Featured Review: Prophase: A Present Tale by Mitchel Street

Vinay Penubothu · Post by **Vinay Penubothu** » 24 Feb 2024, 09:47

The start of the book was intense, and I was really surprised and sold out on the book from the first page. The way the author explains the human body and aligns it with the main character's story is amazing. Definitely adding to my reading list.

Orji cyril Kaluokoro · Post by **Orji cyril Kaluokoro** » 24 Feb 2024, 09:56

Prophase: A Present Tale is a fantasy coming of age novel set in the world of Piper Walker, a young girl who loses her mother to cancer at a young age. Her father has become an alcoholic, and Piper has become the main caretaker of her younger brother, Charlie. Piper is in her senior year of high school and is looking forward to attending the University of Wisconsin-Madison in the fall. However, her boyfriend Chris breaks up with her days before her birthday, and an emotional confrontation occurs at the school dance on her birthday.
Upset, Piper leaves with Lisa and their friend Josh and almost dies in an accident. However, Piper manages to manipulate the car's essence and stop a collision that would have taken all their lives. The story revolves around Piper's experiences with lights and auras, her strength, hearing, and eyesight, and her quest to fulfill her destiny. The old neighbor, Esther, is the only person who has answers about her past and her destiny.
On her eighteenth birthday, which coincides with the vernal equinox, Piper faces overwhelming and shocking changes. She is about to uncover a world that is in turbulence within itself, and she must uncover a whole history about who she is and how she can affect the world as she knows it. Street creates an interesting and imaginative world full of different types of beings and magic, and Piper is a genuine person with good intentions.
However, there are some aspects of the novel that feel forced and lacking in details. The introduction of different beings is vague and leaves many questions unanswered. The world could use some development, and more informed introductions to the characters would be beneficial.

Orji cyril Kaluokoro · Post by **Orji cyril Kaluokoro** » 24 Feb 2024, 09:57

Prophase: A Present Tale is a fantasy coming of age novel set in the world of Piper Walker, a young girl who loses her mother to cancer at a young age. Her father has become an alcoholic, and Piper has become the main caretaker of her younger brother, Charlie. Piper is in her senior year of high school and is looking forward to attending the University of Wisconsin-Madison in the fall. However, her boyfriend Chris breaks up with her days before her birthday, and an emotional confrontation occurs at the school dance on her birthday.
Upset, Piper leaves with Lisa and their friend Josh and almost dies in an accident. However, Piper manages to manipulate the car's essence and stop a collision that would have taken all their lives. The story revolves around Piper's experiences with lights and auras, her strength, hearing, and eyesight, and her quest to fulfill her destiny. The old neighbor, Esther, is the only person who has answers about her past and her destiny.
On her eighteenth birthday, which coincides with the vernal equinox, Piper faces overwhelming and shocking changes. She is about to uncover a world that is in turbulence within itself, and she must uncover a whole history about who she is and how she can affect the world as she knows it. Street creates an interesting and imaginative world full of different types of beings and magic, and Piper is a genuine person with good intentions.
However, there are some aspects of the novel that feel forced and lacking in details. The introduction of different beings is vague and leaves many questions unanswered. The world could use some development, and more informed introductions to the characters would be beneficial.

Anaïs Quesson · Post by **Anaïs Quesson** » 24 Feb 2024, 10:06

I am highly intrigued by Prophase. Both this review and the Amazon sample I got to read piqued my interest. Adding this to my reading list, thank you!

Orji cyril Kaluokoro · Post by **Orji cyril Kaluokoro** » 24 Feb 2024, 10:16

Prophase: A Present Tale is a fantasy coming-of-age novel that follows Piper Walker, a young girl who loses her mother to cancer at a young age. Her father has become an alcoholic, and she has become the main caretaker of her younger brother, Charlie. Piper is in her senior year of high school and is looking forward to attending the University of Wisconsin-Madison in the fall. However, her boyfriend Chris breaks up with her days before her birthday, and an emotional confrontation occurs at the school dance on her birthday.

Upset, Piper leaves with Lisa and their friend Josh and almost dies in an accident. However, Piper manages to manipulate the car's essence and stop a collision that would have taken all their lives. The story revolves around the lights and auras Piper sees everywhere and in everything, and the origins of these changes in appearance, strength, hearing, and eyesight. The old neighbor, Esther, is the only person who has answers about the changes and Piper's destiny.

The novel is set on the vernal equinox, and on her eighteenth birthday, she is faced with overwhelming and shocking changes. She is about to uncover a world that is in turbulence within itself, and she must uncover a whole history about who she is and how she can affect the world as she knows it. Street creates an interesting and imaginative world full of different types of beings and magic, and Piper is a genuine person with good intentions.

The novel is filled with interesting and imaginative elements, such as the introduction of different beings and their lack of details. Vague descriptions left many questions, and the world could use some development. More informed introductions to the characters would be beneficial for the development of the novel.

In conclusion, Prophase: A Present Tale is a captivating and thought-provoking novel that explores the themes of identity, power, and the consequences of one's actions. The story is filled with a mix of emotions, wit, and mystery, making it a captivating read for readers.

Gerry Steen · Post by **Gerry Steen** » 24 Feb 2024, 10:21

Piper is a very well developed character. Street is a great writer who keeps the reader engaged through the great narration of Piper. It is a mystery as to what life is calling Piper to do. She has already done so much and is mature beyond her years. Read the book to find out more!

Brienna Cooper · Post by **Brienna Cooper** » 24 Feb 2024, 10:26

Great review! If this plot doesn’t sound like a classic superhero (or villain, for that matter) origin story, then I don’t what does! Based on this review and the sample, this definitely could be very likable to many, from pre-teens up to possibly the YA crowd.

The changes that overcome her on her eighteenth birthday, which also happens to be the vernal equinox, are overwhelming and shocking.

The plot description actually interested me enough to want to know what the vernal equinox actually is! I should go ahead and look it up. LOL

Quite a few things happened throughout this novel, almost too much, to the point where it felt forced. When some of the different beings were introduced they were lacking in details. Vague descriptions were provided that still left many questions. Street created a world that was nice to imagine but could use some development. I want to understand the different aspects of the beings introduced if they are going to be a vital part of the story. More informed introductions to these characters would do wonders for the development of this novel.

Also just as with a superhero/villain narrative, these are the kinds of things that can trip up and weaken the overall story. I noticed that this is the first of two books in a series, so perhaps the second book clears up some of these more vague details.

Brandon Sanderson · Post by **Marie Chalupová** » 24 Feb 2024, 10:36

I feel like of these kinds of stories target people that have issues in life so it's nice change getting someone that had good life and future planned out. Seems like it's a bit rushed in places but that can be just personal preference.

Sankar Guha · Post by **Sankar Guha** » 24 Feb 2024, 10:37

The review is amazing. It made me want to add this book to me TBR straight way. Congrats on BOTD

Post by **Seetha E** » 24 Feb 2024, 10:37

I sampled a few pages and enjoyed the interesting writing style. Piper's journey through all of the upheaval will be worth reading. The fact that various sections are not detailed is noted, and I will read it again before determining whether or not to pick it. A thorough review. Congratulations to the author on the BOTD.

Shirley Ann Riddern Labzentis · 24 Feb 2024, 10:43

I enjoyed your review. You were honest about what you liked and didn't like about the storyline. Piper seemed like a typical teenage girl, but we know that she wasn't typical at all.

Shirley Ann Riddern Labzentis · 24 Feb 2024, 10:45

I enjoyed your review. You were honest about what you liked and didn't like about the storyline. Piper seemed like a typical teenage girl, but we know that she wasn't typical at all.

Fairuz Hilali Ujang · Post by **Fairuz Hilali Ujang** » 24 Feb 2024, 10:57

Based on the description of the book, Piper Walker's story presents a portrait of teenage life filled with challenges and uniqueness. Piper, as the main character, faces various obstacles in her life, starting from the loss of her mother to dealing with significant challenges within her family. Nevertheless, she finds support from her close friends, especially Lisa and Chris, who help her navigate through tough situations.

Piper has a special connection with nature and music, creating a character that is unique and distinct from most teenagers. Her presence in the forest and love for music becomes crucial elements in shaping her identity. Her interest in nature adds a touch of beauty and wonder to the story, while her love for music portrays deep emotional layers.

The plot takes an unexpected turn when Piper experiences a near-death encounter and is reborn into a dimension full of magic and wonder. This profound change leads Piper to explore her new powers and identity in this fascinating world. Here is where fantasy elements seamlessly merge with the story, creating a narrative that is captivating and full of adventure.

Throughout Piper's journey, readers are introduced to supernatural characters and wonders that accompany her steps. She must learn to master her newfound powers, face dangers, and play a crucial role in changing the fate of the suppressed magical world. Furthermore, her first love adds an emotional dimension to the story, providing a romantic and profound touch to Piper's experiences.

The story not only depicts Piper's battles in the magical world but also delves into her internal struggles, creating a complex narrative that captivates readers. With the beauty of nature, the celebration of love, and the power of a young girl, this book promises an adventure that captures the reader's imagination.

Devesh Patel · Post by **Devesh Patel** » 24 Feb 2024, 10:58

"Prophase: A Present Tale" intriguingly explores Piper's journey from a challenging adolescence to discovering her extraordinary powers, blending relatable struggles with fantastical elements. While Street crafts a compelling protagonist and a vibrant magical realm, the narrative's pace and complexity occasionally overwhelm, leaving readers desiring deeper exploration of its mystical inhabitants. A promising start that could benefit from richer world-building and character depth.

Devesh Patel · Post by **Devesh Patel** » 24 Feb 2024, 11:01

"Prophase: A Present Tale" intriguingly explores Piper's journey from a challenging adolescence to discovering her extraordinary powers, blending relatable struggles with fantastical elements. While Street crafts a compelling protagonist and a vibrant magical realm, the narrative's pace and complexity occasionally overwhelm, leaving readers desiring deeper exploration of its mystical inhabitants. A promising start that could benefit from richer world-building and character depth.