by
3.8 of 5 stars
Since the death of their parents, Triona Pryor and her brother, Ben, have lived with their aunt and uncle in Camden, Maine. Now in her senior year ... read full description

reviews

Jun 18, 2011
Missie rated it: 5 of 5 stars
I'm in love!

First I should say that although I take my Kindle everywhere I go, I never read at work. I don't want to get busted reading during my office hours. Nor do I ever try reading while driving. But with Shades of Atlantis, I was so hungry for every word, it was all I could do to put down the book when a student popped in to my office or when the red light changed to green!

Triona Pryor is your typical girl with dreams of leaving her small town behind once she graduates More...
5 comments like (3 people liked it)
Apr 16, 2011
Yvonne rated it: 3 of 5 stars
First of all, let me say this. This review may be one big ramble because it was so hard for me get this review out. There were parts of the book that I loved and parts that I didn’t particularly care for, and after rewriting and rewriting, I just decided to let it flow...

When I first picked up this book, I wasn’t sure what to expect. I liked the story and the characters, but it gave me such a déjà vu feeling that I couldn’t enjoy it as much as I wanted to. True, in most YA novels More...
Apr 08, 2011
Trisha rated it: 5 of 5 stars
I had no expectations going into to this book. I hadn’t read any other reviews, and didn’t know too much about it. The beginning was slow, starting off like so many books in this genre do, and right away I felt the instantaneous connection between Triona and Caleb was leading to a derivative tale. Then, I was blown away. The story quickly became passionate and powerful. Twist and turns I didn’t see coming sprang out of nowhere and my mouth hit the floor. Triona’s character starts off rather typi More...
Dec 06, 2010
Tara rated it: 3 of 5 stars
* * * 1/2

--This book in 6 words:

second half made up for beginning

--Why did I read this? And am I glad I did?

As one of Missie’s loyal readers, I did not hesitate to buy this after reading her 5 star review. While I unfortunately didn’t love it as much as she did, I did enjoy it and am glad I picked it up. I’m going to try to keep my review short since I’m behind on reviews and Missie’s review is fantastic (so head over here if you want a more thorough revie More...
Nov 30, 2010
Heather rated it: 5 of 5 stars
see an exclusive author interview and ebook giveaway on our site at http://fireandicephoto.blogspot.com

It's been a while since I have been completely swept away into the world of a book, but Shades of Atlantis carried me away and left me there. Author Carol Oates reawakened my creative spirit and desire to learn about Celtic myth and lore. With only a month left of 2010 and over 115 titles reviewed, her book easily slides onto my list of favorite reads this year.


Th More...
Nov 30, 2010
Jennie rated it: 5 of 5 stars
Yet another great publication from Omnific! The originality of the plot, characters, and the world that Carol created complete sucked me in from the beginning. I am glad that I got this debut in just in time for my debut challenge and am glad to say that it is easily one of my top books for this year. Carol’s creativity of the Celtic myths was just what those of us who are stretching our creative writing brains need… and those of us who simply love to get swept away in a world completely believa More...
Apr 09, 2011
Rachel rated it: 5 of 5 stars
Fun read, read it in one sitting.

I loved the relationship between Triona and Caleb. Steamy is too light a word to describe these two. And I loved how the author kept me guessing about Caleb's secret, and just when the reader thinks they understand, she throws a major twist at you. I found myself smiling for much of the book.

There have been comparisons to Twilight, and honestly, there were quite a few places where I could see that, but the best example of how Shades of At More...
Apr 22, 2011
CoffeeTimeRomance rated it: 5 of 5 stars
Shades of Atlantis is a tale shrouded in mystery, paranormal activity, and a young love that will not be denied even if it means death. I love how Carol Oates starts the book off with Triona scoffing at the sensationalism of Caleb until she actually meets him. The intriguing tale continuously spins a story full of heart and soul, anguish, forbidden love, destiny, and one girl who finally figures out what she wants to be when she grows up. The way the author showing Caleb bouncing between being a More...
Apr 03, 2011
Shade of Atlantis was a very refreshing read for me. I enjoyed it a lot and I am glad that I got the chance to read it, thanks to Omnific Publishing.

It was different from what I normally read, but in a good way. I loved Carol Oates take on immortality and where she took the story. When I first started reading Shades of Atlantis, I honestly did not know what to expect. I was thinking Vampires, werewolves, something along those lines. It turned out to be something totally different and More...
Apr 18, 2011
The premise for this book captured my interest right away. I knew it was going to be a refreshing read because of it's original storyline. I was not disappointed!

There are books that are great because of the plot, or their are books that have a good balance of both. However, for me, I loved this book because of it's character cast. Carol Oates created such riveting characters, that it made the book nearly impossible to put down. The first half of the book is the character development More...
Jan 01, 2011
Lisa rated it: 5 of 5 stars
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here
Jun 13, 2011
Mels78 rated it: 3 of 5 stars
Ok I really wanted to love this book. I thought the premise looked awesome. Unfortunately I only liked the book. I'm trying to put my finger on what I didn't like and I think that I came up with the fact that it became too wordy. If I had to read one more time how the characters were "reacting" to the other's presence I thought I would scream. Plus the male lead seem to be a little bi-polar; reacting one way one minute and then swinging to the opposite emotions the next minute. Now tha More...
Apr 19, 2011
Julie rated it: 4 of 5 stars
Shades of Atlantis almost feels like two books in one. The first half is building relationships and connections, where the second half is revelations and action. You do need the first half to understand the unwavering decisions in the second half. The main character Triona transforms toward the end and it is necessary as she learns her destiny. In the beginning, I wanted to smack her for crying at the drop of a hat. But as the end neared, she had grown into a heroine. This is a good thing since More...
0 comments like (1 person liked it)
Apr 05, 2011
Jennifer rated it: 4 of 5 stars
Shades of Atlantis has shades of brilliance.  Carol Oates has created a compelling magical world which I entered too briefly and left too soon.  It left me lost in contemplation. 

The story is entrancing and although it has several parallels to a recently popular series, it's differences more than make up for it. I love the romance between Triona & Caleb, though several times I wanted to shake her for being so blind.  I especially love the way she has Amanda describe destiny to Triona More...
Apr 17, 2011
Debbie rated it: 5 of 5 stars
Once I sat down to read Shades of Atlantis, I couldn’t put it down. Triona’s character at the beginning honestly frustrated me. I was screaming: OPEN YOUR MOUTH GIRL; say what you need to say. But if a book didn't get you worked up, it wouldn't be good. I'm glad to say by the end, Triona had grown into strong and powerful women. And Caleb had me loving him from the start. He's handsome, strong, knows what he wants, and he wants Triona. He sacrificed everything for her. There was one character I More...
Apr 17, 2011
1 comment like (2 people liked it)
Apr 08, 2011
Carol Oates definitely has a good writing style, but I just did not find myself believing in the love between Triona and Caleb. I get that they had love at first sight going on, but for me that is not compelling reason in of itself to buy into a relationship.

For me as a reader, it is never enough to be told someone is in love. I have to see that in the writing itself, and that didn’t happen. By Chapter 6, it seemed that loving Caleb and Triona’s love was essential to enjoying the re More...
Apr 26, 2011
This is a 3.5 for me after looking at the books I have given four stars to. The storyline is really good and different. It was really brilliant that the author gives the reader the short two page preface where it tells of a baby girl born in a cave with a battle raging outside with the sounds of swords clanging. The baby is handed to a waiting man by the midwife who is the mother's sister. The midwife hands him a leather bound packet and they say their good-byes, obviously caring deeply for e More...
0 comments like (1 person liked it)
Feb 01, 2011
Melissa rated it: 4 of 5 stars
Triona looks forward to the end of her senior year when she plans to leave her small town of Camden, Maine behind to travel to London. She doesn't plan on falling in love, but from the moment she first see's Caleb she feels an irresistible attraction to him. When the unthinkable happens, Triona heads off to London to find her way, but little does she know that she is a pawn in a much bigger game, and that her very life could be in jeopardy.


I really wasn't sure what to expect when I f More...
Oct 15, 2011
Jules rated it: 4 of 5 stars
My full review can be read at One Book Shy of a Full Shelf

This was an enjoyable read that I think will appeal to readers of various ages. I am glad that I was able to be a part of this fun blog tour.

The story starts with an emotional scene from the very distant past and then switches to the present and some normal teenage girl angst - "who am I going to the dance with", "what will I wear" and "will he or won't he kiss me"? Then the story re More...
Dec 16, 2011
S. Bell rated it: 2 of 5 stars
"There's a magic stone." He was almost shaking with excitement.

"Of course," I said sarcastically, rolling my eyes. "There would be, wouldn't there."


That above exchange pretty much sums up my feelings about this book. ;) Anyone who knows me well, knows that I am not a fan of the current trend for paranormal/supernatural YA books. There are of course a few exceptions, but they're pretty rare. Generally if I am reading a blurb and the girl comes ac More...
Feb 09, 2011
Full review posted at Amaterasu Reads

Action packed, and thrilling, Shades of Atlantis is a fresh tale about a lost city, its people and the magical tale that behind it.


Cheesy at times, but very sexy, intense and invokes emotion upon the readers, I do love how Carol Oates shaped Caleb and Triona's characters. They weren't just two love sick people. Triona can be really stubborn and Caleb is this gentleman who would do anything for the girl he loves, even giving up his lif More...
0 comments like (1 person liked it)
Feb 05, 2011
Lindsay rated it: 4 of 5 stars
I really liked this book. Caleb was a dreamy gentleman with manners and he was sweet. Triona, just like everyone else, was under his spell.

All of the characters were diverse and great (even the few bad ones).
It seems as if this could’ve been made into more than one book with all that was happening. Oates started and finished her work with one book and it worked.

The only thing that seemed to bother me was that during the second half of the book, I felt as if the cha More...
Apr 01, 2011
4.5 stars

A fabulous mythology, rich history, a great love story mixed with some great action scenes makes Shades of Atlantis a wonderful gem of a read.

There were a couple times while reading this story I couldn't help but think of another well known YA book, BUT the way in which Carol writes and owns her unique, refreshing story quickly pulled me right back into the story. I enjoyed the world building and the setting which goes from the east coast, to London and then to Irela More...
4 comments like (1 person liked it)
Apr 03, 2011
4.5 stars

A fabulous mythology, rich history, a great love story mixed with some great action scenes makes Shades of Atlantis a wonderful gem of a read.

There were a couple times while reading this story I couldn't help but think of another well known YA book, BUT the way in which Carol writes and owns her unique, refreshing story quickly pulled me right back into the story. I enjoyed the world building and the setting which goes from the east coast, to London and then to Irela More...
Apr 09, 2011
Penelope rated it: 2 of 5 stars
2 1/2 stars! This review was originally published on my blog: The Reading Fever.


I wasn't sure what to expect when I read Shades of Atlantis; I hadn't read much about it (it' a new thing I'm trying, to keep my expectations in-check). I tend to love books about people discovering family secrets...maybe I'm holding out for my parents to reveal that I'm really a princess, or something. :)

For the most part, Shades of Atlantis didn't end up being for me. I thought I would More...
Mar 06, 2011
Jodi rated it: 4 of 5 stars
I won this book on goodreads a while ago and I finally got a chance to sit down and read it all.

First off let me start by saying, there are A LOT of words in this book! Don't let the simple, 300 page YA idea give you the wrong impression. Most ya books have 250 words per page (??), this one has. . . well, I'm not going to count the words, sorry, but I know it takes me three times as long to finish a page as a normal YA book. Yeah, it's LONG!

Now about the book! Well. . . the More...
Feb 06, 2011
Jennifer rated it: 4 of 5 stars
Triona is a high school senior working at a restaurant in Maine. She’s red-haired, green-eyed, and feisty, which is a good thing since she has to navigate a world without her parents, who died when she was young. Fortunately Triona has a helpful supportive cast around her, including wonderful adoptive parents, a brother who mixes in teasing with caring, and truly loving girlfriends who are honest and fun.

Three wealthy brothers own the restaurant where Triona works. When she catches a More...
0 comments like (2 people liked it)
Sep 10, 2011
As most of you have been able to guess, I really love books that deal with mythology. It's so much fun to learn about the stories and legends that other cultures wrote about so many years ago. So, when I read the description of this book, I jumped at the chance to be able to read it.

Triona and her brother Ben have been raised by their Aunt and Uncle since the deaths of their parents and lived pretty normal lives. That is, at least, until Caleb Wallace enters the picture, and the some More...
Feb 15, 2011
Kristen rated it: 3 of 5 stars
Why I read this: When I read about this book, it piqued my interest. I was curious to see what type of paranormals this book would hold.

Plot: I have to be honest, I did not like the first half of this book. The reason is the same as my review yesterday - I'm getting sick of the formulaic love interest in paranormal YA novels. I struggled through the first half and happily found the second more full of action and background information including some interesting mythology. I devoured More...