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Fenestra #2
Wildcat Fireflies
Meridian Sozu is a Fenestra—the half-human, half-angel link between the living and the dead. She has the dark responsibility of helping souls transition safely into the afterlife. If people die without the help of a Fenestra, their souls are left vulnerable to be stolen by the Aternocti, a dark band of forces who disrupt the balance of good and evil in the world and cause chaos.
Having recently lost her beloved Auntie—the woman who showed her what it meant to be a Fenestra—Meridian has hit the road with Tens, her love and sworn protector, in hopes of finding another Fenestra. Their search leads them to Indiana, where Juliet, a responsible and loving teenager, works tirelessly in the nursing home where she and several other foster kids are housed. Surrounded by death, Juliet struggles to make a loving home for the younger kids, and to protect them from the violent whims of their foster mother. But she is struggling against forces she can't understand . . . and even as she feels a pull toward the dying, their sickness seems to infect her, weighing her down. . . .
Will Meri and Tens find Juliet in time to save her from a life of misery and illness? And will Meri and Tens' own romance weather the storms of new discoveries?
Having recently lost her beloved Auntie—the woman who showed her what it meant to be a Fenestra—Meridian has hit the road with Tens, her love and sworn protector, in hopes of finding another Fenestra. Their search leads them to Indiana, where Juliet, a responsible and loving teenager, works tirelessly in the nursing home where she and several other foster kids are housed. Surrounded by death, Juliet struggles to make a loving home for the younger kids, and to protect them from the violent whims of their foster mother. But she is struggling against forces she can't understand . . . and even as she feels a pull toward the dying, their sickness seems to infect her, weighing her down. . . .
Will Meri and Tens find Juliet in time to save her from a life of misery and illness? And will Meri and Tens' own romance weather the storms of new discoveries?
508 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2011
41 people are currently reading
3537 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 146 reviews
April 4, 2011
A couple of years ago I read a book that really threw me for a loop. It was unlike anything I had read before and I started raving about Meridian by Amber Kizer to any and everybody that would listen.
Meridian is the story of a young girl who discovers that she is a fenestra. Basically a human being with a little angel DNA, someone who helps people's souls transition into the afterlife. Of course where there's good there is evil hoping to stop this from happening. Discovering this at almost 16 means she needs both training and protecting and that's what Meridian is all about.
Which leads us to Wildcat fireflies.
I didn't think it possible but this book is better than the first. I was lucky enough to receive a preview copy and I don't mind saying that I was afraid. Afraid that I wouldn't feel the connection or enjoy the story as much. Instead, I had to force myself to read slowly, to savour the experience and not devour it in one sitting.
it was moving, disturbing and beautifully written. The stories within the main story are spectacular. I got goosebumps (of the good kind) on pages 498/499. I'm sorry that all of you have to wait until July to it. If you haven't done so read Meridian while you're waiting.
In Wildcat Fireflies we meet up with Meridian and Tens on the road looking for other fenestra and protectors to help them fight the Aternocti. Through all of this they are learning about themselves, each other and their abilities. They are unsure of who they can trust but at the same time are looking for guidance.
They find all of this and more in Indiana along the banks of the Wildcat creek. They often tell authors to 'write what you know' and you can tell that the author has connections with the setting and personal aspects of this story.
While this story could have been dreary and heavy it refrains from being so through wonderful characters like Rumi (you may need a dictionary to understand some of what he says) and the general sense of hope that flows throughout.
This is storytelling at it's best. A story that flows so smoothly that time passes unnoticed. A tale of good vs evil, love, hope, faith, friendship and family. A tale of how humans work better together and how we all need somebody sometimes.
Give it a try. I'd be surprised if you were left disappointed.
Meridian is the story of a young girl who discovers that she is a fenestra. Basically a human being with a little angel DNA, someone who helps people's souls transition into the afterlife. Of course where there's good there is evil hoping to stop this from happening. Discovering this at almost 16 means she needs both training and protecting and that's what Meridian is all about.
Which leads us to Wildcat fireflies.
I didn't think it possible but this book is better than the first. I was lucky enough to receive a preview copy and I don't mind saying that I was afraid. Afraid that I wouldn't feel the connection or enjoy the story as much. Instead, I had to force myself to read slowly, to savour the experience and not devour it in one sitting.
it was moving, disturbing and beautifully written. The stories within the main story are spectacular. I got goosebumps (of the good kind) on pages 498/499. I'm sorry that all of you have to wait until July to it. If you haven't done so read Meridian while you're waiting.
In Wildcat Fireflies we meet up with Meridian and Tens on the road looking for other fenestra and protectors to help them fight the Aternocti. Through all of this they are learning about themselves, each other and their abilities. They are unsure of who they can trust but at the same time are looking for guidance.
They find all of this and more in Indiana along the banks of the Wildcat creek. They often tell authors to 'write what you know' and you can tell that the author has connections with the setting and personal aspects of this story.
While this story could have been dreary and heavy it refrains from being so through wonderful characters like Rumi (you may need a dictionary to understand some of what he says) and the general sense of hope that flows throughout.
This is storytelling at it's best. A story that flows so smoothly that time passes unnoticed. A tale of good vs evil, love, hope, faith, friendship and family. A tale of how humans work better together and how we all need somebody sometimes.
Give it a try. I'd be surprised if you were left disappointed.
September 7, 2011
You know when a book pops up in your head and you think, I wonder if the sequel is out yet? With this book it happened to me all the time but I would never see the sequel! So now I'm super relieved and it won't be bugging me anymore :)
August 19, 2025
Während ich den ersten Teil der Nostalgie wegen noch genossen habe, habe ich mich mit diesem Teil sehr schwer getan.
Ich habe schon öfter festgestellt das ich für Jugend-Fantady einfach zu alt bin, es bereitet mir keine freude. So leider auch hier. Ich fand die Protagonisten sehr anstrengend, das hat mir das Lesen sehr schwer grmacht. Aber auch die Handlung kam etwas uninspieriert rübee und war schnell erraten. Schade, ich denke den dritten Teil werde ich mir nicht mehr besorgen.
Ich habe schon öfter festgestellt das ich für Jugend-Fantady einfach zu alt bin, es bereitet mir keine freude. So leider auch hier. Ich fand die Protagonisten sehr anstrengend, das hat mir das Lesen sehr schwer grmacht. Aber auch die Handlung kam etwas uninspieriert rübee und war schnell erraten. Schade, ich denke den dritten Teil werde ich mir nicht mehr besorgen.
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April 23, 2017Abgebroch nach 200 Seiten.
Juliette ist ein interessanter Charakter, aber Meridian und dieser Tens gingen mir furchtbar auf die Nerven. Ich finde die Geschichte nicht wirklich interessant und es packt mich nicht.
Juliette ist ein interessanter Charakter, aber Meridian und dieser Tens gingen mir furchtbar auf die Nerven. Ich finde die Geschichte nicht wirklich interessant und es packt mich nicht.
January 14, 2012
Honestly, I was hoping that Kizer would grow as an author and not do the telling instead of showing again. Instead, she told even more and showed even less. I still got no sense of emotion from these characters. The only thing that made me read this sequel was the fact that the story is interesting. Unfortunately, the story isn't enough to make me read the next one. The emotions and fake "Native American" lore were terrible, and the fake American Indian story was disrespectful, to say the least. I don't think she was disrespectful toward an entire race of people on purpose, but people seldom are. Furthermore she referred to the pioneers as the first Americans, which is basically pretending that the Native Americans weren't here first. Then she went on to talk about some Native American story that, from what I could tell, was made up. Why is this the only group of people who still gets constantly disrespected? As an American Indian Studies major, that kind of thing really bothers me. Moving on before this entire review turns into a lecture on racism in the 21st Century.
The characters... They all cried at the drop of a hat. I'm assuming this was an attempt to try to show emotion, but it failed miserably. It just made all of the characters seem weak. I got so tired of people crying, but I finished this book so I could review it. I kept thinking maybe it'd get better, but it didn't. The new characters introduced in the book would have been likable had they not burst into tears constantly over nothing. They were all a bit unique and easy to relate to. I felt that Kizer tried too hard to make Rumi different though, and his "word game" thing got really old really fast. We got to learn more about Tens, and that was cool, but he ran around crying like a freaking girl half of the book. It was just obnoxious. And Meridian went from being a likable character to a whiny, jealous brat. Juliet was boring, and no matter how hard I tried, I couldn't make myself care what happened to her. I did like Mini, however. I'm a sucker for cats.
It was obvious who the bad guys were from the start, and there was no sense of mystery or suspense in this novel. It was 500 pages of nothing. And I swear to you, the descriptions actually were longer than in the last novel. I counted the paragraphs of descriptions in one chapter. I found 8 paragraphs of descriptions, all bunched together, in two pages. I did not need to know THAT much about anything. Unless this is a textbook (which it's obviously not because it's historically inaccurate), then there is no need for that level of description. Also, the explanation of who Mistress is and what part she plays was cut short. Basically every time Kizer got to an interesting part, she sped through it , giving no details, so she could go back to describing snot (yea a lot of snot and things ingesting snot in this novel... I felt like I was reading a novel Beavis and Butthead wrote at times) or the color of grass or something. The "big reveal" which wasn't a big reveal at all was the most anti-climactic thing I'd ever read. It was just bad.
The one redeeming factor for this book is that it was told from 2 perspectives, Meridian and Juliet. Kizer actually did okay differentiating between the 2 voices, and it was believable that different people were talking. And, as I said, I did love Mini. She was the best character in my opinion. However, as juvenile as some of the book was (snot, snot, snot... and discussions of going to the toilet), it was a bit graphic in the sex department. Too graphic, if you ask me, for a YA audience. I didn't need to know about what anyone's business looked like. I thought I was reading a YA book, not smut. Just a helpful suggestion, less is more when it comes to sex and violence (and bodily fluids... just sayin'). All in all, I wouldn't recommend this novel to anyone. ever. And I certainly wouldn't give it to anyone under the age of 18 to read. Yucko.
Check out more of my reviews, along with giveaways, author interviews, and more at http://falln2books.blogspot.com
The characters... They all cried at the drop of a hat. I'm assuming this was an attempt to try to show emotion, but it failed miserably. It just made all of the characters seem weak. I got so tired of people crying, but I finished this book so I could review it. I kept thinking maybe it'd get better, but it didn't. The new characters introduced in the book would have been likable had they not burst into tears constantly over nothing. They were all a bit unique and easy to relate to. I felt that Kizer tried too hard to make Rumi different though, and his "word game" thing got really old really fast. We got to learn more about Tens, and that was cool, but he ran around crying like a freaking girl half of the book. It was just obnoxious. And Meridian went from being a likable character to a whiny, jealous brat. Juliet was boring, and no matter how hard I tried, I couldn't make myself care what happened to her. I did like Mini, however. I'm a sucker for cats.
It was obvious who the bad guys were from the start, and there was no sense of mystery or suspense in this novel. It was 500 pages of nothing. And I swear to you, the descriptions actually were longer than in the last novel. I counted the paragraphs of descriptions in one chapter. I found 8 paragraphs of descriptions, all bunched together, in two pages. I did not need to know THAT much about anything. Unless this is a textbook (which it's obviously not because it's historically inaccurate), then there is no need for that level of description. Also, the explanation of who Mistress is and what part she plays was cut short. Basically every time Kizer got to an interesting part, she sped through it , giving no details, so she could go back to describing snot (yea a lot of snot and things ingesting snot in this novel... I felt like I was reading a novel Beavis and Butthead wrote at times) or the color of grass or something. The "big reveal" which wasn't a big reveal at all was the most anti-climactic thing I'd ever read. It was just bad.
The one redeeming factor for this book is that it was told from 2 perspectives, Meridian and Juliet. Kizer actually did okay differentiating between the 2 voices, and it was believable that different people were talking. And, as I said, I did love Mini. She was the best character in my opinion. However, as juvenile as some of the book was (snot, snot, snot... and discussions of going to the toilet), it was a bit graphic in the sex department. Too graphic, if you ask me, for a YA audience. I didn't need to know about what anyone's business looked like. I thought I was reading a YA book, not smut. Just a helpful suggestion, less is more when it comes to sex and violence (and bodily fluids... just sayin'). All in all, I wouldn't recommend this novel to anyone. ever. And I certainly wouldn't give it to anyone under the age of 18 to read. Yucko.
Check out more of my reviews, along with giveaways, author interviews, and more at http://falln2books.blogspot.com
August 1, 2011
I have mixed feelings about this book. I loved all of Meridian but did not quite feel the same about the latest installment. It was weird at first because I couldn’t put my finger on what exactly was out of place for me in the story. The characters were the same and the writing is the same however it just didn’t hold my interest as much as the first book. After rereading the book, I really think it was because I couldn’t get into Juliet’s story. I really enjoyed any parts that related to Meridian and Tens but had a lot of trouble getting through the parts related to Juliet. I found it hard to relate to her situation and then trying to puzzle through what was going on in the situation also took away some of my interest. Also the change in narration between the characters was a bit different and since it was different from the first book it detracted from the story for me.
On the other hand, I couldn’t get enough of Meridian and Tens. They grow quite a bit in this story as a Protector and Fenestra and as a couple. They also mature as they are now on their own. I still feel like we don’t really know anything about Tens because his character is so guarded. While we get some insight to what’s inside of his head we don’t fully see “what makes him tick.” I am hoping to get to know more later on in the series.
We are also left wondering about the relationship between a Fenestra and her Protector. I am really curious to learn what role the Protector plays. So far we haven’t seen Tens do much other than anticipate Meridian. I am wondering what he could do against a Aternocti. I am thinking that as a Protector he likely has a role against them.
New characters are introduced to the story that are fun and make things interesting. I am hoping Meridian and Tens stay in the same area so we can see how the new characters will play into the story.
Overall, I give the book a 4/5. After reading it the second time I was able to get through more of Juliet’s story and appreciate the addition to the series. Meridian is searching for Fenestras so of course new characters have to be introduced. I am just a little more excited to see how the rest of Meridian and Tens story continues.
On the other hand, I couldn’t get enough of Meridian and Tens. They grow quite a bit in this story as a Protector and Fenestra and as a couple. They also mature as they are now on their own. I still feel like we don’t really know anything about Tens because his character is so guarded. While we get some insight to what’s inside of his head we don’t fully see “what makes him tick.” I am hoping to get to know more later on in the series.
We are also left wondering about the relationship between a Fenestra and her Protector. I am really curious to learn what role the Protector plays. So far we haven’t seen Tens do much other than anticipate Meridian. I am wondering what he could do against a Aternocti. I am thinking that as a Protector he likely has a role against them.
New characters are introduced to the story that are fun and make things interesting. I am hoping Meridian and Tens stay in the same area so we can see how the new characters will play into the story.
Overall, I give the book a 4/5. After reading it the second time I was able to get through more of Juliet’s story and appreciate the addition to the series. Meridian is searching for Fenestras so of course new characters have to be introduced. I am just a little more excited to see how the rest of Meridian and Tens story continues.
September 10, 2013
I read Wildcat Fireflies's predecessor almost three years prior to reading this novel. I remembered that I really enjoyed it, but that's about all. So, aside from the basic plot line and major events of Meridian (because of the spoilers I had to look up), reading Wildcat Fireflies was pretty much a new reading experience for me.
Meridian was an overall good character, despite two characteristics: immaturity and her whiny-ness. Now, I was, for the most part, okay with her immaturity. After all, despite the things that she had been through, Meridian is still sixteen, and she acted like it. However, when she would whine, that irked me. It wasn't something that would distract me from the novel constantly, but it still bothered me. Despite these things, however, I still really liked her.
In Wildcat Fireflies, we were introduced to a new character: Juliet. I felt sorry for her more than anything. She had been through a lot and had not led a good life. I loved how she treated the children that she was with and I was rooting for her.
I love the concept and story behind these novels. There is a certain amount of mythology behind it, and I really enjoyed that aspect. This was also a very addicting read. Although it wasn't action-packed, it still had its share of intense moments. I was able to read it rather quickly despite it being over 500 pages.
Despite not remembering much of the first book, I still really enjoyed this book. I'm looking forward to reading the next book.
Meridian was an overall good character, despite two characteristics: immaturity and her whiny-ness. Now, I was, for the most part, okay with her immaturity. After all, despite the things that she had been through, Meridian is still sixteen, and she acted like it. However, when she would whine, that irked me. It wasn't something that would distract me from the novel constantly, but it still bothered me. Despite these things, however, I still really liked her.
In Wildcat Fireflies, we were introduced to a new character: Juliet. I felt sorry for her more than anything. She had been through a lot and had not led a good life. I loved how she treated the children that she was with and I was rooting for her.
I love the concept and story behind these novels. There is a certain amount of mythology behind it, and I really enjoyed that aspect. This was also a very addicting read. Although it wasn't action-packed, it still had its share of intense moments. I was able to read it rather quickly despite it being over 500 pages.
Despite not remembering much of the first book, I still really enjoyed this book. I'm looking forward to reading the next book.
December 7, 2010
A wonderful sequel to Meridian! I loved everything about this book. The characters are so well-developed. NOT MIDDLE SCHOOL APPROPRIATE!!!
August 25, 2011
First off, I absolutely loved Meridian, the first installment in the Fenestra series. That being said, I think Wildcat Fireflies was better than Meridian in some aspects, and not-as-great-as the first novel in other aspects, but still greatly enjoyable.
At first, I found it hard to really get into Juliet's story because I was already so attached to Meridian and Tens from the first book--I wanted the entire novel to be told from Meridian's point of view. However, I realize why Kizer chose to write from this new perspective, and I do feel like Juliet's POV complemented Meridian's. And it's hard not to like Juliet with all that she's going through and how devoted and caring she is toward the other orphans at DG (especially Bodie, whom by the way I adored probably as much as little Sammy).
I loved the little tidbits with Tens and Meridian (I'll try not to give too much away). While they are each other's soulmate and partners in the task each has been given, their relationship is still new and I love how Kizer played upon that. Meridian's jealousy and Tens' remoteness, and sometimes arrogance, get them both into trouble where their relationship is concerned.
One of the aspects I enjoyed the most about this series is that Kizer gave us such a strong feminine heroine in Meridian, founded upon her strength and stubbornness. She refuses to let others dictate her life and continues to fight what she believes is right, even with her own life at stake. In regards to Tens, she refuses to let him outright tell her what to do with his role as her Protector as his excuse.
I appreciate the original, whimsical and all-around amazing world Kizer has given to us. I cannot wait for the 3rd and 4th installments in the series, titled Speed of Light (due out in summer 2012) and Counting Tens respectively. The prospective titles alone are enough to make me infinitely impatient, but it's said that good things come to those who wait. We shall see.
I would absolutely recommend this book to readers really of all ages, especially those who enjoy supernatural/paranormal/romance fiction.
At first, I found it hard to really get into Juliet's story because I was already so attached to Meridian and Tens from the first book--I wanted the entire novel to be told from Meridian's point of view. However, I realize why Kizer chose to write from this new perspective, and I do feel like Juliet's POV complemented Meridian's. And it's hard not to like Juliet with all that she's going through and how devoted and caring she is toward the other orphans at DG (especially Bodie, whom by the way I adored probably as much as little Sammy).
I loved the little tidbits with Tens and Meridian (I'll try not to give too much away). While they are each other's soulmate and partners in the task each has been given, their relationship is still new and I love how Kizer played upon that. Meridian's jealousy and Tens' remoteness, and sometimes arrogance, get them both into trouble where their relationship is concerned.
One of the aspects I enjoyed the most about this series is that Kizer gave us such a strong feminine heroine in Meridian, founded upon her strength and stubbornness. She refuses to let others dictate her life and continues to fight what she believes is right, even with her own life at stake. In regards to Tens, she refuses to let him outright tell her what to do with his role as her Protector as his excuse.
I appreciate the original, whimsical and all-around amazing world Kizer has given to us. I cannot wait for the 3rd and 4th installments in the series, titled Speed of Light (due out in summer 2012) and Counting Tens respectively. The prospective titles alone are enough to make me infinitely impatient, but it's said that good things come to those who wait. We shall see.
I would absolutely recommend this book to readers really of all ages, especially those who enjoy supernatural/paranormal/romance fiction.
January 29, 2016
Meridian and Tens are back again in Wildcat Fireflies. They are on the road to Indiana looking for another Fenestra and….a cat? While searching for this Fenestra (who is a sixteen-year-old girl named Juliet) they unexpectedly make some great friends and learn some shocking secrets. The reader also finds out a bit more about Tens' background. This book is written a bit differently than the first as the story is told from alternating perspectives of Meridian and Juliet.
I had such mixed feelings about this book. The first book in this series, Meridian, blew me away. It was simply amazing. So of course, I expected to fall in love with this one too. Unfortunately, that didn’t happen. First off, for most of the book Juliet’s story is so completely depressing, the kind of depressing that stays with you after you put the book down. I’d be eating dinner and all of a sudden I’d think of Juliet and say “God, her life really freaking sucks!” I sometimes dreaded reading her chapters because they were always almost guaranteed to be sad and depressing. But I have to say that Juliet was a great character. I felt sorry for her, but I also felt like she had an indomitable spirit. I rooted for her all the way throughout the book, just waiting for her to taste happiness, true unfettered happiness. Lord knows if anyone fictitious deserves it, it’s her.
Meridian and Tens did grow a bit. Tens opens up more and Meridian is more cautious and doesn’t want to be the damsel in distress, but the damsel with the sword hacking at her enemies. Some of the scenes in this book deals with Meridian wanting to have sex with Tens, and there were one or two pretty graphic (for a YA novel, at least) scenes with them together. I don’t have an issue with that, but this book might not be suitable for anyone under 15.
(On a side note, what’s with the cover? It’s almost identical to the one on Meridian. The green butterfly pattern is pretty but for some reason the girl on the cover looks kind of creepy to me.)
Okay, so wrapping it all up here, it was an okay book. At the end, I had some questions like: what the HECK happened to Nicole and what was the number thing Tens and Meridian said to each other on the last page? The author didn’t explain it at all; it was completely random. Did I miss something? Though Wildcat Fireflies had its faults, it wasn’t terrible. It was a page turner and worth the read. Also, there were several fantastic secondary characters that I just loved. My two favorites are Bodie and Rumi. It didn’t put me off from reading the next book in the series, but I hope the next one will be better.
I had such mixed feelings about this book. The first book in this series, Meridian, blew me away. It was simply amazing. So of course, I expected to fall in love with this one too. Unfortunately, that didn’t happen. First off, for most of the book Juliet’s story is so completely depressing, the kind of depressing that stays with you after you put the book down. I’d be eating dinner and all of a sudden I’d think of Juliet and say “God, her life really freaking sucks!” I sometimes dreaded reading her chapters because they were always almost guaranteed to be sad and depressing. But I have to say that Juliet was a great character. I felt sorry for her, but I also felt like she had an indomitable spirit. I rooted for her all the way throughout the book, just waiting for her to taste happiness, true unfettered happiness. Lord knows if anyone fictitious deserves it, it’s her.
Meridian and Tens did grow a bit. Tens opens up more and Meridian is more cautious and doesn’t want to be the damsel in distress, but the damsel with the sword hacking at her enemies. Some of the scenes in this book deals with Meridian wanting to have sex with Tens, and there were one or two pretty graphic (for a YA novel, at least) scenes with them together. I don’t have an issue with that, but this book might not be suitable for anyone under 15.
(On a side note, what’s with the cover? It’s almost identical to the one on Meridian. The green butterfly pattern is pretty but for some reason the girl on the cover looks kind of creepy to me.)
Okay, so wrapping it all up here, it was an okay book. At the end, I had some questions like: what the HECK happened to Nicole and what was the number thing Tens and Meridian said to each other on the last page? The author didn’t explain it at all; it was completely random. Did I miss something? Though Wildcat Fireflies had its faults, it wasn’t terrible. It was a page turner and worth the read. Also, there were several fantastic secondary characters that I just loved. My two favorites are Bodie and Rumi. It didn’t put me off from reading the next book in the series, but I hope the next one will be better.
May 23, 2012
I read the first book before I started blogging and really loved it. The whole world building as well as the characters capture my imagination an set me on a whole new path to discover.
What I loved most about this book is the character growth. Meri is growing in who she is and what she is meant to do. There are times where she feels so incapable of doing things that I could feel her frustration. I could see the time away from her family as well as always being on the run is taking a toll of her.
The love interest really grew as well. Their relationship is sort-of on a stand still being that they are always on the run but it definitely grows in trust and strength. The have late night talks that really bring a smile to my face as I watch them become so much more than friends. The jealousy issues is bound to catch up being that they haven't really gotten in further in their relationship with trust in that area. Their sort of like just going with flow, assuming things. And we all know what happens when you assume.
The action of the book is great. I loved reading about other characters who are the same as Meri and going through the same troubles like her. Meri has such a big responsibility. She takes everything in with stride putting everything aside for what need to be done.
Wildcat Fireflies explodes with so many new possibilities! Exciting new characters, new revelations of being a Fenestra, and the darkness that surrounds them. Wildcat Fireflies is great!
What I loved most about this book is the character growth. Meri is growing in who she is and what she is meant to do. There are times where she feels so incapable of doing things that I could feel her frustration. I could see the time away from her family as well as always being on the run is taking a toll of her.
The love interest really grew as well. Their relationship is sort-of on a stand still being that they are always on the run but it definitely grows in trust and strength. The have late night talks that really bring a smile to my face as I watch them become so much more than friends. The jealousy issues is bound to catch up being that they haven't really gotten in further in their relationship with trust in that area. Their sort of like just going with flow, assuming things. And we all know what happens when you assume.
The action of the book is great. I loved reading about other characters who are the same as Meri and going through the same troubles like her. Meri has such a big responsibility. She takes everything in with stride putting everything aside for what need to be done.
Wildcat Fireflies explodes with so many new possibilities! Exciting new characters, new revelations of being a Fenestra, and the darkness that surrounds them. Wildcat Fireflies is great!
July 17, 2011
Wildcat Fireflies was a really great follow up to Meridian. Kizer does a good job of unfolding information and you learn as Meridian and Tens learn new things about the Fenestra mythology. This is a little used mythology and that is one of my favorite things about the series. (no vampires or or werewolves here, whoo hoo!) It doesn't feel like anything else that's been written, and its a little darker and deeper than other books/series in the teen paranormal romance genre. And best of all the characters felt like real teenagers struggling with normal things like jealousy and guarded or moody behavior, they weren't/are not these perfect heroes who get everything right, and they know they cannot win on their own. They know they will need help and they are smart enough to ask for it. And it had a real ending, which I was a little surprised by, but I can pick out a couple of things that the author can build upon in another one. I don't think she's done with these characters yet, and I can't wait for her to write another one!
November 21, 2022
omg so excited! my mouth literally dropped when I saw this :)
May 27, 2012
First 528! No! won't The first I even enjoyed at times. Bought first and second books at once. Got about 100 pages into the sequel.
I am becoming more jaded with ya books. Found this book boring.
I am becoming more jaded with ya books. Found this book boring.
January 5, 2015
Wo ist der nächste Band? :-)
July 14, 2011
When I reviewed book one in this series, Meridian, last year, I said overall I liked the story, but . I think I'm basically going to be saying the same thing this time, and for mostly the same reasons. This worries me a bit because it means that either there hasn't been growth OR this is just Kizer's style, in which case I will never be completely satisfied. Whichever it is, the result is the same: I was left at times feeling a little underwhelmed by what I think could be a really good story.
There are times that it is. The mythology is interesting, and Kizer is very, very talented at creating in Meridian a character I believe. There are things that she thinks or says or feels that ring so true to me, and scenes that are so cringingly, awkwardly realistic that I feel Kizer nailed her. She shows great insight into the emotions and reactions and feelings of her MC, and it brings her to life. Wildcat Fireflies sees the addition of a few new characters, one of them another Fenestra by the name of Juliet, and Kizer breathes the same life and believability into her as she does Meridian. These two girls have personalities, flaws and strengths, that feel very in keeping with the lives they've led, and I respect that.
But there are counterparts to the dynamic main characters, and these counterparts are often very flat. In fact, most of the side characters are pretty flat; they tend to be either wholly dark or wholly light, and there's never any doubt which. You know from the minute they enter the story which side they are on, and they never deviate from it. I said in my review of Meridian that the bad guys and good guys may as well come with big declarative flags over their heads, and that remains true for this second book. As the reader, we never get to have doubts or form our own opinions because everything is basically handed to us: we have merely to wait to see how it all plays out.
It's akin to the HUGE pet peeve I mentioned last time, and that's the use of deus ex machina. <----- That makes an appearance (pun intended) again in this book, but I'm going to try not to go off on too much of a tangent because I've covered it before. Suffice it to say, I haaaaaate it when authors use DEM, because why should I care if I know that no matter what happens, someone is going to come along and wipe the slate clean? Where's the tension, where's the struggle? There's no need to worry about anyone, ever, because it doesn't matter what they do: someone is going to wave a magic wand and fix it.
Hand in hand with the use of actual DEM is the obviousness that I was talking about before I did in fact go off on a bit of a tangent. There's an easy convenience to it that robs the story of potential for tension, and that's a letdown. So much in the story, signs and magical aids and white knight helpers everywhere Meridian turns - it all falls under the umbrella of divine intervention or something along those lines, and maybe it's just that I'm not religious, but this doesn't work for me. Why make everything so easy and obvious? And if all of these magical helpers and whatnot can be sent, why are Meridian and the other Fenestra even needed? Can't the baddies just be obliterated, and everything be peaches and puppies? It just doesn't work for me. And it's a shame, because I think it's doing a disservice to what is otherwise a fascinating story.
Kizer does dark really well, and she doesn't shy away from things, which I respect. I would have liked to be able to explore this without knowing that it's all going to be swept under the rug in a lightning fast showdown, where the Ultimate Bad Guy that was so impossible to beat is defeated or scared off in all of a paragraph. This, after nearly 500 pages of build-up. It feels like a lot of work for very little payoff.
[And while I'm mentioning the length, on a technical note, I could have done with a heavier editing-hand. I did read an ARC, so I'm sure things will be tightened up, but this was a looong book, and though some of that can be chalked up to it essentially being two stories interwoven, it still could have used some trimming and some all-around editing. There were times when the sentence structure was damn near unintelligible.]
So, where does that leave us? If you were a fan of Meridian, I'd say definitely pick this up.
If you're not adverse to clear cut Good v. Bad, and a fair dose of divine intervention, pick this up.
But if these things bother you, my recommendation is hesitant. It took me a good long while before I was able to feel invested in the story; I did get there, and I do like these characters and the bones of the story, so if you're willing to set some things aside, this can be quite enjoyable at times. There is enough there to keep me willing to read more from the series, but I don't think it will ever make it to the must-have list.
January 13, 2014
This review was written by Evie Kendal for Dark Matter Zine. This and more reviews, interviews etc are on Dark Matter Zine, an online magazine. http://www.darkmatterzine.com.
Amber Kizer’s Meridian series is a young adult fantasy following the life of Meridian Sozu, a sixteen-year-old girl with the ability to help dying souls crossover into the afterlife. Known as “Fenestras” girls like Meridian are half-human, half-angel beings that fight to save souls from the evil soul-stealing Aternocti. While the series delicately skirts around the issue of religious affiliation, the Aternocti represent a disruption to the balance between good and evil, often killing Fenestras before they come into their power in order to limit the number of “windows” available for dying souls to travel through. In the first novel of the series, Meridian, Meridian discovers her heritage and is sent to train with “Auntie,” an older relative who is also a Fenestra. Her family go into hiding when the Aternocti threaten them and Meridian ends up living in a small town, completely isolated from her former friends and family, with only Auntie and her taciturn companion, Tens, as company. Throughout this first novel Meridian learns how to use her power and also discovers that Tens is her destined Protector. The second novel, Wildcat Fireflies, follows Meridian and Tens’ journey to seek out other Fenestras, before the Aternocti can find them. Armed with nothing but an old diary full of entries written by Fenestras over the ages, the two protagonists must figure out more about Meridian’s powers and how they bind her and Tens together.
The plot
After reading Meridian, the second instalment of this series definitely receives a nomination for “most improved” plotting. While the first book meandered somewhat and then pulled an infuriating deux ex machina finale, Wildcat Fireflies has a relatively good narrative pace, and the ending is set up a bit better. Given the fact the series is supposed to focus on powerful women though, the prevalence of damsel-in-distress moments is a bit distressing. Overall the plot of Wildcat Fireflies is more interesting than Meridian, particularly due to the introduction of first person narration from the perspective of Juliet, the orphaned Fenestra Meridian and Tens are racing to save. Despite some lengthy and rather self-indulgent descriptive tangents, this added tension generally succeeds in keeping the story moving. Unfortunately there is also a romantic plot threading through the book that never quite manages to avoid the inherent creepiness of exploring a relationship between a sixteen-year-old girl and her much more mature brother-like companion. There is quite a lot of text devoted to exploring their sexual desires, but much of this fails to advance the plot and comes off as unnecessary filler. I think a “less-is-more” approach to this aspect of the story would have been more appropriate.
The characters
Although many fans disagree, I found the character of Juliet very interesting and was more invested in her storyline than Meridian and Tens’. Living in an orphanage/nursing home, Juliet tries to protect the other orphans from their overbearing Mistress, while also easing the suffering of the elderly patients dying within the Dunklebarger facility. Unaware of why she is so drawn to the dying, Juliet strives to make life better for everyone at Dunklebarger, oblivious to the Aternocti threat surrounding her.
It is perhaps a testament to how flat I found the characterisation of Meridian and Tens that my next favourite characters in the book were the cat, Mini, and dog, Custos! While Juliet uses Mini’s ability to seek out the dying, Custos is an often-invisible wolf sent by the powers that be to assist Meridian and Tens in their mission. Both are significantly more interesting than many of the human characters in the series. The scenes involving Auntie are among the best, due to the depth of characterisation already achieved for her in Meridian.
Recommendations
Wildcat Fireflies does a good job of catching readers up with the events of the previous novel, and since the ending of Meridian was appalling, I would recommend starting with this second novel. However, while the first novel is pitched at young teens, the second is more suitable for older teens. The writing style is quite simple though and possibly won’t provide a sufficient challenge for more advanced readers.
Amber Kizer’s Meridian series is a young adult fantasy following the life of Meridian Sozu, a sixteen-year-old girl with the ability to help dying souls crossover into the afterlife. Known as “Fenestras” girls like Meridian are half-human, half-angel beings that fight to save souls from the evil soul-stealing Aternocti. While the series delicately skirts around the issue of religious affiliation, the Aternocti represent a disruption to the balance between good and evil, often killing Fenestras before they come into their power in order to limit the number of “windows” available for dying souls to travel through. In the first novel of the series, Meridian, Meridian discovers her heritage and is sent to train with “Auntie,” an older relative who is also a Fenestra. Her family go into hiding when the Aternocti threaten them and Meridian ends up living in a small town, completely isolated from her former friends and family, with only Auntie and her taciturn companion, Tens, as company. Throughout this first novel Meridian learns how to use her power and also discovers that Tens is her destined Protector. The second novel, Wildcat Fireflies, follows Meridian and Tens’ journey to seek out other Fenestras, before the Aternocti can find them. Armed with nothing but an old diary full of entries written by Fenestras over the ages, the two protagonists must figure out more about Meridian’s powers and how they bind her and Tens together.
The plot
After reading Meridian, the second instalment of this series definitely receives a nomination for “most improved” plotting. While the first book meandered somewhat and then pulled an infuriating deux ex machina finale, Wildcat Fireflies has a relatively good narrative pace, and the ending is set up a bit better. Given the fact the series is supposed to focus on powerful women though, the prevalence of damsel-in-distress moments is a bit distressing. Overall the plot of Wildcat Fireflies is more interesting than Meridian, particularly due to the introduction of first person narration from the perspective of Juliet, the orphaned Fenestra Meridian and Tens are racing to save. Despite some lengthy and rather self-indulgent descriptive tangents, this added tension generally succeeds in keeping the story moving. Unfortunately there is also a romantic plot threading through the book that never quite manages to avoid the inherent creepiness of exploring a relationship between a sixteen-year-old girl and her much more mature brother-like companion. There is quite a lot of text devoted to exploring their sexual desires, but much of this fails to advance the plot and comes off as unnecessary filler. I think a “less-is-more” approach to this aspect of the story would have been more appropriate.
The characters
Although many fans disagree, I found the character of Juliet very interesting and was more invested in her storyline than Meridian and Tens’. Living in an orphanage/nursing home, Juliet tries to protect the other orphans from their overbearing Mistress, while also easing the suffering of the elderly patients dying within the Dunklebarger facility. Unaware of why she is so drawn to the dying, Juliet strives to make life better for everyone at Dunklebarger, oblivious to the Aternocti threat surrounding her.
It is perhaps a testament to how flat I found the characterisation of Meridian and Tens that my next favourite characters in the book were the cat, Mini, and dog, Custos! While Juliet uses Mini’s ability to seek out the dying, Custos is an often-invisible wolf sent by the powers that be to assist Meridian and Tens in their mission. Both are significantly more interesting than many of the human characters in the series. The scenes involving Auntie are among the best, due to the depth of characterisation already achieved for her in Meridian.
Recommendations
Wildcat Fireflies does a good job of catching readers up with the events of the previous novel, and since the ending of Meridian was appalling, I would recommend starting with this second novel. However, while the first novel is pitched at young teens, the second is more suitable for older teens. The writing style is quite simple though and possibly won’t provide a sufficient challenge for more advanced readers.
July 29, 2014
Inhalt: Nachdem Meridian ihre Bestimmung als Fenestra erkannt und akzeptiert hat, steht sie nun vor einer großen Gefahr. Nicht nur, dass sie ihre Fähigkeit beherrschen und kontrollieren lernen muss, damit sie beim Übergang der Seelen nicht mit ins Jenseits gerissen wird, auch die die Aternocti, sind ihr dicht auf den Fersen. Die bösen Engel trachten nach den Fenestra, um sie auf die dunkle Seite zu ziehen und ihre Macht und Herrschaft über die Hölle und die verlorenen Seelen weiter auszubreiten.
Meridian und ihr Wächter Tens machen sich auf die Suche nach weiteren Fenestra und stoßen dabei auf Verbündete, große Rätsel und ein dunkles Kinderheim, was Geheimnisse in sich verbirgt.
Meine Meinung: Die düstere und mysteriöse Stimmung, die bereits im ersten Teil besonders überzeugen konnte, setzt sich auch im zweiten Band fort und ist sogar noch eine Nummer fesselnder. Meridian und Tens haben es sich zur Aufgabe gemacht, weitere Fenestra zu finden und sie vor den Absichten der Aternocti zu schützen. Auf ihrer Reise durch Indianapolis gilt es für die beiden Jugendlichen viele Rätsel zu lösen, die die Autorin in eine eigene kleine Erzählung, mit vielen geschichtlichen Überlieferungen und neuen, nicht weniger sympathischen Charakteren verpackt hat. Ohne Unterlass bietet die Atmosphäre aufgrund der neuen Handlungsstränge eine sehr anziehende Wirkung.
Neben dem bereits bekannten spannenden und bedrückenden Elementen aus dem ersten Teil, setzt die Autorin in der Fortsetzung auch auf andere Emotionen. Neben Meridian führt Amber Kizer eine weitere Fenestra, Juliet, ein, deren eigene Geschichte für herzzerreißende und besonders dramatische Momente sorgt. Die Autorin legt in ihrem Buch viel Wert darauf, ihrer zweiten Fenestra eine eigene Stimme zu verleihen, was sie unter anderem durch den Perspektivenwechsel zwischen Meridian und Juliet wunderbar vollbringt.
Romantiker unter uns kommen auch im zweiten Teil der Reihe voll und ganz auf ihre Kosten. Die liebevollen Momente zwischen Meridian und ihrem Wächter und Freund Tens dominieren keineswegs die Geschichte, sondern werden vereinzelt, dann aber auch mit vollem gefühlvollem Ausmaß, in die Haupthandlung integriert. Jeder romantische Moment zwischen den beiden Liebenden ist in Anbetracht der emotionalen Intensität auf den Punkt gebracht und erweckt beim Leser, wie bei Meridian selbst, Sehnsucht nach mehr.
Konnten die Figuren bereits im ersten Teil aufgrund ihres Wesens von sich überzeugen, so wachsen sie dem Leser im zweiten Band noch mehr ans Herz. Amber Kizer lässt den Leser an der Entwicklung ihrer Figuren ohne Pause teilhaben. Gerade die beiden Hauptfiguren Meridian und Tens lernt man im zweiten Teil noch ausführlicher kennen. Die Autorin bietet dem Leser eine tiefe Einsicht in die Protagonistin und ihrem inneren Zwiespalt. Einerseits versucht Meridian den Erwartungen, die man ihr aufgrund ihres Fenestra-Daseins stellt, gerecht zu werden und andererseits hegt sie den tiefen Wunsch, ihre Familie wiederzusehen und endlich ein normaler amerikanischer Teenager zu sein. Auch Tens gewinnt in diesem Band deutlich an Tiefe und gibt hier endlich einen Einblick in seine traumatische Vergangenheit.
Wie bereits erwähnt bleibt es in ‘Meridian – Flüsternde Seelen’ nicht bei den altbekannten Figuren aus dem ersten Band. Amber Kizer führt viele weitere Charaktere ein, lässt dabei aber niemals deren detaillierte Darstellung aus den Augen, sodass keine der Figuren in ihrem Wesen blass bleibt.
Im Herbst 2012 erscheint auf Englisch der dritte Band der Reihe, ‘Speed of Light‘. Im Frühjahr 2013 steht dann auch der vierte Band in den Läden, der den Namen ‘Counting Tens‘ tragen wird.
Fazit: ‘Meridian – Flüsternde Seelen’ ist nicht weniger überzeugend als sein Vorgänger. Herausragende Fantasy Elemente und romantische Momente, die einem emotionalem Feuerwerk gleichen, machen die Meridian Reihe zu einem unvergesslichem Leseerlebnis.
Meridian und ihr Wächter Tens machen sich auf die Suche nach weiteren Fenestra und stoßen dabei auf Verbündete, große Rätsel und ein dunkles Kinderheim, was Geheimnisse in sich verbirgt.
Meine Meinung: Die düstere und mysteriöse Stimmung, die bereits im ersten Teil besonders überzeugen konnte, setzt sich auch im zweiten Band fort und ist sogar noch eine Nummer fesselnder. Meridian und Tens haben es sich zur Aufgabe gemacht, weitere Fenestra zu finden und sie vor den Absichten der Aternocti zu schützen. Auf ihrer Reise durch Indianapolis gilt es für die beiden Jugendlichen viele Rätsel zu lösen, die die Autorin in eine eigene kleine Erzählung, mit vielen geschichtlichen Überlieferungen und neuen, nicht weniger sympathischen Charakteren verpackt hat. Ohne Unterlass bietet die Atmosphäre aufgrund der neuen Handlungsstränge eine sehr anziehende Wirkung.
Neben dem bereits bekannten spannenden und bedrückenden Elementen aus dem ersten Teil, setzt die Autorin in der Fortsetzung auch auf andere Emotionen. Neben Meridian führt Amber Kizer eine weitere Fenestra, Juliet, ein, deren eigene Geschichte für herzzerreißende und besonders dramatische Momente sorgt. Die Autorin legt in ihrem Buch viel Wert darauf, ihrer zweiten Fenestra eine eigene Stimme zu verleihen, was sie unter anderem durch den Perspektivenwechsel zwischen Meridian und Juliet wunderbar vollbringt.
Romantiker unter uns kommen auch im zweiten Teil der Reihe voll und ganz auf ihre Kosten. Die liebevollen Momente zwischen Meridian und ihrem Wächter und Freund Tens dominieren keineswegs die Geschichte, sondern werden vereinzelt, dann aber auch mit vollem gefühlvollem Ausmaß, in die Haupthandlung integriert. Jeder romantische Moment zwischen den beiden Liebenden ist in Anbetracht der emotionalen Intensität auf den Punkt gebracht und erweckt beim Leser, wie bei Meridian selbst, Sehnsucht nach mehr.
Konnten die Figuren bereits im ersten Teil aufgrund ihres Wesens von sich überzeugen, so wachsen sie dem Leser im zweiten Band noch mehr ans Herz. Amber Kizer lässt den Leser an der Entwicklung ihrer Figuren ohne Pause teilhaben. Gerade die beiden Hauptfiguren Meridian und Tens lernt man im zweiten Teil noch ausführlicher kennen. Die Autorin bietet dem Leser eine tiefe Einsicht in die Protagonistin und ihrem inneren Zwiespalt. Einerseits versucht Meridian den Erwartungen, die man ihr aufgrund ihres Fenestra-Daseins stellt, gerecht zu werden und andererseits hegt sie den tiefen Wunsch, ihre Familie wiederzusehen und endlich ein normaler amerikanischer Teenager zu sein. Auch Tens gewinnt in diesem Band deutlich an Tiefe und gibt hier endlich einen Einblick in seine traumatische Vergangenheit.
Wie bereits erwähnt bleibt es in ‘Meridian – Flüsternde Seelen’ nicht bei den altbekannten Figuren aus dem ersten Band. Amber Kizer führt viele weitere Charaktere ein, lässt dabei aber niemals deren detaillierte Darstellung aus den Augen, sodass keine der Figuren in ihrem Wesen blass bleibt.
Im Herbst 2012 erscheint auf Englisch der dritte Band der Reihe, ‘Speed of Light‘. Im Frühjahr 2013 steht dann auch der vierte Band in den Läden, der den Namen ‘Counting Tens‘ tragen wird.
Fazit: ‘Meridian – Flüsternde Seelen’ ist nicht weniger überzeugend als sein Vorgänger. Herausragende Fantasy Elemente und romantische Momente, die einem emotionalem Feuerwerk gleichen, machen die Meridian Reihe zu einem unvergesslichem Leseerlebnis.
May 15, 2011
Before I start this review I'd like to thank Amber Kizer for giving me this amazing opportunity to read Wildcat Fireflies. I fell in love with this series after reading Meridian,so I was completely over the moon to review this.
Wildcat Fireflies is the second book in the Fenestra Series and it continues where Meridian ends. Meridian has newly found out that she is a Fenestra; a half angel who helps soul's transition into the afterlife using her as a window. After the events in book one, Auntie is dead so Meridian & Tens hit the road to try and seek out other Fenestra's and Protector's to help them fight the evil Afternocti. Although along the way they are trying to learn about themselves and their abilities, they also don't know who to trust as the Afternocti can be anywhere.
When they come across Indiana, there are a number of people that come to there aid and help them track down a Fenestra named Juliet. Juliet is living in a nursing home, where people all around her are dying, and she is soon starting to feel the weight of their deaths. Unknown to Juliet what's really going on but she also needs to keep out of her evil boss's whilst trying to protect the other children. Is there more to Juliet's boss than meets the eye? and will Meridian and Tens reach Juliet before its to late?
It was so great to be back with these characters. I love Meridian and Tens; both strong minded characters. I personally enjoyed Meridian a lot more in this book. One thing I loved was that Amber wrote about Meridian's feelings in a way that was so realistic for a seventeen year old girl. Her struggles with losing her Auntie and her family but mainly her feelings for Tens. Her insecurities about their relationship, sex and herself. Even through this journey, Meridian came across as not a whiny character but to me, a realistic one. Because any unexperienced girl of her age would be the same. I loved that we got to see Meridian and Tens try to take there relationship to the next level, which will of course, appeal to the older audience. I definitely think there relationship is going in the right direction and I will look forward to seeing more of it.
The story itself was full of hope and love, that gave me every emotion possible while reading it. It was also full of suspense, romance & mystery. The different POV's from Meridian to Juliet were great, both leading too very different lives but coming together at the end. Juliet was a great addition, although I did feel to start with, that her parts took me to far away froma Meridian & Tens but, when I started to get to know Juliet, I ended up really liking her and found I enjoyed reading about her journey. Not only was there Juliet but Bodie & Nicole were great too - I really hope we see more for of them. What I was glad for was we had the adults stepping in for guidance, after Auntie died I was worried Meridian & Tens would loose there way but with strong father figures character like Tony & Rumi, I don't think its possible.
Through out the story you realise there is a bigger plan for the next few books. The evil Afternocti are only just beginning to surface and I think we will be in for a lot more shockers from them yet. I just pray that Meridian & Tens find more Fenestras but I'd also like to see a few more Protector's pop up in the story.
Overall, I loved it. I'm a little upset that I have to wait so long for the next one which is 2012 .....but Ms Kizer, you did a fantastic job! Congrats :)
Wildcat Fireflies is the second book in the Fenestra Series and it continues where Meridian ends. Meridian has newly found out that she is a Fenestra; a half angel who helps soul's transition into the afterlife using her as a window. After the events in book one, Auntie is dead so Meridian & Tens hit the road to try and seek out other Fenestra's and Protector's to help them fight the evil Afternocti. Although along the way they are trying to learn about themselves and their abilities, they also don't know who to trust as the Afternocti can be anywhere.
When they come across Indiana, there are a number of people that come to there aid and help them track down a Fenestra named Juliet. Juliet is living in a nursing home, where people all around her are dying, and she is soon starting to feel the weight of their deaths. Unknown to Juliet what's really going on but she also needs to keep out of her evil boss's whilst trying to protect the other children. Is there more to Juliet's boss than meets the eye? and will Meridian and Tens reach Juliet before its to late?
It was so great to be back with these characters. I love Meridian and Tens; both strong minded characters. I personally enjoyed Meridian a lot more in this book. One thing I loved was that Amber wrote about Meridian's feelings in a way that was so realistic for a seventeen year old girl. Her struggles with losing her Auntie and her family but mainly her feelings for Tens. Her insecurities about their relationship, sex and herself. Even through this journey, Meridian came across as not a whiny character but to me, a realistic one. Because any unexperienced girl of her age would be the same. I loved that we got to see Meridian and Tens try to take there relationship to the next level, which will of course, appeal to the older audience. I definitely think there relationship is going in the right direction and I will look forward to seeing more of it.
The story itself was full of hope and love, that gave me every emotion possible while reading it. It was also full of suspense, romance & mystery. The different POV's from Meridian to Juliet were great, both leading too very different lives but coming together at the end. Juliet was a great addition, although I did feel to start with, that her parts took me to far away froma Meridian & Tens but, when I started to get to know Juliet, I ended up really liking her and found I enjoyed reading about her journey. Not only was there Juliet but Bodie & Nicole were great too - I really hope we see more for of them. What I was glad for was we had the adults stepping in for guidance, after Auntie died I was worried Meridian & Tens would loose there way but with strong father figures character like Tony & Rumi, I don't think its possible.
Through out the story you realise there is a bigger plan for the next few books. The evil Afternocti are only just beginning to surface and I think we will be in for a lot more shockers from them yet. I just pray that Meridian & Tens find more Fenestras but I'd also like to see a few more Protector's pop up in the story.
Overall, I loved it. I'm a little upset that I have to wait so long for the next one which is 2012 .....but Ms Kizer, you did a fantastic job! Congrats :)
November 2, 2017
Link: https://holedupinabook.blogspot.com/2...
I’m actually quite impressed with myself for finishing the last two books in the series. Mainly because after I read the first one, I couldn’t find the second two for quite some time that I almost gave up but then I moved to NYC and voila, the library had them. Also because I wasn’t 100% in love with the first one that it would’ve been simple for me to simply disregard the rest of the series but somehow I never got around to taking them off my TBR list on Goodreads so…here we are today lol.
I read the first book years ago so I don’t at all remember what it was about so the second book was mostly for me to refresh my memory and reacquaint myself with the characters specifically Meridian and Tens. It was also interesting for me to read about how much in love they are yet they talked about how when they first met, they hated each other and couldn’t stand each other whatsoever. It was quite difficult for me to believe that since they’re always stuck at the hip with each other and they’re usually all over each other too.
However, that being said, I can’t say that I’m a fan of any of the characters. Meridian was very uptight at times and she was quite bossy. Tens always succumbed to Meridian’s whims so even though he was a good guy overall, sometimes I felt that he didn’t have a strong personality. As for the other characters such as Juliet who didn’t really become super important aka have her own POV chapters, I guess they were adequate but after a while, I felt like Tens and Meridian kept collecting people that by the third book, it was hard to keep track of everyone other than the big names like Rumi and Juliet. And for Juliet, I was definitely not a fan of her. I liked her a lot more in the second book when she was still more of a secondary character but after she got saved and stuff, she became so whiney and unresponsive. She felt that Meridian and Tens were too bossy and Tens were too overbearing. Plus she was always so secretive and felt that everything was on her shoulders even though it really wasn’t. I just felt that there were a lot of situations that could have been avoided if Juliet had spoken up and shared.
Other than the lack of interest in the characters on my part, the plot was okay. There were a few times when I was a little confused because there was just too much going on and all the different terminologies for Nocti and Fenestra was getting to me. It was like the author wanted to just have about 10 different names for the same thing. Not only that but there were always new groups of people who came into play and then Meridian and Tens would become super suspicious about them and what they want.
I thought the ending was decent though; however, I just went back on Goodreads and found out that there’s apparently a fourth book? I thought the third was the last in the series…And another thing I dislike about this series is that each book is years apart. I mean, the third book came out in 2012. It’s now 2017 and there’s supposed to be a fourth book? Me thinks not. As in I doubt I’ll pick it up.
I’m actually quite impressed with myself for finishing the last two books in the series. Mainly because after I read the first one, I couldn’t find the second two for quite some time that I almost gave up but then I moved to NYC and voila, the library had them. Also because I wasn’t 100% in love with the first one that it would’ve been simple for me to simply disregard the rest of the series but somehow I never got around to taking them off my TBR list on Goodreads so…here we are today lol.
I read the first book years ago so I don’t at all remember what it was about so the second book was mostly for me to refresh my memory and reacquaint myself with the characters specifically Meridian and Tens. It was also interesting for me to read about how much in love they are yet they talked about how when they first met, they hated each other and couldn’t stand each other whatsoever. It was quite difficult for me to believe that since they’re always stuck at the hip with each other and they’re usually all over each other too.
However, that being said, I can’t say that I’m a fan of any of the characters. Meridian was very uptight at times and she was quite bossy. Tens always succumbed to Meridian’s whims so even though he was a good guy overall, sometimes I felt that he didn’t have a strong personality. As for the other characters such as Juliet who didn’t really become super important aka have her own POV chapters, I guess they were adequate but after a while, I felt like Tens and Meridian kept collecting people that by the third book, it was hard to keep track of everyone other than the big names like Rumi and Juliet. And for Juliet, I was definitely not a fan of her. I liked her a lot more in the second book when she was still more of a secondary character but after she got saved and stuff, she became so whiney and unresponsive. She felt that Meridian and Tens were too bossy and Tens were too overbearing. Plus she was always so secretive and felt that everything was on her shoulders even though it really wasn’t. I just felt that there were a lot of situations that could have been avoided if Juliet had spoken up and shared.
Other than the lack of interest in the characters on my part, the plot was okay. There were a few times when I was a little confused because there was just too much going on and all the different terminologies for Nocti and Fenestra was getting to me. It was like the author wanted to just have about 10 different names for the same thing. Not only that but there were always new groups of people who came into play and then Meridian and Tens would become super suspicious about them and what they want.
I thought the ending was decent though; however, I just went back on Goodreads and found out that there’s apparently a fourth book? I thought the third was the last in the series…And another thing I dislike about this series is that each book is years apart. I mean, the third book came out in 2012. It’s now 2017 and there’s supposed to be a fourth book? Me thinks not. As in I doubt I’ll pick it up.
August 25, 2011
This book was another one of those 'second book downfall' kind of books.
Don't get me wrong, this book was pretty spectacular at parts and the new characters added a whole new light to this story, but it did have some flaws. My major flaw was Meridian and how she was such a cry baby in this story. I understand that she is struggling to deal with having to leave her family behind, deal with being a Fenestra and cope with her girly teenage feelings about Tens, but seriously, she seemed to be crying every second and then at other times she seemed to be 'Supergirl'. Compared to the first book I thought that Meridian was a lot stronger but now she seemed to have shriveled up at points. That was probably my biggest flaw to do with this book.
The new characters and the different perspective from Juliet's point of view were huge things that I loved about this book. Rumi was a strange character who appeared to be someone I haven't read about before. He was a real breath of fresh air, so were his friends. Juliet to me seemed more interesting than Meridian at quite a few points of the book, I found myself wanting to read more things from her point of view than I did Meridians, I would have even enjoyed reading Tens point of view aswell. I think my slight dislike towards Meridian in this book might have been caused by how strong of a person Juliet was. Juliet had nothing, lived somewhere she couldn't stand, had no family that she knew of, didn't care for herself in any sense of the word and managed to look after quite a number of children under the age of 10 all while keep everything bottled inside and staying strong and making it through the day. Meridian was almost the opposite, she had much more than what Juliet had and still seemed whiny at times. Probably just my personal view on her, but I really hope the next book will make Meridian a lot of stronger of a person.
Tens and Meridian's relationship at times seemed distant and forced. I understand Tens is the protector and has to do what is best for Meridian, but really, they didn't seem like 'soul mates' as they claim each other to be. Other times when they had heart to hearts that changed and I could see the burning love they have for each other, but then it changed again. They aren't really a couple I see as being a true one, or atleast I am not convinced. It seemed more real in the first book than in this one, their relationship seemed to lack in this book and didn't feel quite as strong anymore.
While this book left me wanting more, it also left me feeling a little cheated at having to wait so long for it. It was a great story with new characters and experiences that really left me wanting more, but I hope the next book doesn't take as long and that it really picks up. If you have read the first book and loved it then you will definitely like this one for what it is.
Don't get me wrong, this book was pretty spectacular at parts and the new characters added a whole new light to this story, but it did have some flaws. My major flaw was Meridian and how she was such a cry baby in this story. I understand that she is struggling to deal with having to leave her family behind, deal with being a Fenestra and cope with her girly teenage feelings about Tens, but seriously, she seemed to be crying every second and then at other times she seemed to be 'Supergirl'. Compared to the first book I thought that Meridian was a lot stronger but now she seemed to have shriveled up at points. That was probably my biggest flaw to do with this book.
The new characters and the different perspective from Juliet's point of view were huge things that I loved about this book. Rumi was a strange character who appeared to be someone I haven't read about before. He was a real breath of fresh air, so were his friends. Juliet to me seemed more interesting than Meridian at quite a few points of the book, I found myself wanting to read more things from her point of view than I did Meridians, I would have even enjoyed reading Tens point of view aswell. I think my slight dislike towards Meridian in this book might have been caused by how strong of a person Juliet was. Juliet had nothing, lived somewhere she couldn't stand, had no family that she knew of, didn't care for herself in any sense of the word and managed to look after quite a number of children under the age of 10 all while keep everything bottled inside and staying strong and making it through the day. Meridian was almost the opposite, she had much more than what Juliet had and still seemed whiny at times. Probably just my personal view on her, but I really hope the next book will make Meridian a lot of stronger of a person.
Tens and Meridian's relationship at times seemed distant and forced. I understand Tens is the protector and has to do what is best for Meridian, but really, they didn't seem like 'soul mates' as they claim each other to be. Other times when they had heart to hearts that changed and I could see the burning love they have for each other, but then it changed again. They aren't really a couple I see as being a true one, or atleast I am not convinced. It seemed more real in the first book than in this one, their relationship seemed to lack in this book and didn't feel quite as strong anymore.
While this book left me wanting more, it also left me feeling a little cheated at having to wait so long for it. It was a great story with new characters and experiences that really left me wanting more, but I hope the next book doesn't take as long and that it really picks up. If you have read the first book and loved it then you will definitely like this one for what it is.
March 24, 2015
In this second novel, readers first meet a young girl by the name of Juliet Ambrose, who resides at the Dunklebarger Rehab Center in the middle of nowhere. Dunklebarger is literally a prison. Half of this huge, creepy building serves as the "last chance" for old people who come to Dunklebarger to die; while the other half of the institution plays home to children six to sixteen years of age, where they are made to clean, cook, take care of the elderly, get yelled at constantly.basically, they're inmates. Juliet is frightened because she is about to turn sixteen and will be thrown out of the place, leaving her younger friends to fend for themselves against a woman who is determined to abuse them all. Feeling alone and unwanted all her life, the only thing Juliet is quite good at is helping the dying. When people are about to pass, she goes to their room and allows them to have a safe journey by leading them to their loved ones on the other side. Meridian and the love of her life, Tens, are working their way across the country trying to find this fenestra who is in danger. Meridian knows that she exists and that someone is hunting her - one of the evil Nocti. The Nocti are the nemeses of the fenestra's; their sole purpose on earth is to cause chaos and destruction - to stop the finestras and suck souls into the lightless place. When Meridian and Tens pull over on the highway to take a break from their journey, they walk into a shop where they drink tea and eat a little something before continuing on. But the ambiance of the place is strange. There are glass balls hanging from the ceiling that light up mysteriously when Meridian sits beneath them; there is an old rehab center that Meridian is drawn to for a reason she doesn't yet understand; and a town, itself, that seems to be teaming with energy. Meridian and Tens stay in a cottage behind the tea room exchanging work with the shop's owner, Joi. Things begin to go a little crazy when they meet up with Rumi, the glassblower in town, who speaks of with balls, spirit stones, and old Native American tales about fireflies that once gathered together to save a missing child. Meridian and Tens must find a way to help this unknown fenestra and discover what evil is going on within the walls of Dunklebarger, while Juliet Ambrose - a girl who is about to be taken over by a pretty evil plan - must find a way to believe in angels in order to be saved. As with the first Meridian novel, this is an excellent story that focuses on faith, friendship, thrills and chills, with a bit of romance thrown in for fun. Although the story goes on a little too long, the premise, characters, and intense quest that Meridian is on, will have readers riveted until the very last page. Quill Says: A good continuation to a strange, but entertaining story. It will be interesting to see where Meridian and Tens head next.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 10, 2012
In this second novel, readers first meet a young girl by the name of Juliet Ambrose, who resides at the Dunklebarger Rehab Center in the middle of nowhere. Dunklebarger is literally a prison. Half of this huge, creepy building serves as the "last chance" for old people who come to Dunklebarger to die; while the other half of the institution plays home to children six to sixteen years of age, where they are made to clean, cook, take care of the elderly, get yelled at constantly.basically, they're inmates. Juliet is frightened because she is about to turn sixteen and will be thrown out of the place, leaving her younger friends to fend for themselves against a woman who is determined to abuse them all. Feeling alone and unwanted all her life, the only thing Juliet is quite good at is helping the dying. When people are about to pass, she goes to their room and allows them to have a safe journey by leading them to their loved ones on the other side. Meridian and the love of her life, Tens, are working their way across the country trying to find this fenestra who is in danger. Meridian knows that she exists and that someone is hunting her - one of the evil Nocti. The Nocti are the nemeses of the fenestra's; their sole purpose on earth is to cause chaos and destruction - to stop the finestras and suck souls into the lightless place. When Meridian and Tens pull over on the highway to take a break from their journey, they walk into a shop where they drink tea and eat a little something before continuing on. But the ambiance of the place is strange. There are glass balls hanging from the ceiling that light up mysteriously when Meridian sits beneath them; there is an old rehab center that Meridian is drawn to for a reason she doesn't yet understand; and a town, itself, that seems to be teaming with energy. Meridian and Tens stay in a cottage behind the tea room exchanging work with the shop's owner, Joi. Things begin to go a little crazy when they meet up with Rumi, the glassblower in town, who speaks of with balls, spirit stones, and old Native American tales about fireflies that once gathered together to save a missing child. Meridian and Tens must find a way to help this unknown fenestra and discover what evil is going on within the walls of Dunklebarger, while Juliet Ambrose - a girl who is about to be taken over by a pretty evil plan - must find a way to believe in angels in order to be saved. As with the first Meridian novel, this is an excellent story that focuses on faith, friendship, thrills and chills, with a bit of romance thrown in for fun. Although the story goes on a little too long, the premise, characters, and intense quest that Meridian is on, will have readers riveted until the very last page. Quill Says: A good continuation to a strange, but entertaining story. It will be interesting to see where Meridian and Tens head next.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 16, 2014
So it’s not like I went into this book expecting it to be good. I didn’t go into the previous book expecting it either, and shocker, when I read the third in the series, I won’t have an expectations from it either. Book readers, when pressed to be honest, will admit that there are some books they buy simply because they’re cheap, not because there is an expectation of quality. I got the three books in this series for under six dollars, so I can’t even bring myself to be upset that they’re low on the quality scale.
Meridian certainly isn’t winning any heroine awards for her character. God knows I’ve read worse, but what I accept about Meridian is that she’s truly a reflection of her environment. She’s selfish and childish, and absolutely acts like the teenager she is. It’s reflective of the fact that she was raised being ostracized and misunderstood, so I read this this book trying not to hate her. But it’s difficult when the heroine you’re supposed to be rooting for is busy throwing a hissy fit because her boyfriend is trying to protect someone who isn’t her.
Though the boyfriend. Tens. He’s my biggest gripe with this book, atrocious name aside. I genuinely do not understand how he can be the love interest. I do not understand. Because he spends a good deal of his time lecturing Meridian, patronizing her, babying her, controlling her, yelling at her, and being an absolute asshat. He dos what he wants, never apologizes for being a douche, has the personality of cardboard, and I honestly kept waiting for him to start smacking Meridian around after she sassed him. I get that kind of vibe from him. I fully believe Tens would hit her, then complain about how she made him. Then Meridian would pout, monologue about how she needs to be more understanding of his needs, and accept full responsibility. They’re this kind of couple, I swear it.
What I certainly thought the first book did better than this one was focus the plot. In the first book, regardless that the writing was less developed than this time around, I understood the characters, the plot, and how everything was developing. This time everything was muddled. Extra, unimportant and boring characters were introduced, and the most detrimental thing happens. Meridian and Tens, as dysfunctional and disturbing as they may be, are a decent focus for the novels. Introducing Juliet, another character seemingly just to shake things up, produces nothing but a do not want from me, and structure wise, a book that ends up being unevenly paced and unevenly narrated. Not to mention, for all her shortcomings, Meridian is still more interesting than Juliet.
Truthfully this book wasn’t horrible, it just wasn’t very good, either. But that’s okay, because I only spent about a dollar and a half on it. Two stars.
Meridian certainly isn’t winning any heroine awards for her character. God knows I’ve read worse, but what I accept about Meridian is that she’s truly a reflection of her environment. She’s selfish and childish, and absolutely acts like the teenager she is. It’s reflective of the fact that she was raised being ostracized and misunderstood, so I read this this book trying not to hate her. But it’s difficult when the heroine you’re supposed to be rooting for is busy throwing a hissy fit because her boyfriend is trying to protect someone who isn’t her.
Though the boyfriend. Tens. He’s my biggest gripe with this book, atrocious name aside. I genuinely do not understand how he can be the love interest. I do not understand. Because he spends a good deal of his time lecturing Meridian, patronizing her, babying her, controlling her, yelling at her, and being an absolute asshat. He dos what he wants, never apologizes for being a douche, has the personality of cardboard, and I honestly kept waiting for him to start smacking Meridian around after she sassed him. I get that kind of vibe from him. I fully believe Tens would hit her, then complain about how she made him. Then Meridian would pout, monologue about how she needs to be more understanding of his needs, and accept full responsibility. They’re this kind of couple, I swear it.
What I certainly thought the first book did better than this one was focus the plot. In the first book, regardless that the writing was less developed than this time around, I understood the characters, the plot, and how everything was developing. This time everything was muddled. Extra, unimportant and boring characters were introduced, and the most detrimental thing happens. Meridian and Tens, as dysfunctional and disturbing as they may be, are a decent focus for the novels. Introducing Juliet, another character seemingly just to shake things up, produces nothing but a do not want from me, and structure wise, a book that ends up being unevenly paced and unevenly narrated. Not to mention, for all her shortcomings, Meridian is still more interesting than Juliet.
Truthfully this book wasn’t horrible, it just wasn’t very good, either. But that’s okay, because I only spent about a dollar and a half on it. Two stars.
July 22, 2011
Honestly I loved first book of this series way better than this one. If I could I would have given the first book 10 stars. Anyway I loved this book but it was way way way too long.
Pros:
- Loved Meridian. Since we live in MC's head most of the time, it is very important to like being in her head.
- Relationship between Meridian and Tens is amazing. They are not perfect, but realistic. They have their share of fights, banter, love, flirt, playfulness etc.
- This is not your typical sequel either. Usually girl meets boy, boy falls for girl and they are declaring their undying love for each other by the end of first book and starting to "pull away" or break up by second book or else the dreaded third wheel with love triangle. But this book...wow it's amazing. Ms Kizer managed to pull of an interesting sequel without going thru that whole drama.
- Tens and Meridian are amazing couple. They fight against the world as one, as team, as equals.
- Story building is fantastic. I loved every page even though it was the longest book I've read (since Harry potter).
- I like that now Mer and Tens have a family / friends of sorts. Introduction of Joi, Tony and Rumi was a good move. It would be interesting to see how this story goes.
Cons: (complaints really)
- Climax feels a bit anticlimactic. It all ends in like two lines. No building up to climax or a lot of action.
- Wish Tens wouldn't cry so much (bet he cried more than Mer)....it doesn't quite go with that grown-in-tough-conditions image author has created in our heads.
- Juliet is one of those characters who you really feel for. There were some scenes I actually cried for her. But she was also very annoying at times. Her non-believing behaviour was grating on my nerves.
- Villan was a bit too obvious. Actually most readers would be way ahead in figuring things out than Mer and Tens (which is irritating) and we have to wait for them to catch up.
Questions I'd like to ask author(if I get a chance):
- Wonder why the villan didn't just grab Juliet when she had chance, why go thru the whole blackmail route.
- What's the story about Tens's grand dad.
- Why was Juliet's mother's face seemed burned? (never explained).
- Why did Juliet's mom appear faded sometimes and better at other times?
-
- How did the villan find out about Meridian?
- What was the connection between Primo and Mistress?
Though I had cons and un-answered questions list, they are not enough for me to take away a star.
Would Iread the next book?? Hell yeah. My only regret...I have to wait a whole year for next book.
Pros:
- Loved Meridian. Since we live in MC's head most of the time, it is very important to like being in her head.
- Relationship between Meridian and Tens is amazing. They are not perfect, but realistic. They have their share of fights, banter, love, flirt, playfulness etc.
- This is not your typical sequel either. Usually girl meets boy, boy falls for girl and they are declaring their undying love for each other by the end of first book and starting to "pull away" or break up by second book or else the dreaded third wheel with love triangle. But this book...wow it's amazing. Ms Kizer managed to pull of an interesting sequel without going thru that whole drama.
- Tens and Meridian are amazing couple. They fight against the world as one, as team, as equals.
- Story building is fantastic. I loved every page even though it was the longest book I've read (since Harry potter).
- I like that now Mer and Tens have a family / friends of sorts. Introduction of Joi, Tony and Rumi was a good move. It would be interesting to see how this story goes.
Cons: (complaints really)
- Climax feels a bit anticlimactic. It all ends in like two lines. No building up to climax or a lot of action.
- Wish Tens wouldn't cry so much (bet he cried more than Mer)....it doesn't quite go with that grown-in-tough-conditions image author has created in our heads.
- Juliet is one of those characters who you really feel for. There were some scenes I actually cried for her. But she was also very annoying at times. Her non-believing behaviour was grating on my nerves.
- Villan was a bit too obvious. Actually most readers would be way ahead in figuring things out than Mer and Tens (which is irritating) and we have to wait for them to catch up.
Questions I'd like to ask author(if I get a chance):
- Wonder why the villan didn't just grab Juliet when she had chance, why go thru the whole blackmail route.
- What's the story about Tens's grand dad.
- Why was Juliet's mother's face seemed burned? (never explained).
- Why did Juliet's mom appear faded sometimes and better at other times?
-
- How did the villan find out about Meridian?
- What was the connection between Primo and Mistress?
Though I had cons and un-answered questions list, they are not enough for me to take away a star.
Would Iread the next book?? Hell yeah. My only regret...I have to wait a whole year for next book.
July 17, 2011
Source: Received from author courtesy of Teen Book Scene. Many thanks goes to Amber Kizer and Teen Book Scene for sending me a copy of this book for review. I received this book free of charge in exchange for an honest review.
My rating: 4.5/5
Ever since Auntie died, Meridian and Tens have been on the road searching for more Fenestra. They are drawn to a quaint town in Indiana on their search, and they settle in there while they scour the surrounding area for any signs of the girl Meridian knows is nearby. Always on the alert for Nocti, they keep searching until they find the Fenestra. Juliet has had a hard life, living in foster care with an abusive foster mother. She takes the other children under her wing and tries to keep them out of sight of their foster mother as they work around the clock in the nursing home that they live in. With Juliet's birthday fast approaching her abilities are manifesting, and she is struggling with the exhaustion her untrained and unknown power is bringing her.
Though this is the second book in the Fenestra series it can be read as a stand-alone. I would have loved to have read the first book beforehand because I really enjoyed reading about these characters and their world. Meridian and Tens are both so believable as they are learning more about their abilities and the depth of their feelings for each other. How they approach certain topics is also endearing and so emotionally and awkwardly true.
I really enjoyed reading about these characters. Between Meridian and Tens, and the friends they make in town; along with Juliet, and the other children at the nursing home this book did not lack for memorable characters. Heartwarming and three-dimensional, they captured my heart to the point that I was hoping that all would be well for all characters in distress even when they were in the midst of danger.
Another aspect that I really loved was the history of the town. It was incredibly rich and I loved reading about it and how the town celebrated said history with reenactments, and festivities.
All in all, a well-rounded, descriptive read that will keep the reader glued to the page as they hope everything will work out for all of the characters. New characters, and questions that arise about Meridian's Fenestra heritage will also keep the reader invested as they learn more about them and the ties that bind them together. I absolutely loved the concept of Wildcat Fireflies and I cannot wait to read what Kizer has in store for these characters. I will definitely be re-reading this one, and continuing on with the series because it is just that good.
My rating: 4.5/5
Ever since Auntie died, Meridian and Tens have been on the road searching for more Fenestra. They are drawn to a quaint town in Indiana on their search, and they settle in there while they scour the surrounding area for any signs of the girl Meridian knows is nearby. Always on the alert for Nocti, they keep searching until they find the Fenestra. Juliet has had a hard life, living in foster care with an abusive foster mother. She takes the other children under her wing and tries to keep them out of sight of their foster mother as they work around the clock in the nursing home that they live in. With Juliet's birthday fast approaching her abilities are manifesting, and she is struggling with the exhaustion her untrained and unknown power is bringing her.
Though this is the second book in the Fenestra series it can be read as a stand-alone. I would have loved to have read the first book beforehand because I really enjoyed reading about these characters and their world. Meridian and Tens are both so believable as they are learning more about their abilities and the depth of their feelings for each other. How they approach certain topics is also endearing and so emotionally and awkwardly true.
I really enjoyed reading about these characters. Between Meridian and Tens, and the friends they make in town; along with Juliet, and the other children at the nursing home this book did not lack for memorable characters. Heartwarming and three-dimensional, they captured my heart to the point that I was hoping that all would be well for all characters in distress even when they were in the midst of danger.
Another aspect that I really loved was the history of the town. It was incredibly rich and I loved reading about it and how the town celebrated said history with reenactments, and festivities.
All in all, a well-rounded, descriptive read that will keep the reader glued to the page as they hope everything will work out for all of the characters. New characters, and questions that arise about Meridian's Fenestra heritage will also keep the reader invested as they learn more about them and the ties that bind them together. I absolutely loved the concept of Wildcat Fireflies and I cannot wait to read what Kizer has in store for these characters. I will definitely be re-reading this one, and continuing on with the series because it is just that good.
April 17, 2015
„Meridian – Flüsternde Seelen“ von Amber Kizer
Auf der Suche nach einer Fenestra gelangen Meridian und Tens in eine Kleinstadt in der Nähe von Indinapolis. Doch wie sollen sie das Mädchen fast ohne Hinweise und noch vor ihrem 16. Geburtstag finden? Hilfe erhalten die beiden von ganz überraschender Seite. Doch die Suche ist sehr gefährlich, denn die Aternocti wollen das Mädchen für sich und schrecken dafür vor nichts zurück, auch nicht vor Mord...
In „Flüsternde Seelen“ dem zweiten Band der Meridian-Trilogie der US-amerikanischen Autorin Amber Kizer geht die Geschichte um Fenestra und Aternocti , Gut und Böse, weiter.
Schon der Prolog baute eine düstere Atmosphäre auf, die einen großen Teil der Geschichte umfasst, denn das Leben der Fenestra Juliet und der anderen Kinder im Dunkelbarger-Sanatorium (kurz: DG) ist eines ganz sicher: düster.
„Welches Kind die Abkürzung DG anstelle von DB geprägt hatte, ist nicht überliefert. Die älteren Insassen wussten genau, wofür diese Initialen standen: Düsternis und Grauen. Dummheit und Gehässigkeit. Dahinsiechen und Gram.“
Neben Meridian ist Juliet Protagonistin in dieser Geschichte. Es wird abwechselnd aus der Ich-Perspektive beider Mädchen erzählt, wodurch viele spannende Cliffhanger entstehen. Diese animieren zum Weiterlesen, was durch den angenehm flüssigen Schreibstil eine Freude ist.
Juliets Leben ist hingegen kein Vergnügen. Trotzdem kümmert sie sich aufopfernd um die jüngeren Kinder und die alten Menschen. Mit ihren Wünschen, Ängsten und Hoffnungen wird sie sehr komplex beschrieben und ist dadurch eine interessante Figur. Sie wird einem während des Lesens schnell sympathisch und wächst ans Herz. Meridian und Tens öffnen sich dem jeweils Anderen langsam und lernen sich ganz behutsam besser kennen.
Die Geschichte ist immer wieder überraschend und unvorhersehbar, denn man weiß nicht, wer was im Schilde führt, wer Aternocti und wer „nur“ böse ist. Lichtblicke sind hingegen die Menschen, die aus reiner Nächstenliebe helfe und einem dadurch während des Lesens ein positives Gefühl geben.
Diese gegensätzlichen Figuren machen die Geschichte traurig und sehr berührend, aber nicht beklemmend. Man wird von Trauer und Verzweiflung nicht erdrückt, denn ein kleiner Funken Hoffnung bleibt immer, auch wenn die Situation noch so ausweglos erscheint.
Den krönenden Abschluss bildet ein spannendes Finale, das gespannt auf den dritten Band der Trilogie warten lässt. Zwar wurden einige Fragen aus Teil eins beantwortet, doch genauso viele neue wurden eröffnet und machen neugierig, wie es mit Meridian, Juliet und Tens ausgeht.
Auf der Suche nach einer Fenestra gelangen Meridian und Tens in eine Kleinstadt in der Nähe von Indinapolis. Doch wie sollen sie das Mädchen fast ohne Hinweise und noch vor ihrem 16. Geburtstag finden? Hilfe erhalten die beiden von ganz überraschender Seite. Doch die Suche ist sehr gefährlich, denn die Aternocti wollen das Mädchen für sich und schrecken dafür vor nichts zurück, auch nicht vor Mord...
In „Flüsternde Seelen“ dem zweiten Band der Meridian-Trilogie der US-amerikanischen Autorin Amber Kizer geht die Geschichte um Fenestra und Aternocti , Gut und Böse, weiter.
Schon der Prolog baute eine düstere Atmosphäre auf, die einen großen Teil der Geschichte umfasst, denn das Leben der Fenestra Juliet und der anderen Kinder im Dunkelbarger-Sanatorium (kurz: DG) ist eines ganz sicher: düster.
„Welches Kind die Abkürzung DG anstelle von DB geprägt hatte, ist nicht überliefert. Die älteren Insassen wussten genau, wofür diese Initialen standen: Düsternis und Grauen. Dummheit und Gehässigkeit. Dahinsiechen und Gram.“
Neben Meridian ist Juliet Protagonistin in dieser Geschichte. Es wird abwechselnd aus der Ich-Perspektive beider Mädchen erzählt, wodurch viele spannende Cliffhanger entstehen. Diese animieren zum Weiterlesen, was durch den angenehm flüssigen Schreibstil eine Freude ist.
Juliets Leben ist hingegen kein Vergnügen. Trotzdem kümmert sie sich aufopfernd um die jüngeren Kinder und die alten Menschen. Mit ihren Wünschen, Ängsten und Hoffnungen wird sie sehr komplex beschrieben und ist dadurch eine interessante Figur. Sie wird einem während des Lesens schnell sympathisch und wächst ans Herz. Meridian und Tens öffnen sich dem jeweils Anderen langsam und lernen sich ganz behutsam besser kennen.
Die Geschichte ist immer wieder überraschend und unvorhersehbar, denn man weiß nicht, wer was im Schilde führt, wer Aternocti und wer „nur“ böse ist. Lichtblicke sind hingegen die Menschen, die aus reiner Nächstenliebe helfe und einem dadurch während des Lesens ein positives Gefühl geben.
Diese gegensätzlichen Figuren machen die Geschichte traurig und sehr berührend, aber nicht beklemmend. Man wird von Trauer und Verzweiflung nicht erdrückt, denn ein kleiner Funken Hoffnung bleibt immer, auch wenn die Situation noch so ausweglos erscheint.
Den krönenden Abschluss bildet ein spannendes Finale, das gespannt auf den dritten Band der Trilogie warten lässt. Zwar wurden einige Fragen aus Teil eins beantwortet, doch genauso viele neue wurden eröffnet und machen neugierig, wie es mit Meridian, Juliet und Tens ausgeht.
April 30, 2015
>>Diese Rezension und viele mehr findet ihr auch hier: http://wort-welten.blogspot.de/
Nach dem Tod ihrer Tante reist Meridian mit Tens, ihrem Wächter und Freund geradezu ziellos durch die Gegend - zumindest tun sie das, bis sie in das kleine Städtchen Carmel kommen, wo sich für Meridian ihr Aufenthalt ganz und gar richtig anfühlt. Sie kommen bei einer netten Restaurantbesitzerin unter und erkunden die Gegend. Dabei treffen sie unerwartet auf den Glaskünstler Rumi, der Meridians Eigenschaft als Fenestra auf Anhieb erkennt.
Er erweist sich als gute Hilfe, als sie ihm berichten, dass sie ein Mädchen wie Meridian suchen und dass sie wohl an einem Ort sein muss, wo ältere Leute leben. Bald schon ist Rumis Suche erfolgreich und Meridian und Tens wird klar, dass Juliette, das Mädchen, das sie so verzweifelt suchen, sich in einem unheimlichen Pflegeheim befindet, in dem es nicht mit rechten Dingen zuzugehen scheint. Doch als sie Juliette erklären wollen, wer sie in Wirklichkeit ist, glaubt diese ihnen nicht und läuft davon.
Und mit einem Mal bleibt Tens und Merry kaum noch Zeit - denn im Pflegejeim, in dem außer alten Leuten auch noch Kinder leben, geht eine Aternocti ein und aus. Dann, als Juliette doch noch ihre wahre Identität erfahren will, greifen die Aternocti an, zünden Bomben und töten Menschen. Dann zieht auch noch Ein Hurrikan herauf und mit einem Mal müssen Meridian und Juliette sich nicht nur vor den Aternocti fürchten ...
Nachdem zwischen dem Erscheinen des ersten und des zweiten Bandes der Meridian-Reihe nunmehr gute zwei Jahre lagen, fiel es mir zunächst doch recht schwer, mich wieder in die Geschichte einzufinden, vor allem deshalb, weil die beiden Bücher nahtlos ineinander übergehen, es in Flüsternde Seelen gerade einmal ein paar Wochen her ist, dass Meridian und Tens am Ende von Dunkle Umarmung mit dem Pickup davon gefahren sind.
Aus diesem Grunde erscheinen die ersten 50-70 Seiten auch sehr langatmig, was sie im Rückblick jedoch gar nicht sind. Unabhängig davon aber, gibt es im Verlauf der Geschichte immer wieder Momente, in denen man das Gefühl bekommt, dass Meridian und Tens doch ein ganz gewöhnliches Paar sind. Als Kontrastprogramm entpuppen sich diese Szenen allerdings fast als ein wenig verwirrend, da stets einer von beiden etwas tut, was absolut nicht ins Bild zu passen scheint. Im Grunde dennoch ein ganz gutes Buch, auch wenn die Geschichte leider nicht immer ganz so stimmig in sich ist.
Nach dem Tod ihrer Tante reist Meridian mit Tens, ihrem Wächter und Freund geradezu ziellos durch die Gegend - zumindest tun sie das, bis sie in das kleine Städtchen Carmel kommen, wo sich für Meridian ihr Aufenthalt ganz und gar richtig anfühlt. Sie kommen bei einer netten Restaurantbesitzerin unter und erkunden die Gegend. Dabei treffen sie unerwartet auf den Glaskünstler Rumi, der Meridians Eigenschaft als Fenestra auf Anhieb erkennt.
Er erweist sich als gute Hilfe, als sie ihm berichten, dass sie ein Mädchen wie Meridian suchen und dass sie wohl an einem Ort sein muss, wo ältere Leute leben. Bald schon ist Rumis Suche erfolgreich und Meridian und Tens wird klar, dass Juliette, das Mädchen, das sie so verzweifelt suchen, sich in einem unheimlichen Pflegeheim befindet, in dem es nicht mit rechten Dingen zuzugehen scheint. Doch als sie Juliette erklären wollen, wer sie in Wirklichkeit ist, glaubt diese ihnen nicht und läuft davon.
Und mit einem Mal bleibt Tens und Merry kaum noch Zeit - denn im Pflegejeim, in dem außer alten Leuten auch noch Kinder leben, geht eine Aternocti ein und aus. Dann, als Juliette doch noch ihre wahre Identität erfahren will, greifen die Aternocti an, zünden Bomben und töten Menschen. Dann zieht auch noch Ein Hurrikan herauf und mit einem Mal müssen Meridian und Juliette sich nicht nur vor den Aternocti fürchten ...
Nachdem zwischen dem Erscheinen des ersten und des zweiten Bandes der Meridian-Reihe nunmehr gute zwei Jahre lagen, fiel es mir zunächst doch recht schwer, mich wieder in die Geschichte einzufinden, vor allem deshalb, weil die beiden Bücher nahtlos ineinander übergehen, es in Flüsternde Seelen gerade einmal ein paar Wochen her ist, dass Meridian und Tens am Ende von Dunkle Umarmung mit dem Pickup davon gefahren sind.
Aus diesem Grunde erscheinen die ersten 50-70 Seiten auch sehr langatmig, was sie im Rückblick jedoch gar nicht sind. Unabhängig davon aber, gibt es im Verlauf der Geschichte immer wieder Momente, in denen man das Gefühl bekommt, dass Meridian und Tens doch ein ganz gewöhnliches Paar sind. Als Kontrastprogramm entpuppen sich diese Szenen allerdings fast als ein wenig verwirrend, da stets einer von beiden etwas tut, was absolut nicht ins Bild zu passen scheint. Im Grunde dennoch ein ganz gutes Buch, auch wenn die Geschichte leider nicht immer ganz so stimmig in sich ist.
March 4, 2012
I can't really say much about why I can't give this a higher rating than three stars other than the fact that it took a long time for me to really get sucked into the story. I think I was about halfway through the book before I really had that "I really want to get back to that book" feeling. WIth that said, onto a few good good things...
I absolutely loved Juliet's character. She was completely believable as the one who instilled hope in the little ones, yet felt the weight of the world on her shoulders and the hopelessness of her situation. What a wonderfully complex character. I liked the realistic attitude Meridian had toward her regarding Tens. With him being as infuriatingly closed-off as he is, it only realistic of her to feel a little jealous. Their relationship was refreshingly rocky. They have the typical annoying arguments that real people have, yet their relationship is solid. I can't remember too many details from the first book, but I can tell that much about their relationship from this story alone. I am a little confused as to how Meridian can be so sure of her love for him (and vice versa) since she clearly knows very little about him, but I'll chalk that one up to the writer's desire for Tens to remain slightly mysterious.
And now for one of my biggest problems with this story. Aside from the fact that I don't believe that the fate of a person's immortal soul has anything to do with which otherworldly being (angel or demon) gets to them first, I found the whole concept of Fenestras kind of weird. When Meridian visits a graveyard and has tons of wandering souls clambering to get through her "window", it just struck me how unbelievable the whole thing is. I mean, it doesn't sound like there are a whole lot of them around, so does that mean that EVERY person who dies without a Fenestra around will have to suffer their soul wandering around in the in-between until someone is around to usher them into the afterlife? And why are other people strangely able to hang on until one is around to open the window? It's an interesting concept, and one that I've seen done in slightly different ways in other novels, but it just felt like it wasn't that well thought-out in this one.
All in all, I'll probably keep reading if there are more books in the series, but it's not going to be on the top of my reading list.
I absolutely loved Juliet's character. She was completely believable as the one who instilled hope in the little ones, yet felt the weight of the world on her shoulders and the hopelessness of her situation. What a wonderfully complex character. I liked the realistic attitude Meridian had toward her regarding Tens. With him being as infuriatingly closed-off as he is, it only realistic of her to feel a little jealous. Their relationship was refreshingly rocky. They have the typical annoying arguments that real people have, yet their relationship is solid. I can't remember too many details from the first book, but I can tell that much about their relationship from this story alone. I am a little confused as to how Meridian can be so sure of her love for him (and vice versa) since she clearly knows very little about him, but I'll chalk that one up to the writer's desire for Tens to remain slightly mysterious.
And now for one of my biggest problems with this story. Aside from the fact that I don't believe that the fate of a person's immortal soul has anything to do with which otherworldly being (angel or demon) gets to them first, I found the whole concept of Fenestras kind of weird. When Meridian visits a graveyard and has tons of wandering souls clambering to get through her "window", it just struck me how unbelievable the whole thing is. I mean, it doesn't sound like there are a whole lot of them around, so does that mean that EVERY person who dies without a Fenestra around will have to suffer their soul wandering around in the in-between until someone is around to usher them into the afterlife? And why are other people strangely able to hang on until one is around to open the window? It's an interesting concept, and one that I've seen done in slightly different ways in other novels, but it just felt like it wasn't that well thought-out in this one.
All in all, I'll probably keep reading if there are more books in the series, but it's not going to be on the top of my reading list.
August 21, 2011
http://livetoread-krystal.blogspot.co...
This book is the continuation of Meri's tale concerning her new discovery that she is a Fenestra, one of the few who can literally open up a window to allow souls to go through. Meri is just as resilient as ever; she lost her family and now her mentor, but she still holds on-partly due to Tens's comforting presence. Meri and Tens discover that there may be another Fenestra who needs their help. They travel to find her, quite by accident though. They encounter quite a few interesting secondary characters, some who appear as if they should be Meri's enemies...but aren't, and some who Meri has yet to make up her mind about.
Tens and Meri continue to develop their relationship through this stressful time. Meri isn't sure what Tens wants...she's not sure if she wants to give him "something more" quite yet. Tens appears content to remain as they are, openly loving Meri. This frustrates Meri, who is on the fence whether to take their relationship the proverbial step further or not. The reader will enjoy watching their relationship unfold and grow i the pages of this novel.
Juliet, the other possible Fenestra in trouble, is in an orphanage. She is ill-used and her safety is compromised in her current situation. She is caring and sweet, helping the younger kids and, like Meri, is very resilient. She recently lost Kieran, a boy she thought she had a crush on...until she learns that he is changed later in the novel. She desperately needs the help and guidance that Tens and Meri can possibly provide for her. The secret of her parentage is also discussed in the book...leading to a shocking ending.
The plot is the same as the first novel's, just as entertaining and unusual. The events are fairly fast-paced, some of the scenes are charged with emotion while some are more low-key. The characters are all fairly likable, the main characters will probably become almost like friends to the reader. This is a huge book, plenty of chapters to sift through, but the reader will finish quickly as it is not an easy book to put down. This book is recommended to young adults/teens who enjoy fantasy mixed with romance.
This book is the continuation of Meri's tale concerning her new discovery that she is a Fenestra, one of the few who can literally open up a window to allow souls to go through. Meri is just as resilient as ever; she lost her family and now her mentor, but she still holds on-partly due to Tens's comforting presence. Meri and Tens discover that there may be another Fenestra who needs their help. They travel to find her, quite by accident though. They encounter quite a few interesting secondary characters, some who appear as if they should be Meri's enemies...but aren't, and some who Meri has yet to make up her mind about.
Tens and Meri continue to develop their relationship through this stressful time. Meri isn't sure what Tens wants...she's not sure if she wants to give him "something more" quite yet. Tens appears content to remain as they are, openly loving Meri. This frustrates Meri, who is on the fence whether to take their relationship the proverbial step further or not. The reader will enjoy watching their relationship unfold and grow i the pages of this novel.
Juliet, the other possible Fenestra in trouble, is in an orphanage. She is ill-used and her safety is compromised in her current situation. She is caring and sweet, helping the younger kids and, like Meri, is very resilient. She recently lost Kieran, a boy she thought she had a crush on...until she learns that he is changed later in the novel. She desperately needs the help and guidance that Tens and Meri can possibly provide for her. The secret of her parentage is also discussed in the book...leading to a shocking ending.
The plot is the same as the first novel's, just as entertaining and unusual. The events are fairly fast-paced, some of the scenes are charged with emotion while some are more low-key. The characters are all fairly likable, the main characters will probably become almost like friends to the reader. This is a huge book, plenty of chapters to sift through, but the reader will finish quickly as it is not an easy book to put down. This book is recommended to young adults/teens who enjoy fantasy mixed with romance.
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