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Around Curiosity's Edge #1
Hidden Meridians
A hidden world waits, a dark society schemes, and a ship sails to protect that which cannot be lost.
Salem Swan knows none of this as he arrives in Easterly. He knows only that he misses his recently deceased mother, that his new guardian, his uncle Ulysses is unique, and that the boat which will now be his home is unlike anything he has ever seen.
Fearful of this new reality, Salem starts to ask questions that uncover the truth about his distant uncle, his long-gone father, and the true nature of the ship. The answers lead him into a place of myth and legend, where fantastic creatures wage an ages-old war with a radical group bent on eliminating them forever.
Rich with mythology from around the world, Hidden Meridians is the first installment of a fantasy series that takes readers into that place that is just around Curiosity’s edge.
This is the first installment of the Around Curiosity's Edge saga.
Salem Swan knows none of this as he arrives in Easterly. He knows only that he misses his recently deceased mother, that his new guardian, his uncle Ulysses is unique, and that the boat which will now be his home is unlike anything he has ever seen.
Fearful of this new reality, Salem starts to ask questions that uncover the truth about his distant uncle, his long-gone father, and the true nature of the ship. The answers lead him into a place of myth and legend, where fantastic creatures wage an ages-old war with a radical group bent on eliminating them forever.
Rich with mythology from around the world, Hidden Meridians is the first installment of a fantasy series that takes readers into that place that is just around Curiosity’s edge.
This is the first installment of the Around Curiosity's Edge saga.
- GenresFantasyYoung Adult
373 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 6, 2021
26 people are currently reading
805 people want to read
About the author
J.P. Hostetler
6 books316 followersJacob Paul (J.P.) Hostetler is an American novelist and short story writer.
His debut children’s book, The Sky Belongs to the Dreamers, earned a Mom’s Choice Gold Award in 2019, while his Young Adult fantasy series, Around Curiosity’s Edge, received the 2021 Reader’s Favorite Book Award for Best in Mythology & Fairytale.
After over a decade of life spanning three continents, he recently made the move back to his native Pennsylvania, where he balances his writing career with work in the biotechnology industry.
His debut children’s book, The Sky Belongs to the Dreamers, earned a Mom’s Choice Gold Award in 2019, while his Young Adult fantasy series, Around Curiosity’s Edge, received the 2021 Reader’s Favorite Book Award for Best in Mythology & Fairytale.
After over a decade of life spanning three continents, he recently made the move back to his native Pennsylvania, where he balances his writing career with work in the biotechnology industry.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
December 13, 2021
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I was provided a copy of this book by the author in exchange of a review. This doesn’t affect my opinions as you all know. When the author first approached me, I couldn’t say no because I am a big fan of mythology and after seeing the cover, I couldn’t say no.
The story follows Salem Swan as his life is turned upside down after the death of his mother. He is then taken by his uncle Ulysses who happens to be a member of a ship crew going on mysterious adventures involving mythical creatures and a secret war against a radical group.
Apart from the Shadowhunters books, I almost stopped reading YA books because I read many of those back in the day and they all started to sound similar to me. That being said, I felt that the synopsis of this one was a bit different and I wanted to try it. The writing of Hostetler is smooth, I liked that it was a bit poetic without being too pretentious. I felt that the story is somewhere between MG and YA which on addition to the story line, gave me Percy Jackson vibes!
I am not usually a fan of stories that take place in the sea (nautical fiction?) and that is not a criticism as much as it is a personal preference. I think I may have not accepted the review request had I known that but I am glad that I didn’t because it would not have been fair then. Anyway, I think I found part of the magic I was looking for in the story, the mythology that intrigues me was definitely an important part of the story and it added a fresh aspect to the story!
The characters are well written because they didn’t have the teenagers angst that turns me off this category and they do grow through the story and I think they have more potential hidden for the next books!
Summary: I did not have high expectations for this book because I kind of outgrew the genre but books like this still remind me that there are good books in it! I liked the poetic writing and the characters who were fleshed out. It gave me Percy Jackson vibes but it was unique in its own way! I do recommend it for fans of mythology and the YA genre!
I was provided a copy of this book by the author in exchange of a review. This doesn’t affect my opinions as you all know. When the author first approached me, I couldn’t say no because I am a big fan of mythology and after seeing the cover, I couldn’t say no.
The story follows Salem Swan as his life is turned upside down after the death of his mother. He is then taken by his uncle Ulysses who happens to be a member of a ship crew going on mysterious adventures involving mythical creatures and a secret war against a radical group.
Apart from the Shadowhunters books, I almost stopped reading YA books because I read many of those back in the day and they all started to sound similar to me. That being said, I felt that the synopsis of this one was a bit different and I wanted to try it. The writing of Hostetler is smooth, I liked that it was a bit poetic without being too pretentious. I felt that the story is somewhere between MG and YA which on addition to the story line, gave me Percy Jackson vibes!
I am not usually a fan of stories that take place in the sea (nautical fiction?) and that is not a criticism as much as it is a personal preference. I think I may have not accepted the review request had I known that but I am glad that I didn’t because it would not have been fair then. Anyway, I think I found part of the magic I was looking for in the story, the mythology that intrigues me was definitely an important part of the story and it added a fresh aspect to the story!
The characters are well written because they didn’t have the teenagers angst that turns me off this category and they do grow through the story and I think they have more potential hidden for the next books!
Summary: I did not have high expectations for this book because I kind of outgrew the genre but books like this still remind me that there are good books in it! I liked the poetic writing and the characters who were fleshed out. It gave me Percy Jackson vibes but it was unique in its own way! I do recommend it for fans of mythology and the YA genre!
