Published on December 24, 2011
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First thoughts:
This was definitely one roller-coaster of emotional limits. The intensity and idea itself was filled with all of the emotions. This wasn’t your run of the mill type of story, there was some added flare and character to this book that made reading it both enjoyable and fast. This is definitely a book that doesn’t take long to read and can if time allowed be read in one sitting.
Plot:
Though this book started a bit slow to me it did have an overall good plot. The beginning was just trying to introduce the reader to the ideas of the world and the characters themselves. But after the first few chapters of the book the story really picked up and I instantly connected with both the characters and the world. I wanted no needed to read more, the more ideas and twists were unraveled the more I enjoyed this book. The action was at times intense, especially the end (won’t reveal it to you but it definitely both shocked and stunned me). The entire plot was planned to the tee, each conflict and twist planned accordingly and I enjoyed not knowing every little detail of what was to happen.
Characters:
The characters like I said were distant at the beginning, the author did a great job on creating different personalities and attributes but I felt like I was looking in from a glass window instead of actually being in the room. But as soon as Reka the main protagonist was introduced into the books main purpose (a few chapters in) I was able to both instantly connect with her but also with the other characters around her. I enjoyed being able to both like and connect with the antagonist, it’s not something a reader is privileged to often. Usually the bad guy is someone you vote against but the author gave us a side of him that made me want to know him more; to sympathize with. Also I was able to really relate with some of the characters, the way they felt with certain situations seemed quite believable.
Transformation of the Character:
Okay so I’m not sure if Reka really did any TRUE transforming. She in a way battled in her mind constantly but I think we were able to see her true character in the beginning and throughout this book she was battling to keep it. So in a way she kind of transformed but she didn’t make a normal transformation. As for the other characters, some of them changed a little but in all the transformations were kept to a minimum.
Description:
I really enjoyed this author’s use of description. She really described some pivotal scenes very well. She didn’t leave the reader without a good picture on what she was trying to get across. She used just the right amount in this story, she never over described something or left you with a scene painted in only black and white; she colored her world with an array of beautiful colors and ideas. I found some of her descriptions to be very creative, the ideas and images she conquered up were just breath-taking.
Style:
The author’s style was perfect for the story, she did a really job on creating mental and physical conversations. I liked how she got Reka to have inner turmoil and outer and they blended so nicely. The chapters were divided smoothly and I didn’t feel the author was rough on transitions she had everything organized and planned accordingly. And the use of first person helped both the reader connect with the character but also get a more narrow perspective, allowing things to be hidden in the dark until time.
Goodreads Summary:
For as long as seventeen-year-old Reka Cushing can remember, she has watched her friends and her neighbors be stolen, their bodies used as hosts for the Halorans; an alien race that has come to earth posing as gods. For just as long, Reka has lived in fear of drawing the eye of a Haloran, keeping her head down, hoping not to be caught in their sites.
The only time she has ever been bold, tried to get what she wanted, a god, one more powerful, more dangerous than all others is watching.
Last Thoughts:
I would recommend this book to any fantasy and reader of romance. The romances in this book were so sweet and swoon worthy. I would also recommend this to any reader who enjoys a good and fast read; just remember the beginning can be a little slow but after you get past it, it’s a fast read from there. I wouldn’t recommend this to anyone who doesn’t enjoy romance; this book has tons of it! I really enjoyed this book a lot and the ending was spectacular I can’t wait to find out what that last part was all about. This author is definitely someone I’ll be looking for future reads.
Interview with Monica Millard
What inspired you to start this series?
I was sitting at the airport waiting for a friend, listening to music. This scene of people dancing around a fire came to me. It stuck with me. I knew the gathering was secret and dangerous and when I started asking myself questions, the world just filled itself in and the story blossomed from there.
How long did it take you to write “Children of the Gods”?
It took me just over 2 months to write Children of the Gods. Revising and editing, on the other hand, took me quite a bit longer.
What is your beverage of choice while writing?
Water or Honey Vanilla Chamomile Tea.
What is your favorite scene from your book?
The bonfire scene because it is the most vivid and the one that started it all.
If you had to pick one song to represent your book what would it be?
Never Say Never by The Fray. For me it holds the tone of the book and helped me see past the surface of one of the main characters.
While writing, do you prefer silence or background noise?
Music helps me focus.
Who is your greatest fan?
My critique partner Jolyn Palliata. Without her I may never have shared Children of the Gods or any of my work with anyone else.
How did you choose your characters names?
Most of them came to me with names already formed, but for those that didn’t. I keep a file of names that strike me and when I need to match a name to a character I search through it for one that fits.
Would you say your characters control the story or you?
Definitely the characters. If I’d written the story I’d envisioned, things would have turned out very differently.
Did you take out scenes from this book that you wish you could have kept?
No, I actually ended up adding about 2 chapters worth of content instead of cutting much.
What’s one piece of advice you’d give to aspiring authors?
Find a good critique group or several critique buddies. What you learn from editing other peoples work and having your own work critiqued is invaluable.
What was the process of becoming published like? Was it nerve-wrecking?
It’s a lot of hard work and at times you might think pulling out your fingernails one by one sounds more enjoyable than doing one more round of edits, but those moments are easily blocked out when you see your on GoodReads for the first time.
Your description was so beautiful at times, how did you write such vivid scenes, such as the pond and the world itself?
I see the world and the scenes like video in my head and try to describe not only how it looks but how it makes me feel.
What can you tell us about the next book of this series?
Many of my earlier readers had the same request. They wanted to know more! More about the Halorans and about their world. Book two will deliver on that request, giving readers a closer look at Halora and the people who inhabit the world.
The Giveaway
Prize: An e-book copy of “Children of the Gods”
Duration: February 4, 2012- February 11, 2012
*This giveaway is International*
Winner will be chosen by Random.org
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