Alora: The Wander-Jewel by Tamie Dearen – My Review!!

It’s time to post another review! Alora: The Wander-Jewel by Tamie Dearen is the subject of this week’s review installment. Read on to find out my thoughts!

After seeing lots of buzz on Twitter about this book, I decided to check it out for myself. Good call on my part!

Synopsis (from the author):

Unlike her friends, fifteen-year-old Alora has visions. Only while in the shower. And only of one stranger: a handsome boy with long brown hair, intense green eyes, and the oddest clothes. A boy who vanishes whenever she opens her eyes. And then one day, he doesn’t… Alora’s safe world is soon turned upside-down as she’s thrust into another realm where her soulmate waits, magic abounds, and unfathomable evil seeks to claim her.

What I liked:

This is the first book by Tamie Dearen that I’ve read. I liked the way she introduced her characters. Alora is a typical teen, seemingly awkward, with faults vs. perfection. Her friends, Beth and Wesley are similar in that regard, and Beth is quite the spunky fearless friend. Both Beth and Alora had dealt with loss and tragedy in their young lives, and that makes them more realistic. Alora’s interaction with her soulmate Kaevin, and their constant need to be together makes their situation perilous. Vindrake is sufficiently evil and rounds out the story nicely – especially when compared to Alora’s Uncle Charles, who is the quintessential good guy. All said, an excellent read.

What I didn’t like:

I thought Vindrake was wooden and too easily manipulated in the story. The resistance of Kaevin’s clan (and Uncle Charles) to accept the idea that he and Alora could be soulmates got a little repetitive, as did everyone’s disbelief in Alora’s abilities.

Overall impression:

Love interests, teleporting between worlds, battles, intrigue, and the sacrifices made for loved ones, makes Alora: The Wander-Jewel an entertaining read. I would recommend it to YA fantasy and clean fantasy readers! Well Done Tamie Dearen!

My rating:

5 Stars

Connect with the author:

Connect with Tamie Dearen on her website or on her Amazon author page! I’m sure she would appreciate it!

Connect with me:

If you want to leave me a comment about my review, please do! if you want to connect with me on social media, I can be found on Twitter, Facebook, and Goodreads, or just drop me an email at bill@williamlstuart.com. I look forward to hearing from you!!