On Lavender Tides: Volume 1

Jekua, Books 1-2

De: Travis M. Riddle

Narrado por: Graham Halstead, Rebecca Woods

Duración: 21 h y 10 m

Resumen del Editor

Ever since he was a kid, all Balt Vana wanted was to be a world-renowned Jekua Summoner like his grandmother, battling other Summoners in front of audiences of thousands.

From where he stands now, living up to the Vana name feels impossible. But when his best friend Alani–an initiate at the local Church–is sent on a pilgrimage to find her path in life and the god she will follow, Balt sees the perfect opportunity to launch his career by escorting her across the archipelago and its purple seas.

The islands are filled with monsters to imprint and Summoners to battle, with every victory bringing him one step closer to his dream. It will take more than just his family name to reach the same heights as his grandmother, but Balt won't stop until he does.

Balt's journey continues at the Volukho Wildlife Center: an enormous wildlife reservation that houses rare, endangered Jekuas in a jungle called the Qwisdeep. Traveling through the reserve’s lush greenery and glowing flora with magical monsters in his sights is the best experience Balt could have ever dreamed of.

But Alani is growing increasingly frustrated having to remind her friend that this is not a vacation, it’s her pilgrimage, and that they are here for the Church. The whole reason he’s even on this journey is to aid and protect her, but he has always had a one-track mind, and nothing matters more to him than imprinting Jekuas.

While the jungle may be home to countless beautiful creatures, there are also untamed dangers lurking in its shadows, and Balt’s reckless nature may very well get them stranded in the Qwisdeep.

©2022 Travis M. Riddle (P)2022 Podium Audio

super interesting new series

The twist on Pokémon here is so interesting and well thought out. Getting the first two books here is such a great deal!

I enjoyed the book

I liked the journey and the characters, I was a little surprised when I first started listening because the story is similar to Pokémon. After getting over my initial shock, I enjoyed the story and I will continue reading the series.

Good series, great narration

I read the 1st book as an ebook. When the audiobook went up for sale I listened to book 2 that way.
I am glad that I did.

Overall
I have really enjoyed reading these books so far. This series takes inspiration from Pokemon, and follows Balt and Alani as they adventure together and explore the world. Balt wants to be the best Jekua trainer there ever was, and Alani is on a pilgrimage. I have really enjoyed both of their characters and they balance each other out very well. I will admit, I have loved Pokemon ever since I was a kid, so maybe I am a bit biased.

I'm a little surprised to say that I enjoyed book 2 more then I enjoyed book 1.
I want to learn more about the world and solve some mysteries presented to the reader. Eagerly awaiting book 3.

Performance
The narration in book 2 is incredible. Graham Halstead and Rebecca Woods do a fantastic job at making Balt and Alani come alive. These narrators can convey so much emotion in their speech that it elevates the listening experience for me significantly.

Story
I can tell that Travis has really put a lot of thought and effort into how his setting influences the characters, and how the characters influence each other. Balt and Alani are our 2 main characters, but there are many other side characters that appear in books 1 & 2. The world Travis has created feels like stepping into a region in Pokemon, but with more fleshed out characters and motivations that make sense. Character dialogue feels natural and flows well.
It seems that Travis is leaning away from certain tropes that have long overstayed their welcome in the fantasy genre and it is a breath of fresh air.

I enjoyed the book

was like a fun remaining of pokemon + digimon. Looking forward to exploring some obvious concepts such as Human/Jekua combat, or the more sinister background plots.

Pokemon fanfiction

It's a bit a slow but well written. Not sure if this is a web novel but it feels serialized like one.
Also there's a part where they celebrate preventing some animals from being hurt by eating steak.

Really Enjoyed It!

Good world building! The world actually feels lived it but also don't need an encyclopedia to understand!
I love the characters! Our main duo's relationship is a joy to witness. And the author does a good job making them both competent but in a believable way. They both have baggage that is relatable and makes for good conflict.
Overall, it's just a really fun adventure that I look forward to keep listening to!