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The Strangers of Paragor #1
Arrival
There will come a time when greatness is needed. Strength, passion. goodness. For in the land of Paragor an oppressor travels closer. Four is the sacred number, and it is only by looking beyond ourselves that we will find salvation, and only through love that we will defeat the darkness that threatens to consume us forever. - Words of the Great One. It has been foretold. Two worlds will collide when six mortals from Earth enter Paragor through a portal. They will face forces of terrifying darkness. Their journey will become the stuff of legends. It is time.
360 pages, Paperback
First published December 21, 2005
7 people are currently reading
988 people want to read
About the author
Charlotte McConaghy
22 books10k followersCharlotte McConaghy is the author of the New York Times, USA Today, and Indie Bestseller WILD DARK SHORE, named Amazon’s Best Book of the Year So Far for 2025; as well as the New York Times Bestseller ONCE THERE WERE WOLVES, winner of the Indie Book Award for Fiction 2022; and the international bestseller MIGRATIONS, a TIME Magazine Best Book of the Year and the Amazon Best Fiction Book of the Year for 2020.
She started her writing career with a number of SF/F titles for YA readers; MIGRATIONS was her first foray into adult literature.
Her books have been translated into more than 25 languages, and are being adapted for film and television. She lives in Sydney with her partner and two children.
She started her writing career with a number of SF/F titles for YA readers; MIGRATIONS was her first foray into adult literature.
Her books have been translated into more than 25 languages, and are being adapted for film and television. She lives in Sydney with her partner and two children.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
November 19, 2011
Flying shitballs. This book. Is so underrated.
I picked it up just by luck, and expected it to be a dodgy, corny waste of my time.
surprisingly, I loved it. Jane wasn't a whiny brat, fern was a cutie, it was dark, it was passionate and it was just a frikken overall big bundle of surprised.
Guys, read this shit. this shit is good.
One thing I didn't like? They flew through a portal. A cliche magicalll portal. I mean...really?
I picked it up just by luck, and expected it to be a dodgy, corny waste of my time.
surprisingly, I loved it. Jane wasn't a whiny brat, fern was a cutie, it was dark, it was passionate and it was just a frikken overall big bundle of surprised.
Guys, read this shit. this shit is good.
One thing I didn't like? They flew through a portal. A cliche magicalll portal. I mean...really?
June 25, 2013
A truly captivating read. There is magic within the plot that grabs you from page one and pulls you through to the end. A truly enchanting story.
December 21, 2020
DNF AT 9 %.
The writing is really bad. Terrible world building, where 6 teenagers came through a portal to another planet/dimension/universe? But it looks like we are still on earth because we have no problem with the language, every country speak English obviously... the concept of hotels are known - I don’t know, if I wrote a book about another “universe” it would be different from earth, but here I had the feeling that it was a bit historical universe- riding on horses, fighting with swords.... but when one of the teens asked about hotel, her savior answered we are on a mountain”....? I had so many issues with this book, I am sorry, was this a debut? Because I’ve read other books by this author (written later) and they were absolutely breathtaking.
I am a bit disappointed to be honest
The writing is really bad. Terrible world building, where 6 teenagers came through a portal to another planet/dimension/universe? But it looks like we are still on earth because we have no problem with the language, every country speak English obviously... the concept of hotels are known - I don’t know, if I wrote a book about another “universe” it would be different from earth, but here I had the feeling that it was a bit historical universe- riding on horses, fighting with swords.... but when one of the teens asked about hotel, her savior answered we are on a mountain”....? I had so many issues with this book, I am sorry, was this a debut? Because I’ve read other books by this author (written later) and they were absolutely breathtaking.
I am a bit disappointed to be honest
August 14, 2020
I read this book when I was 14 or 15 and can honestly say that it brought me back into reading. Before I found this amazing story I struggled to finish anything, especially books that were part of a series.
I’m always entirely sad cause I can never find a physical copy of it anywhere and just want to give it a re-read every year.
I’m always entirely sad cause I can never find a physical copy of it anywhere and just want to give it a re-read every year.
January 17, 2010
The edition I read is called "Arrival" (in Autralia, New Zealand..)
It's great!**
I really don't know how to describe it...
just go for itXD
It's great!**
I really don't know how to describe it...
just go for itXD
August 29, 2010
Best Book Ever
December 16, 2019
I honestly don't understand why Charlotte McConaghy's books aren't more popular.
Arrival is an insanely imaginative and chaotic dreamlike fragments woven together to form a beautiful story. This book includes Mermaids, Ogres, Elves, Dragons, Unicorns, Sabre-tooths, Gods, Angels, Dwarfs, Sirens, Necromancers, Amazonians, Phaeries and a lot of Royalty. In typical McConaghy style she makes it all work fantastically.
There was never a dull moment. It was just overwhelming enough to captivate but not confuse. Charlotte McConaghy has a brilliant talent for making you love and empathise with a character as soon as they're introduced. I even felt bad for Leostrial after Satine left him and he realised she didn't love him, so sad. I wish there was a novella or something that revealed more of Leostrial's life and how he became who he is.
I also absolutely adored Tomasso as well.
I'm incredibly excited to read Descent because I know it will be just as amazing if not more so than this one.
Thank you Charlotte McConaghy for the marvellous books you write.
Arrival is an insanely imaginative and chaotic dreamlike fragments woven together to form a beautiful story. This book includes Mermaids, Ogres, Elves, Dragons, Unicorns, Sabre-tooths, Gods, Angels, Dwarfs, Sirens, Necromancers, Amazonians, Phaeries and a lot of Royalty. In typical McConaghy style she makes it all work fantastically.
There was never a dull moment. It was just overwhelming enough to captivate but not confuse. Charlotte McConaghy has a brilliant talent for making you love and empathise with a character as soon as they're introduced. I even felt bad for Leostrial after Satine left him and he realised she didn't love him, so sad. I wish there was a novella or something that revealed more of Leostrial's life and how he became who he is.
I also absolutely adored Tomasso as well.
I'm incredibly excited to read Descent because I know it will be just as amazing if not more so than this one.
Thank you Charlotte McConaghy for the marvellous books you write.
September 19, 2023
This book has my heart wrapped around it, I got attached to it first page, it was confusing at the start because it kept change perspectives but then I got the hang of it and absolutely fell in love with the fantasy and romance in this book, it is worth reading, and it was worth staying up all night just to finish it, but it broke my heart when Fern died, I am in desperate need for the second book to see if Fern comes back to life again and marries Jane and lives a happy life, also please please please make a third one too, it'll be a dream come true. I am not and never will be ready to give these series up. I want to be a stranger in Paragor to find my own handsome elf man boyfriend husband thing or something like that. :)
January 15, 2026
It starts out well but declines in the middle and reaches its worst at the end.
The relationships between characters are too rushed and have no substance. How have Jane and Fern supposedly fallen deeply in love with each other when they’ve interacted only 5 times beforehand?
Why do Ria and Luca supposedly immediately fall in love with each other than just because?
And the ending is bad, the final battle and the death of the villain is badly thought out. I guess the moral of the story is don’t trust single mothers or something?
It’s a shame, I loved Wild dark shores. This one dragged on too long.
The relationships between characters are too rushed and have no substance. How have Jane and Fern supposedly fallen deeply in love with each other when they’ve interacted only 5 times beforehand?
Why do Ria and Luca supposedly immediately fall in love with each other than just because?
And the ending is bad, the final battle and the death of the villain is badly thought out. I guess the moral of the story is don’t trust single mothers or something?
It’s a shame, I loved Wild dark shores. This one dragged on too long.
April 11, 2025
Much more young adult than I expected. Closer to a children's story.
January 4, 2011
I had never even heard of this book, it was a christmas gift that I wasnt too excited about lol.
The introduction was amazing, I thought the writing was beautiful and I suddenly got extremely excited to read it. But once the the six 'strangers' were introduced I became less and less interested. I found the characters a little unrealistic, I wonder how many people would be so blasé about finding portals, and travelling into new worlds. In the book's defence (and I might be stretching here) but I decided they could have possibly come from a world where time/dimension travel maybe isnt so unheard of? I do doubt it, lol.
But I gave the book four stars and so far I bet you're confused. This book is definitely a gradual winover, once I started to fall in love with Fern and Fern+Jane, the increasing amount of classic mythology and so forth, I couldnt put it down.
Im really glad two of the strangers were silenced through the story, because as soon as I read there was six, I worried about the author being able to make each character interesting. But I thought she did a good job, although this book was mainly Jane's story, maybe the others can grow from supporting characters into more of a main role in the following books.
For all its faults I do really love the story, sometimes the characters react strangely, or the writing is a little confusing and I have to read back over it a couple of times to understand it lol. That being said, the author really does have these moments of pure genius writing flawlessly.
The introduction was amazing, I thought the writing was beautiful and I suddenly got extremely excited to read it. But once the the six 'strangers' were introduced I became less and less interested. I found the characters a little unrealistic, I wonder how many people would be so blasé about finding portals, and travelling into new worlds. In the book's defence (and I might be stretching here) but I decided they could have possibly come from a world where time/dimension travel maybe isnt so unheard of? I do doubt it, lol.
But I gave the book four stars and so far I bet you're confused. This book is definitely a gradual winover, once I started to fall in love with Fern and Fern+Jane, the increasing amount of classic mythology and so forth, I couldnt put it down.
Im really glad two of the strangers were silenced through the story, because as soon as I read there was six, I worried about the author being able to make each character interesting. But I thought she did a good job, although this book was mainly Jane's story, maybe the others can grow from supporting characters into more of a main role in the following books.
For all its faults I do really love the story, sometimes the characters react strangely, or the writing is a little confusing and I have to read back over it a couple of times to understand it lol. That being said, the author really does have these moments of pure genius writing flawlessly.
October 2, 2014
Six normal human beings, friends in a normal human world, are suddenly thrown into a new and different world, Paragor, where they are expected to make great things happen. The only problem is that they have no idea what to do. However, instead of improving things everything seems to have grown worse with their arrival. Paragor is in a state of turmoil. Leostrial, a human with superhuman power, has invaded one of the three treaty countries, leaving the rest of Paragor unsure about what is going to happen next. Dark magical beings have been spotted and a premonition shows the gods being challenged by someone they cannot win against. Is it all interconnected and can the six strangers do anything to help?
Wow. How can one book have so much in it? From fantasy, magic, adventure, romance, quests, battles and mythical creatures to portals from earth to other worlds, some of the most complicated love triangles ever, gods, ships and Greek legends… The list goes on and on. Apart from everything else included, I would have to say that the surprise ending is what truly sets this book apart from many others around. I would love to see this book made into a movie. It is very enjoyable and a book not to be missed.
Wow. How can one book have so much in it? From fantasy, magic, adventure, romance, quests, battles and mythical creatures to portals from earth to other worlds, some of the most complicated love triangles ever, gods, ships and Greek legends… The list goes on and on. Apart from everything else included, I would have to say that the surprise ending is what truly sets this book apart from many others around. I would love to see this book made into a movie. It is very enjoyable and a book not to be missed.
May 10, 2012
Jane:
Favourite character.
Beautiful and intelligent.
Just love her.
Harry:
So goofy but adorable.
One of those characters you want to just hug.
Fern:
Protective and charming.
I fell in love with you.
Anna:
I admire your fragility, that's one of the best things about you.
Because of it, you find bravery and courage.
Luca:
Love, love, love him!
So caring and compassionate.
What i loved about this book:
Where do i even begin? A complex story with multiple characters that link together quite cleverly. This book had me smiling, laughing, biting my fingernails, swooning, outraged, and shocked. So many twists that made you never put the book down! Totally addictive!
Just read this book. You'll be glad you did. Trust me.
Favourite character.
Beautiful and intelligent.
Just love her.
Harry:
So goofy but adorable.
One of those characters you want to just hug.
Fern:
Protective and charming.
I fell in love with you.
Anna:
I admire your fragility, that's one of the best things about you.
Because of it, you find bravery and courage.
Luca:
Love, love, love him!
So caring and compassionate.
What i loved about this book:
Where do i even begin? A complex story with multiple characters that link together quite cleverly. This book had me smiling, laughing, biting my fingernails, swooning, outraged, and shocked. So many twists that made you never put the book down! Totally addictive!
Just read this book. You'll be glad you did. Trust me.
September 15, 2019
I picked up Arrival and Descent completely by chance at my library in 2011, and burned straight through them. I still remember reading them on the couch, completely engrossed in the world of Paragor and the lives of the Strangers (not to mention Fern and Altor, and I will forever love Elixia and Satine). My friend and I obsessed over them in primary school and high school, only to discover that book three will not be published! That being said, I would still recommend reading them if you can get your hands on copies, and join me in waiting for the day when finally, we get Return.
I would probably give this three stars, since it's very obvious it's written by a new author who is still working on her style, but simply because this is probably *the* book that stands out from what I read in primary school, it's five from me.
I would probably give this three stars, since it's very obvious it's written by a new author who is still working on her style, but simply because this is probably *the* book that stands out from what I read in primary school, it's five from me.
March 7, 2015
I think the concept of this book is great and original but for me this book dragged everything out. I picked this book up, read the back and thought "oh yeah I might be able to finish this book quickly." (Im a really fast reader and I needed to go to Christchurch so I couldn't take it with me.) I had to return it to the library half read because it took so long and to me it felt like it was adding in unnecessary parts and characters. But once I had time to finish the book I did enjoy it. If you are a slow reader and it takes you a month to finish a 200-300 page book this book will bore you and it will take you a year. This book starts slow and confusing but it does make sense in the end. I don't think it's worth trying to read the second.
May 5, 2016
I really enjoyed this book. I thought it was a really interesting premise.
There were HEAPS of characters, which, at times, became confusing (partially because I took a long break in my reading). But, in saying that, having many characters wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. I think the author handled it pretty well.
I can't wait to read the next one - it's going to be pretty fascinating I think.
Something that really annoyed me was the fact that Satine's son was called the EXACT SAME NAME AS HER FATHER! That confused the heck out of me at one point where they refer to both close together.
There were HEAPS of characters, which, at times, became confusing (partially because I took a long break in my reading). But, in saying that, having many characters wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. I think the author handled it pretty well.
I can't wait to read the next one - it's going to be pretty fascinating I think.
Something that really annoyed me was the fact that Satine's son was called the EXACT SAME NAME AS HER FATHER! That confused the heck out of me at one point where they refer to both close together.
April 10, 2011
I picked this book up on a whim late last year during the holidays after I'd manages to read all of the books I had with me.
Thje funny thing was that I read-and baught- it in the Author's home state.
So win for that.
The book read very well and I was glad everything was clearly explained and the chatacter guid at the back helped my keep track of who was who and from where.
The premise was great and i just had to know what happned in the book. It was great and I loved all the romance going on, as well as the rest of the plot, it made for such an enjoyable read.
And tying this review now makes me wanna read it again.
Thje funny thing was that I read-and baught- it in the Author's home state.
So win for that.
The book read very well and I was glad everything was clearly explained and the chatacter guid at the back helped my keep track of who was who and from where.
The premise was great and i just had to know what happned in the book. It was great and I loved all the romance going on, as well as the rest of the plot, it made for such an enjoyable read.
And tying this review now makes me wanna read it again.
December 12, 2010
I am very suprised at the ending in this novel.
why did Fern die?
Well, I get it that the ending has to be epically suprising and exciting, but fern is the character I have mainly focoused on in this very book, and without him, I wouldn't have continued reading and have already put this book down ages ago..
why did Fern die?
Well, I get it that the ending has to be epically suprising and exciting, but fern is the character I have mainly focoused on in this very book, and without him, I wouldn't have continued reading and have already put this book down ages ago..
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 14, 2011
OK the book staqrts of really weird. Seriousally a portal on the side of a cliff... YEA LETS JUMP INTO IT.........Yea lets not. but as the book progresses it gets better in my opinion. Some of the Maincharacters find love and then get there hearts crushed, all very melodramatic but its good.
August 17, 2011
The story of these characters was quite interesting. I loved how they jumped into danger and fell into trouble. The adventures they go on keep my attention and I loved all the fights. The love in this was also intriguing as people were forced to be apart among other things. I love this book.
December 18, 2016
This was an AMAZING book. Full of complex adventure, twists, character development and romance.
You fall in love with each character across vast landscapes.
I could not put this book down, I devoted my entire weekend to it.
I hope you enjoy it as much as I do. Definitely suggest!
You fall in love with each character across vast landscapes.
I could not put this book down, I devoted my entire weekend to it.
I hope you enjoy it as much as I do. Definitely suggest!
December 30, 2009
this is called ARRIVAL in australia
April 10, 2010
Not bad for a young author!
Read
July 3, 2010Awesome Book!
Ending Is Sad Though...
I cant believe Fern Dies!
Ending Is Sad Though...
I cant believe Fern Dies!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 14, 2011
At this point in time, I do not think that I am going to continue with the series!
I really disliked the book to be perfectly honest. But i will give a proper review soon.
I really disliked the book to be perfectly honest. But i will give a proper review soon.
January 25, 2012
Absolutely fabulous. It gets into the action fast and we get to know and love the characters fast as well.
The plot line is epic, sad, funny and definitely romantic.
The plot line is epic, sad, funny and definitely romantic.
May 23, 2016
WOOOOOOOOOOOOO for the awesomeness :)
July 2, 2012
A marvelous start of a new series. charming, engaging, and CLIFF hanging. luv it sooooooooooooo much.
August 5, 2012
Got to be my favourite multi-POV novel. Did not know it was possible:)
Elves, mermaids and mysterious lands all with a medieval twist- whats not to love.
Elves, mermaids and mysterious lands all with a medieval twist- whats not to love.
January 23, 2014
I love this book, it is a entertaining and very easy read, currently on the search for a new copy as my original one was stolen
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews