ARC Review: Oleah Chronicles: Justice by Michelle Johnson

Title: Oleah Chronicles: Justice
Author: Michelle Johnson
Source/Format: Author, EARC
More Details: Young Adult, Fantasy, Paranormal
Publisher/Publication Date: Michelle Johnson, May 15, 2016

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Synopsis from Goodreads...

After discovering the truth about her Oleah origins, Angel thought she could still have a normal life, consisting of normal things – like her seventeenth birthday party. But there is no such thing as normal for Angel anymore. She learned that the hard way after Sindrell – the most powerful sorceress in the universe - crashed her party, destroyed the city, and took her best friend, Julie, captive. Determined to defeat Sindrell for good, Angel must risk her life, along with the fate of the entire universe to get Julie back…alive. The only way she can do this successfully, is to embrace her Oleah instincts and learn what it takes to become a true warrior. Problem is, Sindrell has an insurance policy of her own that will put millions of lives in danger - including Zander’s - to ensure her quest for power is brought to fruition. One way or another. In order to protect Zander, and save Julie, Angel has to make a choice... but will it be the right one?

Author Michelle Johnson is back with the next installment of the Oleah Chronicles. Oleah Chronicles Justice is another amazing young adult fantasy/paranormal novel. And unlike some young adult novels, there are edgy moments between Angel and Zander, but the romance never overshadowed the plot. The intense action filled moments are also well done. They are so vividly depicted that I can only imagine this series playing out on the screen.

In this second installment of the Oleah Chronicles, it begins with training day as Angel learns discipline and self-control, before taking on Sindrell, the most powerful sorceress, in an attempt to save her friend, Julie, and all of humanity. Johnson does an amazing job of bringing the reader into the moment with the depiction of the emotional turmoil that Angel experiences and the action sequences throughout the novel. One difference found in Justice is that it immediately takes on a dark tone as it picks up where Truth left off. Angel is the key to peace; yet she has some growing up to do as she struggles with overcoming her guilt while she learns to use her gifts to save her friend Julie. I loved the fact that she maintained her teen persona with her quirky comments and reactions to certain situations as she was being transformed into a kickass warrior. I also liked the fact that she looked to her parents for advice and approval-Let me just say that their relationship was very ordinary in a supernatural setting.

Although this story was a bit gory, the fluid writing, well-developed characters and engaging storyline hooked me from the beginning. If you haven’t read the first book in the series, Truth, I would suggest that you pick up a copy and start at the beginning, because Justice begins at the point in which Truth ended—a point that left me longing for Oleah Chronicles: Justice to be released. And now… I ‘m eagerly awaiting the next installment of the Oleah Chronicles and future work by Michelle Johnson! (Actual Rating 4.5)

This copy of the book was provided by the author for this review, thank you!

About the Author...

Throughout my childhood I was always told I had a very creative imagination. I was drawn to stories of mythical creatures and all things that would usually give my peers the heebie geebies. Shows like Tales from the Crypt Keeper and Buffy the Vampire Slayer were among some of my favourites. I developed a strong passion for design and illustration, drawing the ideas that arose in my head and finding great excitement in bringing them to life. This led me to pursue a career in graphic design and marketing so that I could always use my creativity to the fullest. I have always loved reading and the way a compelling story would allow my mind to absorb its detailed imagery. I began to use writing as a tool to bring my creative thoughts to fruition one day, which has brought me to this moment. I'm a romantic at heart and a sucker for stories about true love which is reflected in my writing and helped bring the Oleah Chronicles to life. I hope you enjoy my first book and through it you experience the eccentric vision that began in my mind so long ago.

Interview: Michelle Johnson

 

Today I’m excited to welcome Michelle Johnson, author of Oleah Chronicles: Truth, to the blog. You can see the review for the book HERE. And before I get to the interview, check out the synopsis for the book below. **P.S. The ebook is currently $0.99**

About the Book 

Synopsis from Goodreads...

What would you do if everything you thought to be true in your life was a lie? Sixteen-year-old Angel Seriki must face overwhelming truths about her family when she meets Zander Black, a new student to her high school who is smart, charming and devastatingly beautiful. The revelations he uncovers to her about her family's past changes everything, and as her relationship and feelings for Zander deepen, so do the risks involved. She must now accept her fate and face the true reality of who and what she is. Even if that means giving up everything, including being human...

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What is your writing process like? Do you have any specific daily goals?

While I first started writing Truth, I never really had a process or goal. I had no intention of actually doing something with my story and would occasionally add to it when I found time. It wasn't until I reunited myself with the story - after putting it on a three year hiatus - that I made the decision to finish it and share with whomever would actually want to read it. I became more diligent then, making an effort to write daily no matter how uninspired I felt for at least an hour. Once I outlined the plot, focusing on a chapter at a time seemed less overwhelming to me and helped to develop a flow that felt natural. Sure, there were countless times I would try to develop a formula for it all, but at the end of the day, you can't force what should come organically. Some days I can write pages, other days it's only a couple paragraphs that I can get through, and I'm ok with that.

The characters in Truth are awesome. So, how did you come up with them? Did you have any sources of inspiration?

Thank you so much! I was honestly terrified to release Truth, because of how much of myself the story had in it. I've always had this...obsession if you will, for lions, vampires and greek mythology. So I merged everything together letting my mind run wild in hopes that something beautiful or special could come out of it.

I actually often found myself rereading my old diaries to create the voice I wanted Angel and Julie to have. Growing up in Toronto, my social group was never segregated, my friends are all different ethnicities, and that was an important part I wanted to reflect with Angel and Julie's relationship. When I was a teen, I would talk for hours on the phone with my friends and freak out over guys I had crushes on, and I really wanted my readers to experience how much fun that can be.

If you could take a vacation and go on a writers retreat—anywhere in the world—where would you go and why?

Rome, Italy. I went there on a school trip when I was sixteen and I fell in love with it. You're eyes are constantly absorbing so much beauty with all the architecture and art there is - not to mention the food! I'm an extremely visual person, and frequently seek out different visuals or forms of art to inspire my writing. Being in Rome, I have no doubts I could recharge, and leave feeling more passionate and inspired than ever.

What is your favorite part of the Oleah Chronicles?

If I had to pick only one, I'd say it would be the scene when Angel finally gets all her answers from Zander in the park. The entire exchange between them is so emotional and electric! I was really excited to write it because it gives readers a glimpse into not only Angel's history, but Zander's past and a better understanding of who is he is what made him that way.

What’s next for you?

I'm currently working hard to finish the second book in the Oleah Chronicles series, which will be called Justice. The goal is to release it early next year then move right into the final book in the series after that. Between releases, I really want to look into book tours, that way I can get out and meet my readers! The feedback I've gotten from all of this has ignited a fire in me that I just want to spread everywhere I can! I'm really looking forward to building this story into something great.

And that's it. I hope you enjoyed the interview, and don't forget to check out Oleah Chronicles: Truth. Happy reading!

About the Author...

Throughout my childhood I was always told I had a very creative imagination. I was drawn to stories of mythical creatures and all things that would usually give my peers the heebie geebies. Shows like Tales from the Crypt Keeper and Buffy the Vampire Slayer were among some of my favourites. I developed a strong passion for design and illustration, drawing the ideas that arose in my head and finding great excitement in bringing them to life. This led me to pursue a career in graphic design and marketing so that I could always use my creativity to the fullest. I have always loved reading and the way a compelling story would allow my mind to absorb its detailed imagery. I began to use writing as a tool to bring my creative thoughts to fruition one day, which has brought me to this moment. I'm a romantic at heart and a sucker for stories about true love which is reflected in my writing and helped bring the Oleah Chronicles to life. I hope you enjoy my first book and through it you experience the eccentric vision that began in my mind so long ago.

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Review: Oleah Chronicles: Truth by Michelle Johnson

Title: Oleah Chronicles: Truth
Author: Michelle Johnson
Source/Format: Author, Paperback
More Details: Young Adult, Paranormal, Romance
Publisher/Publication Date: MJ Publishing (Lulu.com); July 14, 2015

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Synopsis 

What would you do if everything you thought to be true in your life was a lie?

Sixteen-year-old Angel Seriki must face overwhelming truths about her family when she meets Zander Black, a new student to her high school who is smart, charming and devastatingly beautiful. The revelations he uncovers to her about her family’s past changes everything, and as her relationship and feelings for Zander deepen, so do the risks involved. She must now accept her fate and face the true reality of who and what she is. Even if that means giving up everything, including being human...

The Oleah Chronicles: Truth is a young adult paranormal romance novel that will appeal to a wide variety of readers. It’s a phenomenal introduction to the series. I absolutely loved the beginning that brought the readers into the center of  a conflict that resulted in Angel’s family fleeing their planet. The urgency of their flight from their home had me hooked early on as I anticipated the events that would follow.

The world created by Johnson was original and beautifully crafted. Truth took place on the planet Uforika and earth. It consisted of characters that we've all seen before in paranormal novels, but their characterizations had an interesting twist. I was intrigued by the Oleahs who had both lion and human characteristics all wrapped in one, which presented an interesting take on shape-shifters.

In Truth, Johnson excels at creating diverse teenage characters who maintain that teenage voice. Angel and her best friend, Julie, were polar opposites. I loved the depiction of Julie who was outgoing and rather animated. She was depicted as a very supportive friend without ulterior motives; although, they still had occasional conflicts. Zander brought a sense of mystery to the scene. And although he was a likable character, his past resulted in questions regarding his motives for wanting to get to know Angel. I liked that Angel had a questioning attitude and didn’t accept everything that Zander did as gold just because he was “devastatingly beautiful.” I also liked the fact that Johnson captured Angel’s awkwardness as she was developing an interest in boys.

Another aspect of Truth I really enjoyed was the involvement of Angel’s parents throughout the story. They didn’t just make a cameo appearance before fading into the background. They were actually key characters who were important to the overall plot.

From the cover art to the final page Johnson’s graphic design experience and creativity shine through in Truth, the first book of the Oleah Chronicles. I am definitely looking forward to reading future work by this author.

I received a copy of Oleah Chronicles: Truth from the Author in exchange for an honest review.

For More Information about the author, click on the link to visit Michelle Johnson's website!