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The Atlantis Chronicles #1
Ghost Town on Broadway
This story begins at the end. In real life it is sometimes difficult to define beginning and ending but we always begin at the end; which is now. History forgets far more than it remembers. When a major event occurs, everyone can recall what they were doing at the time but most of the story fades and is lost because we begin at the end. Our stories exist only as psychic residue, ghost images that haunt the forgotten spaces. This book is a story about 9/11/2001. This is more than a ghost image, it is a ghost town. Everyone in America played their part; before, during, and after. Everything in this book is true but the names have been changed to protect the guilty. It is part memoir, part incantation. It is an invocation and conversation with voices that speak from the abyss under the scaffolding of recorded history. Perhaps there is something more to learn.
- GenresYoung AdultFantasy
343 pages, Perfect Paperback
First published January 1, 2003
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
July 9, 2017
***Received NetGalley for an honest review***
DNF @50 %
I hate writing bad reviews, so I'm glad I don't have to here.
This is just a simple "it's not you, it's me"
I really couldn't get into the fantasy world that was being crafted, and the characters and I didn't and couldn't really connect. I didn't feel anything bad towards it, just nonchalant.
The premise for this book is very creative and for someone more attuned to what the author is creating it might be the best book you ever read, but for me, it simply didn't captivate my attention.
Great cover though.
DNF @50 %
I hate writing bad reviews, so I'm glad I don't have to here.
This is just a simple "it's not you, it's me"
I really couldn't get into the fantasy world that was being crafted, and the characters and I didn't and couldn't really connect. I didn't feel anything bad towards it, just nonchalant.
The premise for this book is very creative and for someone more attuned to what the author is creating it might be the best book you ever read, but for me, it simply didn't captivate my attention.
Great cover though.
April 13, 2021
I tried, I really did - but I think this book and I just don't work together. I think I'm just not feeling this world and I wasn't liking the main character at all. I think the slow pace just wasn't pulling me in which made the story feel long and drawn out even though it's not that long. Ugh, I wish I'd liked it more.
Did Not Finish
June 7, 2017Received netgalley for an honest review.
DNF @25 %
I couldn't connect with the story or the characters. This story wasn't for me.
DNF @25 %
I couldn't connect with the story or the characters. This story wasn't for me.
June 21, 2017
[Received a copy via NetGalley in return for an honest review.... a longer version of which can be found on my blog at https://lexwritesblog.wordpress.com]
Really more of a 2.5 stars.
There is SO much potential for this story. SO much. The world-building and mythology created is really fantastic, and I can really get into that. It was part of what hooked me in to reading the book in the first place as I love all things Atlantis-themed. The underwater city created by the author and the people living there is really beautiful and I actually adore it. The plot was intriguing, and definitely had that sci-fi element to it as well as a touch of fantasy.
There's just something about it that doesn't... quite fit. I like the characters, genuinely. I like their stories. But something just isn't quite clicking. Part of it is the insta-love between Ni-Cio and Daria. It would have been much more satisfying had that been a slow burn; a chance for them to develop an actual connection rather than a knight-in-shining-armour complex. I love a good romance and I felt like as a reader we were robbed of the actual romance which makes me want to stamp my feet and throw a tantrum. Additionally, Daria is just a little too perfect and I would like to see her flaws; for her to be a little more real and human in a world of those who are a little more than human.
I've not yet decided if I will continue with the series, but it was an enjoyable way to while away a few hours
Really more of a 2.5 stars.
There is SO much potential for this story. SO much. The world-building and mythology created is really fantastic, and I can really get into that. It was part of what hooked me in to reading the book in the first place as I love all things Atlantis-themed. The underwater city created by the author and the people living there is really beautiful and I actually adore it. The plot was intriguing, and definitely had that sci-fi element to it as well as a touch of fantasy.
There's just something about it that doesn't... quite fit. I like the characters, genuinely. I like their stories. But something just isn't quite clicking. Part of it is the insta-love between Ni-Cio and Daria. It would have been much more satisfying had that been a slow burn; a chance for them to develop an actual connection rather than a knight-in-shining-armour complex. I love a good romance and I felt like as a reader we were robbed of the actual romance which makes me want to stamp my feet and throw a tantrum. Additionally, Daria is just a little too perfect and I would like to see her flaws; for her to be a little more real and human in a world of those who are a little more than human.
I've not yet decided if I will continue with the series, but it was an enjoyable way to while away a few hours
Currently Reading
February 8, 2017* eArc provided by publisher via Netgalley *
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January 7, 2018I received this copy from the publisher via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review.
DNFing at 50%
When a book starts to become a chore instead of a mental getaway, it's hard to get through. I was waiting for this story of Daria and Atlantis to blossom into a beautiful, fantastical tale. But the more I ventured down the road into Atlantis, I realized that the opportunity for world building was exchanged for drama and romance.
World building doesn't make a story, but it is a vital part in a fantasy book, (unless it takes place in a current setting, which still requires some.) I feel like with a story set in Atlantis requires lots of detail and imagery for the reader. However, all I gleaned when I was reading was that the Atlantians lived in underwater caves/tunnels...and that's about all I got. This story has a massive opportunity to be whimsical, but it misses its mark.
Not only was the world building disappointing, the insta-love between Daria and Ni-Cio was without explanation or justification. I'm not sure about you, but I rarely (if ever) support insta-love. This is another one of those cases where I find myself shaking my head at the missed opportunity.
Another big issue I had with this book was the characters. While they each have some face-value descriptions, the depth to which the characters are investigated isn't very deep. I felt that with the issue developing, the characters remained shallow and nonchalant.
Now, not all of this book is negative. The Atlantis theme naturally drew my attention, along with the mythology and historical timeline that were created. I just really hoped for more of an Atlantis feeling to shine through. I debated for a while if I was going to continue reading because I wanted to uncover more about Travelor. Yet, there wasn't enough to keep me drawn in.
Vulgarity: None that I recall.
Sexual content: Some, yet not detailed.
Violence: Minimal.
I will not be assigning a starred review as I did not finish reading this book.
DNFing at 50%
When a book starts to become a chore instead of a mental getaway, it's hard to get through. I was waiting for this story of Daria and Atlantis to blossom into a beautiful, fantastical tale. But the more I ventured down the road into Atlantis, I realized that the opportunity for world building was exchanged for drama and romance.
World building doesn't make a story, but it is a vital part in a fantasy book, (unless it takes place in a current setting, which still requires some.) I feel like with a story set in Atlantis requires lots of detail and imagery for the reader. However, all I gleaned when I was reading was that the Atlantians lived in underwater caves/tunnels...and that's about all I got. This story has a massive opportunity to be whimsical, but it misses its mark.
Not only was the world building disappointing, the insta-love between Daria and Ni-Cio was without explanation or justification. I'm not sure about you, but I rarely (if ever) support insta-love. This is another one of those cases where I find myself shaking my head at the missed opportunity.
Another big issue I had with this book was the characters. While they each have some face-value descriptions, the depth to which the characters are investigated isn't very deep. I felt that with the issue developing, the characters remained shallow and nonchalant.
Now, not all of this book is negative. The Atlantis theme naturally drew my attention, along with the mythology and historical timeline that were created. I just really hoped for more of an Atlantis feeling to shine through. I debated for a while if I was going to continue reading because I wanted to uncover more about Travelor. Yet, there wasn't enough to keep me drawn in.
Vulgarity: None that I recall.
Sexual content: Some, yet not detailed.
Violence: Minimal.
I will not be assigning a starred review as I did not finish reading this book.
July 20, 2017
Thank you NetGalley for this book.
At first I didn't know what to expect and was kind of skeptical. To my surprise, it was really good with all the components: action, romance and good versus evil.
I really enjoyed this and think the story doesn't end here. I'll be checking NetGalley for additional titles.
At first I didn't know what to expect and was kind of skeptical. To my surprise, it was really good with all the components: action, romance and good versus evil.
I really enjoyed this and think the story doesn't end here. I'll be checking NetGalley for additional titles.
May 31, 2017
[I was given a free digital copy through NetGalley]
This book had a lot to offer with its plot centering within the beautiful world of Atlantis, but while the underwater world unfolded quite nicely for the readers, there wasn't very much given. I would have liked to learn a lot more about Atlantis, from the descriptions and other characters. I wasn't entirely sure of the layout most of the time and felt as though some of the beauty was lost in the overwhelming, fast-paced plot. I think my biggest issue with the book was the lack of development experienced by the characters. It was as though they were all static, because even though their views and values changed, it always changed too quickly and felt superficial, if not unrealistic, especially when it came to the immediate acceptance by the main character in every situation. I was hoping for a little more from the antagonist of the story, and while I feel as though the villain's motives are not entirely clear and a little too cliche, I think that the sequel will likely clear that up. A little more attention to world building and the characters themselves would bring this book up to a solid four stars.
This book had a lot to offer with its plot centering within the beautiful world of Atlantis, but while the underwater world unfolded quite nicely for the readers, there wasn't very much given. I would have liked to learn a lot more about Atlantis, from the descriptions and other characters. I wasn't entirely sure of the layout most of the time and felt as though some of the beauty was lost in the overwhelming, fast-paced plot. I think my biggest issue with the book was the lack of development experienced by the characters. It was as though they were all static, because even though their views and values changed, it always changed too quickly and felt superficial, if not unrealistic, especially when it came to the immediate acceptance by the main character in every situation. I was hoping for a little more from the antagonist of the story, and while I feel as though the villain's motives are not entirely clear and a little too cliche, I think that the sequel will likely clear that up. A little more attention to world building and the characters themselves would bring this book up to a solid four stars.
June 16, 2017
Where to begin…I guess I’ll start out by stating that I got a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion.
Daria needs space from her super wealthy lover Evan, so she runs off to the Island of Santorini in Greece on a whim, without telling anyone she’s leaving of where she’s going. Once she arrives, she’s compelled to the sea, where she proceeds to throw herself from a cliff into the blue depths. Evan takes it upon himself to track her down, only to find her missing from her hotel without a trace. An Atlantean man rescues her and takes her into Atlantis against protocol (cue civil uproar at the outsider). Their Sovereign Healer Na-Kai takes responsibility for her, as unbeknownst to the Atlantean population (and against their laws), Na-Kai had sent out a telepathic distress-call (called a thought-form) that only the one worthy of being the next Sovereign Healer could answer (Daria). Daria has to quickly learn the Atlantean ways and ultimately save Atlanits form a very old and murderous Atlantean being held prisoner in the compound.
Tides of Change (The Atlantis Chronicles #1) by Susan MacIver was in my opinion only okay. this is mainly because I had a really hard time getting into this book. I was very interested in the subject of the story (Atlantis) so I figured I’d give it a go. It took me a while to get to where I actually wanted to finish the book, and even then it took me a week to finish this book (I usually complete a book in a day or two). It just didn’t keep my attention. I really wanted to love this book, but you can’t win them all.
MacIver had a lot happening and it was confusing in the beginning. There were so many characters and the names were…unique…and long (just too much for me). I didn’t really understand what was happening until around half-way through the book. I felt lost, kind of like when I read GoT. She kept switching between characters in different places, but it wasn’t clear how, or even if, they were related/consequential in any way (until much later in the story).
I enjoyed the story overall, but it wasn’t a can’t-put-it-down book for me. It was just too slow going with information overload in the beginning, and that ruined it for me. I would probably read the next one, just because I want to know what happens in the story, but there was just way too much, way to fast (and I’m all for complex story lines). I really wanted to LOVE this book, but you can’t win them all.
Daria needs space from her super wealthy lover Evan, so she runs off to the Island of Santorini in Greece on a whim, without telling anyone she’s leaving of where she’s going. Once she arrives, she’s compelled to the sea, where she proceeds to throw herself from a cliff into the blue depths. Evan takes it upon himself to track her down, only to find her missing from her hotel without a trace. An Atlantean man rescues her and takes her into Atlantis against protocol (cue civil uproar at the outsider). Their Sovereign Healer Na-Kai takes responsibility for her, as unbeknownst to the Atlantean population (and against their laws), Na-Kai had sent out a telepathic distress-call (called a thought-form) that only the one worthy of being the next Sovereign Healer could answer (Daria). Daria has to quickly learn the Atlantean ways and ultimately save Atlanits form a very old and murderous Atlantean being held prisoner in the compound.
Tides of Change (The Atlantis Chronicles #1) by Susan MacIver was in my opinion only okay. this is mainly because I had a really hard time getting into this book. I was very interested in the subject of the story (Atlantis) so I figured I’d give it a go. It took me a while to get to where I actually wanted to finish the book, and even then it took me a week to finish this book (I usually complete a book in a day or two). It just didn’t keep my attention. I really wanted to love this book, but you can’t win them all.
MacIver had a lot happening and it was confusing in the beginning. There were so many characters and the names were…unique…and long (just too much for me). I didn’t really understand what was happening until around half-way through the book. I felt lost, kind of like when I read GoT. She kept switching between characters in different places, but it wasn’t clear how, or even if, they were related/consequential in any way (until much later in the story).
