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Tea Leaf: What Hides Beneath
While out with friends, Jasiri, a fortune teller, reveals that Cinnia’s life will be turned upside down. Cinnia hopes it is due to a new job she is after at Sciecor, a company that she has long dreamed of working for. But she has no idea of the secrets that hide in their basement.
A new neighbor moves in with a hidden agenda. Friendships change.
Cinnia will realize that things may not be as they appear. Magic may not only belong to fairy tales. And we may not be alone.
Will Sciecor still be the company of her dreams? Will she be able to live the life that destiny has seen? When she finds out what hides beneath.
A new neighbor moves in with a hidden agenda. Friendships change.
Cinnia will realize that things may not be as they appear. Magic may not only belong to fairy tales. And we may not be alone.
Will Sciecor still be the company of her dreams? Will she be able to live the life that destiny has seen? When she finds out what hides beneath.
- GenresFantasy
278 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 16, 2014
3 people are currently reading
259 people want to read
About the author
Mia Mitns
9 books12 followersMia Mitns was born in Houston, Texas but grew up in multiple places including California, Colorado, and a few other areas around Texas. She graduated from Spelman College in Atlanta, Georgia and Western University in Pomona, California.
Mia started writing poetry and short stories when she was young and continued through high school. In college, she drifted away from writing to focus on her studies in the sciences. Years later, after graduating from Spelman, Mia took a creative writing class that re-ignited her passion for telling stories. She began with random short stories, which led her to revisit poetry. At the time, Mia began to learn the guitar, and so her love of music led her to learn how to write lyrics, which led to songwriting.
After Mia finished graduate school, she was able to write her first novel, Tea Leaf: What Hides Beneath, an urban fantasy story that was born from a strange dream. When she is not writing or reading, she enjoys listening to music, going to concerts, trying to play guitar, playing basketball, and drawing. She lives in Texas with her plants.
Mia started writing poetry and short stories when she was young and continued through high school. In college, she drifted away from writing to focus on her studies in the sciences. Years later, after graduating from Spelman, Mia took a creative writing class that re-ignited her passion for telling stories. She began with random short stories, which led her to revisit poetry. At the time, Mia began to learn the guitar, and so her love of music led her to learn how to write lyrics, which led to songwriting.
After Mia finished graduate school, she was able to write her first novel, Tea Leaf: What Hides Beneath, an urban fantasy story that was born from a strange dream. When she is not writing or reading, she enjoys listening to music, going to concerts, trying to play guitar, playing basketball, and drawing. She lives in Texas with her plants.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
January 26, 2015
Free book for honest review. juliebookreviewblogspot.com
What do aliens, soul food, and a group of fun-loving singles have in common? The fate of all mankind!
Tea Leaf: What Hides Beneath is Mia Mitns debut novel. Mitns has a great imagination, sense of drama,
and talent to create loveable characters. This book was both incredibly amusing and creepy.
Normally, incessant grammar and punctuation issues bother me, but honestly, the storytelling was so
good in this novel that I was able to ignore most of them. The seriousness of the plot line was constantly
offset by the wacky flirtations and joking of Cinnia, the main character, and her tightly-knit group of best
friends, who have a penchant for finding alien love interests. In fact, my favorite quote in the book was
“”We’re always falling for aliens, what is this?”
I certainly cannot leave out the “Iron Chef” soul food battle. The chapter had me laughing out loud at 2
a.m., waking up everyone else in the house. And it definitely incited some baked macaroni and cheese
cravings.
The book concludes with an epic final battle among alien races and the humans. Cinnia finds herself at
the center as all inform her that she is the key to peace. Does she have what it takes to stop the
violence and restore harmony to our planet?
Yvonne
What do aliens, soul food, and a group of fun-loving singles have in common? The fate of all mankind!
Tea Leaf: What Hides Beneath is Mia Mitns debut novel. Mitns has a great imagination, sense of drama,
and talent to create loveable characters. This book was both incredibly amusing and creepy.
Normally, incessant grammar and punctuation issues bother me, but honestly, the storytelling was so
good in this novel that I was able to ignore most of them. The seriousness of the plot line was constantly
offset by the wacky flirtations and joking of Cinnia, the main character, and her tightly-knit group of best
friends, who have a penchant for finding alien love interests. In fact, my favorite quote in the book was
“”We’re always falling for aliens, what is this?”
I certainly cannot leave out the “Iron Chef” soul food battle. The chapter had me laughing out loud at 2
a.m., waking up everyone else in the house. And it definitely incited some baked macaroni and cheese
cravings.
The book concludes with an epic final battle among alien races and the humans. Cinnia finds herself at
the center as all inform her that she is the key to peace. Does she have what it takes to stop the
violence and restore harmony to our planet?
Yvonne
December 1, 2015
*I received a free digital version from Xpresso Book Tours in exchange for an honest review.
2.5/5 stars
This book was alright. It was about aliens (who are captured by scientists to be studied) and science (as they study them and get technical) and how the aliens fight each other (because there's different species and it's good vs evil all over again) and get humans involved (since one falls in love with a human and is her protector as she is the chosen one). It was all fairly dramatic, but well told.
I have many issues with this book, however. First of all, the point of view, the style of writing, was disconnected. I never felt like a part of the story, I never felt connected to characters, and I really didn't care much for the story since it didn't hook me. I read it because I was interested in where it would go, but that's it. The dialogue was at times choppy and disjointed, not at all something I could picture actually happening or being said, and the way the story was written made made the entire book seem like it was a step by step retelling and not something to be immersed in.
Also, characters confused me at time with their actions. Kasen claims to be this nice, sweet guy who is all good and no evil, who loves humans, however he plays Cinnia by flirting with one of her best friends and pretending to be his brother only to get angry at her. He watchers her constantly without her knowledge and even slips into her house at night and touches her (hugs, holding, sleeping, caressing her face) while she's asleep! It's downright stalkerish and creepy, yet she never finds out and ends up loving him. That doesn't make sense to me. Why would he act that way if he's such a nice guy? I get it, he's an alien who craves love and he's loved her for a long time, but that is no excuse to blatantly disregard her personal space and invade her privacy without her knowledge.
That brings me to Zarion. I was wary of him from the beginning considering how he got Cinnia her job, but then he was really nice and I was okay with him. Sorta. But a lot of things started happening, such as Cinnia getting attached by one of the fellow aliens they were studying (he claimed to be forced to do what he did) which really made me question Zarion, since he did something similar got her Cinnia the job. And then with all the talk of him being the evil half and then attacking Kasen and Cinnia like he did, then acting like everything is okay... His character just didn't make sense to me. Is he a psychopath? Because that's the only explanation I can think of for his behavior...
Lastly, Cinnia. There's not much to be said about her. She was shy and timid, and then got clingy and confused, and then suddenly she understands her powers and is kicking butt on the battlefield. There wasn't much development, or at least not much building up to it to really explain her change. She was an okay character, but as I mentioned, I couldn't connect with any of them or immerse myself into their lives, and so the characters seem like cold hard facts from a textbook that I need to remember but end up with hardly any information retained.
One last thing about the writing: there was a lot of information. There were multiple spots in the story that were full of new information and honestly, it dragged and I got bored. I wanted to stop reading multiple times because of this, but as I said, I pushed through encaustic I was interested in where it would go.
Overall, this book is fairly good, but has too many issues for me to enjoy much of anything. I liked the details, the plot, and the overall idea of it, but not much else hooked me, unfortunately.
2.5/5 stars
This book was alright. It was about aliens (who are captured by scientists to be studied) and science (as they study them and get technical) and how the aliens fight each other (because there's different species and it's good vs evil all over again) and get humans involved (since one falls in love with a human and is her protector as she is the chosen one). It was all fairly dramatic, but well told.
I have many issues with this book, however. First of all, the point of view, the style of writing, was disconnected. I never felt like a part of the story, I never felt connected to characters, and I really didn't care much for the story since it didn't hook me. I read it because I was interested in where it would go, but that's it. The dialogue was at times choppy and disjointed, not at all something I could picture actually happening or being said, and the way the story was written made made the entire book seem like it was a step by step retelling and not something to be immersed in.
Also, characters confused me at time with their actions. Kasen claims to be this nice, sweet guy who is all good and no evil, who loves humans, however he plays Cinnia by flirting with one of her best friends and pretending to be his brother only to get angry at her. He watchers her constantly without her knowledge and even slips into her house at night and touches her (hugs, holding, sleeping, caressing her face) while she's asleep! It's downright stalkerish and creepy, yet she never finds out and ends up loving him. That doesn't make sense to me. Why would he act that way if he's such a nice guy? I get it, he's an alien who craves love and he's loved her for a long time, but that is no excuse to blatantly disregard her personal space and invade her privacy without her knowledge.
That brings me to Zarion. I was wary of him from the beginning considering how he got Cinnia her job, but then he was really nice and I was okay with him. Sorta. But a lot of things started happening, such as Cinnia getting attached by one of the fellow aliens they were studying (he claimed to be forced to do what he did) which really made me question Zarion, since he did something similar got her Cinnia the job. And then with all the talk of him being the evil half and then attacking Kasen and Cinnia like he did, then acting like everything is okay... His character just didn't make sense to me. Is he a psychopath? Because that's the only explanation I can think of for his behavior...
Lastly, Cinnia. There's not much to be said about her. She was shy and timid, and then got clingy and confused, and then suddenly she understands her powers and is kicking butt on the battlefield. There wasn't much development, or at least not much building up to it to really explain her change. She was an okay character, but as I mentioned, I couldn't connect with any of them or immerse myself into their lives, and so the characters seem like cold hard facts from a textbook that I need to remember but end up with hardly any information retained.
One last thing about the writing: there was a lot of information. There were multiple spots in the story that were full of new information and honestly, it dragged and I got bored. I wanted to stop reading multiple times because of this, but as I said, I pushed through encaustic I was interested in where it would go.
Overall, this book is fairly good, but has too many issues for me to enjoy much of anything. I liked the details, the plot, and the overall idea of it, but not much else hooked me, unfortunately.
August 21, 2015
Ok so it took me so long to finally read and finish this book, only because I felt like it didn't hold my attention all that much. I'd initially thought the book would be about a group of friends who fight the forces of evil together. And it was, essentially. But not in the way I expected. It wasn't a bad read; there were some parts that made me laugh-- especially the Iron Chef competition. That part was hilarious!!
But let me start from the beginning.
The story starts with Cinnia and her friends living life together, being all happy and enjoying other's company in a suburban town. Cinnia is excited and nervous about an interview with Sciecor, a company she's been wanting to work with forever. She doesn't get the job, but doesn't have time to worry because she has a hot, new neighbor, Kasen. He's dark, mysterious, daring, all the girls in the group are falling for him, which caused a strain for Cinnia's friend Brann and Brielle. Kasen and Cinnia have a connection; he even helps her get the job with Sciecor (only because he knows the manager, his brother Zarion). Cinnia and Brann see some green flickering in Kasen's house, and it turns out that he and some of Sciecor are experimenting on aliens!! Called Adsai, they are an alien life force that look, talk and feel like real humans, intent on ending a war with the evil Xadsai and their leader Austin. The Adsai can change ages, read minds, and even change shape. The youngest Adsai were so cute and funny the way they showed Cinnia everything...
Read the rest of the review in my book website PoetryBooksYA here
But let me start from the beginning.
The story starts with Cinnia and her friends living life together, being all happy and enjoying other's company in a suburban town. Cinnia is excited and nervous about an interview with Sciecor, a company she's been wanting to work with forever. She doesn't get the job, but doesn't have time to worry because she has a hot, new neighbor, Kasen. He's dark, mysterious, daring, all the girls in the group are falling for him, which caused a strain for Cinnia's friend Brann and Brielle. Kasen and Cinnia have a connection; he even helps her get the job with Sciecor (only because he knows the manager, his brother Zarion). Cinnia and Brann see some green flickering in Kasen's house, and it turns out that he and some of Sciecor are experimenting on aliens!! Called Adsai, they are an alien life force that look, talk and feel like real humans, intent on ending a war with the evil Xadsai and their leader Austin. The Adsai can change ages, read minds, and even change shape. The youngest Adsai were so cute and funny the way they showed Cinnia everything...
Read the rest of the review in my book website PoetryBooksYA here
May 9, 2015
Things Are Not What They Seem
Cinnia dreamed of working for Sciecor. She finally interviews with them and it looks great. She is elated when she joins her four friends for dinner and tells them of her interview and good feelings. She also tells them of a guy she met who really caught her attention. As they enjoy each other's company, a past school mate comes across TV because she’s won the lottery again. Then she is there at their table. People call her the futurist because she predicts things will happen before they do. The next day, a guy moves across the street from Cinnia and attraction to him is instantaneous; problem is this attraction is with Cinnia and two of her friends. This taxes their friendship and threatens their peace. Things are not what they seem and this is realized as this story unfolds and you’re immersed in drama and suspense.
“Tea Leaf: What Hides Beneath” by Mia Mitns is a novel that feeds the reader's imagination, curiosity, and keeps one wondering what's next. There are happenings and/or occurrences that are simply unbelievable then you realize that it could apply to some. Having never read a novel that was Fantasy and Science Fiction, I found myself intrigued and fully engaged in this story. Mia Mitns penned a novel that originated in a dream and was encouragingly interesting while allowing my imagination to broaden even further and fulfilled my love of reading people and their interactions.
Reviewed by: Rhea
Cinnia dreamed of working for Sciecor. She finally interviews with them and it looks great. She is elated when she joins her four friends for dinner and tells them of her interview and good feelings. She also tells them of a guy she met who really caught her attention. As they enjoy each other's company, a past school mate comes across TV because she’s won the lottery again. Then she is there at their table. People call her the futurist because she predicts things will happen before they do. The next day, a guy moves across the street from Cinnia and attraction to him is instantaneous; problem is this attraction is with Cinnia and two of her friends. This taxes their friendship and threatens their peace. Things are not what they seem and this is realized as this story unfolds and you’re immersed in drama and suspense.
“Tea Leaf: What Hides Beneath” by Mia Mitns is a novel that feeds the reader's imagination, curiosity, and keeps one wondering what's next. There are happenings and/or occurrences that are simply unbelievable then you realize that it could apply to some. Having never read a novel that was Fantasy and Science Fiction, I found myself intrigued and fully engaged in this story. Mia Mitns penned a novel that originated in a dream and was encouragingly interesting while allowing my imagination to broaden even further and fulfilled my love of reading people and their interactions.
Reviewed by: Rhea
October 2, 2015
I was given an ARC book for an honest review free of persuasion from the author or anyone else affiliated with this book.
CONTAINS SOME SPOILERS
Wow! This book was good! The first chapter in I wasn't sure if this was going to be my type of book. I am so glad that I stuck it out! Everything was not as it seemed. Everyone in this book keeps you on your toes. You are constantly trying to figure out who is good and who is evil throughout the whole book. I loved that about the story! The characters are well developed and keep you engaged all the way through.
Cinnia has dreamed of working for Sciecor. When a job opening for a scientist comes up, she begins to think that her dreams may come true. Cinnia doesn't get the job that she applied for, but does get another position within the company. Her job is top secret and she is not allowed to tell anyone what she does. That includes her best friends. What does Sciecor do that is so secretive? Will it put Cinnia and her friends in danger? And what about the handsome new neighbor?
This is the first book of Mia Mitns that I have read. I am looking forward to reading more by her. I loved this book and the characters within. Thank you Mia for a good read.
© 2015 Microsoft Terms Privacy & cookies Developers English (United States)
CONTAINS SOME SPOILERS
Wow! This book was good! The first chapter in I wasn't sure if this was going to be my type of book. I am so glad that I stuck it out! Everything was not as it seemed. Everyone in this book keeps you on your toes. You are constantly trying to figure out who is good and who is evil throughout the whole book. I loved that about the story! The characters are well developed and keep you engaged all the way through.
Cinnia has dreamed of working for Sciecor. When a job opening for a scientist comes up, she begins to think that her dreams may come true. Cinnia doesn't get the job that she applied for, but does get another position within the company. Her job is top secret and she is not allowed to tell anyone what she does. That includes her best friends. What does Sciecor do that is so secretive? Will it put Cinnia and her friends in danger? And what about the handsome new neighbor?
This is the first book of Mia Mitns that I have read. I am looking forward to reading more by her. I loved this book and the characters within. Thank you Mia for a good read.
© 2015 Microsoft Terms Privacy & cookies Developers English (United States)
June 18, 2015
What would you do if you found out that your neighbors could be aliens? But are they really? They look and act human.
Cianna is applying for her dream job, when she doesn't get that job she is disappointed. But fate is working with her when she is offered another job in a different sector of the same company. She is in for a big surprise when she discovers the subjects are aliens. The aliens say she is the chosen one, but chosen for what? She will discover as the story plays out to an epic battle at the end of the story.
Cianna and her group of friends are hilarious at times. All of the characters add so much to the story. No matter what they stand behind each other, even when they were two of them vying for the attention of the new neighbor.
This is an interesting and imaginative story that will keep you turning the pages to see what happens with Cianna, her friends, and the aliens.
I received a gift copy in exchange for an honest review. Read and reviewed for Kylie's Fiction Addiction.
Cianna is applying for her dream job, when she doesn't get that job she is disappointed. But fate is working with her when she is offered another job in a different sector of the same company. She is in for a big surprise when she discovers the subjects are aliens. The aliens say she is the chosen one, but chosen for what? She will discover as the story plays out to an epic battle at the end of the story.
Cianna and her group of friends are hilarious at times. All of the characters add so much to the story. No matter what they stand behind each other, even when they were two of them vying for the attention of the new neighbor.
This is an interesting and imaginative story that will keep you turning the pages to see what happens with Cianna, her friends, and the aliens.
I received a gift copy in exchange for an honest review. Read and reviewed for Kylie's Fiction Addiction.
September 3, 2015
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian I Dig Good Books.
3/5 (Good)
*I received a copy of this book from Xpresso in exchange for a fair and honest review.*
This story was interestingly written. It was pretty simple and was an easy read. The story flowed well from the beginning to the end and was easy to understand. The concept of the story was a good concept and not one I had read before. The characters are pretty simple with some complex ideals and some have complex histories. The author did a good job writing the story.
That being said, it wasn’t a story for me. I prefer my fantasy stories to have a little more action and a little more detail. Sadly, as this story lacked these items, it didn’t hold my attention and I found myself straying from the reading and found myself slightly bored.
Overall, the author did a great job writing the story. It’s a simple story and could definitely be a story that others could enjoy. If you aren’t looking for a complex fantasy story then absolutely give this book a shot!
3/5 (Good)
*I received a copy of this book from Xpresso in exchange for a fair and honest review.*
This story was interestingly written. It was pretty simple and was an easy read. The story flowed well from the beginning to the end and was easy to understand. The concept of the story was a good concept and not one I had read before. The characters are pretty simple with some complex ideals and some have complex histories. The author did a good job writing the story.
That being said, it wasn’t a story for me. I prefer my fantasy stories to have a little more action and a little more detail. Sadly, as this story lacked these items, it didn’t hold my attention and I found myself straying from the reading and found myself slightly bored.
Overall, the author did a great job writing the story. It’s a simple story and could definitely be a story that others could enjoy. If you aren’t looking for a complex fantasy story then absolutely give this book a shot!
August 14, 2015
What Does Hide Beneath?
I really enjoyed reading this book, its Sci-Fi, and Funny and Romantic and more all rolled into one exciting little package. This is the first book that I've read by this author but after reading the blurb, I knew I had to read it. I was definitely not disappointed. I was sucked into the story almost from the very start and kept rapt, turning page after page, pulled along by the suspense and intrigue, and the unpredictability of the story. I loved the characters who are really well developed and each have their own very distinct likable personality. I look forward to reading more from this author. I was given a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I really enjoyed reading this book, its Sci-Fi, and Funny and Romantic and more all rolled into one exciting little package. This is the first book that I've read by this author but after reading the blurb, I knew I had to read it. I was definitely not disappointed. I was sucked into the story almost from the very start and kept rapt, turning page after page, pulled along by the suspense and intrigue, and the unpredictability of the story. I loved the characters who are really well developed and each have their own very distinct likable personality. I look forward to reading more from this author. I was given a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
February 8, 2016
I liked reading this book! It has been on my kindle for a while and I finally had time to read and review it. I am super surprised, in a good way, that this is Mia Mitns debut novel! It is very refreshing that Tea Leaf revolves around fantasy and a bit of sci-fi, which I don’t find very often. I enjoyed the mix. Cinnia is funny, quirky girl who dreams of being a part of Sciecor. But when things get a little weird and a little stressed between her friends and the neighbor across the street, she takes action; and it is a fun thing to read. Tea Leaf is definitely a great debut that has originality, a dream-worthy plot that is very descriptive, an excellent pace and deeply involving characters. I liked this book and would recommend to fantasy and sci-fi lovers.
May 12, 2015
First, I received this book from the author, Mia Mitns, and Paranormal Romance & Authors That Rock for an honest review.
That being said I really enjoyed reading this book. I loved the circle of friends that come together in this, for fun, friendship and to save themselves and others. There is a funny little scene with them re-enacting the whole Iron Chef thing (which I love). The aliens keep you guessing throughout the book, with both good and bad in them, just like any other faction. The book has enough suspense and story to keep you flipping pages till you finish the book. I am looking forward to another read from this author.
That being said I really enjoyed reading this book. I loved the circle of friends that come together in this, for fun, friendship and to save themselves and others. There is a funny little scene with them re-enacting the whole Iron Chef thing (which I love). The aliens keep you guessing throughout the book, with both good and bad in them, just like any other faction. The book has enough suspense and story to keep you flipping pages till you finish the book. I am looking forward to another read from this author.
August 7, 2015
SNS Rating: 5.0
~~~~~~~~~~~Amanda's ★★★★★ Review~~~~~~~~~~
I'm flabbergasted with this read. It was a great escape from reality though. It's scifi, romance, and thriller all in one. It definitely will keep you on the edge until the very end. It will have you laughing and also keep you on your toes with suspense. The fight for good or bad between aliens on earth. Who's right, who's wrong, who can be trusted, and how can an alien feel this way for a human. Those are just a few of the questions you will be asking yourself while reading.
~~~~~~~~~~~Amanda's ★★★★★ Review~~~~~~~~~~
I'm flabbergasted with this read. It was a great escape from reality though. It's scifi, romance, and thriller all in one. It definitely will keep you on the edge until the very end. It will have you laughing and also keep you on your toes with suspense. The fight for good or bad between aliens on earth. Who's right, who's wrong, who can be trusted, and how can an alien feel this way for a human. Those are just a few of the questions you will be asking yourself while reading.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews