What do you think?
Rate this book
Root: Spirit Era Book 1
Seven teenagers. Seven chakras. Seven keys to save humanity.
In 2035, fifteen-year-old Rae, an orphan, has chosen silence. Or perhaps silence has chosen her. After the sudden death of her father, she has lost her ability to speak.
But that is the least of her problems. An elusive genius known as the Keeper has created an advanced AI program—Spirit Era—that predicts the world will end in two years without massive human intervention. The solution? Seven teenage volunteers who must work together to prevent this doomsday. Despite her reluctance to apply, Rae is selected, along with six other teens from the four corners of the world, to save humanity.
Spirit Era has designed seven Mantras, virtual reality worlds revealing the seven most likely apocalyptic disasters. Within these Mantras are concealed seven keys that will unlock humanity’s potential to stand in the way of planetary destruction and fight for the future of the world. The seven chosen ones—quiet Rae, hotheaded Chayton, sensual Helen, quick-witted Ali, gentle Keiji, intense Alpha, and reserved Stepan—must journey into these worlds to find the keys.
Root, the first book in this gripping saga, follows the seven into a hyperrealistic simulation of the not-too-distant future, where the rich have seized control of the world’s resources following a global famine triggered by a devastating loss of biodiversity. In order to escape this possible future, the seven must join together and use all their powers to find the key—and survive the simulation.
Two years left until the end of the world. The countdown begins . . .
In 2035, fifteen-year-old Rae, an orphan, has chosen silence. Or perhaps silence has chosen her. After the sudden death of her father, she has lost her ability to speak.
But that is the least of her problems. An elusive genius known as the Keeper has created an advanced AI program—Spirit Era—that predicts the world will end in two years without massive human intervention. The solution? Seven teenage volunteers who must work together to prevent this doomsday. Despite her reluctance to apply, Rae is selected, along with six other teens from the four corners of the world, to save humanity.
Spirit Era has designed seven Mantras, virtual reality worlds revealing the seven most likely apocalyptic disasters. Within these Mantras are concealed seven keys that will unlock humanity’s potential to stand in the way of planetary destruction and fight for the future of the world. The seven chosen ones—quiet Rae, hotheaded Chayton, sensual Helen, quick-witted Ali, gentle Keiji, intense Alpha, and reserved Stepan—must journey into these worlds to find the keys.
Root, the first book in this gripping saga, follows the seven into a hyperrealistic simulation of the not-too-distant future, where the rich have seized control of the world’s resources following a global famine triggered by a devastating loss of biodiversity. In order to escape this possible future, the seven must join together and use all their powers to find the key—and survive the simulation.
Two years left until the end of the world. The countdown begins . . .
- GenresDystopiaScience Fiction
432 pages, Paperback
Published January 31, 2023
5 people are currently reading
2001 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
January 29, 2023
✨Dystopian
✨AI simulations
✨Chakras
This is such an interesting concept! I love books like this that address the issues of the world and have a countdown and a selection of talented people to try to save the world. The testing simulation was very interesting and all the complicated society woven in there. I can totally see that as a possible outcome to our current social trajectory. This is the first in a series. Excited to see what happens next!
Thank you to the author and netgalley for the e-ARC for my honest and voluntary review.
✨AI simulations
✨Chakras
This is such an interesting concept! I love books like this that address the issues of the world and have a countdown and a selection of talented people to try to save the world. The testing simulation was very interesting and all the complicated society woven in there. I can totally see that as a possible outcome to our current social trajectory. This is the first in a series. Excited to see what happens next!
Thank you to the author and netgalley for the e-ARC for my honest and voluntary review.
November 16, 2022
First up, I was provided with an ARC with thanks to NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for my non biased review. We as readers follow from the perspective of Rae, a teen girl with a cool haircut who has lost the ability to speak. Through her we experience many thing such as wild heart touching (and heart breaking) adventures in multiple worlds to learning about the other well fleshed out ‘main’ characters and their unique situations, and how they have been thrown together in order to help save Earth from a world ending cataclysm predicted by an AI algorithm. We get the chance to fall for many minor characters too, all with their own unique quirks. The fact the Rae cannot talk doesn’t affect the dialogue or story at all for me which I take as a good sign of a well written character.
I feel this book would be greatly enjoyed by young teens and seems to be aimed at that audience although it does deal with some very serious and adult topics (though with a fairly light hand). I still very much enjoyed it as an adult reader though!
As with most books that I choose to read, I was taken in by the blurb. I admit that did go into it warily, it seemed to touch on a few new age type subjects and I’m forever the skeptic. Those things are dealt to readers like me with lightly though, and my interest as an environmentalist and a tech nerd were well satisfied with how the author deals with all the multiple subjects meshing together.
I read the English version, I believe the original manuscript was written in French. No doubt things get lost or altered in translation but I felt it was a good translation even though I didn’t original or finalised English book due to reading an ARC.
I really hope this series continues on, I throughly enjoyed it and would recommend it to anyone looking for an easy but very enjoyable sci fi/fantasy read.
I feel this book would be greatly enjoyed by young teens and seems to be aimed at that audience although it does deal with some very serious and adult topics (though with a fairly light hand). I still very much enjoyed it as an adult reader though!
As with most books that I choose to read, I was taken in by the blurb. I admit that did go into it warily, it seemed to touch on a few new age type subjects and I’m forever the skeptic. Those things are dealt to readers like me with lightly though, and my interest as an environmentalist and a tech nerd were well satisfied with how the author deals with all the multiple subjects meshing together.
I read the English version, I believe the original manuscript was written in French. No doubt things get lost or altered in translation but I felt it was a good translation even though I didn’t original or finalised English book due to reading an ARC.
I really hope this series continues on, I throughly enjoyed it and would recommend it to anyone looking for an easy but very enjoyable sci fi/fantasy read.
November 22, 2022
Root is the perfect title for this book. I had trouble getting into at first, but as I continued, the characters really started to burrow into my brain and I got attached. The concept is super interesting, and the execution plot-wise was really well-done. It relies on suspension of disbelief, but no more than in recent YA dystopian. Very interesting fusion of sci-fi and new age ideas. The prose is where I had more trouble, as it was disjointed and relied too heavily on cliches. However, this is the English language debut for this author so I think that this can really improve in further books.
ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
November 9, 2022
J’ai connu Aurélie Benattar avec Luna Viva (mon avis ICI) que j’avais beaucoup aimé. Quand elle m’a proposé de découvrir le premier tome de cette série, je n’ai pas hésité longtemps après avoir lu son résumé.
La fin du monde a été prédite par un logiciel sur lequel travail un homme mystérieux depuis des décennies. Il a aussi trouvé un moyen d’y remédier, mais pour cela il a besoin de 7 volontaires, qui iront chercher 7 clefs dans un monde virtuel.
J’ai vraiment beaucoup aimé ce livre et l’univers virtuelle créé par l’autrice. Même si l’idée que la fin du monde soit dans moins de 15 ans fasse grave flipper (c’est mon côté jeun’s qui ressort là), la façon de le thème est abordé n’est certes pas original, mais c’est la façon de le faire qui l’est.
Beaucoup de livre jeunesse abordent le fait que le monde n’en a plus pour longtemps. Mais ils n’ont pas tous la même manière de nous donner un chemin à suivre pour nous sauver. Ici cela passe par des clefs à chercher dans un monde virtuel.
Je dois vous avouer que le côté technique m’a souvent perdu. Que je n’ai pas toujours compris comment tout fonctionnait, mais cela n’a pas gêné ma lecture. L’intérêt était ailleurs. J’en ai beaucoup appris sur les chakras et cela m’a passionné, je pense que je vais continuer mon exploration de ce côté là. Je me suis aussi beaucoup laissée porter par l’intrigue et j’ai avaler les dernières 150 pages d’une traite.
Les personnages m’ont beaucoup plus. Chacun est différent, on sent des passés omniprésents qu’on découvre petit à petit. Je sens que les tomes suivants ne manqueront pas de révélations sur le sujet.
J’ai vraiment hâte de découvrir la suite de leur quête, de les voir grandir et de suivre leurs aventures.
https://mutietseslivres.com/2022/11/0...
La fin du monde a été prédite par un logiciel sur lequel travail un homme mystérieux depuis des décennies. Il a aussi trouvé un moyen d’y remédier, mais pour cela il a besoin de 7 volontaires, qui iront chercher 7 clefs dans un monde virtuel.
J’ai vraiment beaucoup aimé ce livre et l’univers virtuelle créé par l’autrice. Même si l’idée que la fin du monde soit dans moins de 15 ans fasse grave flipper (c’est mon côté jeun’s qui ressort là), la façon de le thème est abordé n’est certes pas original, mais c’est la façon de le faire qui l’est.
Beaucoup de livre jeunesse abordent le fait que le monde n’en a plus pour longtemps. Mais ils n’ont pas tous la même manière de nous donner un chemin à suivre pour nous sauver. Ici cela passe par des clefs à chercher dans un monde virtuel.
Je dois vous avouer que le côté technique m’a souvent perdu. Que je n’ai pas toujours compris comment tout fonctionnait, mais cela n’a pas gêné ma lecture. L’intérêt était ailleurs. J’en ai beaucoup appris sur les chakras et cela m’a passionné, je pense que je vais continuer mon exploration de ce côté là. Je me suis aussi beaucoup laissée porter par l’intrigue et j’ai avaler les dernières 150 pages d’une traite.
Les personnages m’ont beaucoup plus. Chacun est différent, on sent des passés omniprésents qu’on découvre petit à petit. Je sens que les tomes suivants ne manqueront pas de révélations sur le sujet.
J’ai vraiment hâte de découvrir la suite de leur quête, de les voir grandir et de suivre leurs aventures.
https://mutietseslivres.com/2022/11/0...
September 21, 2023
Spirit Root, the first installment of a captivating young adult series, embarks readers on a thrilling adventure into a dystopian future where the fate of humanity hangs in the balance. This thought-provoking narrative, written by Aurélie Benattar, takes us on a journey through time and chakras as seven teenagers are tasked with saving the world from impending doom.
Set in the year 2035, the story revolves around fifteen-year-old Rae, a mute orphan who has chosen silence as a result of the sudden loss of her father. Rae's personal struggle with silence becomes insignificant when she is thrust into a world-altering crisis. An enigmatic genius known as the Keeper has developed an advanced AI program named Spirit Era, which predicts the imminent end of the world unless drastic measures are taken. This sets the stage for a unique and intriguing plot that explores the convergence of technology and spirituality.
The heart of Spirit Root lies in its concept of seven chakras, seven teenagers, and seven keys to save humanity. Rae, despite her initial reluctance, is chosen as one of the seven teenage volunteers from different corners of the globe to undertake a mission of unparalleled importance. Each teenager represents a distinct personality and possesses a unique set of qualities. Rae, along with hotheaded Chayton, sensual Helen, quick-witted Ali, gentle Keiji, intense Alpha, and reserved Stepan, embarks on a journey that transcends the boundaries of reality.
Spirit Era introduces the concept of seven Mantras, which are virtual reality worlds that simulate the seven most likely apocalyptic disasters. Hidden within these Mantras are seven keys that hold the potential to avert planetary destruction and secure the future of humanity. The seven chosen ones must navigate these hyperrealistic simulations, each fraught with its own set of challenges, to find the elusive keys.
In Spirit Root, readers are taken into the first Mantra, "Root," a chilling depiction of a not-too-distant future. In this simulated world, the global famine triggered by a loss of biodiversity has led to a stark division between the wealthy elite and the struggling masses. To escape this grim vision of the future, the seven teenagers must band together, utilizing their individual powers and talents to not only find the key but also to survive the treacherous simulation.
One of the strengths of Spirit Root lies in its character development. Each of the seven chosen ones is carefully crafted with distinct personalities, strengths, and vulnerabilities, making them relatable and endearing to readers. The dynamic between the characters is both heartwarming and complex, as they learn to trust and rely on one another in the face of overwhelming odds.
The world-building in Spirit Root is another standout aspect of the book. The vivid descriptions of the Mantras and the dystopian future are immersive, allowing readers to fully engage with the story's setting. The integration of spirituality, technology, and environmental themes adds depth and complexity to the narrative, making it a thought-provoking read.
As the countdown to the world's end looms large, Spirit Root masterfully builds suspense and keeps readers on the edge of their seats. The intricate plot, well-developed characters, and the blend of science fiction and spiritual elements make this book a compelling page-turner.
However, some readers might find the pace of the story slow at times, especially in the early chapters. Additionally, while the characters are relatable and interesting, there are moments when their actions and reactions feel slightly predictable.
In conclusion, Spirit Root is a captivating start to what promises to be an enthralling series. With its imaginative premise, well-crafted characters, and exploration of themes relevant to our own world, this book offers a thought-provoking and thrilling reading experience. As the countdown to doomsday continues, readers will eagerly await the next installment to see if the seven teenagers can unlock humanity's potential and secure the future of the world.
Highly recommended for Sci-Fi Dystopian readers! My teenage self would've gobbled this book up and begged for more!
Set in the year 2035, the story revolves around fifteen-year-old Rae, a mute orphan who has chosen silence as a result of the sudden loss of her father. Rae's personal struggle with silence becomes insignificant when she is thrust into a world-altering crisis. An enigmatic genius known as the Keeper has developed an advanced AI program named Spirit Era, which predicts the imminent end of the world unless drastic measures are taken. This sets the stage for a unique and intriguing plot that explores the convergence of technology and spirituality.
The heart of Spirit Root lies in its concept of seven chakras, seven teenagers, and seven keys to save humanity. Rae, despite her initial reluctance, is chosen as one of the seven teenage volunteers from different corners of the globe to undertake a mission of unparalleled importance. Each teenager represents a distinct personality and possesses a unique set of qualities. Rae, along with hotheaded Chayton, sensual Helen, quick-witted Ali, gentle Keiji, intense Alpha, and reserved Stepan, embarks on a journey that transcends the boundaries of reality.
Spirit Era introduces the concept of seven Mantras, which are virtual reality worlds that simulate the seven most likely apocalyptic disasters. Hidden within these Mantras are seven keys that hold the potential to avert planetary destruction and secure the future of humanity. The seven chosen ones must navigate these hyperrealistic simulations, each fraught with its own set of challenges, to find the elusive keys.
In Spirit Root, readers are taken into the first Mantra, "Root," a chilling depiction of a not-too-distant future. In this simulated world, the global famine triggered by a loss of biodiversity has led to a stark division between the wealthy elite and the struggling masses. To escape this grim vision of the future, the seven teenagers must band together, utilizing their individual powers and talents to not only find the key but also to survive the treacherous simulation.
One of the strengths of Spirit Root lies in its character development. Each of the seven chosen ones is carefully crafted with distinct personalities, strengths, and vulnerabilities, making them relatable and endearing to readers. The dynamic between the characters is both heartwarming and complex, as they learn to trust and rely on one another in the face of overwhelming odds.
The world-building in Spirit Root is another standout aspect of the book. The vivid descriptions of the Mantras and the dystopian future are immersive, allowing readers to fully engage with the story's setting. The integration of spirituality, technology, and environmental themes adds depth and complexity to the narrative, making it a thought-provoking read.
As the countdown to the world's end looms large, Spirit Root masterfully builds suspense and keeps readers on the edge of their seats. The intricate plot, well-developed characters, and the blend of science fiction and spiritual elements make this book a compelling page-turner.
However, some readers might find the pace of the story slow at times, especially in the early chapters. Additionally, while the characters are relatable and interesting, there are moments when their actions and reactions feel slightly predictable.
In conclusion, Spirit Root is a captivating start to what promises to be an enthralling series. With its imaginative premise, well-crafted characters, and exploration of themes relevant to our own world, this book offers a thought-provoking and thrilling reading experience. As the countdown to doomsday continues, readers will eagerly await the next installment to see if the seven teenagers can unlock humanity's potential and secure the future of the world.
Highly recommended for Sci-Fi Dystopian readers! My teenage self would've gobbled this book up and begged for more!
January 24, 2023
http://exulire.blogspot.com/2023/01/s...
Livre considéré dans la catégorie anticipation, Aurélie Benattar nous propose un roman ancré dans les incertitudes actuelles et en particulier sur le dérèglement de notre monde tel que nous le connaissons aujourd'hui.
Sa lecture m'a été d'autant plus troublante que j'ai pu lire un article en même temps sur Ouest France qui évoque un super-calculateur qui fait de sombres prévisions sur l'extinction de 27% de la vie sur Terre d'ici la fin du siècle (à retrouver ici). La question que je me pose alors est-ce vraiment un roman d'anticipation ? ou simplement une écriture de ce qui se passe déjà ? A vous de vous faire votre propre avis.
En ce qui concerne le roman lui-même, l'autrice reste positive et propose via une quête de trouver des solutions où l'altruisme, la solidarité, l'entraide sont au cœur des préoccupations.
Sept adolescents vont être plongés dans une réalité virtuelle pour trouver des clés pour sauver l'humanité toute entière dans les années à venir, le tout retransmis en direct au reste de la population. Même si le sujet a pu déjà être traités plusieurs fois soit en romans (endgame par exemple) soit en séries télévisées (les 100), j'ai pris un certain plaisir à lire ce roman.
Ce qui m'a le plus convaincue c'est le besoin que l'Humain a à créer du lien et à s'attacher aux autres même si ces personnes n'existent que façon fictive. En effet, ces adolescents vont être projetés dans un monde virtuel avec des personnages inventés par une Intelligence Artificielle. Et même si chacun d'entre eux savent que tout est fictif, il leur sera difficile de ne pas s'attacher aux "fausses personnes" qu'ils vont rencontrer. Absurde ? Non, c'est simplement ce qu'est la nature humaine : vouloir créer des interactions et ressentir ce qui constitue les besoins fondamentaux de l'Homme.
Ce premier tome est centré sur la première clé et j'ai ressenti néanmoins quelques longueurs et quelques redites qui ne permet pas d'avoir toujours une lecture rythmée. Je ne me suis pas non plus attachée aux personnages présentés et je pense que cela vient du fait que nous avions uniquement le point de vue de Rae. Parti pris de l'auteur, j'aurai aimé avoir la vision des autres participants ou tout simplement avoir un point de vue omniscient avec un narrateur neutre.
Ce roman reste une bonne lecture malgré tout mais je ne suis pas conquise complétement. Cependant, je n'ai pas pu rester insensible aux messages portés dans ce roman tels que l'environnement et l'éthique qui m'a donné envie d'aller plus loin dans mes actions quotidiennes et rester vigilante à ce que je vais laisser à mes enfants.
Livre considéré dans la catégorie anticipation, Aurélie Benattar nous propose un roman ancré dans les incertitudes actuelles et en particulier sur le dérèglement de notre monde tel que nous le connaissons aujourd'hui.
Sa lecture m'a été d'autant plus troublante que j'ai pu lire un article en même temps sur Ouest France qui évoque un super-calculateur qui fait de sombres prévisions sur l'extinction de 27% de la vie sur Terre d'ici la fin du siècle (à retrouver ici). La question que je me pose alors est-ce vraiment un roman d'anticipation ? ou simplement une écriture de ce qui se passe déjà ? A vous de vous faire votre propre avis.
En ce qui concerne le roman lui-même, l'autrice reste positive et propose via une quête de trouver des solutions où l'altruisme, la solidarité, l'entraide sont au cœur des préoccupations.
Sept adolescents vont être plongés dans une réalité virtuelle pour trouver des clés pour sauver l'humanité toute entière dans les années à venir, le tout retransmis en direct au reste de la population. Même si le sujet a pu déjà être traités plusieurs fois soit en romans (endgame par exemple) soit en séries télévisées (les 100), j'ai pris un certain plaisir à lire ce roman.
Ce qui m'a le plus convaincue c'est le besoin que l'Humain a à créer du lien et à s'attacher aux autres même si ces personnes n'existent que façon fictive. En effet, ces adolescents vont être projetés dans un monde virtuel avec des personnages inventés par une Intelligence Artificielle. Et même si chacun d'entre eux savent que tout est fictif, il leur sera difficile de ne pas s'attacher aux "fausses personnes" qu'ils vont rencontrer. Absurde ? Non, c'est simplement ce qu'est la nature humaine : vouloir créer des interactions et ressentir ce qui constitue les besoins fondamentaux de l'Homme.
Ce premier tome est centré sur la première clé et j'ai ressenti néanmoins quelques longueurs et quelques redites qui ne permet pas d'avoir toujours une lecture rythmée. Je ne me suis pas non plus attachée aux personnages présentés et je pense que cela vient du fait que nous avions uniquement le point de vue de Rae. Parti pris de l'auteur, j'aurai aimé avoir la vision des autres participants ou tout simplement avoir un point de vue omniscient avec un narrateur neutre.
Ce roman reste une bonne lecture malgré tout mais je ne suis pas conquise complétement. Cependant, je n'ai pas pu rester insensible aux messages portés dans ce roman tels que l'environnement et l'éthique qui m'a donné envie d'aller plus loin dans mes actions quotidiennes et rester vigilante à ce que je vais laisser à mes enfants.
January 27, 2023
Book Summary:
We've seen several tales about AI bringing about the end of civilization as we know it. But what if there was an AI intent to do the opposite – to protect humanity at all costs? AI program Spirit Era has calculated that the world will end in two years, assuming humanity doesn't do something to prevent it.
So a team must be formed with the intent of saving humanity. It will be comprised of seven teenagers to represent the seven chakras or keys. Seven people are standing between humanity and the potential end of everything.
My Review:
I love that Aurelie Benattar decided to twist up the AI stereotype in Root. Yes, there are several other tropes to replace that stereotype, but it balances out. What tropes am I talking about? Well, mainly teenagers saving the world, but that was probably pretty obvious, huh?
There are seven main characters in Root, though only one primary perspective (Rae). The singular perspective makes it easier to keep everything in order, especially as secondary characters get introduced. Overall, I appreciated the complex cast of characters involved in this adventure.
I have to say that I enjoyed Root more than I expected (or feared). I almost wish that it had been around when I was a bit younger because teenage me would have gobbled this book up and begged for more.
Highlights:
Science Fiction/Dystopian Blend
Saving the World
Multiple Characters
Environmentalism Focus
Trigger Warnings:
Famine (mentioned)
Global Disaster
Thanks to Aurelie Benattar and #NetGalley for making this book available for review. All opinions expressed are my own.
Quirky Cat's Fat Stacks | Quirky Cat's Comics | The Book Review Crew | Monkeys Fighting Robots | Storygraph | Bookhype | Bookstagram | Twitter | Tumblr | Reedsy
We've seen several tales about AI bringing about the end of civilization as we know it. But what if there was an AI intent to do the opposite – to protect humanity at all costs? AI program Spirit Era has calculated that the world will end in two years, assuming humanity doesn't do something to prevent it.
So a team must be formed with the intent of saving humanity. It will be comprised of seven teenagers to represent the seven chakras or keys. Seven people are standing between humanity and the potential end of everything.
My Review:
I love that Aurelie Benattar decided to twist up the AI stereotype in Root. Yes, there are several other tropes to replace that stereotype, but it balances out. What tropes am I talking about? Well, mainly teenagers saving the world, but that was probably pretty obvious, huh?
There are seven main characters in Root, though only one primary perspective (Rae). The singular perspective makes it easier to keep everything in order, especially as secondary characters get introduced. Overall, I appreciated the complex cast of characters involved in this adventure.
I have to say that I enjoyed Root more than I expected (or feared). I almost wish that it had been around when I was a bit younger because teenage me would have gobbled this book up and begged for more.
Highlights:
Science Fiction/Dystopian Blend
Saving the World
Multiple Characters
Environmentalism Focus
Trigger Warnings:
Famine (mentioned)
Global Disaster
Thanks to Aurelie Benattar and #NetGalley for making this book available for review. All opinions expressed are my own.
Quirky Cat's Fat Stacks | Quirky Cat's Comics | The Book Review Crew | Monkeys Fighting Robots | Storygraph | Bookhype | Bookstagram | Twitter | Tumblr | Reedsy
January 26, 2023
Rating: 4.5/5
I received an eARC for my honest opinion.
This book is great for people who want to dip their toes into the YA sci-fi world. I really enjoyed the action, the blend of technology and spirituality, a small amount of romance, finding oneself and family.
I thought the blending of technology and spirituality was done really well, it is obvious that this author did their research on both of those topics to make this book blend so well. The plot of this is different from other Sci-Fi that I have read, I found this one easier to connect with. I don’t know if it was from all the attention to details in the book at the beginning or if it's just the way this author has with her words and brings the story to life.
I thought the characters in this book were easy to connect with and I found myself relating to a few of them more but that’s pretty normal. I love that we have 7 different characters, from different parts of the world brought together to find a way to help our earth keep living on. It all started when the Keeper created an advanced AI program that predicts when the world will end and its only 2 years aways without human intervention. The 7 different young adults/teens were chosen to help with this mission and as a reader you will be sucked into a computer version of the world and must figure out what the 7 keys are, and how to save our planet. The book does start off a little slow but that is because you will be getting to learn about the characters and all the information about their mission they have picked for, after that it's all fast paced and you won’t want to put the book down.
I thought having the 7 characters connected to the 7 different Chakra was a great idea. They all have to learn more about themselves and why they have that Chakra instead of the others and how to use theirs to their advantage. The characters all have great character development throughout and at the end of this book, and I can’t wait to see what some of the characters are still hiding and if they will ever come clean to the others.
Overall, this first book of a series is great and if you love YA Sci-Fi or you want to try to see if you would like it I would recommend this book.
I want to thank Aurelie Benattar and NetGalley for the opportunity to review this book.
I received an eARC for my honest opinion.
This book is great for people who want to dip their toes into the YA sci-fi world. I really enjoyed the action, the blend of technology and spirituality, a small amount of romance, finding oneself and family.
I thought the blending of technology and spirituality was done really well, it is obvious that this author did their research on both of those topics to make this book blend so well. The plot of this is different from other Sci-Fi that I have read, I found this one easier to connect with. I don’t know if it was from all the attention to details in the book at the beginning or if it's just the way this author has with her words and brings the story to life.
I thought the characters in this book were easy to connect with and I found myself relating to a few of them more but that’s pretty normal. I love that we have 7 different characters, from different parts of the world brought together to find a way to help our earth keep living on. It all started when the Keeper created an advanced AI program that predicts when the world will end and its only 2 years aways without human intervention. The 7 different young adults/teens were chosen to help with this mission and as a reader you will be sucked into a computer version of the world and must figure out what the 7 keys are, and how to save our planet. The book does start off a little slow but that is because you will be getting to learn about the characters and all the information about their mission they have picked for, after that it's all fast paced and you won’t want to put the book down.
I thought having the 7 characters connected to the 7 different Chakra was a great idea. They all have to learn more about themselves and why they have that Chakra instead of the others and how to use theirs to their advantage. The characters all have great character development throughout and at the end of this book, and I can’t wait to see what some of the characters are still hiding and if they will ever come clean to the others.
Overall, this first book of a series is great and if you love YA Sci-Fi or you want to try to see if you would like it I would recommend this book.
I want to thank Aurelie Benattar and NetGalley for the opportunity to review this book.
February 5, 2023
'Root: Spirit Era' by Aurélie Bennatar
Expected publication: January 31, 2023
Seven teenagers. Seven Chakras. Seven keys. This is what it takes to save the world.
I just finished 'Root: Spirit Era' a couple of days ago and am just now able to review the #eARC after giving it much thought. I liked the idea of the book's dystopian feel and the addition of spiritual messsages mixed into the virtual world. In the beginning, it took some time and re-reading passages to grasp the context of the book. But once I understood the flow of the writing, I quite enjoyed the concept. This is the author's first English translated book, which I'm assuming is why it felt a little disjointed at first. I think the series has a lot of potential with such a unique take on how to save our future world. I'm interested in seeing where the seven teens go after this first mission.
Thank you to @aurelie_benattar @netgalley and @girlfridayproductions for the #AdvanceReadersCopy for my honest review.
#RootSpiritEra #GirlFridayProductions #GirlFridayBooks #ARC #NetGalley #NetGalleyARC #ebook #scifibooks
Expected publication: January 31, 2023
Seven teenagers. Seven Chakras. Seven keys. This is what it takes to save the world.
I just finished 'Root: Spirit Era' a couple of days ago and am just now able to review the #eARC after giving it much thought. I liked the idea of the book's dystopian feel and the addition of spiritual messsages mixed into the virtual world. In the beginning, it took some time and re-reading passages to grasp the context of the book. But once I understood the flow of the writing, I quite enjoyed the concept. This is the author's first English translated book, which I'm assuming is why it felt a little disjointed at first. I think the series has a lot of potential with such a unique take on how to save our future world. I'm interested in seeing where the seven teens go after this first mission.
Thank you to @aurelie_benattar @netgalley and @girlfridayproductions for the #AdvanceReadersCopy for my honest review.
#RootSpiritEra #GirlFridayProductions #GirlFridayBooks #ARC #NetGalley #NetGalleyARC #ebook #scifibooks
January 16, 2023
Root is a young adult sci-fi book about seven teenagers being brought together by a mysterious “keeper” in an attempt to save the world. An AI has predicted the end of the world is coming in two years time, and these seven kids need to find seven keys in order to save the world. Our main character is Rae, a young orphan girl who doesn’t speak and reminds everyone of a fragile bird. The other six children are all interesting – they are fully developed characters with their own backstory and motivation.
The story really depends on suspension of disbelief – but this doesn’t make it less interesting. While I’ve never been interested in VR, AIs, or chakras, it was explained just enough that I could still keep up. With that being said, the characters often did or thought things which seemed unrealistic and that did pull me out of the story quite a bit.
I also really enjoyed the VR world (or whatever that world was) and all the characters there. I hope the next book has a world like that, because it was by far my favourite part of the story. And I liked the overall message, which I won’t spoil here.
Overall, I think I would have enjoyed this book more if I was younger and a bit more into sci-fi, but it was still an enjoyable read.
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and especially the author for reaching out with this Advance Reader Copy.
The story really depends on suspension of disbelief – but this doesn’t make it less interesting. While I’ve never been interested in VR, AIs, or chakras, it was explained just enough that I could still keep up. With that being said, the characters often did or thought things which seemed unrealistic and that did pull me out of the story quite a bit.
I also really enjoyed the VR world (or whatever that world was) and all the characters there. I hope the next book has a world like that, because it was by far my favourite part of the story. And I liked the overall message, which I won’t spoil here.
Overall, I think I would have enjoyed this book more if I was younger and a bit more into sci-fi, but it was still an enjoyable read.
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and especially the author for reaching out with this Advance Reader Copy.
January 18, 2023
I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
I really wanted to like this book more. The plot is super cool and the worldbuilding is so well done! The concept is so creative and timely, and I can't remember any other dystopian novel I have read that took place so close to current day (aside from ones written 100 years ago that thought we'd be on Mars by now). I love the international nature of the book too, and the choice to bring in the 7 protagonists from different parts of the world rather than the standard Americans. That being said, the characters themselves were just not what I had hoped for. For the most part they were just stereotypes; the dumb one, the bubbly one, the slutty/mean one, the mysterious dark and brooding one, and the main character, Rae, who is not like other girls. This book slots in perfectly with Divergent and other dystopian novels from the early 2010s.
I really wanted to like this book more. The plot is super cool and the worldbuilding is so well done! The concept is so creative and timely, and I can't remember any other dystopian novel I have read that took place so close to current day (aside from ones written 100 years ago that thought we'd be on Mars by now). I love the international nature of the book too, and the choice to bring in the 7 protagonists from different parts of the world rather than the standard Americans. That being said, the characters themselves were just not what I had hoped for. For the most part they were just stereotypes; the dumb one, the bubbly one, the slutty/mean one, the mysterious dark and brooding one, and the main character, Rae, who is not like other girls. This book slots in perfectly with Divergent and other dystopian novels from the early 2010s.
February 2, 2023
7 Teenagers — 7 Chakras — 7 keys to save humanity
✨
✨
The year is 2035 and the world is facing it’s own end as predicted by the AI, Spirit Era, in two years time without major changes. This books follows Rae, a fifteen year old who has chosen silence, along with six other teenagers as they work together to find the seven keys. Each has been hidden in one of seven virtual reality Mantras designed to mimic the most likely disasters the world is facing. Can they succeed in finding the first key, or will all hope for humanity be lost?
✨
✨
This novel would be an excellent introduction to the SciFi genre for YA readers. I really enjoyed the level of research and detail that went into this story from the various martial arts techniques; information surrounding each of the chakras with their associated element and color; as well as the technological information provided. The characters truly embody their associated Chakra even if they don’t fully understand what that means at the beginning of the story. I also enjoyed the consistent blend of technology and spirituality.
✨
✨
The only complaint I have for this novel is that it’s fairly slow to start due to all the information and world building that takes place. However, once past that point, I couldn’t put this book down.
✨
✨
While I think this story would be great for YA SciFi fans, there is mature content including violence and death.
✨
✨
eArc provided by netgalley and girl Friday productions in exchange for an honest review
Overall Rating: 4.5⭐️
✨
✨
The year is 2035 and the world is facing it’s own end as predicted by the AI, Spirit Era, in two years time without major changes. This books follows Rae, a fifteen year old who has chosen silence, along with six other teenagers as they work together to find the seven keys. Each has been hidden in one of seven virtual reality Mantras designed to mimic the most likely disasters the world is facing. Can they succeed in finding the first key, or will all hope for humanity be lost?
✨
✨
This novel would be an excellent introduction to the SciFi genre for YA readers. I really enjoyed the level of research and detail that went into this story from the various martial arts techniques; information surrounding each of the chakras with their associated element and color; as well as the technological information provided. The characters truly embody their associated Chakra even if they don’t fully understand what that means at the beginning of the story. I also enjoyed the consistent blend of technology and spirituality.
✨
✨
The only complaint I have for this novel is that it’s fairly slow to start due to all the information and world building that takes place. However, once past that point, I couldn’t put this book down.
✨
✨
While I think this story would be great for YA SciFi fans, there is mature content including violence and death.
✨
✨
eArc provided by netgalley and girl Friday productions in exchange for an honest review
Overall Rating: 4.5⭐️
January 12, 2023
3.5/5 stars! So I was really intrigued by the concept of chakra-based conceptualization and since the Root chakra is the first chakra, it felt like a fitting title for the story. I was also impressed by Rae's character. I wasn't sure how a mute character would work when so much of story-telling relies on dialogue. The author handled it well, and I didn't feel the story suffered from it. This worked as a good YA dystopian story, although there were some areas where the writing lost power and was hard to follow. Overall, a good first book in this series and I'm looking forward to seeing what's next.
I received an advance review copy for free through NetGalley, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
I received an advance review copy for free through NetGalley, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
January 7, 2023
Root: Spirit Era by Aurélie Benattar
.
It’s 2035 and an AI has predicted that the world will end in 2 years. The only hope is if 7 teenagers, that the AI has chosen, enter a simulation world to retrieve 7 keys to saving the world from ruin. We follow Rae, one of the seven chosen ones, on this journey.
.
What I liked:
-I love a good dystopian. One that is not the same old “chosen girl has to be brave and be a leader of a rebellion” trope. This story felt original and was really interesting because I was genuinely intrigued what would come next.
-I liked the chosen seven and the diversity in personalities they had. In this book we got some good backstories for like four of them but I’m hoping to hear more from ALL of them in the upcoming books.
-I liked where this part of the story ended but am also slightly frustrated because I went into this book naively thinking it was a standalone. Then halfway through I realized, to my disappointment, that there would be much more to the story. Not disappointed in a bad way,but in that I was really excited to see how it ended and now I have to wait.
-There are baby goats. I mean, c’mon.
.
4⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I really enjoyed this book and I am looking forward to when the next is available.
.
It’s 2035 and an AI has predicted that the world will end in 2 years. The only hope is if 7 teenagers, that the AI has chosen, enter a simulation world to retrieve 7 keys to saving the world from ruin. We follow Rae, one of the seven chosen ones, on this journey.
.
What I liked:
-I love a good dystopian. One that is not the same old “chosen girl has to be brave and be a leader of a rebellion” trope. This story felt original and was really interesting because I was genuinely intrigued what would come next.
-I liked the chosen seven and the diversity in personalities they had. In this book we got some good backstories for like four of them but I’m hoping to hear more from ALL of them in the upcoming books.
-I liked where this part of the story ended but am also slightly frustrated because I went into this book naively thinking it was a standalone. Then halfway through I realized, to my disappointment, that there would be much more to the story. Not disappointed in a bad way,but in that I was really excited to see how it ended and now I have to wait.
-There are baby goats. I mean, c’mon.
.
4⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I really enjoyed this book and I am looking forward to when the next is available.
January 8, 2023
3 ⭐️
Thank you to NetGalley for providing an e-arc.
The book was really well written given the complexity of the concept that it is working with. I thought that the premise was really interesting and unique which led me to picking up the book.
Personally, I was not entirely invested in the characters and it took me a while to truly get into the book. I also did not appreciate the continuous references between alpha/beta dynamics with one of the characters quite literally being named Alpha.
If you are looking for something new and unique, then this is a book for you.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing an e-arc.
The book was really well written given the complexity of the concept that it is working with. I thought that the premise was really interesting and unique which led me to picking up the book.
Personally, I was not entirely invested in the characters and it took me a while to truly get into the book. I also did not appreciate the continuous references between alpha/beta dynamics with one of the characters quite literally being named Alpha.
If you are looking for something new and unique, then this is a book for you.
March 28, 2023
Received this through NetGalley/author reaching out!
Genre: Young Adult/Dystopia
Book length: 432
Format: ebook
End of the-world-type thing. A random selection of 7 young individuals across the world, were trained to go into an AI world to find 7 keys. Each can bend a certain chakra and other ability to help themselves survive in the AI world. They all face a challenge that will help them develop as an individual and as a team.
I love how small phrases were used from other books/films. I saw a few that caught my eye "Shock, Barrel, and Lock" ugh there was another one...
But it is no different from Hunger Games and Maze Runner... just different elements of ability.
Genre: Young Adult/Dystopia
Book length: 432
Format: ebook
End of the-world-type thing. A random selection of 7 young individuals across the world, were trained to go into an AI world to find 7 keys. Each can bend a certain chakra and other ability to help themselves survive in the AI world. They all face a challenge that will help them develop as an individual and as a team.
I love how small phrases were used from other books/films. I saw a few that caught my eye "Shock, Barrel, and Lock" ugh there was another one...
But it is no different from Hunger Games and Maze Runner... just different elements of ability.
February 1, 2023
The plot of this book caught my attention, and made me very excited to read it. I have been loving dystopian novels recently, and this sounded amazing.
The main character, Rae, is very interesting. Reading about the death of her father and her life after was emotional. Her background story was very well written, and I think her character would be relatable to readers.
I really enjoyed the messages from the AI creater and the journal entries through the book. It really helped to break apart the book keep my attention.
I just overall really enjoyed the plot and whole idea of this book! The technology is really cool, and the author really thought through everything. Some of the characters were strange at first, but they grew on me as I read and had good development throughout the book.
I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys dystopian novels or YA fantasy!
The main character, Rae, is very interesting. Reading about the death of her father and her life after was emotional. Her background story was very well written, and I think her character would be relatable to readers.
I really enjoyed the messages from the AI creater and the journal entries through the book. It really helped to break apart the book keep my attention.
I just overall really enjoyed the plot and whole idea of this book! The technology is really cool, and the author really thought through everything. Some of the characters were strange at first, but they grew on me as I read and had good development throughout the book.
I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys dystopian novels or YA fantasy!
March 27, 2023
So good! I can't wait for the next book. I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed this. I had my thoughts about certain characters in the beginning and then I softened to them as their layers were revealed. Loved it.
December 13, 2022
Root is a very interesting concept for a science fiction novel - it delivers everything it promises to and it worked but it felt like something was slightly missing. I didn't find myself particularly invested in the overarching plot or the characters and there was just something lacking that was making it impossible for me to engage in the story - which is very unfortunate because I loved the world so much.
January 26, 2024
Root has a great premise that is sure to pull in any fans of YA Science Fiction or Fantasy with a passional for environmental activism. And I was excited to find that, for the most part, the book stayed true to its hook and offered a great take on the genre. However, I did find the pacing of the story to be a bit slow. We didn’t have all the “chosen ones” together until close to a fifth of the way through the book. I also found that much of the backstory and some essential parts of plot development were revealed through dialogue, which made it harder for me to connect to the story.
Rae is the main character and narrator of the book. She’s recently lost her father and was sent to a boarding school by her not-evil-but-overwhelmed stepmother. Many of the characters around her seem to find Rae extraordinary but other than her supernatural ability to listen in on the thoughts of others, I didn’t learn much about her personality. Much of the narration was focused on the other six chosen teens and their stories. However, the other characters were dynamic and fun to watch with unique backstories of their own, which I appreciated.
I found the world of Root to be the most engaging element of the story. The world mirrors our own but with some exceptional advances in science that made the science fiction lover in me giddy with excitement. It was interesting to see the unexpected ways this technology played a part in the plot. And the science fiction elements are uniquely ballanced with the tranquil and rural setting of the farm where Rae spends much of the book and completes her training as a chosen one.
Root is the first book in the Spirit Era saga and is the English debut novel of Moroccan author Aurélie Benattar. This book is translated from the author’s native language which I feel is important to disclose as part of my recommendation, as it can affect the story-telling for some readers, however, I don’t feel that it affected my enjoyment of the story. The world and plot of Root are fun takes on the usual YA Science Fiction genre and while I enjoyed the secondary characters, I did struggle to feel connected to the protagonist, Rae. I’d recommend this book to lovers of unique Science Fiction and “Chosen Ones” stories with large casts.
Rae is the main character and narrator of the book. She’s recently lost her father and was sent to a boarding school by her not-evil-but-overwhelmed stepmother. Many of the characters around her seem to find Rae extraordinary but other than her supernatural ability to listen in on the thoughts of others, I didn’t learn much about her personality. Much of the narration was focused on the other six chosen teens and their stories. However, the other characters were dynamic and fun to watch with unique backstories of their own, which I appreciated.
I found the world of Root to be the most engaging element of the story. The world mirrors our own but with some exceptional advances in science that made the science fiction lover in me giddy with excitement. It was interesting to see the unexpected ways this technology played a part in the plot. And the science fiction elements are uniquely ballanced with the tranquil and rural setting of the farm where Rae spends much of the book and completes her training as a chosen one.
Root is the first book in the Spirit Era saga and is the English debut novel of Moroccan author Aurélie Benattar. This book is translated from the author’s native language which I feel is important to disclose as part of my recommendation, as it can affect the story-telling for some readers, however, I don’t feel that it affected my enjoyment of the story. The world and plot of Root are fun takes on the usual YA Science Fiction genre and while I enjoyed the secondary characters, I did struggle to feel connected to the protagonist, Rae. I’d recommend this book to lovers of unique Science Fiction and “Chosen Ones” stories with large casts.
March 27, 2023
Une lecture qui m’a fait énormément de bien et m’a fait réfléchir.
Spirit Era nous emmène à la rencontre de 7 personnes d’âges, de cultures et d’horizons différents, qui vont devoir trouver 7 chakras afin de sauver l’humanité de catastrophes climatiques. Pour cela, ils vont d’abord devoir se reconnecter avec leur moi individuelle afin de devenir un moi collectif. Puis, lancés dans un programme d’intelligence artificielle ils partent à la recherche de clefs pour stopper les catastrophes.
La première partie se concentre plus la conscience de soi à travers les chakras, j’avais peur de m’ennuyer mais non, c’était extrêmement intéressant et bien expliqué, même si je ne suis pas adepte du genre, j’ai trouvé très intelligent la façon dont l’autrice voulait alerter et réveiller la conscience des plus jeunes( ou pas ) à travers ses explications.
La deuxième partie est pépite, on rentre dans l’IA et aurelie benattar a eu une idée de génie en alliant fantaisie et sujet d’actualité, car cela fait forcément penser aux écrans, a la crise sanitaire vécus de nos jours et des protocoles qui en découlent. Le bestiaire est bien pensé et les descriptions de lieux sont très visuels. On part en quête avec nos protagonistes et cela rend le récit captivant.
Pourquoi lire ce livre ? Tout simplement car le monde va mal et les mots de l’autrice ont résonné en moi et m’ont fait réfléchir sur l’utilisation des écrans et les interactions humaines.
Spirit Era nous emmène à la rencontre de 7 personnes d’âges, de cultures et d’horizons différents, qui vont devoir trouver 7 chakras afin de sauver l’humanité de catastrophes climatiques. Pour cela, ils vont d’abord devoir se reconnecter avec leur moi individuelle afin de devenir un moi collectif. Puis, lancés dans un programme d’intelligence artificielle ils partent à la recherche de clefs pour stopper les catastrophes.
La première partie se concentre plus la conscience de soi à travers les chakras, j’avais peur de m’ennuyer mais non, c’était extrêmement intéressant et bien expliqué, même si je ne suis pas adepte du genre, j’ai trouvé très intelligent la façon dont l’autrice voulait alerter et réveiller la conscience des plus jeunes( ou pas ) à travers ses explications.
La deuxième partie est pépite, on rentre dans l’IA et aurelie benattar a eu une idée de génie en alliant fantaisie et sujet d’actualité, car cela fait forcément penser aux écrans, a la crise sanitaire vécus de nos jours et des protocoles qui en découlent. Le bestiaire est bien pensé et les descriptions de lieux sont très visuels. On part en quête avec nos protagonistes et cela rend le récit captivant.
Pourquoi lire ce livre ? Tout simplement car le monde va mal et les mots de l’autrice ont résonné en moi et m’ont fait réfléchir sur l’utilisation des écrans et les interactions humaines.
April 6, 2023
An imaginative and absorbing YA dystopian read that is set in the not so distant year of 2035. Root is the first in the Spirit Era series. The first few chapters map out this new world and its characters. The concept is engaging and highly believable, as new AI technology known as Spirit Era forsees the destruction of the planet following the demise of our ecosystems. The root cause of the disaster is unknown.
Seven teenagers, each representing the qualities of the Seven chakras are chosen to enter training in martial arts and the spiritualism of the chakras before entering the seven different virtual reality realms in order to locate the key that will unlock the truth of the impending disaster, and therefore save the earth from anhiliation. The countdown begins.
The novel hosts a clever mix of characters, my favourite being the narrator Rae, who has chosen silence since the death of her father. Whilst her physical voice is mute, her inner voice and force is strong and compelling. She is observant and reflective and her point of view shapes our perception.
Roots is an engaging read and promises to be a great series. I look forward to the next installment. #roots #aureliebenattar #netgalley
Seven teenagers, each representing the qualities of the Seven chakras are chosen to enter training in martial arts and the spiritualism of the chakras before entering the seven different virtual reality realms in order to locate the key that will unlock the truth of the impending disaster, and therefore save the earth from anhiliation. The countdown begins.
The novel hosts a clever mix of characters, my favourite being the narrator Rae, who has chosen silence since the death of her father. Whilst her physical voice is mute, her inner voice and force is strong and compelling. She is observant and reflective and her point of view shapes our perception.
Roots is an engaging read and promises to be a great series. I look forward to the next installment. #roots #aureliebenattar #netgalley
February 17, 2023
I love the premise of this book and was immediately drawn to it from the beautiful cover and synopsis. The characters are vibrant and have a lot of depth, and I appreciated the world building that went into not only the future-Earth, but especially the AI simulation world. The sci-fi elements felt attainable and easy to understand, which I feel is necessary for a book aimed at younger audiences.
What I struggled with throughout this book was feeling slightly confused on multiple levels. The character interactions often felt forced and unnatural, and overall I felt like the book was trying to do too much. I also struggled with who the audience for this book is. The writing style and plot make me think children or teens, but some plot line makes me think adult? I’m still not sure.
Overall, I am glad to have read the book and continue to think about the plot days after reading it. I truly believe in the premise and the author and look forward to seeing the rest of this series grow.
/a free copy of this book was gifted to me in exchange for my honest opinion. Thank you, @aurelie_benattar for valuing my review/
What I struggled with throughout this book was feeling slightly confused on multiple levels. The character interactions often felt forced and unnatural, and overall I felt like the book was trying to do too much. I also struggled with who the audience for this book is. The writing style and plot make me think children or teens, but some plot line makes me think adult? I’m still not sure.
Overall, I am glad to have read the book and continue to think about the plot days after reading it. I truly believe in the premise and the author and look forward to seeing the rest of this series grow.
/a free copy of this book was gifted to me in exchange for my honest opinion. Thank you, @aurelie_benattar for valuing my review/
April 16, 2023
It hit the spot, but perhaps not in the way I hoped.
3/5 stars
This book was interesting at points, however, I couldn't get past the "silence" trope and the misunderstanding regarding it. I work with people with aphasia so it was a bit of a surprise to immediately encounter it in this book. Just a note, aphasia is caused by brain damage, which Rae never had as far as I could gather. Aphasia also doesn't present the way Rae's language disorder does. But I digress, enough about language.
The story was interesting and it sort of reminded me of Scythe, what with the whole AI plot point. The author did a great job world building, but the start might be seen as a bit long due the fleshing out she had to do. Like others seemed to have done, I started reading this thinking it was a stand alone, which it is not. However, I would pick up the next one at some point as I did enjoy the book overall!
Arc copy provided through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to Aurelie Benattar!
3/5 stars
This book was interesting at points, however, I couldn't get past the "silence" trope and the misunderstanding regarding it. I work with people with aphasia so it was a bit of a surprise to immediately encounter it in this book. Just a note, aphasia is caused by brain damage, which Rae never had as far as I could gather. Aphasia also doesn't present the way Rae's language disorder does. But I digress, enough about language.
The story was interesting and it sort of reminded me of Scythe, what with the whole AI plot point. The author did a great job world building, but the start might be seen as a bit long due the fleshing out she had to do. Like others seemed to have done, I started reading this thinking it was a stand alone, which it is not. However, I would pick up the next one at some point as I did enjoy the book overall!
Arc copy provided through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to Aurelie Benattar!
February 12, 2023
This was an interesting dystopian read that revolves end of the world predictions.
As a millennial, I’ve lived through many “this is the day the world ends” scenarios. None of them have had any part come true like happened in this book. As it turns out, while the world is going to end of it continues down its current route, there is a way to stop it. The keys to changing the fate of the world fall into the hands of the chakra’s- which are embodied in a group of teenagers.
These teens find themselves in a sort of boarding school where they work to not only activate their specific chakras, but to figure out who they are and where they fit in the world.
Naturally this is book one of a series and it ends on a cliffhanger while also wrapping up the main part of this particular story. It’s really interesting.
This was originally published in French and was recently released in English and the translation was great.
Thanks to NetGalley for the access to the ebook!
As a millennial, I’ve lived through many “this is the day the world ends” scenarios. None of them have had any part come true like happened in this book. As it turns out, while the world is going to end of it continues down its current route, there is a way to stop it. The keys to changing the fate of the world fall into the hands of the chakra’s- which are embodied in a group of teenagers.
These teens find themselves in a sort of boarding school where they work to not only activate their specific chakras, but to figure out who they are and where they fit in the world.
Naturally this is book one of a series and it ends on a cliffhanger while also wrapping up the main part of this particular story. It’s really interesting.
This was originally published in French and was recently released in English and the translation was great.
Thanks to NetGalley for the access to the ebook!
August 30, 2023
Disclaimer: I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway in exchange for a fair and honest review.
This book was good, but it had the potential for more. The first half of the book was really good, and was 4 stars for sure. I appreciated the way the characters were being introduced, and I really wanted more of a training montage than was even there.
Then the second half just wasn’t it for me. I didn’t enjoy the world or story. I have read quite a few books lately with underground settings, and I learned it isn’t my favorite. For a lot of people, this wouldn’t be a problem.
Overall, I settled at a 3 because I really wanted a better second half.
This book was good, but it had the potential for more. The first half of the book was really good, and was 4 stars for sure. I appreciated the way the characters were being introduced, and I really wanted more of a training montage than was even there.
Then the second half just wasn’t it for me. I didn’t enjoy the world or story. I have read quite a few books lately with underground settings, and I learned it isn’t my favorite. For a lot of people, this wouldn’t be a problem.
Overall, I settled at a 3 because I really wanted a better second half.
February 2, 2023
This story follows Rae, a woman who had tragedy in her life and no longer speaks, and six other teenagers. They are associated with the chakras and are tasked with saving the world via an artificial intelligence. As others have said it is similar to Hunger Games or the Maze Runner in general.
While I appreciate the ARC, this book was not for me. There were too much exclamation points and things like that, many named characters which became disjointed but apparently this is the authors first boook translated to English so that might be why.
Thank you NetGalley!
While I appreciate the ARC, this book was not for me. There were too much exclamation points and things like that, many named characters which became disjointed but apparently this is the authors first boook translated to English so that might be why.
Thank you NetGalley!
January 31, 2023
Definitely looking forward to the rest of this promising saga ! In a world full of problems, how great it is to read this creative novel that is trying to give us the keys to freedom and hope for the future ! I can't wait for book two ! And omg... the book cover is breathtaking. I am so excited to collect the entire saga inspired by the colours of the 7 chakras ! :)
February 19, 2023
I really loved this book!! Breathtaking and touching story, in a dystopian world that is actually so close to our reality of nowadays... Recommended for young adults, but not only, as everyone should read it! If you are hopeless about the humanity's future, it will cheer you up as the keys to a better world are not so complicated to get....
March 6, 2023
I enjoyed this but feel that I will not get the full story for a few books yet. Interesting premise, it is nice to have AI that's not trying to kill us all and take over the world. Complicated to get into ( maybe that is just me) but gets easier and more interesting as it gets deeper into the story. Will look forward to the next installment.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews