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SILENT ECHO BY ELISA FREILICH

30/8/2015

78 Comments

 
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Haunted by silence, a mute teenage girl is mysteriously given back her voice ... and it is divine.

Rendered mute at birth, Portia Griffin has been silent for 16 years. Music is her constant companion, along with Felix, her deaf best friend who couldn't care less whether or not she can speak. If only he were as nonchalant about her newfound interest in the musically gifted Max Hunter.

But Portia's silence is about to be broken with the abrupt discovery of her voice, unparalleled in its purity and the power it affords to control those around her. Able to persuade, seduce and destroy using only her voice, Portia embarks on a search for answers about who she really is, and what she is destined to do.

Inspired by Homer's Odyssey, Silent Echo: A Siren's Tale is an epic story filled with fantasy, romance and original music.


First things first, I have a love for Greek Mythology. I absolutely loved how Elisa Freilich managed to weave Homer’s Odyssey with modern technology so effortlessly that I was compelled right from the start! The front and back cover of this novel is absolutely gorgeous and stayed true to the story. It makes a wonderful edition to the bookshelf.

Portia Griffin is a sixteen-year-old girl rendered mute at birth. Without her voice she turns to music as her constant companion and her handicapped deaf friend Felix: who couldn’t care less whether she could speak or not. Everything soon drastically changes when she starts to develop a painful tightening sensation in the back of her throat, an ache in her back and uncontrollable mood swings that result in her mysteriously finding her long lost voice. Why can she all of a sudden sing with her alluring voice when her whole life she has never been able to utter a single syllable? But this is no ordinary voice; this is the voice of a Siren. With her dangerous newfound ability to control those around her, she soon finds out that there are others who will stop at nothing to turn her gift into evildoings… Portia must decide whether she wishes to use her powers for the better or worse, and must overcome the evil that is forcing its way in.

I enjoyed watching Portia evolve as she learns about her origin and the history of the original Siren’s tale. It was extremely interesting to see the main protagonist at times act as an antagonist as she battles the evil spirits of the Siren Goddesses.

This novel was an easy and compelling read as it took you from start to finish. Though the beginning may seem to start off slow, all the little details proved to have been of value as the story progressed. I also loved the symbolic of the birds, and the comparison of their singing to that of a Siren’s. I couldn’t help but be amazed by the alluring song lyrics, as I am not a much of a fan when it comes to lyrical poetry as I usually skim right over it.

Silent Echo was an enjoyable debut with a unique premise. I cannot wait for Griffin’s Call to be released along with Taking Flight. I was extremely fortunate to have received a complete full on signed Silent Echo package from the amazing author herself. She is one of the sweetest people you will ever meet!
***I received a personalised signed copy of this book in return***
***for an honest and unbiased review***

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Elisa Freilich has enjoyed a love affair with language from her earliest days. Raised in rural Monsey, New York, Elisa spent her days reading whatever crossed her path and developing a keen appreciation for the ever-present music in her home – from classical to rock. French lessons and creative writing workshops complemented her adolescence, which was also greatly enhanced by a summer spent abroad at Cambridge University. From the time she could read and write, Elisa could often be found composing poems, song lyrics and satirical newspapers.

After her college years at Boston University, Elisa continued her creative pursuits, working as a junior VP of Marketing at a corporate graphic design agency and, later, as an interior decorator. Eventually, Elisa left the workforce to raise her family, in her now hometown of Englewood, NJ.

When Elisa is not writing, her creative outlets still abound. She is fierce with a set of knitting needles, a hot glue gun and any ingredients that can somehow be fashioned into a sinful and highly caloric babka.


Silent Echo by Elisa Freilich:
BOOK 1: Silent Echo
BOOK 2: Griffins Call
BOOK 3: Taking Flight
78 Comments

THRONE OF GLASS BY SARAH J. MAAS

15/8/2015

56 Comments

 
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After serving out a year of hard labor in the salt mines of Endovier for her crimes, 18-year-old assassin Celaena Sardothien is dragged before the Crown Prince. Prince Dorian offers her her freedom on one condition: she must act as his champion in a competition to find a new royal assassin. Her opponents are men-thieves and assassins and warriors from across the empire, each sponsored by a member of the king's council. If she beats her opponents in a series of eliminations, she'll serve the kingdom for three years and then be granted her freedom.

Celaena finds her training sessions with the captain of the guard, Westfall, challenging and exhilarating. But she's bored stiff by court life. Things get a little more interesting when the prince starts to show interest in her... but it's the gruff Captain Westfall who seems to understand her best.

Then one of the other contestants turns up dead... quickly followed by another.

Can Celaena figure out who the killer is before she becomes a victim? As the young assassin investigates, her search leads her to discover a greater destiny than she could possibly have imagined.

I cannot express my love for this book! Not only were the characters engaging, but it also had an enthralling and rich plot. Throne of Glass was fast paced and an enjoyable read. This has to be one of the best books I have read this year, and to think Sarah J. Maas originally wrote this story when she was just sixteen! (What am I doing with my life?) I am so glad I picked up this phenomenal novel for it has met all of my high expectations, as I had previously fell in love with the five-prequel short novellas.

Celaena Sardothien is a badass eighteen-year-old assassin condemned to a life sentence in the dark, filthy mines of Endovier. She is suddenly requested by the young Captain Westfall Choal to represent the King’s son Dorian: as his champion. If she succeeds in becoming the Kings champion, she is to be granted her freedom after a few years of service.  But it’s not a simple as it sounds.

Celaena must fight against 23 other thieves and skilled fighters to win her place as the rightful champion. Unfortunately, the King has another Champion in mind... When an unbeknownst force mercilessly slaughters the champions one by one, Celaena must watch her back as she could be the next target of the killings. But these are no ordinary killings... As she continues her testing with the other champions and makes it to the next level, she finds that though magic has vanished from the land, someone is harnessing something stronger and far more powerful than anyone could have anticipated. The Dark Arts. As it turns out, her newfound friend, Princess Nehemia has a secret that she is willing to hide and concealed motives at the Palace. Unsure whether she can trust her, Celaena starts to doubt why Nehemia has come to the Palace.

As for the males, I fell in love with both their characters. Dorian is the swoony gorgeous crown prince that every girl would die for. I loved Dorian as he is nothing like his father for he is not arrogant, but has a fun and witty sense of humor and loves to spend his time reading. Choal has been best friends with Dorian since they were kids, and was given the position of the Captain of the Guards by the King. Though Choal is not as forward with Celaena as Dorian may be, he still cares for her. He tries to hide his emotions towards the young assassin as falling in love with her is the wrong move that could get you into trouble. I believe that Choal is hiding a secret about who he was and where he came from; just like Celaena.

Throne of Glass is an action packed novel that is a must read! After all, it has got to be the highest rating book series I have ever laid eyes upon!

Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas:
BOOK 1: Throne of Glass
BOOK 2: Crown of Midnight
BOOK 3: Heir of Fire
BOOK 4: Queen of Shadows
BOOK 5: Empire of Storms
BOOK 6: Untitled

56 Comments

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