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The Eshla Adventures
The Lost Heirs
Eric Grayson is like any other normal, fourteen year old boy. That is until one fateful day when he stumbles across a chasm leading to another world...at the end of his school field! Eshla is an enchanting world of flying machines, mechanical contraptions and gleaming copper pipes where the plants and flowers have special properties to create energy, light, heat...and whatever else its citizens need. The land is recovering from war, but the evil Lowick Bradwar has imprisoned three princes, deep underground in the Bel-Arayba cave and disappeared with the keys down the chasm connecting his world with ours. Prince Joel survived the war, but needs help from an Earthling to release his brothers. Eric agrees and starts his quest with a little help from his three best friends, and a furry blue sausage-loving creature from Eshla. The adventure sees the four friends: travelling through time to the roaring twenties; acting in plays; facing the cane and joining a battle!
221 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 13, 2014
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
May 18, 2020
In this book, a 14-year old boy named Eric is transported to the world of Eshla and then persuaded by Prince Joel to look for 3 stones on Earth in order to release his brothers from an entrapment in time. Back on Earth, Eric is joined by his 3 friends: Corbin, Rose, and Lydia in pursuit of this quest, which takes some twist and turns.
What makes this book work and stand out is the author's description of Eshla, which is a planet that uses plants, trees, and flowers to do just about everything - from heating rooms to flowers that allow an air ship (Owren) to rise or fall depending on whether or not the flowers are open or closed. It is a very magical and wonderful world that fascinates the 4 friends as well as the reader. In the book, we get to explore all of Eshla and see the differences of each region and almost makes you sad when you have to come back to Earth.
Although my overall impression is positive, in my reading I noticed that sometimes there were parts that didn't always work for me. Perhaps it was that sometimes things moved too fast, or perhaps it was that the transitions between events could have been smoother. One example is when the gang comes back to Eshla. As a reader it feels like they are barely there when Willow (Joel's sister) comes in to ask them to go see a water parade and then almost immediately they are there. It was just so sudden and not mentioned beforehand that it caught me by surprise.
Another part that I wish could have been explored more or at least seen a bit more is regarding the antagonist or bad guy of the story. His handiwork in encasing the princes in a tomb of frozen time is evident, but I never felt like he was any threat there on Earth. However, I do suspect this will change with the sequels.
Overall, this story allows a reader to go to a very detailed and beautiful new planet that gives you new adventures such as edible fireworks as well as time travel here on Earth and while not perfect it will generally leave you feeling good after reading it.
I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book, through Reading Deals, and I gave an honest review.
Update: My initial rating was 4 stars, but at times there was more visiting and sight-seeing the towns than plot so I am updating the rating to 3 stars.
What makes this book work and stand out is the author's description of Eshla, which is a planet that uses plants, trees, and flowers to do just about everything - from heating rooms to flowers that allow an air ship (Owren) to rise or fall depending on whether or not the flowers are open or closed. It is a very magical and wonderful world that fascinates the 4 friends as well as the reader. In the book, we get to explore all of Eshla and see the differences of each region and almost makes you sad when you have to come back to Earth.
Although my overall impression is positive, in my reading I noticed that sometimes there were parts that didn't always work for me. Perhaps it was that sometimes things moved too fast, or perhaps it was that the transitions between events could have been smoother. One example is when the gang comes back to Eshla. As a reader it feels like they are barely there when Willow (Joel's sister) comes in to ask them to go see a water parade and then almost immediately they are there. It was just so sudden and not mentioned beforehand that it caught me by surprise.
Another part that I wish could have been explored more or at least seen a bit more is regarding the antagonist or bad guy of the story. His handiwork in encasing the princes in a tomb of frozen time is evident, but I never felt like he was any threat there on Earth. However, I do suspect this will change with the sequels.
Overall, this story allows a reader to go to a very detailed and beautiful new planet that gives you new adventures such as edible fireworks as well as time travel here on Earth and while not perfect it will generally leave you feeling good after reading it.
I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book, through Reading Deals, and I gave an honest review.
Update: My initial rating was 4 stars, but at times there was more visiting and sight-seeing the towns than plot so I am updating the rating to 3 stars.
February 2, 2015
I didn't know what to except when I picked up newbie author, A. Moran-Soley's 'The Lost Heirs' but I certainly didn't expect that I would finish this book in one sitting, sneaking away in my office hours. So fascinated was I with the Eshla world beautifully created by the author, that I completely lost track of time and like the main protagonist, 14 year old Eric, found myself swept into a another world full of magical adventures.
When not so accidentally, Eric while plucking flowers in the school's meadow, slips into a crack in the ground and through the Jarmuthe chasm finds himself in another world, a fascinating adventure begins!
Together with his best friend Corbin and the lovable twins Lydia and Rose they embark upon a journey to help Prince of Eshla - Joel, find the three rocks that will help release his brothers from the captivity of a long spell cast by the evil Bradwar.
Things take an unexpected turn when the teenagers find out that they are up against their own school's headmaster!
What I most loved about this book was the setting of each place, be it the real world or the alien world, and the intricacies with which everything was narrated. The characters created are distinct and the teenagers especially likable and relatable. The author takes the story a notch up by including time travel in the friends' adventures and enough pages were dedicated to that past year for the reader to get a feel of that era.
I would have liked if the character of the antagonist would have been explored a bit more. As a reader I wanted to know more about Lowick Bradwar or Arlow Bickward so as to gauge what the teenagers were up against. But seeing that a sequel is in the making, I am happy!
I longed to get on with the second part in this series as soon as I finished this book. Eagerly awaiting for its release!
A fascinating read, for young and old alike!
When not so accidentally, Eric while plucking flowers in the school's meadow, slips into a crack in the ground and through the Jarmuthe chasm finds himself in another world, a fascinating adventure begins!
Together with his best friend Corbin and the lovable twins Lydia and Rose they embark upon a journey to help Prince of Eshla - Joel, find the three rocks that will help release his brothers from the captivity of a long spell cast by the evil Bradwar.
Things take an unexpected turn when the teenagers find out that they are up against their own school's headmaster!
What I most loved about this book was the setting of each place, be it the real world or the alien world, and the intricacies with which everything was narrated. The characters created are distinct and the teenagers especially likable and relatable. The author takes the story a notch up by including time travel in the friends' adventures and enough pages were dedicated to that past year for the reader to get a feel of that era.
I would have liked if the character of the antagonist would have been explored a bit more. As a reader I wanted to know more about Lowick Bradwar or Arlow Bickward so as to gauge what the teenagers were up against. But seeing that a sequel is in the making, I am happy!
I longed to get on with the second part in this series as soon as I finished this book. Eagerly awaiting for its release!
A fascinating read, for young and old alike!
January 4, 2015
When The Lost Heirs: popped up on a blog, I decided to read this new author and am delighted I did. The story is rich with suspenseful and intriguing descriptions that kept me turning pages. One of my favorites: "Long grasses waved back and forth in a peaceful way that reminded him of a snake being charmed." The author creates a journey that glides effortlessly across fantastic, historic, and realistic worlds.
The story begins when Eric, a British boarding school student, falls into the world of Elsha and discovers a prince trying to find his brothers. Eric, along with his friends, commit to helping the prince and embark on an adventure through worlds known and unknown.
I have respect for fiction writers. The task of creating memorable characters in a fictitious world is difficult and A. Moran Soley excels at doing so, not only in contemporary setting, but also in make-believe and historical settings. Her writing reminded me of Harry Potter, The Chronicles of Narnia and even Dr. Seuss' sense of wonder. And if I may borrow a quote from the author, this book made me feel as if I were driving off in a "nippy green car with no roof."
Loved it, and can not wait for the next.
The story begins when Eric, a British boarding school student, falls into the world of Elsha and discovers a prince trying to find his brothers. Eric, along with his friends, commit to helping the prince and embark on an adventure through worlds known and unknown.
I have respect for fiction writers. The task of creating memorable characters in a fictitious world is difficult and A. Moran Soley excels at doing so, not only in contemporary setting, but also in make-believe and historical settings. Her writing reminded me of Harry Potter, The Chronicles of Narnia and even Dr. Seuss' sense of wonder. And if I may borrow a quote from the author, this book made me feel as if I were driving off in a "nippy green car with no roof."
Loved it, and can not wait for the next.
January 2, 2015
Well, I should point out that I'm the author of this book, so this is not a completely unbiased review! Eric's adventures in Eshla are meant to be read by children aged nine plus, although I've had plenty of feedback from adults who've enjoyed the first novel and I hope you will too.
The sequel, 'The second Stone' will be released around Easter - If you read either book please do leave a review to help others decide whether to read or not.
All the best, A. Moran-Soley.
The sequel, 'The second Stone' will be released around Easter - If you read either book please do leave a review to help others decide whether to read or not.
All the best, A. Moran-Soley.
June 2, 2019
The Lost Heirs is the first book in the The Adventures of Eshla Trilogy series by A. Moran-Soley
Four current day boarding school friends; Eric, Corbin and twins Lydia and Rose find themselves in the Land of Eshla where they must help release the three heirs of Eshla from their imprisonment inside a rock wall within a cave.
The rescue will require them to travel back in time to their own boarding school in the year 1927. They will need to blend into 1927 school life all the while searching for the key—a stone—that will release one of the heirs from imprisonment.
A. Moran-Soley has blended time travel and some steam punk elements together to make a thoroughly enjoyable fantasy adventure.
Full Disclaimer: I was provided a complimentary copy of this book through Reading Deals; received in Kindle format; in exchange for an honest review.
My Rating System:
* not worth finishing, ** wouldn’t recommend, *** would recommend, **** would highly recommend, ***** have/would read again.
“Even better than giving a book to a child to read; read it with them, aloud. After all it’s never too early to help a child discover the love of reading and the power of a good story.”
Lisa Dillman Wright
Four current day boarding school friends; Eric, Corbin and twins Lydia and Rose find themselves in the Land of Eshla where they must help release the three heirs of Eshla from their imprisonment inside a rock wall within a cave.
The rescue will require them to travel back in time to their own boarding school in the year 1927. They will need to blend into 1927 school life all the while searching for the key—a stone—that will release one of the heirs from imprisonment.
A. Moran-Soley has blended time travel and some steam punk elements together to make a thoroughly enjoyable fantasy adventure.
Full Disclaimer: I was provided a complimentary copy of this book through Reading Deals; received in Kindle format; in exchange for an honest review.
My Rating System:
* not worth finishing, ** wouldn’t recommend, *** would recommend, **** would highly recommend, ***** have/would read again.
“Even better than giving a book to a child to read; read it with them, aloud. After all it’s never too early to help a child discover the love of reading and the power of a good story.”
Lisa Dillman Wright
February 5, 2015
THE LOST HEIRS - REVIEW
Every time I read a good fantasy or crime piece of fiction, I am in awe of the author's attention to detail, the intricacies of the word webs they spin and the time and effort they put into making it all credible and lovable. The Lost Heirs was not different from that.
At first, I have to say, it took me a while to dive deep into the story, missing some descriptions and emotional explanations I had expected after reading an adult novel just before that, but The Lost Heirs is a book for adventurous teenagers and all those who like to feel that way and like to drown themselves in fantasy worlds. The interesting thing was my overthinking brain got lost in the historical details of the world at first, until the moment my teenage son asked me what I was reading. As soon as I started explaining the plot, his eyes lit up like fireflies, envying my level of English and being able to read the book. I just know he'd love a book like this! So I told myself to relax, enjoy the ride and just have fun. And, oh, how much fun I had! By chapter five I was hooked - completely and utterly! I mean, really - travelling to another dimension, another planet?!? Who wouldn't like that?
The wonderful characters, especially the four friends (still cannot decide who is my favourite), have been created with so much love, humour and understanding that they reminded me of some of my students. The fantasy world itself has been created in such detail that you can actually see their gadgets clicking, feel pets purring, smell the wonderful food, admire the detailed clothing items, and not to mention the fantastic idea of powering the fantasy planet (yes, it's a planet!) by using natural resources without destroying them (talk about a lesson for us humans to learn). I particularly love the way the author pays attention to the use of herbs (the translation plant is something that made me go oh gosh... if only...). The clash of cultures is wonderfully explained as children from earth meet their alien counterparts, and with such love and a great sense of humour, too (Eric has no idea how to explain central heating - one of my favourite scenes;).
The author just draws you into the adventure, and I can easily picture this book (and its sequels) as movies or even a TV-series, knowing how much teenagers enjoy Narnia, Dinotopia, Percy Jackson, etc. The pace of action packed sections, funny scenes (there are hillarious moments you will absolutely love) and calming paragraphs is just perfect, giving you just enough time to breathe, but no chance of getting bored.
However, two things about this book I admire the most. Despite the fantastic elements and fantasy surroundings, the author never forgets to talk about her characters' families, and leading us gently toward understanding better how much families form our personalities, regardless of the planet we're from. Another thing refers to my favourite part of the book (spoiler alert ahead!) - travelling in time to 1927!!! The author takes the characters into their own school, back in time, forced to learn and accept the customs to save their own lives and help their friends, which they do, because children always sacrifice themselves selflessly for friends and don't we all know it! That part of the book is so educational, and so well-fitted into the story that there is not a moment in which it seems forced or fake in any way. even the characters from that era are depicted with attention to every detail.
Overall, I absolutely recommend this read to teenagers and fantasy fans, or any adult willing to venture out of their comfort-zone genre, and simply have fun, feeling as daring and reckless and brave as they did back in their teenage years!
Every time I read a good fantasy or crime piece of fiction, I am in awe of the author's attention to detail, the intricacies of the word webs they spin and the time and effort they put into making it all credible and lovable. The Lost Heirs was not different from that.
At first, I have to say, it took me a while to dive deep into the story, missing some descriptions and emotional explanations I had expected after reading an adult novel just before that, but The Lost Heirs is a book for adventurous teenagers and all those who like to feel that way and like to drown themselves in fantasy worlds. The interesting thing was my overthinking brain got lost in the historical details of the world at first, until the moment my teenage son asked me what I was reading. As soon as I started explaining the plot, his eyes lit up like fireflies, envying my level of English and being able to read the book. I just know he'd love a book like this! So I told myself to relax, enjoy the ride and just have fun. And, oh, how much fun I had! By chapter five I was hooked - completely and utterly! I mean, really - travelling to another dimension, another planet?!? Who wouldn't like that?
The wonderful characters, especially the four friends (still cannot decide who is my favourite), have been created with so much love, humour and understanding that they reminded me of some of my students. The fantasy world itself has been created in such detail that you can actually see their gadgets clicking, feel pets purring, smell the wonderful food, admire the detailed clothing items, and not to mention the fantastic idea of powering the fantasy planet (yes, it's a planet!) by using natural resources without destroying them (talk about a lesson for us humans to learn). I particularly love the way the author pays attention to the use of herbs (the translation plant is something that made me go oh gosh... if only...). The clash of cultures is wonderfully explained as children from earth meet their alien counterparts, and with such love and a great sense of humour, too (Eric has no idea how to explain central heating - one of my favourite scenes;).
The author just draws you into the adventure, and I can easily picture this book (and its sequels) as movies or even a TV-series, knowing how much teenagers enjoy Narnia, Dinotopia, Percy Jackson, etc. The pace of action packed sections, funny scenes (there are hillarious moments you will absolutely love) and calming paragraphs is just perfect, giving you just enough time to breathe, but no chance of getting bored.
However, two things about this book I admire the most. Despite the fantastic elements and fantasy surroundings, the author never forgets to talk about her characters' families, and leading us gently toward understanding better how much families form our personalities, regardless of the planet we're from. Another thing refers to my favourite part of the book (spoiler alert ahead!) - travelling in time to 1927!!! The author takes the characters into their own school, back in time, forced to learn and accept the customs to save their own lives and help their friends, which they do, because children always sacrifice themselves selflessly for friends and don't we all know it! That part of the book is so educational, and so well-fitted into the story that there is not a moment in which it seems forced or fake in any way. even the characters from that era are depicted with attention to every detail.
Overall, I absolutely recommend this read to teenagers and fantasy fans, or any adult willing to venture out of their comfort-zone genre, and simply have fun, feeling as daring and reckless and brave as they did back in their teenage years!
April 30, 2015
For readers who crave strong adventure-based fantasy like Harry Potter and Narnia, ‘The Lost Heirs’ will enthral and captivate you.
Fourteen-year-old orphan, Eric attends Smith-Chigley Academy with his best friends Corbin, Lydia and Rose. After Eric is mysteriously transported from the midst of a football game through the Jarmuthe Chasm, a black pit of swirling gases, he ends up in Eshla. In this parallel world powered by plants and steam-punk contraptions, he meets Joel, a prince who has lost his parents to a dastardly villain, Lowick. Eric and his academy friends are soon enlisted to travel through time to help release Joel brothers, who are imprisoned in blue rock within a great cave, Bel-Arayba. Eric is aided by a purram called Espog, a cute colour-changing furball of a creature that thrives on sausage rolls and chocolate.
A. Moran-Soley has envisioned amazingly vivid worlds with distinct cultures and inventions, and populated them with intriguing characters ranging from 1927 school masters and steam-punk airship pilots. I especially enjoyed the Eshla landscape dotted with castles, airships driven by plants, and giant purple metallic snakes flying, surfing waves and shooting fireballs. The main characters are brave, adventurous and relatable, especially Eric who is an unassuming and likeable hero.
This is a great start to an enchanting fantasy series that kids of all ages will absolutely love.
Fourteen-year-old orphan, Eric attends Smith-Chigley Academy with his best friends Corbin, Lydia and Rose. After Eric is mysteriously transported from the midst of a football game through the Jarmuthe Chasm, a black pit of swirling gases, he ends up in Eshla. In this parallel world powered by plants and steam-punk contraptions, he meets Joel, a prince who has lost his parents to a dastardly villain, Lowick. Eric and his academy friends are soon enlisted to travel through time to help release Joel brothers, who are imprisoned in blue rock within a great cave, Bel-Arayba. Eric is aided by a purram called Espog, a cute colour-changing furball of a creature that thrives on sausage rolls and chocolate.
A. Moran-Soley has envisioned amazingly vivid worlds with distinct cultures and inventions, and populated them with intriguing characters ranging from 1927 school masters and steam-punk airship pilots. I especially enjoyed the Eshla landscape dotted with castles, airships driven by plants, and giant purple metallic snakes flying, surfing waves and shooting fireballs. The main characters are brave, adventurous and relatable, especially Eric who is an unassuming and likeable hero.
This is a great start to an enchanting fantasy series that kids of all ages will absolutely love.
March 10, 2015
What I really liked about this book was the characters – especially the four young adventurers, Eric, Corban, Lydia and Rose who each have their own immensely likeable personality and come across as 14 year old, not as sometimes happens adult minds in 14 year old bodies. The parallel world is an exotic and interesting steampunk invention, but the part that really grabbed me was the travel back to 1927. There was an air of authenticity about the way the author describes the boarding school, the masters (especially the Latin teacher, whom I swear is the same one who taught me) and the students and staff of that era. The book is well written. I was drawn into the story and became quickly involved in the challenges faced by the protagonists. I do think this story has the potential to be even better with some sympathetic editing (the last few chapters are in my view less absorbing and would benefit from a more in-depth treatment).
In my view, this is a story with prodigious appeal and will have the target audience shouting for more! Highly recommended.
In my view, this is a story with prodigious appeal and will have the target audience shouting for more! Highly recommended.
May 1, 2015
The Lost Heirs is a beautifully written book, that managed to captivate far more quickly that I expected. The premise begins quite simply and then is built upon in layers, the world of Eshla is very intriguing one. I love the idea of the Owrens especially, using temperature controls against a natural phenomena to power an airship. It’s this kind of originality, and creativity, that gives it a very strong standing in its genre. I thought the characters were diverse, and well written, with a dash of humour and interest that made them very relatable.I think it takes a great deal of skill to produce a book that can appeal to young adults and adults, and if I had found this when younger I could see myself rereading it again now. I certainly enjoyed it as an adult, as there are little touches in this book that make it very real. Expect to finish this in very few sittings, regardless of whether you should be going to sleep or not. The only downside to this book I found is that I’m a little sad that I don’t have Espog in my life!
November 16, 2016
Got ARC from I have no clue. I found it in the nether realms where lost ebooks go but have no idea who sent this to me. Sorry about that.
I really liked this book but I think a younger audience might enjoy it a bit more than I did. The mission in this book was just a tad too easy. I really love the world of Eshla and would love to live there not to mention have a purram for a pet. Who wouldn't want to have a little furry blue creature? I also love the friendships in this book.
Eric is at a boarding school on Earth when one day he's sucked into an alternate world. He's asked to help find an object that will help release his brothers who are trapped like the Titans were on Xena but stones are needed to release them instead of chanting. He enlists the aid of his friends and starts a really fun adventure that includes a little time travel. I need to get my hands on that machine.
http://www.ficgal.com/book-club/the-l...
I really liked this book but I think a younger audience might enjoy it a bit more than I did. The mission in this book was just a tad too easy. I really love the world of Eshla and would love to live there not to mention have a purram for a pet. Who wouldn't want to have a little furry blue creature? I also love the friendships in this book.
Eric is at a boarding school on Earth when one day he's sucked into an alternate world. He's asked to help find an object that will help release his brothers who are trapped like the Titans were on Xena but stones are needed to release them instead of chanting. He enlists the aid of his friends and starts a really fun adventure that includes a little time travel. I need to get my hands on that machine.
http://www.ficgal.com/book-club/the-l...
January 22, 2016
Although this book is described as YA, in truth, it’s an enjoyable read for any age group. It has all the elements of the Harry Potter stories, and more. This author knows how to create a fascinating make-believe story. Her wonderfully descriptive scenes pull you right inside the world of Eric who has stumbled upon another world. He and his friends are given a task to solve leading them into mystery, excitement, and danger. Cleverly written, it’s sprinkled with humour to contrast with the tense moments. It had me laughing out loud at the colourful phrases used, like: ‘He spoke quietly and dangerously again, his massive walrus moustache quivering like a dying slug in the last spasms of life.’ Wonderful! I can’t wait for the second story.
January 17, 2015
I loved how unique this book was. There are so many "journey to a magical realm" type books out there, but this one really sets itself apart, and should not be lumped in with those other books. The author's writing was descriptive and interesting, drawing me into the story fully. The characters were well-developed and interesting. They sucked me in and before I knew it I had read through the entire book in a few days. I recommend this book to anyone and everyone.
October 6, 2016
Enjoyable fantasy
I really enjoyed this book that takes you to another land and gives time travelers a chance to help the citizens free a prince. Nice read for any age. A pleasant way to pass some leisure time.
I really enjoyed this book that takes you to another land and gives time travelers a chance to help the citizens free a prince. Nice read for any age. A pleasant way to pass some leisure time.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews