Review: Eden by Janelle Stalder

Trapped within the cruel world of hormones and bullies, fifteen-year-old Aiden is convinced life has more to offer him. His instincts are proven correct on the night he is awakened by a voice calling to him from outside his window. As he sleepily peers into his yard, his eyes slowly focus on a woman who says she is there to take him to Eden. Aiden is about to fulfill the life purpose he never knew he had. It is in Eden, a land on the brink of war, where Aiden will finally learn to trust himself and those around him. Accompanied by Wolf, his sidekick Logan, and the beautiful archer, Elisa, Aiden is soon thrust into a battle to save Eden. Meanwhile Elisa, the only girl in the King's Army, is in the midst of her own struggles. Betrothed to a man she has no intention of marrying, Elisa is caught between the need to prove herself and her desire for true happiness. And now that she has met Aiden, she is more confused than ever. In this action-packed fantasy tale, romance, adventure, and intrigue surround Aiden as he learns just what he is capable of when he discovers confidence and courage.

  
Source: From author (Thank you Janelle!)
Format: Ebook
Rating: 4.5
Reviewer: Chyna

My thoughts...

"Readers who loved Game of Thrones, Throne of Glass, The Iron Fey Series or Shadow and Bones will totally fall-obsessed with Eden!"- Lite-Rate-Ture Reviews

Can I just say how speechless I am right now? Janelle Stalder is an amazing author, she wrote glorious ideas that were definitely new to me. I've read hundreds of books and I have not come by any title that could similar to hers. This is UNIQUE and BLOODY! You guys know how I love the red shade. Please forgive me for this super late review, I have a very good reason for this. I am having my exams right now. Total hell for me. Plus I have been sick for 5 days....on with my review.

Eden took my breath away. Want to know how? Well, Janelle didn't only create a unique plot, but her style and finesse were flawless, I could not blink. I didn't allow myself to breathe as I read through this whole story. Her style blended with the present and the past, very medievel-like and very strong. The added romance in the story didn't come out as strong as it should have been. The story was basically about power and revenge which I found very entertaining to read, I love a good revenge in the story. It adds a tiny spice to the whole hero thing. The advantage of revenge is that it never gets old. It kept the story fresh and fine. Janelle really pulled the whole "I shall return." there was no "I am your father" lines here so don't start making any weird conclusions. That was like so 300 years ago so pffff. Janelle's story is different and unstoppable. Never have I approached this kind of story. 

She made the impossible become possible through Aiden. Aiden is the awkward teenager in the story. The author added some realistic details to the story about how an awkward young man could be part of a great Legend or Prophecy. I loved Aiden so much, though, his physical traits weren't much to be admired. He grew into a fine knight. He was undefinable. I had no idea dorks could be so hot in armor. Just add a sword and a shield then boom! A total hunk!

The romance in the story was preternatural. It kept me enchanted with Eden. Janelle really put fresh and fine to a whole new world. It was very complicated and distracting. Not the bad kind, it was emphasized in the story about how love blooms in the weirdest levels. Age doesn't matter when it comes to love nor appearances. It felt relaxing to read Eden since nothing was expected. Everything came out of the bush. I really loved Eden. I came to understand more about brotherhood and friendship plus uncanny romances. I would love to recommend these to readers who've read Throne of Glass, Game of Thrones, Shadow and Bone or books like Fire and Thorns. You won't ever regret reading this. 

Upcoming...

Review for Eden-West (Book #2 in Eden + Interview with Janelle Stalder)

Review for Left Drowning by Jessica Park

Recap for Kiera Cass Book Signing event 

Stay tuned for more!

Chyna