Enlightened by A.L. Waddington Series: The EVE Series #1
Publisher: Booktrope Publishing on April 21, 2014
Genres: Fantasy, Romance, Young Adult
Pages: 250
Format: eBook
Source: Review Request
Purchase: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads
Rating:
The barrier between Jocelyn Timmons consciousness continues to dissolve as she better understands the two lives she lives and enormity of her newly discovered inherited gift of EVE (Essence Voyager Era) which allows her to fall asleep on one plane of existence and awaken on another as her soul travels nightly.
Present-day Jocelyn uncovers the vast wonderment of the Victorian era but soon learns that life then was not as grand for women as she has read in the classics. Still, she finds comfort in the support of family and friends; a bolstering contrast to her overly hectic, career-oriented family in the twenty-first century. Her love for Jackson Chandler strengthens across time and becomes the light she so desperately needs as the world she has always known no longer makes sense. Yet, the closer she is drawn to Jackson by their mutual ability, the more strain develops amongst those she loves in 2009.
On the other side of Jocelyn’s consciousness in 1878, she remains ignorant of EVE. Her life is crumbling around her, yet she finds herself anxiously awaiting the images that invade her dreams. Jocelyn longs to be the woman she portrays in that world yet her jealousy is unbearable. Miscommunication, betrayal and hidden agendas make trust near impossible. The clearer the visions become the more she questions motives of her closest confidants and foregoes revealing the images that plague her perception. As her life seems to unravel, Jocelyn’s two worlds collide, and she is enlightened as the pieces start to fall into place. But is she strong enough to survive the truth? Is Jackson really her destiny? And can their love transcend time? Find out in Essence’s highly anticipated sequel, Enlightened, Book 2, EVE series.
At A Glance
Wow, this one fell short, but I kind of want to read book 3 still.
The Good
There is something about this series that keeps me coming back. The concept is obviously really interesting. It’s about time travel, but the way Waddington goes about it is so unique.
The first book, Essence, caught me off guard because I didn’t even know why I liked it but I did. And even though I had more problems with Enlightened, I still enjoyed it for some reason. Even when I thought I should stop reading, I always found myself picking it back up. It’s like an addiction.
I loved learning about the history of 1878 as Jocelyn did. The discoveries in this book were pretty interesting when it comes to how they affected the couple in both worlds. The drama in Enlightened was definitely abundant. A lot of bitter feelings come out as Jocelyn and Jackson’s friends and family react to them getting married so young in 2009. I also liked watching the two Jocelyns start to merge as she started to retain memories from both worlds.
The Bad
The majority of this book was BORING. The plot was almost non-existent. We just followed the day in the life of Jocelyn and her immaturity. Pretty much nothing happens of significance.
The ‘big fight’ near the end was so ridicules I couldn’t even stand it. Jocelyn needs to grow the fuck up. I can’t believe she took something small and blew it out of proportion like that. Why did Jackson even want her back after that?
This book felt forced in a lot of ways. Jocelyn and Jackson in 2009 decide to get married since they are getting married in 1878. You know, it’s just easier. *rolls eyes* But Jocelyn is only 18 years old. It just didn’t seem right, especially since they only knew each other for about a month. I would be pissed too if I was her family.
The Snuggly
Though Jackson and Jocelyn become closer, I found them quite often on separate pages. I think they wanted different things but they never build up the courage to talk about it.
No sex, pretty clean.
Final Thoughts
I know, it’s crazy, but even with a 2.5 star rating, I still kind of want to try out book 3. I don’t know why. This series does something to me and now I am hooked. No really recommended unless you loved the first book.
Quotes
“I knew I could never find that happy medium that the Chandlers found. One life is difficult enough without contemplating the idea of entertaining two. I know I am not strong enough for that.”
“Are they really real? Could there really be a place where women are free to decide the course of their own lives? Where I could be free from the bonds that hold me to this provincial world?”
ailyn
awww.. for a good interesting plot like that, a little sad that it was boring
Jennifer Bielman
I know, I am disappointed.
Anna
I’ve read books that have done the same to me. It’s like an accident you can’t look away from. I don’t completely understand the draw, but it’s there and it’s strong. 🙂
Anna from Shout with Emaginette
Jennifer Bielman
It’s so weird. I think this is the first time for me.
Lupdilup
What a shame 🙁 it sounds like it should be good, and that cover would have gotten me for sure. Bummer, I’m with you tho. I never like to feel bored when I’m reading/listening.
Thanks for you honest thoughts.
Jennifer Bielman
I really hope the next book is better.
Jaclyn Canada
Very interesting, but I can see why you want to continue to book 3. There are a lot of book 2’s that disappoint me thoroughly. I hope the next one is better for you!
Jennifer Bielman
Book 2s are starting to piss me off. Lot’s of bad ones lately.
Melliane
What a beautiful cover but it’s too bad it was boring… It’s a bug problem and the reason why I think I’ll pass now. thanks.
Jennifer Bielman
I do love that cover though.
Red Iza
Look no further, you’ve been bewitched 😉 I understand you, I have already experimented these feelings, weird… but addictive !
Jennifer Bielman
I still can’t explain the addiction.
Matt
I love time travel books. And for me at least I tend to run across one book in most series where I have to struggle a bit to get through it. then the series normally picks back up or the next one kills it off.
Jennifer Bielman
I really hope this one picked up.
Lekeisha
I’ve not heard of this series before. Though, I do love time travel and anything historical. Hmm, I don’t know if I want to read this or not. Great review by the way.
Jennifer Bielman
Yeah, I am not sure if I would recommend it.
kimbacaffeinate
I have read books like this were my feeling was meh, but some small thread had me curious enough to go back.
Jennifer Bielman
I think this is the first time for me.
Christy
Yeah, I’ve had series like that. I don’t know why I keep reading, but it’s like a compulsion. I had to. This one sounds interesting. I love time travel, so … maybe.
Jennifer Bielman
I actually usually don’t like time travel, that’s why I was surprised to be obsessed with this series.
Olivia
It seems like you have a lot of mixed feelings with this series! The first thing that caught my eye was that amazing cover and I feel like I need to pick up book one and try it out. I hope book 3 is really great so it was worth reading this one ^^
Jennifer Bielman
They all have amazing covers!
Molly Mortensen
I understand what you mean! Even if a book has a lot of issues if it’s still entertaining then I still enjoy it, but it sounds like this book was pretty boring. I understand your not wanting to give up though, after investing time to the characters it’s nice to find out how it all ends.
Jennifer Bielman
I am so bad with giving up on books. I try to justify to keep reading them.