Crystal Promise The Shattered Crystal Book 1 eBook James Funfer David Baumgart Genie Rayner
Download As PDF : Crystal Promise The Shattered Crystal Book 1 eBook James Funfer David Baumgart Genie Rayner 
The country of Novem is in a dire state of affairs. Still recovering from a great war in which they were the aggressor, an economic depression has swept the continent and leaves Novem in the throes of poverty. The republic struggles to hold back a revolution, but strong socialist sentiments threaten Novem’s stability, and many seek to return Novem to its former glory as a powerful totalitarian empire. Novem runs on crystals mined from the ground, but many consider them to be more than just a power source. The Church of Novem worships a ‘Great Crystal’, which is thought to be a liaison between the gods and humanity. Those who can alter crystals at will, known as crystal-speakers, are an important part of that link between the earth and the divine. For finishing school students Jacoby, Timori, Racquela and Crystara, concerns about revolutions and the church are overshadowed by school, dances, sports and summer vacations. But when the Great Crystal selects its arranged marriages that year, a chain of events is set into motion that threatens to upset the entire nation. Betrothal promises are made with rings of crystal, but if they shatter, hearts are not the only things that will break…
Crystal Promise The Shattered Crystal Book 1 eBook James Funfer David Baumgart Genie Rayner
When I read the blurb on the back cover, I was not sure what to expect. It didn't relay the same message as the description here on Amazon. I was a bit confused at first. When I downloaded the book, I knew it would involve or center around young people, but at the same time I expected a whole lot of adult conspiracies going on, weaving in and out of the story, and more of an adult-packed novel with elders trying to take over this world. I expected a lot of young victims from the story in my head.While there are young victims, it's not the adults who totally stir them, but they, themselves, who do the stirring. I did not get what I expected. What I found is a pleasing array of personal stories nicely intertwined into the fabric of a place I've never been (and in the case of Novem, a place I'll never go except in Funfer stories!) along with history, culture and war. Not just former war, but looming revolt. I saw a truth about how everything we do affects others down the line, in the fabric of time, and how no matter what, we have to do what's best for us at any given moment. Yes, it's a good thing to be selfless, yet at the same time we sometimes - given the circumstances - have to do what we need to in order to live. Oh how love, survival, and friendship can be thorny roses, indeed. I found myself racing through the pages to see what would happen next and to whom and was barely bored a moment.
I was drawn to several of the characters, my two most favorites being Jacoby and Julio. I was even angered by some of the characters to the point that I talked out loud to myself! When a character incites me in such a way, the author's done their job. I've read books by well-known best selling...I mean, really best sellers with high sales...and their characters didn't evoke feelings like some of these characters did for me. I tend to observe characters more than story in books; I have to know they're not the author. I want to see that they are themselves, and are alive and well. James Funfer does that in this story. He lets these characters live.
Because there's truth behind it, I thoroughly enjoy when an author includes young people facing situations that might change their lives drastically, forever, and there are seemingly no level-headed adults around to lend guidance. And the ones who try end up sucked up in the darkness. It's like this for the teens in this novel. Dare I say, although it's not described this way here on Amazon, this makes a great young adult or coming of age novel that adults, both male and female, can enjoy.
I refuse to add any spoilers, so let me just say... I got to the end and did not find the result I anticipated, or assumed I might find. I also realize that while this book is a story in and of itself, and some of the tales told in it have been tied up, this story is also a seed. It's not meant to be an end, but a beginning. This is not a tale of what was, but what will be. If you like a series with a "book 1" that plants the seeds for more...that will only get better...this one's for you.
I'll be waiting for the next book.
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Crystal Promise The Shattered Crystal Book 1 eBook James Funfer David Baumgart Genie Rayner Reviews
Crystal Promise is the first book in author James Funfer’s “The Shattered Crystal” trilogy – an urban fantasy story set in the fictitious world of Novum. Novem is a country recovering from The Great War, and on the brink of economic collapse. It is a coming of age story that focuses primarily on the lives of four teenagers who are about to take an age-old step into the future – one that will change their lives forever.
As well as being a gripping and somewhat political story with meaty historical content, Crystal Promise is also a story of love, alliances and ultimately, betrayal. It contains just the right amount of teenaged angst and easily fits into the YA genre. That being said, it will also appeal to anyone who loves an epic drama woven in and around a dramatic and richly layered back story.
Funfer’s characters are complex and very authentic. The voice is compelling, and the author has a terrific knack for writing believable dialogue.
I will anxiously await the sequel to Crystal Promise, and highly recommend this book.
P.S. Oh, and by the way, the book/series absolutely totally ought to be optioned! It’s crying out for the big screen.
I'm not normally one to write reviews, mainly because trying to find the words to write is harder for me than writing an actual book. But in this one, I feel like I must give it a shot. ***WARNING*** Possible spoilers - read on with caution.
James Funfer's Crystal Promise is the first book in a new series. Taking place in a 1930's-ish, Mediterranean-area era using crystals instead of electricity and gasoline, he sets the stage for a really interesting tale. Told about six young people chosen by their church to be put into arranged marriages, and all the joys and pitfalls that go along with it, this book keeps you hooked from page one right to the very end. I was very hard-pressed to put this book down, because of the resonance and allure of the characters. What they feel, YOU feel. What they think, you find yourself thinking to yourself "Yup, that's what I was wondering." How they react is usually pretty much how you would react.
Then there's the flashback episodes, which at first were confusing, but become very clear in time. They give us yet ANOTHER set of viewpoints most people don't see - war. Granted, it is a fictional war, but the sentiments and feelings are there, and again, you feel, think, and experience it as if you were actually a part of the story unfolding. The deep feelings of love, hope, comedy, worry, and loss, all come through so strongly that at times you'll wonder why you aren't laughing or crying.
All in all, James Funfer has written a masterful novel, one that leads you anxiously awaiting the sequel. Combine that with the fact that he's just beginning, gives us even more hopes for his future successes. Five masterful stars.
When I read the blurb on the back cover, I was not sure what to expect. It didn't relay the same message as the description here on . I was a bit confused at first. When I downloaded the book, I knew it would involve or center around young people, but at the same time I expected a whole lot of adult conspiracies going on, weaving in and out of the story, and more of an adult-packed novel with elders trying to take over this world. I expected a lot of young victims from the story in my head.
While there are young victims, it's not the adults who totally stir them, but they, themselves, who do the stirring. I did not get what I expected. What I found is a pleasing array of personal stories nicely intertwined into the fabric of a place I've never been (and in the case of Novem, a place I'll never go except in Funfer stories!) along with history, culture and war. Not just former war, but looming revolt. I saw a truth about how everything we do affects others down the line, in the fabric of time, and how no matter what, we have to do what's best for us at any given moment. Yes, it's a good thing to be selfless, yet at the same time we sometimes - given the circumstances - have to do what we need to in order to live. Oh how love, survival, and friendship can be thorny roses, indeed. I found myself racing through the pages to see what would happen next and to whom and was barely bored a moment.
I was drawn to several of the characters, my two most favorites being Jacoby and Julio. I was even angered by some of the characters to the point that I talked out loud to myself! When a character incites me in such a way, the author's done their job. I've read books by well-known best selling...I mean, really best sellers with high sales...and their characters didn't evoke feelings like some of these characters did for me. I tend to observe characters more than story in books; I have to know they're not the author. I want to see that they are themselves, and are alive and well. James Funfer does that in this story. He lets these characters live.
Because there's truth behind it, I thoroughly enjoy when an author includes young people facing situations that might change their lives drastically, forever, and there are seemingly no level-headed adults around to lend guidance. And the ones who try end up sucked up in the darkness. It's like this for the teens in this novel. Dare I say, although it's not described this way here on , this makes a great young adult or coming of age novel that adults, both male and female, can enjoy.
I refuse to add any spoilers, so let me just say... I got to the end and did not find the result I anticipated, or assumed I might find. I also realize that while this book is a story in and of itself, and some of the tales told in it have been tied up, this story is also a seed. It's not meant to be an end, but a beginning. This is not a tale of what was, but what will be. If you like a series with a "book 1" that plants the seeds for more...that will only get better...this one's for you.
I'll be waiting for the next book.
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