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The Only Essence
Normal.
It's not a word in my vocabulary. Growing up in the foster system didn’t lead to a normal life, but things really got crazy when I turned sixteen.
Things started happening to me that I could neither understand nor explain, so I did the only thing I could do, I left everything behind to live on my own.
After years of being hunted because of my unusual power, I finally meet my match. In one night, everything changes when I’m kidnapped by four men who claim I can help save the races. But can I trust them?
In a world where everything is unfamiliar, where creatures I never imagined exist, can I learn to harness this power I have inside before it is too late?
Author’s Note: This is the first book in The White Dragon and ends with a cliffhanger. This book is a medium burn reverse harem story, intended for ages 18 years and older. This story contains strong language and violence.
It's not a word in my vocabulary. Growing up in the foster system didn’t lead to a normal life, but things really got crazy when I turned sixteen.
Things started happening to me that I could neither understand nor explain, so I did the only thing I could do, I left everything behind to live on my own.
After years of being hunted because of my unusual power, I finally meet my match. In one night, everything changes when I’m kidnapped by four men who claim I can help save the races. But can I trust them?
In a world where everything is unfamiliar, where creatures I never imagined exist, can I learn to harness this power I have inside before it is too late?
Author’s Note: This is the first book in The White Dragon and ends with a cliffhanger. This book is a medium burn reverse harem story, intended for ages 18 years and older. This story contains strong language and violence.
216 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 29, 2019
263 people are currently reading
263 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
December 19, 2019
Pages: 216
My rating: 3
Read other books by this author in the future: yes
The Only Essence needs some editing. As a non native to english, I miss a lot of errors in books (especially the grammar kind) but I do notice unfinished sentences or writing errors.
This is a fated mates book, I just mention it, because some of my #cakeeater friends don’t like fated mates stories.
The pattern of the story is well known: human doesn’t know that she is a special supe. She is an orphan and for the past years attacked by some guys, sups actually, who are trying to kill her. She is good at fighting back. Then she runs into a situation where she is attacked by a group of bad guys fights her way out only to be taken by four handsome guy .
I am going to read the next book, but I hope the story will get more twists and turns. It was a book where I took distractions happily while reading it, and for such a short book it took me a long time to finish it. So all things taking into account it was an okay read.
February 18, 2020
Mixed results
I seldom do this because I want to encourage new authors. The story is good but the execution by the author is weak. Too many first person explanations that are awkward and cannot be known by that character in an effective way. It is a failure of the author not providing a believable storyline in progression with the character's actions. It's as if the author is trying to provide a narrator to explain the reason for events that would otherwise be untrue. I like the concept of this story but perhaps the author's originality lacks the technical talent to really do it justice. This book is much like eating cookies where someone forgot the sugar.
I seldom do this because I want to encourage new authors. The story is good but the execution by the author is weak. Too many first person explanations that are awkward and cannot be known by that character in an effective way. It is a failure of the author not providing a believable storyline in progression with the character's actions. It's as if the author is trying to provide a narrator to explain the reason for events that would otherwise be untrue. I like the concept of this story but perhaps the author's originality lacks the technical talent to really do it justice. This book is much like eating cookies where someone forgot the sugar.
May 15, 2020
Not too bad for a first book start
Not too bad, a little bit more telling vs showing, but it works. Rayven is a great character, I’m a bit bummed the mate thing happened so quickly, but with her origin being explained it would make sense.
The guys are cool, except Xavier, but then there’s a reason for that. I have some suspicions on who might be her mates, I don’t have suspicions yet of who is not who they say they are as we were forewarned.
I am not a fan of cliffhanger endings though. I wish authors could write books with a good place to end.
Still I did enjoy this book and will continue with the 2nd.
Not too bad, a little bit more telling vs showing, but it works. Rayven is a great character, I’m a bit bummed the mate thing happened so quickly, but with her origin being explained it would make sense.
The guys are cool, except Xavier, but then there’s a reason for that. I have some suspicions on who might be her mates, I don’t have suspicions yet of who is not who they say they are as we were forewarned.
I am not a fan of cliffhanger endings though. I wish authors could write books with a good place to end.
Still I did enjoy this book and will continue with the 2nd.
December 23, 2019
One to Unite All The Races
This is quite a fun Reverse Harem. Rayven is a 21 year old who ran away from foster care when she was 16, after her only friend disappeared. She also happened to be flooded with pain and woke up with a brand new tattoo.
Rayven has been on the run ever since, trying to avoid being attacked by strange men. She has discovered that she very fast, strong and agile. She is able to fight off several of these men at once and heal herself when she’s done fighting. However, she has no idea why she has these abilities.
She is captured by a group of four supernatural men, who have been ordered to bring her to the Council of Supernatural Leaders. They don’t know why. This group of men have been friends since childhood, even though they are different races. They are all drawn to Rayven.
This book is pretty entertaining and the mystery of what Rayven is and why she is wanted by the Council is intriguing. The characters are a little shallow, but this is the first book in a series, which often leaves the characters less than fully fleshed out, particularly in a Reverse Harem where there are more characters involved.
I think this might be the first book I’ve read from this author, and I’ll definitely keep an eye out for more, in particular the sequel to this book.
This is quite a fun Reverse Harem. Rayven is a 21 year old who ran away from foster care when she was 16, after her only friend disappeared. She also happened to be flooded with pain and woke up with a brand new tattoo.
Rayven has been on the run ever since, trying to avoid being attacked by strange men. She has discovered that she very fast, strong and agile. She is able to fight off several of these men at once and heal herself when she’s done fighting. However, she has no idea why she has these abilities.
She is captured by a group of four supernatural men, who have been ordered to bring her to the Council of Supernatural Leaders. They don’t know why. This group of men have been friends since childhood, even though they are different races. They are all drawn to Rayven.
This book is pretty entertaining and the mystery of what Rayven is and why she is wanted by the Council is intriguing. The characters are a little shallow, but this is the first book in a series, which often leaves the characters less than fully fleshed out, particularly in a Reverse Harem where there are more characters involved.
I think this might be the first book I’ve read from this author, and I’ll definitely keep an eye out for more, in particular the sequel to this book.
December 29, 2019
Dragons, wolves, mages, and elves, oh my!
I enjoyed this book. The main character was strong and likable. The love interests were steamy and easy to differentiate. As for the storyline, I found it a slightly different take on many familiar stories that did well at pulling the reader in. Altogether, the book was a good read and makes me want to read the next installation in this series.
I enjoyed this book. The main character was strong and likable. The love interests were steamy and easy to differentiate. As for the storyline, I found it a slightly different take on many familiar stories that did well at pulling the reader in. Altogether, the book was a good read and makes me want to read the next installation in this series.
December 23, 2022
I was going to reread, but I can see there is still no sequel, so I guess I'll pass.
Sequel not out until April 2020 ... 😭😭😭
It felt like it took Hawkins a second to find her writing groove, so the first part of the story read a little choppy. This however, did not last long and I found myself completely sucked into the storyline once the mc meets her mates.
Sequel not out until April 2020 ... 😭😭😭
It felt like it took Hawkins a second to find her writing groove, so the first part of the story read a little choppy. This however, did not last long and I found myself completely sucked into the storyline once the mc meets her mates.
February 3, 2020
A little predictable
I enjoyed this for the most part, and although I know that Xavier is one of her mates, and you learn what happened with him at the end, he got what he deserved IMO.
2.5 stars ⭐️
I enjoyed this for the most part, and although I know that Xavier is one of her mates, and you learn what happened with him at the end, he got what he deserved IMO.
2.5 stars ⭐️
December 26, 2019
Good book
Good book! I liked the story line and can’t wait for the next book in the series. Looking forward to it
Good book! I liked the story line and can’t wait for the next book in the series. Looking forward to it
January 6, 2020
Loved it
Loved this book!! I love the MC and her boys!! The characters are well developed and so is the story line! Must read
Loved this book!! I love the MC and her boys!! The characters are well developed and so is the story line! Must read
September 19, 2020
2,8 stars. It's not that it hadn't good elements. The whole story had sooo much potential but the execution was lacking. Some times it felt awkward and i couldn't feel the intense feelings that the heroine was supposed to feel and some scenes felt flat. Also, it had so many things thrown in and the explanation was very rushed. That's my opinion though.
February 16, 2021
Great read
Excellent story with enough mystery and plots to keep the pages turning. Although the heroine was naive, at least she wasn't dumb as well and she soon got into the swing of it!
Excellent story with enough mystery and plots to keep the pages turning. Although the heroine was naive, at least she wasn't dumb as well and she soon got into the swing of it!
April 19, 2022
DNF at 25%. Needs a good edit, but the concept is interesting.
February 11, 2024
Riveting
I could not stop reading this book. The story line is exciting, the characters well thought out and developed. I cannot recommend this book enough. Go read it.
I could not stop reading this book. The story line is exciting, the characters well thought out and developed. I cannot recommend this book enough. Go read it.
January 30, 2020
Well i thoroughly enjoyed this RH there were parts that fucked me off - maybe a certain prick of a character 'X' who regardless of why, has had a stick up his arse.
Which thankfully is explained at the end of the book HOWEVER im still not vibing him.
I mean i get it but hes was hurtful to the MC so i dont forgive him.
Thankfully it seems -at least at the moment- that it wont be one of those silly magic wand all is forgiven the next day sorta bs results and looks like he'll really have to work hard to earn any sorta forgiveness or respect or anything which is great.
I find there is a fine line between enemies to lovers sort of sarcastic squabbling chemistry thats more like sexual tension strong personalities and then bullying which is often a less fun less cute more misunderstanding where one is usually a bit of a dick to the other for seemingly no real reason and usual ends up for a good cause like protecting the mc or just theyve been misinformed or corrupted and arent really a true prick but have been doing stupid shit and defs need to earn any love and make up for all of it in spades complete with begging gestures etc.
Whereas enemies to lovers isnt one sided and is more a mutual thing thats surface level and theres nothing to forgive in most cases they tend to go through something or realise how they truly feel and come to a mutual ephiphany and happy end.
Now we get to the worst kind the abusive kind which is unforgivable and defs shouldnt be a thing in 2020 i mean its not even the roleplay consensual type fun but straight up violence trigger warning fucked up stuff that like would get a dude in jail and hell and as far as im concerned no excuse reasons or magic or species like oh hes a demon who feeds on pain or whatever other bs ive had the unfortunate experience of suffering when ive accidentally stumbled into one and then its just got darker and effed and i realise its been advertise as enemies to lovers or just one dickhead in the group or whatever when its not lighter dickery but full on evolving into darker af abusive bs and should be advertised as such.
Unfortunately theres a lot of that bs around and while this one X bastard definitely flirted with abusive terriotry and crossed lines it was grey enough -that even before end explaination- that it didnt veer into completely unreedeemable.
thank god cause i really enjoyed everything else about the book and it wouldve been balls to have to give up on it because of one bastard.
X is a shitdick though so like idk needs to be really put through the ringer and like while i get its shit that people have abusive pasts thats NEVER an excuse to them abuse others no way no how and thats also not the only option and its certaibly not a valid like oh pity party he couldnt help but be fucked up like no when something horrid happens you can fight back and decide to go in the opposite direction let it make you kinder or you can become what made you and yes people in abusive situations often dont have the ability mentally emotionally whatever to break away and im not victim blaming real hoes or let alone fictional ones but like i hate this narrative that often pops up in both worlds that mental illness equals dangerous behaviour or evil person like it just doesnt and should never be used as an excuse. Yes its fucked up but like if everyone with mental illness was evil and dangerous there wouldnt be any more schools for them to shoot up there wouldnt be a society left to uphold like so thats such a scape goat and a real detriment to people with mental illness who have to deal eith stigma and that idea that theyre inherently wrong or bad rather than blaming the illness you should blame the individual.
Fictional or otherwise.
Anyway thats my lil rant (just happened to be on this review) i love this book though seriously and i will be continuing the series but i swear if i read or see one more 'dark bully trigger warning type encouraging abusive bheaviour book' ill scream and start a blacklist to avoid the authors all together for infinity and beyond because jesus christ people you can do a not disney hallmark cutesy light book without going full blown batshit joker on the thing. Like far out find a therapist sort that shit out i mean its bad enough when the villains like that let alone a main love match. Bleh. Hard pass.
Which thankfully is explained at the end of the book HOWEVER im still not vibing him.
I mean i get it but hes was hurtful to the MC so i dont forgive him.
Thankfully it seems -at least at the moment- that it wont be one of those silly magic wand all is forgiven the next day sorta bs results and looks like he'll really have to work hard to earn any sorta forgiveness or respect or anything which is great.
I find there is a fine line between enemies to lovers sort of sarcastic squabbling chemistry thats more like sexual tension strong personalities and then bullying which is often a less fun less cute more misunderstanding where one is usually a bit of a dick to the other for seemingly no real reason and usual ends up for a good cause like protecting the mc or just theyve been misinformed or corrupted and arent really a true prick but have been doing stupid shit and defs need to earn any love and make up for all of it in spades complete with begging gestures etc.
Whereas enemies to lovers isnt one sided and is more a mutual thing thats surface level and theres nothing to forgive in most cases they tend to go through something or realise how they truly feel and come to a mutual ephiphany and happy end.
Now we get to the worst kind the abusive kind which is unforgivable and defs shouldnt be a thing in 2020 i mean its not even the roleplay consensual type fun but straight up violence trigger warning fucked up stuff that like would get a dude in jail and hell and as far as im concerned no excuse reasons or magic or species like oh hes a demon who feeds on pain or whatever other bs ive had the unfortunate experience of suffering when ive accidentally stumbled into one and then its just got darker and effed and i realise its been advertise as enemies to lovers or just one dickhead in the group or whatever when its not lighter dickery but full on evolving into darker af abusive bs and should be advertised as such.
Unfortunately theres a lot of that bs around and while this one X bastard definitely flirted with abusive terriotry and crossed lines it was grey enough -that even before end explaination- that it didnt veer into completely unreedeemable.
thank god cause i really enjoyed everything else about the book and it wouldve been balls to have to give up on it because of one bastard.
X is a shitdick though so like idk needs to be really put through the ringer and like while i get its shit that people have abusive pasts thats NEVER an excuse to them abuse others no way no how and thats also not the only option and its certaibly not a valid like oh pity party he couldnt help but be fucked up like no when something horrid happens you can fight back and decide to go in the opposite direction let it make you kinder or you can become what made you and yes people in abusive situations often dont have the ability mentally emotionally whatever to break away and im not victim blaming real hoes or let alone fictional ones but like i hate this narrative that often pops up in both worlds that mental illness equals dangerous behaviour or evil person like it just doesnt and should never be used as an excuse. Yes its fucked up but like if everyone with mental illness was evil and dangerous there wouldnt be any more schools for them to shoot up there wouldnt be a society left to uphold like so thats such a scape goat and a real detriment to people with mental illness who have to deal eith stigma and that idea that theyre inherently wrong or bad rather than blaming the illness you should blame the individual.
Fictional or otherwise.
Anyway thats my lil rant (just happened to be on this review) i love this book though seriously and i will be continuing the series but i swear if i read or see one more 'dark bully trigger warning type encouraging abusive bheaviour book' ill scream and start a blacklist to avoid the authors all together for infinity and beyond because jesus christ people you can do a not disney hallmark cutesy light book without going full blown batshit joker on the thing. Like far out find a therapist sort that shit out i mean its bad enough when the villains like that let alone a main love match. Bleh. Hard pass.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 10, 2020
Loved it
I love the characters and the storyline. I’m looking forward to reading more and finding out what happens next. I love how Mia draws you in to the book.
I love the characters and the storyline. I’m looking forward to reading more and finding out what happens next. I love how Mia draws you in to the book.
March 2, 2020
i liked it!
December 5, 2019
The best of rh's and supernatural
I've been in a slump for my favorite genres, but this book has restored my faith. Personally, I get really tired of so much of the same things. Academies, secrets, an unwillingness to believe in magic or other creatures despite the fact it's pretty dang apparent the mc has been for a while. Anyway, while some cliches do exist, the story and characters are refreshing and unique. Ray is a kick butt heroine who also has a soft side. While of course 1 of the guys is a jerk, the spin on it is different. Ray is young but not just getting out of school and luckily doesn't act like she's stuck at 12. I'm also a fan that so far there isn't an over inflated sense of right and wrong. You know, where the mc keeps having the vapors because she had to kill someone that was going to kill her. SO annoying. I will definitely be looking for the next in the series and reading it one sitting just like I did here.
I've been in a slump for my favorite genres, but this book has restored my faith. Personally, I get really tired of so much of the same things. Academies, secrets, an unwillingness to believe in magic or other creatures despite the fact it's pretty dang apparent the mc has been for a while. Anyway, while some cliches do exist, the story and characters are refreshing and unique. Ray is a kick butt heroine who also has a soft side. While of course 1 of the guys is a jerk, the spin on it is different. Ray is young but not just getting out of school and luckily doesn't act like she's stuck at 12. I'm also a fan that so far there isn't an over inflated sense of right and wrong. You know, where the mc keeps having the vapors because she had to kill someone that was going to kill her. SO annoying. I will definitely be looking for the next in the series and reading it one sitting just like I did here.
November 13, 2019
Big no
I desperately tried to like this read but it was just falling apart, cheesy and about 35% I finally said no. There is a lot said about what's going on, but it's pretty much dropped like a bomb of information. There's no lead up to what's truly going on, and these guys pretty much follow this council until they meet ray? Then it's like oh, I don't trust them, and I've heard stories that they are bad. In the beginning you just get the idea that the council is a bunch of stuck up power players, now out of thin air they are magic stealers who can't be trusted? It didn't make sense? Why now? And the way the guys were, (crinch) it's written like a teenager wrote this, no finesse at all. I honestly thought a young man wrote this at first until I seen the name. Not a good read in my opinion. Don't waste ur time.
I desperately tried to like this read but it was just falling apart, cheesy and about 35% I finally said no. There is a lot said about what's going on, but it's pretty much dropped like a bomb of information. There's no lead up to what's truly going on, and these guys pretty much follow this council until they meet ray? Then it's like oh, I don't trust them, and I've heard stories that they are bad. In the beginning you just get the idea that the council is a bunch of stuck up power players, now out of thin air they are magic stealers who can't be trusted? It didn't make sense? Why now? And the way the guys were, (crinch) it's written like a teenager wrote this, no finesse at all. I honestly thought a young man wrote this at first until I seen the name. Not a good read in my opinion. Don't waste ur time.
December 28, 2019
DNF
Book was pretty bland and boring. Writing was basic as well. Don’t you ever just get tired of the same brown-haired colored-eyed white girl with a hot guy who is also white, dark haired, and has colored eyes. In this case 4 of them. If the writing is going to be boring then I’d at least like to see the main character kicking ass in a hijab or a black girl with some character in her. Also, the moment that one of the guys said “squad” @ like 25% done I was pretty much over this book. This is something I’d expect from an amateur book site for teens like Wattpad or something. I’d love to see the author develop though but for now, this book is trash.
Book was pretty bland and boring. Writing was basic as well. Don’t you ever just get tired of the same brown-haired colored-eyed white girl with a hot guy who is also white, dark haired, and has colored eyes. In this case 4 of them. If the writing is going to be boring then I’d at least like to see the main character kicking ass in a hijab or a black girl with some character in her. Also, the moment that one of the guys said “squad” @ like 25% done I was pretty much over this book. This is something I’d expect from an amateur book site for teens like Wattpad or something. I’d love to see the author develop though but for now, this book is trash.
November 18, 2019
Has potential
Interesting plot and world build but feels very unfinished. Confused me at times as we don't get a clear picture through book one as to what's what and who's who. Good concept but needs fleshing out to understand the mc's better. I'm not waiting with baited breath for the next one but might read it if it comes my way. I've read a few series where I wasn't convinced after the first book but really got into it around book 2 or 3! As I said it has potential and I believe in growth :)
Interesting plot and world build but feels very unfinished. Confused me at times as we don't get a clear picture through book one as to what's what and who's who. Good concept but needs fleshing out to understand the mc's better. I'm not waiting with baited breath for the next one but might read it if it comes my way. I've read a few series where I wasn't convinced after the first book but really got into it around book 2 or 3! As I said it has potential and I believe in growth :)
February 1, 2020
This was a pretty good beginning. While I am not a fan of insta-love through mate bonds, this one didn't bother me too badly. Probably because of the strong MC and conflict with some of the relationships. Although the intimate scenes feel kind of out of place retrospectively and I think I would have appreciated more of a slow burn especially with Matthew. All in all, I look forward to the next one.
January 31, 2020
Very entertaining
Love this book. I hope there will be more to the story soon. Love the heroine of the story. She has spunk and isn’t taking anyone’s ish. I hope she forgives her other mate although he does deserve her anger. I knew Gabriel was a angel but kept wondering if he was her mate since I think one mate is kinda missing from the story.
Love this book. I hope there will be more to the story soon. Love the heroine of the story. She has spunk and isn’t taking anyone’s ish. I hope she forgives her other mate although he does deserve her anger. I knew Gabriel was a angel but kept wondering if he was her mate since I think one mate is kinda missing from the story.
November 5, 2019
Loved it
Loved everything about this. While at times I wanted to scream at all of them to stop being stupid in the end it led them to the truth well most of the truth. Can’t wait to read book 2 and see what happens and wear they go and find out next.
Loved everything about this. While at times I wanted to scream at all of them to stop being stupid in the end it led them to the truth well most of the truth. Can’t wait to read book 2 and see what happens and wear they go and find out next.
December 8, 2019
Happily Surprised!
This was great! A lot of action, mystery, and mayhem. The guys were all super hot, and the relationships complex. Some solid world building going on here. Will definitely be reading the next book!
This was great! A lot of action, mystery, and mayhem. The guys were all super hot, and the relationships complex. Some solid world building going on here. Will definitely be reading the next book!
December 15, 2019
Lovvvveeeed It!!
Omg I wish I would’ve waited to read because now I’m left hanging until April! Amazing written and I truly hope Xavier will get his true make and friends back. I don’t know why but he is my favorite,
Omg I wish I would’ve waited to read because now I’m left hanging until April! Amazing written and I truly hope Xavier will get his true make and friends back. I don’t know why but he is my favorite,
January 31, 2020
Very enjoyable
Really enjoyable book 1. Cant wait to see how the rest of the series unfolds. It was a great mix of supes, a strong, kickass FMC and a plot that was interesting with some good twists.
Really enjoyable book 1. Cant wait to see how the rest of the series unfolds. It was a great mix of supes, a strong, kickass FMC and a plot that was interesting with some good twists.
November 16, 2019
Such a good story!
I love the characters and how not everyone is on board with the whole days mates thing. I'm anxious to see how it plays out in the next one!
I love the characters and how not everyone is on board with the whole days mates thing. I'm anxious to see how it plays out in the next one!
November 17, 2019
Awesome
What an awesome start to a series. I can't wait for book 2, I know it will be just as amazing.
What an awesome start to a series. I can't wait for book 2, I know it will be just as amazing.
November 18, 2019
I liked the book. Cant wait to see the adventure to come.
I would recommend this was awesome. Loved it. Did not like that het mate was a total jerk. Maybe he can be forgiven.
I would recommend this was awesome. Loved it. Did not like that het mate was a total jerk. Maybe he can be forgiven.
November 28, 2019
Excellent story
This book was great. I can’t wait to read more about Rayven and her mates. The book was well written and I really enjoyed reading it.
This book was great. I can’t wait to read more about Rayven and her mates. The book was well written and I really enjoyed reading it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews