Girl of Myth and Legend by Giselle Simlett Series: The Chosen Saga #1
Publisher: WWS Publishing on December 29, 2015
Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult
Pages: 363
Format: eBook
Source: Publisher
Purchase: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads
Rating:
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A girl with a past she tries to forget, and a future she can’t even imagine.
Leonie Woodville wants to live an unremarkable life. She wants routine, she wants repetition, she wants predictability. So when she explodes in a blaze of light one morning on the way to her college, it’s enough to put a real crimp in her day.
And things only get weirder…
Leonie learns from her father that she is last of the Pulsar, a phenomenally powerful member of a magical species called the Chosen. It will be her sole duty to protect the Imperium, a governing hierarchy, from all enemies, and to exceed the reputation of the Pulsar before her. So – no pressure there, then.
Leonie is swept away from her rigorous normality and taken to a world of magic. There, she is forced into a ceremony to join her soul to a guardian, Korren, who is both incredibly handsome and intensely troubled, a relationship for which ‘it’s complicated’ just really doesn’t cut it.
But Leonie is soon to learn that this ancient world is no paradise. With violent dissidents intent to overthrow the Imperium, and dark entities with their own agenda, she and Korren find themselves caught in a war where they will have to overcome their differences if they are to survive.
Dare to dream. Dare to hope. Dare to be a legend.
At A Glance
I may bash this book but I loved a lot of it.
The Good
The best part of Girl of Myth and Legend is the world it’s set it. We go to a whole other realm where everything is, like enhanced or something. It’s like Earth but better. During the day everything is brighter, prettier and magical. At night, nightmares rule the land. It’s all about balance, good and evil. It was an interesting concept.
Leonie is thrust into this new, strange world because she’s the last Pulsar, pretty much the most powerful member of the Chosen. She is worshiped and protected, which does not sit well with Leonie. The hardest part is conforming to the new laws and new way of life where some people are considered lesser and others will do anything to overthrow the ones in power.
Leonie and Korren were awesome together, as in they kinda hated each other. You could call Korren Leonie’s reluctant bodyguard. Leonie is still a kid deep down inside and Korren is all shades of serious and brooding. An odd match for sure. I love how their shakey friendship grew oh so slowly as they realize they want the same thing: freewill and acceptance. But them butting heads was the funnest part.
Lots of little shockers in this book. People die, people you do not expect to die. The action kept me on my toes with constant attacks and new bad guys at every turn. The ending is a little cliffy but not too bad. I felt like I got a good, decent story out of the experience.
The Bad
The beginning felt a little forced. A whole bunch happens that is just thrown at us instead of seamlessly woven within the story.
I thought Leonie’s reaction to everything that was happening (especially in the beginning) was just odd. It was like she was shocked and blasé at the same time. And then when crap happens to her dad, there is a halfass attempt to get him out of the mess, but then Leonie just goes about her day. So confusing.
I think it all came down to that I didn’t connect with Leonie as much as I hoped I would.
The Snuggly
Leonie and Korren would barely admit to a friendship, let alone a relationship. I am not sure if they will fall for each other or not later down the road but, so far, there is no romance in this series. It didn’t need it.
Final Thoughts
There is improvement to be had, but we have a solid story here. The action and fantasy were spot on, but Leonie could be a little more likable. Recommended.
Quotes
“But maybe that’s why you’re the last one, maybe that’s why the stargods decided to bring you into our world, because you’re not indifferent and you’re not mindless. You’re someone who can’t be crushed or tainted. Or at least, you’re not someone who will be easily. Maybe in these times, it’s not water we need, but fire. Maybe that’s why we’re together. Fire on fire, as you said.’
I blink, confused. ‘Are you… wait, are you being… nice to me?”
“Wow. Another realm, huh? Your zealous delusions continue to impress me. Is this where we fly off to Olympus or Valhalla or Heaven or something?”
kindlemom1
Glad there were lots of positives to outweigh the negatives. 😉
Lekeisha
I remember when this first released, and everyone was so pumped for it, but hten some reviews poured in and people lost interest. I had forgotten about this one, but I’ll wait until the sequel comes to see if I still want to read it.
Jennifer (Bad Bird Reads)
I know, I meant to review this one earlier, but I always late to the party. lol
Olivia Roach
I have been seeing this cover around quite a lot, but this is the first book review I have seen of it! It sounds like a promising beginning to the series and as if a whole lot could happen to make the series fly. It’s a shame about the beginning being so rocky but it seems like the story takes over from there!
Jennifer (Bad Bird Reads)
I do wonder how the second book will go.
Nathan
Sounds like the world is different and interesting, though the story starts a bit abruptly. Glad you enjoyed it. It will be interesting to see where this story goes from here.
Jennifer (Bad Bird Reads)
I know, I do want to read book 2 just to see what happens.
melliane
It(s too bad that you didn’t connect with Leonie as much as you would like but it looks like it was still a good one so maybe
Jennifer (Bad Bird Reads)
Still a good one despite Leonie.
Kristin
It sounds like you really enjoyed this one. With the way you started the review I thought you’d have a lot more to say about what didn’t work for you. This definitely sounds like an interesting concept. I’ll have to get my hands on a copy. 🙂
Jennifer (Bad Bird Reads)
I may have over exaggerated. lol
Christy LoveOfBooks
Bash it, but love it … it happens. 🙂
Jennifer (Bad Bird Reads)
Yup! All part of the job.
Jaclyn Canada
I felt that way too about the beginning. It got off to a bit of a rocky start but eventually smoothed out pretty well. I agree about Leonie and how easy it is to relate to her as well. I’m hoping that will be an area for character growth and that we’ll all love her down the road. The environment, surprises, and action really sold it for me. It was an enjoyable story. Excellent review!
Jennifer (Bad Bird Reads)
Happy you loved this one. If Leonie grows as a character, I could get into this series.