by: K. K. Allen
Page Count: 238 pages
Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform
Genre: Contemporary Fantasy
Format: Paperback, E-book
Amazon Buy Link: HERE
Goodreads Link: HERE
Em's Rating: ★★★★
Book Blurb: After Katrina Summer’s mother dies a mysterious death, she is hurtled into life at Apollo Beach where she learns the legends of her Ancient Greek ancestors. Kat’s world unravels as secrets from her heritage are exposed—secrets that her mother purposefully concealed. Leading to her 16th birthday, the day of the Summer Solstice, Kat becomes frightened when enigmatic visions and disturbing dreams haunt her. As her visions become reality fear turns to terror as powerful forces threaten the lives of those around her. Amidst the turmoil, Kat meets Alec Stone, who becomes her sole solace in an evocative world of mythological enchantment and evil prophecies that lurk around every corner . . .
Em’s Review:
Even though I love YA books, (and yes I would call this YA) I tend to see a lot of reoccurring things that pull me out of the story. Two of these are: characters that most issues could be solved by talking (romances does this too) and insta-love. I am very happy to report The Summer Solstice Enchanted didn’t have any of this! I like Katrina as our main protagonist. She asks (sometimes demands) answers, doesn’t want to change her values to fit the story, and is not (thankfully) an airhead. She knows her mother kept secrets, some she never thought too hard on until she met her grandmother Rose. This makes it so we can get to the heart of the story, and not have 200 pages of filler, of people dancing around issue. Someone got my birthday wish!
This book is mainly a magical coming of age, with a slight sprinkling of romance - kind of. In fact we don’t truly meet our male “love” interest until about one third into the book. I also really enjoyed the scenes with Alec. He is trying to be her friend first. None of this, I look at you and the doves sing and the light shines from the heavens BS! (plus doves don’t sing) Kat and Alec are, dare I say, cute together! He is kind and they have FUN together. True love can not stay unless your characters can be friends. Thank you for this!
The true story, however, is the mystery behind Kat’s family, why her father left, and why her mother moved away. Most of which, I will have to read the other two books in the series to find out these answers. THIS is what a series SHOULD do. Keep me wanting to come back! Well played! (On a side note, I hope we learn what happened to Kat’s mom when she was 16)
This story was very delightful start of a series. It is also a quick read, great for car trips, (as long as you are not driving) plane trips (as long as you are not flying) and any other time you want to read a great quick story.
Wanna read an expert? Here try this one
I sit in front of the mahogany vanity that towers before me. It’s a monument much like everything else in my room. If the objects aren’t generous in size then they make up for it in their beauty and fragility.
Staring at my new reflection in the large oval mirror, I notice my face is fairer than I’m used to and it glows magnificently. My eyes are a bright and unusual shade of silver. My dark brown hair is soft, long, thick, and flowing down past my shoulders. I take in my groomed features with awe and reach for the glass, to touch the girl in the mirror. With every move of my hand as it creeps toward the glass my reflection follows in perfect synchrony. Together, our hands rise to our faces and move a strand of hair from our heads.
My lashes are longer. My nails, now they’re near my face, appear manicured and long—that's when I notice it . . .
The necklace. It lies across my neck as if made for me, but not just any necklace; the green stone reflects the light of the sun now streaming in through the massive balcony windows. I move to touch the necklace, lifting it gently from my neck.
My heart pounds like a steady drum as the image in the mirror smiles at me with an almost evil glimmer in its eye. I gasp. My image does not gasp with me but smiles even brighter. There are silver streaks of madness in her eyes that freeze me. Her eyes narrow and turn, so they no longer meet mine. They stare over my shoulder to where an antique vase sits, laden with fresh flowers. I watch it rise with every move of my reflection’s finger until it's propped up, lingering in midair.
A terrifying scream comes from the mirror and I jam my palms to the sides of my head to muffle the horrible sound. My image isn’t smiling anymore. Her mouth is grotesque, stretched to the sound of her scream. The vase shakes violently until, with a high-pitched ring, it shatters in midair, spraying my bedroom with glass.
Sounds good right? Met the author.
Amazon Author Page: http://smarturl.it/KKAllen
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/authorkkallen
Website: www.KK-Allen.com
I would like to take this time to take both K.K. Allen and Enchanted Book Promotions for letting me take part of the book tour, and giving me a free e-copy of this book. They have also put together this give-a-way for you.
Win a Kindle Fire, $10 Kindle Gift Card and copy of ‘Echoes of Winter’ (YA short stories): a Rafflecopter giveaway
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