GIVEAWAY and REVIEW: Fields of Elysium by A.B. Whelan

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Fields of Elysium 

by A.B. Whelan 

How can love mend a heart full of hate? Small town girl, Molly Bennett, moves to Los Angeles where she becomes an outsider while attending Beverly Hills High School. It seems life cannot be any more dreadful. Then one day after school, something magical happens. On a secluded hike in the Hollywood Hills, Molly chases her disobedient mutt and only friend into a hidden cavern. She stumbles upon a strange glimmering gateway that transports her to Arkana, a planet that is the cradle of an advanced human race. 

There, teenagers navigate amazing flying vehicles, compete in perilous games for glory, and possess supernatural powers. While Molly tries to wrap her mind around this unbelievable discovery, she meets the alluring and mysterious Victor Sorren. He is a Sentinel Apprentice, whose hatred toward people from Earth is beyond understanding. 

Yet every time Victor unpredictably saves Molly's life, his heart draws closer to hers, no matter how much he tries to fight against it. It further complicates things that their growing friendship is strictly forbidden. Earth people are prohibited in Arkana, yet Molly continues to cross through the portal to Arkana to see Victor. 

Torn between their double lives, they go down a dangerous path, from where there is no return and multiple endings. Fields of Elysium is a suspenseful, romantic tale full of forbidden secrets, unimaginable danger, deception, and the never-ending fight for true love. 

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REVIEW

I really enjoy the books I review from I Am A Readers Tours because I am CONSTANTLY surprised at how great they are.  Fields of Elysium is no different, I loved this story and if I still had a teenage daughter, this would be on the short list for reading.

This is a coming-of-age story from Molly Bennett’s point of view.  At sixteen years old she’s upended and moved all the way across the country from New Jersey to LA.  I did this as a sixteen year old.  I went from a very small town in Ohio to Orange County, CA.  It was a shock, the people were different, and life changed drastically.  So I really related to Molly’s initial situation.

Molly comes from a very close family.  She’s never been one to go against her parent’s wishes, she’s always done well in school, and she’s genuinely torn when she stumbles through a wormhole and has to start keeping a lot of secrets.   I enjoyed her struggle because it was so sweet and honest.

I also enjoyed her commitment to her own personal values and the values taught to her by her family.  She has a deep respect for her father, even if she does sneak out to be with Victor and the other kids on Arkana, and she excuses herself from some uncomfortable situations at home with her new friends, and keeps her intentions clear with Victor - even if she does pine over him something terrible!  She has a lot of angst!

This book was thoughtful, yet exciting. I LOVED the descriptive style of author AB Whelan, yes, it’s clear her use of English in this book is not the same as most YA novels, but I enjoyed her words very much.  I loved the way she described things because everything felt fresh.  My favorite new term is spicy!  Molly had some spicy language and that just made me laugh.  There were a lot of little things in the book like this, just little twists in the normal way of describing things, and instead of tearing me out of the book, it drew me in.  I have no complaints about the vocabulary or the way the characters talked.

The romance was sweet, there was no bad language, and very slight amounts of violence.  Although there was a very adult moment (not sex) at the end of the book with one of Molly’s friends. I liked Victor, he was a good guy, not a bad boy trying to be good, but a genuine good guy.

I was excited to learn that this was a “book one” because Fields of Elysium is truly a world you can get lost in.  The pace is slow, but still very exciting - from winged horse-like creatures, to deadly battles, to heroic contests - this book had everything!

I felt like I was discovering Arkana and Molly’s new emotions right along with her.  It’s a long book but I was never bored and I enjoyed all the details and little things.

FIVE STARS

PRAISE 

"The novel's take on otherworldly travel is a compelling one, and the romantic plot will likely appeal to Twilight fans." - Kirkus Reviews 

"I expected a good love story with a paranormal twist. I got so much more. I think you should take the chance and read it. Let this book take you on the adventure, fall in love." - Young Adult and Teen Readers 

"Fields of Elysium is a fabulous read. ... Whelan paints her faith into the fabric of her story with deft, light brushstrokes, making her work accessible to all, no matter their spiritual beliefs or background." - Readers Favorite 

"I escaped into this fantasy world, author, A.B.Whelan, created and I didn’t want Molly to go. From detailed descriptions, to sweet romance, and to all the twist and turns in the story, it had me captivated from page one." - Mary Ting, author of the Crossroads Saga 

"Whelan's writing is very vivid and descriptive. It's more formal than the average YA novel, but I enjoyed the lyrical and mesmerizing quality to it. I thought the overall story read like a fairy tale--very sweet." - Megan Thomason, author of Daynight 

Author A.B. Whelan 

A.B.Whelan is a Hungarian born, American writer. She currently lives with her husband and two children in Southern California. While growing up in a wealthy Eastern European family, she had a chance to travel Europe. Later as an adult, she visited Africa and the Middle East and lived in Ecuador and in Crete. 

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  $25 Tour Giveaway 

a Rafflecopter giveaway Ends 5/15/13 Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader, Not A Writer http://www.iamareader.com and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.