Telesa: The Covenant Keeper (Telesa, #1)

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Telesa: The Covenant Keeper (Telesa #1)

by Lani Wendt Young (Goodreads Author)

4.27 of 5 stars 4.27 · rating details · 457 ratings · 100 reviews

When Leila moves to her new home, all she wants is a family, a place to belong. Instead she discovers the local ancient myths of the telesa spirit women are more than just scary stories. The more she finds out about her heritage, the more sinister her new home turns out to be. Embraced by a Covenant Sisterhood of earth's elemental guardians - what will Leila choose? Her fi...more

Paperback, 423 pages

Published October 19th 2011 by Lani Wendt Young (first published August 18th 2011)

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Community Reviews

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Apr 18, 2012 Lylaa rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: paranormal-supernatural-romance, triple-zero

They're a hot couple, don't you think?

description

Too bad in real life he has a wife. Oh, well.

Daniel
My dream come true :')
He's hot.
A prefect.
Good behaviour.
Confident.
Smart.
Sporty.
NOT a jerk.
The guys want to be him.
Oh, and all the girls want him.

Leila
Awkward girl.
Doesn't fit in.
Half cast.
Mother died. (view spoiler)
Bushy haired.
Bushy eye-browed.
No guys paid much attention to her, aside from Daniel, though he was intrigued by her.

Enter transformation.

Maleko, Daniel's best fr...more

7 likes · like · see review

Jul 26, 2012 Lani rated it 5 of 5 stars

What can I say? Yes I am biased first and foremost because I love seeing a Samoan shine this way.

And the book itself? Amazing job Lani. I haven't been back home in over 25yrs. I felt like I was there when I was reading the book. Especially when I just spent the last month trying to find the perfect hotel for my mom to stay when she went to Samoa a week ago. So the Amanaki and Aggie Grey hotels were very familiar.

I can't wait to go back home to visit. I didn't have very much expectations about t...more

1 like · like · see review

Apr 20, 2012 Sade rated it 5 of 5 stars

This book is very inspiring. It has a lot to appeal to young readers like me. I'm 13yrs old and an avid reader. I like that the main character Leila is a strong person. There's too many books written for young adults with girls who are kind of wimpy. I like that the character Daniel is smart and caring as well as super hot.And he isnt all over Leila or only out for one thing. There's too many books out now about vampires, werewolves and stuff like that. This book has a supernatural element but a...more

5 likes · like · see review

Sep 03, 2012 Bnice rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: favorite

I really enjoyed this book. I'm samoan, born and raised in California, but lucky for me, my parents brought SAMOA into our home in the states. I'm greatful for the heritage and culture I know and cherish for life.

So the book was a great read! I loved how I was so familiar with everything that Mrs. Young was describing and I couldn't help but feel at home with this book being that everything was set in Samoa, how good is that! I love, love, love me some DANIEL..He's one of those samoan boys that...more I really enjoyed this book. I'm samoan, born and raised in California, but lucky for me, my parents brought SAMOA into our home in the states. I'm greatful for the heritage and culture I know and cherish for life.

So the book was a great read! I loved how I was so familiar with everything that Mrs. Young was describing and I couldn't help but feel at home with this book being that everything was set in Samoa, how good is that! I love, love, love me some DANIEL..He's one of those samoan boys that still holds true to the traditions and unwritten rules in Samoa. Its very safe to say that DANIEL is one CHUNK HUNK and very old fashioned which is fine with me YES! I love his character how he RESPECTS his elders and respects girls.
Leila is from the states and is not accustomed to the Samoan way of life! She is in for a culture shock in a good way. She doesn't hit it off right away with DANIEL, as a matter of fact, they get into a class debate and they are on opposing sides and get into it, something fierce..She makes some friends at school SIMONE ( a shim= she+ him= SHIM) He becomes a very good friend of Leila and helps her with the ins and outs of the samoan life and expectations on the island and in school.
TELESA speaks of women who have an affinity of powers of the earth elements AIR, WATER, FIRE and Leila not knowing is one of them. Leila was born to a palagi (white) man and a samoan telesa lady. Her mothers name is Nafanua. Her father took her away from SAMOA where she was born when she was 4 months. Her father didn't speak much of her mother but requested that she never go back to SAMOA. Leila loved her father and it was just her and him against the world. Her father was a "FOLGER" a man born into the Lawyer family business and a family with no financial hardhsips, well off in that area. Her father was in the Peace Corp in Samoa and met Nafanua, fell in love and they had Leila Folger. Leila's father meant the world to her and she didn't quite fit into the prestige world of the FOLGERS. She was made fun of in school as the brown girl with thick hair. She found herself getting into fights and not fitting in when school kids would tease her about not having a mother. So tough in a teens life when you don't have any info on your mother..Leilas father died due to a brain tunor and Leila's life was in shambles, absolutely devastated her world. What would she do now that her father has passed away?. Her grandmother Mrs.Folger of course would take care of her, but she felt such a void in her life without her father to lead and direct her life. She turns 18 and decided to go against her fathers wishes, she sells her car and purchases a ticket to SAMOA in search of her family roots, to find out about her mother and what she was like. This is where the story begins her, trip to Samoa..

I loved the love story in the book as well as the legends of the TELESA.I loved how Mrs. Young described the lush gardens and delicious foods in Samoa. I must say after reading this book, I was already in love with DANIEL and planning a trip to the motherland..There's alot of action that takes place in the book which caught my attention right off the back, so it doesn't disappoint at all.If you haven't read this book, you ought to..I highly recommend the book to readers..

Thank you for a good read Mrs. Lani Wendt- Young..I thoroughly enjoyed myself..LOVE IS BEING ABLE TO DO AND DEFEAT ANYTHING TOGETHER...(less)

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Apr 20, 2012 Tricia Kristufek rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: reviews

"I've never seen anything so beautiful - and so terrible in my life."

Leila is searching for a place to belong after her father's death. Against his final wish, she travels to Samoa to try to find out about her mother, who her father had told her was dead.

After she arrives on the island, she settles into her routine, but a fire builds inside of her that she can't explain. Even as she adjusts to her knew school - and the God-like boy, Daniel - she gets throwing for a loop again - her mother is al...more

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Nov 12, 2011 Sieni A.M. rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: ya-paranormal

I loved everything about this novel. From the characters, the dialog, stunning setting, humor, suspense, and romance--I was latched on for days and could not put it down! Felt instantly connected to Leila as an afakasi (half caste) who travels to her mother's country of Samoa in search of a place to belong. What she finds is an exotic, vibrant culture steeped in nature, customs, language, generous hospitality, and ancient mythology of Telesa--a fierce sisterhood who haunt people for decades with...more

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Jul 17, 2012 RDV rated it 5 of 5 stars

An amazing read. Ms. Wendt Young is a brilliant author. I loved every bit of this story and everything I have learned about beautiful Samoa and its amazing culture. Can't wait to read book 2.

Love this book so much. It's super fantastic!

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Jan 14, 2013 Delphina rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: favorites

I seriously do not know how this book is not the top of every best seller list on the planet. I had a friend recommend this to me and from this moment on, I will be sure to buy ever book she recommends because this book is made of amazing! I actually have the Special Edition version that has also has the Daniel Novella and some back ground into the culture of Samoa, but I do not see it as being available to purchase any longer, so I thought I would put my review here. If the special edition beco...more

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May 02, 2013 Anonymous rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: EVERYONE !

Recommended to Anonymous by: my friend / cousin

First off I would like to say congrats to Lani Wendt Young for gracing the earth with the presence of this book. Definitely deserves a five star rating or possibly SIX ! as well as a second or third read.
I absolutely LOVE this book. The first few pages were of average but as soon as the muscular Mr. Tahi was added into it ... OHMYGOSH ! As stupid and ugly as it sounds, I think i fell in love with Daniel as much as Leila did ;)
I have even read the second book of the Telesa series and WOW! There i...more

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Feb 24, 2013 Angela Oliver rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: paranormal-romance, urban-fantasy, young-adult, kindle-self-published, kick-arse-chicks

This was a really good read - I fully enjoyed becoming submerged into the Samoan culture and learning more about Leila's life. The characters are well crafted and truly come to life: Daniel the sexy "super chunk" with his deep and caring nature; Simone the boy/girl with his absolute over-the-top crazy charm; Leila herself - angry and confused with events as she tries to piece together the world that she now finds herself thrust in to. From a field of supernatural/romance stories, this one truly...more This was a really good read - I fully enjoyed becoming submerged into the Samoan culture and learning more about Leila's life. The characters are well crafted and truly come to life: Daniel the sexy "super chunk" with his deep and caring nature; Simone the boy/girl with his absolute over-the-top crazy charm; Leila herself - angry and confused with events as she tries to piece together the world that she now finds herself thrust in to. From a field of supernatural/romance stories, this one truly stands out as actually being original. I am now, of course, anxious to read book two.

After her father's death, Leila travels to Samoa, on a quest to learn more about her birth mother - a mother who perished soon after she was born. At first things seem pretty good - sure, she may not get on so well with her aunt and uncle, but she's enrolled in a local school and adapts to the somewhat more rigid, respectful way of Samoan life. Indeed, she even catches the eye of the sexiest boy in school - the gorgeous Daniel. But something sinister is afoot - she's finding herself suffering constantly from night fevers and tormented by strange dreams and one day a woman turns up on her aunt's doorstep and turns her world inside out, plunging her in to the dark and deceitful world of the Telesa.

This is one book that deserves more recognition - because it is self-published it will never strike the mainstream like others of this genre, but in many ways it far usurps much of the teen paranormal/urban fantasy that I have seen. The relationships seem to form more naturally, the female protagonist is a strong and willful woman who can make up her own mind and fight her own battles, she makes wise decisions even though they go against her emotions and she makes mistakes, learns from them and improves. Overall, she is a far better role model than say Bella Swan.

The Samoan culture is richly and evocatively described - from the school life to the clothing, to the respect of the young for their elders, to the food. Oh yes, the food. One can tell that Lani has a strong connection - and love, of Samoa, it shines in every compelling sentence. And whats more, she makes you love it too.(less)

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Oct 17, 2012 Majanka rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: paranormal-romance, read-2012, young-adult

Telesa: The Covenant Keeper is an unique book. Unique, because it doesn’t talk about vampires, werewolves, witches, shapeshifters or mermaids. And it’s still YA Paranormal Romance. That’s enough for me to be instant-read. I’m so tired of clichés that I’d take on anything that offers an unique and original paranormal species. This book offers spirit women instead. Intrigued? Read on.

After her father’s untimely death, Leila is trying to find a place where she belongs, and finding out who she truly...more Telesa: The Covenant Keeper is an unique book. Unique, because it doesn’t talk about vampires, werewolves, witches, shapeshifters or mermaids. And it’s still YA Paranormal Romance. That’s enough for me to be instant-read. I’m so tired of clichés that I’d take on anything that offers an unique and original paranormal species. This book offers spirit women instead. Intrigued? Read on.

After her father’s untimely death, Leila is trying to find a place where she belongs, and finding out who she truly is. She travels to Samoa, the home land of her mother, to find out more about her heritage. She tries to start anew, with a new school, new friends and a new, hot, swoonworthy boy to drool over named Daniel. While Leila and Daniel seem like two opposite ends of a stick at first, they quickly realize that the storm brewing between them is in fact chemistry. But the longer Leila spends on the island, the more she’s troubled by secrets from the past and a fire growing inside her heart and soul. When she finds out her mother is still alive, there are questions only her mother knows the answer to. So Leila will have to find the courage to meet the mother she doesn’t know, and to deal with the new relationship slowly developing between her and Daniel.

On top of that, Leila feels a strong connection to the land – one she can’t really explain. The connection may have something to do with ancient mythology and secrets long buried in the folds of history.

I’ve never been Samoa, but the author’s descriptions are very intriguing. I would definitely like to visit there after reading this book. It’s clear from the start that the author did her research well. As I already mentioned, a major plus is the lore. It’s different in this book – unique and compelling, and very well-described. Another major plus was the main character. I think I developed some kind of girl crush on Leila. She’s amazing. She’s so…normal. She behaves in a way that’s so completely like any sane, rational human being would behave, that she had me from the start. It’s difficult to develop a character that’s just spot on, but Lani Wendt Young succeeded in this when she created Leila. She’s stubborn when needs be, emotional when expected, just the right balance of rational and emotional that I could connect with her almost right away.

Then there’s Daniel. He’s swoonworthy in more than one way. I wouldn’t mind going to school with him as well. And even if their relationship was off to a rocky start, I do like Leila and Daniel as a couple. There’s a love triangle thrown in this book as well, but it doesn’t feel redundant for once.

Telesa – The Covenant Keeper is a must-read for fans of YA Paranormal Romance. Especially because of the original paranormal element – people feeling a rare and unique connection to the earth itself – one should definitely read it. The epic couple portraying the protagonists is just a bonus.(less)

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Sep 06, 2012 Aliaa El-Nashar rated it 4 of 5 stars

Review:

The book kicks off with Leila, a girl who has lost her father, who in her opinion was the only family she'd had. Sure she had her grandmother and uncle, but by no means did they appear loving. She suffers a lot in his absence and decides to do the one thing he made her promise not to do on his deathbed. Go home. But Leila wants to understand her roots and so, defying both her dad's wishes and her grandmother's ranting, she leaves. As she hopes the fresh start at the land she was born in w...more Review:

The book kicks off with Leila, a girl who has lost her father, who in her opinion was the only family she'd had. Sure she had her grandmother and uncle, but by no means did they appear loving. She suffers a lot in his absence and decides to do the one thing he made her promise not to do on his deathbed. Go home. But Leila wants to understand her roots and so, defying both her dad's wishes and her grandmother's ranting, she leaves. As she hopes the fresh start at the land she was born in would help her find herself and maybe get a family, she realizes not all is what it seems, and that the hopes of finding family even here might not work out. She is forced to abide by certain - and very strange - rules her uncle and aunt had put out for her, including going back to school. There she's intrigued by the many weird happenings, but also gets to meet Daniel. Things seem to be going fine and she's finally made friends, even had a crush! All until Leila's mother suddenly comes back in the picture. Nafanua says all the right things to attract a daughter who's lost her only family and is relieved to know she has a mother still among the living. Little does she know about the secrets of her heritage, the one she'd been seeking out in her journey back to Samoa, and how destructive it can be. Not to mention how it would effect her relationship with the only guy she was ever interested, especially when his grandmother seems adamant that she's not the right girl for him.

I seriously loved the prologue! It had me hooked from the start, I mean when the first paragraph goes like this:

"No... please... how to stop it? How can I stop it?" I burst into useless tears. Tears that fizzed and hissed in a heartbeat of heat. No amount of crying would help no. I wrung my hands, no way out of it. It was hopeless. In a few minutes I would be a mass murderer. A killer. In my mind's eye, I could see it now. People on fir running in circles, frantically beating at the hungry flames. The smell of flesh scorching, peeling off ashy bone. Screams. Pleas for help. I sank to my knees, drained dry of strength. Unwilling to watch the carnage but unable to take my eyes away. I was drowning in a sea of fiery despair. Suffocating in a red night of terror.

So, clearly, I was eager to know what the heck is going on and rushed to read the book! I was not so fond of the heroine at first, she seemed to overreact to everything and was overly annoying. Sometimes I honestly felt like punching her, the way she thinks is rather strange. The story changed drastically from the start, the heroine improved - a bit - enough to tolerate the story, which in itself was amazing! I've been reading different genres for a while now, so this one had come to my liking. But the more I read the more I couldn't stop and am looking forward to the next book in the series - hoping it would live up.

I enjoyed learning more about Samoa, the culture, and the contrast for the protagonist. I enjoyed the struggle with pain over the loss of a parent but the eagerness to surpass it by getting to know more about their roots. The suffering, the new surrounding and culture seem to be overwhelming to Leila at first, but dealing with all that drama, as well as falling in love and discovering the mysteries behind who she is, a trip she had never anticipated she'd have to take on her journey here. Not to mention the adventure she's thrust into. A really great read with an easy and flowing writing!

Rating: 4/5(less)

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Sep 04, 2012 Mary Grace rated it 5 of 5 stars

I burn. Inside and out. I burned. There was indescribable pain and the knife edge of pleasure. It was ecstasy and hell all at once. Then, as swiftly as it had begun, it stopped. I was empty. A dried hus scorched beyond belief. Withered and dead. I fell. The steaming darkness claimed me.

Telesa is an engrossing tale about Daniel and Leila – a tragic love story that proved to go against all odds. Okay, first off all Telesa is not really solely about Daniel and Leila I just wanted to put that out as...more I burn. Inside and out. I burned. There was indescribable pain and the knife edge of pleasure. It was ecstasy and hell all at once. Then, as swiftly as it had begun, it stopped. I was empty. A dried hus scorched beyond belief. Withered and dead. I fell. The steaming darkness claimed me.

Telesa is an engrossing tale about Daniel and Leila – a tragic love story that proved to go against all odds. Okay, first off all Telesa is not really solely about Daniel and Leila I just wanted to put that out as early as now to make a dramatic entrance of some sort. Telesa is actually more of about the journey of Leila in discovering her history and power. Everything went well for Leila that is until she was face to face with Nafanua- her mother.

Leila, our heroine, is a gifted teenager who lost her father and mother. She went to Samoa to rediscover her roots but was warned immediately by her aunt and uncle about things unknown to her. Leila was a strong lead. She can be very stubborn and irritating at some parts but you can definitely see her charm. Then she meets Daniel. Daniel is the swoon worthy kid persistent in keeping Leila at his side. He is all what you would want in a partner – handsome, respectful, courageous and smart in addition to being one of the head kid and the captain to the rugby team. Smart and sporty. Yum!

The two didn’t had a relationship immediately (thank God) and their relationship took time to develop. You can definitely feel the connection and the relationship was very believable. It was a cute partnership that I can really say works well in a series. The irritating part here though is Leila. She can’t make up her mind if she wants to be with Daniel or not. She loves him completely one minute then shuts him off the next. I was at wits with irritation. But as I said, it all worked out in the end.

So let’s talk about the whole Telesa gig and Nafanua. As discuss there are three gifts to a Telesa: Telesa matagi – air, Telesa casa loloa – water and Telesa faNua afi – fire. Air and water are very common and fire is considered a myth but it just so happened that Leila was fanua afi which makes her a very important and powerful Telesa. Nafanua has many secrets, juicy and oh so scandalous secrets that will be reveals in due time, and it seems like she’s not the mother Leila expected her to be.I don’t want to indulge you with too much information so enough about Nafanua, you need to get to know her to appreciate the story let’s move on to Sarona. Now, that is one crazy b*tch which makes her a more effective villain that I appreciate so very much. I was so mad and pissed at her althroughout. Talk about a well written and effective evil b*tch with sooo much power. You’ll definitely be in for a treat.

Telesa was an awesooome read not just because of the heart pumping action and heart breaking non-mushy lines (need to emphasize on the non-mushiness of the love story) but it is also a tale of family, courage, belief, discovery and self respect. Telesa has an interesting twist to a story used plenty of times in the past. Telesa had its own version and twist and I can definitely say the journey was nail biting from start to finish. Its a starter to a trilogy but it can be read stand alone. And with what I have read, looks like the second book will be as good as this one. Let’s see. For now, Telesa is a 5 star rating on my list.(less)

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Aug 18, 2012 Ella-Liessa rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I don't know how much my opinion matters, but here goes. I read this book (and the second one) when I saw the cover on a friend's facebook page. She really liked it, so I looked it up and thought the storyline sounded interesting and it was. I was really intrigued by the concept and the mythology. I would really like to know more about Pacific Islander mythology. I even tried doing a Google search on Telesa and all I came up with was references to this book and some hints of there being some act...more

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Jul 31, 2012 Sarah Alatimu rated it 5 of 5 stars

I decided to read this book because I'va never really read a book quite like it. This book was written by a Samoan, and since I myself am samoan, I felt it would be interesting to read what someone from my nationality would write like.

The category on the bingo board that this book completes is "a book written in 2011/2012". The reason this category was interesting with this book was because the book is actually about a myth that originated in the islands a very very long time ago, when the earth...more

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Jun 25, 2012 Karen (Book Light Graveyard) rated it 4 of 5 stars

I almost think the main character in the book was the setting—Samoa itself. The author writes about it so vividly and deftly, without getting bogged down in endless description. It’s clear that she knows what she’s writing about, and she did an outstanding job at writing about Samoa in a way that helps people not from there understand the culture and the unique things about it. And she did it in a way that felt neither condescending or like too much time was spent explaining. It’s clear the auth...more I almost think the main character in the book was the setting—Samoa itself. The author writes about it so vividly and deftly, without getting bogged down in endless description. It’s clear that she knows what she’s writing about, and she did an outstanding job at writing about Samoa in a way that helps people not from there understand the culture and the unique things about it. And she did it in a way that felt neither condescending or like too much time was spent explaining. It’s clear the author loves the country, and that love was contagious.

The story itself was interesting and unique. Because it takes place in Samoa and uses that country’s mythology, the whole idea felt fresh and new. Everything was fascinating to me because I’d never read anything very much like it before. I loved the idea of the Telesa and their deep connection to the earth. And speaking of the Telesa (they’re kinda like femme fatale witches, only very connected to nature), I enjoyed how layered their characters were, especially the head Telesa. They were the antagonists of the story, yet it was so easy to understand their motivations and see that while their methods may have been wrong, the intent behind them stemmed from a love of their country, and that made it hard for me to hate them.

Leila, the main character, was a little hard for me to like at first. She’s initially very defensive and closed off and tends to blow up at people with little provocation. But since that all plays into Leila’s character development and into the development of her powers, once I got a third of the way in or so, she wasn’t bugging me anymore. Plus, I liked that she wasn't, well, white. I'll be the first to admit that I'm basically as white as they come, but I love it when YA characters have a little, you know, color to them.

My one niggling complaint about the book is the love triangle. Since it doesn’t really come into play until halfway through the book, I thought I’d get away without it having one. So I may have rolled my eyes a little when boy #2 came into the story. At least both boys are hot and genuinely nice guys. I legitimately wanted Leila to be with both. Although I have to say, I fell totally in lust with Daniel. Oh my gosh, that boy is fine. No wonder Leila is crazy attracted to him—he’s Samoan, hot (what is it about Polynesian boys that's so intrinsically attractive?), athletic, smart, responsible, kind . . . If Leila doesn’t end up with him, can I have him? Plus, I liked that although there was a love triangle, the author successfully steered away from any insta-love and made the relationships very believable.

Overall, this was a totally solid book. It was a little long, in my opinion, but looking back, I’m not really sure what parts the author could’ve cut out. So, yes, if you’re looking for a YA paranormal that departs from the run-of-the-mill, give this one a shot. I know I already mentioned how much I loved the setting and culture, but I'll say it again--I loved it. I really don't know why there isn't more of a market for Pacific Islander/Polynesian/non-American YA books if Telesa is at all a representative example.

Book Light Graveyard (less)

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Jun 12, 2012 Ellen rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: blog-tours, a-z-reading-challenge-2012

When I first started reading this book it was kind of slow getting started for the first few chapters, but don’t let that fool you. It was quite an adventure. Leila is an 18-year-old girl who has lost her father, is living with an overbearing grandmother, and decides to take off to Samoa to find out more about her mother. Upon arrival, she doesn’t feel any more welcome in Samoa than she did back home. Her Aunt and Uncle tell Leila that she shouldn’t have come, and they set strict rules for her....more When I first started reading this book it was kind of slow getting started for the first few chapters, but don’t let that fool you. It was quite an adventure. Leila is an 18-year-old girl who has lost her father, is living with an overbearing grandmother, and decides to take off to Samoa to find out more about her mother. Upon arrival, she doesn’t feel any more welcome in Samoa than she did back home. Her Aunt and Uncle tell Leila that she shouldn’t have come, and they set strict rules for her. Leila doesn’t want to seem ungrateful, so she does as they ask. At school she ends up meeting the most beautiful boy she has ever seen, Daniel. She tries to ignore her feelings, but she is drawn to him, as he is to her. She also begins to feel ill, especially at night, feeling like she has a fever all the time, and on top of that, no one will tell her anything about her mother. It is as if the subject is taboo. As her relationship with Daniel intensifies, so does her fever, until something happens which completely changes everything. Then, she arrives home one day and finds someone there she never expected….someone she believed was dead….and Leila’s life as she knew it changes forever.

I found this book completely thrilling. Leila turned out to be a kick-butt heroine. The legend and myth of the Telesa incorporated a paranormal element that was fresh and exciting. I loved the romance. Daniel is quite the hottie. There are also quite a few other characters that were fun to get to know. Simone is hilarious and so well written, as were the other characters. The book, especially closer to the end, is action packed and filled with suspense. There is so much more to this story than I can put in a review, and I don’t want to give away any spoilers. This paranormal romance is combined with some kick-butt action, some supernatural women who can control the elements, in addition to a little mystery and suspense, with some really hot guys added in, which altogether make for a great read. Lani Wendt Young has done an outstanding job with this novel. I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series, When Water Burns.
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Apr 19, 2012 Karen rated it 5 of 5 stars

I picked up a Kindle copy of this book as I really enjoy Lani's blogs and the warm, engaging way that she writes. It's a great YA title as Lani has kept the language simple enough for teenage readers, yet she doesn't talk down to them. I felt that she really brought out the colours and sounds of Samoa and gave a unique insider's perspective on Samoan culture and mythology.
At the same time, she also takes care to place modern Samoa in context of the rest of the world - the high school that Leila...more

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Mar 25, 2012 Sherre Leach rated it 5 of 5 stars

Wow! Thats really all I have to say about this book. I loved it with every fiber of my being and the author is an absolute genius.

Not since twilight have I felt this way after reading a book. Just as I have this feeling that I MUST visit Forks, Washington, I now MUST go to Samoa. That's not to say this book can be compared to twilight. No! It's just that, I must say, I have finally found a book to join the ranks of Twilight, Hunger Games, andThe Mortal Instruments. One I will want to read over a...more Wow! Thats really all I have to say about this book. I loved it with every fiber of my being and the author is an absolute genius.

Not since twilight have I felt this way after reading a book. Just as I have this feeling that I MUST visit Forks, Washington, I now MUST go to Samoa. That's not to say this book can be compared to twilight. No! It's just that, I must say, I have finally found a book to join the ranks of Twilight, Hunger Games, andThe Mortal Instruments. One I will want to read over and over and never tire of. So much culture and legend and myth. I love it all. This book made me feel great for being brown! I felt that I fit with this book in so many ways. That's not to say I'm Samoan, no I dont think I am, honestly I'm never completely sure what I am so I just claim African American because it's the easiest and the most dominant race in my mish mash gene pool. I just love Samoa (from what I read) and I must see it for myself.

Okay, well enough with that, I must say that this book was great!!! I loved it. I loved Leila because she reminded me of myself in her inner thoughts, and because she was everything I wish I could be on the outside. Oh and Daniel? Talk about gorgeous. I am in love!!! Jason? Oh Jason...I know Leila didn't really want you but I'm always here. *sigh*

This book had my heart racing and my feelings on edge. I read so much in one sitting that my eyes began to hurt and when I finally looked away from the words, black lines from the words danced in my vision. (please tell me I'm not the only one who feels like this) I found myself counting down the time until I could get back to this book. Hating my dog for having to go outside to do his business. Didn't he know I had reading to do! The story line was amazing. I was tempted to go to Lani's blog site to ask her why on earth she hadn't told me this was such an amazing book. I would have read it sooner! I needed this book in my life. When on when will the next book come out??? I need it now!!!!

So here again I leave you with a blog post that probably makes no sense because I have no idea how to put into words what I'm actually feeling inside. There's only one thing I can say. If you've been pondering giving this book a try, just give in.......and if you havent been thinking about it at all, do yourself a favor and still buy it. I'll have you know...I just paid money for the print version of this book. I wanted to hold it in my hands because I just love it that much!!! You wont regret it. 5 SUPER LARGE stars!(less)

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Nov 04, 2012 Tracey Murphy rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This is the first book of Lani's that I have read but I loved it. The beginning was a little slow, but not knowing anything about Samoa culture or traditions--you really needed the world building to fully understand things later on.

I cared about Leila from the beginning, and wanted to crawl in a hole with her when one of her overactions was proven unwarranted AGAIN. I love the relationship between Daniel and Leila and everytime I think they are going to follow the typical teenage story plot...s...more

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Oct 07, 2011 Liz Reinhardt rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

When I first picked up Lani Wendt Young's YA novel, I was expecting the story of a young girl dealing with changes in her family life and maybe a little romance. What I got was a sweeping epic of Samoan lore and star-crossed romance that grabbed on and wouldn't let go!

Telesa made me feel like I was in the tropics of Samoa, right alongside Leila...it was almost like Samoa was another amazing, gorgeous character (and I have a serious urge to go to Samoa now!). She begins the book as a strong youn...more

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Jun 13, 2012 Gothic Angel rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: reading-addiction-blog-tours, to-review, most-favourite

Oh My Goodness. What to say about this book?... *taps finger in chin in contemplation*
I just don't know what to say to do it justice. I always reflect on a book at the end and this time, I've come to my review without knowing what I am going to say. I'm just typing and hoping it makes sense.

So I'll start at the beginning. I was asked to review TELESA as part of the RABT tours and I signed up right away. From the synopsis, I knew it was something different and intriguing. I haven't come across an...more

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Oct 14, 2012 Candice rated it 5 of 5 stars

I LOVED this book. What a beautiful series. I love the story line, which is unique from all the other paranormal band wagoners. The characters were fun to read about and believable in their emotions and progression.

I know I downloaded this book for free, but I would definitely pay for it :) I immediately purchased book 2. Captivating story. Really enjoy Lani's writing style and can't wait to see what else she comes up with!

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Mar 25, 2012 Erin Lalor rated it 4 of 5 stars

Ok so this book for me got off to a pretty slow start, and two chapters in I was contemplating skipping through some pages to get to the good parts. but I stuck to it and in the end Loved the book.
I really loved watching Leila grow throughout the book and turn into a kick ass hero who is smart and confident. Oh and I must say that I really loved Jason, I know everyone loves Daniel and he is sweet and a great first love with Leila but I just loved the way Jason and Leila connected and how good a...more

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Mar 13, 2012 Fallon rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: fantasy, young-adult, series, kindle, mythology

I don’t know much about Samoa, in fact I know next to nothing, but it was described so beautifully in this story that I didn’t have a hard time imagining it. This was such a well written story everything was just so well done. You could sense every smell, texture, taste, emotion and it was like you’re right there in the book. The characters are all very dynamic and it’s hard not to empathize with them all, even Nafanua. There were instances though were I wanted to guide them to where they would...more

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Apr 22, 2012 Reading, Eating & Dreaming rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 4-stars

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE REVIEWS AT READING, EATING AND DREAMING I WAS BLAIR WALDORF

Telesa - The Covenant Keeper, the first book in the Telesa series, was a refreshing paranormal romance novel. Ms. Young, the author of this young adult series, created a completely original setting by drawing upon Samoan culture and myths versus recreating another world of vampires, angels, and werewolves.

I'm always a little apprehensive when I take a chance on a unfamiliar author. It's scary, but exciting at the...more CLICK HERE TO READ MORE REVIEWS AT READING, EATING AND DREAMING I WAS BLAIR WALDORF

Telesa - The Covenant Keeper, the first book in the Telesa series, was a refreshing paranormal romance novel. Ms. Young, the author of this young adult series, created a completely original setting by drawing upon Samoan culture and myths versus recreating another world of vampires, angels, and werewolves.

I'm always a little apprehensive when I take a chance on a unfamiliar author. It's scary, but exciting at the same time. I never know whether I'm going to stumble upon something horrible, something okay, something good, or something great. In this case, I am very glad that I took a leap of faith because I stumbled upon something great.

I was pleasantly surprised by Ms. Young's storytelling abilities. She vividly paints an original, exciting new world for readers to explore. She introduces readers to a lot of new cultural background without being boring, and I am giving her praise for that because it's not as easy as it sounds. Usually when an author introduces a "new world", I get bored by the whole history lesson, but Ms. Young kept me entertained throughout the entire story by inserting the mythology into the story gradually and creatively. More often than not, authors break down and explain all of the history at one time, and more often than not, I get bored. She inserted it into the story at a nice pace. It all came out naturally.

Just so you know, the beginning starts out a little slow, but once things get going...they really get going. I honestly enjoyed everything about this novel. I loved the main characters, Leila and Daniel. Leila is a fierce heroine. Her behavior and her reactions are honest and relatable. Daniel is swoon-worthy. He is an absolute sweetheart. I loved the culture, the history, and they mythology. I loved the suspense. And, I absolutely LOVED the ending. I can not wait for more. I am reading the sequel, When Water Burns, as soon as possible!

I gave Telesa - The Covenant Keeper (Telesa #1) by Lani Wendt Young 4 STARS. I recommend this novel to all paranormal lovers!

-XOXO

READING, EATING AND DREAMING (less)

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Mar 27, 2013 Amanda Stover rated it 4 of 5 stars

Synopsis
When Leila moves to her new home, all she wants is a family, a place to belong. Instead she discovers the local ancient myths of the telesa spirit women are more than just scary stories. The more she finds out about her heritage, the more sinister her new home turns out to be. Embraced by a Covenant Sisterhood of earth's elemental guardians - what will Leila choose? Her fiery birthright as a telesa? Or will she choose the boy who offers her his heart? Daniel - stamped with the distinctiv...more Synopsis
When Leila moves to her new home, all she wants is a family, a place to belong. Instead she discovers the local ancient myths of the telesa spirit women are more than just scary stories. The more she finds out about her heritage, the more sinister her new home turns out to be. Embraced by a Covenant Sisterhood of earth's elemental guardians - what will Leila choose? Her fiery birthright as a telesa? Or will she choose the boy who offers her his heart? Daniel - stamped with the distinctive tattoo markings of a noble Pacific warrior and willing to risk everything for the chance to be with her. Can their love stand against the Covenant Keeper?

A thriller-romance with a difference. If you enjoyed Twilight, then you will be enthralled by Telesa as it blends the richness of Pacific mythology into a contemporary young adult love story that will stay with you long after you have turned the final page.

Review
I want to start by saying that this book is not something I would typically read. I had a hard time connecting time with the characters in the beginning, but once I actually got quite a few chapters I actually found myself enjoying the book. Leila is an 18-year-old girl who has loses her father, then is forced to live with an overbearing grandmother, so she decides to take off to Samoa to find out more about her heritage. The problem is, she doesn’t feel any more welcome in Samoa than she did back home. Her Aunt and Uncle are less than enthusiastic that she is there, and once she is settled in they set strict rules for her. Leila is happy to have the opportunity to be in Samoa and doesn’t want to seem ungrateful, so she does as they ask. At school she ends up meeting some friends and the most beautiful boy she has ever seen, Daniel. She tries to ignore her feelings, but she is drawn to him, as he is to her. Shortly after she arrives in Samoa she begins to feel ill, especially at night, She feels like she is on fire. Leila’s biggest problem is that no one will discuss her mother with her. As Leila and Daniel’s relationship gets more intense, so does her fever, then something happens which completely changes everything. One day after school Leila comes home and finds someone there she never expected….someone she believed was dead….and Leila’s life as she knew it changes forever. The end of the book was definitely action packed and had a lot of unexpected twists and turns.

I definitely feel as though the ending was the saving grace for this book and, the end of the book definitely left room for another story which I will be making an attempt to read, I just hope that in the next book there is room for a greater love affair between Leila and Daniel.
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Nov 01, 2011 Shannon Mayer rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I picked this book up becuase my grandparents spent two years in Samoa as missionaries and so the country has always, in a sense, been a part of our family history though we ourselves are not Samoan. Reading Telesa though has allowed me to feel as if I have been to Samoa and have experienced it myself.

The main character, Leila, was great, prickly and very likable despite her owly behaviour as her driving force is to find a place where she fits, where she can call home. The love story between Le...more

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Dec 03, 2012 Breigh rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: high-school, guy-with-tattoos, family-secret, family-problems, 2-guys-one-girl, abilities, delusional-love, elements, evil-bitches, forbidden-love, killing, lovers, magic, orpahan, resisting-temptation, romance, scandal, secretly-loving-another, secrets, self-image-problems, twins, hot-steamy-scenes, aliens, hate-love

This book was very interesting, it's about a young girl who doesn't have a place in life.
Leila is in search of her home that was missing all her life- trying to figure out how each piece fits in to the puzzle, along the way discovering the lost puzzles under the dust of her past. Her attraction to Daniel the green-eyed boy awakens a heat inside of her that goes far beyond the normal hot/steamy feeling towards teenage boys. Though their love for each other is confusing, others know that they are...more

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Jun 11, 2012 Louisa rated it 5 of 5 stars

Really enjoyable book, great characters and plot, and unique setting, and loved it!

*Full review from Words I Write Crazy on June 6th*

This was a highly enjoyable romance/mystery/thriller, set in Samoa, a unique setting, with a unique plot, and just a wonderful book! With heartbreak, challenges, and wonder beyond wonder, Telesa is a wonderful book!

Leila was a strong character, the traditions of Samoa, and respecting elders and how her aunt and uncle received her, and acted around her, and her atte...more

1 like · like · see review

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topics	posts	views	last activity
Why is Daniel appealing to so many readers?	6	26	Jun 29, 2012 09:36am
How much heat is 'too much' in a Young Adult novel?	3	15	May 20, 2012 04:42am
telesa book review on behalf of every teenage girl !	1	8	May 10, 2012 06:11am
Author / Blogger ...: RaR - Telesa: The Covenant Keeper	3	19	Mar 10, 2012 07:03pm

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Ezra Taylor "Daniel" gets interviewed...and survives the experience!

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"Leila" Siva - a dance interpretation from the Telesa book.

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About Lani Wendt Young

I write, read, blog, teach, cook, make soap, try not to yell at my five children too much, pretend I'm a runner when I'm just a shuffler, dance a lot (and embarass the five children), and then I write some more.

I spend too many sleepless nights blogging as a slightly Demented Domestic Goddess over at Sleepless in Samoa...There's a couple of books floating around out there in the universe with my n...more

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I am Daniel Tahi (A Novella in the Telesa Series)

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Quotes from Telesa: The Covenant K...

“You don't love someone because they're a dream of perfection. You love them because of the way they meet their challenges, how they struggle to overcome. You love them because together, you bring out the best in each other.” — 18 people liked it

“In Samoa we have three different genders, if you will - men, women and fa'afafine. It's tradition. Don't stare. Don't be rude.” — 6 people liked it

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Telesa: The Covenant Keeper (Telesa #1)

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