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Successor
For seventeen-year-old Evan, graduation means the freedom to leave behind her small-town life and find where she belongs. She never expected it to be in a different world.
Across time and space, deep in a mysterious jungle, Evan discovers the hidden heritage of her mother’s people and her own legacy. She becomes their elemental, a protector gifted with the power to control nature. The role has its challenges, but the biggest is the inexplicable connection with her scarred bodyguard, Ren. Frustrated and fascinated by him, Evan resists the magnetic pull after realizing there’s more to it than simple attraction.
Claiming her birthright reignites the wrath of a ruthless enemy with a score to settle. To protect her new family, Evan will need to call on her formidable power. But embracing it could cause her to lose herself and the man who holds her heart.
Across time and space, deep in a mysterious jungle, Evan discovers the hidden heritage of her mother’s people and her own legacy. She becomes their elemental, a protector gifted with the power to control nature. The role has its challenges, but the biggest is the inexplicable connection with her scarred bodyguard, Ren. Frustrated and fascinated by him, Evan resists the magnetic pull after realizing there’s more to it than simple attraction.
Claiming her birthright reignites the wrath of a ruthless enemy with a score to settle. To protect her new family, Evan will need to call on her formidable power. But embracing it could cause her to lose herself and the man who holds her heart.
- GenresFantasy
346 pages, ebook
First published October 24, 2018
About the author
Rae Miles
1 book40 followersRae Miles is a Wisconsin native who hasn't yet managed to escape the frigid Midwest. She started creating characters at a young age, dreaming one day she'd have a place for them to call home. Many years and a writing degree later, that dream came true with her debut young adult fantasy novel, Successor. She is currently working on its sequel, along with a new young adult fantasy series.
When not writing or at work, Rae's absorbed in reading, movies, painting, napping, and buzzing around town on her moped. She's also an audiobook narrator, and her projects can be found on Audible. She shares her humble abode with three quirky cats, to which Successor is dedicated.
Visit Rae at www.raemiles.com and follow her on Twitter @_Rae_Miles_
When not writing or at work, Rae's absorbed in reading, movies, painting, napping, and buzzing around town on her moped. She's also an audiobook narrator, and her projects can be found on Audible. She shares her humble abode with three quirky cats, to which Successor is dedicated.
Visit Rae at www.raemiles.com and follow her on Twitter @_Rae_Miles_
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
October 26, 2018
Successor by Rae Miles is a Sci-Fi/Fantasy novel aimed at Young Adults.
First, let me thank NetGalley, the publisher The Wild Rose Press, and of course the author, for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
My Synopsis:
Evangeline (Evan) is 17 when she and her friend Leila get swept away to a different dimension (plane). There she finds the purpose to her life. There she finds her home. Evan discovers that her mother, who died when Evan was born, was actually from Laraek, and she had a gift. As an elemental, her mother could control nature. Evan will inherit her own gift, but first she must assimilate – let the Link bond with her mind, so that she too can become an elemental. Her responsibility then will be to protect her clan. Easier said than done.
Most elementals have years to accept what will happen. Evan does not, and she is a little distracted. Between the new culture, an enemy of the clan who seems to want to kill her, and a rather hot-looking guy who is bound to protect her, Evan is also worried about Leila, who has “travel sickness”, and will not last on this plane. Evan has to get her back home, but the only way she can leave, is to become an elemental. Back to Square One....
My Opinions:
For a debut novel, this was good. The writing was clean, and the plot flowed smoothly. It was a very easy, fast read. I liked the characters, and the relationships between Evan and Leila, and Evan and Ren. Evan was a strong female lead, who also had her own insecurities (as every 17-year old has), but her personality rang true. Some of the other characters could have been fleshed out a little more, but overall they were interesting.
For a YA novel, it had plenty of action, an interesting new world, and romance. For a “relatively” old lady reading this, it was still highly entertaining.
I assume this is not the last we hear from Evan and her new home, and I’m looking forward to following along.
For a more complete review of this book and others, please visit my blog: http://katlovesbooksblog.wordpress.com/
First, let me thank NetGalley, the publisher The Wild Rose Press, and of course the author, for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
My Synopsis:
Evangeline (Evan) is 17 when she and her friend Leila get swept away to a different dimension (plane). There she finds the purpose to her life. There she finds her home. Evan discovers that her mother, who died when Evan was born, was actually from Laraek, and she had a gift. As an elemental, her mother could control nature. Evan will inherit her own gift, but first she must assimilate – let the Link bond with her mind, so that she too can become an elemental. Her responsibility then will be to protect her clan. Easier said than done.
Most elementals have years to accept what will happen. Evan does not, and she is a little distracted. Between the new culture, an enemy of the clan who seems to want to kill her, and a rather hot-looking guy who is bound to protect her, Evan is also worried about Leila, who has “travel sickness”, and will not last on this plane. Evan has to get her back home, but the only way she can leave, is to become an elemental. Back to Square One....
My Opinions:
For a debut novel, this was good. The writing was clean, and the plot flowed smoothly. It was a very easy, fast read. I liked the characters, and the relationships between Evan and Leila, and Evan and Ren. Evan was a strong female lead, who also had her own insecurities (as every 17-year old has), but her personality rang true. Some of the other characters could have been fleshed out a little more, but overall they were interesting.
For a YA novel, it had plenty of action, an interesting new world, and romance. For a “relatively” old lady reading this, it was still highly entertaining.
I assume this is not the last we hear from Evan and her new home, and I’m looking forward to following along.
For a more complete review of this book and others, please visit my blog: http://katlovesbooksblog.wordpress.com/
November 8, 2019
This is such a good story. Characters feel real and well established. Excellent world building. Evan is really interesting and the mystery of family and history will played out in a comfortable timeline. I can’t wait to read more!
reviewed on amazon as well
reviewed on amazon as well
Read
December 25, 2019This book was a labor of love for me. It had been sitting in my head for a long time, and when Evan finally got around to telling me her story, it turned out to be so much more intricate than I could have anticipated. The world she entered was more beautiful than I could’ve imagined. And Ren...he redefined the strong, silent type for me!
I hope you love Evan, Ren, and their world as much as I do.
Prepare yourself for what’s to come in book 2...
I hope you love Evan, Ren, and their world as much as I do.
Prepare yourself for what’s to come in book 2...
October 21, 2018
I admit it. I'm a cover junkie. If I see a really cool cover and the blurb catches my fancy, I'm going to read that book.
And so, I read Successor.
Successor tells the story of Evan, who immediately after graduation finds out that her mother was from another world, and that she is next in line and must learn to claim her power, in order to protect her people.
This is a great coming of age story. It took me a few chapters to really get into it, but once I did, the pages turned themselves.
I thought the world building was solid, but I want more details! I look forward to learning more about the systems of magic that govern Evan's new world in the next book.
The character work is solid, especially in regards to how Evan reacts to the challenges she is faced with. She is young, but that also means she is quick to adjust and accept viewpoints that are far removed from the reality that she previously thought immutable. She has all the makings of a strong female leader, who while still uncertain of her own abilities at times, will not turn away from what must be done.
At 346 pages, this is not exactly a short read, but it felt like one. I finished it in one sitting. The story flowed well and I was just enjoying myself the whole time.
If you are a fan of coming of age high fantasy featuring a strong female lead, this is the book for you. I wouldn't quite compare it to Throne of Glass yet, but it certainly has the potential to get there. I mean, Kingdom of Ash comes out on Tuesday, and we're going to need a new epic tale to move on to!
I received an ARC from The Wild Rose Press via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Expected date of publication is October 24, 2018.
And so, I read Successor.
Successor tells the story of Evan, who immediately after graduation finds out that her mother was from another world, and that she is next in line and must learn to claim her power, in order to protect her people.
This is a great coming of age story. It took me a few chapters to really get into it, but once I did, the pages turned themselves.
I thought the world building was solid, but I want more details! I look forward to learning more about the systems of magic that govern Evan's new world in the next book.
The character work is solid, especially in regards to how Evan reacts to the challenges she is faced with. She is young, but that also means she is quick to adjust and accept viewpoints that are far removed from the reality that she previously thought immutable. She has all the makings of a strong female leader, who while still uncertain of her own abilities at times, will not turn away from what must be done.
At 346 pages, this is not exactly a short read, but it felt like one. I finished it in one sitting. The story flowed well and I was just enjoying myself the whole time.
If you are a fan of coming of age high fantasy featuring a strong female lead, this is the book for you. I wouldn't quite compare it to Throne of Glass yet, but it certainly has the potential to get there. I mean, Kingdom of Ash comes out on Tuesday, and we're going to need a new epic tale to move on to!
I received an ARC from The Wild Rose Press via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Expected date of publication is October 24, 2018.
July 29, 2019
I was lucky enough to receive a copy of this book from the author, and I have to say, I cannot be more grateful! This book was one that I will never forget. I had so many feelings; I laughed, I cried, my heart broke, and I was overjoyed. I was on the edge of my seat through most of the book! This story gripped me from the very beginning, and it held my attention so intensely, that I finished it in a day. The writing is amazing, the descriptions are beautiful and so easy to picture, and the character development is perfect! It has been a long time since I've read a story so unique and so perfect! I can't say much more than THANK YOU Rae Miles, for providing us with such a unique and inventive story. My hat is off to you, and I cannot wait to see what you do next!
February 13, 2020
Wow! I just could not put this book down!!! This book has elemental abilities mixed with just the right amount of romance! It’s just a really good book. I won this ebook from a Goodreads giveaway, and I was a little worried when I was told I had won it. The last couple ebooks I have won have not been the best, but after I started , I could not wait to read more of this book. The author does a wonderful job of setting the scenes, and making you like most of the characters. You get so into the book and you are so sure of what will happen next, and bam! The unexpected happens. I do hope there are more after this. Well done Rae, well done!
October 28, 2018
I just finished reading Successor. What a great read. I was enthralled the entire book. The characters were well thought out with plenty of depth and individuality. The Lataek Plane was discribed with such detail I felt like I was part of it's world. I want to know more about Evan and Rens life together. Can't wait for the next book.
October 30, 2018
Breathtaking
Listen, if you like fantasy and slow burns, you absolutely have to read this book. The characters are alive and the setting is rich and this is just honestly a can't-miss debut.
Listen, if you like fantasy and slow burns, you absolutely have to read this book. The characters are alive and the setting is rich and this is just honestly a can't-miss debut.
March 29, 2020
I was very pleasantly surprised by this book. The main characters feel so real that it was easy to become engrossed in the story. Evan especially - as the lead character - I loved that she was not “perfect” and had actual human flaws; it just made her so very relatable for me. The build up of the love story also was something that worked for me - with the characters getting to know each other through actual conversations...despite the instant pull to each other. There wasn’t much about this one that I could find real fault in - just beautifully written and truly engaging for me personally.
September 18, 2018
I had the lucky pleasure to read Successor before its release date. Let's just say mark this book on your to-read list.
SUCCESSOR is filled with action, adventure, magic, and romance all the right elements for a successful Young Adult book. Here we meet Evan (Evangeline) who is our guide in this alternate world tale.
After a graduation party goes wrong and a chase from the cops and toss in a thunderstorm it lands both her and her friend in a whole different world where Evan learns she is the Successor.
Miles writing is smooth and easy to follow. The world Miles creates is warm and inviting to the reader just as it is for Evan. The characters are well rounded, with everyday personalities and traits, making them human and relatable faults in all. Evan’s best friend Leila is a standout. She and Evan’s relationship is a passionate, loyal friendship that guides much of Evan’s decisions throughout the book leading to the books true core message of the importance of finding yourself and where you belong. A great book for the generations.
SUCCESSOR is filled with action, adventure, magic, and romance all the right elements for a successful Young Adult book. Here we meet Evan (Evangeline) who is our guide in this alternate world tale.
After a graduation party goes wrong and a chase from the cops and toss in a thunderstorm it lands both her and her friend in a whole different world where Evan learns she is the Successor.
Miles writing is smooth and easy to follow. The world Miles creates is warm and inviting to the reader just as it is for Evan. The characters are well rounded, with everyday personalities and traits, making them human and relatable faults in all. Evan’s best friend Leila is a standout. She and Evan’s relationship is a passionate, loyal friendship that guides much of Evan’s decisions throughout the book leading to the books true core message of the importance of finding yourself and where you belong. A great book for the generations.
December 16, 2018
I had the privilege of reading an advance copy of this book and I couldn’t put it down. The world is vivid and beautiful. Evan is a character you can get behind and cheer through the whole book. We see her triumphs and her struggles, hoping she will get through everything that is thrown at her.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a great portal fantasy with a lush world, amazing characters and a tingling romance. I can’t wait for a sequel *fingers crossed*
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a great portal fantasy with a lush world, amazing characters and a tingling romance. I can’t wait for a sequel *fingers crossed*
September 5, 2018
A wonderful story that captures your attention from the start and keeps you turning pages. I couldn’t put it down!
October 8, 2019
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
Actual rating is closer to 2.5, but I bumped it up.
Evan is a 17 year old girl who never really fit in the the other people her age. As a result she is always playing DD for her best friend, Lelia. She's always sitting in the quietest place she can find while her friend parties, keeping an eye on her to make sure she doesn't try another one of her 'brilliant ideas.'
But while running from the cops who are busting up another barn party, Evan and Lelia are swept away to another plane, dropped by a lake in a strange jungle. It's here Evan discovers that she's not a normal human, but an elemental, a protector of people and artifact.
Okay, so the premise was really interesting, so between the synopsis and the cover art, I knew I had to give this puppy a go. And a go it did have. I really liked the idea of a girl discovering her hidden heritage and coming into her own power that she didn't even know she possessed. I thought that would be mostly what this book would be about. While we did get some of that, a lot of this book felt like world building to me.
The Laraek clan was pretty well explained and covered. The elemental thing was well explained and mapped out. The interdimensional stuff pulled together quite brilliantly and I really appreciated that. BUT, I was almost wondering if this was going to turn out to be a duology due to the amount of time dedicated to explaining things rather than the plot being pushed forward. But it's not and I think that's where it began to unravel a little for me, because I felt everything else in this book was a bit rushed.
The main things I thought were a bit rushed:
Evan becomes somewhat proficient with a staff in what I viewed to be a matter of days. Maybe a week or two. This is partially explained by the Link, I believe. It gives her knowledge (as it is an ancient entity) if she opens herself to it.
The insta-love. The author does try to explain the insta-love between Ren and Evan as an 'echo,' which is basically a fundamental draw between two people (stronger than what we would call a chemical attraction). Basically, it's insta-love. There's no way around it. I found it happened super fast and the idea Ren would share his deep dark pain of losing his family to the bad guy cannot be explained by an 'echo' when everyone is constantly saying how stoic and private he is as a person. I don't know. I didn't really feel it. If it was fleshed out a bit more I think I could have bought it a little better,but felt like an easy out.
Side note:
Now I don't know if it's just me projecting, but every time he said "as you wish" my brain totally went princess bride on me. So every time Ren said it I smirked a little because I was hearing Wesley in my head. There were a few other lines in the book I noticed that totally reminded me of other books, but that one really stuck out on me. I don't know if it was on purpose or not, but I got a good chuckle out if it multiple times.
In Conclusion
For a first book by an author, this one was descent. I would definitely try another book by Rae Miles, but maybe not about the same characters seeing how she wrapped this one up with a pretty bow. I found her world building quite interesting and well explained. But, I do think this book would have been better if it was longer (and I usually don't say this) so there was more room to move the plot, love and training along without making it feel so rushed. It would have really help that pacing overall.
Actual rating is closer to 2.5, but I bumped it up.
Evan is a 17 year old girl who never really fit in the the other people her age. As a result she is always playing DD for her best friend, Lelia. She's always sitting in the quietest place she can find while her friend parties, keeping an eye on her to make sure she doesn't try another one of her 'brilliant ideas.'
But while running from the cops who are busting up another barn party, Evan and Lelia are swept away to another plane, dropped by a lake in a strange jungle. It's here Evan discovers that she's not a normal human, but an elemental, a protector of people and artifact.
Okay, so the premise was really interesting, so between the synopsis and the cover art, I knew I had to give this puppy a go. And a go it did have. I really liked the idea of a girl discovering her hidden heritage and coming into her own power that she didn't even know she possessed. I thought that would be mostly what this book would be about. While we did get some of that, a lot of this book felt like world building to me.
The Laraek clan was pretty well explained and covered. The elemental thing was well explained and mapped out. The interdimensional stuff pulled together quite brilliantly and I really appreciated that. BUT, I was almost wondering if this was going to turn out to be a duology due to the amount of time dedicated to explaining things rather than the plot being pushed forward. But it's not and I think that's where it began to unravel a little for me, because I felt everything else in this book was a bit rushed.
The main things I thought were a bit rushed:
Evan becomes somewhat proficient with a staff in what I viewed to be a matter of days. Maybe a week or two. This is partially explained by the Link, I believe. It gives her knowledge (as it is an ancient entity) if she opens herself to it.
The insta-love. The author does try to explain the insta-love between Ren and Evan as an 'echo,' which is basically a fundamental draw between two people (stronger than what we would call a chemical attraction). Basically, it's insta-love. There's no way around it. I found it happened super fast and the idea Ren would share his deep dark pain of losing his family to the bad guy cannot be explained by an 'echo' when everyone is constantly saying how stoic and private he is as a person. I don't know. I didn't really feel it. If it was fleshed out a bit more I think I could have bought it a little better,but felt like an easy out.
Side note:
Now I don't know if it's just me projecting, but every time he said "as you wish" my brain totally went princess bride on me. So every time Ren said it I smirked a little because I was hearing Wesley in my head. There were a few other lines in the book I noticed that totally reminded me of other books, but that one really stuck out on me. I don't know if it was on purpose or not, but I got a good chuckle out if it multiple times.
In Conclusion
For a first book by an author, this one was descent. I would definitely try another book by Rae Miles, but maybe not about the same characters seeing how she wrapped this one up with a pretty bow. I found her world building quite interesting and well explained. But, I do think this book would have been better if it was longer (and I usually don't say this) so there was more room to move the plot, love and training along without making it feel so rushed. It would have really help that pacing overall.
March 14, 2020
I received a free copy of this book through Goodreads Giveaways.
I was interested in this book because the premise was intriguing. It sounded like nothing else I had ever read before. And, in the end, it was.
Swept into an alternate dimension, Evan learns that she has inherited her deceased mother's powers as an elemental. Her mother was a native of this alternate world and it is now Evan's responsibility to protect the tribe her mother left behind.
I'll start where this book fell short, so that I can end on a positive note. The Evan that we meet in chapter 1 is not the Evan that we see in the rest of the book. Even before her hero's journey and the inevitable changes that brings about, her personality takes some strange turns. I didn't understand why she was so sarcastic towards the tribes defense commander, Ren, when they have their first conversation. When she starts to feel an attraction for him, she seems annoyed. Up to this point, though, the worst thing he had done to her was treat her with suspicion and caution as the stranger she was. I felt that the author was forcing an enemies-to-lovers story that wasn't actually there.
The book dragged most of the time, except for occasional spirts of action. Some relationships that were important to Evan were unexplored, which made it difficult to understand her desire to get back home.
The use of a present tense narrative didn't work for me. If there had been more action, it would have added to the sense of danger. As it was, it just distracted from the story.
Another distraction was the frequent use of describing the characters eyebrows to relay their reactions and emotions. Every other page had a description of someone's eyebrows raising and going in, or crinkling, or lowering. Yes, the people of the Laraek tribe seem to shield their emotions, but this became a personal cliche for the book.
Where this book succeeds is in its descriptions of action. Those were the times when I felt I could see the scene most clearly. The scenes where Evan learns about her powers or has experiences with the Link are vivid and imaginative.
Miles has also created an interesting an elaborate magic system that can be taken in many different directions. It will be interesting to see where she takes this world in the future.
My opinion of this book is fairly neutral. At times I really liked it and at others I wanted to roll my eyes. Some people will love it and some people won't, but I don't discourage anyone from giving it a try.
I was interested in this book because the premise was intriguing. It sounded like nothing else I had ever read before. And, in the end, it was.
Swept into an alternate dimension, Evan learns that she has inherited her deceased mother's powers as an elemental. Her mother was a native of this alternate world and it is now Evan's responsibility to protect the tribe her mother left behind.
I'll start where this book fell short, so that I can end on a positive note. The Evan that we meet in chapter 1 is not the Evan that we see in the rest of the book. Even before her hero's journey and the inevitable changes that brings about, her personality takes some strange turns. I didn't understand why she was so sarcastic towards the tribes defense commander, Ren, when they have their first conversation. When she starts to feel an attraction for him, she seems annoyed. Up to this point, though, the worst thing he had done to her was treat her with suspicion and caution as the stranger she was. I felt that the author was forcing an enemies-to-lovers story that wasn't actually there.
The book dragged most of the time, except for occasional spirts of action. Some relationships that were important to Evan were unexplored, which made it difficult to understand her desire to get back home.
The use of a present tense narrative didn't work for me. If there had been more action, it would have added to the sense of danger. As it was, it just distracted from the story.
Another distraction was the frequent use of describing the characters eyebrows to relay their reactions and emotions. Every other page had a description of someone's eyebrows raising and going in, or crinkling, or lowering. Yes, the people of the Laraek tribe seem to shield their emotions, but this became a personal cliche for the book.
Where this book succeeds is in its descriptions of action. Those were the times when I felt I could see the scene most clearly. The scenes where Evan learns about her powers or has experiences with the Link are vivid and imaginative.
Miles has also created an interesting an elaborate magic system that can be taken in many different directions. It will be interesting to see where she takes this world in the future.
My opinion of this book is fairly neutral. At times I really liked it and at others I wanted to roll my eyes. Some people will love it and some people won't, but I don't discourage anyone from giving it a try.
October 25, 2018
*Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me a free copy in exchange of an honest review*
I like the overall plot and the writing style; the worldbuilding is very promising and it opens the way for an incredible adventure.
Sadly, I think the book could have used a more precise and extensive work on the story and the characters: they are fairly sketched and very compelling, but the fact that they're not completely developed lessens one's reading experience.
Another problematic point is the instalove of the main character: it felt a bit forced and rushed.
Nevertheless, this is a good book and I look forward to read more from this author.
I like the overall plot and the writing style; the worldbuilding is very promising and it opens the way for an incredible adventure.
Sadly, I think the book could have used a more precise and extensive work on the story and the characters: they are fairly sketched and very compelling, but the fact that they're not completely developed lessens one's reading experience.
Another problematic point is the instalove of the main character: it felt a bit forced and rushed.
Nevertheless, this is a good book and I look forward to read more from this author.
June 8, 2019
I received a copy of this book for a fair and honest review. I saw the cover of this book and it drew me in and I had to see what it was about and blurb sold me on the rest. The idea of Even graduating and find out something about her mother and her legacy was just a bit exciting. The characters in this novel were very well done and each had their own personality. The details of the world was done expertly as if were I was right there with the characters. This made me very happy and would for sure read it again.
April 10, 2023
A girl that feels like she doesn’t fit in finally finds her home. Only problem is she doesn’t know how she got there, or where “there” really is. Along with her is her best friend. While making new friendships with in her new home she must protect her old friend. Evangeline must discover herself and her given inheritance if she can make it to safety for herself, her best friend, her dad, and her clan.
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January 1, 2019
I had such high hopes for this story but I just disappointed me a lot. The main protagonist was annoying and immature. This book also has a big hit of insta love which I also didn't like. Saying that I did like the main theme of the book I just felt that the characters let it down.
October 22, 2019
It was a little complex for my level (7th grade) however if you understand it It's overall a really good book! <3
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews