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Beneath the Surface

(The Malions #1)

Miranda Rae Carter (Goodreads Author)

4.38 · Rating details · 48 ratings · 24 reviews

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 ...more

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Paperback, First edition, 368 pages

Published October 24th 2013 by FriesenPress (first published October 22nd 2013)

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· 48 ratings · 24 reviews

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Feb 01, 2013 T. Mitchell rated it really liked it · review of another edition

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 ...more

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Apr 05, 2013 Jessica rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: ya, romance, sci-fi

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. ...more

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Aug 13, 2013 Denise Gawley rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

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.
...more

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Jan 03, 2015 Christine rated it really liked it

Shelves: first-reads

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 unc ...more

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Nov 17, 2013 Doreen B rated it it was amazing

Can't put it down. Great story!
...more

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Jan 14, 2014 Barbara Ann rated it liked it

Shelves: arcs, fantasy, paranormal, romance, series, young-adult

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 fr 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.
...more

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Jul 25, 2014 books are love rated it really liked it

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 m 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. ...more

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Aug 27, 2014 Book Junky Girls rated it really liked it

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 ...more

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Jul 22, 2014 Arlene Mullen rated it really liked it

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 ...more

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Jan 22, 2014 Daydream Books rated it really liked it

Shelves: blog-tour, read-2014, arcs-read, review-done, 4-stars

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 fee ...more

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Nov 23, 2013 Shelley Gawley rated it it was amazing

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???? ...more

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Jan 04, 2014 Kim rated it it was amazing

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!
...more

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Dec 08, 2013 Dalene rated it really liked it

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.

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Nov 12, 2013 Joyanna Martin rated it it was amazing

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! ...more

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Dec 13, 2013 Brooke rated it it was amazing

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!! ...more

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Jan 25, 2013 Charlene Groome rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

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! ...more

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Feb 10, 2014 Codi Gary rated it it was amazing

Shelves: print-books-on-shelf

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.

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Jan 25, 2013 Elmonorth rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

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!

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Oct 10, 2013 Leanne rated it it was amazing

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!
...more

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May 08, 2014 Sam rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

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

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Apr 09, 2016 Doris rated it really liked it · review of another edition

*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 ...more

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Nov 23, 2013 Allen Gawley rated it it was amazing

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. ...more

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Feb 09, 2016 Carolyn added it

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. ...more

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About Miranda Rae Carter

Miranda Rae Carter

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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

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