Synopsis: Ethan Makkai thought that seeing ghosts was the worst of his problems. Between his ethereal gift and life with a single mother hell-bent on watching his every move, he feels imprisoned. When Ethan sees a chance to escape, to leave the house by himself for the first time in his life, he seizes it, unaware that this first taste of freedom will cost him everything.
Ethan is thrown into a strange and eerie world, like nothing he’s ever seen. He’s assaulted by dive-bombing birds and rescued by a stranger who claims to be his bodyguard. His apartment is trashed, and his mother is kidnapped to a place Ethan never knew existed—a hidden continent called Tara.
Travelling to Tara in search of his mother, Ethan discovers that everything he knows about his life is a lie. His mother is royalty. His father is not dead. His destiny is likely to get him killed.
Confronted by a vicious sorcerer determined to destroy the Makkai family, Ethan must garner strength from his gift and embrace his destiny if he’s going to save his mother and all the people of Tara, including the beautiful girl he’s fallen for.
Review: I did not know about the novel before reading it but the synopsis, mixed with a touch of urban fantasy and fantasy, seemed quite promising. And did you see that cover? Really appealing!
Ethan is an overprotected boy, he can not step outside without his mother accompanying him… Even if he understands that his gift that allows him to see ghosts can attract trouble, he still wants to be free and go out at will. It is also what he finally does on his birthday, in secret, to go to school. Unfortunately he does not expect such consequences … Indeed, in his absence, his mother is kidnapped and he is saved from a fight by a man who claims to be his grandfather when he knows he has no family. Discovering the truth about his existence, Ethan travels to a hidden continent called Tara, which seems to have come straight out of a dream. Indeed, if technology is not wise in this place, there are magicians, sorcerers, unicorns and other creatures. And it would seem that Ethan is the heir to the throne.
Even if everyone tries to keep his identity secret and to protect him, our hero is determined to save his mother whatever happens. This quest will allow us to discover a little more about his true identity and his gifts and this will give us the opportunity to learn a little more about this world of which we know nothing about.
This adventure will not be easy for Ethan and everyone seems to expect something from him. Adapting to his new life, we will discover the main characters of the story be it the nice or the bad ones like Christian, Lily or Bean. I had a good time with the story and I was curious to know the rest of the events. The characters evolve and we discover their true nature. In any case, the end of the story opens new perspectives and I am curious to discover what will happen thereafter.
Sophia Rose
Interesting how his world is a lie and now he has a whole magic world to learn about. Sounds exciting, too.
Melliane
right?
blodeuedd
I do like the sound of this
Joy // Joyousreads
I’m getting a Middle Grade vibe. Is it? In any case, I think it’s interesting!
Melliane
nope not middle grade, maybe YA
Heidi
This sounds really good. I like the premise, and the cover is totally eye catching.
Lily B
Is this a YA OR MG? it sounds super cute tho. I’ve never heard of it, but I am all up for adding this to my list of potential books to read, especially since I have a little boy myself and male heros seem to be rare
Melliane
no MD, it’s YA
Mary Kirkland
That sounds different. Sounds like a good one to read.
Kristin @ AddictedtoHEA
Wow! That cover is phenomenal! I’ve never heard of this book either but I would pick it up for the cover alone, too!!! Oh, yeah, and the story, too. Your review has me really curious!!!
Melliane
thanks
Lisa @TenaciousReader
Glad to see you enjoyed this one, I hope to read it soon 🙂
Molly Mortensen
That is an awesome cover! I’m glad you liked it. I’m a bit afraid it will be too much like Alice in Wonderland for me. I don’t usually like other world whimsical books.
Melliane
no I didn’t had this feeling
Mogsy @ BiblioSanctum
Okay, I’m now much more interested in this one! I got a copy from the publisher but I was kind of unsure before, but now I’ll definitely bump it up my tbr 🙂
Melliane
I hope you’ll like it
Carole @ Carole's Random Life in Books
This sounds like a great story. The magic sounds like it would really add a lot to the story. I am glad you enjoyed it. Great review!
Melliane
thx
Carole Rae
Sounds like an interesting world and gift he has.
anna @ herding cats & burning soup
Nice to really be able to see characters evolve. And, yes, that cover is quite appealing.
Braine
I love quest fantasies, it’s always exciting and never lacking in twists and adventures! This reminds me of Percy Jackson sort of…
Happy weekend!
Lekeisha
I added this to my list a few weeks ago when I saw it on Goodreads. I’m glad that you, and others, enjoyed it because I plan to get it soon. Great review!
Kim @ Book Swoon
Yay, I’m excited to try this and happy to hear you enjoyed it. That cover is gorgeous as well.
Melissa (My World...in words and pages)
Sounds like a very nice blend and story. Thank you.
Melanie Simmons @mlsimmons
This sounds interesting. I agree with you 100% on that cover. Wow!