I enjoyed the story overall, but it wasn’t a can’t-put-it-down book for me. It was just too slow going with information overload in the beginning, and that ruined it for me. I would probably read the next one, just because I want to know what happens in the story, but there was just way too much, way to fast (and I’m all for complex story lines). I really wanted to LOVE this book, but you can’t win them all.
March 10, 2017
Originally posted at www.archeddoorway.com
It’s kind of funny thinking about it now, but I was actually a little bit hesitant to start reading this book when I received my copy in the mail a few weeks ago. I’d never heard of the author before and I’ve read some fairly bad books over the last couple of weeks which has made me a bit more picky than usual lately when it comes to what I read. I’m really glad that I decided to give Tides of Change a chance though as it ended up being one of my favorite books of the year so far. I once again made the mistake of trying to read a chapter or two before bed to see what the book was like and ended up reading until nearly 5 AM.
While there was a lot that I loved about Tides of Change, there were a couple things that I thought really stood out about the book. First was the amount of research that the author had to have done to create such a detailed and believable world. I’ve always enjoyed reading stories about Atlantis and I think Susan Maciver did a fantastic job of creating a beautiful and unique version of the legend. I think I would have to say that Tides of Change is probably my favorite take on the story of Atlantis right now.
I also thought the author did an amazing job with the characters that she created for this book. I found every single one of them to be well written and fleshed out characters that were surprisingly easy to empathize with. My only complaint would have to be that I thought the dialogue between them seemed a bit forced or stilted at times, though it honestly could have just seemed that way because I was a bit exhausted by the time I reached the end of the book.
I think this book would appeal to just about anyone who likes to read, no matter what their preferred subject or genre is. I’ve actually already started recommending it to just about everyone I know. I don’t know how I’m going to manage the wait for the next book in the series, the waits going to be nearly unbearable.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
It’s kind of funny thinking about it now, but I was actually a little bit hesitant to start reading this book when I received my copy in the mail a few weeks ago. I’d never heard of the author before and I’ve read some fairly bad books over the last couple of weeks which has made me a bit more picky than usual lately when it comes to what I read. I’m really glad that I decided to give Tides of Change a chance though as it ended up being one of my favorite books of the year so far. I once again made the mistake of trying to read a chapter or two before bed to see what the book was like and ended up reading until nearly 5 AM.
While there was a lot that I loved about Tides of Change, there were a couple things that I thought really stood out about the book. First was the amount of research that the author had to have done to create such a detailed and believable world. I’ve always enjoyed reading stories about Atlantis and I think Susan Maciver did a fantastic job of creating a beautiful and unique version of the legend. I think I would have to say that Tides of Change is probably my favorite take on the story of Atlantis right now.
I also thought the author did an amazing job with the characters that she created for this book. I found every single one of them to be well written and fleshed out characters that were surprisingly easy to empathize with. My only complaint would have to be that I thought the dialogue between them seemed a bit forced or stilted at times, though it honestly could have just seemed that way because I was a bit exhausted by the time I reached the end of the book.
I think this book would appeal to just about anyone who likes to read, no matter what their preferred subject or genre is. I’ve actually already started recommending it to just about everyone I know. I don’t know how I’m going to manage the wait for the next book in the series, the waits going to be nearly unbearable.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
May 6, 2017
I was given a copy of Tides of Change by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This book is the beginning of a series or trilogy by goodreads author Susan MacIver, and based off this description of the book I had some high hopes for this story, since it was the beginning of a trilogy and I was not disappointed.
The story takes a little time to get stated, for me I wasn’t really hooked until about Chapter 9. However after that the story became rather had to put down.
This is a fantasy novel to me; with everything you might be looking for a little romance, action, and suspense combined with s healthy dose of lore, fantasy, intrigue, human frailty and hope. What more could you want?
A lot of time and care went into the characters and world building here and it definitely comes through. It is engaging, well though out and everything is developed.
Again, I note that some of the pacing was a little jarring at times but over all it was a good read, and I will be waiting to see the sequel when it comes out.
The story takes a little time to get stated, for me I wasn’t really hooked until about Chapter 9. However after that the story became rather had to put down.
This is a fantasy novel to me; with everything you might be looking for a little romance, action, and suspense combined with s healthy dose of lore, fantasy, intrigue, human frailty and hope. What more could you want?
A lot of time and care went into the characters and world building here and it definitely comes through. It is engaging, well though out and everything is developed.
Again, I note that some of the pacing was a little jarring at times but over all it was a good read, and I will be waiting to see the sequel when it comes out.
April 29, 2017
This is a science fiction novel with all the elements anyone might desire: romance, action, and suspense. Daria, a lovely woman in her 30s, leaves Boston and is inexplicably drawn to the island of Santorini in the Aegean Sea. Compelled by the Supreme Healer of the ancient world of Atlantis, still existing in secret under the sea, she is pulled into the water and propelled toward her destiny, becoming a vital part of a struggle to save Atlantis from destruction.
Unknown to her, Evan, her abandoned lover from Boston, has taken it upon himself to track her down, deceived by Travlor, the wily Atlantian villain who has escaped his prison and who has his own agenda for the devastation of the ancient kingdom. Only too late does Evan discover that he has been used as the agent who has put Atlantis, its people, and Daria at risk
Love, betrayal, contrition and sacrifice are all at play in this complex and compelling novel.
Unknown to her, Evan, her abandoned lover from Boston, has taken it upon himself to track her down, deceived by Travlor, the wily Atlantian villain who has escaped his prison and who has his own agenda for the devastation of the ancient kingdom. Only too late does Evan discover that he has been used as the agent who has put Atlantis, its people, and Daria at risk
Love, betrayal, contrition and sacrifice are all at play in this complex and compelling novel.
March 2, 2017
Susan MacIver blew my mind away with this book...
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May 2, 2017
This book just didn't hold my attention. I didn't really connect with the characters. The plot had promise but I believe it just fell short.
August 14, 2017
(Source:Arc via Netgalley)
I'm very new at reviewing and I had to ask friends how to review like this...I'm afraid I had to give this book 1 star as I could not finish it. I loved the sound of this book as I have spent a lot of time in Santorini myself and thought, hell, what could be better than a fantasy tale in one of my favourite places. The potential in this book is insanely good, however, I was a quarter of the way in plus and still had no idea who the characters were, I didn't get to know them that well and I felt sad because like I said, the potential for them being fantastic was there! The book itself feels a little illogically explained and I was a little confused as everything seemed to be happening so fast and with little character development. I wanted to love this book, i still think I could but it's not for me yet. :(
I'm very new at reviewing and I had to ask friends how to review like this...I'm afraid I had to give this book 1 star as I could not finish it. I loved the sound of this book as I have spent a lot of time in Santorini myself and thought, hell, what could be better than a fantasy tale in one of my favourite places. The potential in this book is insanely good, however, I was a quarter of the way in plus and still had no idea who the characters were, I didn't get to know them that well and I felt sad because like I said, the potential for them being fantastic was there! The book itself feels a little illogically explained and I was a little confused as everything seemed to be happening so fast and with little character development. I wanted to love this book, i still think I could but it's not for me yet. :(
July 11, 2017
*Received Through Netgalley for an Honest Review*
DNF @ 43%
there is SO much more potential in these pages then what was presented here, so so much more. I hate hate giving bad reviews to a book , but this is just a book that just didn't draw me in at all, minus the fact that it was a well-built world. The formatting was funky at the beginning , and there was just way too much detail for my liking sometimes. Not to mention that , even with the amazing built world , it was more of a " not you, but me " story overall that went nowhere with the plot, and started off extremely slow until about Chapter 8 / 9, then went downhill again.
Definitely , a book that could have had so much more potential then what was written down in these pages.
DNF @ 43%
there is SO much more potential in these pages then what was presented here, so so much more. I hate hate giving bad reviews to a book , but this is just a book that just didn't draw me in at all, minus the fact that it was a well-built world. The formatting was funky at the beginning , and there was just way too much detail for my liking sometimes. Not to mention that , even with the amazing built world , it was more of a " not you, but me " story overall that went nowhere with the plot, and started off extremely slow until about Chapter 8 / 9, then went downhill again.
Definitely , a book that could have had so much more potential then what was written down in these pages.
April 20, 2020
DNF. Ridiculous instalove. Poor world building. Concept could be cool but poor execution.
April 12, 2018
At first I didn't know what to expect and was kind of skeptical It took a bit of a while but Then things picked up.This was a pretty intriguing book and I'm glad I had a chance to read it
November 6, 2018
I love fantasy YA novels, Tides of Change doesn't disappoint. I sometimes get addicted to books, you know that staying up all night, and can't put the book down? Yes, this happened with Tides of Change. I love when I can hear from more than one perspective in the book, I had no issues with the alternating pov. The book did move a little fast but you just have to keep up! I will totally recommend this book to friends, I'm also waiting for the sequel!
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews