Rogue Crystal

by Jordan Elizabeth

Avery loves the prospect of visiting Scarya with her cousin and boyfriend. Adventure and romance surely await in this exotic country. Instead, war breaks out, and Avery ends up with an ancient sword everyone is dying to possess.

Scarya isn’t just a foreign land – the more time Avery is trapped there, the more she learns about her past. Her ancestors originated in Scarya, and one of them brought an enchanted crystal with him to Scarya from space. She never expected an alien to ruin her vacation, but sometimes the past has a way of reappearing.

Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult, Science Fiction

182 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 4, 2018

Reviews

[Fizza · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's an interesting tale of chaos, when past collides into present while shaping into the future. The story is quite well-written and intriguing. From the very beginning it engages readers' full attention. I enjoyed reading it, it's mixed genre book so hard to put it in one category. But I guess if you're a fantasy fan then this book is definitely a must read. Anyone with good imagination will enjoy it, as I did.

Story revolves around a crystal that comes from another planet. It has powers which humans cannot understand, but there are those on Earth who know about it's origin because they have followed it here. And now they are simply not willing to leave without it. Then there are those who will do anything to protect it. They know that protecting the crystal is their only reason to live. And among all this Avery finds herself; scared, confused, and unwilling to trust anyone other than her childhood friend and now her boyfriend. But is he really who he says he is?

Things are not always as they seems but sometimes they have a way of working themselves out. Avery hopes that this true in this case as well because she simply cannot fathom a world where Jessamine is not safe. She must keep her safe and well protected. Will she be able to do that or will the curse of the crystal destroy them all?

I always enjoy Jordan Elizabeth Mierek's books. Her plots are usually so far fetched and unique, and she has a way of weaving a tale that grasps your attention and refuses to let go. Simply amazing! It's always a pleasure to read her books and I keep looking forward to more from her.

[Kayla Krantz · Rating 4 out of 5]

An alien on a mission. A crystal with powers. A royal girl in the middle of it all. Split between the past and the future, Rogue Crystal shows the timeline of how a magic crystal came to Earth and what it’s future is.

This was certainly different. A mix of different genres, all coming together to make an interesting book. Enjoyable mix of fantasy and sci-fi. The only thing I didn’t really like about this book was Avery’s romance. It came across as a little cheesy to me. The rest of the story was awesome though.

Narration was done in a perfect way to enhance the character’s personalities.

This book was given to me for free at my request and I provided this voluntary review.

[Mary Bernsen · Rating 4 out of 5]

See, this is what I love about Jordan Eliazabeth Mierek's books: she has the ability to take a perfectly normal, everyday situation and turn it into a bombshell! "I'm her mother"... that one sentence mid-book redirects the entire story, slinging you in an entirely different direction than you thought you were headed. This book was fabulous, from the complex (I mean, really complex) relationships to the captivating story itself, I had no trouble staying connected the entire time. One family, one mission that spans centuries. I think, however, the ending felt more than little abrupt. There was a shocking event that just sort of ended followed by a short chapter about something years later and that was it. The finish needed some fleshing out, but otherwise I loved it!

**I received a complimentary copy from the author and voluntarily offered a review**

[G. Miki · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jordan Elizabeth (Mierek) is a highly skilled writer. In addition to knowing her characters inside out, she makes her prose sing. Beyond that, in *Rogue Crystal* Elizabeth (Mierek) presents a compelling, well-plotted adventure/fantasy with many ups and downs and never a pause.

In 1398, Ne crashes to Earth in the Kingdom of Scarya and takes human form. His great mission in life? To protect the Crystal from those who would destroy the universe using its power. In 2014, Avery visits her cousin in the country of Scarya, where Lorelei is on an archeological dig. “The Crystal responds to those it favors,” Ne has told his family. What happens next—or who Avery should or will trust—can’t be predicted, another hallmark of Jordan Elizabeth’s inventive stories. Those who are fans will definitely read this and those who read this will definitely become fans.

[Alicia Huxtable · Rating 5 out of 5]

This author!!! I have read much of her work and never regret one second immersed in her worlds of creation. But this book is a little different to her others and I must say I was pleasantly surprised, to the point I'm secretly hoping for more sci-fi type reads from her.
I enjoyed these new style of characters, the way she wrote them and amd the entire storyline. It all just fit

[Lidia · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is my review of the audio version as posted on Audible:

I liked the premise of the book - an enchanted crystal, a quest of an alien race to save the universe, a young girl in the middle of it all... but somehow it turned out to be less exciting and more chaotic than I had expected.
True, there are good moments in the tale, nicely described scenes and one or two characters that you come to like, but a lot of the story seems erratic, chaotic, with no logic behind the characters' actions and behaviour. Most of them are just irritating (or downright repulsive) and acting strange - not to say stupid - in the circumstances... Like, if you were kidnapped and held prisoner for a few hours/days, would a 5-min-long conversation with your captor persuade you to join his cause? With no brainwashing preceding it whatsoever...? I don't think so... even if you are about 20 - unless your IQ is like 50 or less... There are more issues like that thoughout the book...
On the other hand, the main idea of a quest to save the universe and two alien fractions racing to put their hands on an enchanted crystal which is the source of unimaginable power is a good and engaging one. And even with all the irritating implausibilities I mentioned above you still want to continue listening to find out how it all ends...

I think it's Ms Muzljakovich's interpretation of the book that to some extent makes you want to go on. She does her job really well, voicing the characters in such a way that their personalities come out to the fullest. She's also very good in narrative parts, recreating the world of the book for us with her voice.

Overall, it's a 3.5 star book, which for me means it's a story I don't regret listening to, as it gave me some pleasure, but would leave it to you to decide whether you want to listen to it or not...

DISCLAIMER: I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

[Lynndell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rogue Crystal by Jordan Elizabeth opens with a Scaryan lullaby that tells a tale of a crystal that brought destruction only because of the greedy king’s hunt to find it. The story covers generations of people who protect and hide the crystal at all costs; a crystal that can end the universe and start a new one. Avery visits her cousin at an archeological dig and ends up with a strange ring on her finger after she picks up a sword and then that sword disappears. Eventually, she realizes that the sword was the hidden crystal and it changed shape to remain hidden. Avery also learns that she’s a descendant of a line of crystal protectors and that’s why the ring changed for her. Now she’s on the run from those who want to use the crystal to destroy and restart the universe. A creative storyline with interesting and entertaining characters make Rogue Crystal a must-read sci-fi! 5 stars!

[Heidi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was pleasantly surprised by Jordan with this book. It proves that she is very talented and able to write more than just a couple of genres. It is different from her other books in that it is sci-fi. I like sci-fi, but I have been more in the mood for horror and fantasy recently. However, this book drew me right in and held on. Jordan's story telling style is amazing and she has the ability to hook you in with just a few words. She keeps the story moving along and she keeps you guessing. If you haven't read anything by her yet, I suggest you start!

[Misty · Rating 3 out of 5]

This story was my introduction to the author Jordan Elizabeth. It was an overall good story. Good premise. The pacing was decent. The characters were interesting, though they could have been fleshed out a little more. I enjoyed the twists. I agree with other reviewers about the ending though. It did seem kind of abrupt. All in all, I found it to be a good intro to this author. I will definitely seek out other books by her to read. I am voluntarily reviewing this book, gifted to me by the author with no obligation.

[Jo-ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Crystal needed to be protected at all costs

When a stranger crash lands on Earth, he has a special Crystal with him that is very dangerous that others want it to restart the world. He meets and marries a young woman. Then their descendents must keep the Crystal safe until a young woman is born to save the world from the Crystal.

Come join the adventure and the choices that the characters make to keep the Crystal and their love ones safe.

Jo-Ann Doyle

[Eve Culley · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was Jordan's first sci-fi book and it proves that she is able to write more than just a couple of genres. It is a unique story and very different from her other books. It is written for YA but I found that I liked it as well. The storyline keeps you guessing until the very end. Good job Jordan!

[Julia David · Rating 4 out of 5]

This isn't my usual genre, but I liked the story. There are some surprises and a few twists and turns. Avery is unsure of herself, she relies on so many others and she is going to grow up pretty fast in Scarya. She has had the same dream for years and when she gets to Scarya for a vacation, she finds out that she has more family than she knew of and that not all of her family is from Earth.

[Kandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read many of Jordan Elizabeth's books. They are all so different, but each one grabs you and takes you into the story. This was no exception. Love that it starts out with an alien crashing his space ship, but then takes you to places that you would not have even thought of. Great book, interesting characters and a fascinating story line.

[Tera Comer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book that I have read by this author and I was shocked at how deeply entranced that this book got me. There were a few twits and turns in the book that had some surprises attached to them which makes things become so much clear at times. I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

[Crystal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Avery goes on a trip to Scarya to visit her cousin and see her boyfriend as well. She never expects to be drawn into a battle that could end life as she knows it. She gets to learn about her families past and history, but there is also danger around every turn.
I enjoyed the book, but the time jumps were a little hard to understand sometimes. Interesting concept for sure.

[Jessica Traver cashen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read, well written with a great plot and characters. I was engrossed from start to finish. Avery goes to Scarya to see her cousin that is on an archeological dig. While there Avery finds she has more family....some not human and about her family's history. I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.

[Tanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

They were looking forward to the holiday but once they get there war breaks out. She ends up with a sword everyone else wants. Life is taking an unexpected turn which will even include an alien. What will she need to do? Life is about to get complicated

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Mandy Stump · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was interesting. I was a little confused at parts but was a good read. Loved the end. Shocked by some of the secrets throughout this book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[InD'tale Magazine · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5/5.0

This book is a will-o-the-wisp, engaging the reader, gleefully leading them forward; they delightfully follow.

Read full review in the 2018 July Aug issue of InD'tale Magazine.

[Miranda · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting premise, but some of the execution was lacking. Some of the story swapping was a little jarring and I wish there had been an epilogue, but overall an interesting story. I did enjoy it, it's worth a read, though I likely won't re-read it.

[Paula Genereau · Rating 5 out of 5]

what an amazing story and i loved it. Avey loves visiting her cousin and learning about her family history. But the more she is there that she learns there's secrets of her family's past

[Jane Firebaugh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rogue Crystal was awesome! What a great young adult science fiction story. I couldn't put it down.

[Kirsti Call · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was well written with surprising plot twists, likable characters and an interesting element of mystery and Sci fi.

[Silver Surfer · Rating 3 out of 5]

This seemed to lack something to make it a great read. I found it a bit boring in places, but then again have read some great fantasy books.

[Barb VanderWel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this & I can't wait for more.
I will be also leaving a review on Goodreads @ Amazon.
And letting everyone know about it.
So i gave it a 5 Stars.

[Nadea Croix · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story upped anything that gets you to pondering. Original and imaginative keeps it interesting throughout.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Intriguing fantasy sci-fi romance story, it is adventurous with twists and turns. Amazing characters. It is written well. I liked reading the book and a pleasure to review it.

[Shakera · Rating 3 out of 5]

While the synopsis is interesting, I found myself wondering what I was reading. I think it started off great, but it dragged in places, and I lost interest in other places. I am interested to see where this goes, but I can't say I love this book.

[Melissa Levine · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m a big fan of Jordan, and I’ve read many of her stories. Here’s another one to add to the list. Overall, I thought this was an interestingly unique/different kind of story from what I've previously read.

Now when I read a story, I love looking for mistakes. My goal, in the end, is to find none, though. Needless to say, while I don’t know if this story was read over (editor, beta reader, etc.), I found the first mistake on the first page. My experience in reading stories is that if there’s a mistake on the first page, there’s usually going to be more in the story. On that note, I came across several other mistakes either consisting of using the wrong word, a missing word, or lack of punctuation. For example: “His entire form become half the size, but the sun no longer burned his body.” Given the fact that I’ve read basically anything Jordan has thrown my way, I question why there were so many mistakes in this story (obvious ones!). I rarely come across this many based on past stories I’ve read by her.

But even with the mistakes, I’d still be interested in reading book 2, if there’s going to be more to this story.

Questions/Comments:

Everild was glad that her father’s apprentice had been killed when Ne’s ship crashed to Earth. Couldn’t her father just find another man for her to marry? Someone even worse than her betrothed had been?

Ne had no clothes when he changed into the human form. So that means he’d been walking through town and meeting Everild’s father while naked? And no one said anything about his lack of clothing?

Everild tells Ne that her family is lucky to have a second set of clothes. Why does that sound so strange to me? I mean even poor/homeless people have more than a single set of clothes to wear. People back in the day would make/find things to wear.

After Avery receives the Crystal in ring form she states: “The ring couldn’t have been as hideous as it seemed.” Why did she consider it hideous?

[Tea · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 ⭐ rounded up to 3

Thank you to Jordan Hallak for sending an advance review copy of the book. I always enjoy your writing ☺️

I thought I read and reviewed quite awhile ago so my review is based on the copy / edition that was sent to me.

Even though the descriptions were very detailed and the storyline was very short, I feel like it dragged in several places. It wasn't bad, but also it just wasn't my book of choice. This doesn't dissuade from reading books from Hallak. I generally like the different storyline concepts she comes up with.