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Haven #1
A Stranger Magic
Sam Dalcome thinks he is so completely average that no one ever notices him. Until he discovers a mysterious stranger outside his home. Bewildered, he tries to uncover the stranger’s intentions. But Sam is sidetracked when he and his friend Travis discover a secret passageway deep in the town’s quarry that leads to a hidden cavern. What they uncover next will not only change their lives forever, but will uncover the first clue to a deadly Dalcome family secret. Sam finds himself drawn into a world of mystery and magic he never knew existed, which brings him closer to a destiny he never knew was possible.
HAVEN SERIES: Known as a place of refuge, Haven is a sanctuary for those with supernatural abilities. Decades of peace between the Witches, Vampires, Goblins, Elves, and Orcs is coming to an end. Now the once tranquil world is shrouded in deception and corruption. Dark secrets tear at the very fabric of their alliance giving way to an evil that stirs in the shadows. Exhilarating and utterly gripping, the HAVEN series is an action-packed journey full of suspense, magic, mystery, and intrigue.
HAVEN: A Stranger Magic is the first Novella in the HAVEN series by author D.C. Akers. This Novella contains 28,817 words, and about 172 pages in print form.
HAVEN SERIES: Known as a place of refuge, Haven is a sanctuary for those with supernatural abilities. Decades of peace between the Witches, Vampires, Goblins, Elves, and Orcs is coming to an end. Now the once tranquil world is shrouded in deception and corruption. Dark secrets tear at the very fabric of their alliance giving way to an evil that stirs in the shadows. Exhilarating and utterly gripping, the HAVEN series is an action-packed journey full of suspense, magic, mystery, and intrigue.
HAVEN: A Stranger Magic is the first Novella in the HAVEN series by author D.C. Akers. This Novella contains 28,817 words, and about 172 pages in print form.
172 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 5, 2013
360 people are currently reading
1,926 people want to read
About the author
D.C. Akers
7Ìýbooks41ÌýfollowersD.C. Akers was born in Texas, and after spending several years working in accounting, he began to pursue his childhood dream of becoming a writer. Like many who enjoy the fantasy genre, Akers started reading it as an adolescent. He was fascinated with Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings and Bram Stoker's Dracula. He currently enjoys reading works by Dean Koontz, Heather Brewer, J.K. Rowling, Rick Riordan, and John Grisham.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 123 reviews
August 4, 2016
Amazing
I hope the next book is free. Because this book was the coolest and awesomest and greatest book I have ever read.
I hope the next book is free. Because this book was the coolest and awesomest and greatest book I have ever read.
January 1, 2024
So, with just a couple hours left until midnight, this is officially my last completed book of 2023. And it wasn't great. It wasn't even good, if I'm honest.
The good parts? Well, the sibling rivalry aspect felt real. But there were a lot of editing errors that kept pulling me out of the story (If I recall correctly, a toilet bowl at one point was referred to as a "toiled bowel") and the ending was just a massive information dump that obliterated the writer's rule of "show, don't tell."
I didn't hate it, so it didn't have to settle for a single star, but I also didn't like it enough to continue the series.
2 out of 5 stars.
The good parts? Well, the sibling rivalry aspect felt real. But there were a lot of editing errors that kept pulling me out of the story (If I recall correctly, a toilet bowl at one point was referred to as a "toiled bowel") and the ending was just a massive information dump that obliterated the writer's rule of "show, don't tell."
I didn't hate it, so it didn't have to settle for a single star, but I also didn't like it enough to continue the series.
2 out of 5 stars.
July 19, 2021
Even though I've never read anything by D.C. Akers before, I was interested to get this book started. It wasn't my new favourite, but it was a great book to switch up my reading list with.
Check out my full review here!
Check out my full review here!
March 18, 2014
As I started this book I was drawn into it like fire with oxygen, I needed to keep turning the pages.
Sam is that kind of character that you think he's just going to be another annoying, whiny teenager, but he's so much more. I'm not saying that he doesn't whine or act like a total jerk, because he does.....he just actually seems to care about his actions.
When he fights with his mom he feels really awful....I mean CLEAN YOUR ROOM awful. That alone made his character so much more.
Then you have the spiders....GOD I hate spiders. These spiders start at Sam's house and then further present themselves in the cave.
A cave in itself is freaking creepy. But, added more WHOLLY BOOGERS to the effect with the mysterious side cavern.
I for one wouldn't be moving closer to the thing. I would be saying...."Wholly Boogers", turn tail and run!
On the other hand....Sam's sister is kinda cool. I mean she is the typical older sister, but her ability with water....NICE!
I love the alley scene....I too have at times wished my anger could do things like that.
As you read this story you get a great feeling for who the family is.....well so you think.
Dad died (NO photos are around), Mom works hard, both kids at each others throats, like a true brother/sister. Just with this family they have weird strangers watching them.....
Or are they really weird strangers??????
Right when you think you'll see what the big picture is....
Cliff-Hanger!!!Wonderful job Mr. Akers. I currently am trying very hard not to guess what's coming in the next book .
This book is easy to read, by easy I mean you begin to read it and soon find yourself multiple chapters later with ease. It is quite easy to get lost in the writers style and the story builds up nicely. I will say though I feel that this book could easily be read by persons much younger than myself and older than myself yet still be enjoyable. The story takes off with a thirteen year old boy who has the normal life of a not so popular average kid who has pretty much all the crummy luck available heading his way on his last day of eighth grade. His sister is a bully who is secretly self conscious and takes out most of her frustration on him and his mother is a single hard working almost never home mom. His best friend is not too far above being a bit of a social outcast as well and Sam (the main character who is thirteen) has the curiosity that kills cats.
The author does a great job of providing vivid details that make your imagination easily play out the story being told and he does a great job at leading you into a world of magic. I'm one of those people that cannot just jump into fiction if it does not seem believably unbelievable. But in the believably average world we live in he was able to add magic, and a bit of mystery making you question what was really going on throughout the book.
Chapter 13 (the last chapter) hits you with a whole load of information explaining every odd happening in earlier chapters as well as introducing an entirely different world which no doubt will fill the pages of his later books. But, he makes it completely believable and I have to say it left me wanting to find Book 2 just to find out what on earth happened. Nice suspense there... good job!
This book is easy to read, by easy I mean you begin to read it and soon find yourself multiple chapters later with ease. It is quite easy to get lost in the writers style and the story builds up nicely. I will say though I feel that this book could easily be read by persons much younger than myself and older than myself yet still be enjoyable. The story takes off with a thirteen year old boy who has the normal life of a not so popular average kid who has pretty much all the crummy luck available heading his way on his last day of eighth grade. His sister is a bully who is secretly self conscious and takes out most of her frustration on him and his mother is a single hard working almost never home mom. His best friend is not too far above being a bit of a social outcast as well and Sam (the main character who is thirteen) has the curiosity that kills cats. The author does a great job of providing vivid details that make your imagination easily play out the story being told and he does a great job at leading you into a world of magic. I'm one of those people that cannot just jump into fiction if it does not seem believably unbelievable. But in the believably average world we live in he was able to add magic, and a bit of mystery making you question what was really going on throughout the book. Chapter 13 (the last chapter) hits you with a whole load of information explaining every odd happening in earlier chapters as well as introducing an entirely different world which no doubt will fill the pages of his later books. But, he makes it completely believable and I have to say it left me wanting to find Book 2 just to find out what on earth happened. Nice suspense there... good job!
Disclosure:
I got this product as part of an advertorial. I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.
January 15, 2019
Too Short
I liked the storyline and enjoyed meeting the Dalcome children as they become aware that there is something changing in their lives. They have learned that there are powers that are not normal at play in their lives. I cannot wait to learn more about them as the series progresses and I hopeI enjoy each book as much or more.
I liked the storyline and enjoyed meeting the Dalcome children as they become aware that there is something changing in their lives. They have learned that there are powers that are not normal at play in their lives. I cannot wait to learn more about them as the series progresses and I hopeI enjoy each book as much or more.
May 22, 2020
A very beautiful and well written book! Perfect 5.
August 14, 2016
I received this book from the author for review purposes. However, all opinions are my own.
I'm sure you've all had that evening when you pick up a book and think I'll just read this for an hour then get some work done; before you know it, the book is over, you're sitting there with a smile on your face and it's 2 AM with the errands still incomplete. Well, that was this book- Haven: A Stranger Magic.
As a woman with a college year old daughter I thought this book might have been too young for me. When I started reading it, I found that the protagonist, Sam, was a 13 year old boy and his sister was only a couple of years older. I didn't think that I would be able to really connect with those characters and therefore wouldn't like the book that much. However, I'm not one to quit reading for a reason like that so I continued on. I found that it was actually quite entertaining. A lot of the struggles Sam goes through are very real and I found myself sympathizing with him a lot. I loved that the author was able to make me feel these emotions, because it drew me into the story even more. Another thing I loved and was happy the author did was Sarah's point of view. In the beginning when I saw the way she acted, I was a little angry with her, but getting to see her emotions and her motivations, not only redeemed her, but had me rooting for her.
What's it about?
This book was more or less a prologue that set up the setting, characters and background for the rest of the series, so if you're hoping for mind-blowing action scenes and earth-shaking revelations you won't find them here, but you will find the understanding you need to get there.
Essentially, the book is about Sam, a 13 year old boy, who sees a man standing outside his house at night. Somehow, magically, the man always disappears either then or by the next morning. While Sam works to discover who this stranger is, his sister is also starting to uncover her own secrets. The synopsis for the book reads:
Sam Dalcome thinks he is so completely average that no one ever notices him. Until he discovers a mysterious stranger outside his home. Bewildered, he tries to uncover the stranger’s intentions. But Sam is sidetracked when he and his friend Travis discover a secret passageway deep in the town’s quarry that leads to a hidden cavern. What they uncover next will not only change their lives forever, but will uncover the first clue to a deadly Dalcome family secret. Sam finds himself drawn into a world of mystery and magic he never knew existed, which brings him closer to a destiny he never knew was possible.
Definitely an interesting premise. I will definitely be checking out the next book in the series just to find out what happens. I've always been a fan of fantasy and I think this book fits the bill. If you've ever read the Fablehaven series, I find that this book has some of the same style of writing and setup as that one (I loved that series too).
If you get a chance give the book a try-you may really enjoy it!
I'm sure you've all had that evening when you pick up a book and think I'll just read this for an hour then get some work done; before you know it, the book is over, you're sitting there with a smile on your face and it's 2 AM with the errands still incomplete. Well, that was this book- Haven: A Stranger Magic.
As a woman with a college year old daughter I thought this book might have been too young for me. When I started reading it, I found that the protagonist, Sam, was a 13 year old boy and his sister was only a couple of years older. I didn't think that I would be able to really connect with those characters and therefore wouldn't like the book that much. However, I'm not one to quit reading for a reason like that so I continued on. I found that it was actually quite entertaining. A lot of the struggles Sam goes through are very real and I found myself sympathizing with him a lot. I loved that the author was able to make me feel these emotions, because it drew me into the story even more. Another thing I loved and was happy the author did was Sarah's point of view. In the beginning when I saw the way she acted, I was a little angry with her, but getting to see her emotions and her motivations, not only redeemed her, but had me rooting for her.
What's it about?
This book was more or less a prologue that set up the setting, characters and background for the rest of the series, so if you're hoping for mind-blowing action scenes and earth-shaking revelations you won't find them here, but you will find the understanding you need to get there.
Essentially, the book is about Sam, a 13 year old boy, who sees a man standing outside his house at night. Somehow, magically, the man always disappears either then or by the next morning. While Sam works to discover who this stranger is, his sister is also starting to uncover her own secrets. The synopsis for the book reads:
Sam Dalcome thinks he is so completely average that no one ever notices him. Until he discovers a mysterious stranger outside his home. Bewildered, he tries to uncover the stranger’s intentions. But Sam is sidetracked when he and his friend Travis discover a secret passageway deep in the town’s quarry that leads to a hidden cavern. What they uncover next will not only change their lives forever, but will uncover the first clue to a deadly Dalcome family secret. Sam finds himself drawn into a world of mystery and magic he never knew existed, which brings him closer to a destiny he never knew was possible.
Definitely an interesting premise. I will definitely be checking out the next book in the series just to find out what happens. I've always been a fan of fantasy and I think this book fits the bill. If you've ever read the Fablehaven series, I find that this book has some of the same style of writing and setup as that one (I loved that series too).
If you get a chance give the book a try-you may really enjoy it!
August 14, 2019
Sam and Sarah are teens in a quiet town. Up until the beginning of this story, they thought they were perfectly ordinary teens. Well except that when Sarah get angry inexplicable accidents happen! Then one evening, Sam notices a strange man watching his house. This short adventure reads in one sitting and sets the stage for a much bigger story.
The writing was good, as was the pace. While the story does end in a satisfying place, I’d say that you should give this a read to decide if the series is right for you, rather than for something to occupy a single rainy afternoon.
I have no idea how I got this book. Normally I keep careful notes of what I bought and what was given to me in case I’d like to review on Science Fantasy Hub, but here I’m drawing a blank. That isn’t so important though, because you know where to find your copy!
The writing was good, as was the pace. While the story does end in a satisfying place, I’d say that you should give this a read to decide if the series is right for you, rather than for something to occupy a single rainy afternoon.
I have no idea how I got this book. Normally I keep careful notes of what I bought and what was given to me in case I’d like to review on Science Fantasy Hub, but here I’m drawing a blank. That isn’t so important though, because you know where to find your copy!
Read
February 26, 2017An excellent masterfully writen tale of fantasy, I loved it. Get your copy today.
July 3, 2013
This book is easy to read, by easy I mean you begin to read it and soon find yourself multiple chapters later with ease. It is quite easy to get lost in the writers style and the story builds up nicely. I will say though I feel that this book could easily be read by persons much younger than myself and older than myself yet still be enjoyable. The story takes off with a thirteen year old boy who has the normal life of a not so popular average kid who has pretty much all the crummy luck available heading his way on his last day of eighth grade. His sister is a bully who is secretly self conscious and takes out most of her frustration on him and his mother is a single hard working almost never home mom. His best friend is not too far above being a bit of a social outcast as well and Sam (the main character who is thirteen) has the curiosity that kills cats.
The author does a great job of providing vivid details that make your imagination easily play out the story being told and he does a great job at leading you into a world of magic. I'm one of those people that cannot just jump into fiction if it does not seem believably unbelievable. But in the believably average world we live in he was able to add magic, and a bit of mystery making you question what was really going on throughout the book.
Chapter 13 (the last chapter) hits you with a whole load of information explaining every odd happening in earlier chapters as well as introducing an entirely different world which no doubt will fill the pages of his later books. But, he makes it completely believable and I have to say it left me wanting to find Book 2 just to find out what on earth happened. Nice suspense there... good job!
The author does a great job of providing vivid details that make your imagination easily play out the story being told and he does a great job at leading you into a world of magic. I'm one of those people that cannot just jump into fiction if it does not seem believably unbelievable. But in the believably average world we live in he was able to add magic, and a bit of mystery making you question what was really going on throughout the book.
Chapter 13 (the last chapter) hits you with a whole load of information explaining every odd happening in earlier chapters as well as introducing an entirely different world which no doubt will fill the pages of his later books. But, he makes it completely believable and I have to say it left me wanting to find Book 2 just to find out what on earth happened. Nice suspense there... good job!
September 17, 2013
Wow.....Just Wow!!!
As I started this book I was drawn into it like fire with oxygen, I needed to keep turning the pages.
Sam is that kind of character that you think he's just going to be another annoying, whiny teenager, but he's so much more. I'm not saying that he doesn't whine or act like a total jerk, because he does.....he just actually seems to care about his actions.
When he fights with his mom he feels really awful....I mean CLEAN YOUR ROOM awful. That alone made his character so much more.
Then you have the spiders....GOD I hate spiders. These spiders start at Sam's house and then further present themselves in the cave.
A cave in itself is freaking creepy. But, added more WHOLLY BOOGERS to the effect with the mysterious side cavern.
I for one wouldn't be moving closer to the thing. I would be saying...."Wholly Boogers", turn tail and run!
On the other hand....Sam's sister is kinda cool. I mean she is the typical older sister, but her ability with water....NICE!
I love the alley scene....I too have at times wished my anger could do things like that.
As you read this story you get a great feeling for who the family is.....well so you think.
Dad died (NO photos are around), Mom works hard, both kids at each others throats, like a true brother/sister. Just with this family they have weird strangers watching them.....
Or are they really weird strangers??????
Right when you think you'll see what the big picture is....
Cliff-Hanger!!!
Wonderful job Mr. Akers. I currently am trying very hard not to guess what's coming in the next book.....If you could by chance.....
WRITE IT FAST :)
As I started this book I was drawn into it like fire with oxygen, I needed to keep turning the pages.
Sam is that kind of character that you think he's just going to be another annoying, whiny teenager, but he's so much more. I'm not saying that he doesn't whine or act like a total jerk, because he does.....he just actually seems to care about his actions.
When he fights with his mom he feels really awful....I mean CLEAN YOUR ROOM awful. That alone made his character so much more.
Then you have the spiders....GOD I hate spiders. These spiders start at Sam's house and then further present themselves in the cave.
A cave in itself is freaking creepy. But, added more WHOLLY BOOGERS to the effect with the mysterious side cavern.
I for one wouldn't be moving closer to the thing. I would be saying...."Wholly Boogers", turn tail and run!
On the other hand....Sam's sister is kinda cool. I mean she is the typical older sister, but her ability with water....NICE!
I love the alley scene....I too have at times wished my anger could do things like that.
As you read this story you get a great feeling for who the family is.....well so you think.
Dad died (NO photos are around), Mom works hard, both kids at each others throats, like a true brother/sister. Just with this family they have weird strangers watching them.....
Or are they really weird strangers??????
Right when you think you'll see what the big picture is....
Cliff-Hanger!!!
Wonderful job Mr. Akers. I currently am trying very hard not to guess what's coming in the next book.....If you could by chance.....
WRITE IT FAST :)
May 14, 2014
Haven is known for being a world of magic. It is a refuge for all types of supernatural beings. Witches.. Vampires.. Goblins.. Elves.. Orcs.. It has been a place of peace for so many years. But that is all about to end. Dark deeply hidden secrets are coming to the surface. And this is leaving the door open for a dark and evil that has been laying in wait in the shadows.
OK guys he had me at witches & vampires, but add the rest to the book.. I LOVE action packed books with mystery, magic & the supernatural.
A Stranger Magic ( Book 1 )
Sam thinks he is just a normal average guy that no one really notices. A stranger shows up in town & seems interested in Sam or Sam's family. He truly thought that his sister Sarah wished he would just go away. But he finds out that Sarah isn't feeling "right" about herself or their situation either.
One night he wakes up from a odd strange type of dream, he looks out his window and there stands a man. Is this man watching him? Is this man real? Or is he a dream? And if he is watching him WHY? He needs to know this so he & his friend Travis head out on an investigation to find out who this man is. And what he was doing outside Sam's house staring at his window.
Sam & his friend Travis find a passage. Not just any passage, but one that is very well hidden. When they start exploring this passage they find out that his family has a very deadly & dark secret.
Ok ~ let me tell you, this book will grab your attention from the first page until the end. You can feel yourself there with Sam, Sarah, Travis & Alisa. I love all things supernatural, dark, evil & good. Could not wait for the 2nd book
OK guys he had me at witches & vampires, but add the rest to the book.. I LOVE action packed books with mystery, magic & the supernatural.
A Stranger Magic ( Book 1 )
Sam thinks he is just a normal average guy that no one really notices. A stranger shows up in town & seems interested in Sam or Sam's family. He truly thought that his sister Sarah wished he would just go away. But he finds out that Sarah isn't feeling "right" about herself or their situation either.
One night he wakes up from a odd strange type of dream, he looks out his window and there stands a man. Is this man watching him? Is this man real? Or is he a dream? And if he is watching him WHY? He needs to know this so he & his friend Travis head out on an investigation to find out who this man is. And what he was doing outside Sam's house staring at his window.
Sam & his friend Travis find a passage. Not just any passage, but one that is very well hidden. When they start exploring this passage they find out that his family has a very deadly & dark secret.
Ok ~ let me tell you, this book will grab your attention from the first page until the end. You can feel yourself there with Sam, Sarah, Travis & Alisa. I love all things supernatural, dark, evil & good. Could not wait for the 2nd book
June 17, 2014
“Haven: A Stranger Magic� was published in 2013 and is the first novel by D. C. Akers (). This is the first book in the “Haven� series. Mr. Akers has published three books. This eBook is currently free to download on Amazon.
I obtained this novel for free through . This story is a Young Adult Fantasy told third person. The story is set somewhere in Texas, though the exact location is never identified. The story surrounds Samuel “Sam� Dalcome and his sister Sarah. Sam is 13 while his sister is a in High School. The story begins just a few days before school is to let out for the summer.
Sam is having a recurring nightmare. Then one night he wakes up and looks out of his bedroom window to see a man standing across the street in the shadows watching his room. As Sam watches he is amazed to see the man disappear.
Sarah has experienced some strange occurrences around her when she gets angry. She is troubled with her life and scared by what has happened around her.
I enjoyed this novel, but at only 136 pages it ended far too quickly after a little over two hours of reading. It does little more than introduce you to the characters, and start to set up the plot when the story abruptly ends. It only succeeds in wetting the appetite for the sequel “Haven: Revenge of the Viper� which is much longer. I give this novel a 4 out of 5, withholding a higher rating because of the abrupt end.
Other book reviews I have written can be found at .
I obtained this novel for free through . This story is a Young Adult Fantasy told third person. The story is set somewhere in Texas, though the exact location is never identified. The story surrounds Samuel “Sam� Dalcome and his sister Sarah. Sam is 13 while his sister is a in High School. The story begins just a few days before school is to let out for the summer.
Sam is having a recurring nightmare. Then one night he wakes up and looks out of his bedroom window to see a man standing across the street in the shadows watching his room. As Sam watches he is amazed to see the man disappear.
Sarah has experienced some strange occurrences around her when she gets angry. She is troubled with her life and scared by what has happened around her.
I enjoyed this novel, but at only 136 pages it ended far too quickly after a little over two hours of reading. It does little more than introduce you to the characters, and start to set up the plot when the story abruptly ends. It only succeeds in wetting the appetite for the sequel “Haven: Revenge of the Viper� which is much longer. I give this novel a 4 out of 5, withholding a higher rating because of the abrupt end.
Other book reviews I have written can be found at .
March 27, 2014
Disclosure: I got this book free for review, it does not impact my opinion.
Sam Dalcome is just an average boy, nothing special about him or at least that is what he thinks. After awakening from another horrible dream his life is changed by glancing out the window. Outside of his window standing in the neighbors garden is a shadowy figure and he is watching Sam. Upon confrontation with the shadowy figure Sam gets the first clue to who he really is and what his family are.
This short novella is a great prequel to Haven: Revenge of the Viper, it actually is how you really get to know Sam, so you should definitely read it first.This is a great book for those of you who love fantasy and are looking to expand into teen friendly world of paranormal fantasy. It has teenage angst that gives you a good perspective on the interpersonal relationships of the characters which isn't in the Revenge of the Viper to get intertwined in the world, it's a must read.I would recommend this book for those of you who like the world of magic, but be ready once you start the series, your going to want to continue. The book ends, but the story continues. If you are like me and enjoy reading series this is a good one to read, if you need a conclusion at the end of a book you won't like this series. Guess what it's free right now on Amazon so grab it.
Sam Dalcome is just an average boy, nothing special about him or at least that is what he thinks. After awakening from another horrible dream his life is changed by glancing out the window. Outside of his window standing in the neighbors garden is a shadowy figure and he is watching Sam. Upon confrontation with the shadowy figure Sam gets the first clue to who he really is and what his family are.
This short novella is a great prequel to Haven: Revenge of the Viper, it actually is how you really get to know Sam, so you should definitely read it first.This is a great book for those of you who love fantasy and are looking to expand into teen friendly world of paranormal fantasy. It has teenage angst that gives you a good perspective on the interpersonal relationships of the characters which isn't in the Revenge of the Viper to get intertwined in the world, it's a must read.I would recommend this book for those of you who like the world of magic, but be ready once you start the series, your going to want to continue. The book ends, but the story continues. If you are like me and enjoy reading series this is a good one to read, if you need a conclusion at the end of a book you won't like this series. Guess what it's free right now on Amazon so grab it.
August 10, 2014
This book is really easy to read, even though at first it can get a bit boring in the first few chapters that you think nothing interesting is going to happen, but then things start to happen and you can get so indulged in reading you forgot about your surroundings ( I was reading this book on the bus ride to the university when the bus driver suddenly stopped and asked me if I am going to get out the bus yet,
Me: *looking around to find empty seats and realize that I don't know exactly where I am* Umm.. where am I ?
Bus driver: IT college
Me: But I go law college
Bus Driver: yeah.. I stopped there and waited for you to get down, but you didn't so I thought you might want to get off here because you have classes here sometimes.. I even asked you if you will get down here but you ignored me.
Me: *confused* I did ?! I am sorry I didn't know what was going on, I was reading "^_^
Bus driver: *laughes* it is okay.. I'll take you to law college
and he was laughing the whole time I was a bit embarrassed )
overall this book was really fun to read and my favourite was Travis :)
the only bad thing I have to say it that it ends on a cliff hanger, which is expected because this is a series not a single book.
read full review on my blog:
Me: *looking around to find empty seats and realize that I don't know exactly where I am* Umm.. where am I ?
Bus driver: IT college
Me: But I go law college
Bus Driver: yeah.. I stopped there and waited for you to get down, but you didn't so I thought you might want to get off here because you have classes here sometimes.. I even asked you if you will get down here but you ignored me.
Me: *confused* I did ?! I am sorry I didn't know what was going on, I was reading "^_^
Bus driver: *laughes* it is okay.. I'll take you to law college
and he was laughing the whole time I was a bit embarrassed )
overall this book was really fun to read and my favourite was Travis :)
the only bad thing I have to say it that it ends on a cliff hanger, which is expected because this is a series not a single book.
read full review on my blog:
March 22, 2014
These two books (Book 1 and 2) grabbed my attention immediately. I love the titles � interesting and intriguing without revealing too much. Covers also are important to me. I realize that in many cases you cannot judge a book by its cover but the reality is, the cover is extremely important in creating a first impression. In this case, the covers did an excellent job of reaching that goal.
So once I reach step three � actually finding out what the stories are about � I knew I had to find out more. I have read so many stories where the lead character is living a normal life day to day only to find out they are something more � so much more. Sam and Sarah find out they are much more than your average humans. And to add in Witches, Vampires, Goblins, Orcs and Elves - how could I possibly resist this series.
Sam and Sarahs mom has to try and protect Haven � a sanctuary for magical beings; as well as her children. But that becomes more and more difficult as upheaval begins and Viper intends to destroy it all.
The books are not long but are so incredibly captivating. It is very difficult to put the stories down and move on with your day� I highly recommend this series.
So once I reach step three � actually finding out what the stories are about � I knew I had to find out more. I have read so many stories where the lead character is living a normal life day to day only to find out they are something more � so much more. Sam and Sarah find out they are much more than your average humans. And to add in Witches, Vampires, Goblins, Orcs and Elves - how could I possibly resist this series.
Sam and Sarahs mom has to try and protect Haven � a sanctuary for magical beings; as well as her children. But that becomes more and more difficult as upheaval begins and Viper intends to destroy it all.
The books are not long but are so incredibly captivating. It is very difficult to put the stories down and move on with your day� I highly recommend this series.
July 28, 2013
Haven: A Stranger Magic is the perfect book for older children, teens, and adults that love a good fantasy/mystery. This book is filled with suspense. I couldn't wait to keep reading to find out what was going to happen next. Sam is a boy that lives with his mother and older sister. His father passed away when he was just an infant. Now that Sam is 13, he begins noticing a shadow figure outside his bedroom window. When he attempts to find the figure, it would disappear. Who is this mysterious person and what does he want with Sam? Not only does he have a strange shadow figure following him but also a green spider with black stripes that seems to pop up in the same places as him. Another strange occurrence is that every time Sam's older sister gets angry, something seems to break around her. Why was this happening? Is it a coincidence or does Sam's sister have a secret she isn't sharing? Sam has no idea what's going on around him but I'm hoping more information will be revealed in book 2!
July 12, 2016
I read and reviewed Terra Vonnel and the Skulls of Aries by D.C. Akers a couple of days ago and loved it. (You can read that review here.) Where Terra Vonnel was really action packed, Haven is more slow paced and gives you more suspense. We get to know our main characters really well and you start to sympathize with them. I really like the magic part. I am huge magic fan. In this book we are mainly getting some back story to our characters and given a little snippet to what will happen in the next part of the series. Mr Akers has a really great way of making his character likable and leaves you always wanting more. He gives you allot at then end and really really makes you want to read the next part. Haven is written really well and the bickering between the siblings is realistic and you can see yourself as being one of those kids. I can't wait to read the next part!
If you are short on time but want something to read than pick this up. If you are a magic fan, suspense, or like YA then check this one out.
If you are short on time but want something to read than pick this up. If you are a magic fan, suspense, or like YA then check this one out.
August 25, 2013
Haven
I got a new book to review and wasn’t real excited when I realized it was about magic and a 13 year old boy. But after I began reading I realized this book was written amazingly. The writer has an amazing way and describing every detail to make you feel like you are actually in the story. I am a seventh grade English / Reading teacher who gets to read a lot and are paid for it! I usually don’t like the books we read because of how boring they are. With this book I never lost interest throughout the whole book, I am even going to submit it to be added to our book list at school. If you are an avid reader like me I recommend this book!
I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.
I got a new book to review and wasn’t real excited when I realized it was about magic and a 13 year old boy. But after I began reading I realized this book was written amazingly. The writer has an amazing way and describing every detail to make you feel like you are actually in the story. I am a seventh grade English / Reading teacher who gets to read a lot and are paid for it! I usually don’t like the books we read because of how boring they are. With this book I never lost interest throughout the whole book, I am even going to submit it to be added to our book list at school. If you are an avid reader like me I recommend this book!
I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.
March 17, 2014
Truth be told, this book was at first hard to get into. It was slow. Mostly talked about Sam, Sarah and Travis and their daily lived together- who they were and so on. Later in the book, things started happening, that was out of ordinary. I couldn't stop reading, I needed to know more! i had no idea what the author was getting into, but he was on FIRE!
Although, the book was slow at first, I instantly fell in love with Sam and Travis. I thought he picked the right characters to act their part- kinda nerdy and geeky, but normal teenagers. At first I thought Sarah, Sam's sister was reckless, she was mean to everyone, especially Sam and Travis. Sam's mom Alisa, was rarely mentioned in this book.
Haven: A Stranger Magic must be read before reading the other books, so you get to know the characters. This is a must read if you love fantasy books.
Although, the book was slow at first, I instantly fell in love with Sam and Travis. I thought he picked the right characters to act their part- kinda nerdy and geeky, but normal teenagers. At first I thought Sarah, Sam's sister was reckless, she was mean to everyone, especially Sam and Travis. Sam's mom Alisa, was rarely mentioned in this book.
Haven: A Stranger Magic must be read before reading the other books, so you get to know the characters. This is a must read if you love fantasy books.
March 25, 2014
Disclosure: I got this product as part of an advertorial.
I was not sure what to expect from this book; however, I very much enjoyed it. It was well paced and in a way reminded me of the Harry Potter series; yet had its own story twist. The storyline is very interesting especially how the magic showed itself and the spiders! I was very satisfied with this book and wish it was longer; I cannot wait to read the next book in the series!
I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using . Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.
I was not sure what to expect from this book; however, I very much enjoyed it. It was well paced and in a way reminded me of the Harry Potter series; yet had its own story twist. The storyline is very interesting especially how the magic showed itself and the spiders! I was very satisfied with this book and wish it was longer; I cannot wait to read the next book in the series!
I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using . Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.
May 21, 2014
I received a free copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review.
"A Stranger Magic" is a captivating young adult fantasy novel about a 13 year old boy with growing pains and hates the fact that he's so invisibly ordinary. His older sister is everything but, and believes she has to behave a certain way in order to live up to her beauty. Little do they both know, their mother has kept her past hidden in order to keep them safe from the danger and mayhem that will follow.
This is an awesome novella on the background on Sam, Sarah, and their mother, which sets up the scene for what Sam uncovers in the forbidden caves and what Sarah realizes occurs when her emotions are out of control. Let's not forget about the stranger watching Sam from the shadows as well! This is definitely a fast paced must read for all YA fantasy lovers!
"A Stranger Magic" is a captivating young adult fantasy novel about a 13 year old boy with growing pains and hates the fact that he's so invisibly ordinary. His older sister is everything but, and believes she has to behave a certain way in order to live up to her beauty. Little do they both know, their mother has kept her past hidden in order to keep them safe from the danger and mayhem that will follow.
This is an awesome novella on the background on Sam, Sarah, and their mother, which sets up the scene for what Sam uncovers in the forbidden caves and what Sarah realizes occurs when her emotions are out of control. Let's not forget about the stranger watching Sam from the shadows as well! This is definitely a fast paced must read for all YA fantasy lovers!
June 5, 2013
Something strange awaits outside. As Sam dreams he's running from something that is dark and unseen. He hears his sister Sarah, but doesn't see her anywhere around.
Strange things are happening and neither child seems to understand what's going on.
They argue constantly, like most siblings do.
When Sam wakes, from the dream, or was it really a dream, he's soaked and his sister thinks he's ran a marathon from how drenched he is. Was it really a dream? Was it something of the unexplained?
I have to say that I honestly recommend this book for anyone that loves the Harry Potter series as this just may be another wonderful series to make with it. You gotta read this one. I would also recommend this for preteens and maybe even younger teens. I'm 34 and love the book myself!
Strange things are happening and neither child seems to understand what's going on.
They argue constantly, like most siblings do.
When Sam wakes, from the dream, or was it really a dream, he's soaked and his sister thinks he's ran a marathon from how drenched he is. Was it really a dream? Was it something of the unexplained?
I have to say that I honestly recommend this book for anyone that loves the Harry Potter series as this just may be another wonderful series to make with it. You gotta read this one. I would also recommend this for preteens and maybe even younger teens. I'm 34 and love the book myself!
May 7, 2014
The story begins out kind of slow, but as you read more of the book it becomes interesting. The story starts out as Sam dreams he's running from something that is dark and unseen. He hears his sister Sarah, but doesn't see her anywhere around. Strange things are happening to both siblings and neither one of them can understand what's going on.
Akers does a wonderful job of telling the adventures that Sam, his sister Sarah, and his best friend Travis take as they step into the world of the supernatural and discover that there is more to the world they live in. .
The only thing I didn't like was that the Mr. Aker ended the book just when things started to get good in the story. I can't wait for the sequel to come out!
Akers does a wonderful job of telling the adventures that Sam, his sister Sarah, and his best friend Travis take as they step into the world of the supernatural and discover that there is more to the world they live in. .
The only thing I didn't like was that the Mr. Aker ended the book just when things started to get good in the story. I can't wait for the sequel to come out!
May 31, 2013
This book was an attention grabber. With a 3 year old I do not get much time to read, Nap time is usually my reading time and this short story was perfect for that.
It made me think everyone knows someone that could play everyone in the book the angry one, the quiet one, the prankster, the single mom, ect.
It really drew me in. I had to know what was going on with Sam and Sarah and who the stranger was outside Sam's window. I was trying to guess what was going on and how it all fit together. Once I started seeing it fit together I wanted more! When I came to the end I wanted more! I need book 2! What is going to happen next?
It made me think everyone knows someone that could play everyone in the book the angry one, the quiet one, the prankster, the single mom, ect.
It really drew me in. I had to know what was going on with Sam and Sarah and who the stranger was outside Sam's window. I was trying to guess what was going on and how it all fit together. Once I started seeing it fit together I wanted more! When I came to the end I wanted more! I need book 2! What is going to happen next?
July 17, 2016
I absolutely loved this book. It slowly gives you more and more hints of fantasy as you go along through the book. The only thing that I didn't like about it was how short it was. I read it in couple of short times reading it over 3 days. I want more. The ending is basically a giant cliffhanger and seems to come right after things start to get really interesting. I just want to read the second book. Loved this book and can't wait for more.
If you want to read a more extensive review, you can read it on my blog here:
If you want to read a more extensive review, you can read it on my blog here:
September 2, 2013
From the first few pages to the very end, I was completely immersed in this book. The characters were described in such a way that any reader can relate to them. The beginning of this book is nothing like the ending, but D.C. Akers manages to tie the two pieces together effortlessly. I'm hooked on this series! See my full review on my website
January 3, 2014
I hate short stories! If you can write well enough to capture my attention, then why just abruptly end! Where is the rest of the story and how many short stories will I have to read to get to the end? If this is the new fad to call the first 3 chapters a book then make me buy the next 3 chapters/book and so on, till I get to the end, then I refuse to play! This could have been 5 stars, but I feel cheated.
May 2, 2014
This book was very entertaining and I got into it but I don't like how it seems like it ends right in the middle of it. I realize there is a second book but I feel like the first book just wasn't enough. Maybe book one and book two should be combined or something. Like the way it ended should have been the end of a chapter not the end of the whole book. I will read book two but only to figure out what happened.
January 10, 2014
Too short
I really enjoyed this book. The author conveyed everything I forgot about being thirteen. This is about a young 13 year old boy, his older sister and his struggling single mom. He starts noticing strange things around his house and strange things start happening to his sister. Love the interaction between the characters.
I really enjoyed this book. The author conveyed everything I forgot about being thirteen. This is about a young 13 year old boy, his older sister and his struggling single mom. He starts noticing strange things around his house and strange things start happening to his sister. Love the interaction between the characters.
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