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String of Pearls
Note: This single volume contains Books 1 and 2 of the series, with an expanded Book 1.
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We are not alone. Our world is but one of many, like pearls on an infinite string.
Only those among us whose gifts have awakened, the "Giants," can travel the string of worlds and keep watch over balance in the realm. Join 18-year old Leanna and her sister Violet as they emerge as Giants, just as their grandmother years before, and fight dark forces threatening the Giants' peaceful ways.
Part I: College freshman Leanna is a reluctant Warrior Giant, her sister Violet is a Sensor. Join them as they train to travel the realm. When dark forces seek to overthrow the Giants and assert power in the realm, Leanna and her compatriots embark on a multi-world quest. To survive, Leanna must conquer a past which has come to define her.
Part II: Leanna gets trapped in a parasitic realm known as the Shadow Realm, replete with sorcery and the dark arts, wild creatures, demigods, criminals, and innocents. The sole way home is to voyage to the outermost lands of the west, where those with extraordinary magic create tokens for exit. But before she can reach the tokens, a leading criminal in the underworld kidnaps her, planning to use her as leverage for an escape of his own.
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We are not alone. Our world is but one of many, like pearls on an infinite string.
Only those among us whose gifts have awakened, the "Giants," can travel the string of worlds and keep watch over balance in the realm. Join 18-year old Leanna and her sister Violet as they emerge as Giants, just as their grandmother years before, and fight dark forces threatening the Giants' peaceful ways.
Part I: College freshman Leanna is a reluctant Warrior Giant, her sister Violet is a Sensor. Join them as they train to travel the realm. When dark forces seek to overthrow the Giants and assert power in the realm, Leanna and her compatriots embark on a multi-world quest. To survive, Leanna must conquer a past which has come to define her.
Part II: Leanna gets trapped in a parasitic realm known as the Shadow Realm, replete with sorcery and the dark arts, wild creatures, demigods, criminals, and innocents. The sole way home is to voyage to the outermost lands of the west, where those with extraordinary magic create tokens for exit. But before she can reach the tokens, a leading criminal in the underworld kidnaps her, planning to use her as leverage for an escape of his own.
275 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 26, 2021
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
May 10, 2021
When I read book 1 - "A Story of Giants" (which was more of a novella), I really saw the potential in it and was really excited to read the next book. I know that there may be some some out there that have already read the first book and may not want to reread it again. I would like to say that the revision the author did to book 1 has really enhanced and fleshed out the storyline, especially in ways that I though brought out what would help drive the uniqueness of this story.
Now moving on to book 2, I can see why the author combined the novellas, as it picks up right where last one end off. The transition is so smooth in this combination that if I hadn't read the first book, I wouldn't have even know it was moving to the next one. This book is really fast paced and all about the journey to return home from the Shadow Realms.
Once again, the author builds these amazingly unique worlds with creatures that almost defy imagination. Your mind wants to linger on them longer and wonder around in these reasons, but the story moves so quickly that the reader is only allowed these tasty glimpses to whet our appetites. I really can't tell you if it's a flaw or genius?!? I will tell you that you get a lot of character development throughout this book. You get a lot of quote-worthy phrases about life, love, and being true to yourself. I appreciate a book that gives the reader a deeper meaning, a message to be more, better than the world sees.
So my dear friends, I pose this to you. Whether you are an avid reader or occasional, looking for a fantasy book of a different color, I really do recommend this book. While I believe the story is a work in process, it is still such a strong and unique story with a worthy message that doesn't obnoxiously shout at you, but instead solidly resounds throughout the characters actions and words -- a true Giant isn't made in height nor strength, but in by their greatness of deed and action for others.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Now moving on to book 2, I can see why the author combined the novellas, as it picks up right where last one end off. The transition is so smooth in this combination that if I hadn't read the first book, I wouldn't have even know it was moving to the next one. This book is really fast paced and all about the journey to return home from the Shadow Realms.
Once again, the author builds these amazingly unique worlds with creatures that almost defy imagination. Your mind wants to linger on them longer and wonder around in these reasons, but the story moves so quickly that the reader is only allowed these tasty glimpses to whet our appetites. I really can't tell you if it's a flaw or genius?!? I will tell you that you get a lot of character development throughout this book. You get a lot of quote-worthy phrases about life, love, and being true to yourself. I appreciate a book that gives the reader a deeper meaning, a message to be more, better than the world sees.
So my dear friends, I pose this to you. Whether you are an avid reader or occasional, looking for a fantasy book of a different color, I really do recommend this book. While I believe the story is a work in process, it is still such a strong and unique story with a worthy message that doesn't obnoxiously shout at you, but instead solidly resounds throughout the characters actions and words -- a true Giant isn't made in height nor strength, but in by their greatness of deed and action for others.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 31, 2021
I have been toying with where I would place this book rating, it's been a steady 3.5 Stars but the imaginative plot and world building have pushed it up to as 4.
This is an amalgamation of book 1 and 2.
I really enjoyed the part's where the girls had outings with Nan, some part's seemed slow and over described...then others I wished had had more depth of description.
One of the favorite parts was where Leanna has to face her worst fears. I really liked the way the author approached Leanna revisiting her mum in the past and her gaining understanding and acceptance of her feelings for her mother.
This book has a lot of worlds visited and I think honestly re reading this book would probably make those worlds seem clearer than first time around as there's a lot to take in. I often felt like the character... A bit lost and scrambling to understand what was happening.
Overall I really enjoyed this book and it would suit YA readers who like Lynette Noni fantasy books.
This is an amalgamation of book 1 and 2.
I really enjoyed the part's where the girls had outings with Nan, some part's seemed slow and over described...then others I wished had had more depth of description.
One of the favorite parts was where Leanna has to face her worst fears. I really liked the way the author approached Leanna revisiting her mum in the past and her gaining understanding and acceptance of her feelings for her mother.
This book has a lot of worlds visited and I think honestly re reading this book would probably make those worlds seem clearer than first time around as there's a lot to take in. I often felt like the character... A bit lost and scrambling to understand what was happening.
Overall I really enjoyed this book and it would suit YA readers who like Lynette Noni fantasy books.
May 23, 2021
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This story is very engaging, especially by the methods the author uses to catch the reader with the plot. Sometimes, the plot is hard to get going but we start to see the beginning of it within a few pages. Yet it isn't done with just a dump of information or a sudden thrust into action. We're drawn into it gradually, with different hints and shadows of what's to come. It's not a slow burn but it's not sudden. It's dotted with plot and I love it for it.
The characters are a bit hit and miss. I really enjoy the main characters, luckily and that's where most of the weight settles. A few side characters fell a little flat for me but they hardly ruin the story. The weight falls on the main characters so the side characters are a minor issue.
It introduces an interesting concept, takes an intriguing character along that path, and we get to follow for a fun and mind-bending ride. It makes you think. Definitely a recommended read.
This story is very engaging, especially by the methods the author uses to catch the reader with the plot. Sometimes, the plot is hard to get going but we start to see the beginning of it within a few pages. Yet it isn't done with just a dump of information or a sudden thrust into action. We're drawn into it gradually, with different hints and shadows of what's to come. It's not a slow burn but it's not sudden. It's dotted with plot and I love it for it.
The characters are a bit hit and miss. I really enjoy the main characters, luckily and that's where most of the weight settles. A few side characters fell a little flat for me but they hardly ruin the story. The weight falls on the main characters so the side characters are a minor issue.
It introduces an interesting concept, takes an intriguing character along that path, and we get to follow for a fun and mind-bending ride. It makes you think. Definitely a recommended read.
July 8, 2021
Fantastic sci-fi/fantasy tale with well developed characters and fast paced story that is hard to put down. I really loved the main character(s) and how they evolved to overcome their pasts. Very grateful to Scarlett Ridley for her complimentary copy of String of Pearls via Voracious Reader’s Only. So glad to read that the author has written other books with more on the way.
May 9, 2021
Thank you BookSirens and Scarlett Ripley for an ARC of String of Pearls in return for an honest review.
First things first, Scarlett has the most fascinating imagination! I had such an enjoyable time reading this book! The vivid imagery of every world that Leanna and her fellow Giants travelled to were mind blowing. I would love to spend just an hour in Scarlett’s brain, I can only imagine how much fun it must be.
The characters were so much fun, you fall for them all immediately. Leanna and Violet’s backstory is perfectly fit into this book giving them just enough depth but allowing them room for growth. I also adored the love stories sprinkled through, especially Magnus and Mireille. So frigging sweet, Magnus is my most favourite and he deserves such a genuine love.
For this book being two short novellas they pack a real punch and are so so fun to read. I can’t wait to see what new worlds and adventures await Leanna and her fellow Giants!
April 26, 2021
I really enjoyed this book - fast moving fantasy as Leanne travels across realms and to save her sister then escape from the underworld. Lots of great characters in part 2
April 30, 2021
This is a unique, and fast read. I had read the first book previously, but it was nice to reread it for a refresher and read the second book right after.
We follow Leanna who learns she and her sister are Giants(in personality not physically) and go into training. During training, some Giants defect and are trying to take over and make changes, not for the good. And it’s up to Leanna and her team to stop them.
These are both very fast reads, but pack a lot. You learn so much about Leanna and her team. Leanna learns how to let people in and become a friend and a sister. Leanna learns even more about herself and how she feels about those she cares about when she gets sucked into the Underworld in the second book and is on her own. The worlds they visit are amazing! I especially enjoyed the second book because I love stories set at sea, and although the ship Leanna was on in the Underworld was on sand, it’s still the same with a ship, crew, and a sassy and charming captain, or Boss as Jugo called himself. The creatures were unique in each of the worlds they visited too, so many that my imagination was all over the place, in a good way.
I love all the characters. I love found families, and really that’s what Leanna and her team, her friends, are. Magnus is my favorite. He’s just so sassy, I love it!
I recommend these books to anyone who loves unique and interesting worlds and fantasy with a smidge of romance. I received an advance review copy(thank you BookSirens and the author) for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
We follow Leanna who learns she and her sister are Giants(in personality not physically) and go into training. During training, some Giants defect and are trying to take over and make changes, not for the good. And it’s up to Leanna and her team to stop them.
These are both very fast reads, but pack a lot. You learn so much about Leanna and her team. Leanna learns how to let people in and become a friend and a sister. Leanna learns even more about herself and how she feels about those she cares about when she gets sucked into the Underworld in the second book and is on her own. The worlds they visit are amazing! I especially enjoyed the second book because I love stories set at sea, and although the ship Leanna was on in the Underworld was on sand, it’s still the same with a ship, crew, and a sassy and charming captain, or Boss as Jugo called himself. The creatures were unique in each of the worlds they visited too, so many that my imagination was all over the place, in a good way.
I love all the characters. I love found families, and really that’s what Leanna and her team, her friends, are. Magnus is my favorite. He’s just so sassy, I love it!
I recommend these books to anyone who loves unique and interesting worlds and fantasy with a smidge of romance. I received an advance review copy(thank you BookSirens and the author) for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 22, 2021
Leanna was always fascinated with her Nan’s pearls and the stories she told about the many worlds connected on a string, just like her necklace. When Nan dies, Leanna inherits the necklace and discovers her Nan’s stories of worlds like pearls on a string were really true. Giants exist. But not the kind of giants you know from fairytales. Giants are people who do great deeds. Giant due to their actions rather than their size. Nan was a Giant. It’s now up to Leanna and her sister to follow in her Nan's footsteps and become the next Giants themselves.
String of Pearls consists of two novellas put together, the second picking up right where the first one ends, so that it seems like one longer book. The many worlds in this realm can get a little convoluted at times, and there were points where I had to reread passages to keep everything straight. It also has some side stories which were great, but could have been separate stories set in the same universe.
In book one, some of the Giants who should be the peacekeepers of all the worlds unfortunately fall prey to ego and power, and Leanna must stop them before they change things for the worse.
The second half follows Leanna’s journey to the Underworld, a ship on sand, with a charismatic captain, who proclaims himself Boss. She must also confront some of her memories and the ghosts of her past, especially her mother, which makes for a difficult sequence for Leanna.
I enjoyed Leanna and her sister Violet, although sometimes the story made them feel a little flat, like things were happening to them rather than things being led by them. The concept of great people being great due to their actions is a worthy lesson for anyone to read. I think the story could have been fleshed out a little more to really pack a punch but this was a nice YA read with a unique spin on a multiverse and the gifted people who move between them. This book is definitely appropriate for teenage readers who enjoy fantasy!
String of Pearls consists of two novellas put together, the second picking up right where the first one ends, so that it seems like one longer book. The many worlds in this realm can get a little convoluted at times, and there were points where I had to reread passages to keep everything straight. It also has some side stories which were great, but could have been separate stories set in the same universe.
In book one, some of the Giants who should be the peacekeepers of all the worlds unfortunately fall prey to ego and power, and Leanna must stop them before they change things for the worse.
The second half follows Leanna’s journey to the Underworld, a ship on sand, with a charismatic captain, who proclaims himself Boss. She must also confront some of her memories and the ghosts of her past, especially her mother, which makes for a difficult sequence for Leanna.
I enjoyed Leanna and her sister Violet, although sometimes the story made them feel a little flat, like things were happening to them rather than things being led by them. The concept of great people being great due to their actions is a worthy lesson for anyone to read. I think the story could have been fleshed out a little more to really pack a punch but this was a nice YA read with a unique spin on a multiverse and the gifted people who move between them. This book is definitely appropriate for teenage readers who enjoy fantasy!
May 20, 2021
Look at that cover! The flowy hair, the power stance, the sword? The best 💙
I received this ARC from the author a couple weeks ago, and I really enjoyed reading it! I had already read the first half of this book, around 2 months ago and I had loved it! The second part was even better, with amazing adventures and more complex character development!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Giants are people with extraordinary abilities, who aim to maintain peace and resolve conflicts in a "string" of connected worlds.
Leanna has had visions ever since she was young.. she never knew what they meant. Until she emerged as a Giant. This book follows the various adventures of Leanna and her friends as they hop from one world to another, solving problems and saving people.
More thoughts -
☕ I loved Leanna's various friendships and relationships, especially her strong familial relationship with her sister Violet and her grandmother.
☕ Part 1 mostly set up the worlds and the powers.. part 2 was more focussed on the plot and character dev which was amazing!
☕ The book ended on a cliffhanger 🥲🥲
☕ Loved the novelty of the various worlds Leanna travels to!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I received this ARC from the author a couple weeks ago, and I really enjoyed reading it! I had already read the first half of this book, around 2 months ago and I had loved it! The second part was even better, with amazing adventures and more complex character development!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Giants are people with extraordinary abilities, who aim to maintain peace and resolve conflicts in a "string" of connected worlds.
Leanna has had visions ever since she was young.. she never knew what they meant. Until she emerged as a Giant. This book follows the various adventures of Leanna and her friends as they hop from one world to another, solving problems and saving people.
More thoughts -
☕ I loved Leanna's various friendships and relationships, especially her strong familial relationship with her sister Violet and her grandmother.
☕ Part 1 mostly set up the worlds and the powers.. part 2 was more focussed on the plot and character dev which was amazing!
☕ The book ended on a cliffhanger 🥲🥲
☕ Loved the novelty of the various worlds Leanna travels to!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews