The Awakening of Leeowyn Blake (The Kahl'Nar Saga, #1) by Mary Parker

Feb 24, 2013 Lindsay rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: review, indie-2013, indie-love

This ended up being a pretty good read, with promise for a great series. I just wish it had started off as strongly as it ended. The first quarter of the book has an entirely different feel to it, full of unrealistic dialogue and bizarre stereotypes (like homeschoolers being dressed in denim jumpers and owning goats?)

Please don't let the first few chapters set the mood, however, since it very quickly turns into an intriguing paranormal tale. Despite all the details that I'm picking up along the...more This ended up being a pretty good read, with promise for a great series. I just wish it had started off as strongly as it ended. The first quarter of the book has an entirely different feel to it, full of unrealistic dialogue and bizarre stereotypes (like homeschoolers being dressed in denim jumpers and owning goats?)

Please don't let the first few chapters set the mood, however, since it very quickly turns into an intriguing paranormal tale. Despite all the details that I'm picking up along the way, I still feel that there is so much to learn about the world Parker has built. Or should I say worlds? Seven, to be exact, and we haven't even had the pleasure of traveling to any of them yet. It really piques my interest to everything the sequels have in store.

Same goes for the characters. The plot is simply too huge, and there are too many of them, for me to have had a chance to get to know them all. Leeowyn, aka Lee, is our heroine, though at this point she hasn't yet done anything heroic. I admit that I'm not a huge fan of hers, but towards the end of the book she begins to show some potential. I love a girl with a backbone, and it was nice to see her growing one.
Alex is a potential love interest, though not a lot of heat to be found here. I don't feel any chemistry between Alex and Lee, but I have high hopes.
Peach (Perennial) is a mystery. She has been Lee's best friend for four years, but it seems she has been keeping secrets. They've been keeping Lee in the dark about who, or what, she is.
Throw in Lee's uncle Cyle (the spelling of which got under my nerves, because my eyes kept seeing it as Clyde), her tutor who refuses to teach, her grandmother whom we rarely see, plus a handful of emissaries from other realms, and you've got a very full cast. Simply not enough time to flush them all out.

The entire time reading this I kept feeling like my heart was being clenched, because I knew there was no possible way that everything would get wrapped up. There is no conclusion, and the climax feels more like a pretense for all that is to come. I'm left wondering how long until the next book comes out.

A quick, fun read, safe for child consumption.

A copy of this book was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.

(less)

3 likes · like · see review

Mar 01, 2013 CreMonaCAM rated it 4 of 5 stars

I try to stay away from other opinions when I start reading a book, because all of us have different taste. The Awakening of Leeowyn Blake didn’t have any references, so no harm done.
The introduction of this book wasn’t spectacular, but the author did a great job with the rest of it, and maybe this was exactly what she planned all along.
In the beginning, Lee is a normal teenager, coping with normal problems, then, gradually, she starts to evolve and uncover little by little the uncommon truth o...more

1 like · like · see review

Dec 10, 2012 Bex 'n' Books rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: justine-s-reviews

Review written by Justine, a member of the Bex 'n' Books team. This ebook was received for free in exchange for an honest review.

Secrets and lies, secrets and lies, she can’t get the truth, no matter how many tries.

The Awakening of Leeowyn Blake is what I would call a paranormal mystery, and a major part of that mystery was figuring out what kind paranormal she was! I will give Mary Parker this; she kept this reader guessing till the big reveal about midway through the book.

It had a slow start (...more

1 like · like · see review

Apr 24, 2012 Cristina (Bibliophile Mystery) rated it 4 of 5 stars

I try to stay away from other opinions when I start reading a book, because all of us have different taste. The Awakening of Leeowyn Blake didn’t have any references, so no harm done.
The introduction of this book wasn’t spectacular, but the author did a great job with the rest of it, and maybe this was exactly what she planned all along.
In the beginning, Lee is a normal teenager, coping with normal problems, then, gradually, she starts to evolve and uncover little by little the uncommon truth o...more

1 like · like · see review

Mar 28, 2012 aobibliophile™ rated it 4 of 5 stars

What we hear while we are asleep continues to resonate with us upon awakening. - Henry Reed

Leeowyn Blake was still little when her parents split up. life was pretty much normal for her and her Mom in Jacksonville, Florida until she was fourteen when her Uncle Cyle suddenly showed up. four years later, her father's family is looking forward to Leeowyn's eighteenth birthday and her awakening...
reading author Mary Parker's debut novel was a pleasant surprise. i was hooked from the book's beginning...more

1 like · like · see review

Dec 11, 2012 Cecilia (rather barefoot than bookless) rated it 4 of 5 stars

I loved this book. It was great. It was intriguing right from the start and I had a real hard time putting it down, not impossible, but it was hard. It was intriguing with all the secrets and half lies that continued through out the book. But for our heroine it was frustrating, but it made you want to know more, to read more. I´ve never really read anything like it before and I loved that.

Our heroine Lee, is a really strong young woman and she doesn´t take bullshit. She knows they are lying to h...more

1 like · like · see review

Feb 17, 2012 Michelle rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Leeowyn lives with her Mum until her Uncle comes to visit, Leeowyn's time is then split between her Mums house and her Uncles estate. This routine continues until Leeowyns 18th birthday, when the family secret is revealed.

From the moment I started reading The Awakening of Leeowyn Blake I had to know why her Uncle visiting would change things, then when the family secret is revealed I had to know what she was going to do about it. I could not put this book down and when it was over part of me was...more

1 like · like · see review

Apr 11, 2012 Catherine Coffman rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: review-copy

Oh. My. Gosh. This book was fantastic!!! The Awakening of Leeowyn Blake is a mix of paranormal, fantasy, mystery, romance…. Gosh, just everything!!!

Leeowyn’s mother ran off with her when she was four and moved her to Florida, where they’ve lived a normal life for quite some time. Until one day, Leeowyn’s uncle shows up and tells her that her dad is dead, but that he can introduce her to that side of the family. Leeowyn spends the next few years going back and forth between houses, spending the f...more

1 like · like · see review

Nov 09, 2012 Andrea Heltsley rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: first-reads-books-for-review

This book was actually a fun, easy read. I liked Leeowyn's character and her responses to most situations seemed genuine.

The characters were all unique and memorable. Cyle was very closed off, yet mourned in private. Alex was a teenager that showed unusual interest in Lee. Peach was always bursting with energy and became a close friend. I didn't really understand why she didn't have any friends at home though.

The concept was interesting and well plotted. The mystery of the story slowly unfolded...more

1 like · like · see review

Jan 30, 2012 Alexa Yupangco rated it 4 of 5 stars

(This was originally posted on Alexa Loves Books.)

The Awakening of Leeowyn Blake just blew me away. I had no idea what to expect as I started reading this novel, but what did end up transpiring was something spectacular! The book is by no means perfect, but it’s pretty darn good.

The Character

Leeowyn is not your typical heroine – she doesn’t know how to fight at all and she has absolutely NO idea what’s going on. The fact that she’s completely and utterly normal is definitely part of her charm. E...more (This was originally posted on Alexa Loves Books.)

The Awakening of Leeowyn Blake just blew me away. I had no idea what to expect as I started reading this novel, but what did end up transpiring was something spectacular! The book is by no means perfect, but it’s pretty darn good.

The Character

Leeowyn is not your typical heroine – she doesn’t know how to fight at all and she has absolutely NO idea what’s going on. The fact that she’s completely and utterly normal is definitely part of her charm. Eventually, she demonstrates qualities that make me like her even more: loyalty to her family, a drive to do the right thing and intelligence coupled with curiosity. The one thing that I thought was peculiar about her was how easily she accepted the reappearance of her father’s family in her life, as well as the fact that she lived with them for part of the year – that was definitely weird.

The Story

The first bit, the part I consider the introduction, was a bit rough. It did introduce Lee’s peculiar situation, but I think I would have been able to do with a shorter version of it, or even without it at all. I feel like the information from that portion could have just been inserted later into the story.

I’m glad that I continued reading, because the story turns out to be interesting and compelling. I thought initially that the story was based on mythology, which I would have loved, but I was dead wrong. I’m actually glad I was wrong because the background and legend presented to us was really cool. Though at times I would get confused about the new knowledge (just as Lee did), the gist of it came across really well and effectively captured my interest. The story combined familiar paranormal elements into something I’d never read before.

The Writing

Mary Parker definitely used the insertion of dreams/visions to her advantage. Whenever one of these happened in the book, they helped to move the story along, instead of just being random information dumps where someone comes along to explain what’s going on. Plus, they totally upped the creepiness of the tale.

The world is shown to us, as I mentioned earlier, but I felt it could have used more elaboration. As it is, the setting is quite limited in this novel and I feel like, should there have been more locations, we may have learned a whole lot more about the world.

Personally, I say you should…

… read this novel if you’re a fan of discovering new worlds and the stories behind them. This is a great debut, and I am really looking forward to reading more in the series.(less)

1 like · like · see review

Jan 22, 2012 Patty rated it 5 of 5 stars

The Awakening Of Leeowyn Blake
By
Mary Parker

My thoughts after finishing this book...

It was...
fast paced...intense...magical...mystical...utterly and fantastically spellbinding!!!

Leeowyn ...is a young girl living with her single mom in Florida. She has never known her father. Suddenly...out of nowhere...literally... her father's brother comes to claim her for a part of every year.
She begins spending every winter at the home of her uncle and her grandmother. Every summer she returns to the beach an...more

1 like · like · see review

Apr 08, 2012 Zoe Crook rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: books-received-for-review, kindle

The Awakening of Leeowyn Blake is a great novel filled with interesting characters, thrilling cliff-hangers and realistic dialogue. I really enjoyed reading this from the first page. I knew my just reading the synopsis that I would love it.

This story is about a teenage girl named Leeowyn Blake who lives with her mother near the beach, until her uncle comes and whisks her away and she learns about a life she never knew she had. I was never bored during this book at all, there was always something...more The Awakening of Leeowyn Blake is a great novel filled with interesting characters, thrilling cliff-hangers and realistic dialogue. I really enjoyed reading this from the first page. I knew my just reading the synopsis that I would love it.

This story is about a teenage girl named Leeowyn Blake who lives with her mother near the beach, until her uncle comes and whisks her away and she learns about a life she never knew she had. I was never bored during this book at all, there was always something happening. Can Leeowyn survive with strangers she is related too, crazy dreams, secrets known by everyone but her, a best friend fading away from her and a boy she loves but she is not meant to?

The author made the words come alive on the page and I felt all of Lee's emotions and was just as desperate to find out secrets as she was. I can't describe how much I loved this book, it is amazing!!

In most of my reviews I comment on the characters, and I definitely need to on these. Lee is the main character but not your typical heroine. Since the age of four, she has had a pretty normal life despite not knowing anything about her father and any other member of her family. When she is found by her uncle she is not sure how to cope with things and can't quite comprehend what is happening. I think this is how any person would react - not everyone is confident and has the ability to deal with something as huge as this. I felt like I could empathise with Lee and put myself in her shoes, even though I cannot relate to her life at all.

Moreover, I thought the description was fantastic. In most books, when I picture the characters in my head, their face is kind of a blur and I just imagine the scene. However, I can clearly see Lee in my mind - pale skin, red hair, green eyes. The whole atmosphere has been built up to the incredible tension which is so realistic.

