OnlineBookClub.org

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Iridescent" by Ryan Roberts.]

The Shade are a formidable enemy that have been absent for many years. The most hardened of warriors are not able to defeat these creatures nor will any earthly weapon kill them. Long ago, the Aeon were able to rid Aira of them, but the Aeon are extinct - until now. Varus Ven is the first of a new generation of Aeon, but he must face many trials before he is able to stand and fight. Others will follow after him, but will they be strong enough to defeat this relentless enemy of old?

Iridescent: Book One of the Aeon Awakening by Ryan Roberts is a young adult science fiction adventure. It has around 350 pages. While there is some fantasy violence and gore, it would be suitable for high school age and older.

This was one of those rare books that you just can't quite bring yourself to put down. You know you need to sleep, but it's always "one more chapter." Why? Well, first the action is just non-stop. The fighting starts right from the beginning, but the warriors still must train. So, we also get to see them grow and develop in their powers and friendships. The balance of both is perfect.

I, also, especially enjoyed the characters. There is a tiny bit of romance. Even more than that, though, the Shades themselves have character. They taunt. They tease. You hate them; yet you love their wit! They might just end up haunting your dreams with their enigmatic messages.

Another thing that kept me returning to these pages was its cryptic nature. There is a prophecy to be puzzled over. This is made more difficult due to the fact that there are no other Aeon alive to guide them. This is unexplored territory. The reader, along with Varus, must work these mysteries out. This does, however, lead to a cliffhanger ending. In a way, it was infuriating. I just want to know the rest of the story. How will it all end? Will I be reading the next in the series? The answer is a resounding yes.

As much as I enjoyed the book, it is not without its downfalls. Unfortunately, there is no way this book was proofread. Possessives are not possessive. Its is very often confused with it's or even its'. There are commas where there shouldn't be, and no commas where there should be. On the plus side, most of the words are spelled correctly. I must admit, though, that I became so enraptured by the story that, after a while, the errors faded into the background.

All in all, Iridescent was one of the most enjoyable books I've read in a while. Therefore, I give it a rating of 3 out of 4 stars. Honestly, the amount of grammatical errors probably warrants a 2 star rating; but, because I was so wrapped up in the story that I was able to overlook them, I had to bump the rating up to a 3. I highly recommend this to those that love a good fantasy adventure with magic, supernatural beings, prophecies and mysteries. It might not be for you if you are annoyed by too many tiny errors or just can't abide cliffhanger endings.

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Iridescent
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Like kandscreeley's review? Post a comment saying so!

Your review was fun to read and now I can't wait to read this book! The book has everything that I enjoy. The grammar issues might be annoying, but I will prevail. Great review!

Amy+++ wrote: ↑10 Nov 2018, 12:06 Your review was fun to read and now I can't wait to read this book! The book has everything that I enjoy. The grammar issues might be annoying, but I will prevail. Great review!

It really was so fun to read. I hope you enjoy.

Although I don't like cliffhanger endings, I think I'll check this one out. Your review of it has piqued my interest in it. I just hope I can look past the errors. Thanks for the review

T_stone wrote: ↑10 Nov 2018, 18:52 Although I don't like cliffhanger endings, I think I'll check this one out. Your review of it has piqued my interest in it. I just hope I can look past the errors. Thanks for the review

The errors were plentiful, but it was such a fabulous story! I hope you read and enjoy.

Sounds like a very interesting book. I love that the characters are hard to forget and sometimes humorous. Thank you for the review!

Sounds interesting but I'm not sure I want to read a book littered with grammatical errors. Nice review nonetheless.

This looks like another series (like The Magi Charter) for you to keep tabs on, Sarah! Let's keep wishing that these brilliant authors can find equally brilliant editors.

I hope to give it a try. I love puzzles and interesting villains.

Book Lover 35 wrote: ↑11 Nov 2018, 00:11 Sounds like a very interesting book. I love that the characters are hard to forget and sometimes humorous. Thank you for the review!

It was very pleasant to read. Thanks for commenting.

prospero360 wrote: ↑11 Nov 2018, 00:41 Sounds interesting but I'm not sure I want to read a book littered with grammatical errors. Nice review nonetheless.

I understand. Hopefully the author can do some editing and make this more for everyone.

Miriam Molina wrote: ↑11 Nov 2018, 02:32 This looks like another series (like The Magi Charter) for you to keep tabs on, Sarah! Let's keep wishing that these brilliant authors can find equally brilliant editors.

I hope to give it a try. I love puzzles and interesting villains.

I agree! Editing is so important. I would love to read and review the second in this series! Thanks.

I really like the cryptic puzzles that you mention and I think this could swing my decision to try this book. Cliffhangers are infuriating, but they certainly do their job in making us want to read more and more. Brilliant review as always. Thanks.

sonya01 wrote: ↑12 Nov 2018, 02:12 I really like the cryptic puzzles that you mention and I think this could swing my decision to try this book. Cliffhangers are infuriating, but they certainly do their job in making us want to read more and more. Brilliant review as always. Thanks.

Thank you! The cliffhanger was frustrating, but I absolutely want to read the second book. If you do read this one, I hope you enjoy.

Another well-written, insightful review, as always. It's such a shame that an interesting page turner has to be marred by a lack of editing. Hopefully, the author will use the services of a good editor in future works.

bookowlie wrote: ↑12 Nov 2018, 11:09 Another well-written, insightful review, as always. It's such a shame that an interesting page turner has to be marred by a lack of editing. Hopefully, the author will use the services of a good editor in future works.

I do hope so! I really wanted to give this book a four star rating, but the errors were quite numerous. Thanks for your kind comments, as always.