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Tarja Titan: A Terrian Chronicles Novel

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Abused and neglected for nearly a decade, Tarja Titan always longed for a home… …But she didn’t anticipate the reception she’d receive upon her return to a world she thought only existed in fiction For starters, everyone in Elemental Society knows her name. Even if she has no recollection as to why. For another, she’s going to a university to hone a rare supernatural ability, or abilities, she’s never heard of. Everywhere Tarja goes and everyone she speaks to, new secrets emerge. Like the fact she was murdered as a child and somehow here she is, as alive and well as her new classmates. And this school has more secrets than Tarja could imagine. It has hidden rooms, corridors, and yeah, resident spirits love hanging out here. And they’re not shy about sharing a few stories. Even if her newly-discovered godbrother is. Calling all fans of E.E. Holmes’ World of the Gateway and Carissa Andrews’ The Windhaven Witches. If you like strong heroines, elemental magic, complex plots, and young adult fiction, or better yet YA+, given the more mature subject matter, you will fall in love with Tarja Titan.

230 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 28, 2022

1 person is currently reading
5 people want to read

About the author

T.C. Marti

18 books22 followers
After spending years devouring the works of J.K. Rowling, George Lucas, and the greatest thinkers in history, TC Marti fuses his imagination with Libertarian themes in his shared universe, the Renegades Epic. Be sure to follow TC on BookBub to catch new releases and sales https://bit.ly/46sKmUH.

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4 (22%)
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3 (16%)
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
Profile Image for Sophie Narey (Bookreview- aholic) .
1,062 reviews128 followers
February 14, 2022
This is a paranormal book , but it isn't like one I've read before.

In this book we meet Tarja Titan , she doesn't remember her past , why everyone knows her name, everywhere she goes new secrets and truths creep out of the woodwork. Everyone she talks to seems to know a different secret about her. Even the school building has its secrets and its spirits that are roaming the corridors.

If you are a fan of paranormal books with some magic , mystery and a strong female lead then this might be the read for you. The cover immediately draws you in but the storyline and the way the author develops the characters throughout the book keeps you going back for more
Profile Image for 2manybooks2littletime.
430 reviews58 followers
February 17, 2022
The cover of this really drew me in and Tarja is such a beautiful, strong character as she is depicted on the cover. I really thought that I would like this and I really wanted to love this. Unfortunately, it just didn’t resonate with me. BUT - I am confident that a majority of you fantasy-loving readers are going to absolutely love this book and the continuation of the entire series.

Tarja Titan is a little bit Cinderella meets Harry Potter. I did feel like there were many similarities to the Harry Potter series. I did like how all of the real world occurrences are intertwined throughout the fictional story- likes wars, the pandemic, etc.

Overall, it was a miss for me, but I did see the positive aspects of the story and as I said previously, I know that SO many of you will LOVE this one, so don’t hesitate to get ahold of it right away!
Profile Image for Sarah Madden.
108 reviews3 followers
February 24, 2022
The cover is very striking and drew me in straight away. I liked the elemental school and how it’s for college age people. While I struggled a bit with this book, I can see why others would love it. If you like intrigue, strong friendships and chosen ones then this may be the story for you. This book gives strong Harry Potter vibes.
Profile Image for W.A. Stanley.
203 reviews24 followers
May 4, 2022
I received an advance reader copy of Tarja Titan for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

In the author notes, TC Marti comments on how his Elementals Universe takes inspiration from the Marvel Cinematic Universe, with its array of interconnected stories and series that you can pick and choose from, rather than needing to follow everything. One difference between these universes, though, is that this Elementals Universe includes more variety in the types of stories it tells than the MCU.

Unlike the Elementals of Nordica and Chronicles of Rondue novels, Tarja Titan is set on Earth, in a story that broadly fits within the YA genre (though, I note it includes themes like abuse, and without spoiling anything, the protagonist's powers have a dark source to them).

Aside from the themes, Tarja Titan is reminiscent of Harry Potter. Tarja lives a difficult life before receiving a letter inviting her to a school for individuals with power, learns that in within this newfound world, she has more money than she could imagine, and she starts school to learn she is a celebrity thanks to her mysterious past. This may be familiar territory, but the author uses it to craft an engaging world.

As entertaining as all this is, the real world aspects didn't work for me as well as the rest of the book. The efforts to seep the story in realism didn't work as much as the fantastical elements. I appreciate the author linking in real world issues like COVID-19, but would have preferred it if the book didn't build a conspiracy around this.

As the book enters its second act, I had all but forgotten my issues. As the revelation about Tarja's history comes into play, the story moves at a wonderful pace. It is packed with interesting moments, and at various points, this is up there with his most entertaining work.

This is one of the shorter books in the author's Elementals Universe, but it still takes the time to build and pay off its mysteries, providing great characters and casting an intriguing plot. Despite the length, it fits a lot in, and does so in a way that does not feel at all rushed.

The characters in Tarja Titan are all wonderful. Each is distinct with their own voice, and comes fully formed. Their dialogue is among the best this author has written.

While this is part of an interconnected universe, it stands alone beautifully. It stands well enough alone that new readers can follow this world perfectly, while also ensuring those who have kept up with the universe don't feel like old ground is being rehashed.

If you're a Harry Potter or YA fan, I truly recommend this. I also recommend it to anyone who's a fan of the Elementals Universe. Despite some reservations about the real world content, it remains a thoroughly entertaining read.

My full review will be available on my website from Wednesday, 11 May 2022. To read it (as well as my thoughts about the rest of the Elementals Universe and a ton of other books), click here.
Profile Image for Shey Saints.
Author 2 books49 followers
July 21, 2022
Summary

Tarja Titan is a speculative fiction novel by TC Marti, and the first book to the Terrian Chronicles. The story revolves around Tarja who has been abused and neglected for nearly a decade and doesn't feel a sense of belonging. She doesn't remember anything before 2012. Then, she is rescued by her godbrother from her abusive father and stepmother and takes her to a school for Elementals where she has to learn to use her powers and get her memories back. To her surprise, everyone in the Elemental society knows her name, but she doesn't know why. As she gets to know everyone, she uncovers secrets than she could ever imagine. With the help of Ray Fitzgerald, University President and head of the Spirit Department at Celestial University, along with her roommates, Tarja Titan must fight the inevitable.

Review

This book reminds me of a lot of things that makes me feel nostalgic in reading it. But mostly, it reminds me of Harry Potter. It had an instant pull that hooked me from start to finish, so I read this in just one day! Seven hours and 20 minutes straight! Or I guess with some trip to the bathroom whenever necessary.

I'm guessing the author is a fan of Blackpink. Shyla's reaction to Tarja when she saw her was described as if she saw Jennie beckoning her to sing with the group on stage with the rest of the members, Jisoo, Lisa, and Rose. I have never thought in my life that a K-Pop group would be referenced in a book. I'm not a fan, but still...it was quite amusing. Especially because my son has a crush on these girls.

Overall, I’m giving this book 5 out of 5 stars for its strong characters, highly imaginative and complex plot, a main lead that everyone will love, and issues that young adults will be able to relate with. I highly recommend this book to young adults and adults who are into elemental magic.
Profile Image for Anthony.
Author 29 books200 followers
July 10, 2022
The Review

Immediately, from the book’s first pages, I was struck by the idea that this book was a cross between Cinderella, The Magicians, and A conspiracy thriller! The unique world-building and mythos were complimented by the author’s ability to capture the heart of the narrative and highlight the complex reality of life, showing that things are not always about good vs evil, but are far more often found in the shades of grey that surround us all.

The magic, abilities, and setting of the story in this alternative history of our own world were a great vehicle for the author’s incredible character development. Tarja Titan was a brilliant protagonist, becoming the heart and soul of the story and representing the outsider who would become pivotal to a centuries-long battle so ideally. I loved her relationship with Braden Hawk, her godbrother who saves her from the torment she was living in to start of the novel. The mystery surrounding her backstory and the events that brought her such infamy among Elemental society was so fun and engaging to dive into, and the author’s pacing was perfect for bringing this part of her story to life at just the right speed.

The Verdict

Captivating, entertaining, and mind-blowing, author TC Marti’s “Tarja Titan: A Terrian Chronicles Novel” is the perfect first chapter in a brand new metaphysical and magical realism alt-history series. The mixture of mystery, suspense, magic, school life, and shadowy organizations was amazing to see unfold on the pages of this book, and the shocking twist ending that leaves other character’s fates hanging in the balance will drive readers back into the series and eager to read book two.
Profile Image for Nancy (The Avid Reader).
3,089 reviews131 followers
April 25, 2022
Tarja Titan is a bit of a Cinderella story. Tarja grew up in a home quite similar to Cinderella’s with an evil and abusive dad. Until the day her brother came to her rescue. He came in and whisked her away to a school where she could learn about her ability and meet others with abilities like hers or similar. Abilities she had never heard of.

After arriving at this school a lot of secrets about Tarja and her past come out. It puzzles her to no end why so many of the students and faculty members at the school seem to know her name. They seem to know more about her than she does herself.

Tarja learns that she was killed as a child but here she stands alive and well. How can that be? She also learns that the school has a lot of secrets that it is holding on to as well. Ghost wonder the hallways talking to Tarja every chance they get.

Tarja Titan is filled with magic, suspense, and enough secrets to hold your interest from beginning to end. The world-building is so amazing you feel as if you are right there on the scene experiencing everything as the characters do. I loved seeing everyone using their abilities or maybe more like learning how to control them.

Tarja is a strong and lovable character who tries her best to be friends with everyone or at least she gives them a chance. She at least tries to get to know a person before tossing them aside. She is not the type of person to compare them to their parents or other family members and decide that they must be just like them because they carry their DNA.

I can’t wait to read more about this magical world The Terrian Chronicles. I can’t wait to see whose story we get to read next. I would like to read more about Tarja, Liza, Braden all the other elementals to see where their lives and world lead them.

If you are a big fan of Carissa Andrews like I am then I suggest you grab a copy of Tarja Titan today and step into a world filled with magic. Tarja Titan would be a great read for fans of Harry Potter and Avatar: The Last Airbender as well.
Profile Image for Misty A Holder.
26 reviews
October 3, 2022
Great phenomenal read. Absolutely loved it. Character growth was awesome and kept you wanting to read
Profile Image for Amys Bookshelf Reviews.
884 reviews70 followers
February 28, 2022
A remarkable paranormal story!!

What a remarkable story in Tarja Titan by TC Marti. I have just become a big fan of this author! Whatever this author writes, I will read. I really like Tarja, and in the beginning, the reader learns a bit about her, and what people around her think of her, and how she is treated. At first, it reminds me of how Cinderella was treated, and of course, Tarja is different, so that lends to her being plied with medication. Tarja has a gift where everyone around her thinks she's out of her mind, or just doesn't want to try to explain the unexplainable. The story brings in the believable, even if almost impossible. This book deserves a second read! (and maybe more). It is a very well-written plot, and I enjoyed it. It’s definitely un-put-downable! Not only is Tarja, herself, a gift, and has a great (or more) gifts, she is often abused. She is definitely in trouble, but only because of her family, not her so-called hallucinations. It's a raw and dramatic story, that shows that different doesn't mean mental illness. Then insert Tarja's guardians, and it goes magnificently from there. "“Janet,” I stand, running a finger down my sword flat, “here’s how this is going to play out. Either you tell me why Tarja had to resort to spirits destroying the house, a Summoning by the looks of it, or I’m going to conjure a tornado from my sword tip and rip this house off its freaking foundation. Take your pick.” Between third and first person, the story is masterfully written! I can't wait for what will happen next. Tarja is definitely an unforgettable character. Tarja Titan is a definite recommendation by Amy's Bookshelf Reviews. I look forward to reading many more books by this author.
859 reviews4 followers
March 31, 2022
I have read many books written by this author and, in all frankness, this is one of the best that I have read so far. Tarja Titan is a modern day Cinderella where she is abused physically and mentally by her adoptive parents and siblings. She is "Existing" on prescribed medication by a Quack who does not understand that she is very special because she has a gift. When push comes to shove, she goes ballistic against her parasite adoptive mother who, along with her stepsisters, has thrown her down a flight of stairs because she talked back. In other words, the dingbat is a candidate for mother of the year material. Right!!!. In comes Braden Hawk, her God brother who is the son of her adoptive father and is a sentinel Commander with the Elementals of planet Earth. This is only the beginning. The book is very well written, the plot is captivating, in a paranormal environment, and the author masterfully uses his gift to literally transport the reader in the Elemental world but also invites the reader, by his vivid description of Tarja's special gifts and powers as well as the raw emotions that she shares with her roommates, her God brother and the University Idiot Miss Popular Squad (Another name for Bullies), to experience the same emotions. I highly recommend this book as IT IS THE BEST BOOK that I have had the privilege to read in 2022. I look forward to reading the sequel.
Profile Image for Sentinelle23.
2,030 reviews33 followers
October 4, 2022
♥️🧡💜 Great surprise !!

Since the age of ten, Tarja has seen things that others could not.

The doctors had given her lots of medicine to cure her symptoms.

But despite everything, the hallucinations haunted her with her worst nightmares...

-------------

A very nice surprise for this original and action-packed Fantasy/young adult novel.

I really liked the successful main character of Tarja, very endearing, as well as the secondary characters, their many interactions, and the mysterious and elaborate plot of the novel.

The universe of the book is rather complex and original.
Certain terms used have remained an enigma for me. But the reading remained pleasant and captivating.

I recommend this surprising Fantasy/youth reading, to discover absolutely for fans of the genre.
266 reviews6 followers
December 31, 2022
⭐⭐.5
So I'll be honest I'm not sure how to review this book as although overall I enjoyed the book and found the story interesting and all the characters where really likeable there where a few things that didn't quite sit right. I feel it may have made more sense if Tarja and Braden where maybe cousins or siblings rather than Godsiblings this just seemed bit of a strange connection (that must just be me though!) It also seemed the book was very heavily influenced by another famous series to the extent that the same things happened but the characters and setting had just slightly changed. Despite this I did still enjoy it and will likely read the rest of the series once released
Profile Image for Leah.
243 reviews11 followers
February 22, 2022
What an extremely gripping book!

I was so captivated by everything within this story I could not put it down. I love Tarja's story and did notnsee the twist at the beginning coming. She really was like a fantasy cinderella carrying out all of the jobs her step mother wanted her to do.

Everything about Tarja was extremely interesting and I had to read more. The fantasy behind this book was extremely thought out and I loved all of the elements as well as the other characters. Especially Braden.

I cannot wait to see where this series goes!
Profile Image for enjoyingbooksagain.
796 reviews72 followers
March 22, 2022
To sum this story up it has paranormal, magic and a bit of a Harry Potter feel and yes a strong women character. I think fantasy lovers and Harry Potter fans will find this book could be for them. I have to mention this books cover I seen it and it drew me in.

Merged review:

To sum this story up it has paranormal, magic and a bit of a Harry Potter feel and yes a strong women character. I think fantasy lovers and Harry Potter fans will find this book could be for them. I have to mention this books cover I seen it and it drew me in.
249 reviews1 follower
March 5, 2022
Lots of suspense and questions

Tarja Titan has lost years of her memories and has been living with her abusive father and stepmother. Her god brother comes to her rescue and takes her to a school for Elementals. She has to train and read to find her powers and start remembering. With the help of her roommates and the president of the university she has to battle a terrifying evil. I definitely recommend this book.
12.7k reviews189 followers
March 1, 2022
Absolutely fantastic. Plenty of magic and intrigue. School isn’t always what it seems to be, especially with secrets and strange things happening. Binge worthy.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews

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