Although this is a very positive review, there is something only slightly annoying that kept popping up. The chapters randomly kept swapping between first person and third person so at some points I was not sure if Lee was viewing the scene or not. However, this only loses 0.5 of my rating so it isn't that big of a deal! ;)

This book is a mixture of everything; action, paranormal, mystery, romance, magic and fantasy. I recommend this to anyone with the ability to read!!! :D(less)

1 like · like · see review

Mar 09, 2013 Jasmine Villanova rated it 4 of 5 stars

Beneath the Moon and Stars review

This was only okay for me. I feel like it had the potential to be great but it didn't quite get there. I liked the characters and the idea of the story was great. But, it was very slow paced. I would get to a quarter, then halfway and it would pick up but not enough to really keep my interest.

This one tells the story of Lee. She doesn't have much on her background. One day her uncle shows up and asks to show her how her life was supposed to be lived. Once moving...more

like · see review

Feb 20, 2012 Tammy rated it 4 of 5 stars

This review originally appeared on Books, Bones & Buffy

The first in a series, The Awakening of Leeowyn Blake is a young adult fantasy that tells the magical tale of a teenage girl who is not only trying to find her place in the world, but literally trying to find out which world she belongs in. Leeowyn lives in sunny Florida with her mother, until the fateful day of her fourteenth birthday, when a man claiming to be her uncle knocks on the door. The man has yellow eyes and red hair, just lik...more This review originally appeared on Books, Bones & Buffy

The first in a series, The Awakening of Leeowyn Blake is a young adult fantasy that tells the magical tale of a teenage girl who is not only trying to find her place in the world, but literally trying to find out which world she belongs in. Leeowyn lives in sunny Florida with her mother, until the fateful day of her fourteenth birthday, when a man claiming to be her uncle knocks on the door. The man has yellow eyes and red hair, just like Leeowyn, which convinces her that he must be related to her. After explaining that her father is dead, he tells Leeowyn he has come to take her back home, the home her mother took her from long ago. For the next four years, she splits her time between living with her mother in Florida during the summer and her uncle the rest of the year. Exactly where her uncle Cyle lives, however, is a mystery throughout most of the story. Cyle picks her up every September and during the drive to the family estate, Leeowyn always falls asleep and is never actually able to track her journey.

During the winter months she lives with her Grandmother and uncle and studies in the vast library. She befriends a girl named Peach and meets a boy named Alex, a potential romantic interest, but interspersed with the sameness of daily life, Leeowyn has nightmares about a dead girl holding a raven, and she’s convinced the girl is trying to tell her something important. It is only on her eighteenth birthday that she discovers why everyone in her uncle’s house has been so secretive: Leeowyn is actually a Guardian and she is about to “awaken,” or come into her powers. And her duty as a Guardian is to save the world, actually worlds, from the evil Ruok. This startling news and what follows makes for a truly fast-paced, page-turning read, as Lee realizes that she faces a truly difficult decision.

Although the story feels familiar, I found the characters to be engaging and likeable. Leeowyn feels like a real teen with real teen problems, not the least of which is how to handle her growing attraction to Alex. Her uncle Cyle and tutor Rodrick add a sinister air to the story, as the chapters alternate between Lee’s first person voice and the other characters’ third person point of view. There is clearly something going on that Lee is unaware of, although her recurring nightmares and her friends’ odd behavior should be enough to tip her off that everyone is keeping secrets from her. My only complaint with the story is Leeowyn’s use of pop culture references, which for some reason pulled me out of the fantasy world I wanted to stay in (although I understand why she did it.)

The book is short and the ending abrupt, and I’m sure I’m not the only reader who got to the last page only to cry “What? That’s the end?” I immediately wanted to start the second book, which I hope Ms. Parker is hard at work on.(less)

1 like · like · see review

Jan 13, 2013 Rita rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: provided-by-author-or-publicist, childrens-and-ya, fiction, speculative-fiction, 2013, my-reviews

I was approached by Mary Parker's publicist a while ago and was asked if I was interested in reading and reviewing the debut novel The Awakening of Leeowyn Blake. I have to admit that I was a bit reluctant at first, given the fact that this is a debut YA novel, and honestly speaking, YA is not my coup of tea. But the book's blurb sounded promising and well written, so I decided to give it ago.

