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Paradise #1
Rilla
Rilla grew up in a Paradise. A place where humans could live freely from the threat of magic and dangers of the Outworld. What most people in the Outworld weren't aware of was that the Paradises were becoming just as dangerous to live in as their own world.
From the very beginning, Rilla knew she was different from everyone else. Abandoned by her mother and shunned by her father, the others in her Paradise soon began to treat her as though she was invisible, or worse still, a non-conformist.
But when an Outworlder arrives in Rilla's Paradise just days before The Choosing, she suddenly becomes more visible than she's ever been in her life. The balance of four lives rests with her and she is sworn to protect them. Can she possibly keep them all safe and alive when she discovers their secrets?
Join Rilla and her companions on a journey through an Outworld full of danger, magical mishaps and political disasters and see what each discovers about themselves along the way.
From the very beginning, Rilla knew she was different from everyone else. Abandoned by her mother and shunned by her father, the others in her Paradise soon began to treat her as though she was invisible, or worse still, a non-conformist.
But when an Outworlder arrives in Rilla's Paradise just days before The Choosing, she suddenly becomes more visible than she's ever been in her life. The balance of four lives rests with her and she is sworn to protect them. Can she possibly keep them all safe and alive when she discovers their secrets?
Join Rilla and her companions on a journey through an Outworld full of danger, magical mishaps and political disasters and see what each discovers about themselves along the way.
482 pages, Paperback
First published October 4, 2014
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
November 13, 2019
I’m so glad I found this book. It is easy to read, has all the right components -great characters, magic and tasks. Love it! Thank goodness I bought the full series!
July 12, 2017
A very well-crafted story. I've recently drifted away from the sword-and-sorcery, elves-and-dragons type books, but I found this to be quite entertaining.
There are some things that I still can't eat my head around, but I'm sure they will be truly answered in a sequel. The writing is okay, there are some points where the book could do with a tightening, but almost every scene appears to pull the plot onwards.
Rilla herself is alright, I grew to like her better as the book went on, though I am far from convinced she's a good MC. That's something I hate about prophesy stories - unless you end the book with 'oh, btw, you're not the prophecy child, that random guy over there is, sorry for leading you down the wrong and dangerous path', then the story is over almost as soon as the prophesy is given to the audience. I'm still waiting to see if there's going to be a switcheroo with the prophesy later on, that Plyke is really the prophesy child, but until that happens, I'm resigned to knowing the end of the series.
If you're a fan of magic and adventure, of good characters and some truly horrible choices, then grab yourself a copy of Rilla. If you just like fantasy stories, then you can do a hell of a lot worse than this book.
There are some things that I still can't eat my head around, but I'm sure they will be truly answered in a sequel. The writing is okay, there are some points where the book could do with a tightening, but almost every scene appears to pull the plot onwards.
Rilla herself is alright, I grew to like her better as the book went on, though I am far from convinced she's a good MC. That's something I hate about prophesy stories - unless you end the book with 'oh, btw, you're not the prophecy child, that random guy over there is, sorry for leading you down the wrong and dangerous path', then the story is over almost as soon as the prophesy is given to the audience. I'm still waiting to see if there's going to be a switcheroo with the prophesy later on, that Plyke is really the prophesy child, but until that happens, I'm resigned to knowing the end of the series.
If you're a fan of magic and adventure, of good characters and some truly horrible choices, then grab yourself a copy of Rilla. If you just like fantasy stories, then you can do a hell of a lot worse than this book.
July 21, 2017
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. I was enticed to keep turning the pages to read chapter after chapter. The characters are engaging and you become attached and interested to see how their storylines develop. I am eagerly awaiting the next two books to discover more. For anyone that loves this genre young and old alike I highly recommend this book.
January 17, 2022
Its hard to describe how much i loved this book and cannot wait to read the rest of the series. The characters are so unique as they grab hold of your heart making you feel every emotion with them . Its the kind of book that makes you want to cancel all your plans and escape into the magical world within.
April 14, 2018
A genuinely wonderful read! The characters are so well thought out and a delight to get to know better!
September 7, 2021
Incredible storyline, I loved connecting with each character in different ways. This book really made every character and setting unique and important. A memorable and an incredible read.
September 30, 2015
Wow! I'm really enjoying this book. The story is beautifully written. The characters are strong and well defined. It's a book that's speaking to me and my own struggles with invisibility and looking for acceptance.
November 22, 2019
I started reading this book because my brothers recommend I buy it because my name is Marilla. From page one I was hooked. Anyone who enjoys fantasy books should give it a read. Beware you will fall in love with these characters.
June 20, 2015
A great read for someone new to the genre.
Wish i could do half the things Rilla can!
Wish i could do half the things Rilla can!
December 25, 2016
An awesome start to a series, by a fantastic Australian author.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews