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Reflection Pond #1
Reflection Pond
Sometimes you find home, sometimes it comes looking for you.
Callie knows a lot more about pain than she does about family. She’s never belonged, at least, not until she falls through a portal into her true home. The beautiful faerie city of Eirensae doesn’t come free. Callie must find her amulet and bind herself to the city, and most importantly, avoid the Fallen fae who seek her life. Seems like a small price to pay for the family she’s always wanted.
Then she meets cynical and gorgeous Rowan, who reads the darkness of her past in her eyes. He becomes Callie’s part-time protector and full-time pain in the ass. He has secrets of his own for Callie to unravel. What they don’t know is that the future of Eirensae lies with them, and the once peaceful city is about to become a battleground for power.
Callie knows a lot more about pain than she does about family. She’s never belonged, at least, not until she falls through a portal into her true home. The beautiful faerie city of Eirensae doesn’t come free. Callie must find her amulet and bind herself to the city, and most importantly, avoid the Fallen fae who seek her life. Seems like a small price to pay for the family she’s always wanted.
Then she meets cynical and gorgeous Rowan, who reads the darkness of her past in her eyes. He becomes Callie’s part-time protector and full-time pain in the ass. He has secrets of his own for Callie to unravel. What they don’t know is that the future of Eirensae lies with them, and the once peaceful city is about to become a battleground for power.
242 pages, Paperback
First published March 29, 2014
About the author
Kacey Vanderkarr
11 books639 followersKACEY VANDERKARR has a penchant for fantasy and frequently listens to the voices in her head—most of whom are teenagers. Her favorite place to write is an old salon chair in her kitchen, with coffee in one hand and adoring cats sprawled across her arms. She prefers her music loud and her skeptics quiet. When she’s not writing, Kacey coaches winterguard, works as a sonographer, and hangs out with other weirdos like her at the Flint Area Writer’s club. In addition to her novels, The Reflection Pond Series, Antithesis, and The Stone Series, Kacey’s short fiction is featured in Sucker Literary Vol III, Ember: A Journal of Luminous Things, and Out of the Green: Tales from Fairyland.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
January 14, 2016
Reflection Pond was such a fun book to devour. It twinkled with excitement, mystery and a possibility for a beautiful relationship between two broken people. Err Faeries. What started out as journey to find ones true home, slowly morphed into a landscape built to incite a war. And Callie and Rowan are smack dab in the middle of it.
Callie is running away from the horrors of having her boyfriend touch her. She doesn't want him touching her body, she doesn't care how crazy looks, she just needs to escape. Lost in her rash decision and being caught up in the moment, she dodges an oncoming vehicle and falls into a pond. The pond is a portal for her kind, and it leads her to Eirensae and two boys, Ash and Rowan. Callie is now on a path to discover who she is and what the future already has in store for her.
Callie has the most beautiful heart, but sometimes she struggled seeing what was in front of her. Her innocence made me laugh, but some of the decisions she choose made me so proud. I was so happy that she wanted to learn to physically defend herself. There are Faeries and other beings that will want to hurt her for the powers and the possibilities she holds, so a big round of applause to Callie for learning to protect herself! But at times, I wanted to shake her. I desperately needed her to make up her mind for who to trust and be with, because I had already decided that in the first chapter of the book (a little obsessed with Rowan over here). So it didn't sit well with me when she , but keep in mind that two of my favorite Heroines did similar actions, and I still completely love them. Thankfully, by the end of the book she was closer to the Callie I knew she deserved and wanted to be! Sometimes it takes a little while to get your footing and grow up, so I can't wait to see how her actions in the next books will play out.
Rowan is a Faerie that Callie meets when she lands in Eirensae, and let it be known that I love Rowan! He is dark, sarcastic, and dangerously addicting. He is everything I love all wrapped up in a sexy body! Ohhh and add the fact that when he is angry and frustrated he trains his body while using weapons, you have a recipe for a truly amazing man. Every time he graced a page, I had a smile on my face. He liked to mess with Callie, and it constantly made me laugh. I know it's obvious, but I loved everything about him.
This book was such a wonderful surprise! It was light enough, yet the mystery of amulets, immortals and a prophecy made for an interesting book. And I love that we got to alternate between being in Callie and Rowan's mind. It was refreshing knowing where both of them stood and what they each thought of not only each other but also of the events that took place. After that ending, I look forward to following Callie and Rowan on their journey and finding out what the future has in store for them.
For more of my reviews, please visit:
Faeries, murder, magic. How the hell did she end up in the middle of it?
Callie is running away from the horrors of having her boyfriend touch her. She doesn't want him touching her body, she doesn't care how crazy looks, she just needs to escape. Lost in her rash decision and being caught up in the moment, she dodges an oncoming vehicle and falls into a pond. The pond is a portal for her kind, and it leads her to Eirensae and two boys, Ash and Rowan. Callie is now on a path to discover who she is and what the future already has in store for her.
And maybe she was crazy, but was it so wrong of her to be curious? To ask, what if? She glanced again at her reflection. They’d pinned flowers in her hair and covered her eyelids with glitter. Maybe she wanted this.
Maybe this was the most excited she’d been.
Ever.
Callie has the most beautiful heart, but sometimes she struggled seeing what was in front of her. Her innocence made me laugh, but some of the decisions she choose made me so proud. I was so happy that she wanted to learn to physically defend herself. There are Faeries and other beings that will want to hurt her for the powers and the possibilities she holds, so a big round of applause to Callie for learning to protect herself! But at times, I wanted to shake her. I desperately needed her to make up her mind for who to trust and be with, because I had already decided that in the first chapter of the book (a little obsessed with Rowan over here). So it didn't sit well with me when she , but keep in mind that two of my favorite Heroines did similar actions, and I still completely love them. Thankfully, by the end of the book she was closer to the Callie I knew she deserved and wanted to be! Sometimes it takes a little while to get your footing and grow up, so I can't wait to see how her actions in the next books will play out.
I always choose debauchery over death. It’s my basic nature. Remember that. - Ash
Rowan is a Faerie that Callie meets when she lands in Eirensae, and let it be known that I love Rowan! He is dark, sarcastic, and dangerously addicting. He is everything I love all wrapped up in a sexy body! Ohhh and add the fact that when he is angry and frustrated he trains his body while using weapons, you have a recipe for a truly amazing man. Every time he graced a page, I had a smile on my face. He liked to mess with Callie, and it constantly made me laugh. I know it's obvious, but I loved everything about him.
This book was such a wonderful surprise! It was light enough, yet the mystery of amulets, immortals and a prophecy made for an interesting book. And I love that we got to alternate between being in Callie and Rowan's mind. It was refreshing knowing where both of them stood and what they each thought of not only each other but also of the events that took place. After that ending, I look forward to following Callie and Rowan on their journey and finding out what the future has in store for them.
For more of my reviews, please visit:
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August 24, 2017
From the blurb, I expected something else. Not entirely, but the story was acutally way more messy and in your face than the orderly summary suggested. It irritated me in the beginning, it was just too much too fast, but I kept pushing though, and at about 60% it levels out and reads real good towards the end. It certainly left me wanting to find out how it all ends, so I'm definitvely picking up the sequels!
The too much too fast wasn't just regarding the flood of information about the workings of the Fae world at the beginning, that I could've handled, but more about the characters. Before we even get to know the "human" Callie, she's thrust into Fae world, and I felt it hard to connect to her because we didn't get to know that old self. Add in all the chaos that is going on around her, and you get said mess until she comes to terms with herself as a powerful Fae. That's when it started to read very well, because then you could focus on the things that happened, that changed, instead of having to find a silver lining to cling to and venture out from.
Callie as a person was a nice enough heroine, I liked that she felt more comfortable with the pain and the hands-on learning, and that she was openly uncomfortable, at least physically, with one of her love interests. That's something you don't get usually, right? However, while I get that she finally wanted a real home and family, I felt she was too desperate to trust -- at least to anything female. It would've been different if she had tried to find love just as hard, because I believe the experiences were equally traumatic, and either she wants to be strong and live it all, or she doesn't. She had lots of cliche traits, she cried a lot too, but I believe she will grow some more in the next installments. I really want to believe that!
Rowan was something else entirely! I felt a strong connection to him, and he's just the right mix, safe for the fact that he was a bit too comfortable with the whole destiny thing. Okay, he had been amongst the Fae longer and accepted how everything worked for them, and he trusts the one who made the prophecy, but still. Badass that he is, I would've expected a bit more reluctance, at least until he got the whole destiny thing confirmed. He did fight a bit, yes, but not as strongly as I would've thought -- but maybe that was just a bad choice of words in key moments? Anyway, I love him, my heart almost jumped out of my chest when he let Callie peal the glamour away, and I can't wait to see how he's breaking through her last defences! <3 Oh, and I really want to learn Rowan's true name! I have the feeling he'll have to entrust it to her at some point.
Story wise, it was an interesting start, although it could've done with a bite more here and there to balance out all the drama. There's still lots and lots to learn, from Callie's past and Rowan's future, and I'm very curious to enter the City of War next! After the beauty of Eirensae, I expect some real shockers, although I believe Arol is a way more competent leader than Hazel. I expect him to be cruel to no end, but he'll probably be honest about it. And what's he gonna say to a son with healing powers? Doesn't sound like a favored power amongst fighters... You get my drift, I really want to find out more about them all and see what happens next, now that the war has begun!
Area Scan: Idea: 5/5 -- Flow: 2/5 -- Vocab: 3/5 -- Plot: 3/5 -- Heroes: 4/5 -- Sidekicks: 2/5 -- Villains: 2/5 -- Romance: 4/5 -- Drama: 4/5 -- Suspense: 3/5
Overall: 3.5/5
The too much too fast wasn't just regarding the flood of information about the workings of the Fae world at the beginning, that I could've handled, but more about the characters. Before we even get to know the "human" Callie, she's thrust into Fae world, and I felt it hard to connect to her because we didn't get to know that old self. Add in all the chaos that is going on around her, and you get said mess until she comes to terms with herself as a powerful Fae. That's when it started to read very well, because then you could focus on the things that happened, that changed, instead of having to find a silver lining to cling to and venture out from.
Callie as a person was a nice enough heroine, I liked that she felt more comfortable with the pain and the hands-on learning, and that she was openly uncomfortable, at least physically, with one of her love interests. That's something you don't get usually, right? However, while I get that she finally wanted a real home and family, I felt she was too desperate to trust -- at least to anything female. It would've been different if she had tried to find love just as hard, because I believe the experiences were equally traumatic, and either she wants to be strong and live it all, or she doesn't. She had lots of cliche traits, she cried a lot too, but I believe she will grow some more in the next installments. I really want to believe that!
Rowan was something else entirely! I felt a strong connection to him, and he's just the right mix, safe for the fact that he was a bit too comfortable with the whole destiny thing. Okay, he had been amongst the Fae longer and accepted how everything worked for them, and he trusts the one who made the prophecy, but still. Badass that he is, I would've expected a bit more reluctance, at least until he got the whole destiny thing confirmed. He did fight a bit, yes, but not as strongly as I would've thought -- but maybe that was just a bad choice of words in key moments? Anyway, I love him, my heart almost jumped out of my chest when he let Callie peal the glamour away, and I can't wait to see how he's breaking through her last defences! <3 Oh, and I really want to learn Rowan's true name! I have the feeling he'll have to entrust it to her at some point.
Story wise, it was an interesting start, although it could've done with a bite more here and there to balance out all the drama. There's still lots and lots to learn, from Callie's past and Rowan's future, and I'm very curious to enter the City of War next! After the beauty of Eirensae, I expect some real shockers, although I believe Arol is a way more competent leader than Hazel. I expect him to be cruel to no end, but he'll probably be honest about it. And what's he gonna say to a son with healing powers? Doesn't sound like a favored power amongst fighters... You get my drift, I really want to find out more about them all and see what happens next, now that the war has begun!
Area Scan: Idea: 5/5 -- Flow: 2/5 -- Vocab: 3/5 -- Plot: 3/5 -- Heroes: 4/5 -- Sidekicks: 2/5 -- Villains: 2/5 -- Romance: 4/5 -- Drama: 4/5 -- Suspense: 3/5
Overall: 3.5/5
February 4, 2015
I have to say I have not read my books based on Fae. I have come across books with mentions or maybe a character that was Fae but not many that take place in a Fae world. I am really glad that I can add Reflection Pond to that very short list.
Callie has never really had a family. Growing up in the foster care system she has gotten some of the worst homes, needless to say she doesn’t trust men or new people in general. When she falls through a pond and ends up in front of two men that think she belongs there. What she finds when enters the city she never would have guessed. She finds a home, a men who can be trusted, and a sister. She also finds more danger than she ever imagined. Callie was a character that was covered in mystery. We never really found out what happened to her in the past but we know it’s bad. Callie really can’t ever make up her mind either. She doesn’t want to trust people but she wants to find somewhere she belongs. I liked that she tried to learn how to take care of herself. She knew she was in danger and she didn’t want to just rely on Rowan or Ash.
Rowan wants to belong somewhere, he wants a home and deep down he knows it’s not here. He has been looking for his amulet for almost two years. His time is almost up and he doesn’t know where else to look. When the new girl shows up he doesn’t expect to feel anything other than hatred. But there is more and now he knows their lives are entwined and he’s ready to do anything to keep her safe. Rowan is a dark and surly character. The fae don’t treat him like a person and his past is just as dark as Callie’s. He was hard and intimidating but he was willing to do everything to keep her safe.
I thought that this story was full of interesting points. The world was kind of split like it was in divergent only you never had a choice to pick, your amulet showed up in the world you were from. There are a whole bunch of questions that this book leaves you with. I read this book in a day and I loved it. The one part that bothered me was the romance because there wasn’t any. You could see it from Rowan, he loved her or was falling and that’s fine. But Callie was a big question. It bothered me that she was willingly kissing Ash but she was afraid of Rowan. The person that protects her and takes care of her all the time. She really drives me nuts sometimes. I don’t think I would have been nearly as disappointed if I wasn’t lead to believe it was a romance story as well.
Other than that I thought the story was well written and it was a pretty interesting story. I would definitely read the next one.
Callie has never really had a family. Growing up in the foster care system she has gotten some of the worst homes, needless to say she doesn’t trust men or new people in general. When she falls through a pond and ends up in front of two men that think she belongs there. What she finds when enters the city she never would have guessed. She finds a home, a men who can be trusted, and a sister. She also finds more danger than she ever imagined. Callie was a character that was covered in mystery. We never really found out what happened to her in the past but we know it’s bad. Callie really can’t ever make up her mind either. She doesn’t want to trust people but she wants to find somewhere she belongs. I liked that she tried to learn how to take care of herself. She knew she was in danger and she didn’t want to just rely on Rowan or Ash.
Rowan wants to belong somewhere, he wants a home and deep down he knows it’s not here. He has been looking for his amulet for almost two years. His time is almost up and he doesn’t know where else to look. When the new girl shows up he doesn’t expect to feel anything other than hatred. But there is more and now he knows their lives are entwined and he’s ready to do anything to keep her safe. Rowan is a dark and surly character. The fae don’t treat him like a person and his past is just as dark as Callie’s. He was hard and intimidating but he was willing to do everything to keep her safe.
I thought that this story was full of interesting points. The world was kind of split like it was in divergent only you never had a choice to pick, your amulet showed up in the world you were from. There are a whole bunch of questions that this book leaves you with. I read this book in a day and I loved it. The one part that bothered me was the romance because there wasn’t any. You could see it from Rowan, he loved her or was falling and that’s fine. But Callie was a big question. It bothered me that she was willingly kissing Ash but she was afraid of Rowan. The person that protects her and takes care of her all the time. She really drives me nuts sometimes. I don’t think I would have been nearly as disappointed if I wasn’t lead to believe it was a romance story as well.
Other than that I thought the story was well written and it was a pretty interesting story. I would definitely read the next one.
August 2, 2014
I haven't had much time lately to read and review, but the last book I read, Reflection Pond by Kacey Vanderkarr, sure didn't disappoint.
I like stories with main characters who discover that they have hidden powers and identities, so I was immediately grabbed by the premise of Reflection Pond. Callie flees an unhappy life, falls through a pond which turns out to be a magical portal, and finds herself in the faery city of Eirensae, a place she's told she belongs. Her arrival begins to unravel the peace that has ruled the city for a long time. Callie learns that she's more powerful than anyone in the city, and is sought by those who would abuse her power. Who can she trust?
Without giving too much away, I'll say that the characters themselves make this a very good read. And that's what makes a good story, right? All are very well done and deep, with emotionally gripping backstories. Callie's budding relationship with Rowan is complex and realistic, and I look forward to both characters growing that relationship in the next book. I also look forward to seeing Callie grow and develop as a character in Book Two and learning to use her powers. Not all questions are answered at the end of the book, of course, which makes me look forward to the sequel even more.
I will definitely be reading the next installment.
I like stories with main characters who discover that they have hidden powers and identities, so I was immediately grabbed by the premise of Reflection Pond. Callie flees an unhappy life, falls through a pond which turns out to be a magical portal, and finds herself in the faery city of Eirensae, a place she's told she belongs. Her arrival begins to unravel the peace that has ruled the city for a long time. Callie learns that she's more powerful than anyone in the city, and is sought by those who would abuse her power. Who can she trust?
Without giving too much away, I'll say that the characters themselves make this a very good read. And that's what makes a good story, right? All are very well done and deep, with emotionally gripping backstories. Callie's budding relationship with Rowan is complex and realistic, and I look forward to both characters growing that relationship in the next book. I also look forward to seeing Callie grow and develop as a character in Book Two and learning to use her powers. Not all questions are answered at the end of the book, of course, which makes me look forward to the sequel even more.
I will definitely be reading the next installment.
March 29, 2018
This review was originally posted on Star Crossed Reviews I received this book for free for a Blog Tour in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.Thank you to JB for letting me take part in today’s promotion. When I read the synopsis I knew I had to read this book. I love YA fantasy books and this one did not disappoint.
Callie has spent her life bouncing from foster home to foster home. She was labelled as a ‘problem’ child. One day she falls through a pond and lands in the world beneath. Eriensae. Erinesae is a beautiful city of the Fae. Callie however just wants to go home. She doesn’t understand how she got here or what she’s doing.
When she first arrives Callie is greeted by Ash and Rowan. Both men are real beauties but almost polar opposites. Ash is gorgeous, kind, a teacher. Rowan while equally gorgeous is dark, mysterious and cynical. Each have their good qualities and I honestly loved them both.
This story twists and turns and has you gripping the edge of your seat. I was racing through the last few chapters. I just couldn’t put it down. I can’t wait to read the rest of the series.
Callie has spent her life bouncing from foster home to foster home. She was labelled as a ‘problem’ child. One day she falls through a pond and lands in the world beneath. Eriensae. Erinesae is a beautiful city of the Fae. Callie however just wants to go home. She doesn’t understand how she got here or what she’s doing.
When she first arrives Callie is greeted by Ash and Rowan. Both men are real beauties but almost polar opposites. Ash is gorgeous, kind, a teacher. Rowan while equally gorgeous is dark, mysterious and cynical. Each have their good qualities and I honestly loved them both.
This story twists and turns and has you gripping the edge of your seat. I was racing through the last few chapters. I just couldn’t put it down. I can’t wait to read the rest of the series.
May 29, 2015
I received this book from the Goodreads Giveaway/First Reads program for free for an honest review.
I LOVED this book! It's rare for me to actually love a fantasy of any kind, but this was a great read. This was very well written with a world beneath the pond that was intoxicating and fascinating, and a dream come true for anyone who knows what it's like to long for a family you've never known.
Maybe that's why just about everything in the pages of Reflection Pond sang to me, including (and perhaps especially) Calla Lily and Rowan. I love those two. I love that they are both strong despite their wounds from the past. I easily identify with Callie because of her history, and I identify with Rowan because he wants to belong so badly but just doesn't.
I am very interested in this world and finding out where Rowan ends up and what becomes of the two of them. Can't wait to read the rest of this series!
I LOVED this book! It's rare for me to actually love a fantasy of any kind, but this was a great read. This was very well written with a world beneath the pond that was intoxicating and fascinating, and a dream come true for anyone who knows what it's like to long for a family you've never known.
Maybe that's why just about everything in the pages of Reflection Pond sang to me, including (and perhaps especially) Calla Lily and Rowan. I love those two. I love that they are both strong despite their wounds from the past. I easily identify with Callie because of her history, and I identify with Rowan because he wants to belong so badly but just doesn't.
I am very interested in this world and finding out where Rowan ends up and what becomes of the two of them. Can't wait to read the rest of this series!
September 26, 2014
This book is amazing. Definitely a must read
May 19, 2014
Thank you to author Kacey Vandarkarr and Irresistible Reads Book Tours for allowing me to read this in exchange for an honest review!
Find this review and more on my blog The Rest Is Still Unwritten!
Reflection Pond by Kacey Vanderkarr is a lush and deeply magical tale where slight hints at violence and politics weave together with magic and glamour to create an alluring, riveting and at times romantic read that found me easily losing myself within its story!
Following seventeen year old Callie, I must admit I found myself very taken by Reflection Pond. The cover is stunning and the excitement within the story starts from the opening chapter when our heroine quite literally falls through into another world. Personally I’m a big lover of faerie stories but heading into Reflection Pond, though I adored the cover, I wasn’t sure what to expect from the book. Diving straight into the story when Callie falls through a seemingly normal pond and into the stunning faerie city of Eirensae, I found Reflection Pond to be a beautiful and beguiling read!
The world Kacey Vanderkarr details in Reflection Pond was colorful and vivid and I was pleased by the character dynamic Vanderkarr incorporates between Callie that those she meets within Eirensae. Admittedly the chemistry and dynamic Callie shared with Rowen was the highlight of the book for me, but I was also entranced by the other aspects of the story and the characters Callie meets as she begins to find her place within Eirensae, and in life.
Told both in Callie and Rowen’s POV’s, I really appreciated being able to see things unfold through both their eyes. I loved having the chance to experience both their thoughts and feelings. Callie was a very interesting heroine to follow; it becomes quite obviously from early on in the story that she is a haunted individual and has had something very traumatic done to her in the past. I liked that Vanderkarr gave her some substance instead of having a heroine who has never experienced a difficult day in their life. Though we don’t yet know exactly what happened to Callie, I can certainly make a good guess, and it’s clear it still has a deep effect on her.
I really liked Callie; she was feisty and genuinely had a good heart and I found her lovely to follow. Callie comes a long way in the small space of one book as she comes to accept Eirensae as somewhere she belongs. With the powerful abilities she has and the importance she has in the future of Eirensae, I can’t wait to see how Vanderkarr develops her further.
Callie finds a wonderful match in Rowen, the male lead of Reflection Pond and Callie’s constant pain in the butt. Rowen is sharp, sarcastic and extremely guarded. He’s arrogant, brooding and has a shield up around himself to keep people from getting close. He fights people off with snarky comments and biting attitude. Though he’s a fierce fighter and brave warrior, his attitude has him coming across was a bit of an ass to all those around him. Just the way he likes, and needs. it. However Kacey Vanderkarr leaves us readers with no doubt in our minds that Rowen is honorable, courageous and an amazing person.
Scorned by those around him and treated as an outsider even though he does everything in his power to fit in, I found it no wonder that Rowen acted as he did. His actions relayed a troublesome young man who didn’t care about anything at all and preferred to be a loner when in reality being inside his mind showcased how deeply he wanted to be a part of Eirensae, and how much he yearned for people to accept him for what he was.
All the minor characters in this book were wonderful, but as I previously mentioned Callie and Rowen stole the show for me, as they were no doubt meant to. Interesting individually, together they took it to a whole other level. These two had great chemistry and energy together and I loved the dynamic Vanderkarr explores between them. They give the story that extra spark that makes every interaction between them thrilling and addicting!
Reflection Pond was wonderfully written with Kacey Vanderkarr detailing a very riveting world with sensational characters. Racing towards an exciting ending that opens up a brand new chapter to the story; I’m beyond excitedly looking forward to the next book to continue Callie and Rowen’s journey!
Find this review and more on my blog The Rest Is Still Unwritten!
Reflection Pond by Kacey Vanderkarr is a lush and deeply magical tale where slight hints at violence and politics weave together with magic and glamour to create an alluring, riveting and at times romantic read that found me easily losing myself within its story!
Following seventeen year old Callie, I must admit I found myself very taken by Reflection Pond. The cover is stunning and the excitement within the story starts from the opening chapter when our heroine quite literally falls through into another world. Personally I’m a big lover of faerie stories but heading into Reflection Pond, though I adored the cover, I wasn’t sure what to expect from the book. Diving straight into the story when Callie falls through a seemingly normal pond and into the stunning faerie city of Eirensae, I found Reflection Pond to be a beautiful and beguiling read!
The world Kacey Vanderkarr details in Reflection Pond was colorful and vivid and I was pleased by the character dynamic Vanderkarr incorporates between Callie that those she meets within Eirensae. Admittedly the chemistry and dynamic Callie shared with Rowen was the highlight of the book for me, but I was also entranced by the other aspects of the story and the characters Callie meets as she begins to find her place within Eirensae, and in life.
Told both in Callie and Rowen’s POV’s, I really appreciated being able to see things unfold through both their eyes. I loved having the chance to experience both their thoughts and feelings. Callie was a very interesting heroine to follow; it becomes quite obviously from early on in the story that she is a haunted individual and has had something very traumatic done to her in the past. I liked that Vanderkarr gave her some substance instead of having a heroine who has never experienced a difficult day in their life. Though we don’t yet know exactly what happened to Callie, I can certainly make a good guess, and it’s clear it still has a deep effect on her.
I really liked Callie; she was feisty and genuinely had a good heart and I found her lovely to follow. Callie comes a long way in the small space of one book as she comes to accept Eirensae as somewhere she belongs. With the powerful abilities she has and the importance she has in the future of Eirensae, I can’t wait to see how Vanderkarr develops her further.
Callie finds a wonderful match in Rowen, the male lead of Reflection Pond and Callie’s constant pain in the butt. Rowen is sharp, sarcastic and extremely guarded. He’s arrogant, brooding and has a shield up around himself to keep people from getting close. He fights people off with snarky comments and biting attitude. Though he’s a fierce fighter and brave warrior, his attitude has him coming across was a bit of an ass to all those around him. Just the way he likes, and needs. it. However Kacey Vanderkarr leaves us readers with no doubt in our minds that Rowen is honorable, courageous and an amazing person.
Scorned by those around him and treated as an outsider even though he does everything in his power to fit in, I found it no wonder that Rowen acted as he did. His actions relayed a troublesome young man who didn’t care about anything at all and preferred to be a loner when in reality being inside his mind showcased how deeply he wanted to be a part of Eirensae, and how much he yearned for people to accept him for what he was.
All the minor characters in this book were wonderful, but as I previously mentioned Callie and Rowen stole the show for me, as they were no doubt meant to. Interesting individually, together they took it to a whole other level. These two had great chemistry and energy together and I loved the dynamic Vanderkarr explores between them. They give the story that extra spark that makes every interaction between them thrilling and addicting!
Reflection Pond was wonderfully written with Kacey Vanderkarr detailing a very riveting world with sensational characters. Racing towards an exciting ending that opens up a brand new chapter to the story; I’m beyond excitedly looking forward to the next book to continue Callie and Rowen’s journey!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 7, 2015
www.pandorasopenedbox.blogspot.com
Reflection pond is a great start to a promising, adventurous series. A beautiful beginning of letting love in to a dark past.
Callie is a foster child, no real home, nobody to call family. She has embedded scars keeping herself sheltered from anyone getting to close. Running away, she falls into a pond...straight through! Stumbling upon two Fae's, Ash and Rowan. Callie can't believe what she is seeing! Lost, disoriented, angry, and wants out of Eirensae, the leader of the realm Hazel, states the importance of Callie's powers and danger if she ever leaves Eirensae. Fallen are immortal Faes who have killed to become immortal, killing children like Callie.
Having no choice, Callie learns the way of the Fae with the help of Ash and Rowan. Someone in Eirensae is a traitor and unleashes the doom to the realm. Callie needs to get away in time before her powers are used for mass destruction.
A good portion of this book was based in Rowan's view and his story, which I loved. I think he became more of a crucial character than Callie. If the hints of book one are a peek to book two, then yes Rowan is going to be an essential 'pawn'!
Callie is a fragile main character. She has powers that can explode brains, cripple with a single touch. (isn't that contradicting) I like that the author made her this way instead of knowing it all. Callie just fell into the world of Fae, literally, and she's playing the part. She doesn't know it all, not invincible, but has the feeling of unknown powers brewing under her. She is not an 'airhead' either! I can't wait to see when she embraces the powers and how her character will be.
The book has some dark elements but not to dark...just right for me. It is an introduction of characters, history, to what's to come.
What I Loved about this book
->Unique! Loved how the Author entwined her story together.
->We don't spend a chapter in the human realm. The book is quickly transferred to the Fae world! I love it! Fae, creatures of all different kind, drink faerie wine, glamour, evil Fae's, four powerful realms, all mixed into this one book!
->Rowan! Mysterious smart ass with MANY deep and dark secrets under those shielded eyes!
->Romance - A small triangle which is sealed shut in the book, so no need to worry! The building of Callie and Rowan is beautiful. I love that both of them have past scars that keep them away from loving. It is a beautiful beginning to the two of them trusting and believing in each other.
The Author did a great job staying true to her story of creating the Fae world, at the same time entwining a back story and a romance that did not take away from the actually point of book.
Can't wait to read book two, which is available, the cover is breathtaking! The story is not even complete and it was all stopped at a perfect timing.
Cliffhanger Warning!
Highly recommended read!
Reflection pond is a great start to a promising, adventurous series. A beautiful beginning of letting love in to a dark past.
"It's better than Wonderland," Ash whispered, "so much better. Welcome to Eirensae."
Callie is a foster child, no real home, nobody to call family. She has embedded scars keeping herself sheltered from anyone getting to close. Running away, she falls into a pond...straight through! Stumbling upon two Fae's, Ash and Rowan. Callie can't believe what she is seeing! Lost, disoriented, angry, and wants out of Eirensae, the leader of the realm Hazel, states the importance of Callie's powers and danger if she ever leaves Eirensae. Fallen are immortal Faes who have killed to become immortal, killing children like Callie.
Having no choice, Callie learns the way of the Fae with the help of Ash and Rowan. Someone in Eirensae is a traitor and unleashes the doom to the realm. Callie needs to get away in time before her powers are used for mass destruction.
A good portion of this book was based in Rowan's view and his story, which I loved. I think he became more of a crucial character than Callie. If the hints of book one are a peek to book two, then yes Rowan is going to be an essential 'pawn'!
"He find a way to protect her. He'd give up everything, his claim to another city, being fae, everything, to keep his promise."
Callie is a fragile main character. She has powers that can explode brains, cripple with a single touch. (isn't that contradicting) I like that the author made her this way instead of knowing it all. Callie just fell into the world of Fae, literally, and she's playing the part. She doesn't know it all, not invincible, but has the feeling of unknown powers brewing under her. She is not an 'airhead' either! I can't wait to see when she embraces the powers and how her character will be.
The book has some dark elements but not to dark...just right for me. It is an introduction of characters, history, to what's to come.
What I Loved about this book
->Unique! Loved how the Author entwined her story together.
->We don't spend a chapter in the human realm. The book is quickly transferred to the Fae world! I love it! Fae, creatures of all different kind, drink faerie wine, glamour, evil Fae's, four powerful realms, all mixed into this one book!
->Rowan! Mysterious smart ass with MANY deep and dark secrets under those shielded eyes!
"He wanted to kill the darkness in Callie with light."
->Romance - A small triangle which is sealed shut in the book, so no need to worry! The building of Callie and Rowan is beautiful. I love that both of them have past scars that keep them away from loving. It is a beautiful beginning to the two of them trusting and believing in each other.
"He was scarred, dark...beautiful"
The Author did a great job staying true to her story of creating the Fae world, at the same time entwining a back story and a romance that did not take away from the actually point of book.
Can't wait to read book two, which is available, the cover is breathtaking! The story is not even complete and it was all stopped at a perfect timing.
Cliffhanger Warning!
Highly recommended read!
February 14, 2015
I give this 4.5 stars!
I really enjoyed reading the Reflection Pond by Kacey Vanderkarr. I honestly wasn’t expecting to love it as much as I did. From the beginning the story is action packed and filled with complex, lovable characters. The novel is told from the points of view of Callie and Rowan. Callie has a troubling past that keeps her from getting too close to people. And Rowan has a dark soul and rarely shows others the goodness that’s in him. The two cross paths right from the start and instantly are not fond of each other. As their tales unravel, Callie sees more to Rowan than the sarcasm and rudeness, and Rowan sees a beauty in Callie that he can’t seem to push away.
Most of the story takes place in Eirensae, one of the Faery cities that welcomes their children home and has them search for their amulets so that they can bind themselves to their city. Most of the children were sent into the human world as infants in order to protect them from the Fallen and the Immortals, dark creatures that search for fae children in order to make themselves Immortal and to help others become Immortal as well. Each of the fae children come back to their home city when it’s time for them to find their amulets. Once they are bound to the city they are no longer a target for these darker fae. In Eirensae, a place thought to be safe, Callie is hunted by the Fallen. Rowan deems himself as her protector and does everything he can to keep Callie safe. In the mean time Callie learns about her powers and practices with her new friend Ash despite the dangers around her. Callie is determined to control her magic and keep her new family and home safe. But is it enough?
My favorite character of this novel is Rowan. I love reading from his point of view because he is honestly snarky at times, and it’s just great! There is a bit of a love triangle in this book, but the author does a fabulous job with it. There is so much to Rowan’s character and it was neat to see the side of Rowan that he normally doesn’t let anyone see. I have to be honest that Callie kind of drove me crazy at the beginning of the story. She comes off as a little whinny, but then again she did just magically fall through a portal into the fae realm. Once Callie moves on from her disbelief that something like this could happen to her, her character blossoms into a strong, and determined soul that finally, in all her years of loneliness from being an orphan and in the foster system, has found a family and people to love and hold dear. Callie becomes a great female lead, filled with hope and light and it’s a wonderful balance with Rowan’s dark, noble character. The story is a must read!
What I didn’t like about the book:
Overall I thought this book was fantastic, the only thing I didn’t like about it was how quickly the author went from the human world to the fae world. I would have loved, even if it was just one chapter, a peak into Callie’s life in the human world. I also thought the way Callie enters the fae realm was a little strange. To me it didn’t make sense how she fell into the pond because the circumstance that made her fall into the pond were not realistic. But other than that, it’s a fast paced and truly gripping story that you can’t put down.
What I liked about the book:
I loved the plot, I loved the characters, and I loved how original the story was. I can’t wait to read the sequel, the Poison Tree.
Be sure to check out our Friend or Foe post on Rowan and our original inspired song entitled Through the Reflection Pond at http://thepageunbound.com
I really enjoyed reading the Reflection Pond by Kacey Vanderkarr. I honestly wasn’t expecting to love it as much as I did. From the beginning the story is action packed and filled with complex, lovable characters. The novel is told from the points of view of Callie and Rowan. Callie has a troubling past that keeps her from getting too close to people. And Rowan has a dark soul and rarely shows others the goodness that’s in him. The two cross paths right from the start and instantly are not fond of each other. As their tales unravel, Callie sees more to Rowan than the sarcasm and rudeness, and Rowan sees a beauty in Callie that he can’t seem to push away.
Most of the story takes place in Eirensae, one of the Faery cities that welcomes their children home and has them search for their amulets so that they can bind themselves to their city. Most of the children were sent into the human world as infants in order to protect them from the Fallen and the Immortals, dark creatures that search for fae children in order to make themselves Immortal and to help others become Immortal as well. Each of the fae children come back to their home city when it’s time for them to find their amulets. Once they are bound to the city they are no longer a target for these darker fae. In Eirensae, a place thought to be safe, Callie is hunted by the Fallen. Rowan deems himself as her protector and does everything he can to keep Callie safe. In the mean time Callie learns about her powers and practices with her new friend Ash despite the dangers around her. Callie is determined to control her magic and keep her new family and home safe. But is it enough?
My favorite character of this novel is Rowan. I love reading from his point of view because he is honestly snarky at times, and it’s just great! There is a bit of a love triangle in this book, but the author does a fabulous job with it. There is so much to Rowan’s character and it was neat to see the side of Rowan that he normally doesn’t let anyone see. I have to be honest that Callie kind of drove me crazy at the beginning of the story. She comes off as a little whinny, but then again she did just magically fall through a portal into the fae realm. Once Callie moves on from her disbelief that something like this could happen to her, her character blossoms into a strong, and determined soul that finally, in all her years of loneliness from being an orphan and in the foster system, has found a family and people to love and hold dear. Callie becomes a great female lead, filled with hope and light and it’s a wonderful balance with Rowan’s dark, noble character. The story is a must read!
What I didn’t like about the book:
Overall I thought this book was fantastic, the only thing I didn’t like about it was how quickly the author went from the human world to the fae world. I would have loved, even if it was just one chapter, a peak into Callie’s life in the human world. I also thought the way Callie enters the fae realm was a little strange. To me it didn’t make sense how she fell into the pond because the circumstance that made her fall into the pond were not realistic. But other than that, it’s a fast paced and truly gripping story that you can’t put down.
What I liked about the book:
I loved the plot, I loved the characters, and I loved how original the story was. I can’t wait to read the sequel, the Poison Tree.
Be sure to check out our Friend or Foe post on Rowan and our original inspired song entitled Through the Reflection Pond at http://thepageunbound.com
April 27, 2014
My copy was provided by Goodreads.
Callie never felt as if she belonged. She moved from foster family to foster family, never really fitting in or never really knowing who she is. But when she falls into a pond that is actually a portal to a whole new world, Callie learns who she really is.
Callie is transported to the faerie city called Eirensae. Callie learns she's actually a faerie and she even has a sister. But the price to her new home is grave as she must find an amulet every faerie must search for and avoid the Fallen who want to kill Callie because of her powers. On her side, Callie has her sister, Ash, and her protector, Rowan who is a major pain. Callie must find her amulet before the Fallen find her and before civil war breaks out in the city of Eirensae.
This book was definitely original. The falling-into-a-pond-that-is-actually-a-portal was definitely new and so was the different take on faeries. In most books, faeries look like humans except for having wings and pointed ears, but in this book, there are different clans of faeries and each faerie looks drastically different like some of them are blue. The new insight to fae folklore was different and I enjoyed it a lot. There was so much I wanted to learn and while the book didn't reveal all the history of the faeries, it did leave me with questions I hope the next book will answer.
I could not put this book down. Reflection Pond didn't have the high school drama most YA books have. There wasn't a mean girl or jocks that create a major problem for Callie. The book wasn't a cliché that so many books are nowadays. The fantasy in the book really made it come alive and awakened the mind. I had to stretch my imagination to understand what was going on. While some parts were a bit confusing, the explanations made the book easier to understand.
The complex love triangle wasn't stupid and cliché. Callie didn't agonize over who she loved during the whole book. The main focus was Callie learning how to use her powers and how she could become stronger. The romance was only a small part in the book, but it was definitely strong. I loved the chemistry between Callie and Rowan. It really came alive and I could just feel the sexual tension between the two. Their witty banter was cute and made the relationship seem more real. And Rowan wasn't this perfect bad boy. He had his own fears and problems, his own complex past. He certainly wasn't perfect, but neither was Callie.
There were some slow parts in the book and there was this one problem I didn't get. There were no mention of the parents of any of the fae and I would think that since Callie never knew her real parents, she would want to look for them and learn more about them. Yet Callie never questioned where they were and never wanted to know more about them.
This book was so unique and I can't wait to read the next book and learn the answers to my questions.
Callie never felt as if she belonged. She moved from foster family to foster family, never really fitting in or never really knowing who she is. But when she falls into a pond that is actually a portal to a whole new world, Callie learns who she really is.
Callie is transported to the faerie city called Eirensae. Callie learns she's actually a faerie and she even has a sister. But the price to her new home is grave as she must find an amulet every faerie must search for and avoid the Fallen who want to kill Callie because of her powers. On her side, Callie has her sister, Ash, and her protector, Rowan who is a major pain. Callie must find her amulet before the Fallen find her and before civil war breaks out in the city of Eirensae.
This book was definitely original. The falling-into-a-pond-that-is-actually-a-portal was definitely new and so was the different take on faeries. In most books, faeries look like humans except for having wings and pointed ears, but in this book, there are different clans of faeries and each faerie looks drastically different like some of them are blue. The new insight to fae folklore was different and I enjoyed it a lot. There was so much I wanted to learn and while the book didn't reveal all the history of the faeries, it did leave me with questions I hope the next book will answer.
I could not put this book down. Reflection Pond didn't have the high school drama most YA books have. There wasn't a mean girl or jocks that create a major problem for Callie. The book wasn't a cliché that so many books are nowadays. The fantasy in the book really made it come alive and awakened the mind. I had to stretch my imagination to understand what was going on. While some parts were a bit confusing, the explanations made the book easier to understand.
The complex love triangle wasn't stupid and cliché. Callie didn't agonize over who she loved during the whole book. The main focus was Callie learning how to use her powers and how she could become stronger. The romance was only a small part in the book, but it was definitely strong. I loved the chemistry between Callie and Rowan. It really came alive and I could just feel the sexual tension between the two. Their witty banter was cute and made the relationship seem more real. And Rowan wasn't this perfect bad boy. He had his own fears and problems, his own complex past. He certainly wasn't perfect, but neither was Callie.
There were some slow parts in the book and there was this one problem I didn't get. There were no mention of the parents of any of the fae and I would think that since Callie never knew her real parents, she would want to look for them and learn more about them. Yet Callie never questioned where they were and never wanted to know more about them.
This book was so unique and I can't wait to read the next book and learn the answers to my questions.
August 4, 2016
Today I am reviewing a fairly new book, Reflection Pond, by indie author Kacey Vanderkarr. It is an urban fantasy, centering around the concept of the fae world, juxtaposed against the mortal world.
The Blurb:
Sometimes you find home, sometimes it comes looking for you.
Callie knows a lot more about pain than she does about family. She’s never belonged, at least, not until she falls through a portal into her true home. The beautiful faerie city of Eirensae doesn't come free. Callie must find her amulet and bind herself to the city, and most importantly, avoid the Fallen fae who seek her life. Seems like a small price to pay for the family she’s always wanted.
Then she meets cynical and gorgeous Rowan, who reads the darkness of her past in her eyes. He becomes Callie’s part-time protector and full-time pain in the ass. He has secrets of his own for Callie to unravel. What they don’t know is that the future of Eirensae lies with them, and the once peaceful city is about to become a battleground for power.
My Review:
This was a book I might never have come across if it hadn't been for a little serendipity. I happened to meet Kacey Vanderkarr via her book review website. I was hoping to get a review of Huw the Bard, and while she declined to review my book,(it is definitely not YA which is all she reviews) the premise of her book intrigued me, so I bought it.
The blurb makes it sound like a full on romance, but it is not—it’s an adventure with a romance, and there are adult themes mentioned, but it’s not graphic.
Callie is portrayed realistically, and her reactions to the situations she finds herself in are quite true to the way a person with her history might react. Rowan is also quite realistically portrayed, and he too has a painful history.
The politics of Eirensae and lust for power displayed by several of the fae who guard her is well plotted. The fae don't raise their own children, instead they are raised as orphans in foster homes by mortal who are unaware of their true origin. When they come of age, they are brought back, and then they must find their amulet, or be cast out again. That is a really original take on the old changeling myth, one that made sense to me.
This is a good story. There is something about this little adventure that kept me turning pages, ignoring work I was supposed to be doing.
Vanderkarr writes with power. Her narrative sucks you in, and doesn't let you go. My one and only complaint is that while it did have an ending of sorts, it's a set up for the next book, and who know how long before she can get the next installment written. Still, it was a full day’s entertainment, and what more can a person ask for out of a book than that?
I highly recommend it as a New Adult Fantasy, and give it 5 stars.
The Blurb:
Sometimes you find home, sometimes it comes looking for you.
Callie knows a lot more about pain than she does about family. She’s never belonged, at least, not until she falls through a portal into her true home. The beautiful faerie city of Eirensae doesn't come free. Callie must find her amulet and bind herself to the city, and most importantly, avoid the Fallen fae who seek her life. Seems like a small price to pay for the family she’s always wanted.
Then she meets cynical and gorgeous Rowan, who reads the darkness of her past in her eyes. He becomes Callie’s part-time protector and full-time pain in the ass. He has secrets of his own for Callie to unravel. What they don’t know is that the future of Eirensae lies with them, and the once peaceful city is about to become a battleground for power.
My Review:
This was a book I might never have come across if it hadn't been for a little serendipity. I happened to meet Kacey Vanderkarr via her book review website. I was hoping to get a review of Huw the Bard, and while she declined to review my book,(it is definitely not YA which is all she reviews) the premise of her book intrigued me, so I bought it.
The blurb makes it sound like a full on romance, but it is not—it’s an adventure with a romance, and there are adult themes mentioned, but it’s not graphic.
Callie is portrayed realistically, and her reactions to the situations she finds herself in are quite true to the way a person with her history might react. Rowan is also quite realistically portrayed, and he too has a painful history.
The politics of Eirensae and lust for power displayed by several of the fae who guard her is well plotted. The fae don't raise their own children, instead they are raised as orphans in foster homes by mortal who are unaware of their true origin. When they come of age, they are brought back, and then they must find their amulet, or be cast out again. That is a really original take on the old changeling myth, one that made sense to me.
This is a good story. There is something about this little adventure that kept me turning pages, ignoring work I was supposed to be doing.
Vanderkarr writes with power. Her narrative sucks you in, and doesn't let you go. My one and only complaint is that while it did have an ending of sorts, it's a set up for the next book, and who know how long before she can get the next installment written. Still, it was a full day’s entertainment, and what more can a person ask for out of a book than that?
I highly recommend it as a New Adult Fantasy, and give it 5 stars.
February 5, 2015
What I liked: I loved to see how Callie grew over the book. She had a lot to learn not only about herself, but about Eirensae and its inhabitants. Many of the people are very wary of her and I love how reluctant Callie was about all of it and how she wanted to return to the life she was leaving behind if she stayed, even if the life she had before wasn’t all that hot. It was what she knew, what she was familiar with. I really enjoyed reading that, because I could relate to it! Each of the Fae we meet have backstories that give them their own depth and you can learn about the kind of culture the Fae have adapted to just so they can survive. We learn also about the history of the Fae, and I liked how we got a story for the different things that have happened to change and the different things mentioned that I wanted answers for. The romance was a lot more low key than I was expecting, and most of the story was centered around the action and adventure of Callie learning and trying to adapt while at the same time trying to become part of the Fae herself and stay. The changeling myth that is well associated with Fae also plays a big role about Callie before she arrived in Eirensae, and I thought it was an amazing way to use that myth and work it into the story! Back to Callie, she does make choices I question, but I actually get her choices regarding certain things about Rowan. I know he’s supposed to be her protector and all, but I get her choices.
What I didn’t liked: How she just happened to fall into the pond and into the land of the Fae. We didn’t even get a sense about the people she knew other than what she said because mere pages after the book begins she enters the land of the Fae. I wanted to know more about the life she lived beforehand, how she interacted with them, just a single normal day in the life of Callie before she (literally) fell into and through the pond.
Overall Review: Vanderkarr certainly weaved an increasingly interesting tale and cast of characters for her book and her style of writing was easy to get sucked into and stay glued to the page. Callie and Rowan were two characters who I really enjoyed being inside the heads of to see how they saw the same situation and how different their thoughts about it could be. It’s a plot full of guessing and learning about the characters who surround the two we follow as well as the characters we follow, plus so very interesting mysteries about Callie and learning about what she can really do that is going to lead a city to (basically) fight for her powers. It kept me entertained and flipping pages to find out more about these characters and what was going to happen to them next!
Recommend?: Yes definitely! If you want to read a really good book about Fae I think you might like this!
What I didn’t liked: How she just happened to fall into the pond and into the land of the Fae. We didn’t even get a sense about the people she knew other than what she said because mere pages after the book begins she enters the land of the Fae. I wanted to know more about the life she lived beforehand, how she interacted with them, just a single normal day in the life of Callie before she (literally) fell into and through the pond.
Overall Review: Vanderkarr certainly weaved an increasingly interesting tale and cast of characters for her book and her style of writing was easy to get sucked into and stay glued to the page. Callie and Rowan were two characters who I really enjoyed being inside the heads of to see how they saw the same situation and how different their thoughts about it could be. It’s a plot full of guessing and learning about the characters who surround the two we follow as well as the characters we follow, plus so very interesting mysteries about Callie and learning about what she can really do that is going to lead a city to (basically) fight for her powers. It kept me entertained and flipping pages to find out more about these characters and what was going to happen to them next!
Recommend?: Yes definitely! If you want to read a really good book about Fae I think you might like this!
May 10, 2014
I've been meaning to read more fae books for a long time now, so when I saw Reflection Pond on Story Cartel, I immediately knew I wanted to check it out. I wasn't disappointed either. I thought it was a great book with a very interesting story, and I'm really looking forward to the rest of the series.
Since I haven't read other books that revolve around fae (only ones that include them as side characters), I can't make a comparison between Reflection Pond's mythology and that of other fae books, but I can say that I thought the world was very intriguing and also fun. It seemed like just the right mixture of lightheartedness where you wanted to be able to visit Eirensae and then suspicion where you're not really sure what's going on here. You realize fairly early on that there's something up in the city, and I thought that was done really well. It held my attention, and I always felt like I was getting just the right amount of information, never too much or too little.
My biggest complaint against the book is really more of a personal thing than anything else. There is a love triangle, and I'm becoming more and more burn out with love triangles. That being said, I didn't find anything horribly wrong with the love triangle in Reflection Pond. I've read so much worse, and if I didn't already have a somewhat negative opinion on love triangles, I doubt I would have been bothered at all. I did love Rowan and Callie's relationship, and I'm really looking forward to seeing it develop in the future. I just wasn't as thrilled with everything that happened between Callie and Ash, especially since Ash and Rowan were best friends.
I do hope that their families will be explored more in the future. With the fae being raised in foster families, I feel like there's so much potential stories there. That's a large group of people, none of whom grew up in their own family, and I think that's interesting. I also know that your parentage is supposed to stay a secret, but I'm really hoping that's something explored later as well. It could make for some very interesting secrets.
Overall, I really enjoyed Reflection Pond. I think it was a great introduction to fae books for me, and it's made me want to read even more in the future. It's a fun and engaging story that will definitely hold your attention. I would recommend it.
I received this book for free from Story Cartel in exchange for an honest review.
http://hmweasley-blog.blogspot.com/20...
Since I haven't read other books that revolve around fae (only ones that include them as side characters), I can't make a comparison between Reflection Pond's mythology and that of other fae books, but I can say that I thought the world was very intriguing and also fun. It seemed like just the right mixture of lightheartedness where you wanted to be able to visit Eirensae and then suspicion where you're not really sure what's going on here. You realize fairly early on that there's something up in the city, and I thought that was done really well. It held my attention, and I always felt like I was getting just the right amount of information, never too much or too little.
My biggest complaint against the book is really more of a personal thing than anything else. There is a love triangle, and I'm becoming more and more burn out with love triangles. That being said, I didn't find anything horribly wrong with the love triangle in Reflection Pond. I've read so much worse, and if I didn't already have a somewhat negative opinion on love triangles, I doubt I would have been bothered at all. I did love Rowan and Callie's relationship, and I'm really looking forward to seeing it develop in the future. I just wasn't as thrilled with everything that happened between Callie and Ash, especially since Ash and Rowan were best friends.
I do hope that their families will be explored more in the future. With the fae being raised in foster families, I feel like there's so much potential stories there. That's a large group of people, none of whom grew up in their own family, and I think that's interesting. I also know that your parentage is supposed to stay a secret, but I'm really hoping that's something explored later as well. It could make for some very interesting secrets.
Overall, I really enjoyed Reflection Pond. I think it was a great introduction to fae books for me, and it's made me want to read even more in the future. It's a fun and engaging story that will definitely hold your attention. I would recommend it.
I received this book for free from Story Cartel in exchange for an honest review.
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March 13, 2017
CHECK OUT THE BOOK TOUR WITH EXPERTS, MY REVIEW AND THE AUTHOR INTERVIEW ON MY WEBSITE! IT'S FREE ON AMAZON KINDLE TILL THE 6TH OF FEBRUARY!!!
BOOK TOUR LINK-http://karinysteenbooxfrenz.blogspot....
I AM IN LOVE WITH THIS BOOK!!!!!!Callie has never belonged anywhere and has been juggled through foster home after foster home. One day, while she runs away she falls into a pond and finds herself underground with the pond shimmering above her. Ash and Rowan find her there and bring her to their leader Hazel. Callie finds out she has a sister and finds a home-something she never had back on Earth. Eirensae is the world of the fae and there, to belong to that world you have to find your amulet that the Elders have hidden. You have a time frame of two years and if you don't find your amulet, you are cast out and stripped of your powers. Everyone has a power for example Rowan is a healer and Callie's sister, Saphire, is the prophetess, Callie however is different, she has four powers and she is an immense asset to Hazel. But on the fits night of her arrival, a murder occurs and Callie is thrown into the mess. With her growing powers, Hazel's hunger augments and Callie's life is in danger because she is the one who will lead Eirensae to its victory or its ultimate destruction...
Rowan also never had the feeling of belonging and his immensely dark secrets that readers will keep trying to unravel throughout this novel. He only has two months left before his is cast out of Eirensae for not finding his amulet, then again he never felt like he belonged there,..Ash was a sweet character but i did prefer Rowan and he makes a perfect match for Callie.
The story was intricately and beautifully woven. The plot and setting were beautiful and magical. The language was melodious and there wasn't a thing i found wrong in this book!! IT WAS JUTS PERFECT!!! I loved finding out about Callie's growing powers and her dark past that she has yet to reveal to Rowan. I'm sure the next book will be more adventurous and i cannot wait to get my hands on it!! I think EVERYONE SHOULD READ THIS BOOK RIGHT NOW!!! IF YOU HAVEN'T SEEN THE BANNER AABOVE IT'S FREE ON AMAZON KINDLE UNTIL THE 6TH FEBRUARY..GET IT NOW!!!
keep reading for experts and the author interview!!
BOOK TOUR LINK-http://karinysteenbooxfrenz.blogspot....
I AM IN LOVE WITH THIS BOOK!!!!!!Callie has never belonged anywhere and has been juggled through foster home after foster home. One day, while she runs away she falls into a pond and finds herself underground with the pond shimmering above her. Ash and Rowan find her there and bring her to their leader Hazel. Callie finds out she has a sister and finds a home-something she never had back on Earth. Eirensae is the world of the fae and there, to belong to that world you have to find your amulet that the Elders have hidden. You have a time frame of two years and if you don't find your amulet, you are cast out and stripped of your powers. Everyone has a power for example Rowan is a healer and Callie's sister, Saphire, is the prophetess, Callie however is different, she has four powers and she is an immense asset to Hazel. But on the fits night of her arrival, a murder occurs and Callie is thrown into the mess. With her growing powers, Hazel's hunger augments and Callie's life is in danger because she is the one who will lead Eirensae to its victory or its ultimate destruction...
Rowan also never had the feeling of belonging and his immensely dark secrets that readers will keep trying to unravel throughout this novel. He only has two months left before his is cast out of Eirensae for not finding his amulet, then again he never felt like he belonged there,..Ash was a sweet character but i did prefer Rowan and he makes a perfect match for Callie.
The story was intricately and beautifully woven. The plot and setting were beautiful and magical. The language was melodious and there wasn't a thing i found wrong in this book!! IT WAS JUTS PERFECT!!! I loved finding out about Callie's growing powers and her dark past that she has yet to reveal to Rowan. I'm sure the next book will be more adventurous and i cannot wait to get my hands on it!! I think EVERYONE SHOULD READ THIS BOOK RIGHT NOW!!! IF YOU HAVEN'T SEEN THE BANNER AABOVE IT'S FREE ON AMAZON KINDLE UNTIL THE 6TH FEBRUARY..GET IT NOW!!!
keep reading for experts and the author interview!!
May 8, 2016
I generally don't read too many young adult books but when I do I and read something as great as Reflection Pond I remind myself to read more of this genre! Apart from really firing my imagination, Reflection Pond reeled me in from the very start with the amazing book cover. Who couldn't be tempted to read this book just by looking at the cover alone? I love it!
Reflection Pond immediately has something exciting happening. There's no dragging out the main event here that you get with some books. Kacey Vanderkarr wastes no time providing excitement for the reader when Callie suddenly, while running away from her boyfriends advances finds herself under a pond and in a strange new world where she is met by Rowan and Ash. The pond is in fact a portal into a world of magic and faeries where Callie discovers that she is more than just plain old Callie, foster kid who just didn't seem to fit in anywhere. And, there are others in this magical new world who want to exploit her for what she is. Callie has a fight on her hands but does have a helping hand or two along the way.
I loved the character of Callie. She is complex and yet appealing. She has a vulnerability about her and also a strength that not even she really truly realises she possesses. Of course, having magical powers all of a sudden does help ones confidence a little and Callie evolves and matures but doesn't completely lose that innocence. She has some tough decisions to make in the book and sometimes its easy to forget she is still only a young person who has suddenly had a lot of responsibility thrown at her. Her world has been turned upside down but then it never really was that normal to begin with. I loved the relationship between Callie and Rowan, who himself is a mysterious character with an equally mysterious past. He is dark and brooding and a little bit exciting!
I loved Kacey Vanderkarr's writing style. The book paces along well and the characters are interesting. Lots of themes are touched upon in the book but done very well and sensitively. I love faeries and magic and mystery and this book appealed to me on so many levels. I got completely lost in it. Looking forward to the next books in the series. This is the first book I have read by Kacey Vanderkarr and it definitely won't be the last!
Reflection Pond immediately has something exciting happening. There's no dragging out the main event here that you get with some books. Kacey Vanderkarr wastes no time providing excitement for the reader when Callie suddenly, while running away from her boyfriends advances finds herself under a pond and in a strange new world where she is met by Rowan and Ash. The pond is in fact a portal into a world of magic and faeries where Callie discovers that she is more than just plain old Callie, foster kid who just didn't seem to fit in anywhere. And, there are others in this magical new world who want to exploit her for what she is. Callie has a fight on her hands but does have a helping hand or two along the way.
I loved the character of Callie. She is complex and yet appealing. She has a vulnerability about her and also a strength that not even she really truly realises she possesses. Of course, having magical powers all of a sudden does help ones confidence a little and Callie evolves and matures but doesn't completely lose that innocence. She has some tough decisions to make in the book and sometimes its easy to forget she is still only a young person who has suddenly had a lot of responsibility thrown at her. Her world has been turned upside down but then it never really was that normal to begin with. I loved the relationship between Callie and Rowan, who himself is a mysterious character with an equally mysterious past. He is dark and brooding and a little bit exciting!
I loved Kacey Vanderkarr's writing style. The book paces along well and the characters are interesting. Lots of themes are touched upon in the book but done very well and sensitively. I love faeries and magic and mystery and this book appealed to me on so many levels. I got completely lost in it. Looking forward to the next books in the series. This is the first book I have read by Kacey Vanderkarr and it definitely won't be the last!
May 12, 2016
Callie didn't have an easy childhood. Growing up in foster homes has been hard on her. While she is running away from a boy she will never love she falls into a pond. Instead of coming back up she falls down through the bottom and ends up in Eirensae.
Callie finds out she is a Fae and that she has returned to her actual home and family. Every Fae has special abilities. When Callie starts to explore what her ability is it turns out she is very strong and has several. This is very rare and she might be the most powerful Fae ever.
Rowan has scars of his own. He has lived a rough life before returning to Eirensae. Even though it never felt like home since he met Callie he truly wants to stay for the first time. Every Fae has to find his or her amulet within two years. When you find your amulet and you claim it as your own you are bound to Eirensae. Rowan has only two months left before he is tripped of his magic and will be banned for the Fae world. He has never been able to find his amulet. Rowan is convinced his amulet is not in Eirensae because of the fact that he is determined to live a life elsewhere.
When the rulers of different worlds want Callie for themselves things start to get out of control. Callie is careful and trains very hard to be ready for whatever fate awaits her. Even though she has some troubles adjusting to her new life she doesn't want to be an easy target.
I loved the story of Callie and Rowan. Both of them have their own scars and issues to work through and slowly they grow towards each other. Rowan promised Callie's sister that he would always be by Callie's side to protect and help her. He feels a great responsibily towards her. Will they end up standing strong on the same side or will fate push them apart?
Reflection Pond is a great read with lots of twists and turns. Kacey Vanderkarr also uses the language of the Fae every now and then this gave a great extra layer to the story. I can't wait to find out how the story continues.
Callie finds out she is a Fae and that she has returned to her actual home and family. Every Fae has special abilities. When Callie starts to explore what her ability is it turns out she is very strong and has several. This is very rare and she might be the most powerful Fae ever.
Rowan has scars of his own. He has lived a rough life before returning to Eirensae. Even though it never felt like home since he met Callie he truly wants to stay for the first time. Every Fae has to find his or her amulet within two years. When you find your amulet and you claim it as your own you are bound to Eirensae. Rowan has only two months left before he is tripped of his magic and will be banned for the Fae world. He has never been able to find his amulet. Rowan is convinced his amulet is not in Eirensae because of the fact that he is determined to live a life elsewhere.
When the rulers of different worlds want Callie for themselves things start to get out of control. Callie is careful and trains very hard to be ready for whatever fate awaits her. Even though she has some troubles adjusting to her new life she doesn't want to be an easy target.
I loved the story of Callie and Rowan. Both of them have their own scars and issues to work through and slowly they grow towards each other. Rowan promised Callie's sister that he would always be by Callie's side to protect and help her. He feels a great responsibily towards her. Will they end up standing strong on the same side or will fate push them apart?
Reflection Pond is a great read with lots of twists and turns. Kacey Vanderkarr also uses the language of the Fae every now and then this gave a great extra layer to the story. I can't wait to find out how the story continues.
April 29, 2014
As much as I love reading, Its rare that a book grabs me as quickly as 'Reflection Pond'
From the beginning, I felt compelled to find out what terrible events had made Callie the way she is, what was the dark, terrible secret that she fights to repress and keep in the dark recesses of her mind, why she craved the freedom she sought by running away from Nate, from her life to escape from who or what? What drove her to run straight into the path of danger? Onto a path that ultimately changed the course of her life.
'Reflection Pond' was instantly different from so many other books around as it explores the magical land of Eirensae inhabited by beautiful and sometimes deadly Faeries. In a literary world over saturated by Vampires, werewolves and other mystical beings this book managed to take us into the little mentioned and -in my opinion- under-explored world of Faeries and delivered a compelling and often heart-wrenching tale of fear, danger, confusion and love all twisted up with the scent of newly fallen rain on the earth, the dew on flowers and sprinkled with just a little fairy dust as I let my imagination transport me to the beautiful land beneath the 'Reflection Pond'. I wished I could walk along the paths that Callie took, seeing the palace, the library, the gorgeous cottages and the Faerie dresses. I instantly found myself caring for Callie and Rowan and willing them to succeed as they fight their demons and the villainous Fae while exploring the burgeoning romantic feelings awakened in them.
Kacey Vanderkarr may be a young author but has proved herself to be extremely accomplished and I hope to read all her past and future work. If the sequel -'Poison Tree'- is half as good as this then we are in for a real treat! I would recommend this book to anyone and give it a thoroughly deserved 5/5!
From the beginning, I felt compelled to find out what terrible events had made Callie the way she is, what was the dark, terrible secret that she fights to repress and keep in the dark recesses of her mind, why she craved the freedom she sought by running away from Nate, from her life to escape from who or what? What drove her to run straight into the path of danger? Onto a path that ultimately changed the course of her life.
'Reflection Pond' was instantly different from so many other books around as it explores the magical land of Eirensae inhabited by beautiful and sometimes deadly Faeries. In a literary world over saturated by Vampires, werewolves and other mystical beings this book managed to take us into the little mentioned and -in my opinion- under-explored world of Faeries and delivered a compelling and often heart-wrenching tale of fear, danger, confusion and love all twisted up with the scent of newly fallen rain on the earth, the dew on flowers and sprinkled with just a little fairy dust as I let my imagination transport me to the beautiful land beneath the 'Reflection Pond'. I wished I could walk along the paths that Callie took, seeing the palace, the library, the gorgeous cottages and the Faerie dresses. I instantly found myself caring for Callie and Rowan and willing them to succeed as they fight their demons and the villainous Fae while exploring the burgeoning romantic feelings awakened in them.
Kacey Vanderkarr may be a young author but has proved herself to be extremely accomplished and I hope to read all her past and future work. If the sequel -'Poison Tree'- is half as good as this then we are in for a real treat! I would recommend this book to anyone and give it a thoroughly deserved 5/5!
February 2, 2015
For some reason, I did not notice that the theme involved the fae. One minute she was running away then the next she fell into the pond. I kind of had to reread that part a bit. So slow (mentally slaps myself). Anyways, moving on.
I instantly got hooked on Reflection Pond despite giving it 4 stars. The plot itself was mind boggling. I know it involves faeries but at the same time the mystery in the plot thickens. One minute you think it will reveal something then the next bam! Another mystery.
How can I spoil this without actually spoiling the story itself? Again... Moving... On...
Callie does not have a good life in the human world and her diving literally into another magical world may just be her limit. There's some complain here and there, yadda yadda. I find that Callie's character lacked depth. Sure, she's powerful and is in denial about that but it's like the other heroines. Although there's room for adjustments there. Then there's the relationship between her, Rowan, and Ash. Although I loved the chemistry between Rowan and Callie, their whole relationship was suddenly there. It felt kind of rush to me, same with Ash. Then both guys are in love with her and I don't know why she let one of them hanging then just shot down. Enough spoiler for that.
Then, the ending just leaves you hanging. I can't wait to read the next installment. I also want to know more about the secrets that weren't revealed yet especially the ones involving both Rowan and Callie.
I received a copy for a blog tour.
I instantly got hooked on Reflection Pond despite giving it 4 stars. The plot itself was mind boggling. I know it involves faeries but at the same time the mystery in the plot thickens. One minute you think it will reveal something then the next bam! Another mystery.
How can I spoil this without actually spoiling the story itself? Again... Moving... On...
Callie does not have a good life in the human world and her diving literally into another magical world may just be her limit. There's some complain here and there, yadda yadda. I find that Callie's character lacked depth. Sure, she's powerful and is in denial about that but it's like the other heroines. Although there's room for adjustments there. Then there's the relationship between her, Rowan, and Ash. Although I loved the chemistry between Rowan and Callie, their whole relationship was suddenly there. It felt kind of rush to me, same with Ash. Then both guys are in love with her and I don't know why she let one of them hanging then just shot down. Enough spoiler for that.
Then, the ending just leaves you hanging. I can't wait to read the next installment. I also want to know more about the secrets that weren't revealed yet especially the ones involving both Rowan and Callie.
I received a copy for a blog tour.
November 24, 2016
I was completely blown away by how good this book was. I have a really hard time losing myself in books because I have a very short attention span, but Reflection Pond captured my interest from the first page all the way to the last. I picked up the book for the first time and read 100 pages of it in one sitting because I could not put it down.
The world Kacey Vanderkarr created is so unique and fascinating. It captures your heart from the first page.
I really appreciated her writing style. There weren't any parts of it that dragged on or seemed unnecessary to the story. From the first page you're in the reflection pond trying to decipher this beautiful world Callie found herself in.
The nights I picked up the book to read myself to sleep, I remember squinting at the pages and being too tired to keep my eyes open but not being able to stop because I wanted to know what would happen next! If I tried to go to bed, I would pick the book back up and keep reading because the world captured me so completely.
I would highly, highly recommend this book to anyone who has any interested in young adult fiction.
I would love to see Reflection Pond because a movie series. I would be first in line to buy my ticket. The whole time I was reading it I kept picturing the movie and hoping one day to see it on the big screen.
I want to thank the author for writing such a unique story and sharing it with the world! I'm excited to continue on the series.
The world Kacey Vanderkarr created is so unique and fascinating. It captures your heart from the first page.
I really appreciated her writing style. There weren't any parts of it that dragged on or seemed unnecessary to the story. From the first page you're in the reflection pond trying to decipher this beautiful world Callie found herself in.
The nights I picked up the book to read myself to sleep, I remember squinting at the pages and being too tired to keep my eyes open but not being able to stop because I wanted to know what would happen next! If I tried to go to bed, I would pick the book back up and keep reading because the world captured me so completely.
I would highly, highly recommend this book to anyone who has any interested in young adult fiction.
I would love to see Reflection Pond because a movie series. I would be first in line to buy my ticket. The whole time I was reading it I kept picturing the movie and hoping one day to see it on the big screen.
I want to thank the author for writing such a unique story and sharing it with the world! I'm excited to continue on the series.
December 11, 2015
This book was so great. The only part I felt was out of place was the party after she first goes through the reflection pond. The description on the fairies just did not fit my imagination of them. I was glade I kept reading though because later in the book the Author describes the glammer and there true form. It was a beautiful scene and she describes the fear Callie has of looking like what she saw. I love Rowan. I like Ash but I tend to like a darker more dominant male and Rowan was that and more.
The relationship development was so raw and real and I felt was the perfect pace. So many books try to force a love story too quick in a book. This book allowed attraction and flirtation to develop and at times fear. That was such a refreshing take. There were abuse issues with the characters that I thought was done in such a nice tactful way.
Kacey Vanderkarr built a world that once was joined by four different types of fairies and now they are divided. Also there are fairies who never found there place among the community and become Fallen. There are webs of deceit and Callie has to figure out who she can trust. I loved Reflection pond and can not wait to read book 2. This is a must read and a great take on Fairies. I am giving this book 4 out of 5 stars.
The relationship development was so raw and real and I felt was the perfect pace. So many books try to force a love story too quick in a book. This book allowed attraction and flirtation to develop and at times fear. That was such a refreshing take. There were abuse issues with the characters that I thought was done in such a nice tactful way.
Kacey Vanderkarr built a world that once was joined by four different types of fairies and now they are divided. Also there are fairies who never found there place among the community and become Fallen. There are webs of deceit and Callie has to figure out who she can trust. I loved Reflection pond and can not wait to read book 2. This is a must read and a great take on Fairies. I am giving this book 4 out of 5 stars.
May 20, 2014
I took this book on a recent weekend getaway, hoping to find time to get it started. Anymore, I listen to audio books while I'm flying, I find it to be less distracting. Midway through my flight, it was nice and quiet, so I pulled it out and began to read. I read until we were exiting the plane. The next morning, I had a very busy day planned, but when I woke up earlier than expected, my first thought was to grab the book instead of going back to sleep. I found myself thinking about it while I was out and about, and every time I found myself with a few minutes to spare, I read a few pages. It kept me wondering, and completely engaged throughout. I was able to finish the book on my flight home, and I can't tell you how disappointed I was when I could see the pages disappearing! I wanted it to last forever, and now I'm counting the days for the next book in this series! If you have a lazy weekend, I promise you, this book will take you to a far away place and make you never want to return home!
June 1, 2014
I downloaded this book from Story Cartel in exchange for my honest review.
When I saw that this book was about faries I just knew I had to get it and it definitely did not disappoint. I was pulled in from the very beginning and was glued to my kindle throughout the entire book. As I got closer the end of the book I realized that I didn’t want it to end. I have no idea if there is a sequel to this book but I sure hope so.
Following Callie in her new fairie life was fascinating; all the interactions she made with everyone. The story of her and Rowan was amazing and just got better and better throughout the book. I cannot wait until there is another book to find out the rest of their story. This book had lots of suspense, action, mystery… just a little of everything. It was a fantastic read.
I give this book 5***** all the way around and highly recommend it to lovers of the fantasy genre.
When I saw that this book was about faries I just knew I had to get it and it definitely did not disappoint. I was pulled in from the very beginning and was glued to my kindle throughout the entire book. As I got closer the end of the book I realized that I didn’t want it to end. I have no idea if there is a sequel to this book but I sure hope so.
Following Callie in her new fairie life was fascinating; all the interactions she made with everyone. The story of her and Rowan was amazing and just got better and better throughout the book. I cannot wait until there is another book to find out the rest of their story. This book had lots of suspense, action, mystery… just a little of everything. It was a fantastic read.
I give this book 5***** all the way around and highly recommend it to lovers of the fantasy genre.
July 19, 2014
I received this book from a giveaway. First the cover art is really pretty and eye catching and the summary got me excited to start reading. It took me longer to finish this book for some reason probably because I had other books to read, ugh summer. I really like the concept and the idea of the plot. The author did a good job with the ideas of faeries and cities. This book reminded me of City of Bones by Cassandra Clare. With a love triangle, supernatural creatures, tattoos, etc. The only thing that I didn't like was how the main character for most of the book was just waiting and training. I mean I know she is very powerful and it's necessary for her to learn how to control her powers, still I wanted a little more action and romance. But the ending definitely makes me want to read the sequel. Overall I like this book, it was a fun read and considering on getting the sequel in the future.
June 7, 2014
I've never really been a huge fan of fairy stories and though I love fantasy, this isn't normally my pick in fantasy based stuff. I was surprised to find myself enjoying the book rather quickly. I got into the story and wanted to see what was going to happen next. I felt for Callie and found myself hoping it would turn out alright. Though main male lead, Rowan, frustrated me to no end, I also found myself desperately wanting to help and understand him. The plot has a very well known feel to it, but has a creative twist that kept me wondering if the path I think it's heading down is going to be the right one. I recommend this to anyone who enjoys fairy stories or fantasy based stuff. I also recommend it to people who just want an adventure story about finding your place in the world. Can't wait to read book two (there better be a two) so I can see what's going to happen next.
April 25, 2014
Actually, 4.5 stars.
I don't normally ready YA books anymore, but I really enjoyed this book. There were ups and downs, mystery, deception...it didn't have the normal high school drama of the last few YA's I've read.
I loved Rowan and Callie together. They had amazing chemistry, and I can't wait to see what the next book holds for them. And their fae forms...very cool. I really liked how everyone was different.
I'm also hoping the next book answers some burning questions that I have. I have some suspicions on certain characters and their relationships, and I'm really wanting the answers.
The only thing that kept bothering me was that no one knew their family. That was one of my burning questions, to be honest, and I'm kind of hoping we get the answer in the next book. If not, it wasn't that big of an issue (it's probably just a personal thing, anyway).
I don't normally ready YA books anymore, but I really enjoyed this book. There were ups and downs, mystery, deception...it didn't have the normal high school drama of the last few YA's I've read.
I loved Rowan and Callie together. They had amazing chemistry, and I can't wait to see what the next book holds for them. And their fae forms...very cool. I really liked how everyone was different.
I'm also hoping the next book answers some burning questions that I have. I have some suspicions on certain characters and their relationships, and I'm really wanting the answers.
The only thing that kept bothering me was that no one knew their family. That was one of my burning questions, to be honest, and I'm kind of hoping we get the answer in the next book. If not, it wasn't that big of an issue (it's probably just a personal thing, anyway).
June 5, 2014
I received this book through GoodReads' First Reads.
This book is probably the first Faerie book I have read. I was not sure what to expect, but I found it to be awesome! Maybe a bit darker than anticipated, but it sucked me right in. the author slowly revealed more of Callie's background and past experiences, which explain why it is impossible for her to trust anyone. When she falls through the reflection pond into the Faerie city of Eirensae, she meets two young men, Ash and Rowan. She soon finds out that she is fae, and belongs in Eirensae, but it takes her a while to believe this... and then things start to deteriorate. The chemistry between Callie and Rowan is electric, but clean. ( I refuse to read books I can not share with my 13 year old daughter) The book ending seems somewhat unfinished....obviously a sequel is in the works. I can't wait to find out what happens next!
This book is probably the first Faerie book I have read. I was not sure what to expect, but I found it to be awesome! Maybe a bit darker than anticipated, but it sucked me right in. the author slowly revealed more of Callie's background and past experiences, which explain why it is impossible for her to trust anyone. When she falls through the reflection pond into the Faerie city of Eirensae, she meets two young men, Ash and Rowan. She soon finds out that she is fae, and belongs in Eirensae, but it takes her a while to believe this... and then things start to deteriorate. The chemistry between Callie and Rowan is electric, but clean. ( I refuse to read books I can not share with my 13 year old daughter) The book ending seems somewhat unfinished....obviously a sequel is in the works. I can't wait to find out what happens next!
November 17, 2014
Reflection Pond by Kacey Vanderkarr
Reflection Pond by Kacey Vanderkarr is about a girl named Callie who falls through a pond right into the fairy world and the adventure that ensues.
.
The author has written a beautiful, captivating fantasy. The reader is drawn in from the very beginning. The characters are well developed. I love how the story is told from alternating perspectives because you become so immersed in their world. You become a part of the story. There are not many authors who can write alternating perspectives well, but you won’t have that problem here. Kacey Vanderkarr does a fabulous job at weaving a wonderful story.
I cannot wait for the next book to come out to find out how Callie and Rowan’s story continues.
4.5 Stars
Reflection Pond by Kacey Vanderkarr is about a girl named Callie who falls through a pond right into the fairy world and the adventure that ensues.
.
The author has written a beautiful, captivating fantasy. The reader is drawn in from the very beginning. The characters are well developed. I love how the story is told from alternating perspectives because you become so immersed in their world. You become a part of the story. There are not many authors who can write alternating perspectives well, but you won’t have that problem here. Kacey Vanderkarr does a fabulous job at weaving a wonderful story.
I cannot wait for the next book to come out to find out how Callie and Rowan’s story continues.
4.5 Stars
April 4, 2014
If you are looking for a good fantasy read with a good and complex love story to go with it, you will love this book. Following Cally into a world of magical faries and encountering the enchanting world she never knew exsited will keep you hooked from begining to end. When you meet Rowan and his brooding personality you cant help but fall in love with him and there witty banter and attration. Cally must figure out if she is meant for this world and the magical life it leads or if she is meant for somewhere else. I absolutely loved this book and recommend it to anyone that likes a good fantasy read.I read it from beginning to end in one day. I cannot wait for the next book !!!!
December 12, 2016
Reflection Pond is a well-written story about the secret world of fae located beneath an innocuous-looking pond. When, Callie, a foster girl who has no family to call her own, falls through a pond and into a fairy world, she learns the truth of her own heritage. Catapulted into an unfamiliar and tumultuous land, she finally has the possibility of having family and even love within her grasp... but that could all be lost in a moment as a dark force seeks to destroy all she has come to hold dear.
Crisp, concise writing, beautiful imagery, and a unique spin on the world of fae make this a worthwhile read. Looking forward to reading more from Ms. Vanderkarr.
Crisp, concise writing, beautiful imagery, and a unique spin on the world of fae make this a worthwhile read. Looking forward to reading more from Ms. Vanderkarr.
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