Review: Great read! Smooth, fun and epic!
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 12 10, 2013
I really have to praise the author on this book. It was not the first of her books I’ve read, but I  know it was her debut novel, so I didn’t know if her writing would be as great and experienced as the book I read; but I have to admit my expectations were not let down at all. Janelle truly has skills. The plot is very reminiscent of C.S. Lewis’s Chronicles of Narnia, which is something the author herself admits, but altogether it felt, for me, like a totally new and refreshing story. It has elements and magic of its own. However, the plot has not as much raw action as you would think, but that didn’t mean it felt short. It had all this other elements and stories being intertwined that made it rich, and it also has this one great battle, of course. Since this is the first book of a series I know the story is just starting to build up, so I expect a lot from the books to come, but I honestly have to say that I was sad when it ended; the only thing to put down my grief was the knowledge that I still have the 3 books left in the series.The characters are wonderful. I’ve noticed that one of the trademarks of this author is that you fell in love with all of her characters but as a group. What makes them so rich and endearing is their relationships, their interactions and how the learn to depend on one another. Plus, they are so human; there is no black and white with them, which I enjoy.I adore Janelle’s writing. It is so smooth and easy to read. The words just flow making it effortless to forget you are reading and jump straight into the action. I almost felt like I was dragged along with Aiden when he was taken to Eden, and like I left a piece of me there. I’m telling you, it felt very real, and I know that is only because of great writing!My favourite thing about this book, though, was that the story was written in several points of view. Those who have read some of my others reviews may have notice by know that I’m a big sucker for different points of view in a story, but this book was different from the rule. Most books have only two points of view, the two sides of a story; but this one, as already mentioned, has several. They not only tell both sides of the story, but other side stories as well. Nevertheless what is brilliant about it is that it is not hard to follow at all. You actually can commit to each of the stories, which is not an easy task to accomplish as a writer.So, if you haven’t noticed yet, I think I can safely say that Janelle has become one my favourite authors.*Note: I received a free copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review, but my opinion was not biased in any way by this fact.