Sign in with Facebook
Loading...
123rd out of 576 books
—
902 voters
Down a Lost Road (The Lost Road Chronicles #1)
by
J. Leigh Bralick (Goodreads Author)
Every family has its secrets.
For 16-year-old Merelin Lindon, the only secret her family ever had was the reason behind her father's mysterious disappearance, four years ago. But when an old family friend gives her a small, strange metal circle that once belonged to her father, Merelin discovers just how deep the family secrets run. Without any warning, she finds herself sw...more
For 16-year-old Merelin Lindon, the only secret her family ever had was the reason behind her father's mysterious disappearance, four years ago. But when an old family friend gives her a small, strange metal circle that once belonged to her father, Merelin discovers just how deep the family secrets run. Without any warning, she finds herself sw...more
Paperback, 338 pages
Published
May 1st 2011
Friend Reviews
To see what your friends thought of this book,
please sign up.
Community Reviews
(showing
1-30
of
821)
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it,
click here.
OMG! Where the hell do I start!
I highly disregard anyone from reading this book! The characters are not explained clearly so a connection between the characters, eg the sphinx character profile is not explained till a few pages later! I know that should have not pissed me off but shortsighted it did.
The use of description on other features in the book is very minimal! It is hard to imagine the protagonist in most the settings she described.
After reading 24% of this novel I gave up!
I wish the pr...more
I highly disregard anyone from reading this book! The characters are not explained clearly so a connection between the characters, eg the sphinx character profile is not explained till a few pages later! I know that should have not pissed me off but shortsighted it did.
The use of description on other features in the book is very minimal! It is hard to imagine the protagonist in most the settings she described.
After reading 24% of this novel I gave up!
I wish the pr...more
I was provided a free copy of this book by the author in exchange for an honest review.
I really liked this book. The story weaving was nice, the character revelations were done mostly through show rather than tell, and the plot was original, yet connected to familiar and favorite classical mythologies - especially Tolkien's. I enjoyed the level of action and the interpersonal relationships that were developed in the story, and while there is an opportunity for a love interest, it certainly does...more
I really liked this book. The story weaving was nice, the character revelations were done mostly through show rather than tell, and the plot was original, yet connected to familiar and favorite classical mythologies - especially Tolkien's. I enjoyed the level of action and the interpersonal relationships that were developed in the story, and while there is an opportunity for a love interest, it certainly does...more
Actual Rating: 3.5 stars
All in all, this was a relatively well-written, creative and very descriptive fantasy novel. Ms. Bralick did an excellent job of painting a picture for the reader of the strange and dangerous alternate world that Merelin found herself thrust into.
However, there were some parts that left me in a state of confusion and seemed to serve little purpose. An inordinate amount of time was spent on running through sand dunes and through forests. Many secondary characters suddenly...more
All in all, this was a relatively well-written, creative and very descriptive fantasy novel. Ms. Bralick did an excellent job of painting a picture for the reader of the strange and dangerous alternate world that Merelin found herself thrust into.
However, there were some parts that left me in a state of confusion and seemed to serve little purpose. An inordinate amount of time was spent on running through sand dunes and through forests. Many secondary characters suddenly...more
This book was...ok. The overall idea was wonderful - worlds linked together, some truth in myth and Tolkien. However, there were many sections in the latter half of the book where I was utterly lost. A new character sprang into action, a main character made a decision that made no sense, I had some trouble following it. Additionally, Merelin, the main character was "in love" with the main male character Yatol - barely spent time with him, yes it was intense, so maybe she liked him - but love, re...more
This book was a slow read for me. At times, I felt as though I had missed something; from one paragraph to the next, I thought a section had been left out. In one case, three characters are talking. Suddenly, a new character comes charging through the woods. The newcomer is not identified, but one of the original three is now gravely wounded. I can't see how that happened. Regardless, the story was OK. I'm curious about the numerous references to Tolkien. Is there more to them than simple name d...more
I really like the way this books gives us an alternate world to explore and of course the Tolkien tie-in was very nicely done.
I will be honest in that I tended to find the action scenes a bit hard to follow and found myself going back and rereading them to make sure I knew what was going on.
That being said, the world that is created and its joining with our modern one is quite fascinating. The characters and their backgrounds are intriguing and one can certainly relate to the main character. I...more
I will be honest in that I tended to find the action scenes a bit hard to follow and found myself going back and rereading them to make sure I knew what was going on.
That being said, the world that is created and its joining with our modern one is quite fascinating. The characters and their backgrounds are intriguing and one can certainly relate to the main character. I...more
I promised an honest review for a free copy of this book. I'm not sure how to write it, though. The idea was very intriguing. What i didn't like was the confusion it was causing me.; I had no idea what was going go most of the time because Merelin didn't either. She just went with it, without question. She seemed pretty cool but i would have liked some more description of her thoughts, and not - one moment she's saying or doing something and the next she doesn't know what the hell happened. And...more
I found this book to be absolutely fantastic, exhilarating, heart wrenching, and entertaining. What a well defined and developed world Ms. Bralick has created. I was completely in love with the characters and especially appreciated the emotional connection that formed between them without obvious gimmicks or contrived physicality. I love that we as readers are challenged to think for ourselves about the behavior of the characters, and ever single emotion isn't spelled out in an unnatural fashion...more
I have so many good things to say!!
First of all, I like the the cover. It betrays little or nothing of what actually happens in the book. So, for those of you who judge a book by its cover--don't do that for this one!
On to the actual book. Through the whole beginning, I kept thinking "This is pulling me in with so many questions! It's so intriguing!" I like the way you kind of make it mysterious at the beginning, building up to the entrance into Arah Byen. It's still mysterious after this first...more
First of all, I like the the cover. It betrays little or nothing of what actually happens in the book. So, for those of you who judge a book by its cover--don't do that for this one!
On to the actual book. Through the whole beginning, I kept thinking "This is pulling me in with so many questions! It's so intriguing!" I like the way you kind of make it mysterious at the beginning, building up to the entrance into Arah Byen. It's still mysterious after this first...more
This really is 3.5 stars...if I was able to give a 1/2 star.
What a world, what a world! J. Bralick portrays such a vivid, imaginative world that is easy to visualize. The characters are memorable, believable, lovable, hatable (is that a word?), and strong. The writing is very, very good, descriptive without being over-bearing.
The male characters are just so...male. The female character (really, there's only one to speak of through most of it), is both weak and strong. Strong politics, though may...more
What a world, what a world! J. Bralick portrays such a vivid, imaginative world that is easy to visualize. The characters are memorable, believable, lovable, hatable (is that a word?), and strong. The writing is very, very good, descriptive without being over-bearing.
The male characters are just so...male. The female character (really, there's only one to speak of through most of it), is both weak and strong. Strong politics, though may...more
This book made me really rethink what a forest can be. That's my favorite part of the book actually. I liked the idea of the clinging grasses too.
I was fascinated by the idea of trees forming a dwelling. It left me wondering how long it took to grow and if the current inhabitant was the one who grew it. I was also curious to know if it was a common practice there.
What made this difficult for me to read was my inability to connect to the protagonist. Merelin has older siblings and a twin brother....more
I was fascinated by the idea of trees forming a dwelling. It left me wondering how long it took to grow and if the current inhabitant was the one who grew it. I was also curious to know if it was a common practice there.
What made this difficult for me to read was my inability to connect to the protagonist. Merelin has older siblings and a twin brother....more
I believe that when an author takes the time to develop a story, focusing on even the smallest details, the result is truly beautiful. Down a Lost Road is a gorgeous story. The descriptions are rich and lovely -- when you leave the world of the story, you can picture it again in your mind. But more than setting, the author is able to capture and represent inner landscapes as well: fear, hurt, confusion, courage, sorrow.
It's also not often that you find an author who can actually invent a languag...more
It's also not often that you find an author who can actually invent a languag...more
I thoroughly enjoyed this book! It's a beautiful tribute to Tolkien but can also stand on its own. The descriptions of the alternate world are thoughtful, creative, and stunning. The interactions between the characters are real, passionate, and intense, without falling into the trap of creating a saccharine teen romance subplot. I look forward to the sequel!
Just had to stop reading this book. Everything went in to many directions with no explanations and left me feeling lost.
Then when the girl and the guy ( Yatol) jumped on the back of a huge flying creature.. I thought ( wow) what am I reading... Neverending Story.
So I stopped and opened another book,, which I am liking far better !
Then when the girl and the guy ( Yatol) jumped on the back of a huge flying creature.. I thought ( wow) what am I reading... Neverending Story.
So I stopped and opened another book,, which I am liking far better !
I think this book was actually pretty good. I did think that the heroine could have spent less time fainting/sleeping/passing out/etc. Ending definitely had me crying! I'm definitely excited for the next book and will probably read it as fast as I read this one. =)
I LOVED this book and I am anxiously waiting for the sequel Subverter! I could not put this book down for the life of me and found myself sitting on edge...amazing, love the writing and absolutely love the characters. This is a must read, if you enjoy Fanasty, Science Fiction, and YA....then you have to read this!
This was an enjoyable read, not what I was expecting but in a good way. Down a Lost Road is a great fantasy book but is not similar to any other fantasy book I have read. I enjoyed the characters and the setting of the book. The main character was believable in the actions and emotions she displayed. The supporting characters were well developed and just as interesting as Merelin. The plot of the story was very good and moved along well. At some points I got lost but that was only due to the se...more
Freaking awesome. I can tell there's a lot of Tolkien influence-and it's great! The scenery is detailed and the dialogue is believable. Plus, I think I may be in love with Yatol...
I received this book for free from the Goodreads first-read giveaway. A fairly fast-paced book that bounces between two worlds. Not very complicated to read, perfect for YA fans. The copy I received had two bonus chapters from the next book in the series.
The begining was a bit slow but picked up. This story had twists that I really didnt see com ok ng and that was refreshing. Great read!
Overall I liked the story and the characters but I felt like parts of the book did not make sense or required more explanation.
This is an amazing, captivating book that I have read in all my history of reading books. Great job.
Did not finish.
It wasn't badly written, it just wasn't to my taste.
It wasn't badly written, it just wasn't to my taste.
So when does Subverter come out?
May 15, 2012
Michelle
added it
Loved it
can't wait to read the next one
Overall, I found this to be a very intriguing read about a fascinating world. There were a lot of concepts and characters, and the tie-in with Earth and its lore was a nice touch. The biggest drawback to the book was that it was hard to follow in parts. Despite that setback, there was plenty of action and mythology to keep my attention. I'd be interested in seeing what happens next.
A fascinating book filled with intrigue, suspense and great, believable characters who inhabit a meticulously thought-out world. The Tolkien connection is brilliantly formed and will satisfy the most devoted Tolkien fans! Anxiously awaiting "Book 2: Subverter."
So-so writing and plot make this one far down on the list for me.
I would have rated it 2.5 stars.
I would have rated it 2.5 stars.
| topics | posts | views | last activity | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Making Connection...: ARR # 188 - DOWN A LOST ROAD & SUBVERTER & PRISM by J Leigh Bralick | 15 | 40 | May 04, 2013 01:04pm | |
| ♥!The Young Adult...: Down a Lost Road -- YA fantasy now free for a month! | 1 | 7 | May 15, 2012 10:38am | |
| Q&A with J. L...: Down a Lost Road | 20 | 7 | Nov 18, 2011 10:44pm | |
| Goodreads Authors...: Free October...for the last day... | 1 | 6 | Oct 31, 2011 01:09pm | |
| Young Adult Ficti...: Free October! | 4 | 31 | Oct 24, 2011 07:25am | |
| YA Science Fictio...: Free October | 3 | 17 | Oct 03, 2011 11:38am |
J. Leigh writes primarily fantasy and YA fantasy novels. She has made one foray into science fiction, and enjoyed it so much she may eventually publish that experiment, if she survives the effort. Her favorite thing about writing fantasy is the excitement of exploring new worlds and experiencing exciting adventures — all on a very low-cost budget! All you really need is coffee. Low cost + coffee =...more
More about J. Leigh Bralick...
Share This Book
No trivia or quizzes yet. Add some now »
“Men are not angels,” Akhmar affirmed. “And so men have the chance to be noble, in a way that angels cannot.”
—
3 people liked it
“To peace, Royin... We give our lives seeking it, but it is only in death that we find it.”
—
3 people liked it
More quotes…
updated May 15, 2013 10:33pm
I did like that there was lots of action and plenty of danger in the book. . . but...more
May 15, 2013 10:30pm
Sorry you felt so lost; I thought it was easy to follow, but it's one of those books you need to give attention to and not try reading w...more
May 15, 2013 10:39pm