Essence (The Essence Chronicle #1)
by Hayley Gabrielle
Release Date: June 22nd 2018
Genre: Young Adult, fantasy
Source: Author
Synopsis:
When Abbey Shader is summoned to Ethra, a land where human qualities roam free in flesh known as Essences, her life and the universe as she knows it splits open before her. With the expansive secrets of humanity at her fingertips, Abbey’s strength of will and heart are put to a test no amount of time or meticulous study could have prepared her for.
Left to decide between the comfort of the familiar and the potential enlightenment of the strange, Abbey is thrust into a journey that demands more of her at every turn. She must learn to trust what she sees, and trust what she can’t.
Essence marks the first installment of the young adult fantasy series, The Essence Chronicles.
my thoughts and whatnot
It's been a while since I've read a fantasy (sci-fi?) and this book's synopsis is really intriguing. I mean a land where human qualities roam free in flesh known as Essences that's as interesting as it can be! Think: Inside Out but the qualities are actually roaming free. Intrigued? I think you are.
Anyway, as I've mentioned the overall story of this book really piqued my interest; it was very unique and fascinating. I haven't really heard of any other stories like this (which may or may not be because of my very limited knowledge in fantasy books) so it was definitely such a fresh and extraordinary plot.
Although I did enjoyed the overall flow of the book, I didn't liked most of the characters. Heck, I didn't even liked the main character. Abbey Shader, our main character, is summoned to Ethra, an unknown land where the Essences resides. She's the chosen one. I didn't really liked her character because she's so dull and there's nothing much special about her aside from being the chosen one. I'd love to see more growth in her character in the upcoming sequel. Beside Abbey, there are obviously more characters that are rich in... personality and attitude. They definitely added depth and comical relief to the story.
Anyway, as I've mentioned the overall story of this book really piqued my interest; it was very unique and fascinating. I haven't really heard of any other stories like this (which may or may not be because of my very limited knowledge in fantasy books) so it was definitely such a fresh and extraordinary plot.
Although I did enjoyed the overall flow of the book, I didn't liked most of the characters. Heck, I didn't even liked the main character. Abbey Shader, our main character, is summoned to Ethra, an unknown land where the Essences resides. She's the chosen one. I didn't really liked her character because she's so dull and there's nothing much special about her aside from being the chosen one. I'd love to see more growth in her character in the upcoming sequel. Beside Abbey, there are obviously more characters that are rich in... personality and attitude. They definitely added depth and comical relief to the story.
Overall, I enjoyed reading this and would love to know more because Hayley Gabrielle surely knows how to end a book that'll make you want to crave for more.
About the author:
Hayley Gabrielle is a Melbourne-based writer of fantasy and science fiction, and winner of the 2018 Alan Marshall Short Story Award. With works published across a range of anthologies and journals worldwide, Essence paves the way for Hayley's ongoing series - The Essence Chronicles.
Find her elsewhere:
