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Visionary #1
Visionary Unleashed
Sixteen-year-old Aislinn Lee Murphy accidentally unleashes her hidden ability to see things before they happen, making her a Visionary. But little does she know that this amazing gift comes with a severe price. She must never tell a soul or she risks putting herself and her family in great peril.
When Aislinn meets Sebastian, a fellow Visionary, the two of them find themselves completely captivated by one another as they become entangled in a web of danger and adventure.
A Visionary is someone who has been chosen to see the future and has the benefit of having one of twelve spirit animals to guide and protect them, but Aislinn has had many encounters with a red-tailed hawk and that animal doesn’t fall into the same category. It is one of the rarest spirit animals and it comes with a challenging prophecy.
When Aislinn meets Sebastian, a fellow Visionary, the two of them find themselves completely captivated by one another as they become entangled in a web of danger and adventure.
A Visionary is someone who has been chosen to see the future and has the benefit of having one of twelve spirit animals to guide and protect them, but Aislinn has had many encounters with a red-tailed hawk and that animal doesn’t fall into the same category. It is one of the rarest spirit animals and it comes with a challenging prophecy.
- GenresFantasyYoung Adult
328 pages, Paperback
First published November 25, 2012
680 people want to read
About the author
N. Dunham
2 books42 followersN. Dunham is the author of the Visionary Trilogy~ A young adult fantasy series that incorporates psychic phenomena & spirit animals!
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
May 19, 2013
This is a wonderful YA fantasy, which I would call a young woman’s novel. It of course can be read by either, but I see it appealing especially to those young women who like to daydream and wish that things like what happen in this book are a possibility. How many girls dream about a Prince Charming or a perfect soulmate, and a magical place and wish to have supernatural powers? The romance of it lends more towards young girls than boys, I think. This novel gives them all of those things: “he reaches out for my hand and I feel even more powerful now, like two forces becoming one!” *happy sigh* Yeah, I dreamt about that, too.
It is a fantasy romance that touches your heart, with nature being an active participant in this perfection fantasy “…big, bright beautiful rainbow shines down right in front of us.” Pure magic, fantasy, perfection. This “prince charming” says all the right, perfect clichés such as “well, you came to me in my dreams” If this isn’t what young women (hell, even women my age in my 30s) dream about, then I don’t know what is!
I really loved reading this modern-day fairy tale, complete with a prince charming and a happily ever after. I happily ate up the lines that lend that mystical, magical romance such as “I was drawn to you before I even met you” THIS IS MEANT TO BE!
While this story contains a traditional formula, it is in a modern day setting, one rife with daily issues that many readers will be able to relate to in some form or other: parental divorces, homework, backstabbing friends, dislike of authority figures, fashion and materialism (cell phones, high name brand handbags and shoes and makeup and perfumes, etc). Feelings and emotions we all have experienced such as lack of self-confidence, self-doubts, awkwardness, peer pressure, saying the wrong thing at the wrong time, stressing about colleges, and everything else you deal with in late adolescence, which is the greatest period of “unknowing.” The language of the characters very much sets the scene in present modern day. (e.g. saying LOL…it’s not something you’d see in books from the past targeting this age group, but it is a nod to modern society). So how the hell is this a fairytale, Tiffany?! Easy…your main protagonists, your lovers…they weather the storm of all these things together. The struggles and obstacles they overcome bring them closer together proving that with love and unity comes the strength to overcome anything together!
These messages of love and loyalty and everything else are the same as in most fairy tales, sure. But what keeps the reader interested is the way Ms Dunham weaves it all together, keeping you entranced, engrossed, and enjoying the ride from beginning to end. The end, the wish for the happily ever after is just at the edges, and all the while you have been participating with these characters. And when that end comes, you’ll find it came too soon, you want it to continue even more, and you’ll close this book and try to figure out how you just lost a few hours of daylight.
It is a fantasy romance that touches your heart, with nature being an active participant in this perfection fantasy “…big, bright beautiful rainbow shines down right in front of us.” Pure magic, fantasy, perfection. This “prince charming” says all the right, perfect clichés such as “well, you came to me in my dreams” If this isn’t what young women (hell, even women my age in my 30s) dream about, then I don’t know what is!
I really loved reading this modern-day fairy tale, complete with a prince charming and a happily ever after. I happily ate up the lines that lend that mystical, magical romance such as “I was drawn to you before I even met you” THIS IS MEANT TO BE!
While this story contains a traditional formula, it is in a modern day setting, one rife with daily issues that many readers will be able to relate to in some form or other: parental divorces, homework, backstabbing friends, dislike of authority figures, fashion and materialism (cell phones, high name brand handbags and shoes and makeup and perfumes, etc). Feelings and emotions we all have experienced such as lack of self-confidence, self-doubts, awkwardness, peer pressure, saying the wrong thing at the wrong time, stressing about colleges, and everything else you deal with in late adolescence, which is the greatest period of “unknowing.” The language of the characters very much sets the scene in present modern day. (e.g. saying LOL…it’s not something you’d see in books from the past targeting this age group, but it is a nod to modern society). So how the hell is this a fairytale, Tiffany?! Easy…your main protagonists, your lovers…they weather the storm of all these things together. The struggles and obstacles they overcome bring them closer together proving that with love and unity comes the strength to overcome anything together!
These messages of love and loyalty and everything else are the same as in most fairy tales, sure. But what keeps the reader interested is the way Ms Dunham weaves it all together, keeping you entranced, engrossed, and enjoying the ride from beginning to end. The end, the wish for the happily ever after is just at the edges, and all the while you have been participating with these characters. And when that end comes, you’ll find it came too soon, you want it to continue even more, and you’ll close this book and try to figure out how you just lost a few hours of daylight.
January 25, 2013
What a fun read about psychic visions! It's got such a light feel while reading, and though it's based on a high school girl, it's not like those ridiculous immature robots kids! Aislinn is a very interesting character to me. She describes things as she sees them, which has a real feeling to it. And it all starts with something so simple, yet opens a can of worms that gets quite complicated. And I absolutely love the spirit animals aspect, but I can't explain too much as I don't want to ruin it for you, so you'll just have to read this book to find out!
Aislinn seems so simple to start off. She's worried about things like being late for school and if she smells good and making sure she doesn't drop to loser status. And then a small accident blows her mind to a whole new world! She learns she has a psychic gift and meets a totally hot guy who seems to be like her and there's also some people out there who's only purpose in life is to kill those like her. I like her attitude and I like her personality. I feel like she's a very likable character.
I really like the writing style as I felt it was a quick and easy read, not that it's short. It starts out with the first sentence with a mysterious and creepy description and get a little more mysterious as it goes. And then as the plot builds, it flows well. There are some very interesting characters and overall I really enjoyed this book. It's labeled as a trilogy so I'm looking forward to the continuation!
This story can be enjoyed by a multitude if readers, YA, adult, even adolescence. It's got mystery and action and coming of age and some wonderful fantasy aspects! I really do look forward to more from this trilogy and I hope you guys pick it up for a peak! 4 FANTASTICAL MYSTERIOUS PAWS from me!
Aislinn seems so simple to start off. She's worried about things like being late for school and if she smells good and making sure she doesn't drop to loser status. And then a small accident blows her mind to a whole new world! She learns she has a psychic gift and meets a totally hot guy who seems to be like her and there's also some people out there who's only purpose in life is to kill those like her. I like her attitude and I like her personality. I feel like she's a very likable character.
I really like the writing style as I felt it was a quick and easy read, not that it's short. It starts out with the first sentence with a mysterious and creepy description and get a little more mysterious as it goes. And then as the plot builds, it flows well. There are some very interesting characters and overall I really enjoyed this book. It's labeled as a trilogy so I'm looking forward to the continuation!
This story can be enjoyed by a multitude if readers, YA, adult, even adolescence. It's got mystery and action and coming of age and some wonderful fantasy aspects! I really do look forward to more from this trilogy and I hope you guys pick it up for a peak! 4 FANTASTICAL MYSTERIOUS PAWS from me!
January 16, 2013
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More Reviews At: Readers In Wonderland
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Rating: 3.5
Thanks to the author and Bewitching Book Tours for copy provided in exchange for an honest review.
You know those books you read just for the fun of it, the type that you read for a good plot and to entertain you? This is one of those novels. I wasn't quite sure what to expect with this one but I wasn't let down. It is definitely a unique story and matches the Goodreads blurb so if it sounds like your kind of story it probably will be! The eagle cover on that cover is what initially drew me to the book, I love looking at it! It definitely matches the story!
It doesn't waste any time getting to the main plot line, there is something that happens from the very beginning. The whole concept of being able to see things in the future was always an intriguing idea and I'm glad to finally read a story about it. I also liked the incorporation of spirit animals.
I would suggest this novel to younger teens, around twelve to sixteen, because I feel like they could really connect to the characters and how fluid and easy to follow the story is. Although it is focused around a heroine, I think this novel could pull young adult males as well.
More Reviews At: Readers In Wonderland
____________________________________
Rating: 3.5
Thanks to the author and Bewitching Book Tours for copy provided in exchange for an honest review.
You know those books you read just for the fun of it, the type that you read for a good plot and to entertain you? This is one of those novels. I wasn't quite sure what to expect with this one but I wasn't let down. It is definitely a unique story and matches the Goodreads blurb so if it sounds like your kind of story it probably will be! The eagle cover on that cover is what initially drew me to the book, I love looking at it! It definitely matches the story!
It doesn't waste any time getting to the main plot line, there is something that happens from the very beginning. The whole concept of being able to see things in the future was always an intriguing idea and I'm glad to finally read a story about it. I also liked the incorporation of spirit animals.
I would suggest this novel to younger teens, around twelve to sixteen, because I feel like they could really connect to the characters and how fluid and easy to follow the story is. Although it is focused around a heroine, I think this novel could pull young adult males as well.
April 22, 2014
fast paced and very good story and characters - well worth reading
January 21, 2013
I did enjoy this story quite a bit. The author knows how to describe everything to give you a vivid picture of Aislinn’s past and present. Though I do have to say, never use the word 'lol' in a story. Having a main character talk to herself and use 'lol' doesn't make her seem like someone I can identify with. It just makes me think she’s crazy.
Having the power to see visions of the future is always a great story line. The plot was very interesting, but not so unique. It remind me of “Jumper” (movie/book) with the whole killing something that’s is not meant to be around. It’s a bit slow at the beginning, and does takes time to lead up to the action. Each person has a spirit guide, which I thought was an interesting and different take to everything. If you're a bit of a researcher, I wouldn't advice comparing the symbolism of each spirit guide and the real animal it's based on. For example, the African elephant spirit guide states that it provides a visionary (people who see the future) with the best eyesight their possibly is. In real life, an elephant has very poor eyesight. In one scene, Calab (who has an elephant spirit guide) asks main character Aislinn if she can read a newspaper from the other end of the café, and then reads it for her. Aislinn's spirit guide is a red-tailed hawk, who have the eyesight 5 times better then a human's. So, Aislinn should have been able to read the paper and Calab shouldn't have. It will be interesting to see what her spirit guide power will be, and hints of it are given towards the end of the book. The villains of the book, the "Secret Agency", aren't very pivotal to this book, but some of their gadgets are seen. Their mission is to stop visionaries from having visions.
Aislinn is another one of those flip-flopping female leads. I don't know who keeps telling writers to make their heroines like this, but they really need to stop! She says the gift of seeing visions is a punishment, but just a few seconds before this she was loving it. She was having a blast with being able to see the future. Then she runs into another character, and suddenly she see’s it as a punishment. I don’t get where her change in thought came from, but I guess if a cute guy is saying it’s a gift, and you want him to feel sorry for you… Nah, it's still a confusing change. She's also self centered. After she made plans to go to the mall with her best friend, she then changes her mind to going to get pizza after she gets a call from Sebastian! Who does that?! Who forgets about their best friends in a matter of seconds… Gah! She even starts to avoid her friend instead of settling matters and trying to make up. When she receives a text from her friend asking to talk, Aislinn gets excited and says how they haven’t talked in forever. Um, honey, maybe because you run away from your friend and avoid her when you should have sucked it up and tried to talk to her in person! It's your fault to begin with… She also gets some really stupid ideas. How could she think that when she had a vision of her friend’s father getting a new job in another city, that she should tell her friend this? In real life, I'm sure her friend for one would probably think she’s crazy or a stalker when she finds out that information from her father. Sometimes I wonder what Aislinn is thinking. The one trait I can admire in Aislinn is that she's able to have major visions when she meditates. I know I wouldn’t be able to, because I would get bored so fast.
Sebastian is very thoughtful of everyone around him, unlike a certain girl who only thinks about herself and the boy she likes. He does everything he can to get her use to his world as a visionary. He tells her how it happens and what she may expect. Almost like a teacher of sorts, along with the fact that right away he feels connected to her and falls in love with her. (Can I go to this magical world where you meet a guy and he instantly falls for you? Please, someone, find me a direct flight for this place!)
Calab is someone they met in on a scooping mission at the base of the bad guys. He’s says he was was also there scooping them out. I’m sorry, but I would never trust this guy. Surprisingly, they trust him right away cause he’s a visionary (completely forgetting that some visionaries work for the bad guys) and bring him to their home. Following this logic? Mystery visionary + middle of no where = bring him home. He is a great guy, but maybe a little to strong in the friendly side (according to Aislinn). The way she describes how he's always trying to be around her makes me creeped out towards him. Not sure if the author wanted this, but no matter how good he is, now I just feel creeped out by him.
Anyways, Aislinn and Calab go on their first date, and BAM, they are already kissing. This was just after they first met. Oh, fast romances, how I find you not appealing in any way. She doesn't know if Sebastian likes her... Yeah, he only kisses you A LOT! Why are you even kissing a guy if you're not sure if he likes you or not?! Aislinn acts like your typical teenage girl who has a crush on someone. She gets giggly and wonders what she should wear, and wonders if the guy actually asked her out on a date or not. In a way, it is cute to see how she prepares herself when meeting with Sebastian. This random Calab-Aislinn-Sebastian love triangle doesn't last long, and it's completely useless to the plot.
Having the power to see visions of the future is always a great story line. The plot was very interesting, but not so unique. It remind me of “Jumper” (movie/book) with the whole killing something that’s is not meant to be around. It’s a bit slow at the beginning, and does takes time to lead up to the action. Each person has a spirit guide, which I thought was an interesting and different take to everything. If you're a bit of a researcher, I wouldn't advice comparing the symbolism of each spirit guide and the real animal it's based on. For example, the African elephant spirit guide states that it provides a visionary (people who see the future) with the best eyesight their possibly is. In real life, an elephant has very poor eyesight. In one scene, Calab (who has an elephant spirit guide) asks main character Aislinn if she can read a newspaper from the other end of the café, and then reads it for her. Aislinn's spirit guide is a red-tailed hawk, who have the eyesight 5 times better then a human's. So, Aislinn should have been able to read the paper and Calab shouldn't have. It will be interesting to see what her spirit guide power will be, and hints of it are given towards the end of the book. The villains of the book, the "Secret Agency", aren't very pivotal to this book, but some of their gadgets are seen. Their mission is to stop visionaries from having visions.
Aislinn is another one of those flip-flopping female leads. I don't know who keeps telling writers to make their heroines like this, but they really need to stop! She says the gift of seeing visions is a punishment, but just a few seconds before this she was loving it. She was having a blast with being able to see the future. Then she runs into another character, and suddenly she see’s it as a punishment. I don’t get where her change in thought came from, but I guess if a cute guy is saying it’s a gift, and you want him to feel sorry for you… Nah, it's still a confusing change. She's also self centered. After she made plans to go to the mall with her best friend, she then changes her mind to going to get pizza after she gets a call from Sebastian! Who does that?! Who forgets about their best friends in a matter of seconds… Gah! She even starts to avoid her friend instead of settling matters and trying to make up. When she receives a text from her friend asking to talk, Aislinn gets excited and says how they haven’t talked in forever. Um, honey, maybe because you run away from your friend and avoid her when you should have sucked it up and tried to talk to her in person! It's your fault to begin with… She also gets some really stupid ideas. How could she think that when she had a vision of her friend’s father getting a new job in another city, that she should tell her friend this? In real life, I'm sure her friend for one would probably think she’s crazy or a stalker when she finds out that information from her father. Sometimes I wonder what Aislinn is thinking. The one trait I can admire in Aislinn is that she's able to have major visions when she meditates. I know I wouldn’t be able to, because I would get bored so fast.
Sebastian is very thoughtful of everyone around him, unlike a certain girl who only thinks about herself and the boy she likes. He does everything he can to get her use to his world as a visionary. He tells her how it happens and what she may expect. Almost like a teacher of sorts, along with the fact that right away he feels connected to her and falls in love with her. (Can I go to this magical world where you meet a guy and he instantly falls for you? Please, someone, find me a direct flight for this place!)
Calab is someone they met in on a scooping mission at the base of the bad guys. He’s says he was was also there scooping them out. I’m sorry, but I would never trust this guy. Surprisingly, they trust him right away cause he’s a visionary (completely forgetting that some visionaries work for the bad guys) and bring him to their home. Following this logic? Mystery visionary + middle of no where = bring him home. He is a great guy, but maybe a little to strong in the friendly side (according to Aislinn). The way she describes how he's always trying to be around her makes me creeped out towards him. Not sure if the author wanted this, but no matter how good he is, now I just feel creeped out by him.
Anyways, Aislinn and Calab go on their first date, and BAM, they are already kissing. This was just after they first met. Oh, fast romances, how I find you not appealing in any way. She doesn't know if Sebastian likes her... Yeah, he only kisses you A LOT! Why are you even kissing a guy if you're not sure if he likes you or not?! Aislinn acts like your typical teenage girl who has a crush on someone. She gets giggly and wonders what she should wear, and wonders if the guy actually asked her out on a date or not. In a way, it is cute to see how she prepares herself when meeting with Sebastian. This random Calab-Aislinn-Sebastian love triangle doesn't last long, and it's completely useless to the plot.
December 31, 2014
This was a first reads win. Also, thanks to the author for your generosity. This was an interesting read with interesting concepts and characters. It did take me longer to read then usual due to our heroine being rather wishy-washy in her emotions. First she likes her power, then she thinks of it as a curse a few lines later. Her infatuation with Sebastian was good though. The fact that she can shape change is cool as well.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews