Schism (Illirin #1) by Laura Maisano
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Art therapy hasn’t done squat for Gabe Jones. A thousand sketches of his fiancée can’t bring his memory, or her, back to him. Nothing on Earth can. His past lies in another dimension, a world just out of sight. Another student on campus, Lea Huckley, unknowingly shares Gabe’s obsession with the fourth dimension. The monsters from the other side attacked her parents and fled, getting her folks locked up in the loony bin. Proving this other world exists is the only way to free them. Lea and Gabe strike a deal to help each other, and together they manage to open a door to the world of Gabe’s true origin. She’d use him for proof—if she didn’t already care too much. While Gabe tries to reconcile his feelings for Lea and his rediscovered memories of his fiancée, a much more sinister plot unravels. He uncovers his history just in time to become the unwilling lynchpin in a conspiracy to start a war. His memory holds the secret to the final riddle the would-be conqueror needs to get the upper hand. Gabe must protect the riddle at all costs, even if that means leaving Earth, and Lea, behind forever.
4 out of 5 (very good)
Independent Reviewer for Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
This was quite an intriguing story. I must admit, I wasn’t quite sure if this story was going to be my cup of tea and started out kind of slow or partially confusing. However, it started to come together very quickly and grasped my attention and held it. I enjoyed how the author made it to where Lea and Gabe both shared the same obsession and they were able to find each other at the beginning of the book. Their chemistry was perfect and comforting. Their chemistry is also part of the story that keeps you reading and not stopping.
Their stories are both heartbreaking in different ways but evoke a type of sadness for each of them and has your heart grasping for air and happiness. They are strong young adults that have had to grow up too fast and has led them to try to discover more. They are both incredibly smart and work well together as a team.
The author has done a great job with her descriptions and details in this book. In the beginning where they are in the parking garage and experience the fourth dimension for the first time together gave me goosebumps. It’s the type of scene that’s hard to picture per say but requires you to “feel” it and boy did I. It’s that type of writing that will keep us readers coming back for more and wanting to read more.
This is a great story and has a great story line. Pick up your copy and see what you think!
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Laura has an MA in Technical writing and is a Senior Editor at Anaiah Press for their YA/NA Christian Fiction. She’s excited to release her debut YA Urban Fantasy SCHISM April 28, 2015, and during the wait, she’s working on the sequel UNITY. Her gamer husband and amazing daughter give support and inspiration every day. Their cats, Talyn and Moya, provide entertainment through living room battles and phantom-dust-mote hunting. Somehow, they all manage to survive living in Texas where it is hotter than any human being should have to endure. Check out her blog at LauraMaisano.blogspot.com.