Coexist: Keegan's Chronicles

Great debut novel!

My time with this book was fluent, since is not too long I only needed a couple of hours to finish it and right now I'm not sure of how I feel. But let me explain. Yes, the book was super good. Julia's writing is very smooth and she pictures the mind of a teenager really well, specially an elf teenager.
But in fact all that Keegan wants is to be normal and to enjoy her live before she meets her chosen one. When that happens she knows everything is going to be perfect with him but until then, why not enjoy her life?
But as normal as she wants to be she doesn't know that her friends are nothing but normal themselves...
Nevertheless, there's a war coming and her family plays a very important role: Her father, Richard, is the one that will guide the elves of light to battle. Her mother is a healer and her little brother, Thaddeus, is a seer, but not a normal seer: he is the one that will stop the war between light elves and dark elves. But he is only twelve and although he's strong and very mature for his age he is still not sure of how is he going to stop everything... And what is worst, in a vision he saw his own sister dead during the war...
So he decides to tell her the name of her chosen one so she will think of him if she is in danger. Rourk, her chosen, oblivious to all this is draged to her every time she thinks of him. The poor guy doesn't stand a chance, we girls if we are in love are used to think of our love every spare moment we have, right? So it doesn't matter if he is busy doing something, he needs to go and look for her.

The characters are really cool. Keegan is beautiful but still a nice and sweet girl. Rourk is the type of guy that I would love to have for myself, confident, strong, protective and caring... sigh... Yes, sorry, I need to focus. And then we have Thaddeus, a kid that plays Xbox and tries to stay away from other people because of the visions he has when looking at others, sometimes I felt really sorry for him, it must be very difficult to know bad things are going to happen in your own family and not be able to tell them...

And I can forget the love triangle that is not really clear until the end of the book between Keegan, Rourk and Donald, one of Keegan's friend. I really would love to see what happens in the next book. I don't mind Donald but I will be cheering for Rourk!

5 out of 5 people found this review helpful.

More than just a teen romance

Keegan is sixteen and is trying to keep a big secret from her friends....she is an elf and is descended from a long line of elves that live secretly among humans.
In elfin society mates are predetermined, however they are not allowed to meet until the are eighteen. against this tradition Keegan's brother Thaddeus has told her the name of her future mate. Thaddeus has visions and sees that Keegan will need the protection of Rourk her mate in the forthcoming war between the dark and the light elves.
Rourk is drawn to Keegan's side every time she is in need of protection, but he tries to stay in the background unseen. However a twist of fate pusshes them both together and Rourk is forced out into making his presence known to protect Keegan.
An ancient prophecy entwines around Keegan's family and the future of society. Can they thwart fate and win the war without losing Keegan? With a war and dark forces looming can Keegan and Rourk have the life together that they both wish for?
First of all I have to say I read the book in two sessions at night before I went to sleep. I found it quite a nice, relaxing read, that I could sit back and enjoy. Observing the happy family life Keegan had. Of course I was more on the edge of my seat for the Great Battle. There were some really good twists in there too, you found out certain people were also paranormal and you would not have guessed it.....well perhaps with one character. There is also a hidden moral in there too, that we all have to coexist, so why not try to get on. It is cleverly delivered and not in a preaching kind of way. The book is more aimed to the YA/Teen market but as you will see from my profile information I am certainly no teen but I still really enjoyed this book. it really flowed, not sure how else to describe it other than to say it was written in a way that led you through the story, it wasn't taxing in any way. Yes you get attached to the characters too, you feel Keegan's need to see Rourk. You feel the frustration of Rourk watching Keegan from distance and his jealousy when she talks to boys at school. The description of the places they see is so detailed and well done you can almost see them yourself.I think the title is perfect for the book as is the cover. I won't explain why the title is perfect as it would mean giving away the plot. Am looking forward to reading more of the series

3 out of 3 people found this review helpful.

Many strengths, a couple annoying weaknesses

Coexist, the first novel in a planned series, and an outright first novel ever by Julia Crane, is a paranormal romance with an Irish flair.

The main characters Coexist is concerned with are Keegan, a sixteen-year-old elf, and her intended mate, Rourk, who's a bit older than her. Emphasizing romance, Julia Crane's elves are more human-like than one might expect, appearing normal enough to blend in with human society. Sure, they are shorter than other humans, but they don't have a green skin-tone or twelve-inch-tall pointed ears or anything like that.

Crane's conceit is that elves are unusually attractive, which makes great fodder for a romance novel, of course. And also, Crane's elves share a trait in common with some old-world cultures: their mates are pre-selected for them, almost from birth, and are guaranteed to invoke in each other the proper amount of love and romantic chemistry.

But they aren't allowed to meet until they are eighteen.

Different elves handle this sense of destiny in slightly different ways. Keegan has decided to use her youth to date a few human boys, though never seriously, just for fun and as a way to kill time waiting to meet her intended mate.

Rourk, on the other hand, has done no such dating, preferring to focus himself entirely on waiting for his intended mate. Given that he is a warrior, he uses a fair amount of his "spare energy" in combat training.

An interesting supporting character is Thaddeus, Keegan's young brother, who despite being very, very young, is the most gifted elven seer of the current elven generation. And there's a need for him because... a great battle is coming between the light elves and the dark elves.

And it's coming sooner than anyone can imagine.

Tossing complications into the mix are a couple interesting twists: first, for reasons that are murky, Thaddeus has told Keegan the name of her intended. This complicates the natural flow of elven mating because whenever an elf thinks of the name of his or her intended, the other notices... to the point that they can track them down if it seems they are in danger. And like any teenage elven girl with the opportunity, she turns over the name of her intended, Rourk, in her mind quite often, a disconcerting situation for him.

The other complication is that Thaddeus has had a vision of the coming war, and it's set to happen on Keegan's birthday ... and to end with her death.

Interested yet?

I know I was.

Rising above the average level of most entries in the paranormal romance series genre, Crane's novel stands out because, although part of a series, the tale she weaves has a clear and satisfying sense of a complete tale; it has a beginning, an intriguing middle, and a clear sense of resolution to the current circumstances.

While the novel leaves room for new adventures to take place, there's a clear sense that something big happened, there was a cost to it, and the status quo has been affected, by the end of the novel.

3 out of 3 people found this review helpful.

Awesome Book!

I absolutely love the cover! It's the first thing that drew me in. I knew I wanted to read this book just by looking at the cover. Then the words took over, making me want to read more.

I got sucked into this book quickly. I enjoyed the characters, the storyline, and the writing. It was a creative story and I found myself rooting for the main characters. It had romance and friendship along with magic and adventure. I can't wait to read more from this author.

2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

Quite enjoyed

I really enjoyed this book. It kept me interested so I didn't want to put it down. it has a couple things I didn't see coming. Great book will read again. As soon as I finished this book I had to buy the 2nd book in the series to read on.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Recommended

Enjoyed this book.

1 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

Awesome series

Nicely done. Full of adventure, magic and love. This was my favorite of all 4 books so far! Hope there will be a 5th.

1 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

A great debut novel!

Keegan is a typical sixteen year old girl who loves to shop, hang out with friends, and date the cute boys from school. She also happens to be an elf. Keeping her true identity a secret, she enjoys life to the fullest and waits in happy anticipation for the day that she'll meet the one chosen to be her mate. Rourk is a warrior through and through. His mind is focused and he knows his importance in elfin society. But every time Keegan thinks his name, he is irresistibly drawn to her. Keeping his identity from her for the next year and a half is going to be slow torture. With the ultimate battle between light and dark fast approaching, each must face what fate has in store for them. Coexist by Julia Crane is a fresh take on the YA paranormal genre. Her vision for elf society, as well as other supernatural beings, is unique and charming. Coexist is a fun, quick read that leaves the reader wanting more. Something that I felt the novel needed, though, was more dialogue. The conversations between characters tended to be a little choppy, with only a few lines in each section. The novel sometimes has the feel of a story being told instead of a story developing through character interaction and detail. It gives the reader a somewhat superficial feel for the characters, especially supporting characters that have important roles in the end. The story line is excellent and the characters are more than likeable, but I would have liked to have seen more development of their personalities through conversation and detailed interaction. This would have given the intriguing twist at the end even more impact. That being said, Julia Crane is an excellent writer and I thoroughly enjoyed my escape into her magical world of elves. I give the book four stars. (I received a review copy from the author.)

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

PERFECTLY PERFECT !!!

Richard looked over at Rourk. "You better get used to this son. It takes two or three times longer to get anywhere with her when she has a camera in her hand." Looking amused, Rourk said, "I would wait forever for her."

Coexist.I have been sitting here for hours just wondering what on earth I am going to write for this review..well here goes nothing..

Keegan looks like a normal teenage girl, a very beautiful girl, but still normal..what her friends don't know though..is she's an elf..lets get this cleared up right now..she does NOT work for Santa and she is NOT a midget. Elves are different then everyone thinks, they look like normal people, yes it's true they never get very tall, they have slightly pointed ears, but besides that she is a normal looking teenager with powers..and secrets.

In Elfin society you are picked who you will marry the day you are born, but you can't meet them till your 18. This little rule is driving Keegan crazy, her brother Thaddeus has told her her future husbands name, Rourk. All she can do lately is think about him..and Rourk knows it..for everytime she thinks of him it calls him to her..maybe this rule is meant to be broken..with an elf war between light and dark coming soon..and Thaddeus Keegans brother having vision of her death..will Rourk and Keegan get to spend the life they want together? Or will something much darker tear them apart.

When I saw this book pop up on my update feed on goodreads, I bought it on my android phone right then, and wow am I ever so happy that I did. This book had me on the edge of my seat and chewing my nails with excitement and anxious-ness I just needed to know what was gonna happen next! With that I read it in one sitting, there was no way I wasn't gonna finish it that night. You could have came in my room and been like " HALEY ROBERT PATTINSON IS DOWN STAIRS, HE WANTS TO MARRY YOU!" and I would have told him it is gonna have to wait till I finish Coexist.ya this book was that good.

This book has a huge handful of characters I enjoyed, first there is Keegan, she is a normal teenager, super nice, likes boys, likes shopping and she just seemed so likable. I would deff wanna be friends with her if she went to my school..Rourke..is sooooo swoon worthy, I could not stop myself from drooling over him, he was just so protective and truly cared about Keegan..and ya I totally am crushing on him. Donald I also liked..there wasn't a ton of info about him..but I have a feeling in the next book he will be very involved (;..and then there was Thaddius..I couldn't help but find myself feeling sorry for him..he sees all these visions of his loved ones dying..and can't even tell them to worn them..it totally broke my heart. Out of all the characters though..Rourke deff has won my heart and is my favorite. (:

If you pick up this book, Im sure it will not disappoint, it had everything, it was cute, yet dark..and well that combo just makes for a perfect book on my shelf, Julie has truly written an amazing read. (: Anyways this book is the best, and I CANNOT wait for the Conflicted, this story ends with such a twist and will leave you kicking and screaming for the next book!

----I think this is officially my longest review, sorry everyone it was just such a great book!(:
--Conflicted (book 2) Is going to be released in the fall!

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

A perfect read for a young adult.  Light romance, adventure, and

A perfect read for a young adult.  Light romance, adventure, and humor with a teenage elf twist.  Really enjoyed it and plan on reading the whole series.  I plan on recommending this to my teenagers.

Totally would have paid for it!

I am an about reader and I won't even bother finishing a book if it can keep me turning the page. This stories many innovations and blending of traditional elven lore and the modern era make it a ensuing read. I love syfi and fantasy but this brought it to the real world. Can't wait to read more.

Ok

For a free book

Good story

Book one was really good - the characters were well thought out and so was the plot.

I am so glad that I found this series and author. This is the fi

I am so glad that I found this series and author. This is the first book that I have read from this author but it will not be my last. Julia has a way of spinning a story and world that instantly pulls you in. I loved the story line and fell in love with the characters. I immediately purchased book 2 "Conflicted" in the Kerrigan Chronicles series, once I finished this one and I plan on starting it as soon as I finish the review. 

Tragidy

Keegan is an elf and elves at birth are given a mate called their chosen. Thad is a seer and told keegan her chosens name. Rourke knows keegan he goes to her everytime she thinks of him. Keegans father makes him her protector and they accidentally meet before 18. After a great tragidy the bond is broken.

I don't normally read a lot of YA stories. I usually prefer the

I don't normally read a lot of YA stories. I usually prefer the more adult paranormal and romance genres. That being said, I loved this one! I enjoyed the tale that was woven. There's an interesting cast of characters. I love that the elves have their 'chosen' ones waiting for each other when they become of age. There were so many plot twists that I didn't see coming. It kept me on the edge of my seat. The story line flowed well. I only wish it had been a little longer. This is one YA series that I will continue. I'm glad I stepped out of my comfort zone and gave this book a try.

Excellent

This book was sensational, once you star cant stop. Ready for books 2 and 3.

Its Seems More Fit For 13 & Younger

Its kinda a young book or for those who are young. Not those who I think read YA novels this doesn't seem like a YA book, young adults to me are 14+. Its a real quick read. Its cute & young. Keegan is very immature & a brat for a 16 yr old girl who turns 17 in this book. While reading I keep forgetting that she's actually in high school. It seems more fit for preteens & younger. Its not a bad book though just kinda young & immature. I would definitely recommend it to those 13 & younger. There are some curses like ”ass” but that's about it.

Amazing !

Julia has great writing potential. This story's discription captured my attention and I have been hooked onto it ever since. The details are so vivid that I started to crave a "chosen mate". I haven't read the second or third book yet, but I cannot wait to.

For once, you CAN judge a book by its cover! Coexist is just as

For once, you CAN judge a book by its cover! Coexist is just as awesome as the beautifully done cover. Once I started, I could not put it down. Within a week and a half I read all three books in the series. The characters were easy to love and were really fun to get to know. I enjoyed watching as each developed. I love how Julia Crane has continued this series by creating spin off books for three of the other characters so far! A definite must read!