What do you think?
Rate this book
Kingdom Journals #1
Kingdom of Embers
“He wouldn’t understand. He didn’t live in a pretend world. In truth, he did. Most beings, pure humans, walked around thinking they were the only type of people that existed.” –Alena
As a creature forbidden by both vampire and witch cultures, Alena traverses the country with her mother in search of an unknown entity. When Alena finds Hunter everything changes. Their bond may be the key to answers Alena seeks. As she investigates the connection, an equally handsome, but mysterious suitor appears. Will the truth be uncovered before it is too late? Or will her Mother’s kingdom be reduced to embers?
As a creature forbidden by both vampire and witch cultures, Alena traverses the country with her mother in search of an unknown entity. When Alena finds Hunter everything changes. Their bond may be the key to answers Alena seeks. As she investigates the connection, an equally handsome, but mysterious suitor appears. Will the truth be uncovered before it is too late? Or will her Mother’s kingdom be reduced to embers?
334 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 2, 2017
About the author
Tricia Copeland
31 books958 followersTricia believes in finding magic. She believes it infuses every aspect of our lives, whether it is the magic of falling in love, discovering a new passion, a beautiful sunset, or a book that transports us to another world. You can find all her titles from contemporary romance and fantasy, to dystopian fiction at www.triciacopeland.com and all her links at https://linktr.ee/triciacopeland. She loves Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, YouTube, SoundCloud, Spotify, and Twitter. An avid runner and Georgia native, Tricia now lives with her family and four-legged friends in Colorado. Find Tricia at https://linktr.ee/triciacopeland.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 244 reviews
January 19, 2020
‘I am Alena Scott, daughter of the Queen of Vampires, hybrid witch, and Child of Light’
Author Tricia Copeland is originally from Georgia but now lives in Denver, Colorado and pens Young Adult novels with a paranormal tilt. Her books to date include Drop of Sunshine, Lovelock Ones, and two series – the Being Me series of five books and The Kingdom Journals of four books of which, KINGDOM OF EMBERS is Book 1.
Setting a stage for a story that deals with vampire concepts with homespun everyday roots contributes to the involvement of the reader of Young Adult novels. Tricia heeds this and allows the foundation of her characters to be credible – before opening the door for the paranormal. “Morning.” The curtains swooshed open, and light poured into my room. I mashed the feather pillow into my face, wishing the woman moving around my room would disappear. “Can’t I be homeschooled? Or at least try online high school. One year. I’ve only got one year left.” I extended my arm and pointed my index finger up. “You know what your mother would say.” I heard Elizabeth cross to the dresser. “Does she remember what it’s like to be a teenager? Can I get a replacement for her? Or at least a refund?” Comfortable atmosphere delivered with a wry humor – a fine opening for this interesting novel.
The synopsis of the plot distills the story well – ‘Seventeen-year-old Alena Scott is tired of pretending to be something she’s not. As an outlawed vampire-witch hybrid, she’s forced to abide by the oppressive secrecy imposed by her Vampire Chancellor mother. But she’ll have to ignore the rules when she comes face-to-face with a handsome, full-grown version of her childhood imaginary friend. Shocked that he recognizes her as his own pretend play pal, the two embark on a quest to solve the mystery of their fantasized companionship. And as they unravel their entwined destinies, Alena realizes she holds the key to a curse which could free them all—or condemn witchkind to eternal suffering. Can Alena and her impossibly familiar partner reverse an ancient spell before they’re sent to a mortal grave?’
Tricia makes her story work, due in part to her accessible writing skills, but also to her colorful imagination and her ability to transform the world into make-believe – if only for the time this fine book is being enjoyed. Recommended for the chosen Young Adult cadre!
Author Tricia Copeland is originally from Georgia but now lives in Denver, Colorado and pens Young Adult novels with a paranormal tilt. Her books to date include Drop of Sunshine, Lovelock Ones, and two series – the Being Me series of five books and The Kingdom Journals of four books of which, KINGDOM OF EMBERS is Book 1.
Setting a stage for a story that deals with vampire concepts with homespun everyday roots contributes to the involvement of the reader of Young Adult novels. Tricia heeds this and allows the foundation of her characters to be credible – before opening the door for the paranormal. “Morning.” The curtains swooshed open, and light poured into my room. I mashed the feather pillow into my face, wishing the woman moving around my room would disappear. “Can’t I be homeschooled? Or at least try online high school. One year. I’ve only got one year left.” I extended my arm and pointed my index finger up. “You know what your mother would say.” I heard Elizabeth cross to the dresser. “Does she remember what it’s like to be a teenager? Can I get a replacement for her? Or at least a refund?” Comfortable atmosphere delivered with a wry humor – a fine opening for this interesting novel.
The synopsis of the plot distills the story well – ‘Seventeen-year-old Alena Scott is tired of pretending to be something she’s not. As an outlawed vampire-witch hybrid, she’s forced to abide by the oppressive secrecy imposed by her Vampire Chancellor mother. But she’ll have to ignore the rules when she comes face-to-face with a handsome, full-grown version of her childhood imaginary friend. Shocked that he recognizes her as his own pretend play pal, the two embark on a quest to solve the mystery of their fantasized companionship. And as they unravel their entwined destinies, Alena realizes she holds the key to a curse which could free them all—or condemn witchkind to eternal suffering. Can Alena and her impossibly familiar partner reverse an ancient spell before they’re sent to a mortal grave?’
Tricia makes her story work, due in part to her accessible writing skills, but also to her colorful imagination and her ability to transform the world into make-believe – if only for the time this fine book is being enjoyed. Recommended for the chosen Young Adult cadre!
February 13, 2020
Kingdom of Embers is the first book in Tricia Copeland’s Kingdom Journals series. From the start, the author changes the popular opinion of vampires and witches. Alena Scott is not your typical vampire, she is a forbidden hybrid. Being half vampire and half witch, Alena is forced to hide her real identity. Her mother’s job keeps her moving until she is about to eighteen. Frustrated with the lack of answers from her mom about whom her dad is Alena takes risks to find answers. She makes friends with other vampires, witches, and humans that can put herself in danger, along with his mother’s secret plans for her.
Alena mesmerized me from the start of Kingdom of Embers. Tricia Copeland brings her characters alive with their strengths and flaws. By having the vampires integrate with the general population gives this novel an eerie feeling. As Alena struggled with normal teen emotions and school problems, it impressed me with how the author kept the main characters integrity, morals, and rebellion in check. This book is an excellent start to an unforgettable plot as they reveal more to Alena and her role in combining two powerful groups of people.
Alena mesmerized me from the start of Kingdom of Embers. Tricia Copeland brings her characters alive with their strengths and flaws. By having the vampires integrate with the general population gives this novel an eerie feeling. As Alena struggled with normal teen emotions and school problems, it impressed me with how the author kept the main characters integrity, morals, and rebellion in check. This book is an excellent start to an unforgettable plot as they reveal more to Alena and her role in combining two powerful groups of people.
June 24, 2020
I received a free copy of this audiobook from the author in exchange for an honest review.
I was a little hesitant going into this book because I had very little idea of what to expect. I worried that it was going to be a book with a character that is too powerful for their own good and that it would drown out any possibility of being drawn into the story. However, I found that this was not the case. While somewhat juvenile in nature (definitely suited for teens and definitely appropriate for middle years as it isn’t very violent, nor does it contain much mature subject matter), the story was very unique and I really appreciated that Copeland didn’t just stick to the typical depiction of vampires or witches. The world of the story and it’s rules were super unique and yet easy to follow along with. I honestly think it was this uniqueness that sets this story apart from others in this genre so well. I also appreciated that I felt like I was learning alongside the character the entire time -both learning about the supernatural world Copeland developed, and also uncovering the mystery behind Alena’s life.
I would definitely say that this is a good book for fans of Cassandra Clare, Holly Black, or Veronica Roth. It is an awesome blend of a supernatural world hidden within our own with some romance and enough drama to keep you wanting to know what happens next even after you’ve put it down. While it is not the best book I’ve ever read, it is a good, dramatic and yet lighthearted, and enjoyable read that is worth giving a shot!
I was a little hesitant going into this book because I had very little idea of what to expect. I worried that it was going to be a book with a character that is too powerful for their own good and that it would drown out any possibility of being drawn into the story. However, I found that this was not the case. While somewhat juvenile in nature (definitely suited for teens and definitely appropriate for middle years as it isn’t very violent, nor does it contain much mature subject matter), the story was very unique and I really appreciated that Copeland didn’t just stick to the typical depiction of vampires or witches. The world of the story and it’s rules were super unique and yet easy to follow along with. I honestly think it was this uniqueness that sets this story apart from others in this genre so well. I also appreciated that I felt like I was learning alongside the character the entire time -both learning about the supernatural world Copeland developed, and also uncovering the mystery behind Alena’s life.
I would definitely say that this is a good book for fans of Cassandra Clare, Holly Black, or Veronica Roth. It is an awesome blend of a supernatural world hidden within our own with some romance and enough drama to keep you wanting to know what happens next even after you’ve put it down. While it is not the best book I’ve ever read, it is a good, dramatic and yet lighthearted, and enjoyable read that is worth giving a shot!
November 1, 2017
I received this book in return for an honest review.
Tricia Copeland is a lull master. Not in a bad way either but in a sense if calm and then literally you blink and all hell has broke loose. Lol
I loved this book. More than I thought I would to be honest because Alena was good. But almost too good. You know the kind,the ones we all roll our eyes at and just "ugh". Lol
But there is more than meets the eye with Alena...and you really don't want to mess with her. If you do, it's your funeral.
Kingdom of Embers starts off kinda slow, that's where that peaceful lull comes in. But it's not boring. Its a perfect balance that keeps you wondering what danger lurks just around the corner.
The only thing I wasn't fond of were the jumps between a lot of chapters. I felt like those were rushed and it left me wanting more from it. Want to know what happened to those days or so in between.
Other than that, this book was so awesome.
I loved all the character and of course my favorite character would *cough*die*cough*
*sits in my corner sobbing*
Lol
But really though that ending blew me away. I HAVE TO KNOW WHAT HAPPENS NEXT!!!!
But can we talk about the mom for a moment? Why is so she ominous? There is a story there and I want to know it. And just WHO is Alena's dad?
Ugh I have so many questions!
Tricia Copeland is a lull master. Not in a bad way either but in a sense if calm and then literally you blink and all hell has broke loose. Lol
I loved this book. More than I thought I would to be honest because Alena was good. But almost too good. You know the kind,the ones we all roll our eyes at and just "ugh". Lol
But there is more than meets the eye with Alena...and you really don't want to mess with her. If you do, it's your funeral.
Kingdom of Embers starts off kinda slow, that's where that peaceful lull comes in. But it's not boring. Its a perfect balance that keeps you wondering what danger lurks just around the corner.
The only thing I wasn't fond of were the jumps between a lot of chapters. I felt like those were rushed and it left me wanting more from it. Want to know what happened to those days or so in between.
Other than that, this book was so awesome.
I loved all the character and of course my favorite character would *cough*die*cough*
*sits in my corner sobbing*
Lol
But really though that ending blew me away. I HAVE TO KNOW WHAT HAPPENS NEXT!!!!
But can we talk about the mom for a moment? Why is so she ominous? There is a story there and I want to know it. And just WHO is Alena's dad?
Ugh I have so many questions!
Read
August 27, 2020I received Kingdom of Embers as an ARC. I was pleasantly surprised. Alena is a unique 17 year old girl. She just wants to be a normal teenager her senior year. But it is hard to be normal when you are anything but. She lives in a world with Vampires and Witches. A world where her mother is queen. In the City of Angels nothing is as it seems. Alena struggles to fit in. Between her human friends, boys, an absentee father, and juggling with her own identity crisis she has a ton on her plate. She trying to solve a mystery but ends up stumbling on so much more.
I loved this book. Alena was a strong female Character anyone could enjoy. The plot was well planned and executed. All the supporting characters fit seamlessly. It flowed beautifully. I only hate that I have to wait to read the next book. I can't wait to find out what happens to Alena. I will definitely be purchasing this series for my daughters.
I loved this book. Alena was a strong female Character anyone could enjoy. The plot was well planned and executed. All the supporting characters fit seamlessly. It flowed beautifully. I only hate that I have to wait to read the next book. I can't wait to find out what happens to Alena. I will definitely be purchasing this series for my daughters.
