chrissyp's review against another edition
4.0
I actually thought this book was going to be about some musician when I read the title..lol. Boy, was I wrong. It took a while for this book to grab my attention. I spent about the first 20% forcing myself to keep reading. I would put it down and then come back the next day to try again. Then, about a quarter of the way through, I had to fight to put it down. It was so worth pushing myself through the beginning and it was definitely not about a musician. It was actually a unique, exciting and interesting story and I really enjoyed reading it. Even though, I was a bit disappointed with how it ended.
so_she_reads's review against another edition
5.0
Let me start by saying this book broke me (and as a literature and writing major that is extremely hard to do).
The language is absolutely beautiful, and all the lovely Australian metaphors made my heart laugh with pure joy and contempt. The descriptions for both character and setting felt real and inviting, and I loved spend the last few hours getting to know them better.
The storyline has been flushed out extremely well and I can tell that Denman has taken the time and effort to both create and question the fantastic fantasy world of the story. I’m not one for religious texts but I can say with 100% certainty that I will be re-reading this novel for years to come.
The ending of the novel both made me extremely shocked and sad, to the point where I had to throw away any and all that were near me in an attempt to make my poor heart better again. I’m sure it will never be fixed.
The language is absolutely beautiful, and all the lovely Australian metaphors made my heart laugh with pure joy and contempt. The descriptions for both character and setting felt real and inviting, and I loved spend the last few hours getting to know them better.
The storyline has been flushed out extremely well and I can tell that Denman has taken the time and effort to both create and question the fantastic fantasy world of the story. I’m not one for religious texts but I can say with 100% certainty that I will be re-reading this novel for years to come.
The ending of the novel both made me extremely shocked and sad, to the point where I had to throw away any and all that were near me in an attempt to make my poor heart better again. I’m sure it will never be fixed.
rebekahcrozier's review against another edition
4.0
Songlines is the first book in the Sentinels of Eden series by Carolyn Denman. It was one of the most unique YA fantasy books I’ve read in a while!! It is set in the beautiful Australian countryside, and it’s full of bright, original characters that I just couldn’t get enough of! I must admit that I was skeptical after reading the synopsis, but I was pleasantly surprised, and I ended up rating this book 4.25/5 stars!!
Songlines was written by an Australian author and takes place in Australia itself, and several of the characters have Aboriginal ancestry. This was very interesting to me, since I live in the US and known next to nothing about Australia. I love that the characters and setting were different from what I usually read, because we need those diverse characters in YA literature!
First of all, this story was VERY character-driven. While the last book I reviewed had an epic plot and lots of intense action scenes, this book was much slower and focused more on world-building and character development. Which of course, I LOVED. All these characters grew so much over the story, and the author did an amazing job at portraying them and the relationships they had with each other. They really made the story for me. I mean, I loved the plot and concept and all, but I fell in love with these characters. I was so emotional at the end of the novel for so many reasons because I’d grown so attached to these characters! Lainie and Bane are one of my new favorite literary couples (y'all know i love hate-to-love relationships)!!
I’m a Christian, so I’m very familiar with the Garden of Eden and the story of Adam and Eve’s sin. I love how Carolyn Denman took the story of the Garden of Eden and used it to make a very intriguing world and plot. She did not alter the story from the Bible; she just added onto it to create a YA fantasy that has elements of Christianity in it but that can still be enjoyed by readers from any religion. It took me a while to get used to the concept, but once I did, I fell in love with the story!
I really enjoyed this book, and I can't wait to read the next in the series!!!
Songlines was written by an Australian author and takes place in Australia itself, and several of the characters have Aboriginal ancestry. This was very interesting to me, since I live in the US and known next to nothing about Australia. I love that the characters and setting were different from what I usually read, because we need those diverse characters in YA literature!
First of all, this story was VERY character-driven. While the last book I reviewed had an epic plot and lots of intense action scenes, this book was much slower and focused more on world-building and character development. Which of course, I LOVED. All these characters grew so much over the story, and the author did an amazing job at portraying them and the relationships they had with each other. They really made the story for me. I mean, I loved the plot and concept and all, but I fell in love with these characters. I was so emotional at the end of the novel for so many reasons because I’d grown so attached to these characters! Lainie and Bane are one of my new favorite literary couples (y'all know i love hate-to-love relationships)!!
I’m a Christian, so I’m very familiar with the Garden of Eden and the story of Adam and Eve’s sin. I love how Carolyn Denman took the story of the Garden of Eden and used it to make a very intriguing world and plot. She did not alter the story from the Bible; she just added onto it to create a YA fantasy that has elements of Christianity in it but that can still be enjoyed by readers from any religion. It took me a while to get used to the concept, but once I did, I fell in love with the story!
I really enjoyed this book, and I can't wait to read the next in the series!!!
pavithra_alice's review against another edition
4.0
I received an advance review copy for free in exchange for a honest review.
4.5 breath-taking stars!🌟
Songlines, a YA Fantasy Romance written by Carolyn Denman is the first book in the Sentinels of Eden series. When I first started this book, I didn't know what to expect. But as the story kept moving, I found myself wanting to read more and more and BAM! it was over. When Lainie, a 17 year old girl's told that she isn't exactly human, but a Cherub who was born to guard the gateway to Eden, she couldn't believe it. The story progresses as Lainie accepts who she really is and takes up the responsibilities that comes along with being a Cherub. On the way, she learns about the importance of love, friendship, family, trust, loyalty, courage, sacrifice and the choice of freedom.
The author's choice of words were beautiful and the descriptions were satisfying. I adored Lainie and Noah's friendship! I loved Lainie and Bane as their hatred turned into much more beautiful things. I respected Aunt Lily as she supported Lainie and the others throughout the end:) Oh THE ENDING! It left me in tears. I can't wait to read the next book! With shocking twists arising out of nowhere and all the emotions flowing, this book is sure to tug at the readers heartstrings.❤
4.5 breath-taking stars!🌟
Songlines, a YA Fantasy Romance written by Carolyn Denman is the first book in the Sentinels of Eden series. When I first started this book, I didn't know what to expect. But as the story kept moving, I found myself wanting to read more and more and BAM! it was over. When Lainie, a 17 year old girl's told that she isn't exactly human, but a Cherub who was born to guard the gateway to Eden, she couldn't believe it. The story progresses as Lainie accepts who she really is and takes up the responsibilities that comes along with being a Cherub. On the way, she learns about the importance of love, friendship, family, trust, loyalty, courage, sacrifice and the choice of freedom.
The author's choice of words were beautiful and the descriptions were satisfying. I adored Lainie and Noah's friendship! I loved Lainie and Bane as their hatred turned into much more beautiful things. I respected Aunt Lily as she supported Lainie and the others throughout the end:) Oh THE ENDING! It left me in tears. I can't wait to read the next book! With shocking twists arising out of nowhere and all the emotions flowing, this book is sure to tug at the readers heartstrings.❤
woxbirdie's review against another edition
4.0
This is going to be one of those stories that haunts me for years, I think. It was beautifully told and I did really enjoy it, not least because the narration included some of the most natural use of rural Australian slang I've ever seen. I'm hardly the most true blue of Aussies, and by preference a city rat, but oh boy is a lot of the setting familiar.
I very much liked Lainie, and the plot was fantastic, with some twists that I never saw coming. (Either they were pulled off spectacularly, or I'm out of practice.) Overall I did really like this book!
The only problem I had - and this is frankly my problem with nearly everything I read - was that it was unnecessarily heterosexual. I doubt most people (outside of my friends) would agree, of course, but my tiredness for straight romances drove me away from published fiction for a while and we're talking something like seven different heterosexual pairs here. That was pretty much the only thing that bugged me, though. And some of Lainie's unnecessary put-downs of the other girls. I'll admit I'm getting pickier as I get older. Fifteen-year-old me would have unreservedly loved this book and on the off chance that a teenager ever asks me for book recommendations, this would be one of them.
I very much liked Lainie, and the plot was fantastic, with some twists that I never saw coming. (Either they were pulled off spectacularly, or I'm out of practice.) Overall I did really like this book!
The only problem I had - and this is frankly my problem with nearly everything I read - was that it was unnecessarily heterosexual. I doubt most people (outside of my friends) would agree, of course, but my tiredness for straight romances drove me away from published fiction for a while and we're talking something like seven different heterosexual pairs here. That was pretty much the only thing that bugged me, though. And some of Lainie's unnecessary put-downs of the other girls. I'll admit I'm getting pickier as I get older. Fifteen-year-old me would have unreservedly loved this book and on the off chance that a teenager ever asks me for book recommendations, this would be one of them.
brooklynne_michelle's review against another edition
4.0
Find a more in-depth review of this and other books at Lost in Literature
The concept of this book is rather unique and is the main reason I picked this up, the blend of western fantasy with aboriginal stories sounded fascinating and I desperately needed to read this.
It was a slow burn of a novel which isn't always what I am after and in this case, took me a while to get into, but overall I really enjoyed the way the characters are portrayed as smart fully formed humans with skills and capabilities. The premise of the Garden of Eden having been moved to the bush of Australia was definitely interesting, and surprisingly devoid of angels (I don't know why but a deeply dislike angels as characters in novels). I was a bit disappointed that there was less aboriginal content and representation that I had anticipated, but overall a good story.
Personal taste wise I really dislike the "destined to be together and no way out" trope when it comes to romances and the one in this novel is no different. I found it difficult to enjoy and believe at times yet it was engaging enough for me to feel the effects of it. Lainie herself was a great character when she wasn't being a heap of YA heroine stereotypes. Again I prefer novels without the stunning character everyone adores who thinks she's hideous and incapable of being loved.
Overall is it a spectacular book? No. Will I continue reading the series in anticipation of the fourth book soon to be released? Yes, Yes I will.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The concept of this book is rather unique and is the main reason I picked this up, the blend of western fantasy with aboriginal stories sounded fascinating and I desperately needed to read this.
It was a slow burn of a novel which isn't always what I am after and in this case, took me a while to get into, but overall I really enjoyed the way the characters are portrayed as smart fully formed humans with skills and capabilities. The premise of the Garden of Eden having been moved to the bush of Australia was definitely interesting, and surprisingly devoid of angels (I don't know why but a deeply dislike angels as characters in novels). I was a bit disappointed that there was less aboriginal content and representation that I had anticipated, but overall a good story.
Personal taste wise I really dislike the "destined to be together and no way out" trope when it comes to romances and the one in this novel is no different. I found it difficult to enjoy and believe at times yet it was engaging enough for me to feel the effects of it. Lainie herself was a great character when she wasn't being a heap of YA heroine stereotypes. Again I prefer novels without the stunning character everyone adores who thinks she's hideous and incapable of being loved.
Overall is it a spectacular book? No. Will I continue reading the series in anticipation of the fourth book soon to be released? Yes, Yes I will.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
cynsworkshop's review against another edition
3.0
Originally published on Cyn's Workshop
This novel has a promising premise as it follows Lainie, a young girl who wants nothing more than to escape the backwoods of Australia and go live in the city and attend university. It is a typical coming-of-age premise of a young individual seeking out a chance to spread their wings and escape their repetitive simple lives. However, the twist here is that Lainie is not an ordinary human; she is a Cherub, a creature meant to protect the gate from humans. It is an interesting enough premise, and the book cover is beautiful enough to draw in any reader.
However, the novel itself pales in comparison.
Songlines is one of those novels that was difficult to hold my attention. The detail that went into the description of the setting and backdrop was terrific. It is beautiful how Denman can create that backdrop in such magical way without losing realism. Then there was the approach to Judeo-Christian religion. It was respectful in the way it captured religion and took the ideals of Eden and transformed them into mythology. The novel is incredibly respectful, so for that; the novel holds merit. What is hard to get a handle on is the characters and the dynamics.
Lainie’s relationship with Bane is one that is not only predictable but cliché. These are two characters who hate each other that are destined to be with one another. As a cliché trope, it is one that is fine to work with, especially when the reader can connect to the characters. However, Lainie and Bane are challenging to connect to, and their guardian-sentinel forced relationship takes away half of the magic that could have been used to build up their dynamics. As a couple, the fact that they are forced together, it does not come off well to the reader, and both characters do not jump off the pages. They are lackluster, and the reader is not given much depth to their relationship, at least not enough to make the reader care about them. Their voices are stagnant.
Now, while the detail may be incredible, the pace of the story is incredibly slow. It is hard to get a firm grip on the direction of the novel because it is almost as if two stories are going on here, but neither is built up well enough. It is as if the reader is driving between the fork on the road, looking at both roads for direction. It just takes too long to capture the reader's interest, following the slow pace and adding in scenes that do not add anything to the plot or the character development. They are, quite simply, nothing but filler, lacking any substance.
Once again, as compelling as the novel could have been, it ultimately just fell flat.
See more reviews at Cyn's Workshop and follow me on Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Tumblr | | Goodreads+ | LinkedIn
This novel has a promising premise as it follows Lainie, a young girl who wants nothing more than to escape the backwoods of Australia and go live in the city and attend university. It is a typical coming-of-age premise of a young individual seeking out a chance to spread their wings and escape their repetitive simple lives. However, the twist here is that Lainie is not an ordinary human; she is a Cherub, a creature meant to protect the gate from humans. It is an interesting enough premise, and the book cover is beautiful enough to draw in any reader.
However, the novel itself pales in comparison.
Songlines is one of those novels that was difficult to hold my attention. The detail that went into the description of the setting and backdrop was terrific. It is beautiful how Denman can create that backdrop in such magical way without losing realism. Then there was the approach to Judeo-Christian religion. It was respectful in the way it captured religion and took the ideals of Eden and transformed them into mythology. The novel is incredibly respectful, so for that; the novel holds merit. What is hard to get a handle on is the characters and the dynamics.
Lainie’s relationship with Bane is one that is not only predictable but cliché. These are two characters who hate each other that are destined to be with one another. As a cliché trope, it is one that is fine to work with, especially when the reader can connect to the characters. However, Lainie and Bane are challenging to connect to, and their guardian-sentinel forced relationship takes away half of the magic that could have been used to build up their dynamics. As a couple, the fact that they are forced together, it does not come off well to the reader, and both characters do not jump off the pages. They are lackluster, and the reader is not given much depth to their relationship, at least not enough to make the reader care about them. Their voices are stagnant.
Now, while the detail may be incredible, the pace of the story is incredibly slow. It is hard to get a firm grip on the direction of the novel because it is almost as if two stories are going on here, but neither is built up well enough. It is as if the reader is driving between the fork on the road, looking at both roads for direction. It just takes too long to capture the reader's interest, following the slow pace and adding in scenes that do not add anything to the plot or the character development. They are, quite simply, nothing but filler, lacking any substance.
Once again, as compelling as the novel could have been, it ultimately just fell flat.
See more reviews at Cyn's Workshop and follow me on Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Tumblr | | Goodreads+ | LinkedIn
emilyjhirst's review against another edition
5.0
The book begins by setting the scene in a rural part of Australia. Lainie and Noah, her best friend, are cramming for their upcoming exams. They are hoping to get good grades to get into a university in either Melbourne or Sydney. They have been best friends since childhood as the farms they live on are next door to each other. Lainie was brought up by her Aunt Lily as her parents died when she was younger. Henry, an Aboriginal elder, looks after their farm for them.
At school, Lainie is always tormented by Bane (actual name Ben), he is given this nickname because he is the bane of her life. He is bad tempered and violent. She does not know why he annoys her or torments her, he seems to dislike her a lot. She does her best to ignore him as she wants to focus on her exams. Although, is this relationship between the two really as it seems?
Alongside worrying for the exams, a mining company want to dig for gas on Lainie and Aunt Lily's farm but Aunt Lily is not happy with this news. Their fam land contains the Aboriginal caves which are sacred and needs to be protected. This is where Henry comes in, the protector, but when he explains this to Lainie she does not believe him. Lainie is not who she thought she was, at the most difficult and confusing time of her life, everything she thought she knew is changing.
The book has loads of cliffhangers, I was constantly thinking about the book. Nothing would have prepared me for the ending, I am so excited to read the next book. I was not expecting any of the twists and turns of the book, they made it enjoyable to read.
I loved how this book started off by setting the scene, it made reading about the powers and area so much easier. The book is very well written with Australian terminology being added in, for example the animals and places. It reminds me where the book is set because sometimes it can be difficult to remember where the book is set. The book includes a biblical theme to it which was interesting as I have never read a book that includes this topic before. The terminology used is not at all confusing and it is well explained. The writing style of the book was amazing, it was so easy to read.
The characters were so loveable, and the character development as individuals and also the development of the relationships between the characters is incredible. Some of the reactions to the information characters are told seems a bit good to be true, but it shows true friendship. I am looking forward to continue on with the rest of this series. Thank you to Odyssey Books for sending me this book, amazing author, 5/5 stars.
At school, Lainie is always tormented by Bane (actual name Ben), he is given this nickname because he is the bane of her life. He is bad tempered and violent. She does not know why he annoys her or torments her, he seems to dislike her a lot. She does her best to ignore him as she wants to focus on her exams. Although, is this relationship between the two really as it seems?
Alongside worrying for the exams, a mining company want to dig for gas on Lainie and Aunt Lily's farm but Aunt Lily is not happy with this news. Their fam land contains the Aboriginal caves which are sacred and needs to be protected. This is where Henry comes in, the protector, but when he explains this to Lainie she does not believe him. Lainie is not who she thought she was, at the most difficult and confusing time of her life, everything she thought she knew is changing.
The book has loads of cliffhangers, I was constantly thinking about the book. Nothing would have prepared me for the ending, I am so excited to read the next book. I was not expecting any of the twists and turns of the book, they made it enjoyable to read.
I loved how this book started off by setting the scene, it made reading about the powers and area so much easier. The book is very well written with Australian terminology being added in, for example the animals and places. It reminds me where the book is set because sometimes it can be difficult to remember where the book is set. The book includes a biblical theme to it which was interesting as I have never read a book that includes this topic before. The terminology used is not at all confusing and it is well explained. The writing style of the book was amazing, it was so easy to read.
The characters were so loveable, and the character development as individuals and also the development of the relationships between the characters is incredible. Some of the reactions to the information characters are told seems a bit good to be true, but it shows true friendship. I am looking forward to continue on with the rest of this series. Thank you to Odyssey Books for sending me this book, amazing author, 5/5 stars.
r_j_setser's review
4.0
Songlines is a fantastic weave of a common Bible story and a fantasy imagination. Bordering on the paranormal, this introduction to a unique YA adventure does more than bring the reader into its world, it takes everything we know in our world and adds “what-if?” to develop a beautiful, never-before-seen, scenario.
Though Songlines is very much based on the Bible’s Garden of Eden, I would not consider it wholly a “Christian book” necessarily. There is some mild cursing included in the dialogue and a lot of twists to the story of Eden that many Christian readers may be disappointed to see skewed in an “unbiblical” way (this is due to its Aboriginal inspiration as well). However, this book is not meant to provide a theologically sound point, it is a fantasy novel based on the concept of the sinless, perfect, paradise from Genesis. But, the author certainly kept the story of the Bible whole, as in, scripture that is quoted and explained is accurate to the actual story of the Garden of Eden, the difference is the storyline of this book. That may not make sense, but I’m trying not to post spoilers…So, long explanation short, I actually found this book to be very interesting and quite enjoyable.
It is YA, and a classic one at that. Which can be a good thing if done the right way. Predestined “soul mates” linked together in some way. Check. The most attractive characters in school banding together against a common enemy. Check. Lack of communication and a whole lot of internal, emotional conflict. Check. And of course, denying romantic attraction in the name of “they deserve better than me”. Also check.
Let me clarify, the above isn’t bad, I just found it incredibly easy to predict the storyline because so much was cliche.
So overall, I loved the unique spin off of the Garden of Eden and Songlines truly did hold my attention all the way through the book. I’m definitely interested in finishing the series, even if I found some of the character’s decisions to be predictable, so I give Songlines 4 out of 5 stars and do recommend it as a great YA Fantasy/Paranormal read!
I mentioned the very mild cursing, but it has no sexual scenes aside from a few (not-detailed) kisses. There is no action or gore worthy of being mentioned either.
I received this book from the author for the purpose of this review. All comments and opinions are entirely my own.
This is a LiteratureApproved.com Review.
Though Songlines is very much based on the Bible’s Garden of Eden, I would not consider it wholly a “Christian book” necessarily. There is some mild cursing included in the dialogue and a lot of twists to the story of Eden that many Christian readers may be disappointed to see skewed in an “unbiblical” way (this is due to its Aboriginal inspiration as well). However, this book is not meant to provide a theologically sound point, it is a fantasy novel based on the concept of the sinless, perfect, paradise from Genesis. But, the author certainly kept the story of the Bible whole, as in, scripture that is quoted and explained is accurate to the actual story of the Garden of Eden, the difference is the storyline of this book. That may not make sense, but I’m trying not to post spoilers…So, long explanation short, I actually found this book to be very interesting and quite enjoyable.
It is YA, and a classic one at that. Which can be a good thing if done the right way. Predestined “soul mates” linked together in some way. Check. The most attractive characters in school banding together against a common enemy. Check. Lack of communication and a whole lot of internal, emotional conflict. Check. And of course, denying romantic attraction in the name of “they deserve better than me”. Also check.
Let me clarify, the above isn’t bad, I just found it incredibly easy to predict the storyline because so much was cliche.
So overall, I loved the unique spin off of the Garden of Eden and Songlines truly did hold my attention all the way through the book. I’m definitely interested in finishing the series, even if I found some of the character’s decisions to be predictable, so I give Songlines 4 out of 5 stars and do recommend it as a great YA Fantasy/Paranormal read!
I mentioned the very mild cursing, but it has no sexual scenes aside from a few (not-detailed) kisses. There is no action or gore worthy of being mentioned either.
I received this book from the author for the purpose of this review. All comments and opinions are entirely my own.
This is a LiteratureApproved.com Review.