Lumière
The Illumination Paradox, Book 1
by Jacqueline E. Garlick
YA Fantasy/Steampunk
400 pages
Even in a land of eternal twilight, secrets can’t stay hidden forever.
Seventeen-year-old Eyelet Elsworth is no stranger to living in the dark. She’s hidden her secret affliction all of her life—a life that would be in danger if superstitious townspeople ever guessed the truth. After her mother is accused and executed for a crime that she didn’t commit, the now-orphaned Eyelet has no choice but to track down the machine—her last hope for a cure. But Eyelet’s late father’s most prized invention, the Illuminator, has been missing since the day of the mysterious flash—a day that saw the sun wiped out over Brethren forever.
Alone and on the run, she finds the Illuminator—only to witness a young man hauling it away. Determined to follow the thief and recover the machine, she ventures into the deepest, darkest, most dangerous part of her twisted world.
MY TIDBITS
The moment I saw this book, I knew I had to read it. Not only do I love the cover, but the blurb made it clear that this was probably one of those books I could dive into and get lost in. And the best thing-I did!
Eyelet is as unique as her name, a beautiful girl with a few huge secrets and more curiosity than is good for anyone. She's head-strong, doesn't always worry about the outcome of risks, impulsive, kind hearted, and sometimes a little bit whiny and bossy. In other words, she's perfect.
The story starts as a flashback to a scene in her childhood, and what a lovely opening scene it is! Set back in the 1800s or so, the town has a wonderful, old-fashioned, rustic feel to it. . .a bit like a smaller city in England around that period. The street is filled with wonders - mechanical elephants which walk and a huge machine which flashes with electricity, taking pictures of things no one can see. There's so much atmosphere that it's impossible not to get lost in it all. When the entire event ends with a bit of a sour note, the tone is set.
This story is a wild ride, hopping from one tense moment into the next. There were times, I wondered how Eyelet was going to survive because the author does a tremendous job of stacking up the problems back on back, slamming all doors of escape in the heroine's face as she goes along. There's twists and turns around every bend, each more fascinating and dangerous than the last. The bad guy never seems to let up, and unfortunately for Eyelet, he's got a head on his shoulders too.
There's a wonderful hero in this story as well, and not the usual kind. I feel like applauding the author just for that. He's a bit bi-polar and scary at first, but little by little, his secrets are exposed and it's somewhat understandable why he behaves the way he does. Although there were moments, that made him more like a bit creepy-crazy. He might not be perfect, but in general, he's a keeper. As to the romance, it's like a constant undercurrent waiting to take hold. . .which I love.
This isn't a book which necessarily follows logic, and there's no use in trying to put reason behind many things. It's a fantastical journey with characters made for that kind of world.
Summed up, I loved it and will be diving into book 2 soon.
And here she is. . .
JACQUELINE GARLICK!!!
I love to read, write, paint (walls and paper). I have a love/hate relationship with chocolate, grammar, and technology and would rather hang out with a dog, than a cat. I prefer creating things to cleaning things, and believe laughter is a one-stop-shop solution to all that ails you. You will always find a purple wall (or two) in my house (currently in my writing room), and there may or may not be a hidden passageway that leads to a mystery room. (Okay, so you won't find a hidden passageway, but a girl can dream, can't she?) Oh, and tea. There will always be tea.
My writing style has been described as edgy and rule-breaking, and by some--a touch Tim Burton-esque. Because of this, I am often referred to as the Quentin Tarantino of YA among writing friends.
In my former life, I was a teacher (both grade school and college-don't ask), but more recently I've been a graduate of Ellen Hopkin's Nevada Mentor Program and a student of James Scott Bell, Christopher Vogler and Don Maass. An excerpt from Lumière earned me the 2012 Don Maass Break Out Novel Intensive Scholarship.
Lumière--A Romantic Steampunk Fantasy--my debut novel, is the recipient of an indieBRAG Medallion!!! B.R.A.G. Medallion Honoree October 15, 2014) I am so proud! (LUMIERE by Jacqueline E. Garlick is a B.R.A.G.Medallion Honoree. This tells a reader that this book is well worth their time and money!) Book II of the ILLUMINATION PARADOX SERIES, is out January 26th, now on pre-order.
Also, check out my young adult contemporary romantic/mystery serial, IF ONLY, where reluctant telepathic sleuth Kyla Cooper must embrace her powers and risks all to solve the mystery of what happened to her boyfriend Denver Munro, becoming his voice of truth, before he has no voice at all...
I love hearing from READERS! Please contact me, either at my website: www.
I'm open to reviews and interview, requests for skype visits, guest blogs, pod casts and book club meetings! I LOVE TO HEAR FROM READERS!
You can also find me here:
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Blog: http://garlickbooks.
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3 comments:
Great review! This sounds like an entertaining right and unique, too! And the hero sounds very well crafted! Glad you liked it! :)
Sounds great! Thanks for hosting.
Thanks so so much for your review!!! I'm excited that you liked the book! Thank you for sharing. J
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