The Awakening of Leeowyn Blake is indeed a remarkable debut written by the young first time author Mary...more

1 like · like · see review

Mar 21, 2012 Rubysbooks rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: 5-stars

This is one of those books that remind me why I fell in love with reading. This is the type of book that won't allow you to put it down, unless you've arrived at the very last page of it, the book that will keep you on the edge of your chair and at the end, leave you thirsty for more.

When I started reading this book, I really didn't know what to expect. I know, I know, you've heard that phrase before and it might seem a little overused, but I really wasn't expecting this, the awesome new world I...more This is one of those books that remind me why I fell in love with reading. This is the type of book that won't allow you to put it down, unless you've arrived at the very last page of it, the book that will keep you on the edge of your chair and at the end, leave you thirsty for more.

When I started reading this book, I really didn't know what to expect. I know, I know, you've heard that phrase before and it might seem a little overused, but I really wasn't expecting this, the awesome new world I found in its pages. What I found was a world so complex and so wonderfully built, that I really don't have the right words to describe it. You have mystery, you have lots of fantasy, suspense, a little bit of horror even, a little thread of romance, a hint of sadness and some very funny moments.

What I loved about this book is that it's so unique. I think it's hard to find something this unique and fresh without thinking "Ok, I've read that before". I loved that I didn't feel that about The Awakening of Leeowyn Blake.

As you can probably imagine, this book is about a young girl named Leeowyn and how she struggles to adapt to the changes in her life. She's living with her mother and one night her uncle comes on their doorstep and tells her that her father is dead.

What I loved about Leeowyn is that she's not the typical teenage heroine. She's not a rebel, but she's not a girly girl either. She's not rude, but she speaks her mind. She can be tough as nails and she also has moments of tenderness. I loved that she was different and that made her seem so real and complex, full of character.

The story is fast paced. There isn't a moment where you want to skip any pages, because each of them hold something interesting. And I loved that at times the action changed between past and present, between dreams, visions and reality. And there's a major cliffhanger at the end of the book that has left me dying to know more.

I do hope the second book will be out soon, because I want to know what happens next with Leeowyn and her friends.

I definitely recommend this book to any fantasy fan, adult or teenager, it doesn't matter. If you love fantasy books, you'll certainly love this one.(less)

1 like · like · see review

May 21, 2012 Cana Elene rated it 4 of 5 stars

“You’re different. You used to be a blazing sunset. You use to take my breath away. It was like reaching my hand into a bag full of lightning that was stolen from a thunderstorm. I touch you now and I don’t feel anything. Except fear. And confusion.”

Excerpt from The Awakening of Leeowyn Blake

I started reading this book, thinking it was going to be another “Harry Potter” like book. Let’s admit it, there are tons of those out there. But surprisingly, this was not one of those books.

I love how thi...more “You’re different. You used to be a blazing sunset. You use to take my breath away. It was like reaching my hand into a bag full of lightning that was stolen from a thunderstorm. I touch you now and I don’t feel anything. Except fear. And confusion.”

Excerpt from The Awakening of Leeowyn Blake

I started reading this book, thinking it was going to be another “Harry Potter” like book. Let’s admit it, there are tons of those out there. But surprisingly, this was not one of those books.

I love how this book starts out with an open mystery. Granted, it is solved by the halfway point of the book, but it is great all the same. I mean, I kept asking myself who is Leeowyn Blake? What is it that makes her so special? And as you go along, those questions may get answered, but others replace them.

I loved the explanation about the Realms, myths, and such. Very creative twist on explaining things. I especially love the explanation of “magic”. It makes this book not quiet unrealistic.

I just love the cover of this book! It is so freakishly mysterious, plus it is awesome how it perfectly depicts the book and the character of Leeowyn! Kudos on the cover!

I though the characterization was great. Leeowyn was a believable character, and you kind of drooled over Alex. I think that Peach was the most fantastical and the most easily identifiable character. I automatically knew who she was when I first read about her.

The only thing that I really didn’t like about the book was the resolution… Or rather, the lack of one. I felt like I was left hanging on the edge of a cliff, waiting to see what would happen. Ugh, not my favorite feeling in the world.

I will admit the first 9 or so chapters were a bit confusing for me. There is a lot of flipping back and forth from the past to the present, which without a lot of specifying can get confusing. But once you hit chapter 11, the consistency and the flow of this book are amazing.

I highly recommend this book, and I look forward to reading more by Ms. Blake.
(less)

1 like · like · see review

Feb 01, 2012 Amy (Amy's Book Den) rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: all-around-paranormal

Leeowyn has led a pretty normal life living alone with her mom in Florida. That is, until the day her uncle shows up on their doorstep requesting Leeowyn spend six months every year living with her father's side of the family. Though this seems suspicious and out of the blue, Lee agrees because she has always wanted to know more about her father.

Four years pass and Leeowyn is still clueless about her newfound family. I mean, you'd think she'd have uncovered something, or seen something, or go...more

2 likes · like · see review

Mar 06, 2013 Carrie Rundhaug rated it 3 of 5 stars

When I was contacted to review this book I was slightly unsure so I decided to take a chance and I'm so glad I did.

The Awakening of Leeowyn Blake was a very interesting book that was definitely full of twists and turns.

The characters were well developed and interesting to get to know. Leeowyn was the main character. She was fun, loving and brave. Uncle Cyle is the one who changes Leeowyn's life however he doesn't provide her with very many answers. I think Peach was one of my favorite characters...more

1 like · like · see review

Feb 27, 2013 Marissa at Beneath the Moon and Stars rated it 5 of 5 stars

Wow. This book was amazing. The world was so original and the characters were great. I loved it and I seriously hope there's a sequel coming :)

1 like · like · see review

Jan 15, 2012 Tara-Jayne (♥ I Read, I Love ♥) Bell rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: author-asked, kindle-read, read-2012

This was a very interesting story and the ending got me asking for more :)

Though i was confused at time and while Lee was in the dark so was i. :)

http://basicallybooks1994.blogspot.com/

1 like · like · see review

Mar 20, 2013 Jessica marked it as to-read

Mar 12, 2013 Asha Seth marked it as to-read

Shelves: debut-novels, review-request

Mar 07, 2013 Kelly marked it as to-read

Mar 03, 2013 Carrie Ardoin marked it as to-read

Shelves: i-own-this

Feb 27, 2013 Maisha marked it as to-read

Feb 08, 2013 Lexy marked it as to-read

Jan 27, 2013 Dr.Mandi marked it as to-read

Feb 04, 2013 Kaina rated it 2 of 5 stars

Dec 13, 2012 Sandra (Rather Barefoot than Bookless) rated it 4 of 5 stars

title link	preview: The Awakening of Leeowyn Blake
avg rating	preview: The Awakening of Leeowyn Blake Goodreads rating: 3.89 (28 ratings)
small image	preview: click here [close]
med image	preview: click here [close]
BBCode	[url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/9433503-the-awakening-of-leeowyn-blake?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book][img]http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1327922492l/9433503.jpg[/img][/url] [url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/9433503-the-awakening-of-leeowyn-blake?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book]The Awakening of Leeowyn Blake by Mary Parker[/url]

The Awakening of Leeowyn Blake (The Kahl'Nar Saga, #1)

Friend Reviews

Lists with This Book

Community Reviews

new topic
Discuss This Book

combine
Other Editions (2)

Genres

Books by Mary Parker

Share This Book

Share This Book on Your Website

Trivia About The Awakening of ...

The Awakening of Leeowyn Blake (The Kahl'Nar Saga, #1)

Friend Reviews

Lists with This Book

Community Reviews

new topicDiscuss This Book

combineOther Editions (2)

Genres

Books by Mary Parker

Share This Book

Share This Book on Your Website

Trivia About The Awakening of ...

new topic
Discuss This Book

combine
Other Editions (2)