Beneath the Surface

The Malions #1

by Miranda Rae Carter

Deep underground, an ancient species of mystic healers exist: the malions. Their capabilities are endless. Their strength is colossal. But they are also being hunted and their numbers are dwindling.

One of them has just fallen in love with a human.

On the west coast of Canada, sixteen-year-old Melissa Lawrences's life is about to take a turn for the worse. It could also be her saving grace.

She just can't get caught.

*****

Adolescence hasn’t been fun for Liss Lawrence. And after a year in Vancouver, when she’s finally adjusted to her new situation, a freak car accident sends her life spinning out of control and crashing into the world of the malions, a hidden race silently helping humanity from secret enclaves underground.

Liss’s knowledge of the malions endangers her family when Jaredsons Securities takes an interest in her accident. Few know the men of Jaredsons Securities, an international intelligence company specializing in missing persons cases, are actually the Vykhars, ancient malion enemies whose true purpose is the eradication of the malion race. The Vykhars will stop at nothing to discover if Liss is connected with the malions, and if they do, they will exploit her.

Perhaps more dangerous still are Liss’s growing feelings for Rion, a strong-willed malion scarred by his encounters with Vykhars and carrying a secret that could destroy their relationship. But Liss has a secret and scars of her own, and Rion’s fiercely protective nature threatens to tear them back open.

Can this pair of unlikely lovers survive the dangers of the Vykhars? And can their love survive their own misconceptions?

Genres: Romance

368 pages, Paperback

First published October 22, 2013

About the author

Author of the malion series.
Most people that know me, know I love being a mom first and foremost. I often wake up long before the sun rises to write furiously on my computer with a really strong cup of Folgers Black Silk. I also love the outdoors and camping, and driving around to find scenes in my book, so that I can physically place myself there and take a zillion photos (there is truly nothing more inspiring). I always have my reading close by, but during the week, you'll most certainly find me looking in people's mouths. :)

Reviews

[T. Mitchell · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great debut from new author, Miranda Rae Carter! Beneath the Surface is a unique twist on the classic fairy tale, Beauty and the Beast. The story is told by Melissa, a wounded yet resilient girl whose life changes in a flash when she crashes her car and is saved by Rion. Not your usual hero, Rion has a scarred face, a scarred history and is part of a secret, ancient race––a combination that makes him all the more compelling. As Melissa sinks deeper into Rion's dangerous, underground world, the two are inextricably drawn to each other in both tender and painful ways. Props to Miranda for successfully weaving romance, intrigue and thrills throughout this young adult fantasy. Melissa and Rion's adventure together has only just begun, and I'm looking forward to the next book!

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

As one of this book's editors, my completely biased opinion is that it's fabulously well-edited. Also, that Miranda is a very promising new voice in the YA paranormal romance scene. Stay tuned for the rest of the series.

[Denise Gawley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beneath The Surface immediately draws you into its world.

Two Notes:

First, I didn't want to put it down and resurface; second, I'll be first in line for the next one.

[Christine · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won this book for free through Goodreads First Reads!

This book was a lot better than I expected, since it was the first ARC I have ever read. Yes, there are a few grammar errors, but that did not distract me from how good this book was. Before I get into my review, please note that I want to mention a TRIGGER WARNING for sexual assault. One of the characters in this book has had a rough past and there are some details that go into what happened to her, so please know that if that makes you uncomfortable/have a trigger.

Now, for my review. This is about a teen romance, but it is not as sappy as other novels in that genre have been. It is a paranormal romance, but it is not your typical vampires or werewolves...it is a race that is very unique and intriguing to read about. The story fluctuates between the main character's "normal" life following a traumatic accident, and her time spent underground with this mysterious race--the Malions. There is love, heartbreak, teen angst (of course), Canadian references, angry Malions, and of course, sexy scenes.

I would like to personally think Ms. Miranda Rae Carter for giving me a chance to read her novel, and I hope she writes more (particularly following what happens at the end of this story!) At the end of the book, there are links for her website and Twitter, but it seems like they can no longer be found online. I hope that she continues to write and I hope she knows she has made a fan out of me! Keep up the great work, and I hope to see more of those Malions in the future :).

[Doreen B · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can't put it down. Great story!

[books are love · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okay there are aspects i adore and aspects that turned me off. The anger that is unresolved and the flying off the handle turned me off at times. the love story and fighting against all odds for each other and loved ones adored. Overall this is a fascinating book. The malions are a interesting species and Rion and his brother are fascinating. I feel for both of them. I am wondering the story behind Rion's brother and also Kyle how on earth is he a Vykhars? That is a stretch to me. And there is more to the leak than we are told I believe.

Liss is strong willed, stubborn at times frustrating and irritating, scarred emotionally and closed off. She is also quick to jump to conclusions and flies off the handle to fast. Rion does as well. They both need some anger management classes. Rion does everything off of emotion and instinct. How he first meets LIss is by accident one that renews his desire to live. He was on his way to protect his family which is what his main reason for existing is. He is fiercely loyal and protective. His past has scarred him but also defined him in his desire to protect. he loves completely no questions asked. His brother I am intrigued by what is his story? Will he come to terms with things? Will he find love?

Liss's sister Katherine is aggravating. She is a snob and selfish to the core. Suddenly she does a 360 and can't understand her sister's hesitancy to forgive her. As does Liss's best friend Chelsea they can't understand things and are selfish. Liss's friendship with a classmate they don't like is a bone of contention. I mean the guy needs a confidant and friend and in liss she has this. i do wonder what will happen to him to.

As the story unfolds we see that Liss is in danger and being spied on and I think this is thanks in big part to her dad whose company has the Vykhars as a client. What confuses me is the doctor I don't think she is the only reason for things that happen. I am also a little confused about why the Vykhars are so adamantly wanting Rion and wanting him dead. This doesn't make sense to me.

rion there are no words for him really. He is stubborn, loyal loves wholly, frustrating, kind but also fierce. His story needs to be unfolded more for this whole issue with why he can't be above ground to be understood more to me.
the love story between him and Liss is sweet. It's wonderful to see the fight all odds to be together. Even if Liss at times gives up Rion doesn't he is a rock for her. the unconditional love and patience he has in that area is beautiful. A story of trying to fight the odds to be together while struggling to grow up and protect everyone around you. Fighting against all odds. It will be interesting to see what is next for Rion and Liss and even Rion's brother. A good interesting read.

[Book Junky Girls · Rating 4 out of 5]

Liss just wants to finish high school in peace, she's not interested in parties or her friends knowing her every secret. But when she's guilted into going to a party and gets lost, things get crazy in her life when she gets into a car accidentand wakes up somewhere she never expected surrounded by a race she never knew expected. Keeping it secret though and going back to her normal life turn out to be next to impossible with men call Vyhkars coming after her for information about the mysterious Malion.

Liss thought she could put it all behind her and move on, but the more time that passes, she realizes moving on might not even be what she really wants. Espically the more she gets to know Rion.

Liss is the type to suffer in silence long before she lets anyone know there's something wrong. She likes to keep what's in her like private not telling everyone every detail of her life. It might make her seem antisocial, but that's just she way like it and if her "friends" don't like it then that's too bad and she'll move on without them.

The world created is interesting and you delve right into it. You learn about a new type of "creature" that hasn't been seen in thousands of stories and you see the bad guys that are out to get them. The Malion's are new and I loved getting to know about them and their world underground. Great start to a new series and I'm excited to see more of it to come.

[Arlene Mullen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book! When Melissa finally caves and agrees to take her BFF Chelsea to a party, even though she is not a big party person. On the way there Liss gets lost and gets in a very bad car accident. Next thing she knows s that she is waking up in some strange mans room. Her survival instincts kick in and she freaks out. She finds out that she was saved by a Malion and when she goes back, she is putting everyone in danger. She comes back only to find out that the Vykhars have her whole life bugged waiting for her to make a mistake.
So normally I am not one for teenage romance, but this did not read like a book taking place in high school. Liss has gone through alot and still handle herself well. She does not have alot of support from the people around her. Rion and Liss are very real together. They complement each other and help each other grow and become better. My only dislike was that the story was a little slow in certain parts. It took awhile to get going and in some places I just had no idea what was going n because information was very slow coming. Besides that I loved the story and It is a very awesome read!
I recieved a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Daydream Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beneath the surface is well thought out fantasy come fairytale romance. Despite its fairytale element it covers some darker issues so should not be read by a young child. A young girl is rescued from a car crash by a stranger and taken into a hidden world beneath the surface of the city she lived in. Her hero, Rion, is not your usual pretty boy, he is tall and wide with scarred facial features, despite initially being scared of her new situation, Melissa cannot help the strong connection she feels towards him. Once back home with her family, she still cannot deny the reassurance of his protection when neighbors, she had known a long time turned out to be enemies. Despite trying to keep her knowledge of this world beneath a secret she is found out and life can never be quite the same again, for herself, for her family and for Rion.

Plot 4.5
chars 4.5
writing 4.5
pacing 4.5
cover 4
heat 4

[Doris · Rating 4 out of 5]

*I was offered a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.
Imagine yourself giving into peer pressure and going to that party you didn't want to go to- in the car you crash- you wake up in some new world that should not exist.. and you fight to get back home only to realize you left someone important behind.
This was a good read, and it's creative and imaginative. Carter makes an entire new species and she does it well. I really like the way that the story develops and I love the gritty nature of the characters emotions.
I wish that the connection between Liss and Rion had been developed a little more.
Seriously though, 'Beneath The Surface' is a fun, creative and interesting read. I highly suggest it!

[Shelley Gawley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so excited to read this book because I wanted to know what malions were, and what the heck they were about. This is a beautiful, scary, and page-turning beauty and the beast type story. For anyone who likes paranormal romance, THIS IS YOUR NEXT READ. I can't recommend this enough. And it's not your typical romance where boy-meets-girl yadda yadda. This is like nothing I've ever read before. Love the voice, and the end made me want for more!!!

Where is book two, Miranda Rae Carter????

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have to say Beneath the Surface was captivating and very very well written, I can't wait to read the sequel! I was entertained from the beginning to the end. I really enjoyed how Melissa's character grew throughout the story. Reading the story was like I was there looking down, I love stories that can pull you in that way.
I particularly loved Rion's character. The strong male with a sensitive and nurturing side. Needless to say, I can't wait to read on! Great job Miranda!

[Charlene Groome · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beneath the Surface is a well- written YA fantasy. I felt pulled into a new world that had a few surprises along the way. I like that I couldn't guess what was going to happen. Great job!!
And I love that she used places in BC. Very cool!

[Joyanna Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beneath the Surface is a truly amazing read. Tween, teen or adult...if you enjoy a paranormal romance then you will truly LOVE this book! I couldn't put it down! I'm so excited to have been introduced to the world of the Malions and cannot wait for the next book in the series!! 5 stars out of 5!

[Brooke · Rating 5 out of 5]

I won this book in a giveaway, so I would like to say, thanks again. This book was so interesting. The world building was great and loved the characters so much. I recommend this to anyone who loves supernatural. Can't wait for the second! Yay for 5 out of 5 stars!!

[Elmonorth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book! Melissa and Rion have captured me and I felt sense of loss when book ended...want to be with them on book #2! Well done Miranda Rae Carter!

[Leanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Couldn't put it down! The story is well written... at times I felt like i was really there watching from the sidelines what was actually going on. Can't wait for the next book in this series!

[Codi Gary · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adored this YA! The premise was great, I adored the characters, and the adventure/mystery was fantastic! I highly recommend! Please note there are some heavy elements and PG-13 content.

[Sam · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really like the book looking forward to the next one!!!

[Barbara Ann · Rating 3 out of 5]

Carter has written a young adult fantasy that I’m sure will appeal to many teenage readers because of the storytelling, the action and adventure, and book’s romantic angle. Teens are the primary targeted audience as the author takes her readers “beneath the surface” into the world of the Malions, a species of paranormal beings who are known for their miraculous healing abilities. Hunted for years by the Vykhars, who seek to destroy their race, the Malions live in secret, underground, and away from humans. When the protagonist Melissa inadvertently gets brought into their world after being rescued by the young Malion, Rion, she becomes enmeshed in the ongoing battle between the Malions and the Vykhars and discovers that her life has become irrevocably changed.

Carter incorporates many of the conventions often found in young adult literature into her novel. The story is narrated in first person by Melissa so readers can connect and relate to her struggles, insecurities, and the trauma she has experienced. Although the story starts off slowly at the beginning, the pace picks up after Melissa’s life-threatening car accident and doesn’t lose momentum as the action and danger escalate. Like many other YA novels, Melissa’s parents do not play a prominent role in the book. While their concern for Melissa’s well-being is evident, they aren’t heavily involved in her life, and their influence is limited. Melissa is often left on her own to make critical decisions that affect her safety, the security of those around her, and the future direction of her life. Furthermore, the story is filled with plenty of emotional angst as Melissa and Rion struggle with their growing feelings for each other, knowing their relationship puts those they care about in harm’s way.

