Phantom Universe

Marvelous!

Summary:
Sold into slavery to pirates at the young age of four, Summer learns to survive the rough seas of subterfuge and thieves through silence. When the boat she's lived on most of her life is destroyed, Summer finds herself washed up on the shore of a new world, a phantom universe full of the bizarre and extraordinary. She meets Gage, the one boy who understands the girl with no speech. But when their lives are put on the line, will Summer finally call out? Or will all be lost in the fathomless depth of silence?
Review:
From the very beginning Phantom Universe held my interest. The prologue alone gave just enough information to make you want more. It's one of those books where you can't wait to turn the page.
Summer was kidnapped at the age of four, whipped into silence and sold into slavery to a band of pirates. She puts her trust into Landon, another slave on the ship, after he saved her from an awful occurrence. The first few chapters in part one of this novel are memories of Summer's that are vital to the story and her character development. We are then introduced to Jaden, a fellow slave from Summer's past, who was sent there on a mission for the Secret Clock Society to capture her. She tells them exactly what's going on and helps them escape so they can all free themselves of their slavery. During their escape, Summer goes off on her own and Landon sticks with Jaden to make sure she's actually true to her word. As she's running towards the meeting point something explodes behind her and she's flung over the side of the ship. She takes leave on a dining room table and drifts in the water until she finally hits land and passes out from exhaustion.
She awakes to a smiling Jaden and immediately scans the area for Landon but he's nowhere to be seen. (I was quite upset that there was no Landon right away but Laura is great at building the suspense.) After they find food and drink they relax on the beach until something begins happening to Summer. Her skin begins glowing, a blinding light bursts from her, and they both collapse on the beach.
When she awakes is when we meet the oh-so handsome Gage. It was love at first sight . . . well for me anyway. He is the hero of this story and Summer's eventual love interest. He understands Summer in ways that Landon couldn't and she surprisingly puts her trust into him. This was a very awesome, futuristic world that I loved getting pulled into. I couldn't get enough of her adventures and CANNOT wait for her adventure to continue!
I'm giving Phantom Universe a 5 star rating because Laura truly brought Summer's world to life with her very descriptive writing and, quite literally, page-turning adventure

8 out of 8 people found this review helpful.

Wonderfully suspenseful!

When I first started reading Phantom UniverseI had no idea what to expect. This is the first book of Laura Kreitzer's that I have read and I must say, I look forward to reading more from her. Phantom Universeis not my typical kind of read. Normally, I look for the more traditional love story. You know, girl falls in love, which is forbidden, they encounter drama and some obstacles, but in the end they find each other and live happily ever after. Well, although Summer does find a romantic interest, her story is anything but typical. I really got wrapped up into Summer's story. I could not believe how much her back-story tugged at my heartstrings. Maybe it was the mother in me and the fact I couldn't imagine being separated from my daughter, not knowing her fate.

I admired Summer's strength and ability to adapt to every situation that she was put in. I found myself looking at my daughter and wondering if she would have the strength to endure all that Summer went through. I am not sure that I would have the strength to endure what Summer went through. While I was reading I wanted to tell her to just talk, tell her story...reach out and be saved! But where would the story be in that, right?

It took me a little while to figure out exactly what had happened to Summer and Jaden when they found themselves being encountered by military patrol, but when I finally got it, it actually didn't seem too far-fetched. I tend to be get a bit disinterested if things get too quirky, but Laura had written the story so well that I was really wrapped up in Summer's story and could imagine every scenario in the book.

I also really enjoyed the supporting characters and would have liked a little more of their stories, especially Landon's. I am really hoping that in the books yet to come Landon's story, as well as the other friends in Summer's life, will be disclosed. I was really looking forward to getting to know Landon a little bit more, he really seemed like an interesting guy, and I couldn't help but wonder how he ended up in the same situation as Summer. If his past was like hers and if maybe he always knew they had a common bond other than slavery. I was a little disappointed that I didn't get more of Landon, but I am hoping his story is yet to come!

4 out of 4 people found this review helpful.

Phantom Universe is a wonderful book

I had the pleasure of 'reading' this book via audio book (read by Karen Savage) Summer is trained at the age of four to be a slave who is not seen or heard. In order to circumvent regular beating she becomes mute, not even laughter escapes her lips. At the age of four she is sold into slavery on a ship and from the age of four until just days before her 16th birthday she never sets foot on land.

The concept of this story is so individual and intriguing. Throughout the book Summer has flashbacks to her life prior to her kidnapping all the way to her current age. The idea that you can retain your memories as far back as the age of four is astounding! It really made me think of what my first memory was; approximately four years old! Summer is inteligent and strong willed and a fighter, you can't help but fall in love with her character. Laura then introduces Landon (one of my favorite names) who is a fellow slave and Summers savior turned best friend. Some exceptional events happen a few days prior to Summers 16th birthday and she is seperated from Landon all sources indicating that he is dead, when she is then partnered up with her old cell mate from 11 years ago Jaden. Jaden and Summer then run into the people of the future, among them Gage and Cameron. This new world of the future is filled with riots and technology and outlander camps. These camps are holding cells until a Nazi re-run can be attempted.


Re-reading this review I seem to have given mini-summaries of Phantom Universe, this was not my intention. Laura's chracters are well developed and loveable. Some of them are well developed and dislikable. You are drawn into Summers story and you don't want to get out. I found myself getting agitated at any interuptions from the story. These are the things that make a great book, Phantom Universe is a wonderful book. I would recommend it to anyone of any self reading age.

2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

I listened to this story as an audiobook, narrated by Karen Sava

I listened to this story as an audiobook, narrated by Karen Savage, so my review is based on that version.

The story is about Summer who is stolen away at the young age of 4. She is sold to a Pirate Captain and I immediately pictured the old pirate boats with sails and her as a deck hand swabbing the decks. That wasn’t the type of boat she was on, but the treatment and duties were the same. She was actually on a modern day ship, and the captain and crew were thieves and she did have to cook and clean after the filthy dudes. She lives the life of a slave and has long ago learned to stay clear of the men as much as possible.

The story did have some back and forth from present day to past, but it wasn’t done in an annoying way. Sometimes there would be mention something that happened to Summer in her past. After referring to the event a few times, I would get curious as to what happened, then the author would take me back and tell the story. It worked good to feed the curiosity kitten.

There is a bit of time travel done in this book and even though it is kind of explained as to how the time travel came about, the true mystery of how it actually happened is something I am still pondering. I kept expecting it to happen again at any moment!

This was a very unique story and I really enjoyed listening to it. I have actually listened to it twice now. I got my younger teen daughter to listen to it with me and she enjoyed it too. If it weren’t for finals we would have a Mother-Daughter Review.

The Narration Review
This audiobook was narrated by Nancy Savage. She has a wonderful accent and it was very enjoyable to follow her narration. She used different voices for each person so it was very easy to follow the dialog.

** Note **
I received this audiobook free from the publisher, Revolution Publishing Inc., in exchange for an honest review. I received no chocolate or any other compensation in exchange for my review.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

This book is awsome,a really great read. There is only one thin

This book is awsome,a really great read. There is only one thing I did not like was all of the back and forth in time, but a great read anyway. I cant wait to see how the books end. Will time be put back right or will it all go bad? Will summer have true love? What will happen to summer when Julian findes her? What will happen to Gage , Summer and the rest of the gang of friends? Will time go back to the right place? Cant wait to read the next one. REALY A GREAT READ!

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Heart-Warming & Delightful! Phantom Universe is beautifully

Heart-Warming & Delightful!

Phantom Universe is beautifully written, with prose that would make anyone weep. What an amazing novel!

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Hooked

This is definetly a good read. You can't help but get wrapped up in this character ( Summer). I wanted to fight for her and her friends. Will definetly read the sequel, yes I am hooked on this series.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

A very special book

Phantom Universe by Laura Kreitzer is different, richly written and thoroughly engaging. Two things stand out for me, the endearing character of Summer and how fully we experience the world from her perspective. The novel, written in the present tense, has a unique voice, a powerful sense of immediacy, and lusciously heartwarming moments in a cold world.

Kidnapped at four years old, Summer is enslaved and so abused that she doesn't speak. Unknown to her, she is some kind of experiment gone wrong and the secret society responsible is searching for her with the intention of terminating her. When they come onto the ship on which she had spent most of her life, she manages to escape and finds herself 200 years in the future. The story from there is one of her reorientation into a world where despite hardships, friendship and love blossoms. Throughout the book we see Summer struggle with the mere idea of speaking, and her challenge in the end is whether or not she can overcome the fear that keeps her silent to save the one she loves. The end is very satisfying but leaves you with a deepened sense of mystery, wetting your appetite for more.

I love Laura Kreitzer's passionate and evocative writing style, her creativity and her exceptional ability to draw very real, interesting characters. Though tiny in form, Summer is strong and smart in mind, fiercely protective of those she considers friends, and still sweet and in some ways innocent, despite her terrible life as a slave. The real beauty of this novel is that it shows how incredibly powerful even small acts of kindness are to someone who has been abused.


If you like young adult Dystopian novels with engaging characters and a mix of love, action, and mystery then you'll love this. It's a book I'd read again and I give it 5 out of 5.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

A must read for anyone who is looking to get lost in a fabulous story!

Phantom Universe hooked me from the beginning! It took me on a ride into the future and back to the past at the same time. Summer's story takes you into the mind of a little girl who is strong, brave, and determined to overcome every obstacle that she crosses. She encounters enemies and friends that accompany her on this journey who teach her that despite the ugly that she has seen, there are still good in the world and people that she can trust. Summer's friendship with Landon melts your heart and her relationship with Gage makes that heart race. You find yourself rooting for her every step of the way. Despite the fact that Summer is mute, you are more than aware of her thoughts and feelings and become fully engaged. I couldn't turn the pages fast enough and yet I was upset that it went by so quickly. The second installment can't come fast enough! Laura Kreitzer is a new, fresh author with imagination and talent that is captivating and original. Pick up this book and allow her to take you for a ride!

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Amazing!!!

I am an avid reader and, I must say, this book is one of my new favorites! It captured my attention right from the beginning and I couldn't read fast enough!

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

A book to read over and over again!

Phantom Universe is one of the most unique and truly amazing books I've read in a long time. It grabbed my attention from the very beginning and kept me engrossed guessing throughout the entire story.

The way this story unfolds is brilliant. Switching from Summer's current life, to her experiences growing up as a slave on a modern day pirate ship gives the reader a real sense of who Summer is any why she doesn't speak. Speaking of the mute Summer, Laura totally pulled off a silent main character brilliantly. The ways that Summer has learned to communicate with the few people that she actually trusts are endearing and original.

The supporting characters in Phantom Universe are amazing. I'm particularly fond of Landon. He *may* own my heart.

Summer will touch your heart in a way that no other character ever has. The things she's endured have made her incredibly strong, though she considers herself weak and insignificant--oh how wrong she is!

The ending of this book is perfect. It sets the reader up nicely for the next book in the series without leaving you flailing and dangling from a cliff.

I'll be waiting on pins and needles for the next book to come out!

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Wonderful Read, unpredictable plot!

This story was fantastic. At first I thought this would be another predictable teenage love story. I was wrong. This storyline moves so fast that you are constantly guessing what is going to happen next to this motley crew of misfits. The best thing about this story, I think, is that falling in love not only with the main characters, but several of the minor characters, as well. The characters are so well written you can see what is going on through different perspectives throughout the story, without a change in point of view. The scenes are developed enough to tell you what you need to know and give you the details without bogging down the story. The enviroment ultimately surrounding the main characters is pretty complex, but the way Ms. Kreitzer lays out the rules, I was able to grasp the concept and move forward. I can't wait to see what happens next for any of these characters, but I can honestly say my heart was seriously stolen by Landon!

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

A-may-zinng!

"I don't even know you and you've stolen a part of me. Why can't I treat you like the other Outlanders? Why does my heart insist I stay and fight for you?"

Ahh! Ahh! AHHHHHH!

Review done.

Not really *cough* Anyway, on with the real review.

Where do I start? The characters;

Summer; amazing. She's so strong and she has such a terrible back story making her even stronger. I give my props to her. After so long on a boat not speaking she's still able to keep her head on straight on her shoulders. I would have probably lost it and tried to escape, punishment out of my mind. I love her so much!! I would love to see more of her.

Gage; AHH! The ultimate YA lover! AHH! He's just so amazing. He's like Summer's little personal hot body guard that we all wish we had. ;P Like Summer, he's strong. Even though his past is never mentioned in the book (unless I missed it which I'm sure I didn't), I can tell that something is making him stronger. He's so adorable and the way I imagined him was like the hottest thing on the planet. (: I would LOVE to see more of him in next coming books.

Landon; he's so sweet and protective. While Summer was on the ship with the pirates he was always there protecting her which I thought was super cute (not as cute as Gage's awesomeness of course). XD

The book overall had a great plot and I wasn't expecting anything that happened. Originally, it was supposed to be my treat for when I write 2K or more. It was one or two chapters per 2K, but then that slowly escalated to five chapters per like hundred. It was so addicting I put down everything to find out what was going to happen to the characters.

There are so many twists and amazing parts (Gage is included in most of them). I love this book so much that words cannot explain how much I love it. AHH! I have been recommending this to like EVERYONE I know. I might even use it for a book talk in my English class because it's THAT amazing.

If you want to see why I'm so obsessed then READ IT. (:

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

A unique and amazing story!

I admit I was hesitant going in when I was faced with some very graphic abuse/torture scenes. Anyone who reads my reviews knows these always upset me. However, the scenes are necessary to introduce us to the protagonist, Summer, and help us understand her. The author takes great care during these scenes and I was able to get past them and be sucked into the story. Summer is a wonderfully likable, and believable character. Because of things that have happened in her life, she is shut down emotionally and verbally. I was able to connect with her through her thoughts alone. She is so completely internal, and I was so completely connected to her, I felt each of her emotions deeply. The world Ms. Kreitzer creates is fantastic. We are taken from the current time now, on a pirate ship where Summer makes a connection with Landon, her savior, protector, and best friend, to a world two hundred years in the future, where she meets Gage, her new salvation, strength, and love. The description of the future world is amazing. The hierarchy of the world and explanation for how everything works into the overall plot is mind boggling, yet at the same time simple enough to easily be believable. I was able to enjoy the story without spending time trying to understand its dynamics. The relationships Summer forms with those around her are so utterly real, I forgot I was reading at times. This is truly a unique, original, and emotional novel. The ending was satisfying as I was given an explanation for events, and those Summer cares about are there at the end to support her. But it also leaves you anticipating the next book that much more!

With its wonderfully crafted characters, rich description, emotionally-charged scenes, and overall originality, I give Phantom Universe 4 flames!

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Good read

The story and charactors keep you engaged. It was a good read for me, but mellow. I didnt feel the need to rush home to pick up the story at th end of the day, but mild interest. Its a good book to have on your nook radar. Took me a few weeks to read, but I took my time an didnt feel rushed.

Nanna Says

I thought this book was atrociously misleading being called a steampunk romance. I hardly found any steampunk references and those that I did were a bit of a stretch. Of course, the whole thing would have been better if I could distinguish an actual setting. Too much effort is put into packing in as much action and plot as possible. But the fact of it is that there's already a sequel planned so the author might as well have just calmed down and saved some of the story for the next book. Honestly, at the end it's such a blur of going from one place to another there's not even time for the characters to develop before they're being swept off somewhere else. The plot is exciting but it just becomes bland because there's hardly any character development. The author has done a great job outlining an exciting storyline here, but now it needs to be fleshed out, given some details so that readers can immerse themselves into this world and follow along more easily.

0 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Good book but not well writen

Good character formation Interesting plot. Just not well writen.

0 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Long story

Story was good, it flowed well. However, it took a very long time to get to the point. It ended with very large questions left unanswered, so I hope the next book answers them.

0 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Loved it!

Great book!

Um... click here?

728. That's how many pages are in the book. Hey, if you are reading this, please do me a favor. When you write a book review, put the number of pages at th begining of the review. Please?
That's all I've got.
~Read free or write hard.