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Gentle Chains

(The Eleyi Saga #1)

Nazarea Andrews (Goodreads Author)

4.42 · Rating details · 19 ratings · 14 reviews

When slavers steal Juhan and his twin sister Chosi from their home planet of psychics, their only comfort is in the fact that they’re together. When they are separated at auction, Juhan swears to find his sister, no matter the cost.

Juhan is bought by the spoiled daughter of a political scion. Caught in her glittering world of intrigue and politics, Juhan is startled to fin ...more

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Paperback, 390 pages

Published March 5th 2015 by A&A Literary

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Mar 02, 2015 Yvonne (The Shadow Realm) rated it it was amazing

Shelves: 2015, 2015-march, review, sci-fi

Blog Tour Post: The Shadow Realm

4.5/5

I knew going in to this book that it would be a tough one to read. I knew that there would be aspects that would be hard to stomach and that it wouldn't be a light read. And god was I right. This book was so gut-wrenchingly heartbreaking, I think I was in tears for most of it. Andrews wrote a story that ripped out my heart and stomped all over it. Even days later, any time I think of it my stomach cramps up because it was just so upsetting.
A book may have a t ...more

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Jan 30, 2015 Jessica Nicole rated it really liked it

Before we get to my review of this awesome book, we have a giveaway!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

This book is filling the category “You Heard About the Book Online” in my Full House Reading Challenge.

I’m so excited to be a part of this blog tour! I took a chance with this book (I had never heard of it, and there were zero ratings or reviews on good reads to inform my decision) and I was not disappointed.

Gentle Chains follows the story of one set of psychic Eleyi twins, Chosi and Juhan, as they are ki ...more

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Feb 05, 2015 Ethan Gregory rated it it was amazing

Full review and more available at: http://oneguysguidetogoodreads.blogsp...

*********************************************************************************
My Thoughts

I'm going to try to keep my thoughts on this one short. Nazarea Andrews has got to be one of the most versatile authors in the business right now. Romance, Horror, Mystery, Suspense, Fantasy, and now... Science Fiction. Nazarea Andrews: tackler of all the genres. Honestly folks, not only is Andrews able to write in a plethora of di Full review and more available at: http://oneguysguidetogoodreads.blogsp...

*********************************************************************************
My Thoughts

I'm going to try to keep my thoughts on this one short. Nazarea Andrews has got to be one of the most versatile authors in the business right now. Romance, Horror, Mystery, Suspense, Fantasy, and now... Science Fiction. Nazarea Andrews: tackler of all the genres. Honestly folks, not only is Andrews able to write in a plethora of different categories, she does each one to perfection. I have yet to meet a single reader who wasn't able to find something to like in this woman's expansive library.

As many of you guys know, I fell in love with Andrews when I was introduced to her zombie series last year. Since then I have developed such a respect for this woman that words cannot even describe. When I heard Nazarea had a sci-fi/fantasy in the works, I nearly lost it. I didn't know what to expect for sure, but I knew it would be awesome!

When it comes to the plot line of Gentle Chains, I will say this: you had better be paying attention or you're going to miss something. Andrews weaves an intricate web of fantasy with enough plot twists to keep even the most finicky of readers entertained. Whether you're in it for the suspense of the journey, or for the beauty of the world that Andrews has created, I have no doubt that most anyone will find something to love about Gentle Chains. I will say that at times I had to take a break. Like any true fantasy novel, this read is heavy. It's a bit hard to wrap your head around, but once you push back your groundings in reality and let yourself go, you will definitely enjoy this novel much more.

I never thought I could love another due of characters as much as I loved Ren and Finn from Nazarea's zom series. I was wrong, Juhan and Chosi are two of the most amazing characters Andrews has ever written. I won't go too far into detail here for fear of spoilers, but their character development is nothing short of art. Andrews pulls out all the stops and gives us a character experience I was proud to have read. When it comes to villains and side characters, Andrews was on point with Gentle Chains. I'll warn ya now, expect the unexpected and always be prepared for what comes next!

Gentle Chains explores a number of themes. Family, love, and loyalty are three of the biggest. I loved the dynamic in this novel. The character development, intertwined with the gripping plot full of mystery and fantasy, really aided in Nazarea's portrayal of these themes. From heartbreak to pride, you will definitely experience an emotional roller coaster within these pages!

When it comes to the fantasy element of Gentle Chains, I was blown away. It was like Star Wars mixed with Avatar. In other words, a gripping space opera with enough drama to drown the senior homecoming queen. And I loved every second. Holy hell people. I could never pick a favorite Nazarea Andrews read, but I can say this is going towards the top. And that ending!? I cannot wait to get my hands on the next book of this series and I know that once you guys read it, you'll feel the same way!

This novel is part of a duology and the final part will be releasing in the coming months. Don't worry, you'll hear all about it here!

All-in-all, I am granting Gentle Chains by Nazarea Andrews a well deserved 5-star review. In a month full of so-so reads, Gentle Chains was exactly what I needed to pull me out of that rut. Also, can I briefly mention the strides that Andrews has taken to bring diversity to the New Adult genre. Kudos to you Mrs. Andrews, massive kudos to you, my friend!
********************************************************************************* ...more

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Mar 01, 2015 Maghon Thomas rated it it was amazing

Shelves: inkslinger-tours, fantasy, dystopian

So, wow. I was not expecting so much dark, gritty, heartbreak. And who knew that people could fall in love with their captives. I won't lie, this is not your light and easy read. This is serious, completely heartwrenching. You see, if you were stolen, tortured, sold into slavery, across space, you wouldn't get a happy day either. I mean, I LOVED this story, and I can say this is a phenomenally written, fantastic story. And I'm a little devastated with that little cliff hanger. Goodness, I am dyi So, wow. I was not expecting so much dark, gritty, heartbreak. And who knew that people could fall in love with their captives. I won't lie, this is not your light and easy read. This is serious, completely heartwrenching. You see, if you were stolen, tortured, sold into slavery, across space, you wouldn't get a happy day either. I mean, I LOVED this story, and I can say this is a phenomenally written, fantastic story. And I'm a little devastated with that little cliff hanger. Goodness, I am dying to know what's going to happen after that epic ending.

So we start with the twins. They are happy, carefree, life loving siblings. And then Chosi and Juhan, yes I called them nick names, are Taken. This happens to their people. They are stolen from their home planet, taken into slavery, sold, to different owners. I thought this was going to be the horrible part. I mean it is. It's a terrible thing to live through. But it's not the worst. You see, on one end, Chosi is beaten and tortured into a kind of submission. She lives in a horrible world where everyone my fight to survive as well as follow the rules of some horrible people. I mean, seriously, I wanted to kill a whole lot of people on her end. But then she finds friends and love and a caring team. Oh she's not out of the woods, because even in the end, she's still in chains, they just aren't visable. I loved her fight. I loved her rebellious nature. She is going to survive, no matter what she has to endure.

The other end has Juhan. He has the more posh life of slavery. He's the consort of a politician's daughter. He gets fancy clothes. But he also gets his fair share of torture. Some physical, but a lot mental and emotional. I won't lie, he gets the lighter side of the book. But he's the one who will have the dark side come the next book after everything that happened in the end. He's the more submissive calmer sibling. It's different, as twins are usually yin and yang. He completes Chosi. It's a wonderful bond they have together.

This is a story that will grab you from the beginning. It will keep you on your seat. It won't let go. It will break you a little and have you in tears. Then it's going to drop your jaw and have you praying for the next book to hurry itself up. I mean, I about lost it with this book. I have read some dark things, but this one, had me so emotionally involved. I am astounded at how well the author conveyed what she needed to get across. I can't tell you things other than you should read this book. And dragons. I freaking love dragons. And awesome sauce. And I can't believe I have to wait. I need book two LIKE NOW!! GIMME!!!!!! 5 DRAGONS PAWS!! ...more

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Jan 30, 2015 kelly {BookCrushin} rated it really liked it

Shelves: new-adult

Spoiler-Free Review:

Rating: ★★★★☆

I was blown away by Gentle Chains. It was nothing like I was expecting. It was a fantastically written tale, spun with darkness and fantasy. This isn’t a lighthearted read, it is deep and at times heart wrenching. When I started reading this book I was expecting a standalone, but once I reached the end I knew there had to be more! I am not sure what hurt more the dark tale of slavery, torture and loss–or that crazy cliffhanger.

This sci-fi world that Nazarea And ...more

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Mar 10, 2015 Roxanne Kade rated it it was amazing

I wasn't quite sure what to expect from this story. I knew it was set in a sci-fi, futuristic, fantasy world with interesting characters, with even more interesting names, but I wasn't quite expecting the beautiful but heartbreaking story that ripped apart two amazing characters, only to see them go from strength to strength as they learned to live in a world full of chaos and violence.

I was intrigued to see how both Chosi and Juhan would handle life in the unknown considering they were a gentl ...more

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Jan 30, 2015 Lindsay rated it it was amazing

I have been putting off writing this review for as long as possible, but only because I knew there was no chance that I could do it justice! I’ll start off by saying that Gentle Chains is hands down my favorite book by Nazarea so far (though I haven’t read her World Without End series yet). It was everything I needed it to be and more. Action and adventure, names I have no chance of being able to pronounce correctly (so I just make it up as I go along), detailed world building, and as believable ...more

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Jan 30, 2015 야일 rated it really liked it

Shelves: 15release, new-adult, arc-tbr, readin2015, atz15, march

As seen on Gaga Over Books for blog tour..

- I quite liked this and that ending has me surely curious about the final book Violent Freedom-- Loving the name by the way. And I am glad to know this is a duology.

- This book was told from the twins' perspective naturally. I was enjoying Chosi's narrative more because of her draken duties but then Juhan's narrative grew interesting as well after sometime.

- It was a quick read with enough violence and romance and friendship that was needed to keep me ...more

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Mar 19, 2015 Heather rated it really liked it

So I have really enjoyed Nazarea's zombie series The World Without End and really looked forward to having a perusal of her latest release Gentle Chains.

Nazarea has a real talent at building worlds that are enjoyable to read about and also a world that you can fully immerse yourself in, Gentle Chains was about to head off planet to literally new worlds far far away!

Juhan and Chosi are twins, naturally very close they share more than just genetics, they share a psychic ability but they closeness ...more

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Mar 16, 2015 Alexandra rated it really liked it

Shelves: 2015

I recieved an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Gentle Chains is a story set in a space opera/sci-fi background. Told by dual POV the story follows a brother and a sister as they are torn from each other and they try to survive on the hostile new enviroments they are thrown into.

I enjoyed the setting, the world building and the conflicts all the heroes got into in order to save those they love. Chosi and her powers are really amazing and I loved how she worked with the darken. Juhan and Sadi ...more

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Jan 24, 2015 Laura marked it as wishlist

Shelves: would-kill-to-read-now, new-adult

This. Book. Sounds. Amazing. Must. Read. It. Now.

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Mar 02, 2015 Tina rated it really liked it

GENTLE CHAINS focuses on the struggle of two siblings who have been captured, separated, and sold as slaves in different and dangerous lands. The question is how they will survive and what will happen to who they are if they do.

This book was pretty incredible. GENTLE CHAINS opens up a new world, filled with fantastical creatures, deadly situations, and plot twists you did not see coming. When I began reading this story, it took a moment to keep everything about the new world straight, allowing m GENTLE CHAINS focuses on the struggle of two siblings who have been captured, separated, and sold as slaves in different and dangerous lands. The question is how they will survive and what will happen to who they are if they do.

This book was pretty incredible. GENTLE CHAINS opens up a new world, filled with fantastical creatures, deadly situations, and plot twists you did not see coming. When I began reading this story, it took a moment to keep everything about the new world straight, allowing my mind to create the world I was reading about. There are fantastical creatures, intense situations, intriguing worlds, and new vocabulary. Yet once the reader finds their rhythm, a new world is presented that one cannot help but escape into. I loved the creativity and vibrancy of the different species and planets. I enjoyed how each character is so different, representing a different culture, species, or viewpoint.

Juhan and Chosi are both beautifully written characters. When they are captured at the beginning of the book, their options for survival are very slim. They have no choice but to change and re-evaluate who they are and what they believe. I loved watching them grow and muddle through what they know from their culture and what they know through their experiences. At times you feel hope and joy for their victories and at others such sorrow for their loses and situation. These two characters are flawed and broken and their strength comes from very different places. To see how they abandoned their previous ideals and cling to new truths is both intriguing and heartbreaking. They both change so drastically, and that transformation was so well developed and portrayed throughout this story.

GENTLE CHAINS is about two people who will do whatever it takes to survive and find those that they love. There are many other themes and story lines that weave through the main plot but none are as powerful as that. I loved all the secondary characters we meet. Sadi, Tin, and Brando create a new environment that Juhan lives in. Watching Chosi adapt to her new life is emotional. Her allies, Kristoff and Jemes, and her many enemies create a world that is not to be trifled with. Johan and Chosi are forced into very different scenarios yet one truth remains the same: survive and find their way back to each other.

This book will draw you in and captivate you with a new and beautiful galaxy to understand and explore. It will leave you with many different emotions as you watch Johan and Chosi fight for their survival in very different yet tangible ways. This book is unpredictable and allows the reader to dive in and enjoy. I cannot wait to see what happens next! ...more

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Apr 18, 2015 Julie Bryan added it · review of another edition

Great story

I loved this story. I usually read romances and wanted to try something else, and happened to pick up this book. I wouldn't call it a romance, more like fantasy. I liked that the roles were reversed, the woman is the gladiator and violent, the man is peace loving and goes another direction, although he grows throughout the book. The Eleyi are an interesting culture, and I can see where they could be hard to understand. The story keeps you on edge and interested. I don't like that it e ...more

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Oct 17, 2015 Belinda Avila rated it it was amazing

Shelves: dystopian, sci-fi, fantasy, romance, adventure

I cant wait until the next book!!!!

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About Nazarea Andrews

Nazarea Andrews

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Nazarea Andrews is an avid reader and tends to write the stories she wants to read. She loves chocolate and coffee almost as much as she loves books, but not quite as much as she loves her kids. She lives in south Georgia with her husband, daughters, and overgrown dog.