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The Halves of Us

(The Halves of Us Trilogy)

Sydney Paige Richardson (Goodreads Author)

4.15 · Rating details · 41 ratings · 23 reviews

Twin Sisters: one destined to rule, one cursed to destroy.

Some say blood is thicker than water. But for twin sisters, Adie and Aura, their connection runs even deeper than blood.
After investigating a surprise attack carried out by dark souls controlled by the Wicked Willow, an evil residing in a neighboring region, Aura uncovers a family secret: she is the fulfillment of ...more

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Published 2018 by The Parliament House

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Sep 20, 2018 Candace Robinson rated it it was amazing

What an addicting story!! Intrigue, action, romance and wonderful writing!! I was sucked into Richardson’s world right away! It was gripping and fun and I can’t wait to read the next one!!

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Oct 12, 2018 Chantal Gadoury rated it it was amazing

Sydney is an amazing storyteller, and I knew without a doubt I'd love her writing. (I can say I was not disappointed.) When I first heard about "The Halves of Us," for some reason, I instantly was expecting to meet a form of "Frozen" with sisters who might be like Elsa and Anna. And while some things in Sydney's book made me think of that movie (More because I'm a Disney nerd, and compare EVERYTHING to a Disney movie) - this book provided something more to me. Twisted with elements of adventure ...more

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Sep 20, 2018 James rated it it was amazing

Probably more of a 4.5, but the overall story and ending were so good I have to give it a 5.

*Positives:

-The Plot. You know a book is great when you keep telling yourself one more chapter while your brain is telling you to go to sleep. It immediately grabbed me and wouldn’t let go. Very fun and suspenseful with plenty of unexpected twists and turns and lots and lots of action. Not once did I get distracted or bored (except a couple of scenes in the beginning, but they were more than made up for) Probably more of a 4.5, but the overall story and ending were so good I have to give it a 5.

*Positives:

-The Plot. You know a book is great when you keep telling yourself one more chapter while your brain is telling you to go to sleep. It immediately grabbed me and wouldn’t let go. Very fun and suspenseful with plenty of unexpected twists and turns and lots and lots of action. Not once did I get distracted or bored (except a couple of scenes in the beginning, but they were more than made up for) as I flew through the pages. And that ending…

-The Characters and World. Both felt well-crafted, very imaginative, and real, each with their own good and bad parts. I enjoyed the sisterly relationship between the two main characters and how nothing could really come between them. Also, I’m not really a fan of this kind of deep fantasy/world-building, so it’s impressive that it kept me engaged and wanting to know more and didn’t bother me.

*Negatives:

-The Villains. While they fulfilled their role, they could’ve been fleshed out more. They’re both rather generic power-hungry, dressed in black, evil laughing, take over/destroy the world kind of villains. All they were missing were mustaches to twirl. Even the little backstory/motivation they get doesn’t really help them. Now, there’s nothing wrong with villains who are evil just because they like to be (I even love some villains like that), but the problem is there’s also nothing to make them really stand out/unique or elevate them above common YA villains.

-The Romance. I’m not the biggest fan of romance (I 95% hate it), so I was surprised to find myself not at all bothered by it and actually rooting for the couples and getting excited when they showed up. It didn’t overwhelm the story, came in good doses, and didn’t seem cliché or forced. Even better, there wasn’t really a love triangle.

Now, you might be wondering why Romance is under the negatives list when I speak positively of it. That’s because of one thing that happens near the middle that annoyed me to no end.

So, one of the twins has this love interest and something happens to him. This causes that twin to get all depressed, become obsessed with him, and make an incredibly stupid decision for said love interest, putting the whole fate of her world in jeopardy. The issue? This was a boy she just met. Literally, she even states she only knew him a short time, but she somehow knows she loves him and it’s stated he loved her back … Even though they just met.

Love at first sight is one of the things I despise the most. Especially for teenage female characters. I find it overly cliché and rather demeaning and it just makes no sense. Especially because that twin didn’t seem the type to react this way. However, I enjoyed her stupid decision and how it changed the story, but I wish it was for a different reason. Like something having to do with herself, or for her father (who is very underdeveloped and treated as if he doesn’t exist), or a friend she knew for a long time whose loss would really impact her. Despite this, I still enjoyed that twin, even though she got on my nerves and made me angry. If I’m feeling things, then the book is doing its job.

Overall, these 2 negatives are so minor and don’t outweigh the positives of the rest of the book that I can forgive them, as I still enjoyed myself. I can’t wait for the sequel and wish I had it now!

If you like Fantasy books, give this a try. ...more

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Oct 17, 2018 Lindsi (Do You Dog-ear?) rated it liked it

Shelves: arc, blog-tour

I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. My thoughts and opinions are my own. Any quotes I use are from an unpublished copy and may not reflect the finished product.

Pro: Twins! I love books that focus on twins and their relationship. Despite its ups and downs, I thought Aura and Addie had a very special and unique bond. I wish Adie had been a little more forthcoming from the beginning, but I can also understand her secrecy.

Con: I liked one sister more than the other I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. My thoughts and opinions are my own. Any quotes I use are from an unpublished copy and may not reflect the finished product.

Pro: Twins! I love books that focus on twins and their relationship. Despite its ups and downs, I thought Aura and Addie had a very special and unique bond. I wish Adie had been a little more forthcoming from the beginning, but I can also understand her secrecy.

Con: I liked one sister more than the other. I really wanted to like them both, but one sister is incredibly frustrating and makes horrible spur-of-the-moment decisions that have serious consequences.

Con: Insta-love! I enjoy romance in books, but I'm not a huge fan of love at first sight. There was something that needed to happen in order for the story to progress the way that it did, but ugh. She "just knew" it was love, and I wish that had been done a little differently.

Pro: There are a lot of unexpected twists and turns that kept me on my toes! I enjoyed being tossed around the story without knowing where I would land.

Con: It was more tell than show, and I like being able to see the story for myself without feeling like every little detail is being described. Being able to use your imagination is part of the experience!

Con: The Halves of Us had underdeveloped characters and an overdeveloped world. The villains were basic baddies and were lacking a clear motive to drive their decisions. As for the world, there's an entire glossary at the beginning that explains different creatures and places, but none of that information stayed with me as I read through the story. I was reading an electronic copy, and didn't like swiping back to the beginning when I was confused about something.

Overall, I really enjoyed the story and the characters. I wish some of them had been fleshed out a little more, but I'm hoping they get more attention in the second book. There were some unbelievable moments, like when the sisters slipped past guards in the beginning (they totally would have gotten caught), and I wish those scenarios had been more realistic.

Originally posted at Do You Dog-ear? on October 15, 2018. ...more

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Apr 18, 2019 Sarah Sabin rated it it was amazing

Recommended to Sarah by: Sydney Richardson

Shelves: gifted

"You don't have to be her shadow. You stand in the light. You cast your own shadow."
-Felipe, The Halves of Us

Adie and Aura are sisters. One has been destined to rule, the other cursed to destroy. As the youngest born, Adie grows up being deemed the Future Ruler of their planet, Thindoral, while Aura is known as...her sister. Although Aura tries everything she can to change her Fate and make her own, destruction can't help but lie in her wake.

What a ride. I couldn't have asked for a more perfect ...more

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Jun 09, 2019 Suzy Michael rated it really liked it

Shelves: reviewed-books

*I was given a copy of this book by the author in exchange for my fair and honest review.*

Sydney Paige Richardson introduces readers to a fresh new world and characters in her debut novel, The Halves of Us. Twins fighting a fate that is already sealed, a nasty new type of villain, twists and turns around every corner, and a compelling opening paragraph that will have you turning the pages long into the night to find out which sister will rise, and which will fall.

The Halves of Us centers around *I was given a copy of this book by the author in exchange for my fair and honest review.*

Sydney Paige Richardson introduces readers to a fresh new world and characters in her debut novel, The Halves of Us. Twins fighting a fate that is already sealed, a nasty new type of villain, twists and turns around every corner, and a compelling opening paragraph that will have you turning the pages long into the night to find out which sister will rise, and which will fall.

The Halves of Us centers around 16 year old twins Adie and Aura, who live in a land called Thindoral, which is ruled by fate. Fate leads you where it wants you to go whether you like it or not. Adie has always known her fate- she was meant to rule, like her Mother- Aura has always been hesitant to learn hers, but when that day comes, she learns she is destined to destroy the world she lives in and everyone in it. While Aura is trying to fight her fate, Adie is contemplating the most difficult decision she will ever make- try to save her sister, or their world.

This was a fun, unique sci fi/fantasy novel! The Halves of Us becomes fast paced the moment you read the first paragraph or two- Richardson just sucks you into this enchanting, curious world she has created, and she doesn't let go, even when the book ends due to that cliffhanger! Thankfully, I know there is a sequel, so everyone can sleep a little easier!
I enjoyed having the point of view switch from one twin to the other. You get to know them better as characters, you get inside their heads and understand why they do what they do. Of course, they are 16 year olds and I just wanted to shake them at times and yell, “Seriously? No!!”. But it's due to this immaturity that propels the story forward. They are given big responsibility at a young age that no one would be ready for, so their handling of some situations, although dumb, is understandable. The characterization was great with the twins, and their relationship with each other was complex and well done. It's truly key to the plot. And these flaws only make the characters more relatable and believable, which I believe is so important for any story.
Now the plot is a pretty new take on a well used trope. Good sister vs. Bad sister, but that's not the case at all. Aura is good, she doesn't want to hurt anyone, especially not destroy her world. She fights her fate throughout the entire novel. The “Fate” ruling of things and the creation story behind this complicated world was fascinating and I enjoyed the mythology behind it. It's an immersive, magical world, but very mysterious and can get quite dark. And I love dark!
The imagery was vivid and lush. I felt like I was transported to Thindoral and could hear, and see the world clearly. The world building was good. Now, I love great world building, but Richardson went a bit above and beyond with it and I think it takes away from the story. This world is very intricate, again which I appreciate, but not necessarily needed, and the time could have been spent fleshing out more of the secondary characters. Also, the detail is so complex it can actually be confusing for the reader, hence, taking away from the story again. Throwing too much info at the reader is just perplexing and distracting. I'm hoping all of this detail will come in handy in the next 2 books, but for this one, the world building went overboard. I never thought I'd say that. A little less world building and a bit more concentration on character building in the next 2 books please?
Ok, my only other complaint was the romantic part of the story. The romance felt forced and rushed. Why not a bit of a slow burn? There are 2 more books to work this out. But, love at first sight- literally? Ugh.

In conclusion, I absolutely recommend The Halves of Us by Sydney Paige Richardson. She's not writing a good twin, bad twin scenario. But asking the complex question of whether we can change our fate, is it in our hands or a higher power? Blood is thicker than water, as the saying goes. Will the twins bond hold out over their diverging paths, or will love, and blood, overcome all. We'll have to wait for fate to decide and Ms. Richardson's next book to find out! ...more

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Nov 19, 2018 HitC rated it it was amazing

Sydney Richardson is my writing bff, and it was so much fun reading this book because I got to see it in all its various forms, from a wee book baby to coming out in the world like a big girl! :)

Overall, this story has a really interesting plot. The twists and how everything connects together in future books (benefit of knowing the writer!) is really cool. It's also deep and has some moments that hurt my heart.

The world building and descriptions are great. Sydney is also a photographer so she h ...more

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Apr 17, 2019 Kas (ladyofstardust) rated it really liked it

The five thoughts I had after reading this glorious book (mostly spoiler-free):

1.) The Halves of Us came into my life and totally swept me off my feet. I love how this is not a heavy story. It's intense and fast paced, immersive as heck and always, always!! kept me engaged. It never once left me feeling like I was about to be pulled into a slump, or drown in the plot of the story.

2.) Wicked. World. Building.
Thindoral is a vast world with so many different species and ways of life that I would l The five thoughts I had after reading this glorious book (mostly spoiler-free):

1.) The Halves of Us came into my life and totally swept me off my feet. I love how this is not a heavy story. It's intense and fast paced, immersive as heck and always, always!! kept me engaged. It never once left me feeling like I was about to be pulled into a slump, or drown in the plot of the story.

2.) Wicked. World. Building.
Thindoral is a vast world with so many different species and ways of life that I would love to learn more about all of them. I loved how we are introduced to Aura and Adie's world, and how their journey within Thindoral began. You learn about the characters, places and customs as you read, because they are either experiencing these events or learning about them for the first time themselves. That was a fresh idea for me, to learn with the characters. Even with the parts of Thindoral Aura and Adie did already know, it was revealed in a way that reminded them while informing us for the very first time without info dumping.

3.) I would arguably almost die for almost every one of these characters.
For like 50+ different reasons. Everyone from Ruler Ambrielle, to Michael, to the Wicked Willow and literally everyone in-between have their own personalities and ways of dealing with the events that unfold in the story. Emotions are not shown as a weakness, but a normal part of life. Open communication seems to be a normal way of life as well, and MAN. This is all something I love reading about. It just adds something positive to fall back on. Especially when everything is falling to shit. All of that being said, I loved how everyone was more than willing to jump in and help Adie ease into the role of Ruler when she's unsure of what to do, or just totally losing it. I was super down with how gender is not a deciding factor in what a character's fate is meant to be, and I especially enjoyed how there is a a whole entire race of non-binary people which is normal and accepted in Thindoral.
->Bonus points for Aura and Adie being able to completely act their age! They're sixteen when the real story begins, and it shows when they meet their love interests, and how sometimes they're not sure how to balance their responsibilities versus what they actually want to do.

4.) Pacing.
The first half was perfect for me, but once we crossed the threshold of being over halfway . . . I almost had literary whiplash. It seemed to go a little fast, especially with (view spoiler) Moving from 0-50 real quick, however, was just not for me.

5.) The End of All Ends.
(view spoiler) Sign Me Up!!

I literally can't recommend this book enough. For a debut novel, Richardson started off on a pretty strong note!! ...more

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Sep 30, 2020 Lauren Jones rated it really liked it

Do you have a twin? Have you ever wondered what it would be like to have one? Researchers say that twins may have more than just a genetic connection. Some twins that get separated at birth, grow up with similar mannerisms even though they have no way of knowing the other. Can you imagine how that bond grows if they are together? Now, imagine twins that have two separate destinies, one good and one evil. It’s unfathomable! Richardson has an alluring young adult dark fantasy which will have reade Do you have a twin? Have you ever wondered what it would be like to have one? Researchers say that twins may have more than just a genetic connection. Some twins that get separated at birth, grow up with similar mannerisms even though they have no way of knowing the other. Can you imagine how that bond grows if they are together? Now, imagine twins that have two separate destinies, one good and one evil. It’s unfathomable! Richardson has an alluring young adult dark fantasy which will have readers devouring the pages of this first installment with fervor.

Adie and Aura are twins. They are sisters who have grown up together, knowing that one will become the next ruler of Thindoral. What will be the destiny for the other? Wanting to find out sooner, rather than later, the girls sneak into their mother’s safe hold and decide to touch the one thing that gives power to the kingdom. With the Rokis’ power, Adie begins to have nightmares. Agreeing to never speak of what they did again, Aura and Adie may need to break that promise after the kingdom comes under attack from dark forces that no one knows how to defeat. Under siege, the sisters learn first hand what it takes to fight for their land, even if it means losing their soul to the darkness to do it. The prophecy states that one is meant to rule and one is cursed to destroy, but do prophecies always come true if you choose to defy fate? Only time will tell…

Richardson’s first installment in the Halves of Us Trilogy is quite eventful and entertaining. The characters are full of passion, curiosity, and innocence. The two sisters are forced to face things that are far greater than they can even comprehend. They can either choose to do it alone or together. Their innocence and lack of knowledge of outside forces, plays a vital role in this story. While it is classified as a young adult dark fantasy, there are aspects of this story that feel it should be for more of a mature audience; however, the dark fantasy is spot on. While the story in itself is sensational, Taylor’s narration isn’t what was expected for this first installment. She carries the pace quite well, but every sentence spoken feels rehearsed, monotone, and matter of fact. Readers may wish for a vocalist who gets into the story, sharing varying emotions like fascination, curiosity, betrayal, and grief. If you are a reader of dark fantasy, you may find this satisfies your appetite.

An audiobook was provided to Turning Another Page by Audiobookworm Promotions and in no way affects the honesty of this review. We provide a four-star rating to The Halves of Us by Sydney Paige Richardson. ...more

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Oct 08, 2018 Paige Green rated it really liked it

Disclaimer: I received this book for free from Rockstar Tours and The Parliament House. Thanks! All opinions are my own.

Rating: 4/5

Publication Date: October 9th, 2018

Genre: YA Fantasy

Recommended Age: 15+ (mature scenes, slight gore, violence, curses, evillllll)

Pages: 377

Author Website

Amazon Link

Synopsis: Twin Sisters: one destined to rule, one cursed to destroy.

Some say blood is thicker than water. But for twin sisters, Adie and Aura, their connection runs even deeper than blood.
After investiga ...more

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Sep 28, 2020 Zoe L. added it

Is this book basically a YA retelling of Frozen? Yes, yes it is. And I am not mad about that at all. It’s kind of everything that I, an adult, wanted from the movie (even though I still love the movie). I was also worried at how well I would follow along with a fantasy on audiobook, but I was pleasantly surprised at just how much I enjoyed it!

I am fairly new to the audiobook world, but since this was my year of diversifying my reading I’ve been really excited to expand on how I read my books. Wo ...more

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Oct 04, 2018 Emmi Rose (emmirosereads) rated it liked it

Shelves: three-stars

This book had a lot of positives and things going for it but also it just didn't quite do it for me. It's hard to pinpoint exactly why I had an issue with this book but it just felt lacking and wasn't keeping me hooked. This was an extremely unique world and story! A lot of world building and action to keep the story interesting. The characters were pretty good, and had interesting motives. So in reality I should have loved this book. But when you have to force yourself to read something there's ...more

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Oct 12, 2018 Ella Sulzer rated it really liked it

This is the debut book of a new author (that actually is a local author for me)!

Adie and Aura are twins, but they are not just any twins, they are daughters of a ruler in a land where anything is possible. The characters are amazing. You have different regions represented through their appearance and actions. Adie and Aura have come of age where they learn their Fate. In a land ruled by Fate, the one understanding is that Fate leads you to where it wants you to be, no matter what you may think o ...more

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Oct 01, 2020 Anthony rated it it was amazing

The Review

A beautifully written and spoken audiobook, author Sydney Paige Richardson has done a marvelous job crafting a YA fantasy world readers will want to immediately dive into. The concept of twin sisters and each having a dangerous journey with a deadly future looming over them both gave readers a strong relationship to hang onto from the get-go.

Each girl’s journey to discovering their fate and destiny and the decisions they have to make to protect the world around them was a magnificent ...more

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Jan 20, 2019 Fleur rated it really liked it

Shelves: 2018

Adie and Aura have always been close but things start to change when the sneak into the room holding the Rokis which Aura will one day where and Adie gets a glimpse of her future. This book sucks you in from the beginning, the world they live in, the different beings that reside there as well as the regiment rules they live by fascinate as well as make you sad like the room of papers. The characters are great as you can relate to them as they are flawed as well as trying to do whats right, but b ...more

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May 08, 2019 Lėja rated it liked it

Shelves: 2019

This book was a bit different from what I expected but overall it's pretty similar to every other YA fantasy book.
I loved Thindoral, the different creatures and the setting in general but it all could've been made more interesting if the inhabitants of the regions didn't have identical traditions and lifestyles. Also, some of the main characters had similar personalities (for example, Felipe and Samuel). I think the author could've gone a bit deeper into the twins' feelings, especially Aura's, ...more

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Jul 31, 2019 Stephanie - Books Less Travelled marked it as read-for-review

Shelves: from-the-publisher, the-parliament-house

*I received a copy from the publisher. This does not affect my review.*

I've read similar stories before...or thought I had, but perhaps I was wrong? This one was so different and from the start I found I was pulled into the story, and didn't want to stop reading! I loved the action and intrigue, with romance and adventure thrown in for good measure! Such a fun story, I can't wait to see what happens next! ...more

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Jan 01, 2019 Danielle Roux rated it it was amazing

The world of this novel is immersive and magical. I loved the mythology of the creation story, and the idea that the inhabitants understand some, but not all, about the magic that their world holds. The two main characters, Adie and Aura are compelling to follow as their paths diverge. This story has a dark edge and a beautiful soul, I eagerly await the next volume to see what happens next.

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Oct 11, 2018 R.J. Garcia rated it it was amazing

The Halves of US is a beautifully told story of two sister's both chained to their fates. One is prophesied to rule and the other is cursed to destroy. In a mystical fairytale style, the story unfolds keeping the reader engaged. The world building was intricate and the prose almost poetic at times. This is a great debut novel from Sydney Paige Richardson. ...more

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Oct 27, 2018 Alice J. rated it it was amazing

A great story and a gripping read. Two sisters, Aura and Adie, are best friends but when they each get their fate from the room of papers it seems everything is going to change.

The world created in the first novel in the series is thorough and compelling. I picked up this book as often as I could and can't wait for the next! ...more

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Mar 07, 2019 Jessica Jenifer rated it it was amazing

I've really enjoyed reading this book. I loved the characters and the world the writer created. I can't wait for the other books to see what happens next. ...more

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Nov 20, 2018 Betty rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Great book by an amazing new author. I can't wait for the next one to come out. ...more

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About Sydney Paige Richardson

Sydney Paige Richardson

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Even before I could hold a pencil in my hand, I was making up stories in my head. I wrote my first book in the second grade, Girls [sorry Lena Dunham], about me and my best friends in college [because college was super cool when you were 8] who went on treasure hunts and fought bad guys with our super powers. My second grade teacher was so impressed with me, she laminated a cover and bound it. Tha ...more