March 18, 2020
Really enjoyed this book. There is no foul language. Violence does not going to gory details. The story is well constructed. The story does end in a cliffhanger. Leaving you wanting the next book.
The narrator does a wonderful job and really suits the book. She brings the characters alive with their own individual unique voice.
I just love this story.
The narrator does a wonderful job and really suits the book. She brings the characters alive with their own individual unique voice.
I just love this story.
July 10, 2019
On her senior year of high school, Alena is forced to change schools once again. Now having to make new friends and adjust to her new school, she also struggles against her family’s secrets and her own nature. Alena was born as a forbidden creature. Her mother is a vampire and her father is a witch. A tense truce lies over both creatures that could be easily shattered at any moment.
Alena was a truly interesting character. She is driven to figure out the mystery behind her birth and who her father is. She is intelligent and has tons of talents and strengths. Alena is thoroughly likable and well developed. Although she felt too perfect at times.
I wish the supernatural elements and history were weaved more into the story. I really would have enjoyed knowing more about the strengths, weaknesses, and limits of witches and vampires. I also wanted to know more about past between the witches and vampires along with what made Alena’s mother want to change the ways of the vampires. The ending was rushed and there was very little emotion surrounding the death of a major character and very little reaction to another character almost dying. The conversations also felt stiff and unnatural.
Overall, I enjoyed reading this book. It was a quick and fun read. I loved the different ideas surrounding vampires. Loving sunlight instead of avoiding it and not having to rely on drinking blood were very interesting and unique ways of portraying vampires.
I received a copy from a Goodreads giveaway.
Alena was a truly interesting character. She is driven to figure out the mystery behind her birth and who her father is. She is intelligent and has tons of talents and strengths. Alena is thoroughly likable and well developed. Although she felt too perfect at times.
I wish the supernatural elements and history were weaved more into the story. I really would have enjoyed knowing more about the strengths, weaknesses, and limits of witches and vampires. I also wanted to know more about past between the witches and vampires along with what made Alena’s mother want to change the ways of the vampires. The ending was rushed and there was very little emotion surrounding the death of a major character and very little reaction to another character almost dying. The conversations also felt stiff and unnatural.
Overall, I enjoyed reading this book. It was a quick and fun read. I loved the different ideas surrounding vampires. Loving sunlight instead of avoiding it and not having to rely on drinking blood were very interesting and unique ways of portraying vampires.
I received a copy from a Goodreads giveaway.
July 16, 2019
would love to share this book with my book club. The story is the first in a series and would love to read anything else Tricia Copeland will write. Take a chance. I did!
February 25, 2020
Good read. I would have liked if some details were more fleshed out however it had a good plot.
February 26, 2020
I really enjoyed Kingdom of Embers a great twist on vampires and witches I look forward to reading the rest of the series
April 21, 2017
Being left hanging is not always frustrating!
The Kingdom Of Embers by Tricia Copeland is a YA fantasy novel. Its book 1 in The Kingdom Journals series and ends in a cliffhanger. Appropriate for all ages.
Alena is a forbidden being. She is a witch/vampire hybrid allowing her the strength of both species. She doesn’t know her father and lives with her mother who is a leader in the vampire community. Alena starts her senior year at a new school and runs into problems with a bully. Her pale skin and unique diet make her a target for the schools most disliked boy.
She is spending most of her free time researching her birthday. She feels there is something significant about her Summer Solstice birth but she keeps running into dead ends. While doing some reading in the library, she runs into Hunter, a friend from her past, and begins spending time with him. Once they discover who the enemy is, Alena’s world spirals out of control.
I really enjoyed this book. There is considerable ambiguity in some fantasy novels that leaves me confused as to the direction and destination of the plot. Copeland added some supernatural creatures and elements into an otherwise, familiar world. I appreciated this because I didn’t have to discover an entire new concept. I had more time to immerse myself in the plot and the characters. I liked Alena, although she had much more patience than I would have with her rude schoolmates. She used essential oils to calm herself, but I would have needed to bathe in them to deal with Hannah, Melody and Ganby. The speed in which the story progressed was quick and never left me bored. I was a bit confused at the end with some of the fight sequence. I wasn’t sure who was speaking and at which character it was directed. However, it wasn’t obscure enough to take away from the story.
I give this book 5 stars. I have read that the sequel will be out soon and I hope this is true. Although it was a cliffhanger, it didn’t leave me confused as to the path of the next book. Instead of infuriation, I am simply looking forward to reading the rest of this story. I recommend it to other readers regardless of the preferred genre.
The author provided this book for a fair and honest review. I have also read it for North Of Normal Book Reviews blog.
The Kingdom Of Embers by Tricia Copeland is a YA fantasy novel. Its book 1 in The Kingdom Journals series and ends in a cliffhanger. Appropriate for all ages.
Alena is a forbidden being. She is a witch/vampire hybrid allowing her the strength of both species. She doesn’t know her father and lives with her mother who is a leader in the vampire community. Alena starts her senior year at a new school and runs into problems with a bully. Her pale skin and unique diet make her a target for the schools most disliked boy.
She is spending most of her free time researching her birthday. She feels there is something significant about her Summer Solstice birth but she keeps running into dead ends. While doing some reading in the library, she runs into Hunter, a friend from her past, and begins spending time with him. Once they discover who the enemy is, Alena’s world spirals out of control.
I really enjoyed this book. There is considerable ambiguity in some fantasy novels that leaves me confused as to the direction and destination of the plot. Copeland added some supernatural creatures and elements into an otherwise, familiar world. I appreciated this because I didn’t have to discover an entire new concept. I had more time to immerse myself in the plot and the characters. I liked Alena, although she had much more patience than I would have with her rude schoolmates. She used essential oils to calm herself, but I would have needed to bathe in them to deal with Hannah, Melody and Ganby. The speed in which the story progressed was quick and never left me bored. I was a bit confused at the end with some of the fight sequence. I wasn’t sure who was speaking and at which character it was directed. However, it wasn’t obscure enough to take away from the story.
I give this book 5 stars. I have read that the sequel will be out soon and I hope this is true. Although it was a cliffhanger, it didn’t leave me confused as to the path of the next book. Instead of infuriation, I am simply looking forward to reading the rest of this story. I recommend it to other readers regardless of the preferred genre.
The author provided this book for a fair and honest review. I have also read it for North Of Normal Book Reviews blog.
February 28, 2020
Tricia Copeland has a good grasp on crafting a diverse and creative universe. It’s clear she’s a fan of the genre she writes in, that knowledge and passion are clear in her story. There were a few editing issues in the story, but nothing that really took away from the plot, flow, or characters (some of it could have been due to the format I was using, though).
Alena is our main character here. The story starts off creating strong characters and setting the stage, then it turns toward the more fantastical elements. What is interesting here is that the story never fully divests from the real world in a way that makes us forget it’s there, making it feel as real as it can in a story of this kind. It’s a very creative blend that was well-spliced. The characters and plot really make this story pop.
Normally, when it comes to young adult vampire stories, I tend to be ultra-critical to the point of nearly avoiding. However, Copeland did well with this. I look forward to the next book in the series, Kingdom of Darkness.
Alena is our main character here. The story starts off creating strong characters and setting the stage, then it turns toward the more fantastical elements. What is interesting here is that the story never fully divests from the real world in a way that makes us forget it’s there, making it feel as real as it can in a story of this kind. It’s a very creative blend that was well-spliced. The characters and plot really make this story pop.
Normally, when it comes to young adult vampire stories, I tend to be ultra-critical to the point of nearly avoiding. However, Copeland did well with this. I look forward to the next book in the series, Kingdom of Darkness.
February 12, 2017
It's no secret that I adore Tricia Copeland's writing skills, I completely fell head over heels for Being Me series.. this book though has topped them all!
I love Alena!! I don't want to say too much as I don't want to give anything away, I'm just demanding that you all need to read it!
I love the character developments, detailed, yet not overpoweringly so.
The writing is unique, it flows well.. it hooks you from the start, making sure you finish it in one sitting..
The storyline is incredible, it was different, intriguing and genuinely a fantastic read.
I would recommend this book to everyone, even though I'm on tenterhooks waiting for the second book!!
#2OCCAB
I love Alena!! I don't want to say too much as I don't want to give anything away, I'm just demanding that you all need to read it!
I love the character developments, detailed, yet not overpoweringly so.
The writing is unique, it flows well.. it hooks you from the start, making sure you finish it in one sitting..
The storyline is incredible, it was different, intriguing and genuinely a fantastic read.
I would recommend this book to everyone, even though I'm on tenterhooks waiting for the second book!!
#2OCCAB
May 6, 2020
Wow! This book was so amazing! I loved the twist on vampire and witch folklore and having a half witch half vampire was even better. I enjoyed the romance and friendships that she made during this book. It had a slow beginning but once I was past that I could not stop reading it. I really hope everyone likes this book as much as I did.
February 5, 2020
Amazing book. Had my attention from start to finish could barely put it down
September 16, 2017
FANTASTIC new take on vampires and witches (tough to do these days)! More detailed review to follow after finished devouring the next two!
February 16, 2020
So when you first start reading this you hope it’s not another typical vampire and/or witch book. Thankfully it was not! You get so engrossed in the story and do not want to put it down. When I was introduced to the main character Alena i was a little annoyed with her attitude but you have to remember she’s a teenager. For that Tricia Copeland was able to emulate the teenage personality so well You feel like you’re in high school with her. As the other characters are introduced you fall deeper and deeper into this world of whitches and vampires. At the end you are left wanting more, it is part of a series and i will definitely be reading the rest of them because I need to know who the father is and how are the lives intertwined together! I am a fan!
September 28, 2018
I quite enjoyed this book. I wasnt sure at first, as it began a little clumsily, but it quickly got into a stride that was very entertaining. The premise was quite unique, not the usual witch/vampire story, which was a breath of fresh air.
The characters were well developed and very believable.
I did find the ending a little disappointing. It was abrupt and I felt that it was missing something important.
I received a complimentary copy from VRO in return for an honest review.
The characters were well developed and very believable.
I did find the ending a little disappointing. It was abrupt and I felt that it was missing something important.
I received a complimentary copy from VRO in return for an honest review.
August 4, 2019
Enjoyable story that has many layers. I liked the characters and their development. It was great to turn the pages and peel back the mysteries right along with the characters. This is a new and fresh take on the vsmpire/hunter/shifter themes and it's done well. I will be reading the others at a later date.
September 13, 2018
I received this book via Voracious readers in return for a honest review.
I really enjoyed this book, the characters are developed and well created. The storyline is excellent and the writing flows extremely well.
I really enjoyed this book, the characters are developed and well created. The storyline is excellent and the writing flows extremely well.
February 10, 2020
This is the first book that I have read by Tricia, and I can tell you that it won't
be the last. A brilliant book with a great balance of magic, mystery and reality that drew me in and refused to let me go! A great plot that kept me totally enthralled the entire way through. The characters re portrayed in a really brilliant and interesting way that left me wanting to know more about them, what will their current role will emerge into? I highly recommend this book to anyone.
be the last. A brilliant book with a great balance of magic, mystery and reality that drew me in and refused to let me go! A great plot that kept me totally enthralled the entire way through. The characters re portrayed in a really brilliant and interesting way that left me wanting to know more about them, what will their current role will emerge into? I highly recommend this book to anyone.
Read
August 20, 2024Alena (pronounced Uh- LEE - nuh) is a extra-ordinary being who is just starting to discover who she is and wants to be when she meets Hunter and then Theron. They both hold a key to her past and future. Can Alena figure out the mystery before she reduces her mother's kingdom to embers? Find out in this complete series starter today!
December 2, 2020
Alena Scott is tired of following the rules her Vampire Chancellor mother is imposing in order to hide her true identity. If she gets discovered they would all be in trouble, after all she is an outlawed hybrid: half vampire and half witch. But her cover might be jeopardised once she meets the cute and grownup version of her imaginary friend.
First book in the Kingdom Journals series, Kingdom of Ember, is a super gripping YA urban fantasy book.
With a mix of fantasy element, as witch and vampires,and a bit of teenage drama, you won’t be able to put it down.. well or at least I couldn’t 😅
Tricia has been able to make her story work using an accessible writing style and a vivid imagination that couldn’t relate to any other fantasy book I’ve read previously, which is fantastic, given that the fantasy genre sometimes can result trivial.
If you enjoyed the vampire diaries series than you might enjoy this.
Thank you VRO and @authortriciacopeland for the free copy of the book.
April 9, 2017
*I received this book in a Goodreads Giveaway, but all thoughts and opinions are my own*
What the heck is this book? I am so torn about liking since, but I think I'll lean towards the no side, unfortunately.
I totally loved the new look at doing vampires and witches. Eating raw or low-processed foods was so interesting, but then towards the end we see that blood is still a factor yet Alena didn't ask about it ever even thought it is a huge part of vampire folklore. We also weren't really told about the limitations of vampirism or explicitly told-- which is nice because it helps us learn as we go... although this seemed to be the point of the cafe/bookstore even though that wasn't the reason she originally went there?
I loved the action towards the end, even if it felt rushed and not entirely explained... or I guess anti-climatic? I mean
One of my biggest complaints was the relationships or way conversation went. Most conversations felt very stiff to me, or overly structured with little feeling. I never understood how she felt about Nick because I thought they were just friends until she started wondering who she liked Nick or Hunter? And Hunter?? How did they fall in love? The whole thing was so bland to me except she was always wanting to touch him. And Theron.... yes, this is more than a love triangle. Most of this girl's problems are because of boys. Side note: What kind of teachers don't say anything when they see/hear a student bullying another???
So, you might be wondering why 3 stars when I obviously am having troubles liking the book. Well, yes it is a slow slow build up to the end where we learn more, but I know many people who would probably enjoy this book and because of the ending, I'm assuming the second book will be better. Therefore, this is another one of those first book = setting up the story book.
I'd recommend this book to young teens who like light fantasy, but lean towards teen drama and contemporary.
What the heck is this book? I am so torn about liking since, but I think I'll lean towards the no side, unfortunately.
I totally loved the new look at doing vampires and witches. Eating raw or low-processed foods was so interesting, but then towards the end we see that blood is still a factor yet Alena didn't ask about it ever even thought it is a huge part of vampire folklore. We also weren't really told about the limitations of vampirism or explicitly told-- which is nice because it helps us learn as we go... although this seemed to be the point of the cafe/bookstore even though that wasn't the reason she originally went there?
I loved the action towards the end, even if it felt rushed and not entirely explained... or I guess anti-climatic? I mean
One of my biggest complaints was the relationships or way conversation went. Most conversations felt very stiff to me, or overly structured with little feeling. I never understood how she felt about Nick because I thought they were just friends until she started wondering who she liked Nick or Hunter? And Hunter?? How did they fall in love? The whole thing was so bland to me except she was always wanting to touch him. And Theron.... yes, this is more than a love triangle. Most of this girl's problems are because of boys. Side note: What kind of teachers don't say anything when they see/hear a student bullying another???
So, you might be wondering why 3 stars when I obviously am having troubles liking the book. Well, yes it is a slow slow build up to the end where we learn more, but I know many people who would probably enjoy this book and because of the ending, I'm assuming the second book will be better. Therefore, this is another one of those first book = setting up the story book.
I'd recommend this book to young teens who like light fantasy, but lean towards teen drama and contemporary.
February 25, 2020
Well written YA fantasy about vampires and witches. This book keeps you fully immersed from beginning to end. I would definitely recommend.
August 13, 2022
Kingdom of Embers filled the Hope Mikaelson shaped hole in my heart. And I'm always happy to find a new vampire obsession.
July 12, 2023
Five stars! I can’t wait to read the next one!
August 9, 2022
So...I enjoyed this book. That's why it's getting five stars. There are, however, some errors still that require editing, but because I was enjoying the book so much, it didn't bother me as much as it might otherwise have.
There are a few things that I feel could be improved; some scenes just sort of come out of nowhere. One moment you're doing one thing, and the next something else entirely has just happened leaving you wondering how you got to point B from point A and realizing that there is no intervening points; the action just happens.
Still, the ideas within the book are novel enough to set aside those two problems for me.
This is the first book of hers that I have read, and while the teenage drama and supernatural elements can sometimes become rather cliche (the romance angle in particular), the mysteries that are presented are engaging and interesting--if a little odd in their solving. Searching on the internet can lead down some rather odd rabbit holes, and the way that certain choices are settled upon as the search terms is definitely leading and over-simplified.
But...for a young adult novel (which is where I would definitely put this), it's a fun read, and as long as you're not thinking too much about it, you can overlook some of the railroading in the interest of seeing where all the points converge.
If you're looking for a supernatural YA romance, this fits the bill nicely. It feels very cisgendered; so, if you're looking for something less mainstream, I'd still suggest Holly Black.
The next book in the series seems to improve on some of the writing issues that I experienced in this first book, and I'm looking forward to learning more about the mysteries presented in this first novel.
There are a few things that I feel could be improved; some scenes just sort of come out of nowhere. One moment you're doing one thing, and the next something else entirely has just happened leaving you wondering how you got to point B from point A and realizing that there is no intervening points; the action just happens.
Still, the ideas within the book are novel enough to set aside those two problems for me.
This is the first book of hers that I have read, and while the teenage drama and supernatural elements can sometimes become rather cliche (the romance angle in particular), the mysteries that are presented are engaging and interesting--if a little odd in their solving. Searching on the internet can lead down some rather odd rabbit holes, and the way that certain choices are settled upon as the search terms is definitely leading and over-simplified.
But...for a young adult novel (which is where I would definitely put this), it's a fun read, and as long as you're not thinking too much about it, you can overlook some of the railroading in the interest of seeing where all the points converge.
If you're looking for a supernatural YA romance, this fits the bill nicely. It feels very cisgendered; so, if you're looking for something less mainstream, I'd still suggest Holly Black.
The next book in the series seems to improve on some of the writing issues that I experienced in this first book, and I'm looking forward to learning more about the mysteries presented in this first novel.
February 11, 2017
It's hard to have a fresh spin on vampires, but Kingdom of Embers offers just that. Whatever you think you know about vampire lore, toss it out. Alena is a vampire-witch hybrid, and even she doesn't completely understand those rules, mainly because her mother hasn't shared much yet.
As Alena searches for answers, she begins to realize how much she has to learn about her role in the Universe. She connects with a childhood friend, who is also more than he originally appeared, and challenges those around her to share the truth ... to trust her with it.
But her journey brings her face-to-face with danger. Kudos to the author for the great balance between developing Alena--allowing the reader to become attached--and creating action and intrigue. It makes for a captivating story.
Note: I served as Editor through Indie Books Gone Wild. A positive review was not requested or guaranteed; the opinions expressed are my own.
As Alena searches for answers, she begins to realize how much she has to learn about her role in the Universe. She connects with a childhood friend, who is also more than he originally appeared, and challenges those around her to share the truth ... to trust her with it.
But her journey brings her face-to-face with danger. Kudos to the author for the great balance between developing Alena--allowing the reader to become attached--and creating action and intrigue. It makes for a captivating story.
Note: I served as Editor through Indie Books Gone Wild. A positive review was not requested or guaranteed; the opinions expressed are my own.
October 10, 2021
This is the first book I have read from this author and now she has a new fan. I love a good paranormal story but she exceeded all my expectations. This is the first book in the series of Kingdom Journals and it is a great way to start the series. I could not put this book down until the end. These characters drew me right from the start of the story and it only took me a day to devour this addictive book.
Alena Scott is not your ordinary teenager. She is a mix of witch and vampire which is unlawful in her world. Alena is a senior in high school and she wants to fit in but she knows she is different. She is shocked when she finds someone that brings her back to her childhood. Alena finds her imaginary friend all grown up and she feels something she can’t explain for him. They end up trying to find out what bonds them together. Alena might find a way to free herself from the curse but is it too good to be true? Will Alena find what she is looking for or will she be left in the dark?
Alena Scott is not your ordinary teenager. She is a mix of witch and vampire which is unlawful in her world. Alena is a senior in high school and she wants to fit in but she knows she is different. She is shocked when she finds someone that brings her back to her childhood. Alena finds her imaginary friend all grown up and she feels something she can’t explain for him. They end up trying to find out what bonds them together. Alena might find a way to free herself from the curse but is it too good to be true? Will Alena find what she is looking for or will she be left in the dark?
Displaying 1 - 30 of 244 reviews