May 27, 2021
"𝑰𝒕 𝒎𝒂𝒕𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒔 𝒏𝒐𝒕 𝒉𝒐𝒘 𝒏𝒆𝒂𝒓 𝒐𝒓 𝒇𝒂𝒓 𝒐𝒏𝒆 𝒘𝒂𝒏𝒅𝒆𝒓𝒔, 𝒐𝒏𝒍𝒚 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒐𝒏𝒆 𝒇𝒊𝒏𝒅𝒔 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒘𝒂𝒏𝒅𝒆𝒓𝒘𝒂𝒚."
First off, thanks so much to J.P. Hostetler for sending me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
Okay, WOW--I’ve officially found the PERFECT book to recommend to my freshman English students who come to me asking for book recommendations after devouring everything by Rick Riordan and dying for more adventure novels grounded in fascinating mythologies. This book was a ton of fast-paced fun!! My attention was immediately captured by the descriptive writing style of Hostetler throughout the novel. Vivid imagery of scenery depictions and multiple third person perspectives switching chapter by chapter provided for a truly immersive narrative! I found the Interlude chapters to be especially poignant and I very much appreciated getting to peek into the villainous characters’ minds in addition to the heroic ones. Getting the inside scoop on the truly sinister nature of the Regulat’s mission (“Locate, identify, track, and eliminate”) to eradicate diversity and maintain purity made for an extremely high-stakes atmosphere overall!
My absolute FAVORITE moment of the book was when Salem’s Uncle Ulysses pauses to philosophize that he sees “learning as an interaction. A give and take.” As an educator, this scene hit extremely close to home for me and I couldn't agree more! What is more, I found myself constantly saying “omg this is perfect for my students; this is totally going in my classroom library; so-and-so will absolutely LOVE this one!” I felt like I was rejoicing with each and every page after making so many connections to other seafaring adventure stories like the Odyssey and Percy Jackson and even Pirates of the Caribbean!
On that note, personally as a reader I connected with this nautical tale and its rich cast of characters. Growing up, I worshipped books/films like Lord of the Rings, Pirates of the Caribbean, and Percy Jackson, so this book struck several nostalgic chords in me from the very first page. There are a myriad of mythological creatures and personalities; I became especially obsessed with Ichara, the Scottish water dragon, as well as the Meridian sloth named Atlas, the “supine superhero”/”languid lunatic”! Having this kind of vast array of unique characters reminded me of Treasure Planet in particular, which is one of my favorite underrated Disney films!
I am super excited for book two and I can highly recommend this series for fans of YA science fiction/fantasy, especially lovers of pirate ship adventures!
First off, thanks so much to J.P. Hostetler for sending me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
Okay, WOW--I’ve officially found the PERFECT book to recommend to my freshman English students who come to me asking for book recommendations after devouring everything by Rick Riordan and dying for more adventure novels grounded in fascinating mythologies. This book was a ton of fast-paced fun!! My attention was immediately captured by the descriptive writing style of Hostetler throughout the novel. Vivid imagery of scenery depictions and multiple third person perspectives switching chapter by chapter provided for a truly immersive narrative! I found the Interlude chapters to be especially poignant and I very much appreciated getting to peek into the villainous characters’ minds in addition to the heroic ones. Getting the inside scoop on the truly sinister nature of the Regulat’s mission (“Locate, identify, track, and eliminate”) to eradicate diversity and maintain purity made for an extremely high-stakes atmosphere overall!
My absolute FAVORITE moment of the book was when Salem’s Uncle Ulysses pauses to philosophize that he sees “learning as an interaction. A give and take.” As an educator, this scene hit extremely close to home for me and I couldn't agree more! What is more, I found myself constantly saying “omg this is perfect for my students; this is totally going in my classroom library; so-and-so will absolutely LOVE this one!” I felt like I was rejoicing with each and every page after making so many connections to other seafaring adventure stories like the Odyssey and Percy Jackson and even Pirates of the Caribbean!
On that note, personally as a reader I connected with this nautical tale and its rich cast of characters. Growing up, I worshipped books/films like Lord of the Rings, Pirates of the Caribbean, and Percy Jackson, so this book struck several nostalgic chords in me from the very first page. There are a myriad of mythological creatures and personalities; I became especially obsessed with Ichara, the Scottish water dragon, as well as the Meridian sloth named Atlas, the “supine superhero”/”languid lunatic”! Having this kind of vast array of unique characters reminded me of Treasure Planet in particular, which is one of my favorite underrated Disney films!
I am super excited for book two and I can highly recommend this series for fans of YA science fiction/fantasy, especially lovers of pirate ship adventures!
May 25, 2021
Thank you so much to the author for sending me a copy in exchange for an honest review!
Salem Swans never knew his father. His mother raised him and she was the center of his entire universe. Until the night a fire started and took everything Salem had ever known away from me. Newley orphaned, Salem is taken to his only remaining family member, Ulysses. To his surprise, his uncle's home is upon a boat named Curiosity and has a full crew of people.
At first, Salem believes his uncle to be a pirate, but he soon realizes that Ulysses is very human...but not everyone is. In a world divided by humans and mythos, mythical creatures such as goblins, frost giants, and others, Salem soon reevaluates all he knows about the world and uncovers hidden secrets about himself in the process.
I really enjoyed reading this book, it was fast paced and told in different perspectives. Each character I encountered was interesting and I found myself wanting to know more about these people and the tales they told. I loved Aurora the most. She is a secondary character, but I loved reading about her strength and bravery. Being both Juton and human, she feels like she has more to prove to her people than the average frost giant. Despite being fearful, she doesn't let that stop her from going into the unknown.
Salem was probably the chilliest character ever, and I appreciated that about him. You would think having your whole world turned upside down would affect you more, but he honestly took everything in stride. He rolled with the crazy, even when he did not understand something. Instead of letting fear consume him, he questioned and wanted to learn more about this hidden world of the fringe.
I also really loved the friendship between Captain Fern and Ulysses. They were both open and honest with one another. Despite one man having more "power" due to his status as captain, they both treated each other as equals. I loved their positive relationship.
Overall, this book was extremely entertaining and whimsical. It is the perfect book for anyone who loves adventures and getting lost in a book. I can't wait for book 2.
Salem Swans never knew his father. His mother raised him and she was the center of his entire universe. Until the night a fire started and took everything Salem had ever known away from me. Newley orphaned, Salem is taken to his only remaining family member, Ulysses. To his surprise, his uncle's home is upon a boat named Curiosity and has a full crew of people.
At first, Salem believes his uncle to be a pirate, but he soon realizes that Ulysses is very human...but not everyone is. In a world divided by humans and mythos, mythical creatures such as goblins, frost giants, and others, Salem soon reevaluates all he knows about the world and uncovers hidden secrets about himself in the process.
I really enjoyed reading this book, it was fast paced and told in different perspectives. Each character I encountered was interesting and I found myself wanting to know more about these people and the tales they told. I loved Aurora the most. She is a secondary character, but I loved reading about her strength and bravery. Being both Juton and human, she feels like she has more to prove to her people than the average frost giant. Despite being fearful, she doesn't let that stop her from going into the unknown.
Salem was probably the chilliest character ever, and I appreciated that about him. You would think having your whole world turned upside down would affect you more, but he honestly took everything in stride. He rolled with the crazy, even when he did not understand something. Instead of letting fear consume him, he questioned and wanted to learn more about this hidden world of the fringe.
I also really loved the friendship between Captain Fern and Ulysses. They were both open and honest with one another. Despite one man having more "power" due to his status as captain, they both treated each other as equals. I loved their positive relationship.
Overall, this book was extremely entertaining and whimsical. It is the perfect book for anyone who loves adventures and getting lost in a book. I can't wait for book 2.
December 14, 2020
If you want a rich world that’s fully immersive from page one, look no further than the Around Curiosity’s Edge series. Hostetler paints with words not just the characters but the sights and sounds of a world all his own creation. A landscape in poetry on every page.
May 25, 2021
Rating 3.5 Stars! Thank you to the author for gifting me a copy!
The story follows Salem, who goes through a big life change after losing his mother. He has to move in with his Uncle Ulysses and unbeknownst to Salem and his relocation manager, Ulysses lives on a ship: The Curiosity. Soon Salem finds out that the Curiosity is not just any ship. He discovers more and more about the past of his father, who he never met, and learns that there is much more to the world he thought he knew. The Curiosity takes him to places where magic and mythical creatures fill the landscape. He soon finds himself in a war against a secret organization that wants to exterminate all that’s mythical.
Around Curiosity’s Edge takes place in an alternate, magical, mythical version of Earth. The story is very detailed and filled with rich descriptions. The authors beautiful writing at certain points gave the story a slower pacing and it made the reading experience feel longer. Although, every chapter serves a purpose eventually and adds more layers to the story. I felt that some aspects could have been written a bit shorter and still keep the story to its essence. Since this is the first book of a series, it explains the detailed worldbuilding and laying the foundation for the next books.
“Learning is not a straight line, but a circle”
I picked out this quote, but I could have chosen many other beautiful quotes or descriptions. Everything from stunning landscapes to fascinating creatures is described in a magnificent way that makes you feel present to everything that is happening and gives a dazzling experience. One of the best aspects is how the author describes actions or situations by comparing it to something completely different, but you know very well what it is meant, e.g. “… he had long, wavy black hair that reminded Salem of a charcoal seaweed – a charcoal seaweed that might grow somewhere on the Moon if the Moon had an ocean.”
The story also provides some philosophy and wisdom, which are sometimes put in simple truths like “People that lose things do not want to hear sorry. They want a way forward.” , or,
"Everyone can lie when they want to … and when they don’t want to lie but try anyway, the become terrible liars. It’s like you’re begging me to get it out of you”.
While Salem used to be more to himself, suffering from anxiety, he, surprising himself, quickly becomes a part of the crew and finds purpose. The story establishes a positive and empowering message for teenagers with anxiety that they are not alone and can become a part of something. Another element that I really enjoyed in the story is the light and funny dialogues and the comforting heart-warming feeling of friendship.
I would recommend this book for a young audience looking for escapism and who enjoy mythology. I feel now that the tone is set and there is a lot of potential for the next books in the series!
The story follows Salem, who goes through a big life change after losing his mother. He has to move in with his Uncle Ulysses and unbeknownst to Salem and his relocation manager, Ulysses lives on a ship: The Curiosity. Soon Salem finds out that the Curiosity is not just any ship. He discovers more and more about the past of his father, who he never met, and learns that there is much more to the world he thought he knew. The Curiosity takes him to places where magic and mythical creatures fill the landscape. He soon finds himself in a war against a secret organization that wants to exterminate all that’s mythical.
Around Curiosity’s Edge takes place in an alternate, magical, mythical version of Earth. The story is very detailed and filled with rich descriptions. The authors beautiful writing at certain points gave the story a slower pacing and it made the reading experience feel longer. Although, every chapter serves a purpose eventually and adds more layers to the story. I felt that some aspects could have been written a bit shorter and still keep the story to its essence. Since this is the first book of a series, it explains the detailed worldbuilding and laying the foundation for the next books.
“Learning is not a straight line, but a circle”
I picked out this quote, but I could have chosen many other beautiful quotes or descriptions. Everything from stunning landscapes to fascinating creatures is described in a magnificent way that makes you feel present to everything that is happening and gives a dazzling experience. One of the best aspects is how the author describes actions or situations by comparing it to something completely different, but you know very well what it is meant, e.g. “… he had long, wavy black hair that reminded Salem of a charcoal seaweed – a charcoal seaweed that might grow somewhere on the Moon if the Moon had an ocean.”
The story also provides some philosophy and wisdom, which are sometimes put in simple truths like “People that lose things do not want to hear sorry. They want a way forward.” , or,
"Everyone can lie when they want to … and when they don’t want to lie but try anyway, the become terrible liars. It’s like you’re begging me to get it out of you”.
While Salem used to be more to himself, suffering from anxiety, he, surprising himself, quickly becomes a part of the crew and finds purpose. The story establishes a positive and empowering message for teenagers with anxiety that they are not alone and can become a part of something. Another element that I really enjoyed in the story is the light and funny dialogues and the comforting heart-warming feeling of friendship.
I would recommend this book for a young audience looking for escapism and who enjoy mythology. I feel now that the tone is set and there is a lot of potential for the next books in the series!
June 13, 2021
Rich with mythology from around the world, Hidden Meridians is the first instalment of a fantasy series.
Salem recently lost his mother and had to move with his guardian, his uncle Ulysses. His uncle lived on a ship named, The Curiosity. So he moved in with him and started discovering some weird facts. Soon he discovered that The Curiosity was not just a ship but a lot more than that.
He finds so many facts about his past especially his father whom he never met even once. The Curiosity is a magical ship that takes Salem to new places with some mythological countryside. Also, he gets to know about an upcoming war.
What more does Salem discover? What all changes does he faces? Did he have to face wars?
The plot is very detailed and expressive. The pace of the story is slow but it keeps you hooked throughout the story and also takes you to the depth of the story. The worldbuilding is amazing. Everything in the story is described in a very striking manner. The story also gives perceptions about philosophy and wisdom which are simply the truths that we face in our life.
The best message that the author has illustrated through this book is that the teenagers who face anxiety should not let themselves down instead they should keep their ambitions alive. Also, the humour level of this book is amazing, I personally loved it.
I highly recommend this book to teenagers, fantasy and mythology lovers.
Salem recently lost his mother and had to move with his guardian, his uncle Ulysses. His uncle lived on a ship named, The Curiosity. So he moved in with him and started discovering some weird facts. Soon he discovered that The Curiosity was not just a ship but a lot more than that.
He finds so many facts about his past especially his father whom he never met even once. The Curiosity is a magical ship that takes Salem to new places with some mythological countryside. Also, he gets to know about an upcoming war.
What more does Salem discover? What all changes does he faces? Did he have to face wars?
The plot is very detailed and expressive. The pace of the story is slow but it keeps you hooked throughout the story and also takes you to the depth of the story. The worldbuilding is amazing. Everything in the story is described in a very striking manner. The story also gives perceptions about philosophy and wisdom which are simply the truths that we face in our life.
The best message that the author has illustrated through this book is that the teenagers who face anxiety should not let themselves down instead they should keep their ambitions alive. Also, the humour level of this book is amazing, I personally loved it.
I highly recommend this book to teenagers, fantasy and mythology lovers.
June 9, 2021
The begining
Arson. Murder. The life of a teen, spared. An older man, dead. So begins a tale of wonder.
Salem Swan has lost his mother and is sent to live with his uncle, on a ship! But, the ship, like her crew and Salem are more than they seem. They are a part of a struggle between those who would only have pure humans on the Earth and those who see diversity as the way to true unity for life. The ship and crew have been a part of that struggle for many years. Salem has entered the fight.
The story is filled with characters who you love or hate, a few that you're not really sure about. And a few who will surprise you. But, each of them are real. The story of acceptance and diversity rings true to the world around us. Purity is the myth that rules the minds of many today as does the power those dogma support. Will humans and non be able to overcome hate and fear?
That is the question of our world today as well as Salem's world. This book merely begins to answer the question.
Arson. Murder. The life of a teen, spared. An older man, dead. So begins a tale of wonder.
Salem Swan has lost his mother and is sent to live with his uncle, on a ship! But, the ship, like her crew and Salem are more than they seem. They are a part of a struggle between those who would only have pure humans on the Earth and those who see diversity as the way to true unity for life. The ship and crew have been a part of that struggle for many years. Salem has entered the fight.
The story is filled with characters who you love or hate, a few that you're not really sure about. And a few who will surprise you. But, each of them are real. The story of acceptance and diversity rings true to the world around us. Purity is the myth that rules the minds of many today as does the power those dogma support. Will humans and non be able to overcome hate and fear?
That is the question of our world today as well as Salem's world. This book merely begins to answer the question.
July 8, 2021
With Hidden Meridians, Hostetler manages to entice the reader with a fantasy adventure set up on the high seas as well establish the foundations for a much larger world. There is a depth to this first entry of the Around Curiosity’s Edge series that keeps a reader going well after they told themselves they would put the book down.
For me, this book is all about the characters. It kept me pulled in as if I were on the boat with them. The playful yet realistic dialogue picked up instantly and kept the pages turning again and again. The interactions with Ulysses and Fern felt like a fantasy version of any casual family conversation, which only adds to the intensity of the action or drama when it comes.
A fair warning to readers: You will read this fast. Very fast. It is by no means a short book, but personally when I hit 75 pages I could not believe how much I had consumed in such a short time, which was a positive thing and speaks to the author’s writing style. Overall, I am too excited for the release of book two.
For me, this book is all about the characters. It kept me pulled in as if I were on the boat with them. The playful yet realistic dialogue picked up instantly and kept the pages turning again and again. The interactions with Ulysses and Fern felt like a fantasy version of any casual family conversation, which only adds to the intensity of the action or drama when it comes.
A fair warning to readers: You will read this fast. Very fast. It is by no means a short book, but personally when I hit 75 pages I could not believe how much I had consumed in such a short time, which was a positive thing and speaks to the author’s writing style. Overall, I am too excited for the release of book two.
July 18, 2021
Around Curiosity's Edge is an interesting and imaginative read, full of wonderfully creative adventures that's fast-paced and loaded with unique characters. A sweeping adventure that showcases diversity and acceptance. It is rich in mythology, packed with myths inspired from all over the world and different cultures. There is a good dash of mystery which thickens and then unravels seamlessly.
The author really captured Salem's emotions throughout his journey, and the beautiful bond between mother and son was so tender it brought tears to my eyes. All the characters were portrayed with their own individuality, and it was fun getting to know them.
My only criticism is that even though this is a fast-paced story, reading it as an e-book is very long to get through (it's over 2,000 pages).
J. P. Hostetler will capture the minds of readers with this fantastical adventure!
The author really captured Salem's emotions throughout his journey, and the beautiful bond between mother and son was so tender it brought tears to my eyes. All the characters were portrayed with their own individuality, and it was fun getting to know them.
My only criticism is that even though this is a fast-paced story, reading it as an e-book is very long to get through (it's over 2,000 pages).
J. P. Hostetler will capture the minds of readers with this fantastical adventure!
October 23, 2020
I won't review my own book but I am so excited for it to get its cover and physical body soon!
July 1, 2021
3.5/5
Thank you to Black Rose Writing and J.P. Hostetler for granting me access to this book in exchange for an honest review.
J.P. Hostetler’s Around Curiosity’s Edge: Hidden Meridians is the first book in what could be a very epic series. In this first book, we follow our main characters Salem after he has lost his mother in a fire and will now be in the care of his uncle he barely knows. This uncle lives on the peculiar ship, Curiosity, and Salem is whisked away on an adventure he never believed would be true. Mythical creatures are real and they’re being hunted to extinction, and the crew Salem is now a part of are trying to save what creatures they can by moving them to a place called The Fringe. When a baby of one of these mythical creatures is stolen, Salem is tasked with bringing the baby safely back to its family.
That is the straightforward synopsis of this story. In truth, Salem is only one of the many characters we follow in this story in the third person. We follow several characters randomly throughout the story, including two members of the Regulat (the bad guys of the story). This shift in perspectives is something that I think Hostetler does very well - especially with the character of Roach - and it adds more to these characters than what we get through their brief interactions with Salem. With the two characters in the Regulat, we are able to see just how brainwashed and corrupted this society is, and it makes you root for the heroes even more. Sometimes, the enemy is misguided, but in this case they are just - very much - up on their high horse. These are characters that are pretty much committing genocide on a daily basis and it’s disgusting. It’s also sad when I can relate these enemies in terms of our history or people I know in the real world that share a similar mindset. Hostetler writes these enemies very believably and I look forward to our heroes finally putting an end to them in a later book. Hopefully.
There are two things that I absolutely loved about this book. The first one being the different mythological creatures and their origins. Hostetler doesn’t focus on one type of mythology - he incorporates creatures from across the globe. Most notably are the Jotun (Jötnar in Norse mythology) that have been living in a mountain housing Yggdrasil. Later in the story there is a brief mention of a creature in Mexico named the Cueyatl, which are frog warriors in Aztec mythology. I just love these little details that Hostetler has thrown in here and I’m excited to see where he takes it.
The second thing that really stood out to me is how spiritual some of the conversations were that mainly took place with Salem. I don’t mean spiritual in the “spiritually religious” sense. Many of these mythological creatures have a deep connection to the Earth and Hostetler conveys this in their actions and conversations with Salem. There is one beautiful conversation Salem has with one of his instructors that explains the energy one can feel from all things and how to be aware of that energy and appreciate it. I really enjoyed reading that conversation and it’s not something I’ve ever found in a book - at least not to my memory. I know I’d easily be able to find something like this if I were actively seeking, but it’s not something that pops up in your typical YA fantasy. There was also a point where the Jotun were gathering plants and after they pulled them, they held the plants up to the sky. They were appreciating their connection to the Earth. I don’t know, I think part of why I loved this was just seeing all these different creatures from across the world feeling the same way about the Earth and seeing it in a YA story. It’s hard to explain.
So, the thing that really bothered me about this book, and what caused the most reduction in my rating, is the connection characters don’t have with each other. This especially goes for Salem because we are mostly following him on this new journey. Other characters we follow already have established relationships with the people around them prior to the story taking place - such as Fern with his crew, or Tristan with the Regulat. Salem boards this ship not knowing anyone, and somewhere in the story he has grown deep connections with everyone including his uncle, but… we don’t see this. I think we get one pretty deep conversation with Artichoke, but we only get surface level conversations that last maybe a page or two with everyone else throughout the story. At least, that’s how I feel they were. For example, Salem and Zee’s friendship is pretty much instantaneous. Now, this may be believable for children, but not for a fifteen-year-old. There’s usually some development before becoming as close as they seemed to be - especially when Salem is written to have social anxiety and mentions it a few times in the first few chapters. We also don’t get much interaction between him and his uncle, but by the end of this first book, Salem seems to love his uncle. I really hope going forward in this series, we see more deep conversations with Salem and other characters to actually develop these relationships because other than this major issue, this is an amazing story.
Thank you to Black Rose Writing and J.P. Hostetler for granting me access to this book in exchange for an honest review.
J.P. Hostetler’s Around Curiosity’s Edge: Hidden Meridians is the first book in what could be a very epic series. In this first book, we follow our main characters Salem after he has lost his mother in a fire and will now be in the care of his uncle he barely knows. This uncle lives on the peculiar ship, Curiosity, and Salem is whisked away on an adventure he never believed would be true. Mythical creatures are real and they’re being hunted to extinction, and the crew Salem is now a part of are trying to save what creatures they can by moving them to a place called The Fringe. When a baby of one of these mythical creatures is stolen, Salem is tasked with bringing the baby safely back to its family.
That is the straightforward synopsis of this story. In truth, Salem is only one of the many characters we follow in this story in the third person. We follow several characters randomly throughout the story, including two members of the Regulat (the bad guys of the story). This shift in perspectives is something that I think Hostetler does very well - especially with the character of Roach - and it adds more to these characters than what we get through their brief interactions with Salem. With the two characters in the Regulat, we are able to see just how brainwashed and corrupted this society is, and it makes you root for the heroes even more. Sometimes, the enemy is misguided, but in this case they are just - very much - up on their high horse. These are characters that are pretty much committing genocide on a daily basis and it’s disgusting. It’s also sad when I can relate these enemies in terms of our history or people I know in the real world that share a similar mindset. Hostetler writes these enemies very believably and I look forward to our heroes finally putting an end to them in a later book. Hopefully.
There are two things that I absolutely loved about this book. The first one being the different mythological creatures and their origins. Hostetler doesn’t focus on one type of mythology - he incorporates creatures from across the globe. Most notably are the Jotun (Jötnar in Norse mythology) that have been living in a mountain housing Yggdrasil. Later in the story there is a brief mention of a creature in Mexico named the Cueyatl, which are frog warriors in Aztec mythology. I just love these little details that Hostetler has thrown in here and I’m excited to see where he takes it.
The second thing that really stood out to me is how spiritual some of the conversations were that mainly took place with Salem. I don’t mean spiritual in the “spiritually religious” sense. Many of these mythological creatures have a deep connection to the Earth and Hostetler conveys this in their actions and conversations with Salem. There is one beautiful conversation Salem has with one of his instructors that explains the energy one can feel from all things and how to be aware of that energy and appreciate it. I really enjoyed reading that conversation and it’s not something I’ve ever found in a book - at least not to my memory. I know I’d easily be able to find something like this if I were actively seeking, but it’s not something that pops up in your typical YA fantasy. There was also a point where the Jotun were gathering plants and after they pulled them, they held the plants up to the sky. They were appreciating their connection to the Earth. I don’t know, I think part of why I loved this was just seeing all these different creatures from across the world feeling the same way about the Earth and seeing it in a YA story. It’s hard to explain.
So, the thing that really bothered me about this book, and what caused the most reduction in my rating, is the connection characters don’t have with each other. This especially goes for Salem because we are mostly following him on this new journey. Other characters we follow already have established relationships with the people around them prior to the story taking place - such as Fern with his crew, or Tristan with the Regulat. Salem boards this ship not knowing anyone, and somewhere in the story he has grown deep connections with everyone including his uncle, but… we don’t see this. I think we get one pretty deep conversation with Artichoke, but we only get surface level conversations that last maybe a page or two with everyone else throughout the story. At least, that’s how I feel they were. For example, Salem and Zee’s friendship is pretty much instantaneous. Now, this may be believable for children, but not for a fifteen-year-old. There’s usually some development before becoming as close as they seemed to be - especially when Salem is written to have social anxiety and mentions it a few times in the first few chapters. We also don’t get much interaction between him and his uncle, but by the end of this first book, Salem seems to love his uncle. I really hope going forward in this series, we see more deep conversations with Salem and other characters to actually develop these relationships because other than this major issue, this is an amazing story.
November 28, 2021
AROUND CURIOSITY’S EDGE: HIDDEN MERIDIANS by J.P. Hostetler is a YA Fantasy novel that begins with a deadly fire that orphans a young boy, Salem Swan. Soon after, he’s sent off to live with his uncle Ulysses, who has quite an unconventional life. Ulysses is a crew member on the ship Curiosity, and his main goal is to find living mythos creatures before the Regulat, a group that has decided that non-humans are a threat to society and must be exterminated. Both the Regulat and the mythos exist unbeknownst to most, especially Salem. Eventually, though, the Curiosity’s cause becomes Salem’s as he begins to uncover that he’s been close to the mission since the day he was born.
What is so excellent about this book is the wisdom stitched into the pages. There is so much kindness and excellent philosophical reminders as to what it really means to learn, how much better the world is with diversity, that people deserve the room to make mistakes and grow from them, and much more. The author does a great job at creating many metaphors for our current society but weaves those lessons in a way that readers may not have thought of before. Part of that has to do with how the setting is developed. It is both familiar and foreign. The world they are living in is technically our own, but much of the story exists in fictional places. Plus, some of the creatures themselves are ones we’ve heard of before, like gnomes and lightning bugs, while others are new, such as cinnamon birds. Because of this sense of both surprise and understanding, it helps place some of our major modern-day issues in a new point of view.
That being said, the character we’re following switches often, so I found the pacing to be choppy and confusing as a result. When I continued forward though, it always became clear later what was happening. Because of this structure, it reminded me a bit of GAME OF THRONES, but for a younger audience. Also like GOT, AROUND CURIOSITY’S EDGE is inventive and unique while invoking other famous tales as well. For instance, when the Curiosity went outside the Commons, it reminded me a bit of Peter Pan and going off to Never Never Land. In this case, Salem is Wendy. Again, the story is both reminiscent of ones from before, as well as being completely its own.
Overall, AROUND CURIOSITY’S EDGE: HIDDEN MERIDIANS is a beautiful tale that will spark important conversations, get us thinking, and most enjoyably, take us on an adventure.
Review originally published on YA Books Central: https://www.yabookscentral.com/yaindi...
What is so excellent about this book is the wisdom stitched into the pages. There is so much kindness and excellent philosophical reminders as to what it really means to learn, how much better the world is with diversity, that people deserve the room to make mistakes and grow from them, and much more. The author does a great job at creating many metaphors for our current society but weaves those lessons in a way that readers may not have thought of before. Part of that has to do with how the setting is developed. It is both familiar and foreign. The world they are living in is technically our own, but much of the story exists in fictional places. Plus, some of the creatures themselves are ones we’ve heard of before, like gnomes and lightning bugs, while others are new, such as cinnamon birds. Because of this sense of both surprise and understanding, it helps place some of our major modern-day issues in a new point of view.
That being said, the character we’re following switches often, so I found the pacing to be choppy and confusing as a result. When I continued forward though, it always became clear later what was happening. Because of this structure, it reminded me a bit of GAME OF THRONES, but for a younger audience. Also like GOT, AROUND CURIOSITY’S EDGE is inventive and unique while invoking other famous tales as well. For instance, when the Curiosity went outside the Commons, it reminded me a bit of Peter Pan and going off to Never Never Land. In this case, Salem is Wendy. Again, the story is both reminiscent of ones from before, as well as being completely its own.
Overall, AROUND CURIOSITY’S EDGE: HIDDEN MERIDIANS is a beautiful tale that will spark important conversations, get us thinking, and most enjoyably, take us on an adventure.
Review originally published on YA Books Central: https://www.yabookscentral.com/yaindi...
January 19, 2022
First of all, thank you for the giveaway copy! I'm sorry it took so long to get around to reading it.
I was really excited for this story; and even upon finishing it, I'm lamenting about what this book could have been. The story premise, while not new, is told in a unique manner; the characters are all likeable (or the love to hate type!) and the world building is solid. But there's some really big issues I have with this.
The first is grammatical and syntax errors, the likes of which I'm really surprised got past an editor. We're talking the wrong usage of 'their, there, and they're', half-finished sentences that make no sense when read, and others that seem like they were re-written halfway through and never fixed. If I had an ARC, I could look past these things... but as a fully published novel, it's kinda disappointing.
The other I'll put under a spoiler tag, and TW: Death of LGBTQ+ character.
I'm giving this book 3 stars because, despite my gripes with it, there IS a really interesting premise here, and I'm mourning the loss of a potential favourite series because it's lazily edited and... well, spoilers.
I was really excited for this story; and even upon finishing it, I'm lamenting about what this book could have been. The story premise, while not new, is told in a unique manner; the characters are all likeable (or the love to hate type!) and the world building is solid. But there's some really big issues I have with this.
The first is grammatical and syntax errors, the likes of which I'm really surprised got past an editor. We're talking the wrong usage of 'their, there, and they're', half-finished sentences that make no sense when read, and others that seem like they were re-written halfway through and never fixed. If I had an ARC, I could look past these things... but as a fully published novel, it's kinda disappointing.
The other I'll put under a spoiler tag, and TW: Death of LGBTQ+ character.
I'm giving this book 3 stars because, despite my gripes with it, there IS a really interesting premise here, and I'm mourning the loss of a potential favourite series because it's lazily edited and... well, spoilers.
June 14, 2021
Hidden Meridians is a fantasy fiction book written by J.P. Hostetler. The main protagonist of the book is Salem, who lives with her mother. His whole life is surrounded by her but one fine day tragedy strikes out and his mother died. The only family member left is his uncle Ulysses who lives on a ship. But soon he started realising many things in his life and about his father. You have to read the book to find it about.
The cover page of the book is very interesting with alluring illustrations. The title is also suitable for the book. The characters which are portrayed in the book are very different from each other. I love every character in the book, but my favourite is Aurora.
Everyone has their own essence and traits which make the plot entirely variant. The plot of the book is also very different and everything is mentioned in a detailed manner. The language of the book is simple and the narration is done in a very lucid manner.
There are many emotions and bonding which are described perfectly: friendship, bravery, mother-son etc. The adventures mentioned in the book are fun to read, I think I have to read second book as soon as possible. This is mainly the introduction of story and where the story is leading.
It contains many powerful quotes and theories etc. which are important in life lessons. Overall, I like the book and recommend it to all the people who love adventurous and fantasy fictions.
The cover page of the book is very interesting with alluring illustrations. The title is also suitable for the book. The characters which are portrayed in the book are very different from each other. I love every character in the book, but my favourite is Aurora.
Everyone has their own essence and traits which make the plot entirely variant. The plot of the book is also very different and everything is mentioned in a detailed manner. The language of the book is simple and the narration is done in a very lucid manner.
There are many emotions and bonding which are described perfectly: friendship, bravery, mother-son etc. The adventures mentioned in the book are fun to read, I think I have to read second book as soon as possible. This is mainly the introduction of story and where the story is leading.
It contains many powerful quotes and theories etc. which are important in life lessons. Overall, I like the book and recommend it to all the people who love adventurous and fantasy fictions.
June 15, 2021
This beautiful mystical and fantastic tale is the first installment in Hidden Meridians series. This book is based on a central theme which is "a hidden world waits, a dark society schemes, and a ship sails to protect that which cannot be lost". Looks interesting ryt?? It's actually really amazing , unique , interesting and engaging. This book is actually for middle grade to young adult but others can read as well and though it's a little bit big but it's fast paced so it can be easily completed within 1-2 days!! Story revolves around the main protagonist Salem Swan. He just knows 3 things one he misses his recently deceased mother, two his new guardian is his uncle Ulysses and three is that the boat which will now be his home is unlike anything he has ever seen. Salem starts to find truth about his long lost father , his distant uncle and the true nature of ship. To uncover the truth and to find his answers he enters a place of myth and legend, where fantastic creatures wage an ages-old war with a radical group bent on eliminating them forever. This book is full of mythology , mystical creatures and magical adventure. Writing is lucid and narration is great. Title is apt and cover page is enchanting. Overall a great read and highly recommended to fantasy readers!!
April 22, 2021
Hidden Meridians takes you on a magical sea journey to save a wild diversity of creatures. J.P. breathes fresh life into mythical creatures that have influenced people around the world for centuries. As several generations of individuals interact in various dynamics throughout the story, we discover their strengths, weaknesses and idiosyncrasies as they attempt to save the rich diversity of wildlife from the dark forces intent on pursuing their misguided concept of purity. A very suitable subject in our current world, J.P. illuminates how turmoil can exist a hairs-breath away from inspiration and dormant capabilities enlivened through challenge.
Reviewer: Nancy Ashmead, Author of The Seed Songs: Book One - New Moons
Reviewer: Nancy Ashmead, Author of The Seed Songs: Book One - New Moons
May 6, 2021
With riveting storytelling that transports the reader to a fantasy land where the wildest mythology comes to life, ACE Hidden Meridians, is a beautiful saga of coming of age, friendship and adventure. It is easy to get invested in the rich storyline, woven with lore, and filled with an eclectic and eccentric ensemble of characters. The book delicately explores themes of home, loss and acceptance, and leaves the reader a fair bit wiser for having read it.
Eagerly waiting to see how this magical saga further unfolds in Book 2!
Eagerly waiting to see how this magical saga further unfolds in Book 2!
August 13, 2021
I don't like to read books that don't end
I don't mind reading series books ..but I hate cliffhangers. I prefer they are stand alone...
Salem is a great character ... He's young and confused ... He doesn't know everything... He's not an obnoxious know it all... This gives him a lot of room to grow and develop..
Though other characters full in the gaps nicely ...
The story feels original... Not a copy of every other book since Harry Potter
I did like the story but hate being forced to purchase another book to read the outcome
I don't mind reading series books ..but I hate cliffhangers. I prefer they are stand alone...
Salem is a great character ... He's young and confused ... He doesn't know everything... He's not an obnoxious know it all... This gives him a lot of room to grow and develop..
Though other characters full in the gaps nicely ...
The story feels original... Not a copy of every other book since Harry Potter
I did like the story but hate being forced to purchase another book to read the outcome
January 31, 2022
so this book gave me Percy Jackson vibes when I read the synopsis. A boy (Salem) who is suddenly orphaned, sent to live with his only relative, his mothers brother, but he works on a ship. what he doesn't disclose is that he goes around sorting out magical and mythical creatures, sorting out any problems they have.
The main and only problem I had with this book, is that its JUST TOO LONG! almost 400 pages for a first-in-a-series children's book seems excessive to me. but what it does have is friendship, found family and just a general togetherness that pleases me enormously
The main and only problem I had with this book, is that its JUST TOO LONG! almost 400 pages for a first-in-a-series children's book seems excessive to me. but what it does have is friendship, found family and just a general togetherness that pleases me enormously
June 4, 2021
I enjoy novels set in a creative world, and this is certainly one. J.P. Hostetler’s novel is an exciting vision of another world. A young man needs to overcome his self-doubt, challenge his personal insecurities, and rise to become a hero. Hostetler blends fantasy and reality to create a world where the fate of all existence hangs in the balance. If you like YA fantasy novels, you’ll enjoy Around Curiosity’s Edge: Hidden Meridians. Read it!
July 27, 2021
I really enjoyed reading this book! Each character I encountered was interesting and I found myself wanting to know more about these people and the tales they told. On the surface the book is a wonderful adventure story with magical creatures and lots of "curious" characters. Dig a little deeper and the various subplots are easily related to our society today. Whether you are young or old, everyone can enjoy this book!
September 1, 2021
I really liked this book. I know a lot of mythology creatures but there were some in here even I’ve never heard of. The beginning was a bit slow, I think probably due to a lack of dialogue but once I got into it it was really interesting. My favorite character was Aurora and I’d love to see her in future books. I do wish the climax had been a little longer but overall I had fun reading this book and I can’t wait to read the next installment.
July 1, 2021
I got this book as a giveaway. I really liked this book. The characters were engaging and well written and the storyline was fun and fast paced. I'd recommend this book to anyone who enjoys mythology, adventure novels written for young adults.
December 11, 2022
A beautiful book that immerses the reader in it fully. It brings me back to why I love reading-I can be stressed and immediately find an escape in this world. The characters are nuanced and surprisingly hilarious. I can’t wait to read the second book in the series!
June 11, 2021
Good book
It was a good book. I recommend the book to everyone who wants to read the book. Very good story
It was a good book. I recommend the book to everyone who wants to read the book. Very good story
August 4, 2021
I really enjoyed reading! The descriptions of the places and characters are done in a way that makes it easy to picture vividly. I am looking forward to the next book!
January 2, 2022
I really enjoyed this story. It was hard to put down. But life, ya know? Gotta sleep, work, hike. Great story
did-not-finish
July 20, 2021DNF at 25% (Temporary)
DNF rating: 3/5 (If I'd finished, I probably would have rated this anywhere from 2.5 to 3.5.)
The cover art and premise are really good. Up until 25%, I was mildly interested in the plot. The main character Salem is also quite endearing. I just wasn't invested enough in the story to continue. The writing, while not terrible, is not to my taste either. I found that there were more similes than I cared for. I also didn't like the jarring POV switches. I might still give this a shot in the future.
DNF rating: 3/5 (If I'd finished, I probably would have rated this anywhere from 2.5 to 3.5.)
The cover art and premise are really good. Up until 25%, I was mildly interested in the plot. The main character Salem is also quite endearing. I just wasn't invested enough in the story to continue. The writing, while not terrible, is not to my taste either. I found that there were more similes than I cared for. I also didn't like the jarring POV switches. I might still give this a shot in the future.
September 28, 2021
There's a world a' wonder out there to protect. People are forgetting about the Fringe, and it's up to us to help them remember.
Hidden Meridians takes you to the edge of the Earth and back again on a seafaring adventure filled with secrets, action, and the growth of friendship. Hostetler has a gift for pacing and prose, and has delivered an exciting start to a series that advocates for inclusion and equality for all - from the slowest sloth to the tallest giant, and I can't wait for more.
Hidden Meridians takes you to the edge of the Earth and back again on a seafaring adventure filled with secrets, action, and the growth of friendship. Hostetler has a gift for pacing and prose, and has delivered an exciting start to a series that advocates for inclusion and equality for all - from the slowest sloth to the tallest giant, and I can't wait for more.
May 23, 2021
Fascinating reading!
I highly recommend this book for anyone. This wonderful story can be approached at many levels. At the surface, it’s a story with fantasy creatures and good and evil…. Take it a bit further, and the layers begin to reveal themselves like the story itself, and you see the universal struggle of “power over” against compassion.
I highly recommend this book for anyone. This wonderful story can be approached at many levels. At the surface, it’s a story with fantasy creatures and good and evil…. Take it a bit further, and the layers begin to reveal themselves like the story itself, and you see the universal struggle of “power over” against compassion.
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