What do you think?
Rate this book
Lor Mandela #1
Destruction from Twins
When a selfish enchantress steals mystical powers from her twin sister, she sentences the far away world of Lor Mandela to an untimely death. Only one can save it--a Child of Balance named Audril Borloc. All hope seems lost, however, when shortly after her fourth birthday, Audril disappears without a trace.
Desperate to save their world, a group of spies travel to Earth in search of the little girl with black hair and bright blue eyes, traits that on Lor Mandela are exclusive to the ruling Borloc family. Instead, they find sixteen-year-old Maggie Baker. While the age difference between the girls is obvious, Maggie has the Borloc traits--evidence enough for the desperate spies.
Following an earthquake that no one feels but her, Maggie's mundane existence is launched into a roller coaster ride of twists and turns as she finds herself bouncing back and forth between her hometown of Glenhill, Iowa and the mysterious lands of Lor Mandela. On this strange world, she must learn who to trust and who to fear. More importantly, she must find a way to convince the Lor Mandelans that she is not their missing "Child of Balance", and her family and friends in Iowa--and herself for that matter--that she's not going insane.
Amid battling a ferocious two-headed beast, being captured by a lawless band of Shadow Dwellers, and falling head-over-heels for the enchanting son of an evil warlord, Maggie discovers that her blasé reality could be the real fantasy, and that the fate of an entire world may actually depend on her.
Desperate to save their world, a group of spies travel to Earth in search of the little girl with black hair and bright blue eyes, traits that on Lor Mandela are exclusive to the ruling Borloc family. Instead, they find sixteen-year-old Maggie Baker. While the age difference between the girls is obvious, Maggie has the Borloc traits--evidence enough for the desperate spies.
Following an earthquake that no one feels but her, Maggie's mundane existence is launched into a roller coaster ride of twists and turns as she finds herself bouncing back and forth between her hometown of Glenhill, Iowa and the mysterious lands of Lor Mandela. On this strange world, she must learn who to trust and who to fear. More importantly, she must find a way to convince the Lor Mandelans that she is not their missing "Child of Balance", and her family and friends in Iowa--and herself for that matter--that she's not going insane.
Amid battling a ferocious two-headed beast, being captured by a lawless band of Shadow Dwellers, and falling head-over-heels for the enchanting son of an evil warlord, Maggie discovers that her blasé reality could be the real fantasy, and that the fate of an entire world may actually depend on her.
368 pages, Paperback
First published February 17, 2010
5 people are currently reading
529 people want to read
About the author
L. Carroll
11 books15 followersPart I (Destruction From Twins): When a selfish enchantress seeks to steal mystical powers from her twin sister, she sentences the world of Lor Mandela and its inhabitants to death. In an effort to preserve itself, the soul of the planet appoints a Child of Balance named Audril Borloc who must solve a prophetic riddle known as the Advantiere. All hope seems lost, however, when shortly after her fourth birthday, Audril disappears without a trace. Desperate to save their world, Lor Mandelan spies travel to Earth in search of the little girl with black hair and bright blue eyes-traits that on Lor Mandela are exclusive to the ruling family, Borloc. Instead, they find seventeen-year-old Maggie. While the age difference between the girls is obvious, Maggie has the Borloc traits-evidence enough for the eager spies. They devise a plan to get Maggie to Lor Mandela, but will their scheme be successful? And what if they have the wrong girl? Who will save Lor Mandela then? Part II (And So It Must End) Maggie Baker has always wished for a more eventful life. Unfortunately, she is about to get it. Following an earthquake that no one seems to have felt but her, her mundane existence is thrown into a roller-coaster ride of twists and turns as she suddenly finds herself bouncing back and forth between her hometown of Glenhill, Iowa and the distant world of Lor Mandela. On this strange planet, Maggie must learn who to trust, and who to fear. More importantly, she must find a way to convince the Lor Mandelans that she is not the Child of Balance, and her family and friends in Iowa (and herself for that matter) that she is not going insane. Amid fighting a two-headed creature, being captured by a lawless band of Shadow Dwellers, and falling head-over-heels for the enchanting son of an evil warlord, Maggie sees the lines of the Advantiere unfold around her. It isn't long before she discovers that her blasé reality could be the real fantasy, and that the fate of an entire world may actually depend on her.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
June 3, 2011
This book has caught me by surprise. I started reading this mesmerizing Novel wondering if it would capture my interest, and if it would keep me asking for more. For someone that is extremely hard to please this book has succeeded in not only capturing my interest, but now I am begging for more.
L Carroll has an imagination every aspiring writer would like to have; unfortunately it’s a gift only some acquire. She was able to create an alternate planet and a whole different society, where women –for a change– are in power.
This book starts like no other I’ve read before. Basically, everyone dies in the first four chapters. That alone is a risk the author so cleverly took. It is not the only surprise. As you continue reading, the plot takes you on a roller-coaster ride, and you are attacked with unexpected surprises from every direction.
Reading this book I have embarrassed myself with my vocal reactions. I have grown to love L Carroll’s characters so much; I cried and laughed with them. I even yelled out “No Way!!” One multiple times.
After being submerged in a mystical world filled with Shadow Dwellers, Squanki’s, and Vritesses, I welcome reality with the hope of leaving it again to visit a world I have called home for the past four days–Lor Mandela.
This book ends with a great cliff hanger. L Carroll’s last surprise. She managed to flip my world upside down with one short paragraph. Reading the last sentence I truly understood how talented a great writer could be. I am looking forward the release of her next book Four Hundred Days in July!
L Carroll has an imagination every aspiring writer would like to have; unfortunately it’s a gift only some acquire. She was able to create an alternate planet and a whole different society, where women –for a change– are in power.
This book starts like no other I’ve read before. Basically, everyone dies in the first four chapters. That alone is a risk the author so cleverly took. It is not the only surprise. As you continue reading, the plot takes you on a roller-coaster ride, and you are attacked with unexpected surprises from every direction.
Reading this book I have embarrassed myself with my vocal reactions. I have grown to love L Carroll’s characters so much; I cried and laughed with them. I even yelled out “No Way!!” One multiple times.
After being submerged in a mystical world filled with Shadow Dwellers, Squanki’s, and Vritesses, I welcome reality with the hope of leaving it again to visit a world I have called home for the past four days–Lor Mandela.
This book ends with a great cliff hanger. L Carroll’s last surprise. She managed to flip my world upside down with one short paragraph. Reading the last sentence I truly understood how talented a great writer could be. I am looking forward the release of her next book Four Hundred Days in July!
August 4, 2011
This was a really good book, and I enjoyed reading it, it was a bit confusing at times, like adding accents in the dialogue, but other then that, I really enjoyed reading it!
December 19, 2019
Picked this up because the concept sounded cool. Story doesn't really get going until about halfway through, but it's pretty interesting once you get there.
July 6, 2011
Running a drawing contest about the creatures from this book and the sequesl - check it out here http://www.stuckinbooks.com/2011/06/c... - Win an iTunes card
My Summary:
So there’s this power grab happening on Lor Mandela. It doesn’t go well and a lot of people die. Not so good for the planet either because the magic used in the power grad corrupts the magic holding the world together. The good news is that the child of balance has the power to restore the balance. The bad news is that well, she isn’t even born yet. And skip to Maggie living on Earth in a boring little town in the mid-west. She would love some excitement in her life. That is until she gets some. She keeps finding herself pulled onto Lor Mandela where they believe she is the child of balance. With time running out and no one seems to be able to stop it, will Lor Mandela survive? Will Maggie figure it out in time to save herself and the ones she loves? Good questions. Like I'm going to tell you. =)
My thoughts:
4 stars- a great read
Okay, before I tell you my thoughts, I need to explain a few things about my reading. I read paranormal, urban fantasy, steampunk, and sometimes a little dystopia. I normally do not read epic fantasy. Not that it’s not good, it’s just that I get bored and overwhelmed by all the world building. Now with that said, I do like Eragon and am waiting, not so patiently, for book four. (Where has that boy been anyway?) But I’m not a Lord of the Rings kind of girl. It’s hard to wade through the many new creatures, cultures, strange names and such. Whereas the books I read normally have the setting at least in some world that I recognize and can relate to. Then they add a few weird things and I can deal with that. There’s usually equal amounts of world building and character development. I’m comfortable in those kinds of books. So with that in mind, let me tell you about Destruction from Twins.
This book is more epic fantasy than not. There is a lot of world building. Lots magic going on and creatures I don’t know about. There are strange names and titles. So before you run away, I loved this book. While the world building was there, it wasn’t overwhelming just different than what I’m used to. I slipped through 50 pages in nothing flat. I began to try and figure out when we would see Maggie (I learned about her from the back of the book). Then I tried to keep up with the twists and turns. Let me just say that I have never had an author kill off so many main characters so quickly. Wow. And the plot was a winding twisting maze that I really enjoyed. Usually, I can predict what’s coming or at least the direction of what’s coming. Not this time. I finally quit trying to guess and just held on for the ride.
My one complaint would be character building. From someone who is used to lots of that, this book fell short there. There were too many people falling in love that had really only known each other for a short time. Umm no. But I still enjoyed the story. Lucky for me, I have the sequel in hand.
My Summary:
So there’s this power grab happening on Lor Mandela. It doesn’t go well and a lot of people die. Not so good for the planet either because the magic used in the power grad corrupts the magic holding the world together. The good news is that the child of balance has the power to restore the balance. The bad news is that well, she isn’t even born yet. And skip to Maggie living on Earth in a boring little town in the mid-west. She would love some excitement in her life. That is until she gets some. She keeps finding herself pulled onto Lor Mandela where they believe she is the child of balance. With time running out and no one seems to be able to stop it, will Lor Mandela survive? Will Maggie figure it out in time to save herself and the ones she loves? Good questions. Like I'm going to tell you. =)
My thoughts:
4 stars- a great read
Okay, before I tell you my thoughts, I need to explain a few things about my reading. I read paranormal, urban fantasy, steampunk, and sometimes a little dystopia. I normally do not read epic fantasy. Not that it’s not good, it’s just that I get bored and overwhelmed by all the world building. Now with that said, I do like Eragon and am waiting, not so patiently, for book four. (Where has that boy been anyway?) But I’m not a Lord of the Rings kind of girl. It’s hard to wade through the many new creatures, cultures, strange names and such. Whereas the books I read normally have the setting at least in some world that I recognize and can relate to. Then they add a few weird things and I can deal with that. There’s usually equal amounts of world building and character development. I’m comfortable in those kinds of books. So with that in mind, let me tell you about Destruction from Twins.
This book is more epic fantasy than not. There is a lot of world building. Lots magic going on and creatures I don’t know about. There are strange names and titles. So before you run away, I loved this book. While the world building was there, it wasn’t overwhelming just different than what I’m used to. I slipped through 50 pages in nothing flat. I began to try and figure out when we would see Maggie (I learned about her from the back of the book). Then I tried to keep up with the twists and turns. Let me just say that I have never had an author kill off so many main characters so quickly. Wow. And the plot was a winding twisting maze that I really enjoyed. Usually, I can predict what’s coming or at least the direction of what’s coming. Not this time. I finally quit trying to guess and just held on for the ride.
My one complaint would be character building. From someone who is used to lots of that, this book fell short there. There were too many people falling in love that had really only known each other for a short time. Umm no. But I still enjoyed the story. Lucky for me, I have the sequel in hand.
May 8, 2011
Lor Mandela – Destruction from Twins – Review by Martha A. Cheves, Author of Stir, Laugh, Repeat
Destruction of twins, and so it must end.
They are the lock, yet they are not friends.
The Child of Balance can only restore.
Her father the key and she is the door.
The Riddle now told, the Advantiere presents,
Healing begins following events.
ONE comes swiftly in the morning
ONE unknowing moves in haste
ONE beloved through mighty fallen
ONE is chosen to forget her place
Elahk E Ber Lor Mandela!
One through strong must fall forbidden.
One made low shall rise again.
One must be as these words written
Then will One forever reign.
Elahk A Ber Lor Mandela!
This is the puzzle that must be solved to save the world of Lor Mandela. The destruction of the planet started with the death of the matriarchal leader known as the Vritesse of Lor Mandela, who prior to her death had to choose her successor between her two twin daughters. Anika had the strongest will whereas Lantalia was the kindest. Both were qualified but only one could rule. Which would it be? Little did she know that her choice would bring vengeance between the two ending in complete destruction of their sisterhood. Will one be stronger than the other and rule their world? To complicate things even more, Anika’s daughter's former entrusted (husband) Darian has swore to seek revenge upon her, her family and put himself into a position as ruler. But does he have the strength to pull it off?
And then there is Maggie Baker, a 17 year old living in what she calls the most boring town on earth. When she starts seeing hundreds of tiny lights buzzing around her window, she knows it’s nothing more than a stupid dream. But when the dream starts taking her in places that she can’t identify she starts believing that these dreams aren’t your every night dreams. So who is Maggie and how does she fit into the world of Lor Mandela?
When I made it to the last page of Lor Mandela I had one thing to say “NO! Don’t end now!” This book contained some of the most creative characters I’ve ever found in a book of this type. The Shadow Dwellers can fade in and out of the shadows and move at high speeds won me over. The Sybran Forest that draws it’s branches up as beings entered, were easily within my ability to imagine. But my favorite characters had to be the Shadow Squanki which is a magical creature who can camouflage into its surroundings and create portals allowing them to move from place to place. And they will do just about anything for their favorite food the cricket.
This author kept me so involved in the story of Lor Mandela that I found myself thinking about the riddle and it's meaning while driving to and from work each day. So, Author L. Carroll, I’m ready for the next chapter of Lor Mandela and hope I don’t have to wait too long. This book was great!
390 pages
2010
L. Carroll
Author of the Lor Mandela Series
http://www.lormandela.com
follow my blog at http://www.lormandela.blogspot.com
Review Stir, Laugh, Repeat at Amazon.com Stir, Laugh, Repeat
Destruction of twins, and so it must end.
They are the lock, yet they are not friends.
The Child of Balance can only restore.
Her father the key and she is the door.
The Riddle now told, the Advantiere presents,
Healing begins following events.
ONE comes swiftly in the morning
ONE unknowing moves in haste
ONE beloved through mighty fallen
ONE is chosen to forget her place
Elahk E Ber Lor Mandela!
One through strong must fall forbidden.
One made low shall rise again.
One must be as these words written
Then will One forever reign.
Elahk A Ber Lor Mandela!
This is the puzzle that must be solved to save the world of Lor Mandela. The destruction of the planet started with the death of the matriarchal leader known as the Vritesse of Lor Mandela, who prior to her death had to choose her successor between her two twin daughters. Anika had the strongest will whereas Lantalia was the kindest. Both were qualified but only one could rule. Which would it be? Little did she know that her choice would bring vengeance between the two ending in complete destruction of their sisterhood. Will one be stronger than the other and rule their world? To complicate things even more, Anika’s daughter's former entrusted (husband) Darian has swore to seek revenge upon her, her family and put himself into a position as ruler. But does he have the strength to pull it off?
And then there is Maggie Baker, a 17 year old living in what she calls the most boring town on earth. When she starts seeing hundreds of tiny lights buzzing around her window, she knows it’s nothing more than a stupid dream. But when the dream starts taking her in places that she can’t identify she starts believing that these dreams aren’t your every night dreams. So who is Maggie and how does she fit into the world of Lor Mandela?
When I made it to the last page of Lor Mandela I had one thing to say “NO! Don’t end now!” This book contained some of the most creative characters I’ve ever found in a book of this type. The Shadow Dwellers can fade in and out of the shadows and move at high speeds won me over. The Sybran Forest that draws it’s branches up as beings entered, were easily within my ability to imagine. But my favorite characters had to be the Shadow Squanki which is a magical creature who can camouflage into its surroundings and create portals allowing them to move from place to place. And they will do just about anything for their favorite food the cricket.
This author kept me so involved in the story of Lor Mandela that I found myself thinking about the riddle and it's meaning while driving to and from work each day. So, Author L. Carroll, I’m ready for the next chapter of Lor Mandela and hope I don’t have to wait too long. This book was great!
390 pages
2010
L. Carroll
Author of the Lor Mandela Series
http://www.lormandela.com
follow my blog at http://www.lormandela.blogspot.com
Review Stir, Laugh, Repeat at Amazon.com Stir, Laugh, Repeat
October 23, 2011
This book can be summed up by three words: Cause and effect. I would be as impressed with a story of a girl that was told not to put her hand on the burner on the stove, then she did so and got burnt, and then had to go to the hospital to get it fixed and in between here and there, parents went off on their own adventures, had to get found, then the people that had to find them went and disappeared and they had to get found etc. etc. all the way to the end of the book.
This introduction to Lor Mandela is a plodding, tiresome read. I could fully cut out 40% of the pages in this book and still be left with whatever story she had to begin with. The author starts this book over three different times. You don't ever get a sound protagonist because she moves on and never revisits those characters. If she doesn't care about the characters, why then should I?
Furthermore the last 40% of the book takes place back on earth with popping back and forth between Earth and Lor Mandela with much wandering around looking for people. It reminds me of those bad teen flicks where people go missing in the woods and they get found later but there's all of this meaningless "Johnnie...Anne?" dialogue going on. There are no cerebral characters...no one wows you with any intelligence whatsoever. They follow a prophecy which unwinds itself and the mysteries are no deeper than what you'd find in a book written for juveniles.
So basically, the hundreds upon hundreds of pages of this book consist of let's drop present protagonist in situation, be it some eternity pool or some charging snake thing or some whatever and they get rescued or the situation resolves rather quickly. I guess it's the way in which she wants to tell you about her world by giving you a slideshow of the different "dangers". Then there's talk of attractive guys and popping back and forth and the people who are tied to these characters are left wondering what's going on.
And the whole premise of the book is the cause and effect thing. Lor Mandela is in jeopardy of being destroyed because two childish women throwing tantrums with magic that smacks to be in a low-budget Hocus Pocus movie do indeed put their hand on the stove and get burnt. And yes...they knew before-hand that this would happen but did it anyway.
Read this book if you like cause and effect. But make no mistake. There is no story here. It's just a parade of different Dungeons and Dragons episodic situations mixed in with anachronistic awkwardness of modern day high school that you have no idea is coming until bam...the book starts over yet again in the middle.
For what it's worth...at least L.Carroll can spell. I found no errors in that category. Now if only she had a story.
This introduction to Lor Mandela is a plodding, tiresome read. I could fully cut out 40% of the pages in this book and still be left with whatever story she had to begin with. The author starts this book over three different times. You don't ever get a sound protagonist because she moves on and never revisits those characters. If she doesn't care about the characters, why then should I?
Furthermore the last 40% of the book takes place back on earth with popping back and forth between Earth and Lor Mandela with much wandering around looking for people. It reminds me of those bad teen flicks where people go missing in the woods and they get found later but there's all of this meaningless "Johnnie...Anne?" dialogue going on. There are no cerebral characters...no one wows you with any intelligence whatsoever. They follow a prophecy which unwinds itself and the mysteries are no deeper than what you'd find in a book written for juveniles.
So basically, the hundreds upon hundreds of pages of this book consist of let's drop present protagonist in situation, be it some eternity pool or some charging snake thing or some whatever and they get rescued or the situation resolves rather quickly. I guess it's the way in which she wants to tell you about her world by giving you a slideshow of the different "dangers". Then there's talk of attractive guys and popping back and forth and the people who are tied to these characters are left wondering what's going on.
And the whole premise of the book is the cause and effect thing. Lor Mandela is in jeopardy of being destroyed because two childish women throwing tantrums with magic that smacks to be in a low-budget Hocus Pocus movie do indeed put their hand on the stove and get burnt. And yes...they knew before-hand that this would happen but did it anyway.
Read this book if you like cause and effect. But make no mistake. There is no story here. It's just a parade of different Dungeons and Dragons episodic situations mixed in with anachronistic awkwardness of modern day high school that you have no idea is coming until bam...the book starts over yet again in the middle.
For what it's worth...at least L.Carroll can spell. I found no errors in that category. Now if only she had a story.
August 27, 2010
Lor Mandela – Destruction From Twins by L. Carroll captured my interest even before I opened the book. The front cover features a beautiful young woman with piercing blue eyes and a rupturing planet. The back cover text describes a dying alien world, a prophetic riddle, and a “Child of Balance” who may or may not be a teenager from Earth. Immediately, I sensed I was holding an epic, entertaining read in my hands. I can tell you that Lor Mandela did not disappoint.
In Part One on Lor Mandela, twin sisters position themselves to take power as the Vritesse (the matriarchal leader of the Trysta race) after their mother dies. Soon it is discovered that Lor Mandela is dying and will be destroyed. The soul of the planet appoints a “Child of Balance” named Audril Borloc, who must solve the prophetic riddle known as the Advantiere to save the planet. Shortly after her fourth birthday, Audril disappears during an attack on Mandela castle. Several Lor Mandelan spies travel to Earth in search of Audril.
In Part Two we meet our heroine, Maggie Baker, a bored but typical sixteen-year old living in Glenhill, Iowa. Small town life has Maggie longing to ease the boredom, even swimming nude in the local pond. Little does she know that her wish will soon be granted with a grand adventure beyond her wildest imagination. Maggie, despite the age difference, possesses an uncanny resemblance to Audril, including the blue eyes and black hair which are traits exclusive to the ruling Borloc family on Lor Mandela.
Author L. Carroll has created an entire universe with loveable creatures, horrible monsters, and mysterious magic, effectively keeping readers of all ages captivated from cover to cover. Carroll gradually builds the momentum over the first 300 pages. Then she throws us onto a rollercoaster of twists and turns in the closing chapters as two great armies clash with a dying planet as the background. Just when you’re able to catch your breath, the author hits you with a whopper of an ending, effectively setting up the sequel.
I would like to have seen Maggie appearing sooner in the story, as younger readers will quickly bond with the strong yet vulnerable protagonist. However, there is plenty going on throughout to keep less experienced readers turning the pages. Maggie’s time to shine is in the second half of the book and shine she does.
The conclusion of the Harry Potter series has left a largely unfilled gap in the fantasy/young adult genre. A gap, I believe, L. Carroll’s Lor Mandela Trilogy will fill quite nicely. I highly recommend Lor Mandela and rate it as a Must Read for fans of this genre.
In Part One on Lor Mandela, twin sisters position themselves to take power as the Vritesse (the matriarchal leader of the Trysta race) after their mother dies. Soon it is discovered that Lor Mandela is dying and will be destroyed. The soul of the planet appoints a “Child of Balance” named Audril Borloc, who must solve the prophetic riddle known as the Advantiere to save the planet. Shortly after her fourth birthday, Audril disappears during an attack on Mandela castle. Several Lor Mandelan spies travel to Earth in search of Audril.
In Part Two we meet our heroine, Maggie Baker, a bored but typical sixteen-year old living in Glenhill, Iowa. Small town life has Maggie longing to ease the boredom, even swimming nude in the local pond. Little does she know that her wish will soon be granted with a grand adventure beyond her wildest imagination. Maggie, despite the age difference, possesses an uncanny resemblance to Audril, including the blue eyes and black hair which are traits exclusive to the ruling Borloc family on Lor Mandela.
Author L. Carroll has created an entire universe with loveable creatures, horrible monsters, and mysterious magic, effectively keeping readers of all ages captivated from cover to cover. Carroll gradually builds the momentum over the first 300 pages. Then she throws us onto a rollercoaster of twists and turns in the closing chapters as two great armies clash with a dying planet as the background. Just when you’re able to catch your breath, the author hits you with a whopper of an ending, effectively setting up the sequel.
I would like to have seen Maggie appearing sooner in the story, as younger readers will quickly bond with the strong yet vulnerable protagonist. However, there is plenty going on throughout to keep less experienced readers turning the pages. Maggie’s time to shine is in the second half of the book and shine she does.
The conclusion of the Harry Potter series has left a largely unfilled gap in the fantasy/young adult genre. A gap, I believe, L. Carroll’s Lor Mandela Trilogy will fill quite nicely. I highly recommend Lor Mandela and rate it as a Must Read for fans of this genre.
March 1, 2012
So first of all, I just have to say, I LOVE the cover of this book! I am a huge fan of cover art (and yes, I admit, I do pick books based on their covers!) But I would definitely be interested in this book just by seeing the cover. And it gives you a feel for what to expect in the book.
Lor Mandela is definitely one of the most unique books I have ever read. It is an epic fantasy tale mixed with a contemporary YA read. It almost feels like two separate books mashed together. Each half of the book takes place in a different world--one on Lor Mandela and one on Earth. And then in closing chapters of book, the two worlds collide.
The book starts off on Lor Mandela, a fantasy world full of magic. It begins with a power struggle over who will become the next Vritesse (the matriarchial leader of the Trysta people). Scandal and intrigue abound as the leadership passes from generation to generation, culminating in a death sentence for the entire planet. Thus begins the search for Audril, the only one who can save their planet. As the search moves to Earth, the teenage heroine is introduced. Maggie is a typical 16 year old, bored with life in a small town. Little does she know what awaits her as she begins catching glimpses of this alternate universe. Everything comes to a grand climax as Maggie, along with her dad and best friend, are transported to Lor Mandela and swept into a raging battle.
At the beginning of this book, I was overwhelmed by the amount of description and details of Lor Mandela's society and characters. However, I quickly became intrigued with all the drama surrounding its leadership. I especially liked how powerful the female characters were in their respective positions. I could also relate closely to Maggie, being from a small town myself. She is a very believable character that makes the story grounded, despite its high fantasy elements.
Lor Mandela is a captivating, epic read that definitely leaves you wanting more.
Lor Mandela is definitely one of the most unique books I have ever read. It is an epic fantasy tale mixed with a contemporary YA read. It almost feels like two separate books mashed together. Each half of the book takes place in a different world--one on Lor Mandela and one on Earth. And then in closing chapters of book, the two worlds collide.
The book starts off on Lor Mandela, a fantasy world full of magic. It begins with a power struggle over who will become the next Vritesse (the matriarchial leader of the Trysta people). Scandal and intrigue abound as the leadership passes from generation to generation, culminating in a death sentence for the entire planet. Thus begins the search for Audril, the only one who can save their planet. As the search moves to Earth, the teenage heroine is introduced. Maggie is a typical 16 year old, bored with life in a small town. Little does she know what awaits her as she begins catching glimpses of this alternate universe. Everything comes to a grand climax as Maggie, along with her dad and best friend, are transported to Lor Mandela and swept into a raging battle.
At the beginning of this book, I was overwhelmed by the amount of description and details of Lor Mandela's society and characters. However, I quickly became intrigued with all the drama surrounding its leadership. I especially liked how powerful the female characters were in their respective positions. I could also relate closely to Maggie, being from a small town myself. She is a very believable character that makes the story grounded, despite its high fantasy elements.
Lor Mandela is a captivating, epic read that definitely leaves you wanting more.
May 30, 2011
I received this as a review copy from the author. This did not in any way affect my review.
Lor Mandela is a captivating story that I didn't want to stop reading. I was drawn in from just reading the summary and then when I started reading the book, wow. Let me tell you this is such a wild ride from beginning to end.
It starts off with the Lor Mandela world where the Vritesse is attempting to solve the riddle and figure out who the "child of balance" is. Lor Mandela is dying and destruction and war is everywhere. The child of balance must solve the riddle called the Advantiere to save the planet.
Then there is Maggie who lives in Glenhill, Iowa with her father Nathan. It's a small town which she thinks is so boring and wishes that something exciting would happen. Well she gets her wish when strange things start happening. Maggie starts hearing this whoosh sound and then she feels a tug and disappears from earth only to reappear on Lor Mandela. Everyone she meets there believes that she is Audril Borloc, daughter of the ruling family on Lor Mandela. Maggie thinks they are all crazy and she is desperately trying to figure out what is going on. Eventually Maggie, her father and her best friend all end up on Lor Mandlea together and that is when everything that has been building up comes together.
The author does a fantastic job of world building. I loved being pulled into the world of Lor Mandela with Maggie. The characters developed throughout the book. When you find out who everyone actually is....I was surprised. I enjoyed reading it and was shocked by the last sentence. Great setup for the sequel that I hope is soon to come. I am recommending this to everyone who reads this genre. It has romance,action, adventure and so many twists and turns all rolled into one. What a great book this was!
Lor Mandela is a captivating story that I didn't want to stop reading. I was drawn in from just reading the summary and then when I started reading the book, wow. Let me tell you this is such a wild ride from beginning to end.
It starts off with the Lor Mandela world where the Vritesse is attempting to solve the riddle and figure out who the "child of balance" is. Lor Mandela is dying and destruction and war is everywhere. The child of balance must solve the riddle called the Advantiere to save the planet.
Then there is Maggie who lives in Glenhill, Iowa with her father Nathan. It's a small town which she thinks is so boring and wishes that something exciting would happen. Well she gets her wish when strange things start happening. Maggie starts hearing this whoosh sound and then she feels a tug and disappears from earth only to reappear on Lor Mandela. Everyone she meets there believes that she is Audril Borloc, daughter of the ruling family on Lor Mandela. Maggie thinks they are all crazy and she is desperately trying to figure out what is going on. Eventually Maggie, her father and her best friend all end up on Lor Mandlea together and that is when everything that has been building up comes together.
The author does a fantastic job of world building. I loved being pulled into the world of Lor Mandela with Maggie. The characters developed throughout the book. When you find out who everyone actually is....I was surprised. I enjoyed reading it and was shocked by the last sentence. Great setup for the sequel that I hope is soon to come. I am recommending this to everyone who reads this genre. It has romance,action, adventure and so many twists and turns all rolled into one. What a great book this was!
June 3, 2011
This book has caught me by surprise. I started reading this mesmerizing Novel wondering if it would capture my interest, and if it would keep me asking for more. For someone that is extremely hard to please this book has succeeded in not only capturing my interest, but now I am begging for more.
L Carroll has an imagination every aspiring writer would like to have; unfortunately it’s a gift only some acquire. She was able to create an alternate planet and a whole different society, where women –for a change– are in power.
This book starts like no other I’ve read before. Basically, everyone dies in the first four chapters. That alone is a risk the author so cleverly took. It is not the only surprise. As you continue reading, the plot takes you on a roller-coaster ride, and you are attacked with unexpected surprises from every direction.
Reading this book I have embarrassed myself with my vocal reactions. I have grown to love L Carroll’s characters so much; I cried and laughed with them. I even yelled out “No Way!!” One multiple times.
After being submerged in a mystical world filled with Shadow Dwellers, Squanki’s, and Vritesses, I welcome reality with the hope of leaving it again to visit a world I have called home for the past four days–Lor Mandela.
This book ends with a great cliff hanger. L Carroll’s last surprise. She managed to flip my world upside down with one short paragraph. Reading the last sentence I truly understood how talented a great writer could be.
Hebah Abdelqader
L Carroll has an imagination every aspiring writer would like to have; unfortunately it’s a gift only some acquire. She was able to create an alternate planet and a whole different society, where women –for a change– are in power.
This book starts like no other I’ve read before. Basically, everyone dies in the first four chapters. That alone is a risk the author so cleverly took. It is not the only surprise. As you continue reading, the plot takes you on a roller-coaster ride, and you are attacked with unexpected surprises from every direction.
Reading this book I have embarrassed myself with my vocal reactions. I have grown to love L Carroll’s characters so much; I cried and laughed with them. I even yelled out “No Way!!” One multiple times.
After being submerged in a mystical world filled with Shadow Dwellers, Squanki’s, and Vritesses, I welcome reality with the hope of leaving it again to visit a world I have called home for the past four days–Lor Mandela.
This book ends with a great cliff hanger. L Carroll’s last surprise. She managed to flip my world upside down with one short paragraph. Reading the last sentence I truly understood how talented a great writer could be.
Hebah Abdelqader
July 4, 2011
This story is one of the best fantasy stories that I’ve read in a while. The story starts off in Lor Mandela a different planet where the fight for power has turned deadly. All it takes is one person’s greediness for power to ultimately causes a series of events that ends up turning the world of Lor Mandela upside down. This catastrophic event leads you on a whirlwind adventure to find the “child of balance” the solution to the problem.
We meet Maggie Baker who is an ordinary teenager living on earth, strange things start happening to her as the people of Lor Mandela believe she is the child of balance. As Maggie fights to keep her sanity, she has to prove to her family and friends as well as herself that she’s not losing it and these things are really happening to her.
The adventure never stops as I’m sucked into this captivating and highly addictive world that the author has created. The world building was fantastic as I could actually imagine this enchanting world of Lor Mandela full of Squankis, Shadow Dwellers, and Rynolts. All of the characters were well developed and they grew on me, I shared their happiness, hatred, and frustration. The story flowed beautifully between the two worlds, Earth and Lor Mandela.
There were twist and turns in the storyline that made me question myself and then when I thought I knew the answer, the author through me another loop. There was magic, adventure, betrayal, romance and deception.
This is definitely a story that everyone should read. I loved this book and can’t wait to read the second book, talk about cliffhanger.
We meet Maggie Baker who is an ordinary teenager living on earth, strange things start happening to her as the people of Lor Mandela believe she is the child of balance. As Maggie fights to keep her sanity, she has to prove to her family and friends as well as herself that she’s not losing it and these things are really happening to her.
The adventure never stops as I’m sucked into this captivating and highly addictive world that the author has created. The world building was fantastic as I could actually imagine this enchanting world of Lor Mandela full of Squankis, Shadow Dwellers, and Rynolts. All of the characters were well developed and they grew on me, I shared their happiness, hatred, and frustration. The story flowed beautifully between the two worlds, Earth and Lor Mandela.
There were twist and turns in the storyline that made me question myself and then when I thought I knew the answer, the author through me another loop. There was magic, adventure, betrayal, romance and deception.
This is definitely a story that everyone should read. I loved this book and can’t wait to read the second book, talk about cliffhanger.
November 13, 2013
I didn't like this book at all.
You know when you read a book that has it's own world? It introduces you to a whole different world- politics, scenery, the way people dress, and down to the food they eat? Yeah, it usually jumps out and it's not like you're reading a book, it's like you're watching a story unfold right before your eyes and it sucks you in instantly, because the world it describes is just so amazing and new that you can't possibly put the book down. And it describes in such great detail and such magnificent words that you feel a little disappointed that you aren't apart of that world.
THIS was not the case with Destruction from Twins. Nope. Nah. Nada.
It was FLAT. That is the best way for me to describe this book. FLAT. I don't want to be apart of Mandela at all. It isn't convincing. And that what makes a good- no amazing author- if they are convincing with the words they use and the atmosphere they put you in.
I am soooo disappointed in what I was reading and I couldn't. just help me. Maybe there's something wrong with me because it seems like I am part of the very FEW people who rated this book less than 3 stars. .
Dialogue is so terrible I cringed so many times, too many times. I even read 2 books in between reading this! It was that hard on the eyes!
From the reviews I had VERY HIGH expectations! I cannot describe my frustration with the main characters, and the total lack of quality that should separate characters from each other. There is no way in hell am I going to be reading book 2. Not in a million years.
You know when you read a book that has it's own world? It introduces you to a whole different world- politics, scenery, the way people dress, and down to the food they eat? Yeah, it usually jumps out and it's not like you're reading a book, it's like you're watching a story unfold right before your eyes and it sucks you in instantly, because the world it describes is just so amazing and new that you can't possibly put the book down. And it describes in such great detail and such magnificent words that you feel a little disappointed that you aren't apart of that world.
THIS was not the case with Destruction from Twins. Nope. Nah. Nada.
It was FLAT. That is the best way for me to describe this book. FLAT. I don't want to be apart of Mandela at all. It isn't convincing. And that what makes a good- no amazing author- if they are convincing with the words they use and the atmosphere they put you in.
I am soooo disappointed in what I was reading and I couldn't. just help me. Maybe there's something wrong with me because it seems like I am part of the very FEW people who rated this book less than 3 stars. .
Dialogue is so terrible I cringed so many times, too many times. I even read 2 books in between reading this! It was that hard on the eyes!
From the reviews I had VERY HIGH expectations! I cannot describe my frustration with the main characters, and the total lack of quality that should separate characters from each other. There is no way in hell am I going to be reading book 2. Not in a million years.
July 12, 2011
have to be honest, Lor Mandela- Destruction from Twins is not my normal type of read. I usually stick to romance or young adult. Honestly, I have never even read any of the Harry Potter series.
I picked this book because L. Carroll is one of my Twitter favs and I have been wanting to read it for a while and with the second book in the series about to be released I figured it was about time.
From the minute that I opened the cover, I found myself transported to another world. Lor Mandela is a magical place that is full of wonderful creatures and beautiful landscapes. L. Carroll has an awesome imagination and I am awe struck at her creativity.
The story starts out with a world that has been corrupted by deceit and power. A single vicious act has caused the total destruction of the planet itself. Only through a magical riddle and the chosen one, The Child of Balance, can Lor Mandela be saved.
This is a story that will have you on the edge of your seat and keep you turning pages. It is full of action, and twists. I found my heart racing as I cheered on the heroine. It is definitely a must read. I am counting down the days until the release of the second book in the series... Four Hundred Days.
I picked this book because L. Carroll is one of my Twitter favs and I have been wanting to read it for a while and with the second book in the series about to be released I figured it was about time.
From the minute that I opened the cover, I found myself transported to another world. Lor Mandela is a magical place that is full of wonderful creatures and beautiful landscapes. L. Carroll has an awesome imagination and I am awe struck at her creativity.
The story starts out with a world that has been corrupted by deceit and power. A single vicious act has caused the total destruction of the planet itself. Only through a magical riddle and the chosen one, The Child of Balance, can Lor Mandela be saved.
This is a story that will have you on the edge of your seat and keep you turning pages. It is full of action, and twists. I found my heart racing as I cheered on the heroine. It is definitely a must read. I am counting down the days until the release of the second book in the series... Four Hundred Days.
September 4, 2011
First off I want to say that it took me awhile to get into this book. I think it was mostly because the prologue did not connect immediately to the story and I might have been a little confused. But don't let that stop you from reading it. Once I got to a certain point I liked it a lot better. Once things connected for me I read a lot faster.
This is a pretty cool fantasy novel, there are all sorts of crazy animals and people. There was magic, action, romance, bad guys and plot twists that kept my attention. However, I thought some of the romances were a little weird, but maybe that's just me or maybe it was too late in the story. But I would like to see where they go in the next book. Oh and the bad guys are pretty crazy and the ending definitely left me wandering what the heck was going to happen. So I will be reading the next book to see what will happen. Overall the book was great once I moved past my issues. The world in the book was very magical and fun to read about. There were a lot of fun characters too, that hopefully I will get to see more of in the next book.
This is a pretty cool fantasy novel, there are all sorts of crazy animals and people. There was magic, action, romance, bad guys and plot twists that kept my attention. However, I thought some of the romances were a little weird, but maybe that's just me or maybe it was too late in the story. But I would like to see where they go in the next book. Oh and the bad guys are pretty crazy and the ending definitely left me wandering what the heck was going to happen. So I will be reading the next book to see what will happen. Overall the book was great once I moved past my issues. The world in the book was very magical and fun to read about. There were a lot of fun characters too, that hopefully I will get to see more of in the next book.
October 24, 2011
My Rating/Reviewing MO
I struggled to get through this book because it was confusing and at many points unbelievable. I should note I bumped up my rating one star for potential.
Lor Mendela seemed like a rich and fascinating fantasy world. At times my imagination was sparked by the details of the world. And for a self published work it was actually fairly decent.
My issues? It reads more like a first draft then a finished novel. It really should have been split into two books so that the author could take the time needed to better flesh out the characters and the world. I spent most of the book confused and not knowing what was going on. I also was never able to form an opinion or become emotionally involved with the characters.
There is a second book in the series and I hope it improves on the first. I most likely won't have the time to read it though.
I struggled to get through this book because it was confusing and at many points unbelievable. I should note I bumped up my rating one star for potential.
Lor Mendela seemed like a rich and fascinating fantasy world. At times my imagination was sparked by the details of the world. And for a self published work it was actually fairly decent.
My issues? It reads more like a first draft then a finished novel. It really should have been split into two books so that the author could take the time needed to better flesh out the characters and the world. I spent most of the book confused and not knowing what was going on. I also was never able to form an opinion or become emotionally involved with the characters.
There is a second book in the series and I hope it improves on the first. I most likely won't have the time to read it though.
Read
May 1, 2011Lor Mandela is a captivating world that I enjoyed escaping into.
Everything this world has to offer is something I loved being a part of.
L.Carrol’s has a writing style that portrayed the world she wanted us to be a part of so clearly, it took me in and refused to let me out.
Some of the novel could have been brought forward a little but there was enough other things going on for me not to think about that until I was writing this review.
I don’t have many bad things to say about this novel, the universe that was created full of all makings the story builds for a while then you are thrown in to a rollercoaster ride,The Good, the bad and the nasty Lor Mandela has It all, Majic, love, destruction, and adventure, I found myself holding my breath at times. You should hurry to pick up this novel.
Isnt that cover to die for?
Everything this world has to offer is something I loved being a part of.
L.Carrol’s has a writing style that portrayed the world she wanted us to be a part of so clearly, it took me in and refused to let me out.
Some of the novel could have been brought forward a little but there was enough other things going on for me not to think about that until I was writing this review.
I don’t have many bad things to say about this novel, the universe that was created full of all makings the story builds for a while then you are thrown in to a rollercoaster ride,The Good, the bad and the nasty Lor Mandela has It all, Majic, love, destruction, and adventure, I found myself holding my breath at times. You should hurry to pick up this novel.
Isnt that cover to die for?
July 23, 2011
Destruction from Twins is an engaging, fast-paced high fantasy novel. From the very first chapter the reader is enveloped with scandal and intrigue, and the plot just kept getting better. There really wasn’t a dull moment in the novel.
The best part, however, was definitely the characters. They were well-developed and many of their interactions just felt real. Jonathan was my favorite character because he always made me laugh and his love for his family really shined through in the novel.
The only thing I did not like was how the romantic pairings turned up. I do not want to say any more than that for those who have not read the book yet because I do not want to spoil the ending. If you have read this book already, please check out my love triangles post http://www.abouttoread.com/2011/07/lo...
The best part, however, was definitely the characters. They were well-developed and many of their interactions just felt real. Jonathan was my favorite character because he always made me laugh and his love for his family really shined through in the novel.
The only thing I did not like was how the romantic pairings turned up. I do not want to say any more than that for those who have not read the book yet because I do not want to spoil the ending. If you have read this book already, please check out my love triangles post http://www.abouttoread.com/2011/07/lo...
July 31, 2011
WOW, this has to be one of the best novels I have ever read in my life! That is a huge statement for me to make because I am extremely fussy on books and the key to my personal reading criteria is that, in my very hectic life, I find a story I cannot put down.
I could not put this book down!
It is the key to success, when the author can keep you spellbound the entire journey.
It has extremely good descriptive writing, settings, character development and plot. The story is incredible and I loved every, single word.
I would call LOR MANDELA an epic, beautiful, breathtaking book and it is on my "Highly recommended list" from now on.
If I could say one word to describe it, I'd say "WOW!!!"
I could not put this book down!
It is the key to success, when the author can keep you spellbound the entire journey.
It has extremely good descriptive writing, settings, character development and plot. The story is incredible and I loved every, single word.
I would call LOR MANDELA an epic, beautiful, breathtaking book and it is on my "Highly recommended list" from now on.
If I could say one word to describe it, I'd say "WOW!!!"
January 31, 2012
I had a few problems with this book. One of them was that the charcters were rather shallow. I never seemed to ever become fully connected with any of them.
Also, the jokes in the book always fell flat with me. The author’s sense of humor just didn’t fall in line with me and it irritated me more often then not.
For another thing, the battle scenes made no sense. What 17-year-old girl from modern Ohio is going to jump into battle with no qualms about killing a man? With a sword? Without breaking a sweat?
As much as I had problems with the story, I did find it imaginative and inventive. I also found Carroll’s writing style to be engaging enough to not be considered awkward or untidy. Enough so that I kept reading. I even read on to the next book.
Also, the jokes in the book always fell flat with me. The author’s sense of humor just didn’t fall in line with me and it irritated me more often then not.
For another thing, the battle scenes made no sense. What 17-year-old girl from modern Ohio is going to jump into battle with no qualms about killing a man? With a sword? Without breaking a sweat?
As much as I had problems with the story, I did find it imaginative and inventive. I also found Carroll’s writing style to be engaging enough to not be considered awkward or untidy. Enough so that I kept reading. I even read on to the next book.
August 24, 2011
I loved this book. I was recommended it as a friend of mine thought we wrote in similar styles. I picked it up and couldn't put it down. L. Carroll takes you to a different world in which I was oh so willing to go to. I loved the characters and throughly enjoyed the story. Getting to the end there was a few plot lines that I didn't think would happen, kind of came out of the blue (but in a good way) and had been blatantly obvious. Over all I enjoyed the story and I am looking forward to the next book in this series.
May 31, 2011
A wonderful read, full of surprises and unexpected turns!
The author created with Lor Mandela a world with all the trimmings. The reader will not miss a thing: power-hungry rulers, intrigues, lovable and less endearing characters, mothers and children, fights and wars.
The author succeeds in creating a great mix between fantasy and reality. A great book for fantasy lovers! And who is not, will it be after reading.
The author created with Lor Mandela a world with all the trimmings. The reader will not miss a thing: power-hungry rulers, intrigues, lovable and less endearing characters, mothers and children, fights and wars.
The author succeeds in creating a great mix between fantasy and reality. A great book for fantasy lovers! And who is not, will it be after reading.
September 26, 2011
While I was reading this book I cannot help but compare it to Alice in Wonderland the movie. Yeah, I know sounds weird right? But it has something to do with evil twins and one human avenger. I have been really caught up with the scenes in the book. The plot may not be that fresh but it is fun, the characters very dynamic. A must buy!
June 1, 2012
I really really liked this one. I had a hard time putting it down and wasn't ready for the ending.
Great Story and believable likeable characters.
Great Story and believable likeable characters.
May 27, 2011
Review to come.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews