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Second Nature
Opposite elements, same side…
Long ago, the Esscas, a rogue group of elementals, had once dared to challenge the Queens, the self-proclaimed masters of the element realms. The resulting war had decimated the world and the very people. In the end though, the Queens had prevailed and banished the Esscas to the After for all eternity.
Fae had shared no alliance with the Esscas, but had felt the ripples of their punishment nonetheless. For their actions, she would never be free. Born a fire elemental herself, Fae had spent every waking moment of her life training to be a guard for her Queen, with no choices in regards to her own fate. It was that or exile herself.
Jace, on the other hand, had been born an earth elemental with every choice in the world, yet had been one of those that had taken part in the Esscas. His punishment… eternity in exile, swallowed in regrets…
When the Esscas escape, vengeful and angry, and threatening the world once more, Fae and Jace quickly find their fates intertwined. While Fae fights for the chance to taste her freedom, Jace finds a chance to atone for his past mistakes.
Only by setting aside their differences, in both elements and loyalties, do they stand any chance to make a change and defeat Jace’s ex-team once more.
If only trust was that easy…
Long ago, the Esscas, a rogue group of elementals, had once dared to challenge the Queens, the self-proclaimed masters of the element realms. The resulting war had decimated the world and the very people. In the end though, the Queens had prevailed and banished the Esscas to the After for all eternity.
Fae had shared no alliance with the Esscas, but had felt the ripples of their punishment nonetheless. For their actions, she would never be free. Born a fire elemental herself, Fae had spent every waking moment of her life training to be a guard for her Queen, with no choices in regards to her own fate. It was that or exile herself.
Jace, on the other hand, had been born an earth elemental with every choice in the world, yet had been one of those that had taken part in the Esscas. His punishment… eternity in exile, swallowed in regrets…
When the Esscas escape, vengeful and angry, and threatening the world once more, Fae and Jace quickly find their fates intertwined. While Fae fights for the chance to taste her freedom, Jace finds a chance to atone for his past mistakes.
Only by setting aside their differences, in both elements and loyalties, do they stand any chance to make a change and defeat Jace’s ex-team once more.
If only trust was that easy…
408 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 23, 2016
1 person is currently reading
16 people want to read
About the author
Lauren Kuzimski
1 book2 followersLauren Kuzimski is a third year veterinarian student, who has a passion not only for animals but for writing as well. While she is always busy studying (really busy studying), she cannot help but take time out each day to work on a new story or idea.
Creating a new world is half the fun in a day, and the other half is filling it with new characters.
Her debut book- Second Nature- is a taste of what she loves to write. Fantasy, young adult, characters that don't fit the mold of "hero". Writing from a villain's point of view opens new doors and opportunities to explore the world's created.
Second Nature is available now, and True Nature (the sequel) will be available in the future.
Creating a new world is half the fun in a day, and the other half is filling it with new characters.
Her debut book- Second Nature- is a taste of what she loves to write. Fantasy, young adult, characters that don't fit the mold of "hero". Writing from a villain's point of view opens new doors and opportunities to explore the world's created.
Second Nature is available now, and True Nature (the sequel) will be available in the future.
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
April 4, 2016
*I received this book in exchange for an honest review*
So right away I was sucked in, the writing is flawless in this novel, the story so compelling, and the characters are well flushed out. I enjoyed this so much. It was so hard to put it down when I hard to work. It was all I could think about until I got it in my hands again.
So Jace, I love him so much! To me he is not the normal hero, he is more of a anti hero and I love that! He's got so many layers and great depth that he seems so real, like he could be out there walking around somewhere. Fae is also great, I enjoyed reading about her so much, her journey was fun to go on.
What I love about this book is how it actually flows through the plot, there are no boring parts or simply any parts that felt out of place, everything furthered the story or the characters in the most perfect way. So, I fully recommend this book and am so thankful to the author for giving me the chance to find it. I'd never even heard if this book before and that would've meant I'd miss out on one epic story.
So right away I was sucked in, the writing is flawless in this novel, the story so compelling, and the characters are well flushed out. I enjoyed this so much. It was so hard to put it down when I hard to work. It was all I could think about until I got it in my hands again.
So Jace, I love him so much! To me he is not the normal hero, he is more of a anti hero and I love that! He's got so many layers and great depth that he seems so real, like he could be out there walking around somewhere. Fae is also great, I enjoyed reading about her so much, her journey was fun to go on.
What I love about this book is how it actually flows through the plot, there are no boring parts or simply any parts that felt out of place, everything furthered the story or the characters in the most perfect way. So, I fully recommend this book and am so thankful to the author for giving me the chance to find it. I'd never even heard if this book before and that would've meant I'd miss out on one epic story.
February 6, 2018
I've been having a bad time with fantasy books so I don't know why I picked this one (the cover is good but maybe not the best) and after reading the blurb all you can think is FANTASY. But I'm so glad I read it. The basic story is this: the world is divided by elements (fire, air, etc...) and each realm has a Queen. A hundred years ago a group of people who control the elements (as well as the Queens) decided to challenge the Queens and after a deadly war they were "banished". Now... they are back.
It has a simple start with a clear explanation of what happened and with the introduction of the main characters. Jace is a really good character, he seems honest about his intentions and also his personality charms you to believe him all he says. Then we have Fae, the rebel girl who wants to fight for justice and good. I liked her strong personality and I think she sounds human and likable.
One of the reasons I enjoy this book is I found the story clear and easy to follow. One of my main problems with fantasies is that sometimes you got many characters and different scenarios at the same time so I get lost in the middle. Here we follow the character through the different realm and in their adventures and the characters appear little by little and you always have present who is who. I also liked the little flashbacks, they were a good element to understand the story.
I thought about giving it fewer stars because of that huge cliffhanger at the end. I mean I saw it coming, there were so many questions and just a few pages left so I knew I would end up asking for more but I wanted the answers soo bad that I got mad at the end.
Overall, I enjoyed this book, it was a bit long but I don't think you can cut any part of it. If you like fantasy give it a try.
*** I received a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.***
It has a simple start with a clear explanation of what happened and with the introduction of the main characters. Jace is a really good character, he seems honest about his intentions and also his personality charms you to believe him all he says. Then we have Fae, the rebel girl who wants to fight for justice and good. I liked her strong personality and I think she sounds human and likable.
One of the reasons I enjoy this book is I found the story clear and easy to follow. One of my main problems with fantasies is that sometimes you got many characters and different scenarios at the same time so I get lost in the middle. Here we follow the character through the different realm and in their adventures and the characters appear little by little and you always have present who is who. I also liked the little flashbacks, they were a good element to understand the story.
I thought about giving it fewer stars because of that huge cliffhanger at the end. I mean I saw it coming, there were so many questions and just a few pages left so I knew I would end up asking for more but I wanted the answers soo bad that I got mad at the end.
Overall, I enjoyed this book, it was a bit long but I don't think you can cut any part of it. If you like fantasy give it a try.
*** I received a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.***
April 21, 2016
It took me a while to write the review for this book, since I didn't really know how to go about it. Second Nature was a mixed bag for me; on the one hand, the concept and the story line were intriguing and it had a nice few twists at the end which took me by surprise, however, it was the writing which didn't mesh with me. I read another review on this book which said the writing was flawless and can't help wondering, did we get the same book? It wasn't so much that there were errors or typos, though there were a few, it was more that I didn't feel that the writing flowed. Some sentences were clumsy and overuse of the same words really bugged me, as did continually calling the character 'the Essca' or 'the elemental' - I know who they are, you don't need to keep repeating it. Also, I don't usually mention the covers, but this cover tells you nothing about the book and if I'd seen the cover before accepting the review, I probably wouldn't have bothered.
That being said though, this book has a lot of promise. Like I said, there story line is interesting and has some good twists, there is also a lot of action and I like that you get multiple view points. There was also the beginning of some character development in Fae and Jace - I really enjoyed Jace's character by the way! - which I assume will be continued in the next book. Honestly, I just think this book needs to have a really thorough edit and revision.
For more reviews, or to check out my favourite quotes from this book, visit my blog at http://mlsparrow.wix.com/mlsparrow
That being said though, this book has a lot of promise. Like I said, there story line is interesting and has some good twists, there is also a lot of action and I like that you get multiple view points. There was also the beginning of some character development in Fae and Jace - I really enjoyed Jace's character by the way! - which I assume will be continued in the next book. Honestly, I just think this book needs to have a really thorough edit and revision.
For more reviews, or to check out my favourite quotes from this book, visit my blog at http://mlsparrow.wix.com/mlsparrow
September 2, 2016
It goes without saying that people take refuge in worlds of fantasy whenever they need a break. it is like second nature.
This book is set in an imaginary world where Queens can control elements of Nature and there are antagonists desirous of disrupting the delicate balance. For a start, the concept is unique. At least I have not read a book based on elements till now. Hence for me, the concept was interesting. The story line can be best understood when the book is read. But trust me, there is a little bit for every reader.
Lauren writes from the heart and at times even heart tends to get repetitive. Notwithstanding that, narrative is simple. It has the right blend of fantasy and reality. The terms are not complicated and lucidly explained. Yes, there is no dearth of imageries. As one reads, the story unfolds like a visual movie.
The characters are well etched. The protagonist and the antagonist have an enigma associated with them. You will love to love and/ or hate whatever the case may be. Though some characters are well defined in comparison to the others, yet, it does not affect the plot or story line much.
To sum up, the book is worth reading for a unique concept. There is a need for fine tuning but this is the author's first book. The best part about this book is that it hints at a sequel. Lauren is a promising author . Her subsequent books are bound to take care of the minor issues.
P.S- In case fantasies are your second nature, then this book is a must read.
This book is set in an imaginary world where Queens can control elements of Nature and there are antagonists desirous of disrupting the delicate balance. For a start, the concept is unique. At least I have not read a book based on elements till now. Hence for me, the concept was interesting. The story line can be best understood when the book is read. But trust me, there is a little bit for every reader.
Lauren writes from the heart and at times even heart tends to get repetitive. Notwithstanding that, narrative is simple. It has the right blend of fantasy and reality. The terms are not complicated and lucidly explained. Yes, there is no dearth of imageries. As one reads, the story unfolds like a visual movie.
The characters are well etched. The protagonist and the antagonist have an enigma associated with them. You will love to love and/ or hate whatever the case may be. Though some characters are well defined in comparison to the others, yet, it does not affect the plot or story line much.
To sum up, the book is worth reading for a unique concept. There is a need for fine tuning but this is the author's first book. The best part about this book is that it hints at a sequel. Lauren is a promising author . Her subsequent books are bound to take care of the minor issues.
P.S- In case fantasies are your second nature, then this book is a must read.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews