Facing the Sun

By: Carol Beth Anderson

Narrated by: Carol Beth Anderson

Length: 11 hrs and 42 mins

Publisher's Summary

The glow itself seemed to be alive, breathing, spreading under the baby’s skin. One question filled my mind: Who is this child?

Tavi Malin is born facing the sun, filled with greater magic than any other sun-blessed child. At age 14, her magic awakens, but her uncontrolled power nearly destroys her school, leaving her confidence as shaken as her surroundings.

Tavi and her friends train to use their gifts, unaware of the threat developing in a distant city. Dissidents have banded together, and they’re killing to attain gray magic, an ominous new force that breaks the rules of ordinary magic. But to seize true power, the Grays must grow their ranks - and Tavi is a prize worth pursuing.

In a fight where confidence is as crucial as strength, even extraordinary gifts aren’t sufficient. If Tavi is to prevail against the Grays, she must find a courage that goes deeper than magic itself.

©2018 Carol Beth Anderson (P)2018 Carol Beth Anderson

Unexpected new favorite series

Great start to a new series! A new spin on the Gifted-at-birth type of magic world, as seen through the eyes of very relatable characters.

I was hooked quickly and didn't lose interest at all. The narration is well done and definitely added to my enjoyment.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Captivating

Many thanks to Carol Beth Anderson for the complimentary copy of this audio book for my honest review. As a lover of L'Engle's Time Quintet, Lewis's Space and Narnia Series and Rowling's Harry Potter Series I found the start of the Sun-Blessed trilogy to have similar appeal. I also confess that I love listening to audio books narrated by the author because it gives a personal connection to the novel and Anderson has an excellent quality in her voice throughout the narration. Like others have commented, Facing the Sun is a clean, coming of age, magical, fantasy book. I love the deeply descriptive adjectives Anderson uses to describe the locations, people and emotions of the characters in the book. I especially enjoyed the short excerpts at the beginning of each chapter from the key midwife, Ellea Kariana, which sort of set the stage for what might be coming in the chapter without giving away anything. The plot of the novel was well developed and the weaving together of the various storylines - the Sun Blessed, Tullen of the Meadow and the Gray - was masterfully done. I enjoyed the hints of romance, but appreciated that the focus was more on finding oneself, standing firm in ones convictions and genuine friendship. I also appreciated the close family elements of the novel with all the good and bad aspects intertwined. I highly recommend this book and look forward to listening to the rest of the trilogy. In one simple statement, I'm hooked.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Enchanting

I was lucky enough to receive an advanced complimentary copy of this book, here is my honest review. This is the story of Tavi and her young friends who were blessed at birth by being born face up but they don't come into their gifts/powers until puberty. The gifts vary in both expression and intensity, it's an emotional roller coaster as each "awakens" and they learn to use their particular gifts. I found this to be a new and imaginative take on the classic good vs. evil story. I was literally moved to tears twice as the story unfolded; first, during the telling of Tavi's birth and, secondly, when Tavi awakened and discovered the true and overwhelming power of her gifts. Tavi and her gifted friends undertake a journey that culminates in a show-down with some powerful "grays" (persons who have learned to use their gifts for evil).

The author does a great job as the narrator of the series. I noticed a little background interference during the prologue but was quickly distracted from this by the story being told of Tavi's birth.

Overall, this was an enjoyable read, both on paper and on audio, particularly for a first time author and narrator. I'm eagerly awaiting the second installment in the series!

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

New world - new adventure

The imagery the author describes makes it so easy to view the scenes of this book in my head. I truly enjoy books that let my imagination run amok. The characters feel real. I was attached to Tavi, Sall, Narre and Tullen shortly after meeting them.

And something you don’t always see/hear with fiction books - the author narrated her own story and did a fabulous job. I’m sure the voices matched how she heard them in her head when writing the story because the accents and tones felt normal and relaxed. I would listen to any book narrated by her.

I’m looking forward toward the next book in the series, Facing the Grey.

If you enjoy a good story, magic, a little romance, and some action, I think you’ll enjoy this book. P

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Blessed, All Blessed, and Sun Kissed indeed

I was given a complimentary book Iexchange for an honest review. Carol Beth Anderson is very talented. Not only did she weave a fantastical adventure about magic in a unique and attention grabbing sensation, her voice brought life to each character. This book was about the transformational journey of the blessed kids. Tavina, known as Tavi was all blessed, which meant she had magic throughout her whole body and she was also sun kissed, which meant she was born with her face towards the sun. I recommend you listen to this adventure and become just as engrossed as I was. I can't wait for the next book in series.

Fantastic New YA Series!

I received a complimentary copy of this audiobook and am giving an honest review. I absolutely loved this book! It met all of my desires for a great story: character growth, romance, adventure, suspense, humor, and more! I found myself constantly smiling, giggling, or holding my breath throughout this book. This book is narrated by the author herself. She does a phenomenal job of voicing the many characters of this book and their emotions. I cannot wait to dive into the next book in this series, Facing The Gray!

Eh, ok

I am not sure if its the performance or the story, but I became very bored. The general plot line is ok, but it feels slow and colorless. The writing is ok.

Is it worth a credit? Not for me, but I will acknowledge that others may find it appealing.