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An Out of This World Paranormal Romance #1
Lost in Amber
Girl power, superpowers and a toe-curling love story.
She just wanted to mope over her breakup, but the universe had other plans for Zoey Mills.
Twenty-four year old Zoey is at that particular point in her life when everything seems to be going sideways. Over the course of one week her boyfriend breaks up with her and she finds out she’s been genetically altered with enhancements foreign to her world.
Jasper’s first earthbound mission seemed simple enough: clean up the mess the former Interplanetary ambassador left behind, retrieve the altered survivors and capture the scientist who went rogue.
Meeting her changed and challenged everything he’d ever known.
404 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 17, 2019
29 people are currently reading
260 people want to read
About the author
Esther Rabbit
5 books107 followersHi everyone! I’m Esther, proud millennial, writer and content creator for authors.
Devouring comic books, superhero movies and reinventing recipes are just a few of my favorite things. Oh, and all things nerdy. And cats!
You can read about my journey From Writing To Publishing on my Blog, where I documented each stage in extensive articles.
The power of a self-published author resides in the #WritingCommunity, in the help and support we offer each other to make our work known and our voices heard. If this sounds cool, don’t hesitate to drop me an email and grow that literary buddy circle.
Devouring comic books, superhero movies and reinventing recipes are just a few of my favorite things. Oh, and all things nerdy. And cats!
You can read about my journey From Writing To Publishing on my Blog, where I documented each stage in extensive articles.
The power of a self-published author resides in the #WritingCommunity, in the help and support we offer each other to make our work known and our voices heard. If this sounds cool, don’t hesitate to drop me an email and grow that literary buddy circle.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
February 8, 2019
Wow. Where do I start??
Lemme see: I ran across this book as I was skimming GR’s never ending shithole of a homepage. So I guess the author can thank (blame) GR for introducing me to her work.
So. I ran across a blog post she wrote and it caught my eye – because it was yet another one of those “I’m a new SPA and I will bring attention to myself by being controversial because no publicity is bad publicity.” Normally I ignore those types because they always are bad writers but right now I am in the midst of a KU Glom. I’m hitting KU hard and heavy right now – all in the slush pile like I own that shit – and this is a KU read. So I grabbed it.
Why?
I wanted to see what the young whippersnapper had to say. I mean, I’ve been reading longer than the author has been alive so I wanted to know what advice SHE could give me that my college professors could not.
And WOW. I see why the knee-jerk “people who write 1 star reviews are mean” came from. This is a pretty bad book. The reviews read like they have been purchased…and once I started reading, I was not surprised.
It starts with a painful info dump (where are your commas??) and includes a lot of exclamation points. There is the groping of mouths (eeww), sin lingering in the air (what color is sin? Is it red? I’d like my sin to be purple, please), a six billion year old government who's employees just so happens to speak like high school students…
And this is where I had to stop. I got to the end of chapter one and I wanted to be done. I forced myself to skim through most of chapter two. When chapter 3 started…well, I lost all will to live. This was written posthumously.
ETA: If you are an author who wants to tell my grown ass how to read...I suggest you take a stadium of seats. This ain't that type of party and I have no interest in your self-serving behavior or commentary. This is MY review space and I do not run it democratically. I freely make use of the delete button...
Lemme see: I ran across this book as I was skimming GR’s never ending shithole of a homepage. So I guess the author can thank (blame) GR for introducing me to her work.
So. I ran across a blog post she wrote and it caught my eye – because it was yet another one of those “I’m a new SPA and I will bring attention to myself by being controversial because no publicity is bad publicity.” Normally I ignore those types because they always are bad writers but right now I am in the midst of a KU Glom. I’m hitting KU hard and heavy right now – all in the slush pile like I own that shit – and this is a KU read. So I grabbed it.
Why?
I wanted to see what the young whippersnapper had to say. I mean, I’ve been reading longer than the author has been alive so I wanted to know what advice SHE could give me that my college professors could not.
And WOW. I see why the knee-jerk “people who write 1 star reviews are mean” came from. This is a pretty bad book. The reviews read like they have been purchased…and once I started reading, I was not surprised.
It starts with a painful info dump (where are your commas??) and includes a lot of exclamation points. There is the groping of mouths (eeww), sin lingering in the air (what color is sin? Is it red? I’d like my sin to be purple, please), a six billion year old government who's employees just so happens to speak like high school students…
And this is where I had to stop. I got to the end of chapter one and I wanted to be done. I forced myself to skim through most of chapter two. When chapter 3 started…well, I lost all will to live. This was written posthumously.
ETA: If you are an author who wants to tell my grown ass how to read...I suggest you take a stadium of seats. This ain't that type of party and I have no interest in your self-serving behavior or commentary. This is MY review space and I do not run it democratically. I freely make use of the delete button...
January 22, 2019
Lost in Amber takes off like a runaway train and the action doesn't stop until the last page. Zoey is bereft when the love of her life, James, leaves without explanation. Sam and Emma come to the rescue and the trio of girlfriends comfort each other through their assorted heartbreaks. That's just the beginning of their problems. Little do they know that Zoey's downstairs neighbor is an alien, sent to bring in humans whose DNA has been tampered with by a rogue scientist. Zoey is one of those affected humans. Jasper and Zoey must join together to find and defeat Beck and his nefarious intentions. Along the way, they discover their species have more in common then they realized. Jasper learns that duty can be overwhelmed by love. Crisp and original, Esther Rabbit takes a modern spin on aliens and space adventures and creates contemporary, as well as enjoyable characters. Watch for the twist at the end. It was a delicious surprise delivering the perfect conclusion that will have readers anticipating the next book in the series.
February 2, 2019
What determines good and evil?
Upon starting Esther Rabbit's Lost in Amber, I was amazed at the quality and depth of her work. the characters came alive on the page, each with their own unique and consistent personalities.
Zoey and Jasper were by far my favourite characters, each just as stubborn as each other.
This gripping debut novel explores our humanity, how we came to be here on Earth, and the potential of other life existing in the universe. It's wrapped up into an epic story of friendship, attraction, betrayal, and what makes us human at our cores.
For those of you who love Scifi and Speculative Fiction, I'd recommend giving Lost in Amber a read, if you haven't already.
I can't believe it ends on a cliffhanger though (sorry, teeny tiny spoiler there.)
Now, I need book two to come out so I can jump back into this world. After all the feelings I experienced while reading this, I just can't contain myself.
I love the way this author writes and am still so happy that I got to interview her for my blog.
https://www.daxwrites.com/interviewin...
*If you do want to read Lost in Amber, I believe the author is running a Kindle Promotion this week: Feb 2nd-feb 8th.*
Upon starting Esther Rabbit's Lost in Amber, I was amazed at the quality and depth of her work. the characters came alive on the page, each with their own unique and consistent personalities.
Zoey and Jasper were by far my favourite characters, each just as stubborn as each other.
This gripping debut novel explores our humanity, how we came to be here on Earth, and the potential of other life existing in the universe. It's wrapped up into an epic story of friendship, attraction, betrayal, and what makes us human at our cores.
For those of you who love Scifi and Speculative Fiction, I'd recommend giving Lost in Amber a read, if you haven't already.
I can't believe it ends on a cliffhanger though (sorry, teeny tiny spoiler there.)
Now, I need book two to come out so I can jump back into this world. After all the feelings I experienced while reading this, I just can't contain myself.
I love the way this author writes and am still so happy that I got to interview her for my blog.
https://www.daxwrites.com/interviewin...
*If you do want to read Lost in Amber, I believe the author is running a Kindle Promotion this week: Feb 2nd-feb 8th.*
January 28, 2019
‘Earth is primitive in its development – never for one moment have we imagined this
outcome!’
New author Esther Rabbit exercises her talent for writing by reaching out to upcoming writers to help them as a content creator. She also is a Digital Marketing Specialist, speaks four languages, and appears to be entering the genre of paranormal/fantasy/romances.
Esther offers a summary of this unique novel that touches on science as much as science fiction – utilizing the concepts of genetic enhancements (the current hot topic in the field of Medicine) to introduce telekinesis, atomic dispersion and Interplanetary portalling as she molds a fine romance. Her synopsis – ‘A new Interplanetary Alliance ambassador on an earthbound mission. A handful of genetically altered humans to be rescued. Meeting her changed everything. Twenty-four-year-old Zoey doesn’t have the time to mope over her recent breakup and deal with the royal mess that is heartbreak. Not when she learns she has alien genetic enhancements and powers beyond her control. And who delivered the news? Her odd, yet attractive downstairs neighbor, Jasper… the New Interplanetary Alliance ambassador. Before being terminated, their former Interplanetary ambassador, Etienne, derailed and teamed up with Professor Trenton Beck in a rogue plan that doesn't sit well with the universe. Jasper’s mission on Earth was clear: capture the fugitive scientist responsible for the genetic alteration and retrieve the remaining altered survivors. But now, there’s Zoey.‘
Terrific outline but it is the quality of writing that sets Esther’s sci-fi tale apart from the usual. The opening pages of this novel set the tone well – ‘Planet Opt Supreme Council Headquarters - We must alert the Alliance immediately!” There was imminent panic in her voice as she scanned the report yet again. Both the Chancellor and the Secretary of Interplanetary Affairs were hovering over the evidence in complete dismay. He rubbed his sweaty temples and pushed his hair back, groping his mouth before letting out a defeated sigh. “How would you even put it in words?” “We have to come forward with the truth. There is absolutely no way around it!” The translucent walls were closing in on them, sin lingering in the heavy air. “What is the truth though? Because from where I’m standing I don’t have the faintest, and they’ll be asking all the questions we don’t have answers to! How can we possibly explain this?” Brushing his fingers over his mouth again, the Chancellor felt his throat dry as he pondered the possible consequences. “This could escalate in so many ways…” She tensed seeing how he buried his blood-drained face in his hands. “The truth and nothing but the truth, as they say on Earth, is that we have been defeated by our own system and Etienne ceased being one of ours! We did it to ourselves. We sent the wrong ambassador to Earth and we knew it from the moment he was chosen!” “I chose him!” The Chancellor’s extended arms fell, powerless, against the glass desk.’
This tapestry of science fiction imagination coupled with strong character development makes the book fly into the realm of fine romance that somehow Esther makes credible. The lady has the gift – watch her rise!
outcome!’
New author Esther Rabbit exercises her talent for writing by reaching out to upcoming writers to help them as a content creator. She also is a Digital Marketing Specialist, speaks four languages, and appears to be entering the genre of paranormal/fantasy/romances.
Esther offers a summary of this unique novel that touches on science as much as science fiction – utilizing the concepts of genetic enhancements (the current hot topic in the field of Medicine) to introduce telekinesis, atomic dispersion and Interplanetary portalling as she molds a fine romance. Her synopsis – ‘A new Interplanetary Alliance ambassador on an earthbound mission. A handful of genetically altered humans to be rescued. Meeting her changed everything. Twenty-four-year-old Zoey doesn’t have the time to mope over her recent breakup and deal with the royal mess that is heartbreak. Not when she learns she has alien genetic enhancements and powers beyond her control. And who delivered the news? Her odd, yet attractive downstairs neighbor, Jasper… the New Interplanetary Alliance ambassador. Before being terminated, their former Interplanetary ambassador, Etienne, derailed and teamed up with Professor Trenton Beck in a rogue plan that doesn't sit well with the universe. Jasper’s mission on Earth was clear: capture the fugitive scientist responsible for the genetic alteration and retrieve the remaining altered survivors. But now, there’s Zoey.‘
Terrific outline but it is the quality of writing that sets Esther’s sci-fi tale apart from the usual. The opening pages of this novel set the tone well – ‘Planet Opt Supreme Council Headquarters - We must alert the Alliance immediately!” There was imminent panic in her voice as she scanned the report yet again. Both the Chancellor and the Secretary of Interplanetary Affairs were hovering over the evidence in complete dismay. He rubbed his sweaty temples and pushed his hair back, groping his mouth before letting out a defeated sigh. “How would you even put it in words?” “We have to come forward with the truth. There is absolutely no way around it!” The translucent walls were closing in on them, sin lingering in the heavy air. “What is the truth though? Because from where I’m standing I don’t have the faintest, and they’ll be asking all the questions we don’t have answers to! How can we possibly explain this?” Brushing his fingers over his mouth again, the Chancellor felt his throat dry as he pondered the possible consequences. “This could escalate in so many ways…” She tensed seeing how he buried his blood-drained face in his hands. “The truth and nothing but the truth, as they say on Earth, is that we have been defeated by our own system and Etienne ceased being one of ours! We did it to ourselves. We sent the wrong ambassador to Earth and we knew it from the moment he was chosen!” “I chose him!” The Chancellor’s extended arms fell, powerless, against the glass desk.’
This tapestry of science fiction imagination coupled with strong character development makes the book fly into the realm of fine romance that somehow Esther makes credible. The lady has the gift – watch her rise!
February 8, 2019
I really hope it hits the big screen!
This is exactly the type of novel that deserves a movie! I can picture it, the special effects, Jasper and Zoey finally giving into each other, telekinesis! Lost in amber was a very visual read, I laughed, panicked, and there was enough suspense to keep me on my toes! The word building of this novel is spectacular, descriptive but without going overboard and drowning in unnecessary details and I repeat, very very visual. Excited to read the sequel!!!
This is exactly the type of novel that deserves a movie! I can picture it, the special effects, Jasper and Zoey finally giving into each other, telekinesis! Lost in amber was a very visual read, I laughed, panicked, and there was enough suspense to keep me on my toes! The word building of this novel is spectacular, descriptive but without going overboard and drowning in unnecessary details and I repeat, very very visual. Excited to read the sequel!!!
February 23, 2020
Unique and interesting plotline!
I really enjoy it. There is somewhat of a cliffhanger so I'm glad I have the next book on my Kindle.
Sci-fi & aliens are a bit out of my comfort zone, but I enjoyed this storyline.. it was very engaging.
I hope to see more romance in the next book!
I really enjoy it. There is somewhat of a cliffhanger so I'm glad I have the next book on my Kindle.
Sci-fi & aliens are a bit out of my comfort zone, but I enjoyed this storyline.. it was very engaging.
I hope to see more romance in the next book!
February 9, 2019
Funny, witty and entertaining.
This was an easy read with a gripping story. It has a good balance of a love story and adventure with strong, lead female characters.
This was an easy read with a gripping story. It has a good balance of a love story and adventure with strong, lead female characters.
March 17, 2019
Roughly 4* with possible bias both up and down. For something outside my usual genre preference, it was enjoyable.
---
What surprised me is that even though the book takes some 20% to reach the first hints of action, said first 20% are often humorous which makes it easier to go through. While I was wondering how much of it I need to know, it fell into place shortly after instead of having to wait for a long time.
What felt a bit strange was that the human characters, despite being young women shortly after break-ups, suddenly started caring about Earth's very distant (4000 million years) future.
Despite not going into way too science-ish level of detail, the SF elements were interesting with the ethical dilemmas.
I also expected a bit different kind of ending (won't say more to avoid spoilers).
---
A bit longer commentary on my blog, as usual.
---
What surprised me is that even though the book takes some 20% to reach the first hints of action, said first 20% are often humorous which makes it easier to go through. While I was wondering how much of it I need to know, it fell into place shortly after instead of having to wait for a long time.
What felt a bit strange was that the human characters, despite being young women shortly after break-ups, suddenly started caring about Earth's very distant (4000 million years) future.
Despite not going into way too science-ish level of detail, the SF elements were interesting with the ethical dilemmas.
I also expected a bit different kind of ending (won't say more to avoid spoilers).
---
A bit longer commentary on my blog, as usual.
March 6, 2019
Great first novel by new author Esther Rabbit!
Main characters Zoey and her girlfriends Sam and Emma, are all currently grumbled in the love department, find themselves in the middle of an intergalactic skirmish thanks to a rogue scientist dabbling in genetics with the earthlings.
Sprinkled with pop culture references, this one is full of action, intrigue and romance!
Main characters Zoey and her girlfriends Sam and Emma, are all currently grumbled in the love department, find themselves in the middle of an intergalactic skirmish thanks to a rogue scientist dabbling in genetics with the earthlings.
Sprinkled with pop culture references, this one is full of action, intrigue and romance!
March 3, 2019
Lost in Amber: Esther Rabbit
Within the world there are those that are not human and are on Earth to protect the inhabitants from demise, destruction and loss of lives. The Universal Alliance is notified that their Ambassador Etienne has violated the rules and reasons he was sent to Earth and his fate has been determined. Trenton Beck worked along side him and has taken up what he started which needs to be addressed and the reasons for what he’s doing stopped. In a world not like ours where there are those with enhancements that have been placed within them before they were born and those that would like to prey on them destroying the good and using it for their own greed and profit, we not have two worlds that are about to collide and those that have been given the enhancements they are not even aware of and will find themselves living in a world they never knew about hoping to survive but will they?
Etienne and Trenton Beck were dealing with Genome Editing which is: Genome editing it the deliberate alteration of a selected DNA sequence in a living cell. A strand of DNA is cut at a specific point and naturally existing cellular repair mechanisms, them fix the broken strands. The way they are repaired can affect the gene function and new DNA sequences can be delivered when the DNA is cut and act as templates for generating an altered sequence. The prime purpose of what Etienne and Beck were trying to do and create but things spiraled out of control when the Alliance became aware of what they were doing, and Etienne was terminated, and Beck escaped.
The prologue explains this but what happens next is we meet Sam, Emma and Zoey talking about how their love lives were not altered and changed and as we get to know Zoey and she meets her downstairs neighbor Jasper what is put into motion will rock all of their worlds and you wonder what is real and what is not.
When talking with Jasper she learns that they believe that Etienne got greedy and was advancing his work on genome editing and when interrogating him he confirmed his aim to develop new enhancements for future generations of OPT skills they receive since OPT is the planet in question. The various enhancements are given to the mother in treatments which lasts from three weeks to one month and a half, depending on the complexity of the enhancement such as: Language skills, negotiating skills, perception and physical to name some. He was sent there to rectify what he has done and no member of the Alliance he states can bring foreign elements or substances into Earth’s atmosphere. His job is to fix the mistakes is they make them and do something about them. Then he states that Professor Beck made himself and the people they experimented on immune to their radars thanks to Etienne meaning OPT’s radars. He also thinks that Etienne plans to use all remaining subjects to further enhance himself and what is left of his team. So, according to Jasper, Zoey’s DNA if gold.
Things are not always what they seem and when she learns more not only is she going to be part of an experiment but Sam, was kidnapped by Beck and Zoey the pawn being used to try and save her.
This is science fiction at a new level and it also deals with trust, deceptions, betrayals, revenge and greed plus fear.
Rufus could read minds and when wanting to be in the field, Jasper cannot allow it because of this enhancement
Several characters come into play like Rufus and Mia who are on the edge of being sought after by Beck. Mia is part of his team at first and when you meet her while Sam is being held captive you wonder whose side she is on until you learn the truth behind her loyalty to him. Rufus and Mia are close but when he is taken, she begins to realize that she might need to switch sides as danger comes quickly when Zoey, Jasper and his team arrive hoping to help her get free.
The author flashes back to Trenton Beck and how Etienne wanted to witness Beck’s yearns for discovery and use of engineered nucleases and recombinases for genome editing when he posed as an investor in the company Beck worked at. Pages 139-140 describes more about Beck and what he wanted to do and how Mia was used as a pawn in his plans.
Mia had a talent that so many of us would love to have that of being able to portal to any place anywhere in the world by just knowing the coordinates. Wouldn’t it be great to go anywhere in seconds! Searching for Rufus and portal him to the lab where Beck’s experiments would continue taking his enhancements away and more. But what happens when Jasper and Beck face off and the new team of Alex, Aline, Gerald and Lilou take control but what Zoey learns will shock her and the truth behind the Alliance is not what everyone thought. With Emma and Sam on their team and Zoey taken in by Jasper’s charms will they ever see through the mist that has covered all their eyes and learn the truth behind what was really planned?
Learning the truth behind who the Alliance caters to and why there are not enough resources to save everyone and like on Earth there are species that become extinct.
How would you feel if you learned you were half human and half alien or hybrid? How was Zoey going to deal with some harsh truths? Yet some of the powers and enhancements stunned her and yet she was in awe of herself when viewing the striking displays that she created. But, in the end when all the players came together and another comes out of nowhere startling her, Zoey must make a choice and decide who to believe, who has been hiding the truth, who is lying, and which way will she turn. When Zoey was finally altered and it was decided what worked with her DNA, would there be a risk to her life? Sam, Emma, Zoey each one fighting different battles hoping to find a place but in which world. But something changes and the author takes us somewhere else at the end where we learn that not everyone or everything is what you think and we learn more about Zoey’s life but who exactly is she, where will she wind up and did what she experienced really happen?
The ending leads readers to believe that there is much more to come for her but first she needs to find who she really is, where she does belong, and will she ever return? OPTAN’s Alliance, Earth and hoping to save it before the Alliance gives it up and more people are sacrificed or is there somewhere else or something that fate has in store for her?
A story that had many threads and parts and an author that allows your imagination to wander in many directions as there is a touch of Science fiction, astronomy, Star Trek, Star Wars, and paranormal in a small sense as author Esther Rabbit takes readers into many different orbits, millenniums as if we are on a spaceship or have the ability like Mia to Portal anywhere we want. How far and how long will Zoey search for answers and realities and how long will it take for her to realize that she is totally LOST IN AMBER !
Fran Lewis: Just reviews/MJ network/MJ Magazine
Within the world there are those that are not human and are on Earth to protect the inhabitants from demise, destruction and loss of lives. The Universal Alliance is notified that their Ambassador Etienne has violated the rules and reasons he was sent to Earth and his fate has been determined. Trenton Beck worked along side him and has taken up what he started which needs to be addressed and the reasons for what he’s doing stopped. In a world not like ours where there are those with enhancements that have been placed within them before they were born and those that would like to prey on them destroying the good and using it for their own greed and profit, we not have two worlds that are about to collide and those that have been given the enhancements they are not even aware of and will find themselves living in a world they never knew about hoping to survive but will they?
Etienne and Trenton Beck were dealing with Genome Editing which is: Genome editing it the deliberate alteration of a selected DNA sequence in a living cell. A strand of DNA is cut at a specific point and naturally existing cellular repair mechanisms, them fix the broken strands. The way they are repaired can affect the gene function and new DNA sequences can be delivered when the DNA is cut and act as templates for generating an altered sequence. The prime purpose of what Etienne and Beck were trying to do and create but things spiraled out of control when the Alliance became aware of what they were doing, and Etienne was terminated, and Beck escaped.
The prologue explains this but what happens next is we meet Sam, Emma and Zoey talking about how their love lives were not altered and changed and as we get to know Zoey and she meets her downstairs neighbor Jasper what is put into motion will rock all of their worlds and you wonder what is real and what is not.
When talking with Jasper she learns that they believe that Etienne got greedy and was advancing his work on genome editing and when interrogating him he confirmed his aim to develop new enhancements for future generations of OPT skills they receive since OPT is the planet in question. The various enhancements are given to the mother in treatments which lasts from three weeks to one month and a half, depending on the complexity of the enhancement such as: Language skills, negotiating skills, perception and physical to name some. He was sent there to rectify what he has done and no member of the Alliance he states can bring foreign elements or substances into Earth’s atmosphere. His job is to fix the mistakes is they make them and do something about them. Then he states that Professor Beck made himself and the people they experimented on immune to their radars thanks to Etienne meaning OPT’s radars. He also thinks that Etienne plans to use all remaining subjects to further enhance himself and what is left of his team. So, according to Jasper, Zoey’s DNA if gold.
Things are not always what they seem and when she learns more not only is she going to be part of an experiment but Sam, was kidnapped by Beck and Zoey the pawn being used to try and save her.
This is science fiction at a new level and it also deals with trust, deceptions, betrayals, revenge and greed plus fear.
Rufus could read minds and when wanting to be in the field, Jasper cannot allow it because of this enhancement
Several characters come into play like Rufus and Mia who are on the edge of being sought after by Beck. Mia is part of his team at first and when you meet her while Sam is being held captive you wonder whose side she is on until you learn the truth behind her loyalty to him. Rufus and Mia are close but when he is taken, she begins to realize that she might need to switch sides as danger comes quickly when Zoey, Jasper and his team arrive hoping to help her get free.
The author flashes back to Trenton Beck and how Etienne wanted to witness Beck’s yearns for discovery and use of engineered nucleases and recombinases for genome editing when he posed as an investor in the company Beck worked at. Pages 139-140 describes more about Beck and what he wanted to do and how Mia was used as a pawn in his plans.
Mia had a talent that so many of us would love to have that of being able to portal to any place anywhere in the world by just knowing the coordinates. Wouldn’t it be great to go anywhere in seconds! Searching for Rufus and portal him to the lab where Beck’s experiments would continue taking his enhancements away and more. But what happens when Jasper and Beck face off and the new team of Alex, Aline, Gerald and Lilou take control but what Zoey learns will shock her and the truth behind the Alliance is not what everyone thought. With Emma and Sam on their team and Zoey taken in by Jasper’s charms will they ever see through the mist that has covered all their eyes and learn the truth behind what was really planned?
Learning the truth behind who the Alliance caters to and why there are not enough resources to save everyone and like on Earth there are species that become extinct.
How would you feel if you learned you were half human and half alien or hybrid? How was Zoey going to deal with some harsh truths? Yet some of the powers and enhancements stunned her and yet she was in awe of herself when viewing the striking displays that she created. But, in the end when all the players came together and another comes out of nowhere startling her, Zoey must make a choice and decide who to believe, who has been hiding the truth, who is lying, and which way will she turn. When Zoey was finally altered and it was decided what worked with her DNA, would there be a risk to her life? Sam, Emma, Zoey each one fighting different battles hoping to find a place but in which world. But something changes and the author takes us somewhere else at the end where we learn that not everyone or everything is what you think and we learn more about Zoey’s life but who exactly is she, where will she wind up and did what she experienced really happen?
The ending leads readers to believe that there is much more to come for her but first she needs to find who she really is, where she does belong, and will she ever return? OPTAN’s Alliance, Earth and hoping to save it before the Alliance gives it up and more people are sacrificed or is there somewhere else or something that fate has in store for her?
A story that had many threads and parts and an author that allows your imagination to wander in many directions as there is a touch of Science fiction, astronomy, Star Trek, Star Wars, and paranormal in a small sense as author Esther Rabbit takes readers into many different orbits, millenniums as if we are on a spaceship or have the ability like Mia to Portal anywhere we want. How far and how long will Zoey search for answers and realities and how long will it take for her to realize that she is totally LOST IN AMBER !
Fran Lewis: Just reviews/MJ network/MJ Magazine
May 18, 2019
An undercover mission from another planet has gone rogue and started messing with people’s DNA without their knowledge, endowing select humans with powers that will one day make them useful. But their own rulers are angry with them, and are coming for them; and the people they’ve altered are caught in the middle. That includes Zoey, a gentle schoolteacher who’s just had a bad breakup. And her two strong, sassy friends.
Lost in Amber does two jobs really. It’s a paranormal story, with strong overtones of good and evil – but with a dash of witty chick lit. It’s about three modern metropolitan women dealing with a bunch of aliens. Few books I’ve read include panspermia, batrachomyomachy (look it up) and speed dating. It shouldn’t work but it does, and if you like both genres, you will like this.
Lines I liked: ““Zoey, you’re being an astrophysicist at a porn convention again!” And: “Sam stepped out of the car with a confidence you could sense from miles away. Stilettos hitting the pavement as if they’d won a case...”
Lost in Amber does two jobs really. It’s a paranormal story, with strong overtones of good and evil – but with a dash of witty chick lit. It’s about three modern metropolitan women dealing with a bunch of aliens. Few books I’ve read include panspermia, batrachomyomachy (look it up) and speed dating. It shouldn’t work but it does, and if you like both genres, you will like this.
Lines I liked: ““Zoey, you’re being an astrophysicist at a porn convention again!” And: “Sam stepped out of the car with a confidence you could sense from miles away. Stilettos hitting the pavement as if they’d won a case...”
February 28, 2019
Just wow!
5 stars!! The imagination and scientific facts in this story blew me away!
Also, the action was superb! Such an original story! Loved the dialog and all of the characters and their side stories.
I was entranced by the growing romance between Zoey and Jasper! Oh, man! The ending threw me for such a loop! I definitely recommend Lost In Amber!!!! Can't wait to find out what happens next!!!
5 stars!! The imagination and scientific facts in this story blew me away!
Also, the action was superb! Such an original story! Loved the dialog and all of the characters and their side stories.
I was entranced by the growing romance between Zoey and Jasper! Oh, man! The ending threw me for such a loop! I definitely recommend Lost In Amber!!!! Can't wait to find out what happens next!!!
May 3, 2019
This was a really cool read that had a bit of everything: aliens, other worlds, romance, a sisterhood of great friends, sci-fi...wow! I wasn't really expecting all that when I started it, but it made it so much better! It's fascinating to see things evolve through Zoey's eyes. Our fearless main character is so many shades of awesome. Her relationship with Jasper, and watching it unfold, was one of my favorite things about the book. The secondary characters are great too. As with any good story, many of them have shades of good and evil and everything in between. Read for the awesome action, writing and character development but stay for the twist at the end because...oh boy! Okay, I won't spoil anything else. If you like romance, sci-fi or any sort of alien story, add this to your TBR!
February 17, 2019
Lost in Amber is a gorgeously iddy read from debut author Esther Rabbit. One of my favourite things is when you can tell the author really had a lot of fun writing their book and this is definitely the case with Lost in Amber. It makes me think a bit of a science-fiction Sex in the City, as the three female protagonists have very different personalities but absolute unwavering affection for each other. We start off with a lot of relationship-counselling and scene-setting for the characters before the science-fiction element of the plot kicks in, which was perfect for me. I like the concept of Opt and genetically-improved beings and I think the worldbuilding has a lot of mileage in it for sequels.
The main romance is gorgeous: complex, nuanced and very emotionally-rewarding to read.
The main romance is gorgeous: complex, nuanced and very emotionally-rewarding to read.
March 17, 2019
This is a light and easy read – light sci-fi, light romance, a touch of witty banter between characters (one of my favorites!) and a dose of a good storyline.
The main characters Zoey and her neighbor who just happens to be an Ambassador (from another planet) are well done and adorable in their trying to save the world yet follow their attraction kind of way. But for me, the best parts were the ones centering around the three women friends, Zoey, Sam and Emma. Their relationship and having each other’s backs – no matter what - was really a strong and enjoyable core of the story.
The main characters Zoey and her neighbor who just happens to be an Ambassador (from another planet) are well done and adorable in their trying to save the world yet follow their attraction kind of way. But for me, the best parts were the ones centering around the three women friends, Zoey, Sam and Emma. Their relationship and having each other’s backs – no matter what - was really a strong and enjoyable core of the story.
February 19, 2019
If you get past the prologue, the novel is beautiful.
If you move past the prologue which is a few pages of raw sci-fi, the story is awesome! It does feel more like a Young adult than New adult, but given the age of characters, I understand the switch in genre.
What I do want to point out is that i came out of this book more educated in the science of space, black holes, possible dangers to our planet, i learnt something from it and that's a bonus point to the beautiful romance !
If you move past the prologue which is a few pages of raw sci-fi, the story is awesome! It does feel more like a Young adult than New adult, but given the age of characters, I understand the switch in genre.
What I do want to point out is that i came out of this book more educated in the science of space, black holes, possible dangers to our planet, i learnt something from it and that's a bonus point to the beautiful romance !
February 17, 2019
A moreish and well written book! Has the fast pace of an action thriller to keep the reader on his toes and eager for more.
April 28, 2019
I loved the premise; the concept was great. I liked Jasper's character, and there were some humorous moments and bits of dialogue, but I think it could've been a lot stronger.
-The opening chapter was a bit too info-dumpy; a whole lot is thrown at the reader in one blast, as though trying to get the main plot's explanation over with so as to move on with the story.
-The narrative and prose could use strengthening. At times the descriptions seemed a bit over the top or forced.
-I felt that the pacing seemed somewhat off. First the opening goes by quickly in a smattering of scientific discussions, then Zoey and her breakup comes into play and the story slows down drastically to dwell on her ex, what they used to be, and on the breakups of her friends. Then the next few pages go by at breakneck speed as suddenly Zoey meets Jasper and revelations are thrust forth. There's a pattern of this throughout the book, and the info-dump is repeated.
-I was a bit overwhelmed with all the POVs. Zoey, Emma, Sam, Rufus, Mia, Jasper, Lilou, Alexandre… All these POVs constantly overlapping in the same scenes reminded me of being in a crowded room hearing too many conversations going on at once. I found all these POVs distracting, and their presence did nothing to display or enhance their characters.
-For being a paranormal romance, I saw very little development in the way of romance between the lead characters. I don't think there was enough time spent with them individually. Although the synopsis indicates Zoey as the main character with Jasper as her intergalactic love interest, the presence of the other characters overshadows them and their romance. Everyone and everything just seems to rush in helter-skelter, and their relationship doesn't seem to develop properly. Their first "romantic" scene was a near-sexual encounter, leaving me wondering how we went from scenes of rather brief, superficial dialogue between Jasper and Zoey to a makeout session. It was inconsistent with Jasper's somewhat aloof and emotionally-detached personality.
-I hate to be cliche and dredge up the old saying, "show, don't tell", but I can't help it. I saw lots of telling going on--how Zoey felt, what the neighbor, Jasper was like, etc.--but I didn't get to see it. I'd have liked to read a scene where Zoey passed by Jasper in the hallway, and get to "see" what he was like through Zoey's eyes instead of the narrator telling us that Zoey had always seen him as… Most of the story was told, not shown.
-I didn't find the characters' reactions and interactions very realistic. Zoey catches Jasper and his friend Rufus in a "cat-eating" incident, and he catches her only to let her go then later walk into her apartment and discuss matters with her. That made little sense to me. But Zoey's reaction to Jasper's revelation, healing ability and levitation tricks was even more bizarre; she just wants to go back to sulking over her ex. Huh?
-Being that Zoey is genetically altered, I expected a superpower more impressive than not being able to forget. Superior learning and information-retention abilities would've been far more useful and impressive. Oddly, Emma, who is just a friend, has a more effective presence than Zoey herself, who is the main character. Zoey was a rather underwhelming protagonist.
I realize that blending two genres is anything but easy, but I saw too much science, insufficient romance and virtually no character arc. I'd have liked to see development like Crimson Peak, a film billed as a gothic romance. The writer was able to cleverly blend a strange, dark romance with a horror/mystery at its core. The character arcs were brilliant, and the story successfully evoked emotion as well as the chill of a horror story.
I believe Rabbit has potential as a writer, but more practice is needed. I found this debut to be lacking in emotional content, strong characterizations and character arcs, effective dialogue, consistent pacing and thematic balance. The cast is too large to keep up with--too many unnecessary characters, in my opinion--and the events don't properly support the premise of the story. But at its core, there was a good tale to be told. I'm sure Rabbit's next project will shine much brighter.
**I received a free copy of Lost in Amber in exchange for an honest review. I also participated in an interview appearing on the author's blog.**
-The opening chapter was a bit too info-dumpy; a whole lot is thrown at the reader in one blast, as though trying to get the main plot's explanation over with so as to move on with the story.
-The narrative and prose could use strengthening. At times the descriptions seemed a bit over the top or forced.
-I felt that the pacing seemed somewhat off. First the opening goes by quickly in a smattering of scientific discussions, then Zoey and her breakup comes into play and the story slows down drastically to dwell on her ex, what they used to be, and on the breakups of her friends. Then the next few pages go by at breakneck speed as suddenly Zoey meets Jasper and revelations are thrust forth. There's a pattern of this throughout the book, and the info-dump is repeated.
-I was a bit overwhelmed with all the POVs. Zoey, Emma, Sam, Rufus, Mia, Jasper, Lilou, Alexandre… All these POVs constantly overlapping in the same scenes reminded me of being in a crowded room hearing too many conversations going on at once. I found all these POVs distracting, and their presence did nothing to display or enhance their characters.
-For being a paranormal romance, I saw very little development in the way of romance between the lead characters. I don't think there was enough time spent with them individually. Although the synopsis indicates Zoey as the main character with Jasper as her intergalactic love interest, the presence of the other characters overshadows them and their romance. Everyone and everything just seems to rush in helter-skelter, and their relationship doesn't seem to develop properly. Their first "romantic" scene was a near-sexual encounter, leaving me wondering how we went from scenes of rather brief, superficial dialogue between Jasper and Zoey to a makeout session. It was inconsistent with Jasper's somewhat aloof and emotionally-detached personality.
-I hate to be cliche and dredge up the old saying, "show, don't tell", but I can't help it. I saw lots of telling going on--how Zoey felt, what the neighbor, Jasper was like, etc.--but I didn't get to see it. I'd have liked to read a scene where Zoey passed by Jasper in the hallway, and get to "see" what he was like through Zoey's eyes instead of the narrator telling us that Zoey had always seen him as… Most of the story was told, not shown.
-I didn't find the characters' reactions and interactions very realistic. Zoey catches Jasper and his friend Rufus in a "cat-eating" incident, and he catches her only to let her go then later walk into her apartment and discuss matters with her. That made little sense to me. But Zoey's reaction to Jasper's revelation, healing ability and levitation tricks was even more bizarre; she just wants to go back to sulking over her ex. Huh?
-Being that Zoey is genetically altered, I expected a superpower more impressive than not being able to forget. Superior learning and information-retention abilities would've been far more useful and impressive. Oddly, Emma, who is just a friend, has a more effective presence than Zoey herself, who is the main character. Zoey was a rather underwhelming protagonist.
I realize that blending two genres is anything but easy, but I saw too much science, insufficient romance and virtually no character arc. I'd have liked to see development like Crimson Peak, a film billed as a gothic romance. The writer was able to cleverly blend a strange, dark romance with a horror/mystery at its core. The character arcs were brilliant, and the story successfully evoked emotion as well as the chill of a horror story.
I believe Rabbit has potential as a writer, but more practice is needed. I found this debut to be lacking in emotional content, strong characterizations and character arcs, effective dialogue, consistent pacing and thematic balance. The cast is too large to keep up with--too many unnecessary characters, in my opinion--and the events don't properly support the premise of the story. But at its core, there was a good tale to be told. I'm sure Rabbit's next project will shine much brighter.
**I received a free copy of Lost in Amber in exchange for an honest review. I also participated in an interview appearing on the author's blog.**
December 25, 2019
The only thing I dislike about Lost in Amber is my own late review of it! Lost in my own author's obligations and craziness, I took my slow time reading the book and preparing the review, which was a colossal mistake. I ended up loving it! Admittedly, sci-fi romance is not something I'm used to reading. In fact, I can remember only two authors of the genre who blew me away. Esther is probably going to end up on that list. I loved the humorous and snarky dialogs, the gradual development of romance, the subplots of friendship and suspense. But what I loved the most is definitely the imagination combined with scientific facts. The author invested time and effort into research, and combined knowledge with her own imagination. I found myself relating to Zoey and her emotions, and let me tell you - it's rare for me to like a book's heroine. A lot of authors lately choose to make their heroines whiny, naive, and annoying. Thankfully, I did not have to endure such an MC; instead, I understood her vulnerability, and admired her strength. I gave the book 4 stars because it was a tad difficult for me to grasp the plot during the first two chapters, and there were some contextual elements which were a bit unclear (being an author myself, I know it's a bit tricky to see your own mistakes after re-reading your own material a bazillion times). However, when I got into it, it went great! The ending, though... God, I'll have to read the sequel, and I'm looking forward to it! 🤗
May 28, 2019
When I read the book description, I was very intrigued because the line "Twenty-four year old Zoey is at that particular point in her life when everything seems to be going sideways." is so relatable for me. I was in a similar position not too long ago. I really like Zoey's character; I think she developed nicely and was believable. Jasper was fantastic. Once he was brought in, there was no going back.
I really appreciate the fact that the storyline was not extremely intense with an overload of detail/information. It was enough to keep me intrigued without my brain getting foggy from too much at once. I do like lighter scifi/paranormal books and that's definitely what Lost in Amber is. I really enjoyed it.
Disclaimer: I requested a copy of this book from the New Adult Book Club here on Goodreads for honest review.
I really appreciate the fact that the storyline was not extremely intense with an overload of detail/information. It was enough to keep me intrigued without my brain getting foggy from too much at once. I do like lighter scifi/paranormal books and that's definitely what Lost in Amber is. I really enjoyed it.
Disclaimer: I requested a copy of this book from the New Adult Book Club here on Goodreads for honest review.
February 18, 2019
Lost in Amber takes girl power to a whole new level, exploring the lives of three extraordinary women: Zoey, Sam and Emma in their journey from breakup to “braveheart”. It was funny, hopeful and I adored the romance!
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May 24, 2019
There was much about this book that immediately strikes a connection with every one of us.
"It was so easy in high school when all it took was the same taste in music and cool trainers."
And that typifies the ease with which Esther delivers her story to the reader. Easy to grasp and understand in a familiar way.
The story starts off with an intense "otherworldly" representation that isn't alien, even if it is.
Several surprising twists occur throughout this book much like the cadenced steps of a fluid dance - and that's a good thing.
The romantic tease is delicately nurtured until it becomes solid.
This is part 1 with at least one sequel promising. Well thought out, researched, and developed, this is a read you won't regret.
"It was so easy in high school when all it took was the same taste in music and cool trainers."
And that typifies the ease with which Esther delivers her story to the reader. Easy to grasp and understand in a familiar way.
The story starts off with an intense "otherworldly" representation that isn't alien, even if it is.
Several surprising twists occur throughout this book much like the cadenced steps of a fluid dance - and that's a good thing.
The romantic tease is delicately nurtured until it becomes solid.
This is part 1 with at least one sequel promising. Well thought out, researched, and developed, this is a read you won't regret.
May 7, 2019
This paranormal romance novel is lovely, easy to read and so pleasant. If you decide to spend quality time in the company of tea/coffee/hot chocolate and awesome writing, then this is your book ! It has everything in it, funny,charismatic and easy to love characters, unbelievable situations in which you would definitely want to participate, beautiful visual phrases, perfect dialogue, and guess what a lot of feelings which make your cheek go read and happy to be alive.
I enjoyed every page, and I read it twice, good vibes!!
I enjoyed every page, and I read it twice, good vibes!!
September 2, 2019
I am a 'Zoey' and I love you Jasper. That is how I'd like to start this review. I read this as part of Shhh We're Reading Dirty Books podcast and we can't wait to share this episode. You meet a group of 3 best friends that emit such a strong bond of girl power and friendship, while also introduced to Jasper and his group of out of our galaxy comrades. This book is definitely a step into a different type of paranormal world!
June 24, 2019
After a prologue in which highly advanced extraterrestrials fret about a rogue scientist meddling with human genetics, the story comes down to Earth with a chick-lit plot of three friends, Zoey, Samantha, and Emma, who have all been dumped within days of each other. Their attempt at speed-dating seems played for laughs until Sam is kidnapped and Zoey discovers her cute downstairs neighbor Jasper is not what he seems, and neither is she. Flirting, training, and superpowered battles ensue as humans and aliens team up to rescue friends and stop clever, powerful villain(s).
The three women at the center of the story are a fun trio of well developed characters: Zoey is a quirky young art teacher who collects socks; Sam is a successful restaurant manager who does CrossFit; and Emma is a high powered divorce attorney who doesn’t want children. As the three commiserate, backstory of each of their romantic relationships is filled in, as well as some history of their friendships. For me, this part dragged a little because I was eager to get to the aliens and genetic enhancements, as well as the central romance. It was also never clear to me how Emma came to be involved with the other two, who are at least a decade younger, but it no longer mattered once she started hitting bad guys with her shoe. It was exciting to see Zoey test the extent of her enhancements, and to see even unenhanced humans discovering their power. It was a little off-putting that this group of grown women ranging in age from 24 to 36 were continually referred to as “the girls” but maybe that’s expected in the genre. But I don’t think the male characters were ever grouped as “the boys.” I wasn’t sure what to make of the cupcakes that appeared at two different breakfasts. Everyone, humans and aliens alike, exclaim things far more than I would expect from adults, but that could be due to cupcakes for breakfast. They also frequently “crumble” when I’m pretty sure they should be crumpling. Again, maybe too many baked goods.
Zoey and Jasper have great chemistry and their scenes are funny and sexy. They’re both sweetly awkward, him because he’s an alien who know about humans more than he knows humans. He’s not supposed to get personally involved with humans but can’t resist, and she is surprised to be forgetting her ex so quickly. She even names a kitten Jazz without realizing she’s naming it for him. The book ends before they get to make a decision about their future, an ending that points to a sequel with more adventure and romance.
The three women at the center of the story are a fun trio of well developed characters: Zoey is a quirky young art teacher who collects socks; Sam is a successful restaurant manager who does CrossFit; and Emma is a high powered divorce attorney who doesn’t want children. As the three commiserate, backstory of each of their romantic relationships is filled in, as well as some history of their friendships. For me, this part dragged a little because I was eager to get to the aliens and genetic enhancements, as well as the central romance. It was also never clear to me how Emma came to be involved with the other two, who are at least a decade younger, but it no longer mattered once she started hitting bad guys with her shoe. It was exciting to see Zoey test the extent of her enhancements, and to see even unenhanced humans discovering their power. It was a little off-putting that this group of grown women ranging in age from 24 to 36 were continually referred to as “the girls” but maybe that’s expected in the genre. But I don’t think the male characters were ever grouped as “the boys.” I wasn’t sure what to make of the cupcakes that appeared at two different breakfasts. Everyone, humans and aliens alike, exclaim things far more than I would expect from adults, but that could be due to cupcakes for breakfast. They also frequently “crumble” when I’m pretty sure they should be crumpling. Again, maybe too many baked goods.
Zoey and Jasper have great chemistry and their scenes are funny and sexy. They’re both sweetly awkward, him because he’s an alien who know about humans more than he knows humans. He’s not supposed to get personally involved with humans but can’t resist, and she is surprised to be forgetting her ex so quickly. She even names a kitten Jazz without realizing she’s naming it for him. The book ends before they get to make a decision about their future, an ending that points to a sequel with more adventure and romance.
February 26, 2019
LONG AND SHORT REVIEWS TEMPLATE: All Other Genres
Title: Lost in Amber
Author: Ester Rabbit
Publisher: Amazon
Genre: Action/Adventure, Paranormal, Sci-Fi
Length - # OF PAGES : 360 pages
Rating: 4.0 stars
Review by: Dryas
Review: We get to meet three plucky women: Zoey, Emma, and Sam who have all been divorced or dumped in the past week. Their world turns upside down when Zoey is walking back to her apartment after a night of speed dating and heard a strange noise from her downstairs neighbor’s apartment. She meets Jasper and Rufus and finds out there is more to life then what’s on earth. Jasper shows her that he has special abilities: healing, the ability to freeze people in place, portaling, telekinesis. She learns that she was changed, like Rufus and two other people against her will by a scientist that the the Interstellar Affairs sent down as an Ambassador. He was to watch and report on Earth and to help protect the planet. Yet, it turned out that the Ambassador had his own agenda, thus augmented unknowing citizens to make them more like the Opt’s, people like him with extrasensory gifts.
Zoey is one of those that were changed, and she had no idea. Sam and Emma are brought into the mess, not because they were changed, but because Sam was kidnapped by the scient’s protegee, Trenton Beck. When they rescue her from Beck they meet another changed human, Mia, who’s in love with Rufus. She is held against her will and escapes when she rescues them from Beck’s lab. They ended up having to leave Zoey’s apartment complex and head into a safe place. There they work with other Opt’s where Zoey learns what her ability is. She can manage energy, any type of energy. The purpose of the Opt group was to capture Beck and bring back those that were changed.
I found this to be an interesting story, something you don’t run across all the time. I enjoyed all the different abilities, some of which are newer to me, the main focus was on Zoey. I love the characters personalities, each one is different but they are all strong, willing to sacrifice everything to protect the ones they love and the Earth they live on. Sam is outgoing and quick to defend those she loves. She may not have any extra sensory abilities, but she is strong and smart. Emma is brave and a leader. She hits it off with Alex, their resident geek, and learns as much as she can. She is also the mother of the group.
Then they are the Opts, Jasper who is the ambassador who is warm and stern at the same time. He and Zoey have a connection from the moment they met. One of my favorite characters was Lulu, who is the leader, and a fighter. She is the one who knows the most about Earth culture and tought the rest. She is incredibly smart, sassy, and funny. She is the one that helps the women adjust to what is going on.
Then there is the romance between Rufus and Mia, that had been developed over horrendous circumstances, both being trained and held captive by Beck. They are so devoted to each other and when they are separated you can feel the pain. They will both give up their life to save the other.
I love the relationship between Zoey and Jasper. It is obvious they love each other but Jasper keeps pushing back. It is against regulations to fall in love with a person from the planet they were staying on. He has to battle his feelings against his duty. Every time his feelings win out. Love is a major emotion that is prevalent through out the book. Even Zoey’s change was done for love.
There are a few things that I think could have been better done. It took me a while to get into the story, I started and stopped quite a few times. But one you get past a certain point, things start happening fast. Also, the author switches between different points of view, and I found it jarring in a few sections to figure out who is talking. I also think it rushes a little too fast towards the end, and it left me a tad bit confused.
Other than those few quirks, it was a good read. The characters were so personable, the plot engrossing and the abilities fun to see. The romance is sweet and there seems that there could be other couples, but I’ll have to wait for the sequel to see what happens. If you are into sci-fi, love aliens with great abilities, and strong women, this is a great book for you.
Title: Lost in Amber
Author: Ester Rabbit
Publisher: Amazon
Genre: Action/Adventure, Paranormal, Sci-Fi
Length - # OF PAGES : 360 pages
Rating: 4.0 stars
Review by: Dryas
Review: We get to meet three plucky women: Zoey, Emma, and Sam who have all been divorced or dumped in the past week. Their world turns upside down when Zoey is walking back to her apartment after a night of speed dating and heard a strange noise from her downstairs neighbor’s apartment. She meets Jasper and Rufus and finds out there is more to life then what’s on earth. Jasper shows her that he has special abilities: healing, the ability to freeze people in place, portaling, telekinesis. She learns that she was changed, like Rufus and two other people against her will by a scientist that the the Interstellar Affairs sent down as an Ambassador. He was to watch and report on Earth and to help protect the planet. Yet, it turned out that the Ambassador had his own agenda, thus augmented unknowing citizens to make them more like the Opt’s, people like him with extrasensory gifts.
Zoey is one of those that were changed, and she had no idea. Sam and Emma are brought into the mess, not because they were changed, but because Sam was kidnapped by the scient’s protegee, Trenton Beck. When they rescue her from Beck they meet another changed human, Mia, who’s in love with Rufus. She is held against her will and escapes when she rescues them from Beck’s lab. They ended up having to leave Zoey’s apartment complex and head into a safe place. There they work with other Opt’s where Zoey learns what her ability is. She can manage energy, any type of energy. The purpose of the Opt group was to capture Beck and bring back those that were changed.
I found this to be an interesting story, something you don’t run across all the time. I enjoyed all the different abilities, some of which are newer to me, the main focus was on Zoey. I love the characters personalities, each one is different but they are all strong, willing to sacrifice everything to protect the ones they love and the Earth they live on. Sam is outgoing and quick to defend those she loves. She may not have any extra sensory abilities, but she is strong and smart. Emma is brave and a leader. She hits it off with Alex, their resident geek, and learns as much as she can. She is also the mother of the group.
Then they are the Opts, Jasper who is the ambassador who is warm and stern at the same time. He and Zoey have a connection from the moment they met. One of my favorite characters was Lulu, who is the leader, and a fighter. She is the one who knows the most about Earth culture and tought the rest. She is incredibly smart, sassy, and funny. She is the one that helps the women adjust to what is going on.
Then there is the romance between Rufus and Mia, that had been developed over horrendous circumstances, both being trained and held captive by Beck. They are so devoted to each other and when they are separated you can feel the pain. They will both give up their life to save the other.
I love the relationship between Zoey and Jasper. It is obvious they love each other but Jasper keeps pushing back. It is against regulations to fall in love with a person from the planet they were staying on. He has to battle his feelings against his duty. Every time his feelings win out. Love is a major emotion that is prevalent through out the book. Even Zoey’s change was done for love.
There are a few things that I think could have been better done. It took me a while to get into the story, I started and stopped quite a few times. But one you get past a certain point, things start happening fast. Also, the author switches between different points of view, and I found it jarring in a few sections to figure out who is talking. I also think it rushes a little too fast towards the end, and it left me a tad bit confused.
Other than those few quirks, it was a good read. The characters were so personable, the plot engrossing and the abilities fun to see. The romance is sweet and there seems that there could be other couples, but I’ll have to wait for the sequel to see what happens. If you are into sci-fi, love aliens with great abilities, and strong women, this is a great book for you.
May 27, 2019
I was recommended this new book by Esther Rabbit and, although not a genre I usually read, I thought I'd give it a try. I was simply amazed at the originality of the story. Esther has the knack of really bringing characters to life, whether they are aliens, humans or hybrids who have had their DNA changed by the aliens. This is the transformation which the protagonist, Zoey, discovers she has undergone at the beginning. The aliens are two billion years more advanced than Earth bound humans, and that is reflected in their mental and physical evolution. Their aim is to make Earth join the Alliance or die in a massive intergalactic collision. Esther's tale of the interrelationships between the aliens and humans shows how 'human' these aliens are. This is exemplified by Zoey's love affair with one of them who is a close neighbour of hers! And a surprising ending of the story, too! I highly recommend the book and if you read it, make a note of who are the humans, the hybrids and who are the aliens, unless you have a better memory than mine!
July 11, 2019
I’m going to begin by admitting that Lost in Amber was the first novel I’ve ever read in this particular genre so I didn’t quite know what to expect. However, I have to say that despite the fact that it would not normally be a favourite genre of mine, the book is well written with lots of action and good pace. The author depicts each of the characters well and immerses the reader in the dilemmas which face them.
I think the story would be of particular appeal to young adults and those who enjoy reading contemporary romance with a paranormal twist. There was never a point during which I felt the story dragged – in fact, I would say quite the opposite as there is plenty of action and many points of interest throughout.
In addition, and without wishing to give any spoilers, the twists and turns towards the end were certainly unpredictable!
All in all a lively, enjoyable read. I feel certain that we will be hearing more from this author in the future.
I think the story would be of particular appeal to young adults and those who enjoy reading contemporary romance with a paranormal twist. There was never a point during which I felt the story dragged – in fact, I would say quite the opposite as there is plenty of action and many points of interest throughout.
In addition, and without wishing to give any spoilers, the twists and turns towards the end were certainly unpredictable!
All in all a lively, enjoyable read. I feel certain that we will be hearing more from this author in the future.
May 18, 2020
Wow! I’ve never read anything like this before! As you start reading, you think it’s going to be a simple romance story - then wham! Aliens! There’s so much in this book - friendship, girl power, love, heartbreak . . . Super powers, aliens! The author does an amazing job tying everything together and weaving an amazing story. Warning: you will for sure want to get the next book in the series when you finish this one to see what happens. So if you have a huge TBR (to be read) pile like I do, those books will have to wait!
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