This was a very nice Young Adult story about two sort of trouble-making, misfit boys who land at an all boys school with other troubled boys. While there they meet, bicker and then get sent back in time on a mission to recover a lost Egyptian artifact that they destroyed. I enjoyed this story more than I had anticipated. No sex, and it was kind of sweet and tender, like I like it. One thing I really appreciated about this story was that it does a good job of normalizing homosexualit 4. One thing I really appreciated about this story was that it does a good job of normalizing homosexuality for the young adult reader.
He makes a few jokes and gets on with the story. It was a nice, humorous story, and though once or twice I caught myself over-intellectualizing, over-analyzing some little things, I was reminded that this was young adult and I was able to relax again and enjoy the story. I would definitely recommend this to any Young Adult reader or adult looking for this type of literature. This review can also be found here.
Besides the fact that they are both delinquents serving out their sentence in the Stanton School for Boys they have nothing in common. But they have no idea what the future has in store for them. Aston thinks he is in enough trouble as it is but when a fight with Grant accidentally leads to a fire in their history teache A ScatteredThoughtsandRogueWords Review.
This book was a very boring read especially for much of the first half of the book. Things do get interesting in the latter half but overall this book is a dull read with a few good moments. This book has so many good things going on that nothing gets the right amount of attention. But when the moment finally comes everything happens too fast. I think there should have been a moment here just for the reader to digest the fact that Merlin is their history teacher and to start wondering what the hell he is doing in Stanton.
The part of the book taking place in Egypt is an improvement over the parts of the book preceding it. But there is a little too much historical detail, at times this book starts reading like a history textbook especially when Aston starts describing people and things and the decor in great detail. Things get better to again become a drag which is only salvaged by the budding romance between Aston and Grant which is what made me like the book because prior to that reading this book was a chore, but the whole retrieving the amulet thing is too dragged out.
I found myself constantly wishing that they would just get it and get back because it seemed like there was no good reason to keep putting it off. Personally, I think this book would have been much better had it been a short story instead of a novel because everything that is interesting in this book could be better concentrated had this book been shorter.
Cover Art by Anna Sikorska. I really liked the cover. I downloaded a copy of this E-Book while it was free on Amazon. This is my personal Review Book Notes: The Eye of Ra-I like the title Cover: Two teenagers, Aston and Grant, are sent to an all-boys school for delinquents, their last chance before the Juvenile Detention Center. But due to an altercation, the duo might just end up there if they don't replace their teacher's lost items, the first item I downloaded a copy of this E-Book while it was free on Amazon.
But due to an altercation, the duo might just end up there if they don't replace their teacher's lost items, the first item on the list: The Eye of Ra. To retrieve it, they have to go back in time. The writing was lovely and the story was humerus and full of history. While some of it was a little over the top and somewhat info-dumping, I appreciated the King Tut theories.
However, there were a few parts that seemed to drag on for a short story , and other parts were too neatly put together view spoiler [ Language change, clothes change, the ease of getting to Tut and their adapting to everything was way too easy. Both, Aston and Grant were great, relatable characters. He was honest about his shortcomings, sarcastic and funny. As the story progressed, the same went for Grant, the kid with four names.
The romance element view spoiler [ was super cute and sad and confusing all at once hide spoiler ] I cared about the characters and their journey. If the information about Egypt and King Tut were better spread out and the story progressed a little faster, view spoiler [ and if they had some parting words hide spoiler ] it would have been perfect. But it was still a really good Young Adult read as it read like many of the YA stories I have previously read.
Quote that best sums up the story: Uh, even if you tried. Fate always finds a way to complete its master plan. A Joyfully Jay review. His rhetoric is light-hearted and he is able to bring humor to even the most dramatic of situations. At the beginning of the novel, neither Aston or Grant are likable characters, though Chase does her best to give the readers information to make the boys relatable. For example, Aston lost his mother when he was ten and is left with residual pain and anger.
As the story progresses though, the reader sees the personalities of both boys developing because of their experiences in Egypt. This is a fairly quick, action filled book about two juvenile delinquents, Aston and Grant, sentenced to a school after being caught stealing. They're thieves but pretty bad at it, apparently. In a moment of stress, rage, and anger, they accidentally become arsonists and are sent on a mission by their mysterious teacher to replace an item that was destroyed in the fire. The task sends them back to ancient Egypt, which immerses the reader into Egyptian history, from sm Action!
The task sends them back to ancient Egypt, which immerses the reader into Egyptian history, from small details deodorant was not yet invented to large the life of King Tut. You could accidentally learn something while reading this. This is the first book in a hopefully long series, as quite a few items of great value were lost. In the midst of the historical action, romance blooms between the two boys. The writing and editing are well done, the action driving the plot forward at a relatively rapid rate with no lagging spots.
An example of the writing: Alice stood nearby during all of them, wringing her hands and shaking or nodding her head in all the right places, like she was doing some sort of bizarre interpretive dance. Sep 10, Desi rated it liked it. A great adventure, though more simplistic than necessary for the age group. The boys in the book are 17, but the writing is young enough that an 11 year old would love it. I appreciated the normalizing of homosexual feelings. No bad language, or sexuality, though there is a war scene with some bloody storytelling, though still safe for the 11 year old age range.
I really wish this were written with more complexity because the story idea is captivating. I would place this title with Rick Riordan t A great adventure, though more simplistic than necessary for the age group. I would place this title with Rick Riordan type stories. Gasping for breath, a man ran through the forest as fast as he possibly he could.
He had to keep running.
If he stopped, it could mean his death. As he ran, branches tore at his clothing, ripping his red cloak to shreds. His face was covered in small cuts. His hair was plastered to his head by the sweat gliding down his body. At some point, he had lost his sword, and its familiar weight against his hip was no longer there as he ran. That meant the only thing he could to save himself was to run for his life, and that was exactly what the man was doing. Behind him, the man could hear the creature gaining on him.
He could hear the sounds of the creature crashing through the forest; hear the sound of its breathing as it approached; hear the sound of it howling every now and then as he continued his flight through the forest. The man had no idea what the creature was, and he did not really want to know. All he wanted to do was make it out of his current situation alive, something that was beginning to seem impossible.
With each step he took, he felt his body resist. He was exhausted, bleeding, thirsty, and absolutely scared out of his mind. He longed to stop and rest, but he continued to push his body further. As he continued to run, he let his thoughts turn to what he had been doing earlier. His day had started out perfectly normal, but that had not lasted. It had quickly descended into a nightmare the likes of which he had never witnessed before. Sir Andrew had been sent by Prince Arthur to handle a dispute in one of the small boarder villages.
The dispute had been handled quickly, only requiring him to intervene a little bit. He had spent the night in the village, staying in the home of the village leader. He left early the next morning, eager to get back to Camelot and enjoy the comfort of warm food and a soft bed. As he road along, nothing much happened. He met no one as he travelled, which was fine by him. He stopped a couple of times to water his horse and to eat a little food. When night came, he made camp in a small clearing. He had just lain down on his cloak to sleep, when he heard a sound in the forest.
Getting up, he had grabbed his sword and tried to locate the direction the sound had come from. Suddenly, a large body appeared out of nowhere. He had barely managed to get out of the way when the body flew past him. Whirling around, he prepared himself for a fight. Lifting his sword, Sir Andrew was not prepared for what he found himself facing.
Me estresan demasiado, cada vez los tolero menos. Dejemos descansar un poco este recurso porque no lo tolero!!! Todo en conjunto es un poco confuso. Si elegiste a Vane, no me llores por Matt-Merlin. Y si sales con Vane, no te beses con Matt-Merlin como si se te fuera la vida en ello, sin importar porque lo haces. Y todo eso de sexo-no sexo con Vane O te juegas por Ryan o te alejas. No me gustaba verte sufrir cuando Vane y Ryan estaban juntos: S hide spoiler ] Me desespera Aunque en conjunto, todo es un poco decepcionante.
Jun 02, Seirra rated it it was amazing Shelves: My Merlin Awakening is an incredibly thrilling sequel. It's full of adventure as well as tons of mythological creatures. Ryan DuLac is immersed deeper into Arthurian legend.
Ryan's character grows even more into the warrior she was meant to be as the wielder of Excalibur. I could not for the life of me put this book down, I tried my best to finish it slowly so as to savor its exciting story but failed epically and devoured the book in two days time during every waking second I wasn't busy. T My Merlin Awakening is an incredibly thrilling sequel. This book will intrigue you from start to finish. The tone transforms from something light into something a bit darker ever so subtly which pushes the story into a whole different direction.
Although there is a visible love-triangle yet again between the two wizarding brothers it does not diminish the overlaying story which is amazing. You also get to peek behind the curtain of Merlin and Vivane's past which is a satisfying aspect to see how it's affected both their future actions. Overall an extremely enjoyable read. A guilty pleasure for anyone who loves Merlin and enjoys a nice spin on things.
Priya Ardis is amazing and has yet again outdone herself with this sequel. Arriane "Ryan" DuLac is still dealing with the emotional aftermath of Merlin "Matt" coming out as the sword bearer of Excalibur and legendary wizard Merlin. Matt exposed himself to the world to protect her secret. But Ryan is still the chosen one who wields Excalibur whether she is in denial or not. Ryan returns to her home to try and lead a normal life after learning the truth but finds it difficult when Vivane returns with her. She's also still connected to Merlin which means she sees his visions-and they are not good.
How can you ignore the future when its flashing before your eyes in what appears to be the end of the world? Ryan is forced into reuniting with her fellow candidates and venturing on a dangerous journey to help Matt and Vane stop what is yet to come. Vane's past catches up to him when they stumble into mermaid territory and must face the consequences of the Fisher King. She must make the most impossible choices and brave death or face destruction. She must prove to herself that she's a champion and not just a regular. Unexpected twists threaten to change everything.
Ryan must choose between two brothers and deal with the repercussions. May 25, Pam rated it really liked it Shelves: She's got bigger problems—as student president, she's got to put on the Prom. WOW…hot, hot, hot, hot, hot…well maybe that better describes Vane. For all his dark and foreboding nature, it kills me he is the blonde brother. He really should have dark hair and piercing green not hazel eyes. But I will take him anyway I can get him. Merlin has too much of a hero complex for me…he is the guy that will always be ditching you to go save some damsel in distress.
We learn a lot about the Gargoyles, which added some interesting tension. The Gargoyles and Wizards are forced to work together to try and find out why Excalibur has shown up. Lots of interesting secrets are revealed! This was a non-stop thrill ride into undiscovered territory…and Priya Ardis knows how to create a new and exciting world!
May 22, Diayll rated it it was amazing Shelves: Bewitching Book Tours Reviewer: Heather If you have yet to read the first book, My Boyfriend Merlin, then please drop everything, and go read it right now. My Merlin Awakening Originally Reviewed at: Ryan has pulled the sword, but in order to protect the candidate he loves, Merlin takes the credit.
Merlin also chooses, albeit a difficult choice, to let Ryan go in order to keep his visions, and attempt to save the world from its judgment day. Oct 30, Stacy Sabala rated it really liked it Shelves: Book Review- My Merlin Awakening by Priya Ardis In the second book of the series, Ryan survived the trial and is now the sword bearer, but she has gone home. She needed to feel normal. Vane is her protector now and he goes where she does. He is currently her history teacher and La Crosse coach.
He is pushing her to be better just like he did before.
He knows she will have to accept her destiny eventually. That eventuality becomes a reality whe Book Review- My Merlin Awakening by Priya Ardis In the second book of the series, Ryan survived the trial and is now the sword bearer, but she has gone home. That eventuality becomes a reality when Matt, aka Merlin, shows up. He is there to persuade her to come back and meet with the Gargoyle King. Things are unsettled and the Gargoyle Prince, Oliver, is trying to take over the throne. He is also on a path of revenge against Ryan.
In order to thwart his plans Ryan, Matt, Vane and the Candidates enter a quest to find the trident of the Fisher King and the cup of life. Their search takes them to Greece. They are led to the Kingdom of Mermen and Mermaids. Ryan becomes the champion chosen to fight for their survival.
She also has to deal with the dilemma of her feelings for Vane and Matt. She will have to make a decision. This book was full of adventure and nonstop action. The second book picked up where the first one left off. Friendships have continued and grown between the Candidates.
He also seems to have changed his mind about Gia. Vane and Matt are still fighting over Ryan. Vane pushes Ryan to make a decision. I felt sorry for her. She has feelings for them both and is trying to stay alive. She is devastated when Vane turns on her. She feels like this is her fault and when he becomes lost, she blames herself. But she stepped up to the task when she needed. It shows how human she is.
Of course it shows her age, she is still a teenager. I like the characters, the storyline and the struggles the author continues with in this book. May 24, Catarina rated it it was amazing Shelves: A sequel that didn't feel like a chore to read. Have y'all ever noticed there was a sequel trap. I mean, authors are getting better at not falling into it, but there was a time I dreaded reading sequels. They sometimes felt like a placeholder between books 1 and 3 until the real action started.
And I'm happy to say this book didn't fall into the sequel trap. It was entertaining, exciting, and an emotional roller coaster to be honest. Anyways they are in the beginnings of a relationship that is a bit a rocky, which is understandable when you are trying to save the world and don't know what your doing, oh, and you still have feelings for your ex who just so happens to be you boyfriend's brother and he knows it.
Well throw in a gargoyle attack, poison, Triton's Trident, and a crazy nymph and you get the beginning, full right? I loved this book. I love a book that can have an emphasis on romance and still not lose sight of the plot. So not only did we get romance in this book we got magic, intrigue, betrayal, action, and really funny scenes. I loved how Ryan grew in this book and went from taking orders in the beginning to giving them in the end. She grew a backbone, YAY!
And Matt needs to figure out what he wants. He flipped flopped so much, you either want the relationship with Ryan or you want your visions you can't have both. But I am happy to say he started to get his priorities straight towards the end and Ryan might be towards the top on those. He's honest, knows what he wants, goes after what he wants, and doesn't pretend to be anything he's not. But he kind of got power crazed towards the end and I'm excited to see how that plays into the third book.
Editorial Reviews. About the Author. Sarah White is a roamer who has finally determined (after. Chasing Merlin [Sarah White] on www.farmersmarketmusic.com *FREE* Start reading Chasing Merlin (The Chasing Camelot Trilogy Book 1) on your Kindle in under a minute.
All in all this was a great book that is in no way a "place holder". And this book is one I see as being great to read when you travel, and you don't see many of those. So I encourage all of y'all to read it. Check out more of my reviews and fun stuff on my blog: Feb 28, Wesley Mccullough rated it really liked it Shelves: In the second act you put them into the worst possible position they could ever get into in their lives, a black hole from which they can never get out.
And in the third act they get out. And it is only slightly less well-known that this "In the first act, you introduce everybody. And it is only slightly less well-known that this greatness is due to the fact that there is no time wasted on hellos or goodbyes--it's all creamy middle. And while I can't speak for the conclusion of the My Merlin saga, let alone for a prequel set in Camelot fingers crossed , My Merlin Awakening certainly bears all the hallmarks of a tour-de-force second act: Plot thickening rapidly with back-story?
A vastly expanded tableau of exotic and mysterious locales? Check well, technically not carbonite, but you get the idea. Our heroine's indomitable spirit lighting a path through a twisted and cruel labyrinth more populated with monsters than men? Yes, make no mistake about it, this is a bloody book, downright unsettling in places, and it may be a while before you once again picture mermaids as cute sea creatures with Calypso-playing crab sidekicks.
However, if I had to pick a favorite part in either of the 2 books thus far , it would have to be the scene in the House of the Seven Gables yes, the one from that book your teacher made you read sophomore year. It's an ideal set piece, breezily and beautifully executed, and a fitting homage to the Gothic genre which, let us not forget, was originally inspired by "combining elements of the medieval romance, which was deemed too fanciful, and the modern novel, which was considered to be too confined to strict realism"--if that doesn't describe Arthurian YA, I don't know what does.
Mar 02, Michelle rated it it was amazing Shelves: I had my whole review written and I lost it all, so now this is take 2. My Merlin Awakening had some pretty high expectations to live up to. I loved the first book and I was really excited to read this one and I am happy to report that it did not disappoint at all. I loved it just as much, if not more, than the first book.
This series is shaping up to be amazing and I am super sad that there is only one book left. Maybe Priya will change her mind and switch it from a trilogy to a series? I really love both of them. I liked Matt a lot more at the start of the first book and only a little more than Vane by the end of the first book. I understand that Matt has it rough, he has to live with visions and he feels the weight of the world on his shoulders and he is really likable.
I know he has feelings for Ryan and that he wants to be with her, but there is just something about Vane that won me over. He is super intense and he totally won my heart over pretty much from the start of My Merlin Awakening. I really want Ryan to notice how awesome Vane is, and I think to some extent she does but she is still so hung up on the "what if" with Matt that she doesn't really give Vane much of a change sometimes.
And that makes me feel for him. The amazing thing about Priya Ardis' writing is that it totally sucks you into the story and makes you feel like you are a part of it. I felt like I was Ryan, when she was torn with a choice- I was torn. I just totally related to her on every level. To me, that is the mark of a great writer. My Merlin Awakening is such an awesome story. I never wanted it to end, and I am dying to find out what happens next. I will just have to daydream about Vane until the next book comes out Aug 03, Kathleen rated it liked it.
I really liked the first book and did I like this one? I felt so much for him in this book. So much I was boiling with frustration that Ryan couldn't see clearly he was the one for her. Ok, we're going to move on before I start sounding as if I'm reviewing "Twilight. First off, it moved I really liked the first book and did I like this one? First off, it moved pretty slowly. The beginning held my interest but then I started to fade. While it did pick back up, too little too late at that point.
Secondly, I hate that we didn't get to see more of them in their normal environment. Truly, my favorite scene was the 'lacrosse" scene and that wasn't long enough. I want to see these characters interact in a natural environment I know what you're thinking, this is YA fantasy, I might as well be asking for a whole other book. I hope though in book three, which I do plan on reading, there's more normal interaction between the characters Anyway, overall the story is still good and does hold your attention.
A few minor setbacks keep this book, in my opinion, from going that extra mile. If you want a synopsis read other reviews or the "book jacket" for Kindle, these are simply my thoughts on the story. Hopefully book three, the conclusion in this entertaining trilogy, will step it up a notch and if I'm lucky, she'll choose Vane and I won't leave this series disappointed. Oct 05, Ellen rated it it was amazing Shelves: My Merlin Awakening picks up where the first book in the series left off.
Ryan finds herself in the middle of the conflict between two brothers, each who believe they are doing the right thing, and she cares for them both. While she finds herself with one, she still can't seem to let go of the other, and with both of them being able to get into her head, it doesn't make things easier.