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Pembrim: The Hidden Alcove
There had been whispers of a magical hidden alcove within the Fenix Forest of Ameral Alley for years, but according to legend, no one had ever found it. Until now. Seventeen-year-old Halia Bodine, a girl with a medically baffling rare lung disease, begins dreaming of a map that leads her to the hidden alcove of Moa’s Rock. In the depths of this magical alcove exists the vibrant underwater world of M’deia, with its hunter tribes, alluring creatures, ghastly beasts, and untouched lands. After a fated encounter with Luka, a M’deian boy in exile from his clan, Halia enters this mythical underwater world. Once there, she learns that her illness ceases to exist, that she loves without reciprocation, and the cold truth of her parents’ death. When her family heirloom — a timepiece cursed with the power to end all lives of the sea’s inhabitants — is found in an ancient enemy’s wicked hands, Halia soon discovers that this world is not without its own lurking dangers. First, her foe turns the tribes to stone. Next, he wants Halia dead. When Halia comes face-to-face with her fears, will she finally have the chance to go back in time and save both the stone tribe and her parents from their unfortunate deaths, or will her enemy destroy her and all she holds dear before she can? Find out in this wondrous tale of friendship, mystery, and sea-crossed romance.
266 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 20, 2018
10 people are currently reading
904 people want to read
About the author
Bree Lenehan
1 book170 followersBree Lenehan is an Australian radio personality, singer, and author. Her passion for creativity and mixing magic with transformative morale through the power of words flows through all of her work. She may not have found the wardrobe to Narnia, the Bridge to Terebithia or received a letter from Hogwarts, but she did fall upon the passage to Moa’s Rock. The world inside Bree’s first novel Pembrim: The Hidden Alcove came to her many years ago, in the backwoods of her grandparents' property, where she stumbled upon a secret waterhole that became her daily escape from the real world.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
May 23, 2018
For a while I thought to myself, ‘Should I rate MY OWN BOOK? Is that what authors do? Is 5 stars too confident?’ but then the devil on the other side of my shoulder brought these questions to mind too... ‘How long have you been working on this story? Nearly 2 years? And how many times have you read it? 60 times? More? Girl, you deserve it. Be your own cheerleader! Go on, click that button... CLICK IT!’ so here I am. And to everyone else, I HOPE YOU ENJOY THE ADVENTURE! Welcome to the tribe 💛
June 2, 2018
Only a few more days!!
I have found this wonderful story on Instagram, where the talented Bree Lenehan posted a small excerpt (chapter fourty-three) and I fell in love with the story after one word: Halia.
I love it when authors use unknown, beautiful names that I haven’t heard a hundred times before and this one just sounded right. Halia is unique and still easy to remember and I just can’t wait to learn more about her and other characters in Pembrim-the hidden alcove.
“Halia’s feet were aching, her legs tired of treading, her arms too weak to pull her weight along, and all that became more profound as she stood at the ancient arbor of the Nyra branch, overlooking the stairs of rocks she was yet to pass.” (chapter fourty-three)
Lenehan was born to write! Every word is well-chosen and lures you into the magical world and you can’t stop thinking about what is happening. Who was Halia? What was a Nyra branch? What was happening? After one sentence I was ready to pick up the book and start reading… and sadly learned it wasn’t published yet.
So I followed her Instagram, saw all those beautiful drawings she posted and dreamt about reading her book every day…
I have found this wonderful story on Instagram, where the talented Bree Lenehan posted a small excerpt (chapter fourty-three) and I fell in love with the story after one word: Halia.
I love it when authors use unknown, beautiful names that I haven’t heard a hundred times before and this one just sounded right. Halia is unique and still easy to remember and I just can’t wait to learn more about her and other characters in Pembrim-the hidden alcove.
“Halia’s feet were aching, her legs tired of treading, her arms too weak to pull her weight along, and all that became more profound as she stood at the ancient arbor of the Nyra branch, overlooking the stairs of rocks she was yet to pass.” (chapter fourty-three)
Lenehan was born to write! Every word is well-chosen and lures you into the magical world and you can’t stop thinking about what is happening. Who was Halia? What was a Nyra branch? What was happening? After one sentence I was ready to pick up the book and start reading… and sadly learned it wasn’t published yet.
So I followed her Instagram, saw all those beautiful drawings she posted and dreamt about reading her book every day…
June 3, 2018
The moment I read the first word, I couldn't put it down! Brilliant characters, interesting creatures and a magical world. I giggled, smiled and cried. And I would read it again!
May 16, 2018
Pembrin is a wonderful fantasy story with just the right blend of suspense, mystery, romance and colourful characters. The richness of its underwater world will delight the imagination and take the reader on a spectacular journey into the mythical realm of M'deia - accessible only to a select few through the magical alcove of Moa's Rock. This book is an excellent read by a talented and creative author, and I can't recommend it highly enough.
June 10, 2018
I'm not one to throw 5 stars at any old book, but while reading Pembrim, it was almost as though I could feel that Bree had carefully chosen every single word. What a magical journey! The characters are so damn loveable, the world is so unique, the creatures are so mystical and the storyline itself is unlike any book I've ever read or heard about before! I'll be eagerly awaiting Miss Lenehan's next release!
June 10, 2018
A perfect mix of suspense, mystery, action and magic. Thoroughly enjoyed the read.
June 10, 2018
If I could give this book 10 stars, I would! I've been following this author's journey to becoming a published author for the last almost six months and it brings me so much closer to this book knowing all of the hard work that has gone into this story! This world reminds me of Pandora, except under water with so many unique creatures and beautiful untouched lands. I would LOVE to see the movie adaptation to this book!
June 10, 2018
One word: Phenomenal! As a mother of 4, I long for time to myself. Last night I had the house to myself and I devoured this book in 3 hours! I couldn't put it down... It made me feel young again, it made me feel free, and curious, and as though I had magic at the ends of my fingertips! I would 100% recommend this to any of my friends, and my friends teenagers!
Want to read
May 25, 2018I cannot wait to read this book! x
June 10, 2018
I N C R E D I B L E ! I happened to find this book through a booktuber I've been following and it did not disappoint! I WANT MORE! I mean Bree, how can you do this to me!!! That ending... I need not say more
June 3, 2018
Sick book by my sick sister. Give it a read. She'll be cheers.
August 9, 2018
In Pembrim: The Hidden Alcove, author Bree Lenehan weaves an intricate tale of self-discovery, strength, courage, and mercy. It is an inspirational piece of work filled with a plethora of excellent lessons beneficial to readers of all ages. It is classified as a young adult fantasy novel but carries subtle tones of romance, mystery, suspense, and action. Lenehan often used similes and alliterations throughout the novel. For example, she describes a gathering of nynxes, little living lights of the sea, as being “like a constellation in the night.” Examples of Lenehan's use of alliteration include, “inviolable infallibility,” “dangled dainty,” and “big, black beads…” The overall imagery of the book, which was aided using alliteration and similes, was brilliant. Lenehan crafted this beautiful, intriguing world that came to life as I read and made me want more. One sentence that I loved reads, "Her wheezing, heavy breaths were masked by the songbirds singing from the treetops; it was as though she could hear the stars twinkling. With the evergreen forest glowing and the crystallised flowers shining against the moonlight, she could've sworn black and blue that she felt the water vapour soaking her pores as the moisture evaporated towards the moon."
I found myself learning new words while reading this book. The vocabulary used by Lenehan is excellent. She includes words like pedantic, canorous, and pernicious, and also created an entirely new language called M'deian. It is the native tongue of the underwater warriors that Halia meets. Lenehan included a M'deian Glossary at the end of the novel, making it easy to follow along. The book was perfectly paced. The climax, which was well placed, had me at the edge of my seat.
I don't have many negative things to say about Pembrim: The Hidden Alcove. The punctuation and grammar was excellent, and for that reason, I am rating it a 5 out of 5. I strongly recommend this book to anybody wanting to read a fantasy that they can get lost in. I feel that the book is comparable to a modern-day, underwater Alice in Wonderland. I would gladly reread this book (and probably will.)
I found myself learning new words while reading this book. The vocabulary used by Lenehan is excellent. She includes words like pedantic, canorous, and pernicious, and also created an entirely new language called M'deian. It is the native tongue of the underwater warriors that Halia meets. Lenehan included a M'deian Glossary at the end of the novel, making it easy to follow along. The book was perfectly paced. The climax, which was well placed, had me at the edge of my seat.
I don't have many negative things to say about Pembrim: The Hidden Alcove. The punctuation and grammar was excellent, and for that reason, I am rating it a 5 out of 5. I strongly recommend this book to anybody wanting to read a fantasy that they can get lost in. I feel that the book is comparable to a modern-day, underwater Alice in Wonderland. I would gladly reread this book (and probably will.)
June 10, 2018
The world of M'deia is one I'm sure we'd all love to live in, the only thing that stops me from rating this 5 stars is that I didn't want it to end! (Don't hate me!) - Bree Lenehan's debut book, Pembrim: The Hidden Alcove was a fresh, unique storyline with characters that steered away from the cliches, and for that I give the author props! Halia Bodine, the main character, surprised me at times with her strength and determination. Each character was 3-dimensional and ever-growing, I looked forward to each page and once it ended, I did feel a sense of sadness. Lenehan, give us more!
June 10, 2018
This is going straight to the top of my 'Most Enjoyable Reads of 2018' list!
August 1, 2018
This book was so beautifully written and creative I want to read it again. Bree really has a way with words and it really shows in this highly imaginative tale! I really loved Halia and her character development through the story. She goes from being someone with limited abilities to someone who decides to give herself a better life that gives her more than she ever thought possible. Halia reminded me of Pocahontas and Octavia from The 100 once she went to M'deia. She learned to take care of herself and while being a badass warrior she still had compassion for the creatures of M'deia. This book took my on an adventure that I have never been on. It's so unique and beautiful I feel like anyone would enjoy this magical story! I'm so happy I won a copy from Goodreads and was given such a great opportunity to read this! If you like magical and adventurous books this is one you need to pick up! There's a big twist that I don't think anyone will see coming towards the end and I NEED book 2!
December 31, 2018
What a start to a career! I have been waiting for this book since November 2017 and was overwhelmed with the warm fuzzies when it arrived. The characters and world are beautifully described and brought to life with a passion that has been evident in the author throughout her journey to publication.
I had a few issues with flow. Some scenes were a bit difficult for me to envision as a lot of detail was given to set dressing rather than action. I have been having issues with concentration at the moment so I think that may have made things a bit worse for me. I love every character and creature and was genuinely sad when I finished this afternoon (to the point my flatmate had to scold me for moping ^.^').
I truly look forward to Bree's next work. Love her descriptive and imaginative writing style.
I had a few issues with flow. Some scenes were a bit difficult for me to envision as a lot of detail was given to set dressing rather than action. I have been having issues with concentration at the moment so I think that may have made things a bit worse for me. I love every character and creature and was genuinely sad when I finished this afternoon (to the point my flatmate had to scold me for moping ^.^').
I truly look forward to Bree's next work. Love her descriptive and imaginative writing style.
August 2, 2018
Hello and welcome to my review of Pembrim: The Hidden Alcove :)
This book was intriguing from the first page and only got more mysterious as the story went on. It was full of secrets, magical creatures and a whole new language to learn.
The detail of the surroundings in the story sends your imagination soaring as you have Halia's world and the underwater world to imagine along with the tribes and the creatures.
The scenery was very beautiful in my imagination and the descriptions of it were easy to create in your head so wherever Halia went you could see where she was and who she was talking too or watching.
I enjoyed the romance in the story as it wasn't too overwhelming it gave just enough to give you goosebumps and keep you on edge whenever the two characters met waiting in anticipation for what they would say to each other.
The fight scenes in the story were very well written you knew what everyone was doing during the fight and it wasn't too complicated where you would get lost of whose fighting who and where. 10/10 would recommend i have already recommended this book twice already before i even finished it myself!
I would 100% read again i reaaaaaally hope there's a sequel!
I would love to see this turned into a movie!
As always thank you for reading my review x
Instagram: hismorningstarxoxo
This book was intriguing from the first page and only got more mysterious as the story went on. It was full of secrets, magical creatures and a whole new language to learn.
The detail of the surroundings in the story sends your imagination soaring as you have Halia's world and the underwater world to imagine along with the tribes and the creatures.
The scenery was very beautiful in my imagination and the descriptions of it were easy to create in your head so wherever Halia went you could see where she was and who she was talking too or watching.
I enjoyed the romance in the story as it wasn't too overwhelming it gave just enough to give you goosebumps and keep you on edge whenever the two characters met waiting in anticipation for what they would say to each other.
The fight scenes in the story were very well written you knew what everyone was doing during the fight and it wasn't too complicated where you would get lost of whose fighting who and where. 10/10 would recommend i have already recommended this book twice already before i even finished it myself!
I would 100% read again i reaaaaaally hope there's a sequel!
I would love to see this turned into a movie!
As always thank you for reading my review x
Instagram: hismorningstarxoxo
August 1, 2018
WOW! This book took me to a whole new world, there was suspense, there was happiness and there were tears. Beautifully descriptive and incredibly gripping, I could not put this book down! Huge praise to the author for this incredible piece of writing! The amount of detail in this book made it feel like you were there looking at these exquisite creatures! Its definitely a world I would love to visit (if it was real) I cant wait for more:)
June 15, 2018
I will say that I am very impressed with her world building here. It is so hard to create new, large environments between the pages of a book without drowning readers in detail. Lenehan does, however, in great style.
August 1, 2018
This book was such a fun and new adventure. The worlds this author created made you want to continue turning pages and jump into the world with the characters. I loved how new the plot felt, a girl struggling to live and breathe on her own, no cure in sight for her young life. A world where she could have things she never dreamed. The ending left me wanting more! I am so happy I found this author and can not wait for her next book!
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This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 10, 2018
I'VE BEEN DYING TO READ THIS BOOK! I still can't believe how stunning Lenehan's writing is, her way with words is so different to most books I usually read. Some paragraphs even felt like a song, that's how beautiful they were pieced together. I've placed it on my bookshelf right next to Akarnae, Unearthed and Reign The Earth. 5/5!
June 10, 2018
Well written. Great concept. Incredible characters. Pembrim follows a young ill girl who is led to a beautiful underwater world of sea warriors and a new kind of magic, but stays away from becoming one of those fairytale mermaid novels, in fact it doesn't feel like that at all. This is an epic fantasy adventure!
June 10, 2018
A thousand YESSES! That ending was fantastic! All the possibilities. This was A JOURNEY! Everything the characters went through, I felt. The only downside of finding a new author's debut novel is the fact that I can't go and bulk buy all of their other works! Now I have to wait :((((
June 10, 2018
This was so good, I knew it was going to be good, but THAT good?? How is Bree Lenehan not a best-selling author? This is one of the most underrated new releases of 2018, I wish the author all of the best! Lenehan, you've got an incredible talent, I cannot wait to read more!
August 1, 2018
when I first heard of this books upcoming release I couldn’t wait for the books release date and then for it to come to my house i felt like a kid waiting for Christmas but once I got this book it instantly hooks you and doesn’t let you go till the last page it did not disappoint at all.
The characters are amazing the story keeps you wanting more and the twists and turns make you go woah didn’t see that coming. The ending is definitely something that’s makes you go didn’t see that coming.
The two worlds makes you want to escape into their world and their own language just makes it seem like you truly got transported into another world and your learning about this world as she does. I hands down loved this book and can’t wait for more from this author
The characters are amazing the story keeps you wanting more and the twists and turns make you go woah didn’t see that coming. The ending is definitely something that’s makes you go didn’t see that coming.
The two worlds makes you want to escape into their world and their own language just makes it seem like you truly got transported into another world and your learning about this world as she does. I hands down loved this book and can’t wait for more from this author
June 10, 2018
Okay so WHAT IS ZANDER UP TO? I have so many questions!!!!!!!!!!
June 10, 2018
Tesumi is such an asshat but he has such a huge heart underneath his meaty exterior, for this character development alone I give this book 5 stars!
June 10, 2018
This is Avatar and Shape of Water's lovechild, except better!!!!!! What a unique story with such well-developed characters. I truly loved every single page of this book... :-D
October 16, 2018
Excellent book!!!
August 1, 2018
Pembrim is pure underwater magic! I would pitch this novel as The Little Mermaid meets Avatar. In this debut novel, Leneham has crafted a vibrant world full of unique sea-creatures, a riveting romance, and frightening villains. In a world where bookshelves are stocked with medieval-esque fantasy novels, Pembrim is a fresh wave of entertainment.
One of my favorite elements of this novel is the protagonist’s rare disorder. So often in fiction the protagonists are perfect humans facing impossible tasks, but Halia is not perfect. In fact she cannot even breathe properly— except for when she’s in the water. This element hooked me from the start and the many twists and turns kept me up at night until I had finished the novel.
I cannot wait to see how Leneham continues this story. She’s a fabulous writer with trove of creativity. I’m curious to find out what will happen now that the Hidden Alcove is not so hidden anymore.
One of my favorite elements of this novel is the protagonist’s rare disorder. So often in fiction the protagonists are perfect humans facing impossible tasks, but Halia is not perfect. In fact she cannot even breathe properly— except for when she’s in the water. This element hooked me from the start and the many twists and turns kept me up at night until I had finished the novel.
I cannot wait to see how Leneham continues this story. She’s a fabulous writer with trove of creativity. I’m curious to find out what will happen now that the Hidden Alcove is not so hidden anymore.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews