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The Heart of the Ocean #1
SeQuence
TBA
332 pages, Paperback
Published October 13, 2016
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December 7, 2018
My rating 3.5
The Book of "SeQuence (The Heart of the Ocean # 1)" by Lorraine M.L.M. is YA fantasy novel with a well thought out world but by me on moments a slow story. It took me almost two years to read the book, the beginning was solid, the descriptions of the world were great and the end was solid. But on moments of a story, dumped me out of the clock, so I would give up reading. Maybe I was not in the element, but it took me a long time to read the book. The fans of YA fantasy fantasies will love the book, regardless of my thoughts. I really liked the world where the book is located, action in the book only in the end gets to the pace, so I expect the sequels to be much better. The tale is followed by Alessia Appleton, who is hearing voices in her head and therefore it is located in a hospital island asylum. But soon after she arrives, she will try to escape, and when she leaves, she will only take her mother's pendant, who will switch her to the world of Zeneshia. But her coming to Zeneshia will launch a series of events that will change her life.
The Book of "SeQuence (The Heart of the Ocean # 1)" by Lorraine M.L.M. is YA fantasy novel with a well thought out world but by me on moments a slow story. It took me almost two years to read the book, the beginning was solid, the descriptions of the world were great and the end was solid. But on moments of a story, dumped me out of the clock, so I would give up reading. Maybe I was not in the element, but it took me a long time to read the book. The fans of YA fantasy fantasies will love the book, regardless of my thoughts. I really liked the world where the book is located, action in the book only in the end gets to the pace, so I expect the sequels to be much better. The tale is followed by Alessia Appleton, who is hearing voices in her head and therefore it is located in a hospital island asylum. But soon after she arrives, she will try to escape, and when she leaves, she will only take her mother's pendant, who will switch her to the world of Zeneshia. But her coming to Zeneshia will launch a series of events that will change her life.
January 11, 2018
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Alessia hears voices, lots and lots of voices, so many that it's crippling. Water has the ability to dampen the voices but it looks mighty crazy to have sacks of water tied around your head. So its no surprise she's committed to an asylum. On an island far from home Alessia is able to flee her doctor and her padded cell and escape into the ocean. Only to wake up in Zeneshia, the home of her long-lost grandmother and Dante, the man she's totally drawn to. As she delves into the history of Zeneshia she learns she is a part of what is going on and she's the one with the power to stop it.
I really loved this premise. I love stories with paranormal abilities and thought pairing that with an alternate world sounded like a riot of fun. By 10% the premise was done. There was mind talking but it didn't really play a part in the plot of the story once Alessia hits Zeneshia. It's more like it was world building that started on earth. I really felt like I was sold one story only to learn that the story really is something totally different. In the book blurb it does mention Zeneshia (4 sentences) and that it is an alternate world. I expected the plot to be about the new world, but I also expected that what happened to her on earth (6 sentences) would also play a part in the plot... We needed two sentences about earth, something like:
"Alessia Appleton has been plagued by voices since her parents died a year ago and the only thing that gives her relief is water. After escaping her cell on an island asylum she plunges into the ocean and wakes up in another world."
This gives a lot more blurb space to tell us what the story is really about! Problems with the cover blurb aside it speaks to the problems of the book as a whole.
This is really about a girl who goes to another world where only three major events happen, one of which is she falls in love. The whole setup is only to explain why she doesn't act like a typical teenager or think about friends she is missing back on earth and a whole host of other thoughts someone who has a healthy life back on earth would have. Basically her character sprung into life once she got to Zeneshia. Due to this all her thought revolved around her love interest and the little bit she learns about life in this new place. And to make matters worse a major part of the story - the romance, is even worse than the typical instalove relationships found in young adult.
The thing is I really liked Zeneshia!! I liked the idea of SeQuence, which seemed to me an American take on the Asian idea of fate. I liked her grandmother who is a member of the council who rules over the land. I liked the idea of a world under the ocean. The different races were very cool, from Dante's warrior race to the manipulators of Sequence, etc.
The problem was we were told about the world but nothing happened. There was no plot (aside from the 2 major events that I won't reveal because it would ruin your anticipation of the story if you plan on reading this book!) If this were a straight romance set in an alternate world then this would be a great rendition. Romance readers don't expect much plot beyond what brings the couple together or separates them. Here there was no tension about whether Dante and Alessia would be a couple - they committed to each other pretty early on and nothing threatened to shook that idea in a way that mattered. Here are some thoughts I has as I read:
"Quite a pedestrian book, not offensive but too light, why waste such a world?!"
"...it's so flowery and overboard it makes you want to roll your eyes... every once in a while something cool is said that causes you to keep reading... not much plot though... the world building here sometimes good and sometimes so boring..."
"They declare themselves to each other again!! It's very hard to take! There is a cool world and abilities but no plot! Ack!"
"She visits Dante's family... boring but the world could be so cool... if only something would happen!"
In the end I unfortunately felt it was a tedious book... most read like this:
"After she handed me a sun-yellow woven basket, we took a stroll into the flower garden. The rain had stopped, but thick clouds covered the sky, promising more rain on the way. Hundreds of different types of colourful flowers brightened the exquisite garden. Aromatic fragrance wafted through the air in abundance, and with Zaira strolling next to me, I immediately began to relax."
Such rich and imaginative ideas at play here but no execution... I really, really wanted it to be good. The two events that shall not be named are good and kept me reading, but with the drag of everything else it became mired in mud.
BOTTOM LINE: Romance Lovers Supernatural Slogfest.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
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You can find this review and many others on my book blog @ Perspective of a Writer. See my special perspective at the bottom of my reviews under the typewriter...
March 9, 2019
‘We were two people from different worlds, united by a force of nature that neither of us fully understood. They called it Sequence. And I had no name for it.’
This quote sums up both the positive and the negative aspects of Lorraine M.L.M.’s first YA fantasy novel in the Heart of The Ocean series.
The two people are Alessia (Lessi) and Dante, the sweet, innocent and extremely chaste Romeo and Juliet protagonists. She’s from the world of ‘Earth’, transported by a giant wave from an island where she has been committed to an institution after developing paranormal telepathic and empathic symptoms which enable her to read the thoughts and feel the emotions of those around her. The beginning has a quirky Alice in Wonderland feel, drawing us into the story and the character of Lessi, arousing our curiosity as to her subsequent adventures. We discover her new world is called Zeneshia, an island universe with four main kingdoms and two moons somewhere underneath the ocean. As she meets the inhabitants, she will learn that this, in fact, is her true ‘home’, where Zaira, her grandmother, lives and the family of her mother, stolen from Zeneshia and killed in a car accident on earth. In Chapter 5 Lessi meets Dante Erajion, the mixed-race hero, whose Tregtarian heritage destined him to become a killer but who was redeemed by his Tuscanian blood and the love of his mother. The two young people are instantly drawn to each other by a powerful attraction which soon develops into genuine love.
About a third of the way through, the story began to slow. Apart from a dramatic episode where Lessi gets lured into the forest by a mysterious shining object, most of the middle section was concerned with ‘learning and understanding’. There is little action and a lot of talking, often by the two lovers reiterating their mutual devotion. More genealogical connections are revealed as well as historical, geographical and cultural facts about the different kingdoms, and the rivalries and dangers that menace the survival of Tuscania. The excitement and suspense generated by the beginning is replaced by a focus on the ‘Sequence’ of the title, with different explanations about its meaning, its significance to the plot and to the two main protagonists. It seems to include ‘sub’ sequences–the sequence of hearts, and the sequence of first and forever; at times it appears like a synonym for destiny–‘no-one can escape their sequence’, but mostly it is referred to as a game, one with ‘Seven Voices’, three ‘defining components: players, observers and spectators’, and ‘no winners or losers’. ‘In a Game of Sequence,’ the author writes ‘there’s a time to learn, a time to understand and a time to play,’ adding later ‘Sequence is our way of life. Think of it as a game of survival from birth to death.’
Whew! I found myself going back and re-reading in an effort to comprehend the mostly esoteric explanations, particularly when the character of Ralda is introduced (roughly two-thirds of the way into the story) and starts muddying the waters even further. Ralda is an important character, being one of the seven Voices of Sequence, and custodian of the all-important ‘Shield’ which protects the kingdom. This general nebulousness may well be a deliberate authorial device to add another swirl to the veils of mystery, but I was not the only one to find it confusing, judging by the reactions of the characters: ‘It doesn’t make sense to me...your words are complex…nothing makes sense’, ‘he was a man of riddles’, ‘sense and logic has a limit’, ‘OK, I was completely bewildered.’
It was a topic frequently discussed by Lessi and Dante, this ‘force of nature’ binding them together and how it affects their relationship, even precipitating a temporary separation for the lovers when Dante is accused of not fulfilling his obligations to the House Hantaria and instead choosing ‘love over honour, over sequence’. ‘A complete mind melt-down wasn’t far off,' says Lessi, listening to Ralda, and I was more or less in the same state until I reached the final part of the book, where, happily, the action picked up once more.
Ralda has brought terrible news about the shield of the ancestors. The only person who can remedy the situation is Lessi. Without revealing details of the book’s denouement, the characters are swept up in a series of dramatic developments, they begin to show strong emotions, anger and fear as well as sweetness and light. As the tension mounts, our heroine finds herself in dire peril and Dante sets out on a dangerous quest.
This was a difficult book to review. In spite of the reservations expressed above, I admired the author’s ambition and imagination in conceiving such a detailed and complicated fantasy world, her touches of humour as Lessi’s authentic voice was heard, her talent for creating dreamy romantic scenes (the lovers in the snowy forest) and for her ability to create a dramatic opening and finale. Young readers hooked by this first volume in the series will surely wish to find out what happens next.
This quote sums up both the positive and the negative aspects of Lorraine M.L.M.’s first YA fantasy novel in the Heart of The Ocean series.
The two people are Alessia (Lessi) and Dante, the sweet, innocent and extremely chaste Romeo and Juliet protagonists. She’s from the world of ‘Earth’, transported by a giant wave from an island where she has been committed to an institution after developing paranormal telepathic and empathic symptoms which enable her to read the thoughts and feel the emotions of those around her. The beginning has a quirky Alice in Wonderland feel, drawing us into the story and the character of Lessi, arousing our curiosity as to her subsequent adventures. We discover her new world is called Zeneshia, an island universe with four main kingdoms and two moons somewhere underneath the ocean. As she meets the inhabitants, she will learn that this, in fact, is her true ‘home’, where Zaira, her grandmother, lives and the family of her mother, stolen from Zeneshia and killed in a car accident on earth. In Chapter 5 Lessi meets Dante Erajion, the mixed-race hero, whose Tregtarian heritage destined him to become a killer but who was redeemed by his Tuscanian blood and the love of his mother. The two young people are instantly drawn to each other by a powerful attraction which soon develops into genuine love.
About a third of the way through, the story began to slow. Apart from a dramatic episode where Lessi gets lured into the forest by a mysterious shining object, most of the middle section was concerned with ‘learning and understanding’. There is little action and a lot of talking, often by the two lovers reiterating their mutual devotion. More genealogical connections are revealed as well as historical, geographical and cultural facts about the different kingdoms, and the rivalries and dangers that menace the survival of Tuscania. The excitement and suspense generated by the beginning is replaced by a focus on the ‘Sequence’ of the title, with different explanations about its meaning, its significance to the plot and to the two main protagonists. It seems to include ‘sub’ sequences–the sequence of hearts, and the sequence of first and forever; at times it appears like a synonym for destiny–‘no-one can escape their sequence’, but mostly it is referred to as a game, one with ‘Seven Voices’, three ‘defining components: players, observers and spectators’, and ‘no winners or losers’. ‘In a Game of Sequence,’ the author writes ‘there’s a time to learn, a time to understand and a time to play,’ adding later ‘Sequence is our way of life. Think of it as a game of survival from birth to death.’
Whew! I found myself going back and re-reading in an effort to comprehend the mostly esoteric explanations, particularly when the character of Ralda is introduced (roughly two-thirds of the way into the story) and starts muddying the waters even further. Ralda is an important character, being one of the seven Voices of Sequence, and custodian of the all-important ‘Shield’ which protects the kingdom. This general nebulousness may well be a deliberate authorial device to add another swirl to the veils of mystery, but I was not the only one to find it confusing, judging by the reactions of the characters: ‘It doesn’t make sense to me...your words are complex…nothing makes sense’, ‘he was a man of riddles’, ‘sense and logic has a limit’, ‘OK, I was completely bewildered.’
It was a topic frequently discussed by Lessi and Dante, this ‘force of nature’ binding them together and how it affects their relationship, even precipitating a temporary separation for the lovers when Dante is accused of not fulfilling his obligations to the House Hantaria and instead choosing ‘love over honour, over sequence’. ‘A complete mind melt-down wasn’t far off,' says Lessi, listening to Ralda, and I was more or less in the same state until I reached the final part of the book, where, happily, the action picked up once more.
Ralda has brought terrible news about the shield of the ancestors. The only person who can remedy the situation is Lessi. Without revealing details of the book’s denouement, the characters are swept up in a series of dramatic developments, they begin to show strong emotions, anger and fear as well as sweetness and light. As the tension mounts, our heroine finds herself in dire peril and Dante sets out on a dangerous quest.
This was a difficult book to review. In spite of the reservations expressed above, I admired the author’s ambition and imagination in conceiving such a detailed and complicated fantasy world, her touches of humour as Lessi’s authentic voice was heard, her talent for creating dreamy romantic scenes (the lovers in the snowy forest) and for her ability to create a dramatic opening and finale. Young readers hooked by this first volume in the series will surely wish to find out what happens next.
October 31, 2016
I willingly received an ARC of this book from the author or publisher of this book in exchange for an honest review, this doesn't in any way affect my opinion on the book
SeQuence is a book that I ended up loving more than I expected. Alessia's story just grabs at you and makes you curious about her and through this curiosity comes a bond that just makes you love her and root for her. I commend the author for making a compelling story that just arouses the attention of the reader.
SeQuence is one YA Fantasy that is one of a kind with a very original plot and a set of uniquely interesting characters. And that cover is just simply amazing, It's one of my favorites of 2016!!. Alessia is a funny, witty girl who can read minds but is labeled as a 'crazy' person. I loved seeing Alessia come to terms with the fact that she is more than ordinary, that in fact she is extraordinary. Among her family and friends she transformed from the shell she used to be into a blossom. Dante is one of my favorite heroes in YA, he is a great guy that is not afraid to let Alessia know how he feels about her. There is an instant connection between them that I absolutely love. Her relationship with Dante has always fascinated me from the beginning and I loved seeing it progress further. I also can't wait to know more about Alessia's power.
The worldbuilding is very well constructed, Zeneshia is a world that is very memorable. SeQuence is a mixture of fantasy, romance, action, adventure, magic, drama, comedy and absolute awesomeness. My favorite quote from the book is:
“Smiling, Dante rose to his feet. Goodness, he’s spectacular. Thick sleek, black and red hair…electric wine-red eyes…perfect cheekbones…a sturdy, muscular physique…”
Because it describes Dante who is now at the top of my list of YA favorite boy characters.
SeQuence has an ending that left me thirsting for more and I eagerly await book 2 SeQuence Aligned with bated breath.
The author has weaved a world that reminds me exactly why I love YA Fantasy. I wholeheartedly recommend this book to any one looking for one of the great books out there.
P.S: I still can't stop gushing over the total awesomeness of that cover.
September 25, 2017
This book shocked me! I don't usually read fantasy books, but this is now on of my favorite books of all time. I would say top 5 with #1 being Jane Eyre. This story took my breath away. Romance at its best, just captivating. Every chapter left me wanting more and more. I want this story to go on forever. This should definitely be a movie.
Lorraine M. L. M. creates a magical world of adventure with a romance that will sweep you away. G rated, but done so well.
I recommend this story for teens or adults who want to forget about life for awhile and be swept away to another world. I can't wait to get the next book in the series. I will read everything Lorraine M. L. M writes to see what she comes up with next. A standing ovation for this one!!!
Lorraine M. L. M. creates a magical world of adventure with a romance that will sweep you away. G rated, but done so well.
I recommend this story for teens or adults who want to forget about life for awhile and be swept away to another world. I can't wait to get the next book in the series. I will read everything Lorraine M. L. M writes to see what she comes up with next. A standing ovation for this one!!!
October 5, 2017
If I weren't a mother and working full time, this book would have been read in a day. SeQuence is beautifully written, I felt like I was right there with the characters. From page one to the end of the story, I was completely enthralled. Truthfully, I didn't want the story to end. It's been a long time since I can truthfully say I have LOVED a story, until I read this. I can't wait to read the next story in the SeQuence trilogy. The author has a way of captivating her audience and making you feel you are part of the story. This book deserves a 5 star rating :) Definitely a must read.
February 2, 2019
This book is fascinating, to say the least.
Sequence (The Heart of the Ocean, #1) is the story of Alessia and her journey from a world that has always made her feel like an outsider, to a world that was home.
Alessia has lost her parents and lives with her aunt. She has had a hard time in life and now she is facing the voices she is hearing. At her limit, Alessia's aunt sends her to an island for the mentally insane. Doctors have decided she is incurable. Little do they know that she just needs to go home. To a world under the ocean. After escaping, she finds her way home to this new world. She no longer feels like an outsider, she has finally found where she belongs, and along the way she finds where her heart belongs as well. This story takes you through Alessia's journey home and shows the path she must take for her true powers to be revealed. She is just beginning her task of becoming the chosen one in this first book. She has found family, love, and a lot of responsibility. Will her innocence and pure heart be enough to carry her through. I cannot wait to find out.
I look forward to reading the remaining books in this series. This first book has kept me wanting more. I could not put it down. I needed to know what happened to Alessia and the other half of her heart Dante. This story is romantic, fantastic, and addicting. The pace is wonderful and the flow takes you from beginning to end on a seamless journey. I would highly recommend this book for lovers of fantasy or romance. It covers both quite well.
Sequence (The Heart of the Ocean, #1) is the story of Alessia and her journey from a world that has always made her feel like an outsider, to a world that was home.
Alessia has lost her parents and lives with her aunt. She has had a hard time in life and now she is facing the voices she is hearing. At her limit, Alessia's aunt sends her to an island for the mentally insane. Doctors have decided she is incurable. Little do they know that she just needs to go home. To a world under the ocean. After escaping, she finds her way home to this new world. She no longer feels like an outsider, she has finally found where she belongs, and along the way she finds where her heart belongs as well. This story takes you through Alessia's journey home and shows the path she must take for her true powers to be revealed. She is just beginning her task of becoming the chosen one in this first book. She has found family, love, and a lot of responsibility. Will her innocence and pure heart be enough to carry her through. I cannot wait to find out.
I look forward to reading the remaining books in this series. This first book has kept me wanting more. I could not put it down. I needed to know what happened to Alessia and the other half of her heart Dante. This story is romantic, fantastic, and addicting. The pace is wonderful and the flow takes you from beginning to end on a seamless journey. I would highly recommend this book for lovers of fantasy or romance. It covers both quite well.
March 6, 2017
General Rating: ★☆ (1.5 stars)
Diversity Rating: – (0 stars)
Before I started writing this, I had to let out a gigantic sigh, and I think that explains very well how I felt about this book. I have made so many comments on this book that I think they could say everything I need to say.
This book is about Alessia, who hears voices that drive her crazy. She is sent to an island / mental hospital, and in some weird wicked way she ends up in another world called Zeneshia. It is the most beautiful place you can imagine. She meets a guy named Dante and she meets a lot of people who turn out to be her long lost family or something like that.
Of course she and Dante fall in love and gosh I have never seen a case of instalove this horrible. In chapter 8 Dante says: “You’re the reason for every action I take now. My sequence is yours forever, my life is your life. If I have to give my life for you, I’ll do it over and over again until there’s nothing left to give.” (let me repeat, that was CHAPTER 8!) And that made me want to puke and hit him. It is a very heavy case of instalove and something I like to call “the pit of eternal sacrifice”, in which the characters would do anything for the other person. Literally anything. Dante is a mysterious and way too perfect and typical YA love interest. He has the dreamy eyes in a strange colour (red), he has the tragic past, the determination to fix everything, and often disappears without saying why. He is also overdramatic and “flawed” (aka it seems like he is flawed, but there is nothing flawed about him).
Okay enough rambling about the horrible love story, what I also didn’t like was how Alessia’s “disability” simply resolved itself. I really liked the idea of her hearing voices and going crazy, I would have loved to see her deal with it, but instead *poof* all problems disappeared.
After given up on this book about halfway, I have given it another chance. I read the rest of the book with some struggle and at about 75% the book finally started to get interesting. The first 75% just about nothing happened, but then when it started to get interesting, I was so bored I lost all interest in the story and characters that I simply didn’t care anymore. To be honest I have no clue what happened, I just skimmed through and skipped all the dramatics.
The world it was set in was really too perfect and beautiful, it was like a world of puppies and rainbows, but then without the puppies and instead wondrous creatures and dreamy-eyed boys.
I am giving this book 1.5 stars, because I hated it for the most part. I really can’t think of any aspect of this book that I liked. And I would not recommend it at all.
Diversity Rating: – (0 stars)
Before I started writing this, I had to let out a gigantic sigh, and I think that explains very well how I felt about this book. I have made so many comments on this book that I think they could say everything I need to say.
This book is about Alessia, who hears voices that drive her crazy. She is sent to an island / mental hospital, and in some weird wicked way she ends up in another world called Zeneshia. It is the most beautiful place you can imagine. She meets a guy named Dante and she meets a lot of people who turn out to be her long lost family or something like that.
Of course she and Dante fall in love and gosh I have never seen a case of instalove this horrible. In chapter 8 Dante says: “You’re the reason for every action I take now. My sequence is yours forever, my life is your life. If I have to give my life for you, I’ll do it over and over again until there’s nothing left to give.” (let me repeat, that was CHAPTER 8!) And that made me want to puke and hit him. It is a very heavy case of instalove and something I like to call “the pit of eternal sacrifice”, in which the characters would do anything for the other person. Literally anything. Dante is a mysterious and way too perfect and typical YA love interest. He has the dreamy eyes in a strange colour (red), he has the tragic past, the determination to fix everything, and often disappears without saying why. He is also overdramatic and “flawed” (aka it seems like he is flawed, but there is nothing flawed about him).
Okay enough rambling about the horrible love story, what I also didn’t like was how Alessia’s “disability” simply resolved itself. I really liked the idea of her hearing voices and going crazy, I would have loved to see her deal with it, but instead *poof* all problems disappeared.
After given up on this book about halfway, I have given it another chance. I read the rest of the book with some struggle and at about 75% the book finally started to get interesting. The first 75% just about nothing happened, but then when it started to get interesting, I was so bored I lost all interest in the story and characters that I simply didn’t care anymore. To be honest I have no clue what happened, I just skimmed through and skipped all the dramatics.
The world it was set in was really too perfect and beautiful, it was like a world of puppies and rainbows, but then without the puppies and instead wondrous creatures and dreamy-eyed boys.
I am giving this book 1.5 stars, because I hated it for the most part. I really can’t think of any aspect of this book that I liked. And I would not recommend it at all.
February 23, 2019
I was hooked from the first chapter however, I'd like to applaud the books' cover. It's an accurate representation of everything in the book, and it is also beautifully executed, so kudos on that.
Alessia hears voices and everyone thinks she's crazy but she's not. Her loving aunt Kate at the end of her tether sends Alessia to a mental institution on an island in the Indian Ocean. Our young heroine tries to make her escape on her birthday, she's taken out by a rogue wave and awakes in a new land that's under the ocean.
Zeneshia is the new land that Alessia has found herself; she's also discovered her maternal grandmother there too. It turns out Alessia's mother wasn't human. She goes through the process of trying to learn Zeneshian history and customs, and she falls in love with Dante a handsome red-eyed youth.
Dante is the heir apparent to the Ocean Crown of the whole place (he keeps this from Alessia), and he seems to run from her whenever his feelings become too much for him, this annoys Alessia (and the reader) and saddens her greatly.
There are several ruling houses in this land, and some vie for power, some use their ability to manipulate, others try to keep the peace between the houses. There's also a shield that protects them from a group of warriors who are ruthless and seem blood thirty. This shield is failing, and this is a cause for high tension and discord amongst the houses.
The middle of the book drags a bit telling of Dante's history, how his mother was kidnapped and forced to marry and have him against her will. Years later he escaped his father with his mother, however, she died due to an arrow shot at her from his father's hand.
Alessia is kidnapped, well more like hypnotically compelled by the water creatures, who brought her to the land she's in, and Dante and a party of soldiers rescue her. Dante gets himself into trouble, and Alessia's powers come forth to save her beloved and blow everyone's minds, including her own.
Alessia nows that she's incredibly powerful. She has the destiny to protect this land, and only she can power the failing shield that protects them all. She must accept all this while she's trying to figure out how she and Dante can keep their budding relationship going. We'll all find out in the next installment.
The writing is engaging; the characters are rich and multifaceted. I'm hoping that our heroine gets a bit more teeth during the series. Dante seems to be the most conflicted character coming from two different races, one perceived as good the other as evil. He seems to be continually battling his dual nature when in reality, we all have that duality in us. Zaira, Alessia's grandmother, appears to only see Alessa as a replacement for her daughter and not as her sentient self. There's also a host of other characters, like Dante's family who is funny and loving. Then there's Gradho, from one of the neighboring houses who's a power-hungry, a social-climbing manipulator who is always trying to cause discord. He reminds me of that uncle you only see at holidays and wish you didn't.
All in all, I think this is going to be an exciting series.
Alessia hears voices and everyone thinks she's crazy but she's not. Her loving aunt Kate at the end of her tether sends Alessia to a mental institution on an island in the Indian Ocean. Our young heroine tries to make her escape on her birthday, she's taken out by a rogue wave and awakes in a new land that's under the ocean.
Zeneshia is the new land that Alessia has found herself; she's also discovered her maternal grandmother there too. It turns out Alessia's mother wasn't human. She goes through the process of trying to learn Zeneshian history and customs, and she falls in love with Dante a handsome red-eyed youth.
Dante is the heir apparent to the Ocean Crown of the whole place (he keeps this from Alessia), and he seems to run from her whenever his feelings become too much for him, this annoys Alessia (and the reader) and saddens her greatly.
There are several ruling houses in this land, and some vie for power, some use their ability to manipulate, others try to keep the peace between the houses. There's also a shield that protects them from a group of warriors who are ruthless and seem blood thirty. This shield is failing, and this is a cause for high tension and discord amongst the houses.
The middle of the book drags a bit telling of Dante's history, how his mother was kidnapped and forced to marry and have him against her will. Years later he escaped his father with his mother, however, she died due to an arrow shot at her from his father's hand.
Alessia is kidnapped, well more like hypnotically compelled by the water creatures, who brought her to the land she's in, and Dante and a party of soldiers rescue her. Dante gets himself into trouble, and Alessia's powers come forth to save her beloved and blow everyone's minds, including her own.
Alessia nows that she's incredibly powerful. She has the destiny to protect this land, and only she can power the failing shield that protects them all. She must accept all this while she's trying to figure out how she and Dante can keep their budding relationship going. We'll all find out in the next installment.
The writing is engaging; the characters are rich and multifaceted. I'm hoping that our heroine gets a bit more teeth during the series. Dante seems to be the most conflicted character coming from two different races, one perceived as good the other as evil. He seems to be continually battling his dual nature when in reality, we all have that duality in us. Zaira, Alessia's grandmother, appears to only see Alessa as a replacement for her daughter and not as her sentient self. There's also a host of other characters, like Dante's family who is funny and loving. Then there's Gradho, from one of the neighboring houses who's a power-hungry, a social-climbing manipulator who is always trying to cause discord. He reminds me of that uncle you only see at holidays and wish you didn't.
All in all, I think this is going to be an exciting series.
February 7, 2017
Wow!
This book exceeded all expectations and I highly recommend it for fans of YA Fantasy and YA Romance. SeQuence was a phenomenal fantasy romance that takes the reader on an epic journey. The writing was excellent and the world-building was even better!
Our heroine, Alessia, suffers from a strange malady -- voices in her head that are only silenced by water. Through her dramatic escape, she finds herself in another world... and answers that she didn't know she was looking for.
It was amazing exploring this strange new world along with Alessia, our curious and very endearing heroine. While the book occasionally had a tendency to move somewhat slow and drag in places, it lent itself to the leisurely pace of the lifestyle on their world. It also gave Alessia time to discover more about the world, herself, and her feelings for Dante.
The romance in this book was phenomenal. Although it was initially a bit of an instant attraction sort of thing, the whole romance was very slow to build and very sweet. We had lots and lots of those fantastic tingles! I would have liked to have seen more interactions and explanations into certain things between the two lovebirds, but I'm hoping we'll discover more in the second book. I have lots of questions about things that happened in the first book that were resolved... but we're not quite sure how. Maybe we'll find out in the second book.
It wasn't until close to the ending of the book that certain things were revealed to us and the plot became much stronger. Without giving away any spoilers... Alessia's presence in this new oceanic world has changed things. For everyone.
I'm interested in seeing how things will develop in the series in the future -- both in the romance between Alessia and Dante, but also how Alessia will further adapt to being in this world. It seems both of them will play an integral part of the next SeQuence of the game. I can't wait to read more!
This review was originally posted on The Novel Lady Blog.
This book exceeded all expectations and I highly recommend it for fans of YA Fantasy and YA Romance. SeQuence was a phenomenal fantasy romance that takes the reader on an epic journey. The writing was excellent and the world-building was even better!
Our heroine, Alessia, suffers from a strange malady -- voices in her head that are only silenced by water. Through her dramatic escape, she finds herself in another world... and answers that she didn't know she was looking for.
It was amazing exploring this strange new world along with Alessia, our curious and very endearing heroine. While the book occasionally had a tendency to move somewhat slow and drag in places, it lent itself to the leisurely pace of the lifestyle on their world. It also gave Alessia time to discover more about the world, herself, and her feelings for Dante.
The romance in this book was phenomenal. Although it was initially a bit of an instant attraction sort of thing, the whole romance was very slow to build and very sweet. We had lots and lots of those fantastic tingles! I would have liked to have seen more interactions and explanations into certain things between the two lovebirds, but I'm hoping we'll discover more in the second book. I have lots of questions about things that happened in the first book that were resolved... but we're not quite sure how. Maybe we'll find out in the second book.
It wasn't until close to the ending of the book that certain things were revealed to us and the plot became much stronger. Without giving away any spoilers... Alessia's presence in this new oceanic world has changed things. For everyone.
I'm interested in seeing how things will develop in the series in the future -- both in the romance between Alessia and Dante, but also how Alessia will further adapt to being in this world. It seems both of them will play an integral part of the next SeQuence of the game. I can't wait to read more!
This review was originally posted on The Novel Lady Blog.
July 4, 2017
"SeQuence" is definitely within the fantasy genre, and a very creative example. Mental illness is something we all face. But what can we do about it? One solution might be to dive into the ocean and see what's under the surface. And, in turn, find out that it isn't mental illness at all, just a pull towards ancient ways. Follow your pre-destined path. Follow your SeQuence. You're the only one who feels it. I like that. It's a great message to convey to Young Adults who are extremely vulnerable while trying to find their way in this world. The author does a really nice job taking the reader on a very creative adventure. That's why I love to read indie books. They write what they want to write about, and no big publishing house will tell them otherwise. This is where true talent shines.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
November 9, 2016
MLM Lorraine has a lovely writing style. The world building is very detailed and vivid, because of this I personally found all the details and who was responsible for sequences and games a little hard to follow at times. The story is quite gentle and if you love clean romance you will love this book. The heroine is a gentle soul but shows a little spark at the end and her love interest Dante is a strong and loyal man who seems determined to help her although he is not sure how.
I feel SeQuence is a well written debut from the author and if you like clean romantic reads this is for you.
I feel SeQuence is a well written debut from the author and if you like clean romantic reads this is for you.
January 5, 2017
This book was provided to me by Net Galley
http://literaryweaponry.com
Look at the cover art. Look at it. Isn't it lovely? Doesn't it catch your eye? Occasionally that is how I pick my books. I will wander into a Barnes and Noble and meander aimlessly until a book cover catches my eye. I, surprisingly, have had great success with this. Some of my favorite books have been found with this method. Two of my favorite authors, Samantha Shannon and Christopher Fowler, have been discovered by this method alone. Just their cover art on their books. So, you can imagine, when I saw this one I was ecstatic.
I regret every moment of my literary life from the moment I opened this book until the final moment I closed it.
Now, I promised myself when I started writing these reviews that I would be completely honest in everything I said. While I do try to at least find something positive to say about every book I read with this one I just couldn't. So, you're just going to get my review in all it's irritated glory.
What completely baffles me is that on Goodreads there are four and five star reviews of this book. I beg your pardon, but did we read the same book? The only reason I gave it one star was because things were spelled correctly. That at least gets it a one, right?
But that is all it deserves.
I have never in all my life been slapped in the face by so many weak willed, shallow, single minded characters outside of hormonal boys in high school. The story's main character, Alessia, has had a troubled time as of late. Since her parents deaths she hears the thoughts of every person around her in her own head unless she has bags of water over her ears. So, instead of being clever and inventing ear plugs with liquid insides or water bag earmuffs she walks around literally holding bags of water over her ears. Way to solve your problems, Alessia.
Dear, sweet, simple Alessia's aunt (who kindly took her in when her parents died) sends her to an island institution because everyone thinks that she is crazy. Fair enough. I would probably think so, too. And right that moment, within the first chapter of the book, is the last time I agree with any other concept put onto the page. Alessia, in her infinite wisdom, listens to a couple of brand new voices in her head and dives into the ocean. A wave tugs her under, she loses conscience while the new voices babble in her head, and instead of drowning she wakes up in a warm safe bed in a whole new world reached through a door in the water.
You must be thinking, "Oh, but you closed minded person writing this review, that could be fun! Give it a chance!" I agree. It could be. It wasn't.
What we find in this underwater realm that doesn't actually seem to be under water is Alessia's long lost grandmother. Apparently her mother jumped in a pool in that world and washed up on shore on Earth some odd years ago. Many people in this new land are mind readers, just like Alessia, and her grandmother throws a party to welcome her home. There she meets a fellow with red eyes (I can't remember his name and simply do not care enough at this point to look it up) who is enamored with her. Luckily Alessia trips on some stairs into his arms and it's love at first clumsiness.
For the next several chapters all we get hear about is how much Alessia loves her red-eyed fellow and how much her tortured fellow loves her even though he keeps running away every time there is an uncomfortable situation. This goes on chapter after chapter after chapter. Almost every character we come across is perfectly pleasant and kind and, well, boring. Alessia gets in trouble, her gentleman saves her. Alessia gets in trouble, her fellow makes her feel better. What kind of message does this send to young women reading this? That only a man can rescue her? It's infuriating. This ridiculous character is teaching YA readers to rely on a man to get her through tough situations instead of relying on herself.
Several more utterly ridiculous and dull situations occur through the course of the book but I simply do not see the point on relaying them here. They were barely worth my attention as I read them so I see no point in giving them my attention now.
I nearly feel bad giving this book such a poor review. Nearly. I know a lot of work, time, and thought goes into writing and precious few of the books written actually get published. It took bravery for the author to put her neck out and I commend her for that. Be that as it may, this book is not for me and I will not be recommending it to anyone.
(This book was provided to me by Net Galley)
http://literaryweaponry.com
Look at the cover art. Look at it. Isn't it lovely? Doesn't it catch your eye? Occasionally that is how I pick my books. I will wander into a Barnes and Noble and meander aimlessly until a book cover catches my eye. I, surprisingly, have had great success with this. Some of my favorite books have been found with this method. Two of my favorite authors, Samantha Shannon and Christopher Fowler, have been discovered by this method alone. Just their cover art on their books. So, you can imagine, when I saw this one I was ecstatic.
I regret every moment of my literary life from the moment I opened this book until the final moment I closed it.
Now, I promised myself when I started writing these reviews that I would be completely honest in everything I said. While I do try to at least find something positive to say about every book I read with this one I just couldn't. So, you're just going to get my review in all it's irritated glory.
What completely baffles me is that on Goodreads there are four and five star reviews of this book. I beg your pardon, but did we read the same book? The only reason I gave it one star was because things were spelled correctly. That at least gets it a one, right?
But that is all it deserves.
I have never in all my life been slapped in the face by so many weak willed, shallow, single minded characters outside of hormonal boys in high school. The story's main character, Alessia, has had a troubled time as of late. Since her parents deaths she hears the thoughts of every person around her in her own head unless she has bags of water over her ears. So, instead of being clever and inventing ear plugs with liquid insides or water bag earmuffs she walks around literally holding bags of water over her ears. Way to solve your problems, Alessia.
Dear, sweet, simple Alessia's aunt (who kindly took her in when her parents died) sends her to an island institution because everyone thinks that she is crazy. Fair enough. I would probably think so, too. And right that moment, within the first chapter of the book, is the last time I agree with any other concept put onto the page. Alessia, in her infinite wisdom, listens to a couple of brand new voices in her head and dives into the ocean. A wave tugs her under, she loses conscience while the new voices babble in her head, and instead of drowning she wakes up in a warm safe bed in a whole new world reached through a door in the water.
You must be thinking, "Oh, but you closed minded person writing this review, that could be fun! Give it a chance!" I agree. It could be. It wasn't.
What we find in this underwater realm that doesn't actually seem to be under water is Alessia's long lost grandmother. Apparently her mother jumped in a pool in that world and washed up on shore on Earth some odd years ago. Many people in this new land are mind readers, just like Alessia, and her grandmother throws a party to welcome her home. There she meets a fellow with red eyes (I can't remember his name and simply do not care enough at this point to look it up) who is enamored with her. Luckily Alessia trips on some stairs into his arms and it's love at first clumsiness.
For the next several chapters all we get hear about is how much Alessia loves her red-eyed fellow and how much her tortured fellow loves her even though he keeps running away every time there is an uncomfortable situation. This goes on chapter after chapter after chapter. Almost every character we come across is perfectly pleasant and kind and, well, boring. Alessia gets in trouble, her gentleman saves her. Alessia gets in trouble, her fellow makes her feel better. What kind of message does this send to young women reading this? That only a man can rescue her? It's infuriating. This ridiculous character is teaching YA readers to rely on a man to get her through tough situations instead of relying on herself.
Several more utterly ridiculous and dull situations occur through the course of the book but I simply do not see the point on relaying them here. They were barely worth my attention as I read them so I see no point in giving them my attention now.
I nearly feel bad giving this book such a poor review. Nearly. I know a lot of work, time, and thought goes into writing and precious few of the books written actually get published. It took bravery for the author to put her neck out and I commend her for that. Be that as it may, this book is not for me and I will not be recommending it to anyone.
(This book was provided to me by Net Galley)
May 21, 2018
This book was entered in The Wishing Shelf Book Awards. This is what our readers thought:
Title: SeQuence
Author: Lorraine M.L.M
Star Rating: 4 Stars
Number of Readers: 18
Stats
Editing: 6/10
Writing Style: 6/10
Content: 9/10
Cover: 10/10
Of the 18 readers:
16 would read another book by this author.
18 thought the cover was good or excellent.
15 felt it was easy to follow.
16 would recommend this story to another reader to try.
8 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘plotting a story’.
10 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘developing the characters’.
14 felt the pacing was good or excellent.
16 thought the author understood the readership and what they wanted.
Readers’ Comments
‘This author has a wonderful imagination. I loved it. The plot lost the way in parts as if it wasn’t fully planned, but it was still a page-turner.’ Boy, aged 15
‘The best book I have read in a long time. I loved the mystery and the fantasy. There’s even a bit of romance. Cool cover wrapped around a very cool story.’ Girl, aged 15
‘This is epic in every way. There are several grammatical errors that need sorting, but other than that it is very good. Girl, aged 14
‘The author tends to show not tell, which is a problem. Maybe a good editor would help to sort this.’ Girl, aged 14
‘A very engaging story. The characters develop well throughout the story, and the romance is well-handled. The writing style is a little clumsy in parts e.g. repetitive words, and there is the odd very complex word thrown in that I had to look up. I did enjoy this book; I will read the next.’ Boy, age 14
To Sum It Up:
‘A fantastical world that young adults will fall in love with. A FINALIST and highly recommended.’ The Wishing Shelf Book Awards
Title: SeQuence
Author: Lorraine M.L.M
Star Rating: 4 Stars
Number of Readers: 18
Stats
Editing: 6/10
Writing Style: 6/10
Content: 9/10
Cover: 10/10
Of the 18 readers:
16 would read another book by this author.
18 thought the cover was good or excellent.
15 felt it was easy to follow.
16 would recommend this story to another reader to try.
8 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘plotting a story’.
10 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘developing the characters’.
14 felt the pacing was good or excellent.
16 thought the author understood the readership and what they wanted.
Readers’ Comments
‘This author has a wonderful imagination. I loved it. The plot lost the way in parts as if it wasn’t fully planned, but it was still a page-turner.’ Boy, aged 15
‘The best book I have read in a long time. I loved the mystery and the fantasy. There’s even a bit of romance. Cool cover wrapped around a very cool story.’ Girl, aged 15
‘This is epic in every way. There are several grammatical errors that need sorting, but other than that it is very good. Girl, aged 14
‘The author tends to show not tell, which is a problem. Maybe a good editor would help to sort this.’ Girl, aged 14
‘A very engaging story. The characters develop well throughout the story, and the romance is well-handled. The writing style is a little clumsy in parts e.g. repetitive words, and there is the odd very complex word thrown in that I had to look up. I did enjoy this book; I will read the next.’ Boy, age 14
To Sum It Up:
‘A fantastical world that young adults will fall in love with. A FINALIST and highly recommended.’ The Wishing Shelf Book Awards
April 13, 2018
I received a free copy for an honest review. I really liked the book and the only thing that is stopping me from giving it five stars is because in the beginning, I was just as baffled as Alessia as to what was going on. That's not strictly a negative thing, I must add. It put you in the mindset of Alessia straight away and you only found out the answers as she did which makes you feel as if you're living it from her point of view for real. I was just a bit impatient to find out what was going on. I loved the intense attraction, and later on love, between Alessia and Dante. It wasn't love at first sight per se, but rather they both knew that they were a big part of each other's life the moment they laid eyes on each other. Reading about them falling in love with each other, even though it took "some" people longer than necessary to do the right thing, was an emotional roller coaster and I became enamored with them as well. The world that is created within the pages is breathtaking as well. It's the best blend of science fiction and fantasy and I can't wait to read more of it. I would encourage anyone to read it.
October 10, 2017
I was given this book for free to read and review, and I will admit that I was a little skeptical at first. However, the first chapter drew me and hooked me like a fish. Alessia is an amazing character, and I really enjoyed reading her story. She went from difficulties to seemingly a haven. When things go wrong, she has to find a way to keep her new family and life together. Everything she has ever known changes so quickly. The author does an amazing job creating a believable character, and the world that the protagonist is enveloped in is described beautifully. This book is perfect for an escape, and I can’t wait to read the rest of the series!
October 21, 2017
This book was amazing! I loved the storyline and the characters! Dante sounds 😍😍😍😍.... I’m totally in love with this world and I need to find out what Alessia and Dante’s sequence is! I cannot wait to continue the story! The characters in this book are so complex and the riddles kept me on my toes!
February 1, 2017
I received a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review.
WOW.. I loved this YA fantasy novel. I was pulled in from the first chapter and didn't want to put it down. I loved the characters and the journey they went on. The author paints a wonderful picture of a new world and makes you feel like you are there with the characters. I definitely recommend.
WOW.. I loved this YA fantasy novel. I was pulled in from the first chapter and didn't want to put it down. I loved the characters and the journey they went on. The author paints a wonderful picture of a new world and makes you feel like you are there with the characters. I definitely recommend.
October 2, 2017
This book was amazing. I seriously could not put it down. The characters were very well crafted and the world building is spectacular. Looking forward to finding out what happens next.
March 10, 2019
Sequence is a beautiful, well-written, young adult fantasy romance. The world building in the book is outstanding; the author has created a vibrant, enchanting universe full of vivid colours. The novel is action packed and full of mystery and twists but it also has a great deal of humour. Alessia and Dante, the two protagonists, are believable and relatable characters with strengths and weaknesses who experience a gentle, beautiful romance.
I hugely enjoyed reading Sequence, and whole-heartedly recommend it to anyone who loves great storytelling.
I hugely enjoyed reading Sequence, and whole-heartedly recommend it to anyone who loves great storytelling.
March 11, 2017
I really, really, really enjoyed this one and recommend it. It's a great story and I'm looking forward to reading book 2! BTW: I got the book for free when it was priced $0 but I opted to purchase it because it was so good. =)
November 11, 2017
I willingly received an ARC of this book from the author or publisher of this book in exchange for an honest review, this doesn't in any way affect my opinion on the book.
After starting this book I was already drawn in; the characters are well-defined. I absolutely love Alessia's character, as well as Dante's. The premise of the book is definitely interesting, and I can't wait to see where it goes as the character's continue to develop throughout the series. The story line so far isn't predictable, and keeps you guessing. Overall, you can see the thought and work the author put into this book, and it pleases me to know that there will be more after this one. The book makes me think of Alice going through the rabbit hole to a new world, and it's well written in getting there. The author used beautiful language and techniques, and continued to surprise me (in a good way! not one of those that make you want to throw the book!) I'm pleased that the end of the first book of the trilogy doesn't leave you hanging but does leave the story open to continue.
After starting this book I was already drawn in; the characters are well-defined. I absolutely love Alessia's character, as well as Dante's. The premise of the book is definitely interesting, and I can't wait to see where it goes as the character's continue to develop throughout the series. The story line so far isn't predictable, and keeps you guessing. Overall, you can see the thought and work the author put into this book, and it pleases me to know that there will be more after this one. The book makes me think of Alice going through the rabbit hole to a new world, and it's well written in getting there. The author used beautiful language and techniques, and continued to surprise me (in a good way! not one of those that make you want to throw the book!) I'm pleased that the end of the first book of the trilogy doesn't leave you hanging but does leave the story open to continue.
February 24, 2017
I jumped into this YA novel and had a very enjoyable experience! The alternate world under the sea the author has woven is intriguing and I liked the riddles. How the characters evolved, Lessi and Dante, is captivating! A great read!!
October 5, 2017
Disclaimer: I willingly received an ARC of this book from the author or publisher of this book in exchange for an honest review, this doesn't in any way affect my opinion on the book .
You can read my full review on my blog.
Having a Sequence (which I'm defining as a purpose in life) that pulls you the right way, instead of you having to try and fail to find it, is an appealing concept. Alessia's sequence has been inside her since her birth because of her Zenesh family, she just didn't realize it, and it had been pulling here back to Zeneshia in order to fulfill it. In Zeneshia she meets her mother's side of the family, including their "magical" abilities, which in turn explain why she heard the voices she so desperately tried to silence.
The story speaks of her journey to discover just what is a sequence and how it tangles her life with that of every other zeneshian. It also uncovers truth of her genes and the power they poses, and talks of her sequence of hearts with Dante Erajion of House Hantaria and the various difficulties they have to thrive through in order to be together.
This was overall a mostly quick read, and though there were parts that couldn't end fast enough, the story itself was good, and called me to finish it. I will most likely also try yo read the next two books of the series.
This book is the first of a trilogy.
You can read my full review on my blog.
Having a Sequence (which I'm defining as a purpose in life) that pulls you the right way, instead of you having to try and fail to find it, is an appealing concept. Alessia's sequence has been inside her since her birth because of her Zenesh family, she just didn't realize it, and it had been pulling here back to Zeneshia in order to fulfill it. In Zeneshia she meets her mother's side of the family, including their "magical" abilities, which in turn explain why she heard the voices she so desperately tried to silence.
The story speaks of her journey to discover just what is a sequence and how it tangles her life with that of every other zeneshian. It also uncovers truth of her genes and the power they poses, and talks of her sequence of hearts with Dante Erajion of House Hantaria and the various difficulties they have to thrive through in order to be together.
This was overall a mostly quick read, and though there were parts that couldn't end fast enough, the story itself was good, and called me to finish it. I will most likely also try yo read the next two books of the series.
This book is the first of a trilogy.
February 18, 2017
This is a story like no other! The poetry of the words, the riddles in messages sucks you into the storyline and doesn't release you until the end. It is a world of beauty and love. A foreign land that revels the most beautiful of worlds. Dante and Alessia's love is gorgeous and pure. I'm excited to read book two to see how Alessia grows into her confidence and what she is capable of doing. This is romance and fantasy all the way through. If you enjoy love and fantasy mixed with myths and mysteries then this is the book for you!
May 23, 2017
* I received a free copy of this book by the author , this however did not affect my opinion.
SeQuence was a pleasant surprise , I really enjoyed this book . From the very first chapter I was hooked and I wanted to know more. One of my favourite things was the world building , I love the world of Zeneshia it's so magical and unforgettable! Another thing I enjoyed was the character names . I loved Alessia's character I found her interesting and I loved learning about the world along with her. I highly recommend this book as it is throughly enjoyable , magical and enthralling. I can't wait to read the sequel !
SeQuence was a pleasant surprise , I really enjoyed this book . From the very first chapter I was hooked and I wanted to know more. One of my favourite things was the world building , I love the world of Zeneshia it's so magical and unforgettable! Another thing I enjoyed was the character names . I loved Alessia's character I found her interesting and I loved learning about the world along with her. I highly recommend this book as it is throughly enjoyable , magical and enthralling. I can't wait to read the sequel !
June 3, 2017
I'd like to start by thanking Lorraine for the free copy of this book.
Now let's get on the review:
From the plot it sounded amazing and when I started it just kept getting better! I totally recommend this amazing work of art. It's amazingly plotted, has unique characters, and, the best of all from my point of view, she killed all the freaking cliches that could have been there! Think of any typical thing, now tear it up and you have her scene pictured! The awesome part of "killing the cliche" is that it keeps you on edge, waiting for everything to happen and not only that, it creates an amazing addiction because you want all those things to happen.
This book hasn't ceased to make me fall in love with it, with the characters, with everything.
I gave it five stars because it's addictive, it has a wonderful plot and the way she writes that literally transports you to this amazing Zeneshia.
Now let's get on the review:
From the plot it sounded amazing and when I started it just kept getting better! I totally recommend this amazing work of art. It's amazingly plotted, has unique characters, and, the best of all from my point of view, she killed all the freaking cliches that could have been there! Think of any typical thing, now tear it up and you have her scene pictured! The awesome part of "killing the cliche" is that it keeps you on edge, waiting for everything to happen and not only that, it creates an amazing addiction because you want all those things to happen.
This book hasn't ceased to make me fall in love with it, with the characters, with everything.
I gave it five stars because it's addictive, it has a wonderful plot and the way she writes that literally transports you to this amazing Zeneshia.
February 6, 2017
I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review by NetGalley.
This book was good,as the main character was not annoying and the plot was interesting. The one thing that annoyed me was that the time changes without warning sometimes, so it made it difficult to follow on occasion. Also, I'd have liked a little information on what was going on on Earth at the time. If my niece just plain disappeared, I'd be worried.
Anyway, this was a good, short book, with enough intrigue to make me want to read the next one.
This book was good,as the main character was not annoying and the plot was interesting. The one thing that annoyed me was that the time changes without warning sometimes, so it made it difficult to follow on occasion. Also, I'd have liked a little information on what was going on on Earth at the time. If my niece just plain disappeared, I'd be worried.
Anyway, this was a good, short book, with enough intrigue to make me want to read the next one.
February 21, 2017
I did enjoy this novel by M.L.M. Lorraine. YA Romance is not my genre of choice, but as this was recommended to me, I thought I'd give it a go. It is a well written, fun to read novel. interesting characters and interesting premise. The plot changes POV multiple time which I think is great, helping to see the story progress through the eyes of Dante etc. Love the ideas of the world below the ocean. All in all, a great first book. Well done to the author.
February 14, 2017
**I received this book in exchange for my honest opinion**
SPOILER ALERT!!!!!
I found the concept of the story original, if not interesting, and of course the cover is totally and utterly gorgeous which is most likely than not a key factor for me when choosing a book. I do, however, have mixed feelings about this book as I found it neither exceedingly bad nor exceptionally good.
The premise of the book was interesting and grabbing: Alessia is 17 year old orphan who hears voices, lots and lots of voices constantly slicing through her head. The only thing that seems to silent these voices are two sacs of water that she keeps pressed on her ears. Shrinks are adamant that Alessia suffers from recurring hallucinating psychotic breakdowns and cannot be cured but only contained and monitored in special wards for mentally ill people. So Alessia is shipping to Isle Speranza (Isle of Hope). A year on, on her birthday, the hospital grants Alessia the permission to take a short walk outside as good will gesture. And that is when Alessia escapes into the ocean, is swallowed by the waves and apparently dies at sea. However she wakes up in Zeneshia, a parallel world under the ocean with two moons, warring lands, and magical creatures. Here Alessia is reunited with her long-lost grandmother and meets Dante, the mind-reading red-eyed guy whom she finds fascinating and interesting. With their help she learns that she is part of a sequence, where everything and anything has a beginning, middle and end, and she needs to unlock her sequence to help save Zeneshia from a mysterious threat.
While it is a bit confusing in the beginning, the world building is creative and interesting but not fully developed so I found it slightly difficult to really delve into. I think the book would have greatly benefited from having a more solid world building and a deeper explanation of this land ruled by warring fractions and threatened by this mysterious elements/people/enemies (I m still not sure of what they are) and, in my opinion, could have been better elaborated. Also the whole concept of sequence is never really explained properly, so I am a little at loss for words here.
I liked the two main characters, Alessia and Dante and I enjoyed seeing a different type of heroine for once. Alessia hears voices and is deemed incurable by shrinks, but she is not mad. She is different. Special. However it bothered me that Alessia tuns into the typical YA ridiculously naive character from the moment she washes up on Zeneshia’s shores and her eyes locks with Dante’s. From then she mostly thinks about Dante and I felt a bit..meh
I personally find their insta-love super cliche’ and a tad annoying. Dante reads ALL her thoughts, they never even kissed, yet they are head over heels in love with one another.
I understand love at first sight and i usually connect with it, but I couldn’t connect with theirs and it is a trope I’m, frankly, getting a bit tired of. The novel focused mostly on their romance whilst the plot was actually kind of slow and nothing really happened for the most part of the book.
Lastly, The Zeneshian language put me off a bit. The author’s choice of names doesn’t really do a lot of favours to the story as they were difficult to remember and didn’t really flow or enhance the story.
With all this said though, I think the book was actually okay, although I wasn’t completely impressed by it. I really liked the concept of parallel worlds, territorial fractions, threats and mystical creatures and I think I ll stick around for the sequel, hoping that more focus will go to a more solid world building and the storyline behind it. It’s definitely a creative and original idea, and I just hope the plot thickens and the stakes are raised in the second book.
SPOILER ALERT!!!!!
I found the concept of the story original, if not interesting, and of course the cover is totally and utterly gorgeous which is most likely than not a key factor for me when choosing a book. I do, however, have mixed feelings about this book as I found it neither exceedingly bad nor exceptionally good.
The premise of the book was interesting and grabbing: Alessia is 17 year old orphan who hears voices, lots and lots of voices constantly slicing through her head. The only thing that seems to silent these voices are two sacs of water that she keeps pressed on her ears. Shrinks are adamant that Alessia suffers from recurring hallucinating psychotic breakdowns and cannot be cured but only contained and monitored in special wards for mentally ill people. So Alessia is shipping to Isle Speranza (Isle of Hope). A year on, on her birthday, the hospital grants Alessia the permission to take a short walk outside as good will gesture. And that is when Alessia escapes into the ocean, is swallowed by the waves and apparently dies at sea. However she wakes up in Zeneshia, a parallel world under the ocean with two moons, warring lands, and magical creatures. Here Alessia is reunited with her long-lost grandmother and meets Dante, the mind-reading red-eyed guy whom she finds fascinating and interesting. With their help she learns that she is part of a sequence, where everything and anything has a beginning, middle and end, and she needs to unlock her sequence to help save Zeneshia from a mysterious threat.
While it is a bit confusing in the beginning, the world building is creative and interesting but not fully developed so I found it slightly difficult to really delve into. I think the book would have greatly benefited from having a more solid world building and a deeper explanation of this land ruled by warring fractions and threatened by this mysterious elements/people/enemies (I m still not sure of what they are) and, in my opinion, could have been better elaborated. Also the whole concept of sequence is never really explained properly, so I am a little at loss for words here.
I liked the two main characters, Alessia and Dante and I enjoyed seeing a different type of heroine for once. Alessia hears voices and is deemed incurable by shrinks, but she is not mad. She is different. Special. However it bothered me that Alessia tuns into the typical YA ridiculously naive character from the moment she washes up on Zeneshia’s shores and her eyes locks with Dante’s. From then she mostly thinks about Dante and I felt a bit..meh
I personally find their insta-love super cliche’ and a tad annoying. Dante reads ALL her thoughts, they never even kissed, yet they are head over heels in love with one another.
I understand love at first sight and i usually connect with it, but I couldn’t connect with theirs and it is a trope I’m, frankly, getting a bit tired of. The novel focused mostly on their romance whilst the plot was actually kind of slow and nothing really happened for the most part of the book.
Lastly, The Zeneshian language put me off a bit. The author’s choice of names doesn’t really do a lot of favours to the story as they were difficult to remember and didn’t really flow or enhance the story.
With all this said though, I think the book was actually okay, although I wasn’t completely impressed by it. I really liked the concept of parallel worlds, territorial fractions, threats and mystical creatures and I think I ll stick around for the sequel, hoping that more focus will go to a more solid world building and the storyline behind it. It’s definitely a creative and original idea, and I just hope the plot thickens and the stakes are raised in the second book.
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