What I most enjoyed and appreciated about the Beneath the Surface are its themes. At the heart of this book is Melissa and Rion’s struggle to be together despite their racial and cultural differences. For much of the book Melissa and Rion have a volatile relationship which in part stems from miscommunication and misunderstandings because of their different backgrounds.
From the beginning, the obstacles they face seem insurmountable, but Carter shows that love can, indeed, transcend differences.

Another reason I liked the book is because Carter delves into the dark subjects of sexual assault and physical abuse. By doing so, she creates an opening for a conversation about these sensitive topics and the reality that teens aren’t immune to this kind of violence. Both Melissa and Rion have undergone horrific, degrading experiences in their past which are summed up rather than graphically described in flashbacks, and the plot focuses more on the aftermath and how both characters have chosen to deal with their trauma. While Melissa chooses to keep this a secret and suffer silently, Rion withdraws from his family and friends. I think their common struggle to reclaim their lives plays a significant role in the bond that forms between them because they each know what is needed to help the other emotionally heal.

On the other hand, there are some aspects of the novel I didn’t enjoy, and this may very well be because I brought an adult perspective into the reading experience. I acknowledge that I am not the intended audience and this may be why some parts of the book weren’t as appealing as they may be to teen readers. Although I enjoyed the book’s plot and themes, I did not connect very well with the main characters. Both Melissa and Rion are quick-tempered, stubborn, and easily offended, all of which contribute to the volatile nature of their relationship. At times their behavior is immature, impulsive, and causes unnecessary complications. I didn’t really feel the attraction between them early on. Melissa does everything she can to get away from Rion after he saves her, but once she returns home, she misses him and feels empty that he is no longer a part of her life. I was surprised that she felt this strongly since I didn’t pick up on any real chemistry between them. She’s more focused on her anger, pain, and frustration to escape back to her family. As the story, progresses, I do begin to understand why Melissa develops strong feelings for Rion. He is kind, gentle, and patient with her, which is exactly what she needs at this point. In Rion’s culture, females are revered, and I can see how Melissa would be drawn to this young Malion. However, I never fully understood why Rion falls in love with Melissa so quickly and is willing to jeopardize the safety of his people for a girl he claims to love but barely knows.

Although I didn’t connect to Melissa, I definitely appreciated the character arc she undergoes. Through her involvement with the Malions and their Vykhar enemies, she becomes less egocentric and self-involved, learning to take responsibility for the choices she makes and realizing that her actions have repercussions beyond herself. Melissa becomes softer, more understanding, and more forgiving of others, especially her sister, Katherine who antagonizes her in the first half of the book. Katherine’s behavior toward Melissa doesn’t change until after her own break-up, which I thought would become significant to the plot, but doesn’t. I was so sure that the ex-boyfriend was somehow connected to this supernatural world and was using Katherine for some sinister purpose, so I’m not sure why Katherine’s boyfriend problems were significant to the overall story.

Readers who dislike cliff-hanger endings will be pleased to know that Beneath the Surface has a resolution that wraps up the book nicely without leaving them in angsty suspense waiting for the next installment. If you like YA urban fantasy, you should check out this new series.

I received an ARC of this book from the author for an honest review.

[Doris · Rating 4 out of 5]

*I was offered a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.
Imagine yourself giving into peer pressure and going to that party you didn't want to go to- in the car you crash- you wake up in some new world that should not exist.. and you fight to get back home only to realize you left someone important behind.
This was a good read, and it's creative and imaginative. Carter makes an entire new species and she does it well. I really like the way that the story develops and I love the gritty nature of the characters emotions.
I wish that the connection between Liss and Rion had been developed a little more.
Seriously though, 'Beneath The Surface' is a fun, creative and interesting read. I highly suggest it!

[Allen Gawley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book so much. It has real places, but with a fictional twist. Having places like Gladstone, a real highschool in Vancouver, as well as Squamish and Oliver's landing, I felt like I could really go there and imagine it. Miranda really has a way of placing you right into the scene of her book. Best of all, she finishes this story, leaving room for book two, but not on a cliffhanger, because that bugs me!!!

I CANNOT WAIT for the next book.

[Dalene · Rating 4 out of 5]

First, I would like to thank the author Miranda Rae Carter for giving me this book for an honest review. I enjoyed reading this book. The characters are well developed and written. The main characters are teens so they have some immaturity to them. The story-line is very good. The world building is nicely done. I look forward to reading more from this author.

[Carolyn]

I didn't read this book. I re-read Beneath the Surface by John Hargrove, but Goodreads STILL does not have a re-read button.