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Product Details
| BN ID: | 2940156313402 |
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| Publisher: | Dani Hart |
| Publication date: | 09/13/2013 |
| Series: | The Arie Chronicles |
| Sold by: | Draft2Digital |
| Format: | NOOK Book |
| Sales rank: | 69,223 |
| File size: | 472 KB |
| Age Range: | 13 Years |
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
Reality
4.6 out of 5
based on
0 ratings.
34 reviews.
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This was a great quick read for me, the story flowed very well and plot was very intriguing. A lot of the story deals with Arie's grief from the death of her mother, her unrelenting visions, and Arie learning she is not who she thought she was or quite sure what she is. I can't say too much because there is a big reveal at the end of the book. The story is full of twists and turns and keeps you guessing and wondering about Arie and her family until the very end. And even then there's a lot left to learn. Let us not forget about her best and life long friend, River, who is completely committed to Arie. Then there is Ashe, another possible love interest, I'm looking forward to learning more about him, hopefully in the next book; I can't say I'm a fan of him yet. You could say I'm Team River at this point. There is some sexual content in Reality. There is a good versus bad vibe to Reality which reminded me of Lauren Kate's Fallen series. I have to add that I love the artwork on the cover of Reality. It's beautiful and mysterious. I'm really looking forward to the next installment in this series.
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Well written. Great job. Please keep writing. MR.
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What an amazing YA read!!! 5 stars for me on this one from Dani Hart.
This book sucked me in from the start. Dani Hart has done an amazing job in creating a story with such imagery and emotion that you feel like you are a part of the story.
Born to a single mother Arie's life is sheltered and consists of little more than her home on the outside of town, her mother, and her best friend/love interest River from down the road. From early on she knows her mother has a special relationship with nature and as she grows older it seems she does too. Never thinking much of it she is content with life and very naïve…until the ultimate shock to her world where she plummets into darkness existing but not living or feeling as her world crumbles around her. A few years later, as her 18th birthday draws closer strange things start to happen to her and she now must open old wounds to find the answers before something bad happens.
This book sucked me in with so many twists and turns you have to keep reading to find out what the deal is. I read it in one sitting it was that good!!! Though Arie annoyed me many, many times due to her childishness and lack of experience in the world and how to deal with it I was very impressed with her underlying strength and determination. I love, love, loved River…*swoon* the most perfect, loyal, trustworthy, loving boy a girl could ask for. Then there is Ashe…*bigger swoon* mysterious, romantic, protective…ahhhhh.
This is a fantastic and clean love story with mystery, danger, and adventure for anyone 13+. Definitely not your typical paranormal read it is unique and refreshing and I can't wait to read the next installment!!!
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Dani Hart brings fantasy to life in this beautiful tale.
Very different to her other novel A firefighters flame in terms of genre but just as well written
I was sucked in the story from almost the first word to the last.
Staying well up into the night to read the first half of the book - sadly my body demanded sleep and was forced to finish the next day.
There are many elements to this story - its in a way a coming of age story.
The book begins with Arie on her seventh birthday, loss of her mother on her 16th and finally her 18th birthday
where everything truly changes for her and she must find her true place in the grand scheme of things.
I really do look forward not just to read the next book in this series but more from this diverse author
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Book Bug Reviews -
WOW! I can honestly say I've never ready anything like this at all! It is so unique in every aspect. This book lays the ground work for a novel that is different from any other one I've ever read. Arie's world is real world mixed with a dream like world. I love it, it's so unique!
The story starts out a little bit slow. This seemed necessary as it was building up the world that Arie lives in and letting us become familiar with it since it is so different. Arie has a connection with nature unlike anyone else. After the death of her mother, almost two years prior to the start of the book, Arie has trouble dealing with her grief.
Arie is a sensitive character, more so than normal. I believe this is because of who and what she is. She is different from others and seems to feel things more strongly than the average person. So her grief for her mother is still very strong after two years, as though it had only happened a day or so ago. Arie might be almost a little too sensitive for me, she does cry at the drop of a hat, but it's not just a few tears, it's full on heart break for her each time.
Arie learns that the bad things around her happen for a reason and has to learn to cope with it. She's faced with choices that will break her heart. These circumstances force her to grow and become stronger. There is a lot of the "things will be revealed to you in due time" line, but if you really pay attention to the things that happen before and right after, you will see that more then you realize is being revealed to you at that time.Ms. Hart is sneaky like that, giving you information without you realizing it. Sometimes she's just give you the pieces to the puzzle and let you put it together yourself, I loved that.
This book inspires a LOT of questions throughout and while answering then gives you more to ask. In the end the most important questions were answered, leaving just enough that I am waiting for the next book to be released so I can answer. (Dani Hart has said many unanswered questions will be answered in the next book as this book was to lay out Arie's world for us.) It kept me wanting to read more of this book so I could find out the answers.
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I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Funny thing is in this story butterfly bushes are referenced, which I just took to be bushes that butterflies are attracted to. But the next day I saw an article about “buddleja davidii” or a "Butterfly bush"! What are the odds?
This is one of those books that left me feeling pretty conflicted about... well about almost everything really! The writing is so very descriptive that I couldn’t help but be pulled into the story and yet at the same time it was almost too much description. Our main character is so emotional and heart breaking (and rightfully so!) but it’s almost too much at times. (And she really should look into wearing a helmet. I’m just sayin’)
Normally I might throw in a quote from the book around now, but instead I’m going to quote my own notes that are generally much more jumbled than this.
“57% in... Arie’s frustration is palpable, and mine is along with it. Very few answers and so many questions. And right now I can’t help but feel torn between being annoyed with the book for stringing me on so long or glad that I’m getting sucked into it so much.”
And that really sums up most of the story. You’ll be frustrated, but so is she until the truth all comes out. Stick with it! And the ending! Phew! Obviously I’m not going to tell you anything. But it’s like my heart got ripped out, crumpled and smashed, then someone stuffed it back in and gave me a lollipop. Take that however you’d like!
So get in on this new series (Yes! Series! Book two is in the works as of now) and enjoy a healthy dose of Reality :)
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This book was a little different from what I'm use to. It did keep me interested but could be a little confusing the the way the illusions are interpreted in the writing.
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I received this book to give an honest review. I love the way the story is woven together to where you can get lost within the story and become captivate with the characters. I really enjoyed how this was a different type of read that was filled with different realities, magic, a lot nature within the story.
The relationship that River and Arie has is just one of those awww childhood relationships. And the way River will stop at nothing to protect Arie WOW! I am totally team River. The author has a way of keeping you engaged in the story to where you want to know what is going to happen next, and going wow, didn't see that coming. There will be secrets that come to light!
Now the only problem I had was the way Arie was written. She doesn't seem like a strong character and for someone who seems to have a destiny she seems to spend some of her time being upset maybe with book two she will become stronger and more into her skin.
I would love to read more about Arie and her world. Will the darkness truly be defeated? What will be come of Arie and River?
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Reality was truly a beautiful book. The plot is a bit of a roller coaster but it is totally worth it! It starts off a bit slow, and then picks up. I really enjoyed all the characters and they were very well developed. The only thing I didn't like about this book was the love triangle, but I (personally) am just not a big fan of love triangles. They usually break my heart. There are a lot of twists and turns in this book that leave you wanting more, especially towards the end. I would recommend this book! I will continue this series as I can't wait to find out what happens and can't wait to find out more about Arie. The writer really did an amazing job with this book.
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I dont like to rant, I prefer to get straight to the point. Either, I Like this book or I dont. And truthfully, I do. I like the suspense, the drama, the romance, and the "oh shiznips, i didnt see that coming". I started this book before the holidays, and had to stop because family members were over and just didnt have the time to read , but the whole time i stoped reading I was always wondering what happened next. And to me, if a story makes you wonder that exact thought, then its a sign that its a good book, and not just a waste of time.
So, that being said, would I recommend the book? Yes. Will everybody like it? Probably not. But I know I enjoyed it!!!
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Yep I am the 5 star goddess lol anyways this was a amazing book that gives you hope to dream about what if! I have always loved the thought of becoming someone or something important it let me slip into my little world and think about it and kept me entwined in the story the whole time!!!
This was bought on amazon!!
~Heather Way
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This book was a slow start for me. I found Arie was deeply depressed and was focusing too much on the loss around her to live. I think she missed a lot of her life while she was down. But it gives a real feeling to the book. I was glad when Arie decided to finally let it go just a little, so she can learn to move forward with her life. As the book progressed the tempo increased to the point you just could not put it down. Seriously should come with a warning that you will stay up all night to finish the book just to see how it ends. One thing that drove me up a wall, or page I should say, is how mysterious everyone seemed. You just never knew their purpose. I do like how in the end she developed so well that she accepted new friendships and family relationships well. I sure do hope those who lost their other halves, find them again in the next book. It seemed everything developed except a happily for now for the characters, lots of angst for many of the characters without much resolved. I think this is a well written book with a new spin on reality. This author is very creative and I look forward to reading book two.
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To be honest, I liked this book. I usually don’t read something told at first person, but this… I don’t know. Maybe I liked it because it reminds me of a cousin who was born with a butterfly mark, maybe not. Anyway, it was something unusual about Reality that made me read it. Dani Hart created something mysterious and beautiful just like a butterfly. She wrote so gracefully, you’ll be able to see and feel everything.
It always starts with a mystery, and it ends with solving it, but in this case, it starts with a mystery, and every chapter will bring anotherone, in the end, you’ll have just a part of them solved. There is a lot going on that you really do have to pay attention to or else you get turned around a bit. Not all is as it seems, and there were a few parts where I didn’t know who the bad guy was and who was the good guy.
Dani Hart is the creator of something beautiful, a butterfly made from the only two things that represents magic on Earth – books and human feelings.
I look forward to the next book in this series. I give it 4.5 out 5 stars!
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I liked this book. The first few chapters were a little slow, but they picked up and the story flowed. There were a few typos and a lot of tears, but that was ok. Arie, the heroine, was so uninformed. It makes you feel bad for her. River was adorable. I hope we'll get a deeper insight on him in the next book. Star and Amary as well. If you like fantasy and butterflies, this is the story for you.
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This is a pretty good book and I did enjoy reading it. I liked the main character, Arie, quite a bit. I also found the nature imagery in the book to be a nice aspect. This book is fantasy but also has a little romance in it. I had fun reading this book. I am torn between five and four stars for this book. I can say I recommend it though especially if you enjoy fantasy books.
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I received a free copy of this book in return for an honest review.
Arie Belle is an orphan with an uncanny affinity for nature. Still mourning the death of her mother, Arie only has a few people close to her: River, a boy who has always been there for her, and Starling, her best friend. When she turns eighteen, unusual things start happening—like butterflies swarming around her.
The book has a surreal feel, like it in itself could be a dream. At one end, you have magic and butterflies, but then characters will mention things that are part of the real, concrete world. The unusual character names add to this atmosphere, which as a whole was well done. I liked the symbolism of the butterflies.
However, I also had some bones to pick with this book. The main drive of the novel (up until near the end) is discovering what Arie <i>is</i>
exactly. This wasn’t enough of a pull, as there weren’t enough clues to let me piece together my own interpretation. The “we can’t tell you this right now” device got old. Arie also spends a lot of time crying or being upset and doesn’t develop as a character—she’s static, with a <i>bit</i>
of acceptance regarding the death of her mother. (The head-hopping to River’s point of view at the end of the book also didn’t work for me).
A few more comments: I didn’t feel grounded in Arie’s world in general. Although this is probably the idea—to blur reality with illusion—I just couldn’t picture the action. Some of the dialogue was unnatural and awkward, which was acceptable for some of the non-human characters but not for others, like Starling. The description of appearances (characters and scenery) was repetitive, and there was a huge emphasis on everything being “perfect” and “beautiful,” or even more perfect or more beautiful than something Arie has seen before, such as when she is in the alternate reality. (I was also bothered by the use of “emulated” to signify “glowed,” when the word I believe Hart was looking for was “emitted.” Emulated means imitated. It’s a small detail but I’m a stickler for these sorts of things.)
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Very Different!
So I'm not really sure how to describe this book. I do not typically read paranormal or fantasy and things of that nature, so this was very new for me. I read primarily romance and this book certainly had that element...in it's own way.
It took me a bit of reading to wrap my head around the nature element and essence that this book centered around, but once I did, I enjoyed it. This book was most definitely action packed and kept you wondering what was happening and what it all meant. I am left with so many questions, but I'm sure that the second installment will have answers to some of them. I'm left confused with the Arie/River, Arie/Ashe and Ashe/River relationships. I guess you can say that I'm team River, but Ashe intrigues me...I want to understand more of him.
In conclusion, I would definitely recommend this book to anyone that enjoys the fantasy genre. And I intend to continue the journey when the second installment releases.
Thank You Dani Hart for sharing this with me :)
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Amazing start to a new series. There was plenty of suspense to keep the story going and three great love stories. Dani Hart was able to close out this book without leaving the me on a cliff hanger while still leaving the story open for future installments. Very worth the read.
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This is a story of Arie and how she learns to accept her place in the world. She must over come lose, love, confusion and death to discover her true purpose in life. I enjoyed taking the journey with her and her family and friends and look forward to more in this series.
Was asked to read this book for a review and really did not know what to expect. I loved this book and am looking for more from this author in the future.
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Reality is the first in a series and the premise for this series is unique. I enjoyed the story and will continue the series. However, I was left feeling a little dissatisfied. I really liked the idea of Reality but by the end of the story, I had just as many questions as I had at the beginning.
Arie, our heroine, is still mourning the loss of her mom when we meet her. She had a gloriously simple life - loving mother, loyal best friend/boyfriend, and a special affinity with nature - up until her 16th birthday. That's the day she lost her mom. And she still hasn't recovered. She's now approaching her 18th birthday, and weird things are starting to occur. As the story continues, it becomes clear that Arie is not your average girl.
That's really the only thing that becomes clear. Arie is made aware of her TWO very different realities. The one in the human world, where River has always been by her side, she has her mom's bookstore to run, and he house filled with all the memories of her life with her mom. And the one she once inhabited, where her dad lives, and where is is expected to ascend and save so many people. Dealing with this new knowledge of her life is difficult for Arie. Particularly as her emotions, which were already heightened, become increasingly so as the full moon approaches. She also must figure out how to deal with her feelings for River and Ashe.
The supporting cast of characters include River, who loves Aris and would do anything for her, Starling, who befriended Aries after Arie's mom died, Tevon, Arie's dad, Amary, a little girl uniquely intertwined in Arie's life, and the mysterious Ashe, who makes Arie feel more alive than she ever has. All these characters add to Arie's story, but I do hope to become better acquainted with them as the series continues. I also was intrigued with the butterflies that area a constant in Arie's life. The meaning behind their presence was interesting.
Overall, I liked Reality. As I said, the story is a unique concept. I found it and the characters fascinating. But I am frustrated by the fact that after finishing the novel, it's still unclear exactly what's going on. I'm still not sure I understand exactly what Arie is or how her ascension will save others. Her affinity with nature wasn't fully explained. Of course, that means I'll be reading the next installment hoping to find the answers.
**I received an ecopy of the book in exchange for an honest review.**
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This book is one of the best fantasy books out there..
Dani Hart has created an amazing world that consists of various realities where heartbreaking decisions define the soul and the lives of everyone. Where love is clouded by heartache and immense sadness.Where hope can so easily fade away and emptiness can take its place.
The Life of Arie is going to be an epic fantasy series that will rival some major fantasy players….
Let’s enter this amazing world I told you about..
>>Arie is of course our main heroine, who has the worst luck in the history of time. No I don’t exaggerate at all..Some horrible things will be happening to her throughout the book, even when you at least expect it. But she has a unique light that draws everyone, animals-nature-people, good and bad, boys and girls, characters and readers. The more you read about her the more you want to find out more. The more bad things happen to her the more you want to see her reaction.
About that..Sometimes, her reaction was real. Like she cannot believe what is happening or why or how. Actually, that happens a lot! But there are some events that don’t trigger that reaction and I don’t fully understand why. I don’t want her to freak out all the time, but she accepts many truths in a way that made me think “Wait..Hold on a sec..How are so sure that’s right?..Let’s think about it some more..”. Perhaps, she is a true believer or her mum has taught her or it’s just her instinct…Like I said, I’m not sure how I feel about that.
Anyway
One of the things I love about fantasy (the genre) is that there are so many characters who are all involved with the story and play a vital role in it. Reality (the book) is no different.
You meet so many characters in both realities, who are equally significant. River, Star and River’s parents are her beginning in a way. They protect her and guide her so that she can reach her destination. Ashe, Tivon, Sage and Amary are her past and future. They will assist her and guide her so that she can continue with her journey and ultimately fulfill her destiny that sometimes feels like a curse (Who would blame her?)
The book’s core is Arie without a doubt. But it’s really remarkable the way Dani blends the characters together and provides us with a version of the world so beautiful and intriguing.
Another thing I loved about the book is the emotional scale. We started in one reality with a sad Arie, who struggles with her grief. As the story proceeds, Arie faces decisions and challenges that will ultimately shape her soul. It’s a true turmoil. We end in another reality with Arie still grieving (for other reasons, mostly) but holding on to hope, to a flare of hope that a beautiful butterfly gave her. To be honest, I’m not sure how she would survive everything otherwise.
A Tornado of Emotions. Conflicted Yet DeterminedCharacters. Heartbreaking Decisions That Will Mark You, as they did Arie.
For the fantasy junkies, this book is a Must Read..A Fantasy Classic
For the rest of the readers, this book is worth reading..A Reality Escape we all need
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Awesome debut book from Ms. Hart! Reality is well written with great character development and a unique & beautifully told story line. It's completely different and more original than your typical paranormal read, and I enjoyed every minute of it!
The imagery was incredible and just so vivid, it was like a picture being painted in my mind. You're immediately drawn into this amazingly detailed world where nothing is what you expected nor anything you could have planned for. I think the big question while reading is, "What is Arie?!" The suspense was literally killing me! I was practically pulling my hair out for the 1st half of the book trying to figure out what exactly Arie could be. (And no, I'm not telling! You'll just have to find out for yourself.) I was pleasantly surprised with the big reveal and even more intrigued than when I first started reading. Well done, Ms. Hart. You have clearly mastered the art of the suspenseful build up in your first attempt!
I was absolutely blown away by the depth of Arie's character and her range of emotions. I really connected with her and was just completely drawn into her life's story. I love a book that can make me feel every emotion under the sun. To physically have my heart ache for a character is an amazing achievement on the authors part.
She did a wonderful job of tying up all the loose ends yet left enough room for more to come in the series. I'm looking forward to the next installment and would whole-heartedly recommend this awesome book to those who love a good escape into another….reality. (Pun intended)
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This was an enchanting book full of magic and mystery. As the story slowly unfolded I became more engrossed in the book and couldn’t wait to find out what would happen next. From the vibrant characters to the wonderful story line, I was quickly pulled into Arie’s world.
Arie is a little frustrating at times because of her indecision but she grew and matured as the story continued and I really liked her. River and Ashe are very different from each other but they both love Arie and I could easily see why it was so easy for her to be torn over the two. They were both sexy, protective, and caring.
The characters were well developed and the story flowed nicely. The scene descriptions were well written and I found myself imagining what it would be like to be in those settings and around those people. I truly enjoyed how the reader has to find out the secrets right along with Arie like you are there with her. This was a very enjoyable book and I look forward to reading future ones from the series. This is definitely a 5 out of 5 stars for me!
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