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Unfallen #1
The Queendom of Evlantis
The Unfallen Series begins in the Queendom of Evlantis where women rule and men are forced to cater to their every whim. Low Queen Sephora takes action to steal beloved High Queen Rachel’s throne. A naïve mysterious stranger with unusual abilities becomes entangled in the political unrest, while Servus, the self-proclaimed King of Slaves, plots to free the men so he can win the heart of the woman he loves.
328 pages, Paperback
First published June 15, 2014
About the author
Juliet Y. Mark
2 books21 followersJuliet Y. Mark is the author of Herstory, an alternate Earth, fantasy series where women rule. The series starts in The Queendom of Evlantis where the rights of men have eroded. Strong female characters bring this story to life and the first book introduces readers to this matriarchal society where the primary huwoman relationships exist between mothers and daughters. Ava, a mysterious stranger with extraordinary abilities and a different point of view, becomes embroiled in the political upheaval in The Queendom of Evlantis. It is the life of Ava, her voice growing more distinct and stronger in each novel, that the first six books in the series follow.
Juliet Yvonne Mark was born in Rochester, New York in the 1960s. The oldest of four siblings, Juliet spent her childhood and adolescence in a rural town outside of Rochester. Upon graduating from high school, she spent part of a year at a Bible college in Dallas, Texas, where she discovered she wanted to pursue a degree in Psychology.
This decision led her to Monroe Community College in Rochester, N.Y. She earned the credits necessary for an associate’s degree in Math and Science, then spent the balance of her twenties in Food Service Management, a profession she worked her way into while supporting herself through college.
Before she turned thirty she moved west to the “Queen City,” and completed her bachelor’s degree in Psychology at the State University at Buffalo. Her thirties and forties were divided between work in the field of psychology and stay-at-home motherhood. Juliet is the proud mother of two wonderful daughters.
Over the years, she has held various part-time jobs to supplement her income, all of which have contributed to her amazing rich life experiences. These include hawking beer at a baseball stadium, assembling circuit boards, waitressing, and working as a garbage man.
Currently, Juliet divides her time between several part-time jobs: writing, retail, and teaching classes. In her spare time, she keeps fit, plays Words With Friends, does counted cross-stitch, and chats with her friends around the world.
Juliet Yvonne Mark was born in Rochester, New York in the 1960s. The oldest of four siblings, Juliet spent her childhood and adolescence in a rural town outside of Rochester. Upon graduating from high school, she spent part of a year at a Bible college in Dallas, Texas, where she discovered she wanted to pursue a degree in Psychology.
This decision led her to Monroe Community College in Rochester, N.Y. She earned the credits necessary for an associate’s degree in Math and Science, then spent the balance of her twenties in Food Service Management, a profession she worked her way into while supporting herself through college.
Before she turned thirty she moved west to the “Queen City,” and completed her bachelor’s degree in Psychology at the State University at Buffalo. Her thirties and forties were divided between work in the field of psychology and stay-at-home motherhood. Juliet is the proud mother of two wonderful daughters.
Over the years, she has held various part-time jobs to supplement her income, all of which have contributed to her amazing rich life experiences. These include hawking beer at a baseball stadium, assembling circuit boards, waitressing, and working as a garbage man.
Currently, Juliet divides her time between several part-time jobs: writing, retail, and teaching classes. In her spare time, she keeps fit, plays Words With Friends, does counted cross-stitch, and chats with her friends around the world.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
June 3, 2015
I went in to this book excited by the premise and the pretty cover... But you know how the saying goes. Maybe it should be 'Don't judge a book by its cover OR it's synopsis.'
I thought: 'Oh, a corrupt matriarchy in Biblical AU where only Eve was exiled from Eden and a war of the genders ensues? Sounds interesting.'
But what isn't made clear is that this book is thinly veiled Christian fiction and that becomes clear as you read. I have nothing against Christianity. On the contrary I love many of its teachings and was Christian for nineteen years of my life. But the Christian message of this book and everything that entails completely blindsighted me.
For a start, in this world in which heterosexual relationships are punishable by death and romances between women are supposedly not unheard of, there are no lesbian romances in this book, yet virtually every character ends up falling in love with a man. The only reference to women loving women was one soldier who is mentioned roughly twice in the whole novel, and an assistant to the antagonist who is murdered by the woman she is in love with. Great.
Not to mention there is something incredibly distasteful about all of the 'Loving men is not wrong! It is wonderful! Feel free to love men!' as if Christianity hasn't been murdering gay people for thousands of years and continues doing so to this day. Now, if the author was making a point about how ridiculous it is to condemn same sex romances I'd accept this, but I really don't feel like that was the case here.
The goddesses of the women of Evlantis are more or less confirmed to be fake (or malevolent demons but perhaps that was me reading in to things too much) while of course the God of Christianity who is referred to in male pronouns and language throughout the novel is the only true God. I really wouldn't have minded this if it wasn't for the gender themes throughout the book. It is possible for Christians to see God as feminine/female as well as masculine/male and in a book about a matriarchal society, having the Good God never refered to in feminine pronouns doesn't sit right with me. "The goddesses of the Evlantians are silly and frivolous, not like our Father God." If the author acknowledged the femininity of the Creator it would have made my day. There were multiple opportunities for her to do so. It would have been beautiful if Ava and Rachel/Arrival could have found common ground by having Ava state that the Creator is feminine as well as masculine, or, God forbid, refer to Her in female pronouns.
And all of this disappoints me because this was a great premise and there were some genuinely heartfelt moments, suspense and likeable characters (Rachel saved this book for me) but it really does come across as a warning against the dangers of feminism and matriarchy which is incredibly disappointing.
I thought: 'Oh, a corrupt matriarchy in Biblical AU where only Eve was exiled from Eden and a war of the genders ensues? Sounds interesting.'
But what isn't made clear is that this book is thinly veiled Christian fiction and that becomes clear as you read. I have nothing against Christianity. On the contrary I love many of its teachings and was Christian for nineteen years of my life. But the Christian message of this book and everything that entails completely blindsighted me.
For a start, in this world in which heterosexual relationships are punishable by death and romances between women are supposedly not unheard of, there are no lesbian romances in this book, yet virtually every character ends up falling in love with a man. The only reference to women loving women was one soldier who is mentioned roughly twice in the whole novel, and an assistant to the antagonist who is murdered by the woman she is in love with. Great.
Not to mention there is something incredibly distasteful about all of the 'Loving men is not wrong! It is wonderful! Feel free to love men!' as if Christianity hasn't been murdering gay people for thousands of years and continues doing so to this day. Now, if the author was making a point about how ridiculous it is to condemn same sex romances I'd accept this, but I really don't feel like that was the case here.
The goddesses of the women of Evlantis are more or less confirmed to be fake (or malevolent demons but perhaps that was me reading in to things too much) while of course the God of Christianity who is referred to in male pronouns and language throughout the novel is the only true God. I really wouldn't have minded this if it wasn't for the gender themes throughout the book. It is possible for Christians to see God as feminine/female as well as masculine/male and in a book about a matriarchal society, having the Good God never refered to in feminine pronouns doesn't sit right with me. "The goddesses of the Evlantians are silly and frivolous, not like our Father God." If the author acknowledged the femininity of the Creator it would have made my day. There were multiple opportunities for her to do so. It would have been beautiful if Ava and Rachel/Arrival could have found common ground by having Ava state that the Creator is feminine as well as masculine, or, God forbid, refer to Her in female pronouns.
And all of this disappoints me because this was a great premise and there were some genuinely heartfelt moments, suspense and likeable characters (Rachel saved this book for me) but it really does come across as a warning against the dangers of feminism and matriarchy which is incredibly disappointing.
March 7, 2015
Reviewed for Readers Favorite.
We've all heard the story of Adam and Eve and their fall from grace, but what if the story was changed. What would the world be like is Adam didn't give in and only Eve was tempted? If only Eve was banished from the garden? Juliet Y. Mark tackles those thoughts and ideas in the book The Queendom of Evlantis (The Unfallen Series Book 1). We find that Eve has been cast out of the garden on her own, and over the ages the story has gotten twisted just a little to where women look down on men. In fact women rule everything, men are mere slaves thought of by some women as nothing more than animals! It's not a perfect place, and there are troubles. Another young girl, a daughter of Adam, Ava is tempted a lead out of the garden. She is given the task to help the other people of the world realize the mistakes they are making, yet she is so innocent she has no idea what she is doing. Entwined in it all is love and hope, is evil and corruption and in the end, what will be the course of the world.
The Queendom of Evlantis at first reads like a great feminist novel. Women rule the world, they keep the men under their boots, but as you go along you realize that this is not the way the world was meant to be and that it is not working out well for these people. There are major problems. Although the author, Juliet Y. Mark never comes out and specifically says that this is the retelling of Adam and Eve, you get enough hints along the way to realize it and to understand the purpose and reason behind the retelling. I found the story compelling and well written. It pulled me along all throughout wanting me to know more and to find the answers, to only realize that there is still more to learn even after the book ends. It is a wonderful read for men and women alike, as well and adults and teens.
We've all heard the story of Adam and Eve and their fall from grace, but what if the story was changed. What would the world be like is Adam didn't give in and only Eve was tempted? If only Eve was banished from the garden? Juliet Y. Mark tackles those thoughts and ideas in the book The Queendom of Evlantis (The Unfallen Series Book 1). We find that Eve has been cast out of the garden on her own, and over the ages the story has gotten twisted just a little to where women look down on men. In fact women rule everything, men are mere slaves thought of by some women as nothing more than animals! It's not a perfect place, and there are troubles. Another young girl, a daughter of Adam, Ava is tempted a lead out of the garden. She is given the task to help the other people of the world realize the mistakes they are making, yet she is so innocent she has no idea what she is doing. Entwined in it all is love and hope, is evil and corruption and in the end, what will be the course of the world.
The Queendom of Evlantis at first reads like a great feminist novel. Women rule the world, they keep the men under their boots, but as you go along you realize that this is not the way the world was meant to be and that it is not working out well for these people. There are major problems. Although the author, Juliet Y. Mark never comes out and specifically says that this is the retelling of Adam and Eve, you get enough hints along the way to realize it and to understand the purpose and reason behind the retelling. I found the story compelling and well written. It pulled me along all throughout wanting me to know more and to find the answers, to only realize that there is still more to learn even after the book ends. It is a wonderful read for men and women alike, as well and adults and teens.
August 14, 2015
This story takes place in an ancient city where women dominate and men are their slaves. Combined with it is also a bit changed story of Adam and Eve. I really liked the original idea of how a different creation story resulted in matriarchy. The author also does a great job in showing us different details of this society and also how this dominance still brings problems to women.
What I did not like were some parts which felt too far fetched and unbelievable. Of course it is a fantasy book, but some things should be convincing. My main problem was the Rebekkah and Ava situation. I don't want to make spoilers so I will just say that I couldn't buy it. What I also didn't like was the writing style. It feels to simplistic. Like the author just tells us all the stories through the characters dialogue in a very direct way instead of making it a bit more exciting.
Still I am now interesting in the series. The first book was kind of predictable, but now after reading the ending I wonder how it will go on and would read the second book.
What I did not like were some parts which felt too far fetched and unbelievable. Of course it is a fantasy book, but some things should be convincing. My main problem was the Rebekkah and Ava situation. I don't want to make spoilers so I will just say that I couldn't buy it. What I also didn't like was the writing style. It feels to simplistic. Like the author just tells us all the stories through the characters dialogue in a very direct way instead of making it a bit more exciting.
Still I am now interesting in the series. The first book was kind of predictable, but now after reading the ending I wonder how it will go on and would read the second book.
October 10, 2014
This is a book about a civilisation, where the women hold all the power and the men are enslaved. Consider an extreme mediæval society where the roles are reversed and heterosexual relationships are illegal, and you're getting close.
Things don't really start to get going until the election of High Queen, at which point all the scheming and backstabbing kicks off, and this reaches boiling point when the outsider is discovered.
Without making this a spoiler review that's about all I can say!
I received a free copy of this book through Goodreads Giveaways.
Things don't really start to get going until the election of High Queen, at which point all the scheming and backstabbing kicks off, and this reaches boiling point when the outsider is discovered.
Without making this a spoiler review that's about all I can say!
I received a free copy of this book through Goodreads Giveaways.
August 19, 2013
If you are looking for a unique fantasy book, and one that holds your interest with great characters and good plot lines, then try Unfallen! It was refreshing to read a book with strong and intelligent female heroines. Unfallen is fast paced and suspenseful, and reminded me of The Hunger Games with characters you will root for and want to read more about. I couldn't put it down and can't wait for the next book.
September 28, 2014
What a wonderful read.......slow to start but once the main characters
are introduced it moves along at a pace you can hardly keep up with.
All the twists and turns; murders, schemings and conspiracies abounding
with new characters dropped in to spice things up. Look out for the fast paced drama, romance, and plots and subterfuge which will leave you wanting more!!!!!!!!!
I cannot wait to get a hold of book 2 ( Sephora's Revenge involving the
evil Queen!!!!! )
are introduced it moves along at a pace you can hardly keep up with.
All the twists and turns; murders, schemings and conspiracies abounding
with new characters dropped in to spice things up. Look out for the fast paced drama, romance, and plots and subterfuge which will leave you wanting more!!!!!!!!!
I cannot wait to get a hold of book 2 ( Sephora's Revenge involving the
evil Queen!!!!! )
December 15, 2014
I'm almost done with this book and I find myself avoiding it to keep myself from finishing it. The story starts out a little on the slow side as all the characters are introduced and you can establish an understanding of the world in the book, but once everyone is introduced the story gets so easy to follow. The book is definitely a quick read. If you want to read a story about strong and independent women then this is the book for you. I can't wait to read the second one in the series!
October 9, 2013
Juliet Mark offers a unique take on the age old story of Adam and Eve. Some of the author's efforts at emphasizing the dominance of women in the society of Evlantis were cumbersome and not always believable. Overall, however, I enjoyed the story and am looking forward to reading her next book to find out what happens!
October 9, 2013
An alternative rendering of the Garden of Eden story, this takes place in a land where women are in charge and men are slaves. It is a tale of good and evil, of love and hate, passion, greed and revenge. The story is fast paced, suspenseful and held my interest throughout. Some of the writing is stiff, but she's a first time author and she tells a good story. I'm looking forward to the sequel.
February 26, 2015
I really enjoyed this story and would read a sequel. I initially disliked the type-syle but decided it fit with the story. I found myself relating aspects of the story to stories from our shared histories or herstories. I received a free copy of this book in the mail as a GoodReads Giveaway and would like to say : thank you.
April 12, 2015
I have received this as a first read. This was a wonderful read. It is about an society that is run by unusual women. I just love all the twist , turns and surprises in this book. It took a little bit for me to get into. However very soon I could not put this one down. Such a great fantasy read! I will definitely read more in this series.
October 3, 2013
Awesome! Great book! I could not put it down. I found myself becoming involved with the characters. If you are looking for a fresh, new book with a different take on the world, with great female heroes , this is your book. I LOVED it!!!
May 8, 2016
A book to enjoy!
I wasn't too sure about this book in the beginning but as the words progressed I became caught up in the story and found a most enjoyable read. I hope you enjoy it also.
I wasn't too sure about this book in the beginning but as the words progressed I became caught up in the story and found a most enjoyable read. I hope you enjoy it also.
October 8, 2013
I absolutely loved this book! I loved every aspect of it and could not put it down!
February 25, 2015
Very interesting story and premise, but felt some of the writing was spoon feeding the details
January 15, 2022
It was okay.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews