By Julie Elizabeth Powell on December 19, 2014
Format: Kindle Edition
I was lucky enough to be sent this book for an honest review and yes, I loved it!
It is original and unique in many ways - the idea of the visions and how they are manifest, the 'school', the divisions the...I don't give spoilers.
Leya is an interesting and complex character, with all the flaws of a real person, rather than some characters I've read in other books who are wooden and uninteresting. She has talents - hence the story.
I don't like to give away anything that could spoil it for others but will say that this story is filled with the unusual, magic of sorts, good versus evil, strengths and weakness, relationships and so much more. It was a little disconcerting how some parts jumped ahead so quickly, but that didn't deter from my complete enjoyment of the tale.
There is obviously more to come - and really I cannot wait. I loved the writing so much that I have since bought a copy of the start of another series by this author (Dawn's End) and look forward to more.
Highly recommended.
You know, this was a great read. Being in the head of a fourteen-year-old girl has never felt more real. Bonnie captured all the teenage problems to a T. Everything from the nature of young friendships, the backstabbing/jealously/rivalries, insecurities, peer pressure, children/parent issues to balancing study with friends. We’ve all been there, well, I certainly have.
On top of the usual teenage drama, it’s time for Leya to be tested. They need to see if she has the vision; a great power that one can possess. Power confirmed she is whisked away to sanctuary where she’ll be taught all she needs to know by the experienced Mistresses. One problem: lack of control. Unluckily for her, she’s found herself with a bully who knows just how to push all the right buttons. Leya knows she has to keep her temper at bay or she’ll risk the wrath of being stripped of her ability, but in a world of betrayal and deceit, it’s easier said than done.
I liked how Leya starts he story as a fourteen-year-old girl, but as the story progresses, the time frame jumps. A few years, then a few more, until she’s twenty-six. It worked well with the story and was done at a pace where we didn’t miss out on anything. The description developed as Leya did, which I thought was a really nice touch. The story grew with the character.
As an ending, this book is very well-written, an enchanting read with great description. A young adult book which can be enjoyed by anybody any age and I would recommend it.
Mar 04, 2014Heather Leigh rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition
Recommends it for: teens, girls, older readers who like fantasy
Recommended to Heather by: goodreads
Leya Truelong lives in a world unlike our own. At the age of fourteen, each child is tested to see if they possess a vision; a great power that they can one day learn to control.
Brought to the island that houses the Sphere of Vision, a sanctuary where experienced Mistresses teach the young novices to harvest their abilities, Leya begins to make friends and enemies alike.
I felt for a teenage Leya, leaving her large loving family behind to pursue her vision and bring fortune to her struggling village. Not only must she develop her powers, she must learn to deal with the difficult Zendra, another novice whose bullying tears apart the girls at the Sphere. Her continued struggles brought me both up and down with each unexpected turn in her life.
Bonnie Ferrante does a wonderful job in bringing modern problems that young girls face; insecurity, loneliness, family, balancing study with play, and puts them into the surreal setting of a world with supernatural powers that can do good as well as evil.
I found myself fascinated by the visions that the characters possessed, and kept reading to find out what those powers meant to each one. Especially Leya, our tormented heroine. Her immaturity slowly leaves her as tragic events unfold, turning her into a strong woman. Although, at times I did want to shake her for being so stubborn, but aren't all girls that way at times?
The Sphere of Vision series has started out wonderfully, and I am eager to see what's next for Leya and her friends. Perfect for young readers who love fantasy (think Lorien Legacies for girls) or older readers alike. I kept comparing it to George RR Martin's Game of Thrones books which I loved, only a less violent, more teen-friendly version.
I'm planning on passing on the name of this author to my 14 year old niece who will love this book.
