What do you think?
Rate this book
Untamed
Due to many ongoing health conditions, Iva Hill has lived a life of total despair and hopelessness. Everything changes when she discovers a mysterious scarlet box at an antique store. She soon finds out that this evil creature, known as The Hellhound, wants it destroyed. For the box holds the power to annihilate him and his kind. But Iva is faced with another serious problem. The contents within the box have somehow fused with her upon opening it. Now, a brave black lion, known as Mane, and a group of young adults, must protect Iva at all cost. Although death can come for her at any moment, she realizes, with the help of her newly found friends, that it's never too late to hope and pursue happiness.
- GenresFantasy
426 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 19, 2014
1 person is currently reading
13 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
June 19, 2021
A brand-new cinematographic reading experience!
Untamed by Steven Harris revolves around a girl called Iva Hill. Her health condition dooms her young life, confining her to a wheelchair. When her mother moves to New York Iva hopes for a normal and happy like everyone else. But does her fate allow her that?
Steven has done an excellent job of storytelling in this epic young adult novel which is in a different genre than what we find. The book captures the reader from the first few pages and once you pass the first few pages it’s difficult to put down the book. Violence is described in explicit detail and the author is creating vivid mental images in each scene, taking the reader on a cinematic journey that is nothing less than a horror movie. Steven is building the suspense and tension step by step making the plot filled with suspense. The songs and soundtracks he recommends to listen to while reading the book heightens this experience, taking the reader to a whole different world.
The characters are well developed and that helps the reader to visualize the characters without much effort. Steven brings out the relationships and links between each character making it easier to understand for the reader.
Steven has used a simple writing style throughout the book, and while narration he jumps from the first person to third person narrative which I find intriguing, like what we see in movies.
I would like to recommend this book to all the readers out there who love horror/thriller type of novels and enjoy a cinematographic reading experience. Great book Stevens!!!
Untamed by Steven Harris revolves around a girl called Iva Hill. Her health condition dooms her young life, confining her to a wheelchair. When her mother moves to New York Iva hopes for a normal and happy like everyone else. But does her fate allow her that?
Steven has done an excellent job of storytelling in this epic young adult novel which is in a different genre than what we find. The book captures the reader from the first few pages and once you pass the first few pages it’s difficult to put down the book. Violence is described in explicit detail and the author is creating vivid mental images in each scene, taking the reader on a cinematic journey that is nothing less than a horror movie. Steven is building the suspense and tension step by step making the plot filled with suspense. The songs and soundtracks he recommends to listen to while reading the book heightens this experience, taking the reader to a whole different world.
The characters are well developed and that helps the reader to visualize the characters without much effort. Steven brings out the relationships and links between each character making it easier to understand for the reader.
Steven has used a simple writing style throughout the book, and while narration he jumps from the first person to third person narrative which I find intriguing, like what we see in movies.
I would like to recommend this book to all the readers out there who love horror/thriller type of novels and enjoy a cinematographic reading experience. Great book Stevens!!!
March 18, 2015
This book gripped my by the throat like the supernatural beast from the very first chapter and didn’t let go! This is a supernatural thriller of the best kind, exciting, very scary at times, but with well written believable characters.
Iva Hill is a teenage girl plagued by illness and insecurity. She thinks that her life will change little when her mother gets a new job and moves her to New York State. It is the town her mother grew up in and she gets re-acquainted with her uncle Frank, a local detective. He is investigating a gruesome murder that leaves him bewildered and worried. Iva’s mother enrols her in the local college. Things take an unexpected positive turn and slowly Iva begins to make friends and thinks she is getting the life she always wanted; a normal one. But the town is hiding a dark secret and Iva’s new found ‘normality’ puts her in grave danger. The-worried-mother versus girl-reaching-adult hood relationship is well described and you can feel the warmth, but firstly and foremost this is an exciting book with lots of action. I would recommend this for young adults, but with a warning that there is swearing, violence and a torture scene, but nothing that shocked this not-so-young adult.
Iva Hill is a teenage girl plagued by illness and insecurity. She thinks that her life will change little when her mother gets a new job and moves her to New York State. It is the town her mother grew up in and she gets re-acquainted with her uncle Frank, a local detective. He is investigating a gruesome murder that leaves him bewildered and worried. Iva’s mother enrols her in the local college. Things take an unexpected positive turn and slowly Iva begins to make friends and thinks she is getting the life she always wanted; a normal one. But the town is hiding a dark secret and Iva’s new found ‘normality’ puts her in grave danger. The-worried-mother versus girl-reaching-adult hood relationship is well described and you can feel the warmth, but firstly and foremost this is an exciting book with lots of action. I would recommend this for young adults, but with a warning that there is swearing, violence and a torture scene, but nothing that shocked this not-so-young adult.
February 17, 2017
***REVIEWED FOR SARAH & KIRSTY'S BOOK REVIEWS***
This book is a fantastic debut novel. This is not my usual genre but I read anything as long as it engages me. This book did that and more! I was excited as I read this and I read it in one sitting. I enjoyed the swearing and violence as it made the characters seem more real. The torture scene is one of the best I have read in a long time. Steven has done a fantastic job with this book, so much so, it’s hard to believe this is his first novel. This new author is one to watch. 5 stars
This book is a fantastic debut novel. This is not my usual genre but I read anything as long as it engages me. This book did that and more! I was excited as I read this and I read it in one sitting. I enjoyed the swearing and violence as it made the characters seem more real. The torture scene is one of the best I have read in a long time. Steven has done a fantastic job with this book, so much so, it’s hard to believe this is his first novel. This new author is one to watch. 5 stars
March 30, 2015
This is my first YA Fantasy novel in many, many years. I found "Untamed" by Steven Harris entertaining and fast paced. The dialogue between the young characters was believable. There were a few words that were over used but in general it is a diamond in the rough. The plot was engaging and different, with the Hero being a disabled person that we have grown to pity at the first of the novel.
April 4, 2015
It’s been a while since I’ve read a YA fantasy, and I have to say that Untamed was a nice treat. The story opens with Iva Hill, a sickly young girl who’s in the process of moving from Virginia to her mom’s hometown in New York. Right away I felt for Iva. Her condition has her bound to a wheelchair, and Harris conveys her isolation and social issues very well. Anyone who’s ever been an outcast will definitely relate.
Since Iva never formed any friendships she feels that she isn’t leaving anything behind when she moves to New York. But when she gets there, saying she has a new beginning would be a huge understatement. Iva soon comes across an artifact that cures her of her ailments. In addition to her newfound freedom, she also finds friends for the first time at her new school.
Unfortunately, life isn’t all grand when the local police force (led by her uncle, Frank) soon discover gruesome corpses who all have had their hearts torn out. And of course I know that her arrival to New York when these bodies start appearing is far from coincidental. It’s revealed that Iva has become a target of a terrible force. Her friends, who we find are not what they seem, know of Iva’s fate and become her protectors.
The story of Untamed was entertaining from beginning to end. In addition, each character is well developed with their own background that sets the stage for their personality. As a reader, you feel like you’re a part of their gang as they go through their adventure. The one drawback I found with the book is that it could use some editing. There were quite a few grammar and spelling issues in which a good round of editing could polish it off. However, as I said, Untamed was a great story and worth the read.
Since Iva never formed any friendships she feels that she isn’t leaving anything behind when she moves to New York. But when she gets there, saying she has a new beginning would be a huge understatement. Iva soon comes across an artifact that cures her of her ailments. In addition to her newfound freedom, she also finds friends for the first time at her new school.
Unfortunately, life isn’t all grand when the local police force (led by her uncle, Frank) soon discover gruesome corpses who all have had their hearts torn out. And of course I know that her arrival to New York when these bodies start appearing is far from coincidental. It’s revealed that Iva has become a target of a terrible force. Her friends, who we find are not what they seem, know of Iva’s fate and become her protectors.
The story of Untamed was entertaining from beginning to end. In addition, each character is well developed with their own background that sets the stage for their personality. As a reader, you feel like you’re a part of their gang as they go through their adventure. The one drawback I found with the book is that it could use some editing. There were quite a few grammar and spelling issues in which a good round of editing could polish it off. However, as I said, Untamed was a great story and worth the read.
March 21, 2015
Too often, I find myself looking at a book cover and asking myself how the story would unfold. I've read so many books in my life that it's hard to catch me off guard. Oh boy... was I in for a rude awakening with this book. This author is unknown yet his storytelling surpasses most well-known authors today. His writing style may take some getting used to. But it's wicked good. This book will take you on the wildest roller coaster ride you've ever been on. It's an incredible fantasy story with such realism. As I read, it was like watching a movie. It will blow you away. Bravo, Mr. Harris, you have managed to thrill me unlike any book I've read in years.
Read
March 1, 2015This is definitely an excellent read , and for a debut, it's nothng less than fantastic... You have to buy the book at Amazon and find out what happens it is the read of the year. Pick up you book Untamed by Steven Harris .
February 4, 2015
What an awesome Fantasy book!
June 15, 2021
As far as the story elements, this story was great! I was very intrigued with the plot and connected with the characters. The author has a talent for writing descriptions and conveying suspense. I think that the other 4 and 5 star reviews here are better at explaining the awesomeness that this story offers!
However, from a technical point of view, many readers may find the formatting and lack of editing to be a deal breaker. Despite being in e-book format, the pages seem to be copied and pasted from the original online posting. For those who are particular about grammar and typos as well, you may struggle with the overwriting and grammar inconsistencies.
For the average reader who just wants a good story to get wrapped up in, I absolutely recommend this book! I'm very much hoping for the sequel!!
However, from a technical point of view, many readers may find the formatting and lack of editing to be a deal breaker. Despite being in e-book format, the pages seem to be copied and pasted from the original online posting. For those who are particular about grammar and typos as well, you may struggle with the overwriting and grammar inconsistencies.
For the average reader who just wants a good story to get wrapped up in, I absolutely recommend this book! I'm very much hoping for the sequel!!
February 5, 2016
“Untamed” by Steven Jeral Harris is a new adult fantasy in which a young disabled woman’s life changes dramatically when she finds and opens a curious antique box. The author is excellent at pacing and the story immediately grabs your attention and keeps you reading. The characters are interesting and well thought out, and the plot is filled with suspense. This appears to be the first book in a series of epic fantasies about shape-shifters, so there’s the promise of more adventure in the future. The author states upfront that he had reading problems in school and was almost placed in special education class, but didn’t let that stop him from following his dream. He tells others they shouldn’t either. That’s a profound statement, and I agree with him, however, I don’t think it should be an excuse for not having someone edit his work. There are a lot of grammatical problems and odd word choices (“leer” in place of stare; “smirk” instead of smile) that detract from the overall enjoyment of reading “Untamed.” I think all authors benefit from having a good editor. And I believe using one could help this author—who has great potential—excel.
Read
September 12, 2016Untamed by Steven Jeral Harris book 1
Unique, intriguing, twisted, mysterious, unpredictable paranormal adventure is the best way for me to describe this book. I have not EVER read anything close to this. Reading has almost become predicable with most of the books that I read. Not this one. I was on the edge of my seat the entire time and I didn’t see the twists coming. The book is fast paced and made sense as it progressed. The loose ends get tied up neatly by the end so it leaves very little questions. However the ending both leaves you wanting more but at the same time had a logical breaking point.
There are 50 incredible chapters to get through all of which paints the story of Iva Hill a young women with many health problems and her journey when she becomes a miracle. Now I know what you’re thinking, how does that description lend itself to paranormal? It doesn’t, except she becomes a miracle, you will just have to read because anything I could say will undoubtedly be a spoiler.
I will tell you this little tidbit, this paranormal adventure will become LEGENDARY!!
Please read!!!
Unique, intriguing, twisted, mysterious, unpredictable paranormal adventure is the best way for me to describe this book. I have not EVER read anything close to this. Reading has almost become predicable with most of the books that I read. Not this one. I was on the edge of my seat the entire time and I didn’t see the twists coming. The book is fast paced and made sense as it progressed. The loose ends get tied up neatly by the end so it leaves very little questions. However the ending both leaves you wanting more but at the same time had a logical breaking point.
There are 50 incredible chapters to get through all of which paints the story of Iva Hill a young women with many health problems and her journey when she becomes a miracle. Now I know what you’re thinking, how does that description lend itself to paranormal? It doesn’t, except she becomes a miracle, you will just have to read because anything I could say will undoubtedly be a spoiler.
I will tell you this little tidbit, this paranormal adventure will become LEGENDARY!!
Please read!!!
Read
September 5, 2018(Review provided as part of an exchange deal which the author never reciprocated. Rating withheld for objectivity reasons.)
Untamed was a pleasant read. The story, takes you into a Twilight-like universe, but it thankfully spares you from all the cheesiness, and presents you with a fairly original and appealing storyline. The characters are portrayed richly enough, the relationships between them in beautiful and satisfactory detail; the dialogues are real and believable, and the action scenes quite rich and well executed.
One critique I have is in regards to the overall flow of the story; it sometimes drags a bit and focuses for too long on non-important material (hair and make-up scene for example), thus failing to build up towards the climax, which when it arrives, is spectacular and super-exciting.
Also, there's some editing needed, badly; though I'm sure the author is working on that.
Untamed was a pleasant read. The story, takes you into a Twilight-like universe, but it thankfully spares you from all the cheesiness, and presents you with a fairly original and appealing storyline. The characters are portrayed richly enough, the relationships between them in beautiful and satisfactory detail; the dialogues are real and believable, and the action scenes quite rich and well executed.
One critique I have is in regards to the overall flow of the story; it sometimes drags a bit and focuses for too long on non-important material (hair and make-up scene for example), thus failing to build up towards the climax, which when it arrives, is spectacular and super-exciting.
Also, there's some editing needed, badly; though I'm sure the author is working on that.
January 11, 2018
it was a great book. he's a great person as well. very creative. very intuitive. very descriptive & it well thought out & written. I hope he keeps going & continues to write. I even enjoyed the artwork too. thank you Steven & you have a fan in me
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews