything from action to adventure to suspense, and the plot line is written in such a believable way that as a reader you’re completely immersed and captivated from the very beginning to the very last page. Once I started reading, I didn’t want this book to end.
The plot is crisp and avoids predictability. Some twists will catch you off guard. To miss this book or this series would be a great mistake. I usually like to lead into a review and break it down into pieces, but some books make it easy for the reader to understand the book and feel fulfilled from the start.
All in all, this book had everything I could ask for, great characters and vivid writing — and by the end of the book, I was ready to take off on an adventure myself. I can’t wait to read more from this author.
The plot is crisp and avoids predictability. Some twists will catch you off guard. To miss this book or this series would be a great mistake. I usually like to lead into a review and break it down into pieces, but some books make it easy for the reader to understand the book and feel fulfilled from the start.
All in all, this book had everything I could ask for, great characters and vivid writing — and by the end of the book, I was ready to take off on an adventure myself. I can’t wait to read more from this author.
September 14, 2022
In an epic 3 part series, the final book in the Virago Trilogy series is an absolute winner, and an enjoyable read. Parker returns to Spyridon after saving it in previous books only to find out complete chaos has broken out. Parker needs to reclaim her powers and face her numerous enemies that involves even her professed lover, she can trust no one. The final book is an immediate page turner, in the sense it does not keep your mind wandering for a minute. You're always engaged in the writing by the author and the beautiful way she's managed to keep up the continuity with all the characters in such a brilliant fashion. The strong female role models still remain and are definitely staying. It's a Gold Medal winner book for a reason!
September 15, 2022
If Only is the third delivery of the Virago Series, the final one. It´s one of those books that has everything, a captivating coming-of-age story that mixes action, suspense, Sci-Fi, and love, so hard to label it under just one category.
Parker Kittredge, a teenager who stepped up into an adult since the beginning of her journey, has to go back to Spiridon with her friends to escape death and recover her powers.
In my opinion, this novel delivers a great closure to an intense trilogy like this one. Carol B. Allen uses all her imagination to submerge the reader into this fantasy world where everything is possible with some luck and a lot of will.
I recommend reading the first to books first, this book requires previous knowledge to understand what is happening!
Parker Kittredge, a teenager who stepped up into an adult since the beginning of her journey, has to go back to Spiridon with her friends to escape death and recover her powers.
In my opinion, this novel delivers a great closure to an intense trilogy like this one. Carol B. Allen uses all her imagination to submerge the reader into this fantasy world where everything is possible with some luck and a lot of will.
I recommend reading the first to books first, this book requires previous knowledge to understand what is happening!
September 16, 2022
An excellent ending!
It is the third and the last book of the Virago fantasy series written by Carol Allen. It is definitely a fantastic novel; it is well written and has a good reading pace.
The story follows 17-year-old Parker Kittredge and her friends, through endless adventures, quests, magical worlds, and environmental problems. I honestly liked it because the plot is convincing and the characters are very well developed. It engaged me from the first pages.
The author has a great skill to create sci-fi and fantasy stories adding real elements and actual issues. Also, one thing that I enjoyed was that she highlights the importance of certain values such as friendship. It was an excellent ending to this trilogy.
It is the third and the last book of the Virago fantasy series written by Carol Allen. It is definitely a fantastic novel; it is well written and has a good reading pace.
The story follows 17-year-old Parker Kittredge and her friends, through endless adventures, quests, magical worlds, and environmental problems. I honestly liked it because the plot is convincing and the characters are very well developed. It engaged me from the first pages.
The author has a great skill to create sci-fi and fantasy stories adding real elements and actual issues. Also, one thing that I enjoyed was that she highlights the importance of certain values such as friendship. It was an excellent ending to this trilogy.
September 16, 2022
I enjoyed this book a lot. It is the final installment in the series Virago Trilogy written by Carol Allen who is an awarded author.
Once more, the plot is amazing. As I read it, I could empathize more and more with the characters. These are very well defined and complement the story in a fantastic way.
This is a novel that, apart from being entertaining for young and old, leaves important teachings and messages about global events and situations. The writer is involved in causes that support climate change awareness and the scientific fields that study applied technology. Her involvement can be clearly perceived in the development of the story.
I recommend this series. I'm glad I read it and I will certainly follow this author.
Once more, the plot is amazing. As I read it, I could empathize more and more with the characters. These are very well defined and complement the story in a fantastic way.
This is a novel that, apart from being entertaining for young and old, leaves important teachings and messages about global events and situations. The writer is involved in causes that support climate change awareness and the scientific fields that study applied technology. Her involvement can be clearly perceived in the development of the story.
I recommend this series. I'm glad I read it and I will certainly follow this author.
September 16, 2022
Epic conclusion
Even though Parker is now 17 years old she is an old soul in a young woman's body. This story picks up with Parker and her friends becoming embroiled in an assassination plot and to stop it from happening or even succeeding, they need to revisit the alien world of Spyridoia. Parker and her friends make the journey gladly but when they return to this world it is not as they remember. The peaceful world is now embroiled with him strife and Parker needs to figure out how to reverse the changes that are now bleeding over into her world. This conclusion of a trilogy started out fast and finished with a bang. The writing was as good as the first book it was intriguing and the intended audience of young adults will certainly love the story.
Even though Parker is now 17 years old she is an old soul in a young woman's body. This story picks up with Parker and her friends becoming embroiled in an assassination plot and to stop it from happening or even succeeding, they need to revisit the alien world of Spyridoia. Parker and her friends make the journey gladly but when they return to this world it is not as they remember. The peaceful world is now embroiled with him strife and Parker needs to figure out how to reverse the changes that are now bleeding over into her world. This conclusion of a trilogy started out fast and finished with a bang. The writing was as good as the first book it was intriguing and the intended audience of young adults will certainly love the story.
September 16, 2022
“If only” is the third and last book in the Virago series by author Carol B. Allen. This is a fantasy story, aimed at coming-of-age readers, that perfectly weaves science fiction, adventure and thriller.
Its characters (Parker, Edison, and Henley) are well described and their story is well developed, so young adults can easily empathize with them. Also, it encourages them to face internal struggles and outside problems with autonomy and mastery. Through the tale, the author also delves with important values, as kindness and friendship, which I think can be really useful nowadays. Finally, I am sure its captivating and thrilling plot will keep them on their toes the entire time.
Its characters (Parker, Edison, and Henley) are well described and their story is well developed, so young adults can easily empathize with them. Also, it encourages them to face internal struggles and outside problems with autonomy and mastery. Through the tale, the author also delves with important values, as kindness and friendship, which I think can be really useful nowadays. Finally, I am sure its captivating and thrilling plot will keep them on their toes the entire time.
September 17, 2022
This thrilling young adult science fiction adventure is coming to an end; this third installment sums up all the action and adventures the two previous ones started exploring and developing.
The plot is well-put-together, it unfolds easily and quietly and all the characters enjoy a good development.
I have read hundreds of books by super authors but I now place Allan above any author's work I have read. He is amazing! Even though this narrative is meant for young adults and teenagers, I have enjoyed this fast-paced read as if I was one of them.
Overall, the book is a short tale but with a lot of action and the author writes with clarity, yet pulls us in as readers.
September 17, 2022
"IF ONLY: A Thrilling Young Adult Sci-Fi Fantasy Adventure" is the third book in the Virago trilogy by Carol B. Allen. This time, the young 17-year-old Parkermust recover her powers and face her enemies.
Undoubtedly, the author, Carol B. Allen, never ceases to amaze me and knows how to entertain the reader. The scenes are vivid and very well described. Regarding the characters, it is impossible not to empathize with Parker and her great courage to face adversity.
I think it's a great book, just like the first two, and without a doubt, I recommend this trilogy to all readers who enjoy a good fantasy book.
Undoubtedly, the author, Carol B. Allen, never ceases to amaze me and knows how to entertain the reader. The scenes are vivid and very well described. Regarding the characters, it is impossible not to empathize with Parker and her great courage to face adversity.
I think it's a great book, just like the first two, and without a doubt, I recommend this trilogy to all readers who enjoy a good fantasy book.
September 17, 2022
Carol B Allen is back! And she came back with the third book of the Virago Trilogy! If Only is the last book and it follows the story of Parker Kittredge, a 17-year-old woman that is ready to face not only a former lover but also, herself.
If only was the perfect ending for a very interesting saga that surprised me a lot. This is meant to be a young adult's novel but it has so much depth and thought into it that adults are easily hung to it too. I like the ending and I believe between book 2 and this one, Parker grew and matured into a perfect young woman. With a touch on relevant issues like climate change and human rights, this book really came through
If only was the perfect ending for a very interesting saga that surprised me a lot. This is meant to be a young adult's novel but it has so much depth and thought into it that adults are easily hung to it too. I like the ending and I believe between book 2 and this one, Parker grew and matured into a perfect young woman. With a touch on relevant issues like climate change and human rights, this book really came through
September 19, 2022
IF ONLY: A Thrilling Young Adult Sci-Fi Fantasy Adventure is the final book in the Virago Trilogy by Carol B. Allen. We reunite with Parker, as well as Edison and Henley, as their mission to save a person turns into the world and then two worlds. The book is rife with topics that young adults are just becoming familiar with, like political tensions, climate change, and the trust that goes hand in hand with friendship and intimacy. To top it all off, we’re given a spectacular female lead who (spoilers!) can save not just Earth, but Spyridon too, and get a happy ending with it. It’s a fun, and sweet story.
September 20, 2022
The final book in the Virago series, If Only by Carol B. Allen is a grand finale to the brilliant books.
Parker is threatened by dangerous assassins, and she and her friends must undergo a journey which tests them to the maximum.
I really like the way Allen creates relatable characters who aren’t perfect but still do the right thing. Young adult fiction can sometimes be overly similar, but I feel like this series is an exception and will really keep you guessing and engaged.
Overall an entertaining and enjoyable read, If Only is a young adult fiction novel that will have you excited to see what happens on every page.
September 17, 2022
If Only by Carol B. Allen is the final book in Virago Trilogy series taking on another mind-blowing adventure. The story spans across space and time where Parker Kittredge is led astray by the plan of an assassin. To escape the lethal danger Parker and her friends are transported from New York to Spyridon, which was once a peaceful alien planet, but now it remains honor less and nothing is scared. The adventure spins as Parker must be all that she was and reclaim her powers back but at what cost and the mystery unravels for her homecoming. The moment I started reading, I knew I was in for a brilliant rollercoaster ride. The story has action, adventure, thrill and so much more. There is a great deal of fun and humor among Parker and her friends. The most redeeming quality of the story is it's intense and fast-paced narration from the author which transports reader alongside the characters. Epic conclusion to a thrilling series, I highly recommend it.
August 4, 2022
📚𝑩𝑶𝑶𝑲:- ❞𝑰𝑭 𝑶𝑵𝑳𝒀: 𝑨 𝑻𝒉𝒓𝒊𝒍𝒍𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒀𝒐𝒖𝒏𝒈 𝑨𝒅𝒖𝒍𝒕 𝑺𝒄𝒊-𝑭𝒊 𝑭𝒂𝒏𝒕𝒂𝒔𝒚 𝑨𝒅𝒗𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒖𝒓𝒆 (𝑽𝒊𝒓𝒂𝒈𝒐 𝑻𝒓𝒊𝒍𝒐𝒈𝒚 𝑩����𝒐𝒌 3)❞
👨🦱𝑨𝑼𝑻𝑯𝑶𝑹 𝑵𝑨𝑴𝑬:- 𝑪𝒂𝒓𝒐𝒍 𝑩. 𝑨𝒍𝒍𝒆𝒏
🌌𝑴𝒀 𝑹𝑨𝑻𝑰𝑵𝑮𝑺:- 𝟓/𝟓 🌟
𝑹𝑬𝑽𝑰𝑬𝑾:- If Only: A Thrilling Young Adult Sci-Fi Adventure is exactly as described—a thrilling adventure that not only will delight teens, but will engage readers of all ages. The plot draws in readers from the beginning when 17-year-old Parker Kittridge, and her new-found friends tour MIT and are caught in the lair of a lethal assassin. To escape danger, the science-savvy teens return to Spyridon, an alien planet destroyed by climate change. At the heart of Allen's story are the real messages relating to coming-of-age struggles from first love and heartbreak to broken alliances and betrayals—all set in a world facing political strife and devastation. The books twists and turns will keep you guessing and turning the pages. Overall, a valuable read where the power of friendship rings true and strong. The author narrates the marvelous story without complicating the prose. Language is easy to understand and readers will learn more than they anticipated. The cover is beautiful and reflects the atmospheric nature of the series. I quite enjoyed the book. I highly recommend this book to all!
👨🦱𝑨𝑼𝑻𝑯𝑶𝑹 𝑵𝑨𝑴𝑬:- 𝑪𝒂𝒓𝒐𝒍 𝑩. 𝑨𝒍𝒍𝒆𝒏
🌌𝑴𝒀 𝑹𝑨𝑻𝑰𝑵𝑮𝑺:- 𝟓/𝟓 🌟
𝑹𝑬𝑽𝑰𝑬𝑾:- If Only: A Thrilling Young Adult Sci-Fi Adventure is exactly as described—a thrilling adventure that not only will delight teens, but will engage readers of all ages. The plot draws in readers from the beginning when 17-year-old Parker Kittridge, and her new-found friends tour MIT and are caught in the lair of a lethal assassin. To escape danger, the science-savvy teens return to Spyridon, an alien planet destroyed by climate change. At the heart of Allen's story are the real messages relating to coming-of-age struggles from first love and heartbreak to broken alliances and betrayals—all set in a world facing political strife and devastation. The books twists and turns will keep you guessing and turning the pages. Overall, a valuable read where the power of friendship rings true and strong. The author narrates the marvelous story without complicating the prose. Language is easy to understand and readers will learn more than they anticipated. The cover is beautiful and reflects the atmospheric nature of the series. I quite enjoyed the book. I highly recommend this book to all!
September 17, 2022
IF ONLY by Carol B. Allen is the third and final book of the best-selling Virago Fantasy series. The author weaves another thrilling action-packed sci-fi fantasy adventure, a very suitable read for young adults.
The book depicts a powerful story about a teenage girl, Parker, whom we meet as she tours the college of her dreams and portrays her wonderful journey from a shy oner to a self-assured person. It is not like any other sci-fi novel. The author brings various teenage characters who are relatable and fun and added real-life perspectives on diversity and inclusion.
The author has sufficiently created intrigue and suspense throughout. The character development is very nicely done throughout the 38 chapters, in a very appealing language.
Overall, a very interesting read!
The book depicts a powerful story about a teenage girl, Parker, whom we meet as she tours the college of her dreams and portrays her wonderful journey from a shy oner to a self-assured person. It is not like any other sci-fi novel. The author brings various teenage characters who are relatable and fun and added real-life perspectives on diversity and inclusion.
The author has sufficiently created intrigue and suspense throughout. The character development is very nicely done throughout the 38 chapters, in a very appealing language.
Overall, a very interesting read!
September 17, 2022
"If Only" is a one-of-a-kind work that combines fantasy, fiction, and suspense to create an enthralling story. The book follows the story of Parker Kittredge, 17, who is drawn into a deadly assassin's plot across space and time. Parker and her friends embark on an adventure and are transported to Spyridon, a magical planet where they must confront a variety of situations and challenges.
It is a book with a fantastic story and, most importantly, a fantastically created universe. In addition to lots of action and surprising plot twists, you will find well-described, well-constructed and captivating characters.
The story moves at a steady pace and does an excellent job of keeping the reader's attention. I believe it is a book that every fan of this genre should read.
It is a book with a fantastic story and, most importantly, a fantastically created universe. In addition to lots of action and surprising plot twists, you will find well-described, well-constructed and captivating characters.
The story moves at a steady pace and does an excellent job of keeping the reader's attention. I believe it is a book that every fan of this genre should read.
January 24, 2023
This is one of my all-time favorite books from Carol. It was hard to put down. "If Only" is the last book of the Virago Trilogy and it follows the story of Parker Kittredge, a 17-year-old woman who stepped up into an adult phase since the beginning of her journey. To recover her powers, she has to go back to Spiridon with her friends. The moment I started reading, I knew I was in for a wonderful rollercoaster ride. The story has everything - action, adventure, suspense, mystery, thrill and so much more. There is a great deal of fun and lots of laughing sessions between Parker and her friends. I am so happy with the book and I can write a very long review for this book but I am not going to give any spoilers.
Overall, it was a fast read and thoroughly entertaining. It brought out so many emotions and adventures. I enjoyed the plot from beginning to end. I liked this exceptional story with so many twists and turns. This story has it all - beautiful narration, fresh writing, and outstanding choice of words. This story is filled with many secrets & mysteries which I loved. The writing style is lucid and easy to follow. The author enjoys playing this tantalizing game of keeping the readers on edge as the mystery piles up. This is one of the best books in this genre and I enjoyed reading every bit of it. Highly recommend everyone to read it.
Overall, it was a fast read and thoroughly entertaining. It brought out so many emotions and adventures. I enjoyed the plot from beginning to end. I liked this exceptional story with so many twists and turns. This story has it all - beautiful narration, fresh writing, and outstanding choice of words. This story is filled with many secrets & mysteries which I loved. The writing style is lucid and easy to follow. The author enjoys playing this tantalizing game of keeping the readers on edge as the mystery piles up. This is one of the best books in this genre and I enjoyed reading every bit of it. Highly recommend everyone to read it.
April 28, 2025
Truly exceptional
This series hooked me from book one. I fell into the world of Spyridon and I did not want to leave. The world created is absolutely stunning. It also makes you question the what ifs. And makes you think of the health of our planet. It really makes you question some of our own activities. And the characters are relatable and you quickly feel you'd be friends with them. I highly recommend giving this series a read, you'll fall in love with it.
This series hooked me from book one. I fell into the world of Spyridon and I did not want to leave. The world created is absolutely stunning. It also makes you question the what ifs. And makes you think of the health of our planet. It really makes you question some of our own activities. And the characters are relatable and you quickly feel you'd be friends with them. I highly recommend giving this series a read, you'll fall in love with it.
April 13, 2023
DNF - She escapes being kidnaped just to stick around???
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews