Haylwen doesn’t care who actually blew up the wall of the school library. With a chance to finally have real friends, all she cares about is if her suspension will make her parents move again. Her parents, forced to keep their own magical past silent, are shocked to learn that she is indeed a magic user. She tested negative. Twice! Desperate to hide Haylwen from the King of magic users, they flee, but their efforts thrust them all into mortal danger.
Haylwen’s parents don’t know about the prophesy of “The One,� or that the only one who doesn't know Haylwen is a powerful magic user is Haylwen herself. The King and the dragon clans� plans to remake the world are already in motion. As Haylwen struggles with her feelings of loneliness and unworthiness due to her inability to make a friend, she is completely unaware that the fate of the entire world rests on her choices. Will she learn about her magic and true friendship in time to save her life and hopefully the rest of the world?
A fresh, new YA fantasy that’s highly readable and imaginative
This spellbinding story interweaves magic, myths and ancient prophecies for a compelling tale told with vision. This dazzling debut had me hooked from page 1; pulling me into a gripping adventure that was undeniably brilliant. As a reader of fantasy fiction and YA, I was struck by how ‘One is Come� is a credible new edition to a hugely popular genre. The characters where interesting and likeable, plus the rich history and details regarding the prophecy of ‘The One� was fascinating. Anything with fire-breathing Dragons, dazzling magic and ancient prophecy’s excites me and so I was thrilled upon encountering this real ‘t� of a book!
Five in circle, book1:
Haylwen’s parents, who are forced to keep their magic past a secret, are shocked when they discover that their daughter is a magic user. Desperate to hide her from the King of magic users, they flee into a world of deadly danger and uncertainty. The prophecy of ‘The One� relates to Haylwen and how special she is � the key to her future. The King and Dragon Clans plans to remake the world have already begun…with the entire fate of the world unknowingly resting upon a young girl’s shoulders. Haylwen must learn about her magic before it is too late.
C H MacLean has written a supremely magical story ideal for the younger YA reader, and targeted towards those who love books such as ‘Harry Potter� or ‘Eragon� etc. You may assume that this could be cliché with Dragons, prophecies and ‘the one� person who is to ‘save the world� and yet I was entirely convinced by the storyline - -and totally sucked into the world that the author created. I really liked Haylwen as a plucky, likeable protagonist whom many readers will be able to connect with. I also could empathize with her and her struggles to make friends, as at her age it is tough to understand who you are and fitting in.
I would definitely rate this a 4 star novel and I look forward to reading more within this original, distinctive new series. I would like to thank the author for providing me with an e-copy to read and review.
Haylwen and her family, father, mother and brother are always on the move. New schools and new friends are the norm for Haylwen. Except the new friends part rarely works for her. What her parents know but Haylwen and her brother don't is that magic runs in the family and their parents have been forbidden to use it. However, Haylwen learns accidentally that she has powers and her parents have to decide on the best course to save the whole family. Fleeing once again is their only choice, to a place where magic does not escape and can not be felt by the King or the dragons who are in pursuit.
I just could not get my head around this story. I had no feeling for the characters and found the skipping around to other characters confusing. If I didn't have such a long list of books to read I might continue on with this to see if it gets better.
Firstly, I'd like to note how beautiful the cover art for this book is - I was immediately drawn to One is Come, and thoroughly enjoyed reading it. :)
One is Come is an intriguing adventure I recommend for younger readers, and the perfect novel for teenagers and children wanting to delve into the fantasy genre. The language used throughout is understandable and comfortable to read - creating a fast paced atmosphere with a well-rounded (and often predictable) plot. I rarely found myself confused or unsure of what was happening, and I felt as though the world and characters were developed nicely throughout. One is come is not one of my favourite books, but is definitely far from being terrible. Had I of read this book when I was younger, I think I would have enjoyed it a lot more.
Overall, One is Come is an enjoyable, fast-paced fantasy adventure with interesting characters and ideas and I definitely recommend it to those looking for an easy read with plenty of action, angst and magical awesomeness.
I'd also like to thank the author, C.H, MacLean for his giveaway on ŷ, allowing me the opportunity to win his debut novel. I look forward to book 2 in the series!
I am looking forward to the next one in the series. [One is Come] by [C.H. MacLean] is a wonderful mix of magic, adventure and lore. The characters suffer from the typical teenage angst that is common everywhere and similar growing pains. The difference is the issue of puberty brings with it a secret that normal kids don't deal with.
The only people around the kids that can understand are their parents who have taken an oath not to speak of the magic. The conflicting powers fighting for control over the kids and their gift leads to more intrigue. I am still not sure who is good and who is bad, or even if there is a good or bad. Any book that has magic and dragons is always a good bet.
For fourteen-year-old Haylwen Rightad life is harsh. Beyond harsh, if truth be told. First of all, there's her annoying sixteen-year-old brother Cadarn, who delights in endlessly teasing her. Then there are her parents, who apparently have completely forgotten just how unfair life can be when you are always the new kid in school. In her entire life, Haylwen can't ever remember a time when she has stayed in one place long enough to make even one friend, so she doesn't understand why she's currently sitting in Principal Johansen's office being disciplined for something she didn't do.
Haylwen doesn't care who actually blew up the wall of the school library, all she knows is that it wasn't her fault. However, with the principal threatening suspension, Haylwen's sure of one thing: if the principal suspends her, her parents will have to move again. And Haylwen will miss another chance to finally make some real friends.
Her parents, forced to keep their own magical past silent, are shocked to learn that their daughter is indeed a magic user. That's just not possible; especially when she tested negative. Twice! Desperate to hide Haylwen from the King of magic users, they flee, but their efforts ultimately put them all in mortal danger.
Haylwen's parents don't know anything about the prophecy of 'The One'; or that the only one who doesn't suspect that Haylwen is an extremely powerful magic user is Haylwen herself. As the King schemes with the dragon clans to remake the world, and the dragon clans quietly set their own ulterior motives in motion, the time of 'The One' draws near. And as Haylwen struggles with her feelings of loneliness and unworthiness due to her inability to make a friend, little does she realize that the fate of the entire world rests on her choices. Will she learn about her magic and true friendship in time to save her life and hopefully the rest of the world?
Despite being seriously delayed in my reading, and having to postpone my review of Two Empty Thrones for about a month - I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. I thought that the characters were well-developed and sympathetic, and the story is fast-paced and engaging. I also appreciated that there was a little bit of a back story provided about Abrennin and Crystyn Rightad; and their secretive magical pasts. I found these characters extremely likeable and completely believable as people.
In my opinion, the story flowed along easily and naturally - fire-breathing dragons, magical portals and ancient prophecies didn't seem out of place at all within the plot. One is Come by C. H. MacLean was an intriguing start to a new series. I give this book an A+! and am looking forward to starting the next book in the series: Two Empty Thrones.
One is Come is book one in the Five in Circles Series.
Abrennin is charged with treason to the crown and although he denied the charge was sentenced to death. Crystyn, in love with Abrennin, begged the King for mercy. The King decided to spare his life if they both swore never to use or teach magic again. They were both sent into exile. Little do they know that their daughter, Haylwen, is “the one� destined to save the world. As she starts to awaken, her parents are determined to save her from the King. However, they can do little to stop destiny.
C.H. MacLean has drawn a marvellous picture of the world of Abrennin and Crystyn and their teenage children Cadarn and Haylwen. Haylwen comes across perfectly as the moody teen reluctantly embroiled in the plot to save the world. I fell straight into this story and loved it immediately. I think as soon as I read the poem at the beginning I was hooked. The introduction of dragons into this fascinating fantasy just topped it off. The story had a lot of unique twists and ideas. I liked how the powers that be had their sights on the wrong person, which made them a little less superior and whole controlling. One is Come had me spellbound until the very last word.
First of all I want to thank the author for allowing me to win a copy of this novel.
One is Come is a fun fantasy/action adventure story. It is an easy read and I had no difficulties following the plot.
I enjoyed One is Come, but I think it is mainly suited to a younger audience (teens/pre-teens), who I believe will love the mythical/fantasy side of the story (especially the dragons). Teenagers will easily be able to relate to the brother and sister protagonists Cadarn and Haylwen, especially to Haylwen's loneliness and need to fit in and make friends. Although there were no real unlikable characters in the story.
I would like to read more books in the series to delve further into the backstory and lean more about the world where Cadarn and Haylwen parent's come from, especially the dragons and where/how they fit into everything.
I was lucky enough to have won this book in the Good Reads giveaway. I would like to thank C.H MacLean for giving me the chance to read it. This book is great for new readers and people who are just starting to read fantasy books. I really liked this book because i found it easy to connect to the characters which why i think young adult readers would like this book too. The characters were really like able. The book has such an amazing mix magic and myths and even fire breathing dragons!So i found it really easy to fall into this magic world. I see great potential in this book and can see it become very popular with more books and more plot. I will like to thank C.H Maclean for giving me the chance to read it and i look forward to the other books to come !
Myth, dragons, adventure and Magic- ‘One is Come�.
It took a while for the book to capture my interest (A few chapters), after it did; the book was quite enjoyable to read. Rarely did I become confuse or lost.
The characters are interesting and likeable. The two main characters are; Cadarn and Haylwen ; computer nerd older brother and smart, bold younger sister. I like the history that was explained throughout the novel, it brought more of an understanding of the story. The writing was a little annoying at times but suited the book.
There’re high chances I’ll be following this series to see what happens. C.H. Maclean (Author),I wish you luck with your future and future books.
Full disclosure... I got this as a First Reads Giveaway... This is important. The spirit of the giveaway is that the book will be read and a review written (at least that is how I understand it). This is important because if I had not felt compelled to finish the book I probably would had stopped reading it early on. As someone else mentioned, it took awhile to get into the book. I would say that the first 25% of the book was rough, to some extent I feel that it was unnecessary for the story (but it is not my story). After that he book became more enjoyable. SO much so that I am looking forward to the next chapter in the series.
It did not take me long to realize that I prefer the younger end of YA novels to the older age groups. So when I saw the age of our two main protagonists I internally sighed. I need not have. This book is on that undefined line between preteens and teens giving me the best of both.
The plot is filled with action, however although this is fun it also opens the book to plot holes and unexplained import of various critical data. I hope these gets filled later in the series and that the author manages to age the protagonists naturally.
A really good start. The perfect co read book between parents and pre teens and younger teens are sure to enjoy the story line as well!
I really didn't connect with this book. I don't think it's a bad story, just not executed well. There was no depth, just a telling of events. It seems to need editing. There was a lot of information that either was missing or was glossed over very quickly. I had a hard time always following what was going on and other times I just felt bored and sleepy. It is possible that this book would be enjoyed more by a younger person, like early or pre-teens. I will not be reading any more in this series.
i really wanted to finish this book, but i just couldn't. there was way too many whiney characters. one whiney character is fine, most books have one. all the characters were so unbelievably unrealistic. the girl always put herself down, the boy was kind of an Asus, the mom was always pissed about something or someone, and of course the dad who everyone pretty much despised. after having said all this, i think i make it pretty clear as to why i couldn't finish.
Seems a bit muddled. I like it, definitely, and would continue to read, but I'm a bit lost on who is on whose side, who is good, who is bad, how they all tie in. Perhaps it becomes clearer later on, but the two kids are likeable. Also not quite sure how magic works in this world, elemental based yes, and seems to have a male/female element, but could be clearer.
This is a must have for all Harry Potter fans. It's very different, not in concept and writing style, but just as addictive. Now I absolutely can't wait to get the next one. I would recommend it for anyone who loves clean cut fantasy and action books with sweet romance and friendship.
The first half of the book I experienced as tiring, in my opinion too many characters and too many trains of thoughts were introduced. It got more exciting in the second half, but I didn't feel satisfied by the read in total therefore I don't see myself continuing the series.
At first, I thought this was going to be a terrible book. I felt as if it was slow and overdone, but it got better. Still, not a fabulous book. The grammar was atrocious-though not the worst I've ever seen-and there were some cheap rip offs of other books:
“Remember a specific time when you felt happy. Relive that moment, really feel how it was.�
This was such a Harry Potter similitude, I almost wanted to stop right there! At least there was a slightly different usage for the purpose of this phrase, but still too close. And while I found the two kids to be excessively whiney, I did like that the female protagonist wasn't the stereotypical, perfect bodied princess in disguise. However, there was a lot of unexplained questions and a cliffhanger ending that drove down my opinion.
For my clean readers: Not much to worry about in this one. Good for 8 and up.
This book is about the coming of age of a boy and girl. The parents are on the run from an evil king and are under oath to not teach or use magic. As the boy and girl enter puberty, their powers manifest and the parents must keep them safe until they fully develop their powers. Good introduction to a trilogy. I look forward to #2 in the series.