Friday, June 19, 2015

Order of Seven: A Book Review From My Daughter

I have a love-hate relationship with Facebook. I hate that I can think "I'll just check Facebook quickly" and, then, an hour later I realize I have been sucked into the Zuckerberg time vortex. I also dislike that people use it as a platform to spread hate and gossip.

However, I love the connections that Facebook makes possible. I love that I can connect with people from my past; with people from my present who are far away; and with other people that I have never even met but find myself connected to through other friends or groups. 

That last one there is how this post and book review were born. In a Facebook group for bloggers, I saw Beth Teliho put out a request for some tweens and teens to review her book - she is a published author y'all!!! So cool! 

I had seen Beth's name in the group but didn't really know her and honestly, didn't read her blog. However, I looked up her book on Amazon and read the following synopsis:

Eighteen-year-old Devi Bennett is surrounded by mysteries: her unknown heritage, a recurring dream about an African tribal ceremony, an inexplicable attachment to a certain tree and a psychic ability she’ll never understand—unless she finds her biological parents. Things take a shocking turn when she meets Baron, an intense and alluring energy healer who receives prophetic dreams which all seem connected to her. Devi must rely on an empath, a seer, and Baron to help research her roots to discover who she is and what she is capable of. But when Baron’s visions lead to an ancient legend which may link to her birthright, Devi learns her gift is more imperative than she thought imaginable. Equal parts suspenseful and sexy, philosophical and adventurous, Order of Seven delivers a story that will leave you questioning everything you thought you knew about the hands that carry fate.

It sounded like a book my oldest daughter would love. Rachel is 12 (almost 13- gasp!) and just finished 7th grade. She is an avid and advanced reader. She is also a writer, herself, and, today, I am handing my keyboard over to her so she can share her thoughts on Beth Teliho's YA novel, Order of Seven.



Recently, I read Order of Seven by Beth Teliho. The beginning of this book does a good job of setting the main plot line and foreshadows later events, as well as introduces the characters. I loved the way that all of the characters were tied closely to every event in the book, as well as to each other. The story takes place in a small town, which to me emphasizes the unknowns to the characters. As the main character, Devi, travels outside of her home town, she learns more about herself and her history. 

While there were many things I enjoyed about Order of Seven, a few things left me wondering. There were many places in the story where more detail would have been of much help. A few events in the text also were discussed so quickly that you couldn't really comprehend what had happened. The end of the book is very vague and left me wondering if there will be a sequel. 

All in all, I enjoyed the book and would suggest it to my friends. However, certain people may be offended by the language. The book is overloaded with a variety of curse words. I didn't feel that was necessary and I know some of my peers would not be willing to read the book due to this fact.  

Overall, I enjoyed reading Order of Seven. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves a good book about magic, mystery, and friendship. 
*****************************************************************************************************
Notes from the mom:

Beth was very honest with me about the language in the book. I allowed my daughter to read it because I felt she was mature enough to handle it. However, I would have to, in good conscience, note the strong use of language if I was recommending this book to other parents.

We were provided with a free copy of the book in exchange for our honest review.

12 comments:

Janine Huldie said...

What a great review by your daughter here and I think you know I am with you on the Facebook vortex sucking me in at times, too though ;)

Beth Teliho said...

Rachel! Thank you so much for this lovely and thorough review! I'm thrilled (and quite amazed because wow...13yo!) that you read it and then wrote such a well written, comprehensive review about it. And most of all? You weren't afraid to write what you didn't love so much about it, too. That shows honesty and maturity and I appreciate that. Sorry if Devi's language offended you. She was a very angry 18yo and well....that's how most of them talk so I wanted to be realistic. I hope that makes sense. :)
I know your mom must be super proud to have such a smart, savvy daughter who's also an avid reader. Well done, Mom!

MamaRabia said...

Wow! Great job, Rachel!! This sounds like the kind of book my daughter would like. She's 11-1/2 and loves to read! I'll bet you guys would be good friends!

Lisa @ The Golden Spoons said...

Thanks, Janine!

Kristi - Finding Ninee said...

I LOVED reading Beth's book!! It's so good and so unique and just YUM! That's really cool that you let your daughter read it and that she wrote such a great review about it!

Lisa @ The Golden Spoons said...

Thanks, Beth! Rachel read your comment and is glad you are pleased! She's a pretty special kid (although I may be a bit biased!).

Lisa @ The Golden Spoons said...

I would love for them to meet, Rabia! :-)

Lisa @ The Golden Spoons said...

Thanks, Kristi!

Beth Teliho said...

Aw Kristi, THANK YOU. You are making my day. 😊

Beth Teliho said...

Yay!

Dana said...

Book reviews can be tricky - you want to be completely honest with your readers so that they can decide for themselves whether they want to read the book. That's exactly what you did, Rachel.


I loved Order of Seven, and I'm hoping my daughter will get a chance to read it this summer. I think she'll love it too.

Lisa @ The Golden Spoons said...

Thanks, Dana!

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