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The Memortality Saga #1
Memortality
Minerva Rus can raise the dead. And it might get her killed. Minerva’s life has never been the same since the childhood car accident that paralyzed her and killed her best friend, Raven. But when the long-dead Raven reappears in her life, now as a very attractive grown man, she discovers that her photographic memory has the power to bring the dead back to life ... heal her paralysis ... and shape reality itself. Pursued by a rogue government agent who wants to eliminate her and her talents, Minerva must learn to control her powers to save herself and Raven. Because if she dies, he dies as well―again.
260 pages, Paperback
Published February 1, 2017
About the author
Stephen H. Provost
72 books100 followersStephen H. Provost writes fantasy adventures and historical nonfiction. A journalist with more than 30 years of experience and a former educator, he has worked as an editor, reporter, and columnist at four daily newspapers in California.
His works of fiction include "The Talismans of Time" and its sequel, "Pathfinder of Destiny"; the fantasy novels "Memortality" and its sequel, "Paralucidity"; the young adult science fiction adventure "Identity Break"; the novellas "The Only Dragon" and "Death's Doorstep"; and the "Twilight Zone"-inspired collection of short stories and dark poetry titled "Nightmare's Eve."
The author's nonfiction works include "Fresno Growing Up" and "Martinsville Memories" (history and nostalgia); "Highway 99: The History of California's Main Street" and "Highway 101: The History of El Camino Real (Americana and travel); "Yesterday's Highways" (Americana and travel); "A Whole Different League" (sports history); "The Legend of Molly Bolin" (sports biography); "Media Meltdown," "Political Psychosis" and "Jesus, You're Fired!" (commentary); "Please Stop Saying That! (humor, commentary); and "50 Undefeated" (history and inspiration).
His survey of American middle-sized cities and small towns, the Century Cities series, includes five titles so far: "Fresno Century," "San Luis Obispo Century," "Cambria Century," "Roanoke Century," and "Danville Century."
His extensive survey of ancient history, fable and mythology is contained in his Phoenix series of books.
His works of fiction include "The Talismans of Time" and its sequel, "Pathfinder of Destiny"; the fantasy novels "Memortality" and its sequel, "Paralucidity"; the young adult science fiction adventure "Identity Break"; the novellas "The Only Dragon" and "Death's Doorstep"; and the "Twilight Zone"-inspired collection of short stories and dark poetry titled "Nightmare's Eve."
The author's nonfiction works include "Fresno Growing Up" and "Martinsville Memories" (history and nostalgia); "Highway 99: The History of California's Main Street" and "Highway 101: The History of El Camino Real (Americana and travel); "Yesterday's Highways" (Americana and travel); "A Whole Different League" (sports history); "The Legend of Molly Bolin" (sports biography); "Media Meltdown," "Political Psychosis" and "Jesus, You're Fired!" (commentary); "Please Stop Saying That! (humor, commentary); and "50 Undefeated" (history and inspiration).
His survey of American middle-sized cities and small towns, the Century Cities series, includes five titles so far: "Fresno Century," "San Luis Obispo Century," "Cambria Century," "Roanoke Century," and "Danville Century."
His extensive survey of ancient history, fable and mythology is contained in his Phoenix series of books.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
May 5, 2018
I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
What if you can bring a loved one back from the dead by just remembering them? That is the power that Minerva suddenly finds herself in possession of when her long dead childhood friend Raven suddenly reappears in her life. Raven was killed and Minerva paralyzed from the waist down in a car accident when she was six years old. Now Raven is back almost 15 years later and tells Minerva she can keep him alive just by remembering him.
But Minerva's powers aren't unique. Their are a few people who have this gift and the government knows about it. And there are some that want that power for their own needs.
My Thoughts:
When I heard about the plot of this book I jumped at the chance to check it out. Minerva is 21 and has lived the last 15 years of her life confined to a wheelchair, due to the negligence of her mother. Right away you feel for Minerva and hate her mother. There is Raven, Minerva's childhood friend and love interest. But the story is not as simple as a down on her luck girl finally finding her soul mate. A shady government agency is trying to put a stop to Minerva's powers and send an agent to get close to her and if need be end her life. But this agent has a conscious. Something he did in his past that is somehow connected to Raven and Minerva has been bothering him for years and this might be a chance at redemption. There is also a rogue agent that wants Minerva's powers for her own nefarious plan.
This was a quick and enjoyable read. Mr. Provost shows a complete understanding of his craft and his writing style is that of much more experienced writer. The dialogue between characters felt very real and natural. If this is the kind of stories we can expect from him in the future sign me up.
What if you can bring a loved one back from the dead by just remembering them? That is the power that Minerva suddenly finds herself in possession of when her long dead childhood friend Raven suddenly reappears in her life. Raven was killed and Minerva paralyzed from the waist down in a car accident when she was six years old. Now Raven is back almost 15 years later and tells Minerva she can keep him alive just by remembering him.
But Minerva's powers aren't unique. Their are a few people who have this gift and the government knows about it. And there are some that want that power for their own needs.
My Thoughts:
When I heard about the plot of this book I jumped at the chance to check it out. Minerva is 21 and has lived the last 15 years of her life confined to a wheelchair, due to the negligence of her mother. Right away you feel for Minerva and hate her mother. There is Raven, Minerva's childhood friend and love interest. But the story is not as simple as a down on her luck girl finally finding her soul mate. A shady government agency is trying to put a stop to Minerva's powers and send an agent to get close to her and if need be end her life. But this agent has a conscious. Something he did in his past that is somehow connected to Raven and Minerva has been bothering him for years and this might be a chance at redemption. There is also a rogue agent that wants Minerva's powers for her own nefarious plan.
This was a quick and enjoyable read. Mr. Provost shows a complete understanding of his craft and his writing style is that of much more experienced writer. The dialogue between characters felt very real and natural. If this is the kind of stories we can expect from him in the future sign me up.
February 8, 2017
I loved Memortality! I read it fast I couldn't put it down,
I wish there was more...
It was wonderful I couldn't put it down.
I'll be waiting for more. Thank you for this new adventure.
I wish there was more...
It was wonderful I couldn't put it down.
I'll be waiting for more. Thank you for this new adventure.
April 15, 2017
Review coming soon
May 2, 2017
Review originally posted on The Book Adventures of Annelise Lestrange :)
I received this copy from Xpresso Book Tours in exchange for an honest review. Let's go :D
*~.Book Analysis.~*
Just remembering that those were my impressions and opinion as a reader :)
Memortality was mind-blowing. There is no other way to explain what it does to the readers. I loved the story and the originality of the concept – the third person narrative also was refreshing as I seem to be stumbling upon too many first person reads those days. I just wished I could have felt the spark better – I’ve been on a funk with books lately, I don’t know what to do anymore to enjoy myself… Anyway, four stars because this panda is sucking right now.
The narrative is third person with switching points of view and it goes back and forth in time. The author is very clear on the time passages and always points the year of the happenings on the title, which is highly helpful. I also enjoyed Provost’s writing style, as he was very objective without losing that special touch of a good story =)
The plot was as surprising as you expect it will be after that blurb and I found myself intrigued from page one to 260. The only downside on this book was my personal funk, BECAUSE I WANTED TO HAVE FELT SO MUCH MORE!!! Ugh, the stress. And I know I am the problem and not the book – I felt like I was seeing a great movie in my mind, but I couldn’t bring myself to act my part along the characters. And trust me, they are great: real, intense and oh-so-human! I’m a failure.
*~.Cover Analysis.~*
I fell in love with this cover in the moment I saw it. The strong title, the expressive eye, the one liner, the green and blue lights effect all over the place… I loved everything. The impact present on this cover is priceless <3
~*~
Overall, if you like Paranormal, Urban Fantasy and Sci-Fi, you should give Memortality a try =)
Thank you so much for reading this review! Also, thanks so much to Xpresso Book Tours for my review copy =D
I received this copy from Xpresso Book Tours in exchange for an honest review. Let's go :D
*~.Book Analysis.~*
Just remembering that those were my impressions and opinion as a reader :)
Memortality was mind-blowing. There is no other way to explain what it does to the readers. I loved the story and the originality of the concept – the third person narrative also was refreshing as I seem to be stumbling upon too many first person reads those days. I just wished I could have felt the spark better – I’ve been on a funk with books lately, I don’t know what to do anymore to enjoy myself… Anyway, four stars because this panda is sucking right now.
The narrative is third person with switching points of view and it goes back and forth in time. The author is very clear on the time passages and always points the year of the happenings on the title, which is highly helpful. I also enjoyed Provost’s writing style, as he was very objective without losing that special touch of a good story =)
The plot was as surprising as you expect it will be after that blurb and I found myself intrigued from page one to 260. The only downside on this book was my personal funk, BECAUSE I WANTED TO HAVE FELT SO MUCH MORE!!! Ugh, the stress. And I know I am the problem and not the book – I felt like I was seeing a great movie in my mind, but I couldn’t bring myself to act my part along the characters. And trust me, they are great: real, intense and oh-so-human! I’m a failure.
*~.Cover Analysis.~*
I fell in love with this cover in the moment I saw it. The strong title, the expressive eye, the one liner, the green and blue lights effect all over the place… I loved everything. The impact present on this cover is priceless <3
~*~
Overall, if you like Paranormal, Urban Fantasy and Sci-Fi, you should give Memortality a try =)
Thank you so much for reading this review! Also, thanks so much to Xpresso Book Tours for my review copy =D
May 5, 2017
Minerva Rus, her mother and her best friend Raven was in a car accident when she was only six years old that left her in a wheelchair for the rest of her life and left Raven dead. Now fifteen years later Raven is back and very much real even if he is dead. Minerva has “The Gift” she can back the dead back. She soon learns that she is not the only one who can raise the dead and the government knows about it.
Everything is going great for Minerva and Raven until her mom gets a new boyfriend and Minerva soon learns that her mom’s new boyfriend is a government assassin, Bradley “Brad” Carson who has been assigned to Minerva. There’s also another government agent that is after Minerva and Raven as well but for totally different reasons than Agent Carson, reasons that could cost Minerva and Raven their lives.
Minerva is a young woman who has been through so much growing up with a mother that doesn’t care about her. The only reason she still keeps her around is for the government check she receives each month. The only reason she ever acts like she cares for Minerva is when she is afraid someone is watching her and is going to take away the check that she gets for taking care of Minerva. For everything Minerva has lived through her whole life she is a very strong person with a very strong will and after all these years she has finally learned how to stand on her own two feet and take up for herself and she will never let anyone push her around ever again.
When I read the summary of Memortality I knew I had to read it and I am so glad I did. I love the whole concept/idea behind Memortality where if we think about someone we lost, always remember them and never forget them then they will always be with us alive in our hearts. Memortality is one of those books that will grab on to you right from the start and keep on hanging on. I can’t wait to read more of Minerva and Raven’s adventures.
Yes, I do recommend Memortality to anyone who loves a great story with lots of twist and turns and mystery.
Everything is going great for Minerva and Raven until her mom gets a new boyfriend and Minerva soon learns that her mom’s new boyfriend is a government assassin, Bradley “Brad” Carson who has been assigned to Minerva. There’s also another government agent that is after Minerva and Raven as well but for totally different reasons than Agent Carson, reasons that could cost Minerva and Raven their lives.
Minerva is a young woman who has been through so much growing up with a mother that doesn’t care about her. The only reason she still keeps her around is for the government check she receives each month. The only reason she ever acts like she cares for Minerva is when she is afraid someone is watching her and is going to take away the check that she gets for taking care of Minerva. For everything Minerva has lived through her whole life she is a very strong person with a very strong will and after all these years she has finally learned how to stand on her own two feet and take up for herself and she will never let anyone push her around ever again.
When I read the summary of Memortality I knew I had to read it and I am so glad I did. I love the whole concept/idea behind Memortality where if we think about someone we lost, always remember them and never forget them then they will always be with us alive in our hearts. Memortality is one of those books that will grab on to you right from the start and keep on hanging on. I can’t wait to read more of Minerva and Raven’s adventures.
Yes, I do recommend Memortality to anyone who loves a great story with lots of twist and turns and mystery.
May 4, 2017
This story blew my mind away. I really enjoyed going on this adventure with Minerva. A story that I couldn't put down for a minute. There was exciment on every page and couldn't wait to see what would happen next.
Minerva was a wonderful character I really enjoyed getting to know her. She was one special person who happens to have a gift that can bring people back to life after being in a car accident. Her friend Raven is also a good character that I really liked. She was brought back to life by her friend Minerva that were in the same crash together and that's probably all I should say don't want to spoil the book for you guys.
A very well written storyline that will keep you on your toes and wanting more. I hope there be more in the future. I so loved this story. I hope you decide to pick this story up. Highly recommend. A job well done.
I volutarly received a ARC of this book from Xpresso Book Tours in exchange to give my honest review.
Minerva was a wonderful character I really enjoyed getting to know her. She was one special person who happens to have a gift that can bring people back to life after being in a car accident. Her friend Raven is also a good character that I really liked. She was brought back to life by her friend Minerva that were in the same crash together and that's probably all I should say don't want to spoil the book for you guys.
A very well written storyline that will keep you on your toes and wanting more. I hope there be more in the future. I so loved this story. I hope you decide to pick this story up. Highly recommend. A job well done.
I volutarly received a ARC of this book from Xpresso Book Tours in exchange to give my honest review.
May 25, 2018
I cannot wait to finish this book. I may only be half done but I have already told people they would love this book. Please read this if you like suspense and intrigue mixed with paranormal and fantasy. Update .. I finished this book and i have to say I was delighted to read it and can not wait for the next one in the series.
March 16, 2017
Reviewed on behalf of 2 Girls Who Love Books Blog
This book was phenomenal. I couldn't read this book fast enough. Memortality has a very gripping with a fast paced storyline. Each and every page was full of action. Every page read made you want to read faster to find out what happens next.
Min and Raven were friends at a very young age. Due to an accident, Raven left her early in life and she was left to live her life in a wheel chair.
But her life, as she soon finds out, isn't what it seems. She has a gift. A gift that lands her in some trouble..One that can bring back the one person she thought she'd never seen again.
This gift isn't all its cracked up to be. She is being hunted by people who are determined to terminate her.
Minerva was an excellent character. She didn't back down from a challenge. She was a very strong character.
You couldn't help but to love Raven.
I am not going to say much more of this book other than this book is brilliantly written with excellent editing.
I couldn't put this book down. Memortality is definitely going on my top read list of 2017. I didn't want this book to end.
10 stars for sure!!!
This book was phenomenal. I couldn't read this book fast enough. Memortality has a very gripping with a fast paced storyline. Each and every page was full of action. Every page read made you want to read faster to find out what happens next.
Min and Raven were friends at a very young age. Due to an accident, Raven left her early in life and she was left to live her life in a wheel chair.
But her life, as she soon finds out, isn't what it seems. She has a gift. A gift that lands her in some trouble..One that can bring back the one person she thought she'd never seen again.
This gift isn't all its cracked up to be. She is being hunted by people who are determined to terminate her.
Minerva was an excellent character. She didn't back down from a challenge. She was a very strong character.
You couldn't help but to love Raven.
I am not going to say much more of this book other than this book is brilliantly written with excellent editing.
I couldn't put this book down. Memortality is definitely going on my top read list of 2017. I didn't want this book to end.
10 stars for sure!!!
September 23, 2017
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review, written and posted on the San Francisco Book Review Site (http://sanfranciscobookreview.com/).
The accident that crippled Minerva Rus as a child also killed her friend Raven. So when he appears in her bedroom fifteen years later as an attractive adult man, she dismisses him as a figment of her depressed psyche. Especially when he tells her that it’s her photographic memory that’s brought him back to life. But after she taps into the hidden power inside herself, Minerva knows he’s not just a dream.||Now she’s is on the run, pursued by a rogue government agent who intends to use her power to resuscitate a long-dead evil straight out of history. But Minerva’s control over her powers is growing, and she won’t let Raven die a second time.
The premise for Memortality taps right into humanity’s soul—after all, who hasn’t dreamed of bringing a lost loved one back to life? But the execution is a study in inconsistencies that made it hard to understand what the limits were. Why does it take 15 years for Raven to come back to life? Did she never think about him in all that time? Provost’s writing is decent, I just wish a little more time had been spent on framing up the world of the Revived so as to cut down on confusion.
The accident that crippled Minerva Rus as a child also killed her friend Raven. So when he appears in her bedroom fifteen years later as an attractive adult man, she dismisses him as a figment of her depressed psyche. Especially when he tells her that it’s her photographic memory that’s brought him back to life. But after she taps into the hidden power inside herself, Minerva knows he’s not just a dream.||Now she’s is on the run, pursued by a rogue government agent who intends to use her power to resuscitate a long-dead evil straight out of history. But Minerva’s control over her powers is growing, and she won’t let Raven die a second time.
The premise for Memortality taps right into humanity’s soul—after all, who hasn’t dreamed of bringing a lost loved one back to life? But the execution is a study in inconsistencies that made it hard to understand what the limits were. Why does it take 15 years for Raven to come back to life? Did she never think about him in all that time? Provost’s writing is decent, I just wish a little more time had been spent on framing up the world of the Revived so as to cut down on confusion.
May 10, 2017
I jumped at the chance to review this book after reading that the main character, Minerva, has the power to raise the dead and I'm really glad that I did. Minerva has been in a wheelchair since she was six years old when her abusive and negligent mother caused a car accident which not only injured her daughter, but killed her best friend Raven. For years, Minerva's only bright spot in her life was the kindness she receives from her younger brother. However, that all changes when Raven reappears and starts to visit her....but is he realor just a figment of her imagination? Quite possible he's a combination of both.
This is a fast-paced read interspersed with science fiction and paranormal elements. Minerva is one of the "gifted" people who can raise the dead though memories and because of her, a secret government agency wants her dead. The operative who was once hired to monitor her eventually switches sides and decides to help Minerva. He isn't sure what is going on but with Minerva's assistance, he hopes to find out.
Minerva is a great character. She is witty, headstrong and independant. I couldn't help but cheer her on from our very first encounter and this is a book I will definitely be recommending to anyone who likes action, science fiction and paranormal reads.
This is a fast-paced read interspersed with science fiction and paranormal elements. Minerva is one of the "gifted" people who can raise the dead though memories and because of her, a secret government agency wants her dead. The operative who was once hired to monitor her eventually switches sides and decides to help Minerva. He isn't sure what is going on but with Minerva's assistance, he hopes to find out.
Minerva is a great character. She is witty, headstrong and independant. I couldn't help but cheer her on from our very first encounter and this is a book I will definitely be recommending to anyone who likes action, science fiction and paranormal reads.
May 5, 2018
I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
When I heard about the plot of this book I jumped at the chance to check it out. Minerva is 21 and has lived the last 15 years of her life confined to a wheelchair, due to the negligence of her mother. Right away you feel for Minerva and hate her mother. There is Raven, Minerva's childhood friend and love interest. But the story is not as simple as a down on her luck girl finally finding her soul mate. A shady government agency is trying to put a stop to Minerva's powers and send an agent to get close to her and if need be end her life. But this agent has a conscious. Something he did in his past that is somehow connected to Raven and Minerva has been bothering him for years and this might be a chance at redemption. There is also a rogue agent that wants Minerva's powers for her own nefarious plan.
This was a quick and enjoyable read. Mr. Provost shows a complete understanding of his craft and his writing style is that of much more experienced writer. The dialogue between characters felt very real and natural. If this is the kind of stories we can expect from him in the future sign me up.
When I heard about the plot of this book I jumped at the chance to check it out. Minerva is 21 and has lived the last 15 years of her life confined to a wheelchair, due to the negligence of her mother. Right away you feel for Minerva and hate her mother. There is Raven, Minerva's childhood friend and love interest. But the story is not as simple as a down on her luck girl finally finding her soul mate. A shady government agency is trying to put a stop to Minerva's powers and send an agent to get close to her and if need be end her life. But this agent has a conscious. Something he did in his past that is somehow connected to Raven and Minerva has been bothering him for years and this might be a chance at redemption. There is also a rogue agent that wants Minerva's powers for her own nefarious plan.
This was a quick and enjoyable read. Mr. Provost shows a complete understanding of his craft and his writing style is that of much more experienced writer. The dialogue between characters felt very real and natural. If this is the kind of stories we can expect from him in the future sign me up.
May 10, 2017
Memortality is a face-paced book with a great premise and great characters. It is also written in a style that I love so much. It is a book packed with suspense, mystery, action, and the feels. And this book always made me think.
When it comes to fantasy books, there are times when I’m not that fond of the female characters. Some turned out whiny but Minerva is different. She’s one of those kickass, strong female leads. And Raven, oh, he’s just the sort of character that I always fell in love with. I don’t want to spoil anything, so I’m not going to name names. But there is this one other character I like…an agent with a conscience; a person that wanted to right a wrong he did in the past even though he was supposed to be on the opposite side. For those who knows me, they know how much I like that kind of characters.
All in all, I really enjoyed this book. I practically read it in one sitting. This book is refreshing, and I would recommend this book to all the fantasy and paranormal book lovers out there.
I rate this book 4 / 5 stars.
When it comes to fantasy books, there are times when I’m not that fond of the female characters. Some turned out whiny but Minerva is different. She’s one of those kickass, strong female leads. And Raven, oh, he’s just the sort of character that I always fell in love with. I don’t want to spoil anything, so I’m not going to name names. But there is this one other character I like…an agent with a conscience; a person that wanted to right a wrong he did in the past even though he was supposed to be on the opposite side. For those who knows me, they know how much I like that kind of characters.
All in all, I really enjoyed this book. I practically read it in one sitting. This book is refreshing, and I would recommend this book to all the fantasy and paranormal book lovers out there.
I rate this book 4 / 5 stars.
May 5, 2017
I'll admit that when I read the prologue, I was wondering whether this was going to be the book I was expecting. Turns out, it was all I was expecting and then some!
This was, for me at least, a refreshing and unique plot line. The characters were all wonderfully three dimensional, and the interweaving of the various character threads was written with the confidence of an author who knew how to drive his story forward, without losing the reader in the complexity of the explanations.
The pacing was good and I particularly enjoyed the incremental ramping up of the tension as the story progressed.
If I had one niggle, it was the ease with which others simply accepted Min's gift, But that is me being picky, and it certainly didn't affect my enjoyment of the story overall.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.
This was, for me at least, a refreshing and unique plot line. The characters were all wonderfully three dimensional, and the interweaving of the various character threads was written with the confidence of an author who knew how to drive his story forward, without losing the reader in the complexity of the explanations.
The pacing was good and I particularly enjoyed the incremental ramping up of the tension as the story progressed.
If I had one niggle, it was the ease with which others simply accepted Min's gift, But that is me being picky, and it certainly didn't affect my enjoyment of the story overall.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.
March 24, 2017
This novel is packed with suspense and involves a "Gifted" young lady that had her legs paralyzed at an early age due to a car accident.
Minerva, now wheelchair bound, lives with an abusive mother and a loving brother. Her disability and abuse has left her longing for her childhood friend that perished in the same accident. The more Minerva dwells and dreams of her memories, the more things start to look up. Her dreams reveal Raven to her with his request that she "Remember" him. Soon she wonders if it's really a dream. Raven provides encouragement that changes her life.
Anthony Biltmore is an assassin working for a classified government agency. He was assigned fifteen years ago to kill a woman. That woman was Raven's grandmother. Now he has a new assignment:
Minerva.
The story builds page after page, until the final showdown.
Minerva, now wheelchair bound, lives with an abusive mother and a loving brother. Her disability and abuse has left her longing for her childhood friend that perished in the same accident. The more Minerva dwells and dreams of her memories, the more things start to look up. Her dreams reveal Raven to her with his request that she "Remember" him. Soon she wonders if it's really a dream. Raven provides encouragement that changes her life.
Anthony Biltmore is an assassin working for a classified government agency. He was assigned fifteen years ago to kill a woman. That woman was Raven's grandmother. Now he has a new assignment:
Minerva.
The story builds page after page, until the final showdown.
January 22, 2020
Even I was confused about how Raven fit into reality in this one...
February 22, 2017
In Stephen H. Provost’s newest work we follow the story of Minerva Rus, a 21 year old woman left crippled in an accident. Minerva lived not knowing she held a special gift until Raven enters her life… again. The only problem is that Raven died in the same car crash that took Minerva’s ability to walk. We learn that Minerva can do anything she sets her mind to. Literally.
Stephen takes the reader into a story filled with action, conspiracy, and mystery with the touch of romance. The reader experiences the book through multiple points of view which gives the story the feeling of being much bigger and more immersive. The idea behind Minerva’s gift is an original concept for me. It’s quite refreshing discovering something new and exciting in the literary world. I couldn’t put it down. It's on par with The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern and I absolutely adored that novel.
I would recommend this book to readers who enjoy fast paced and to the point novels. It’s not flooded with unnecessary details. Any backstories or focus on minor things are important to the story.
I do hope there is more to come with Minerva and the rest. This book is definitely on my shelf for re-reading.
Stephen takes the reader into a story filled with action, conspiracy, and mystery with the touch of romance. The reader experiences the book through multiple points of view which gives the story the feeling of being much bigger and more immersive. The idea behind Minerva’s gift is an original concept for me. It’s quite refreshing discovering something new and exciting in the literary world. I couldn’t put it down. It's on par with The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern and I absolutely adored that novel.
I would recommend this book to readers who enjoy fast paced and to the point novels. It’s not flooded with unnecessary details. Any backstories or focus on minor things are important to the story.
I do hope there is more to come with Minerva and the rest. This book is definitely on my shelf for re-reading.
January 18, 2018
Après avoir lu Memortality, j’étais sur deux niveaux : Ouais, c’était bien MAIS il ne m’a pas emballé plus que ça.
Je vais vous dire pourquoi !
D’abord ce qui m’a plu :
Le thème. Enfin, le super-pouvoir utilisé. Eh ouais, à part dans la série Heroes où j’ai pu voir que l’un des protagonistes avait des super pourvoir en lien avec la mort, Memortality nous propose une autre version de l’après-mort. Exit les zombies ou autres créatures chelou, là on est dans un cadre de résurrection MADE IN JÉSUS (attention au copyright, l’Église est à cheval sur le sujet).
Notre protagoniste Minerva Rus, une fille tout ce qu’il y a de plus lambda, se retrouve avec un don qui porte le doux nom de « Gift ». Un don qui permet de ramener à la vie quelqu’un qui est mort mais pour que ce pouvoir soit effectif, il faut que la personne mémorise TOUS LES TRAITS de la personne décédée (sinon ça ne marche pas). Ce pouvoir est loin d’être contraignant. Là où ça peut être chelou, ceux sont les conditions de décès (et surtout ne pas être vu) mais bon là… voilà quoi.
Maintenant ce qui m’a déplu :
Les personnages : Minerva, Raven (le BFF puis le petit ami), Carson (méchant 1 puis gentil) et Jules (la méchante puis…. la méchante) sont tous pas du tout intéressant. Quand bien même l’histoire se voulait d’être intriguante avec son lot de suspense et d’indices ici et là, ces personnages n’ont rien apporter au récit. Leurs personnalités ne m’ont pas plu (trop plat, trop effacé, pas assez dynamique) et les personnages secondaires ne sont pas mieux. Pourquoi avoir ajouté un personnage qui au final n’apporte rien de plus dans son ensemble ? Pourquoi ne pas avoir approfondit le personnage de la mère de Minerva ?
La mise en place de l’histoire : l’histoire en lui même avait du potentiel. Mais c’est sa ligne directrice qui m’a un peu embêté et ça je pense que c’est à cause des personnages. Ils n’ont pas mis l’histoire à sa juste valeur et sur le coup, je me suis dit que si les personnages évoluaient dans l’univers de Kaleb de Myra Eljundir, il n’y a pas photo : là, on aurait eu une histoire de ouf !
En conclusion, Stephen avait the idée. Il a le style pour faire évoluer cet univers. Ce qui manque c’est du dynamisme au niveau des personnages. Pour qu’une fois qu’on ferme le livre, on se dit : Putain ! c’est quoi cette fin ? Il est ou le tome 2 ? Franchement, il ne lui manque pas grand chose.
Je vais vous dire pourquoi !
D’abord ce qui m’a plu :
Le thème. Enfin, le super-pouvoir utilisé. Eh ouais, à part dans la série Heroes où j’ai pu voir que l’un des protagonistes avait des super pourvoir en lien avec la mort, Memortality nous propose une autre version de l’après-mort. Exit les zombies ou autres créatures chelou, là on est dans un cadre de résurrection MADE IN JÉSUS (attention au copyright, l’Église est à cheval sur le sujet).
Notre protagoniste Minerva Rus, une fille tout ce qu’il y a de plus lambda, se retrouve avec un don qui porte le doux nom de « Gift ». Un don qui permet de ramener à la vie quelqu’un qui est mort mais pour que ce pouvoir soit effectif, il faut que la personne mémorise TOUS LES TRAITS de la personne décédée (sinon ça ne marche pas). Ce pouvoir est loin d’être contraignant. Là où ça peut être chelou, ceux sont les conditions de décès (et surtout ne pas être vu) mais bon là… voilà quoi.
Maintenant ce qui m’a déplu :
Les personnages : Minerva, Raven (le BFF puis le petit ami), Carson (méchant 1 puis gentil) et Jules (la méchante puis…. la méchante) sont tous pas du tout intéressant. Quand bien même l’histoire se voulait d’être intriguante avec son lot de suspense et d’indices ici et là, ces personnages n’ont rien apporter au récit. Leurs personnalités ne m’ont pas plu (trop plat, trop effacé, pas assez dynamique) et les personnages secondaires ne sont pas mieux. Pourquoi avoir ajouté un personnage qui au final n’apporte rien de plus dans son ensemble ? Pourquoi ne pas avoir approfondit le personnage de la mère de Minerva ?
La mise en place de l’histoire : l’histoire en lui même avait du potentiel. Mais c’est sa ligne directrice qui m’a un peu embêté et ça je pense que c’est à cause des personnages. Ils n’ont pas mis l’histoire à sa juste valeur et sur le coup, je me suis dit que si les personnages évoluaient dans l’univers de Kaleb de Myra Eljundir, il n’y a pas photo : là, on aurait eu une histoire de ouf !
En conclusion, Stephen avait the idée. Il a le style pour faire évoluer cet univers. Ce qui manque c’est du dynamisme au niveau des personnages. Pour qu’une fois qu’on ferme le livre, on se dit : Putain ! c’est quoi cette fin ? Il est ou le tome 2 ? Franchement, il ne lui manque pas grand chose.
February 11, 2018
If you would like to see all my thoughts on this book, be sure to check out the review on my blog:
www.abooktropolis01.blogspot.co.za
But here is a snippet and overview of what I thought:
Overall, I found this book okay. I couldn't connect with the characters and I felt as if the blurb sounded way more interesting than the actual story and I really wish that that wasn't the case. Thank you to Xpresso Book Tours for sending me a copy of this book for this blog tour. I wish I could like this book but I think it was clear that it just wasn't for me.
April 25, 2020
That was another great adventure (the others were Samaire's books!) I'm very impressed!!! I can't wait to get lost in Paralucidity!!! I'm so glad I given your books a chance!! Great job!!! I swear the Provosts writers got it going on!!! Every page that has been turned will leave you breathless!!! I love it!!! ♥📚
April 11, 2017
Nothing was predictable in Stephen H. Provost's "Memortality." Just when I thought I knew what what going to happen after any given scene, Provost threw me a curve ball.
April 28, 2017
Quite clever, I really enjoyed the story and premise of this story. It was well paced and quite original.
May 2, 2017
Book Tour Review that I am Involved with.
MemortalityStephen H. ProvostPublication date: February 1st 2017Genres: Fantasy, New Adult, Paranormal
Minerva Rus can raise the dead. And it might get her killed.
Minerva’s life has never been the same since the childhood car accident that paralyzed her and killed her best friend, Raven. But when the long-dead Raven reappears in her life, now as a very attractive grown man, she discovers that her photographic memory has the power to bring the dead back to life … heal her paralysis … and shape reality itself.
Pursued by a rogue government agent who wants to eliminate her and her talents, Minerva must learn to control her powers to save herself and Raven. Because if she dies, he dies as well―again.
Goodreads / Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo
My Review
The topic of this book was very interesting, and I really liked Minerva. I really also love Raven the love interest and Min's best friend. I really enjoyed some parts of the book but there parts I didn't like. The parts I liked, some I mentioned above. The main thing I didn't like was the way the book ended. I just didn't care for the ending at all, even though I am sure there are people that will love the ending. There were things that I just didn't understand. Another thing I did like was Min's brother and how he reacted at what happened at the end of the book. In regards to the last scene with them too.
While I didn't like this book as well as some other books I read lately, I am really glad I asked to take part in the tour for this book. So thanks to all parties involved that let me come along for the ride.
Excerpt
Minerva (2016)“The accident is a lie.”“What do you mean? You keep saying that.”The face staring back at her was the same one she remembered from all those years ago. Kind, caring, patient. But older now. The playful smile the boy had once worn had vanished behind a mask she couldn’t seem to penetrate now that he was a man. She hadn’t seen him for years, but this was how she’d always imagined he’d look all grown up: the soft brown eyes, the pale complexion just brushed by a touch of sunshine, the auburn hair unkempt and uncut, cascading down across his left eye. She’d always stared at that; it distracted her. And he’d always noticed, brushing it back the moment she became aware of it.His brow lowered slightly, as if to say, “You’re staring.” But he said nothing. Even the words he did speak seemed silent to her somehow, as if she were in a dream …She moaned in her sleep and tried to turn her body, but the vice grip held her, the paralysis that had been with her since the accident.In her dream, concern flitted across his face, apparent even in the dim glow of the candle that burned beside her bed. Its light had always comforted her, and at times, she’d stared into the flame as it flickered for moments on end, imagining she was a part of it. The thought of that soothed her, one of the few things in this world that did.“Stay with me,” he said, his tone resolute.“I can’t move,” she protested.“Yes, you can. All you have to do is remember how you felt before all this. Before the accident and the lies it’s telling you.”“You’re the liar,” she whispered, her voice whispered venom.He looked hurt now, and pulled away from her, that resolve appearing to evaporate at the sound of her voice. In the same moment, he seemed farther away, the reflected candlelight that had danced in his eyes a few moments earlier now a fading glow that illumined little more than his forehead and the tip of his nose. “I’m telling you the truth,” he said, but she could barely hear him. A part of her wanted to believe what he was saying. Not a part – all of her. But in the instant she acknowledged that desire, she was aware it could not be. She tried to turn her body again.Nothing.Her jaw clenched tight, and she began to tremble with the effort.“Not that way,” he said.“Then … how!” Her voice was louder than she intended, and he pulled away further into the shadows.“Wait,” she said, softening her tone. “Don’t go. You have to tell me … about the accident.”“It’s not important now,” he said, moving forward slightly again, into the candlelight. “Not important? Then how do you explain this?” She nearly spat the words at him, and he averted his eyes.“See?” she said. “You can’t even bear to look at me. If the accident didn’t happen, how did I get like this?He sat up straighter and held her gaze again, his eyes locking on hers so that, this time, it was she who wished to glance away. But he held her there by force of will. “Min, you’re beautiful.”No one ever called her that but him.
Author Bio:
Stephen H. Provost is an author of paranormal adventures and historical non-fiction. "Memortality," his debut title on Linden Publishing's new fiction imprint, Pace Press, is due out in February 2017 and is available for pre-order on Amazon.
An editor and columnist with more than 30 years of experience as a journalist, he has written on subjects as diverse as history, religion, politics and language and has served as an editor for fiction and non-fiction projects. His book "Fresno Growing Up," a history of Fresno, California, during the postwar years, is available on Craven Street Books, and his next non-fiction work, scheduled for release in June of 2017, will examine the history of U.S. Highway 99 in California.
In addition, the author has published several books as Stifyn Emrys, beginning in 2012 with "The Gospel of the Phoenix" and also including the nonfiction works "The Way of the Phoenix" and "Undefeated." He also has published three works of fiction: "Feathercap" (children's); "Identity Break," (young adult science fiction/adventure) and an accompanying novella, "Artifice."
The author served as editor of four young adult novels: the "Mad World" series by Samaire Provost - "EPIDEMIC," "SANCTUARY" and "DESPERATION" - and the award-winning "Lorehnin: A Novel of the Otherworld," Volume 6 in the Otherworld series by Jenna Elizabeth Johnson. He has worked in journalism as a news editor, sports editor and reporter for four daily newspapers in California, and is currently managing editor for an award-winning weekly, The Cambrian. He has worked as an educator and has been featured at occasional speaking engagements.
He lives on the California coast with his wife, stepson, cats (Tyrion Fluffybutt and Allie Twinkletail) and dogs.
Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter
GIVEAWAY! a Rafflecopter giveaway
MemortalityStephen H. ProvostPublication date: February 1st 2017Genres: Fantasy, New Adult, Paranormal
Minerva Rus can raise the dead. And it might get her killed.
Minerva’s life has never been the same since the childhood car accident that paralyzed her and killed her best friend, Raven. But when the long-dead Raven reappears in her life, now as a very attractive grown man, she discovers that her photographic memory has the power to bring the dead back to life … heal her paralysis … and shape reality itself.
Pursued by a rogue government agent who wants to eliminate her and her talents, Minerva must learn to control her powers to save herself and Raven. Because if she dies, he dies as well―again.
Goodreads / Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo
My Review
The topic of this book was very interesting, and I really liked Minerva. I really also love Raven the love interest and Min's best friend. I really enjoyed some parts of the book but there parts I didn't like. The parts I liked, some I mentioned above. The main thing I didn't like was the way the book ended. I just didn't care for the ending at all, even though I am sure there are people that will love the ending. There were things that I just didn't understand. Another thing I did like was Min's brother and how he reacted at what happened at the end of the book. In regards to the last scene with them too.
While I didn't like this book as well as some other books I read lately, I am really glad I asked to take part in the tour for this book. So thanks to all parties involved that let me come along for the ride.
Excerpt
Minerva (2016)“The accident is a lie.”“What do you mean? You keep saying that.”The face staring back at her was the same one she remembered from all those years ago. Kind, caring, patient. But older now. The playful smile the boy had once worn had vanished behind a mask she couldn’t seem to penetrate now that he was a man. She hadn’t seen him for years, but this was how she’d always imagined he’d look all grown up: the soft brown eyes, the pale complexion just brushed by a touch of sunshine, the auburn hair unkempt and uncut, cascading down across his left eye. She’d always stared at that; it distracted her. And he’d always noticed, brushing it back the moment she became aware of it.His brow lowered slightly, as if to say, “You’re staring.” But he said nothing. Even the words he did speak seemed silent to her somehow, as if she were in a dream …She moaned in her sleep and tried to turn her body, but the vice grip held her, the paralysis that had been with her since the accident.In her dream, concern flitted across his face, apparent even in the dim glow of the candle that burned beside her bed. Its light had always comforted her, and at times, she’d stared into the flame as it flickered for moments on end, imagining she was a part of it. The thought of that soothed her, one of the few things in this world that did.“Stay with me,” he said, his tone resolute.“I can’t move,” she protested.“Yes, you can. All you have to do is remember how you felt before all this. Before the accident and the lies it’s telling you.”“You’re the liar,” she whispered, her voice whispered venom.He looked hurt now, and pulled away from her, that resolve appearing to evaporate at the sound of her voice. In the same moment, he seemed farther away, the reflected candlelight that had danced in his eyes a few moments earlier now a fading glow that illumined little more than his forehead and the tip of his nose. “I’m telling you the truth,” he said, but she could barely hear him. A part of her wanted to believe what he was saying. Not a part – all of her. But in the instant she acknowledged that desire, she was aware it could not be. She tried to turn her body again.Nothing.Her jaw clenched tight, and she began to tremble with the effort.“Not that way,” he said.“Then … how!” Her voice was louder than she intended, and he pulled away further into the shadows.“Wait,” she said, softening her tone. “Don’t go. You have to tell me … about the accident.”“It’s not important now,” he said, moving forward slightly again, into the candlelight. “Not important? Then how do you explain this?” She nearly spat the words at him, and he averted his eyes.“See?” she said. “You can’t even bear to look at me. If the accident didn’t happen, how did I get like this?He sat up straighter and held her gaze again, his eyes locking on hers so that, this time, it was she who wished to glance away. But he held her there by force of will. “Min, you’re beautiful.”No one ever called her that but him.
Author Bio:
Stephen H. Provost is an author of paranormal adventures and historical non-fiction. "Memortality," his debut title on Linden Publishing's new fiction imprint, Pace Press, is due out in February 2017 and is available for pre-order on Amazon.
An editor and columnist with more than 30 years of experience as a journalist, he has written on subjects as diverse as history, religion, politics and language and has served as an editor for fiction and non-fiction projects. His book "Fresno Growing Up," a history of Fresno, California, during the postwar years, is available on Craven Street Books, and his next non-fiction work, scheduled for release in June of 2017, will examine the history of U.S. Highway 99 in California.
In addition, the author has published several books as Stifyn Emrys, beginning in 2012 with "The Gospel of the Phoenix" and also including the nonfiction works "The Way of the Phoenix" and "Undefeated." He also has published three works of fiction: "Feathercap" (children's); "Identity Break," (young adult science fiction/adventure) and an accompanying novella, "Artifice."
The author served as editor of four young adult novels: the "Mad World" series by Samaire Provost - "EPIDEMIC," "SANCTUARY" and "DESPERATION" - and the award-winning "Lorehnin: A Novel of the Otherworld," Volume 6 in the Otherworld series by Jenna Elizabeth Johnson. He has worked in journalism as a news editor, sports editor and reporter for four daily newspapers in California, and is currently managing editor for an award-winning weekly, The Cambrian. He has worked as an educator and has been featured at occasional speaking engagements.
He lives on the California coast with his wife, stepson, cats (Tyrion Fluffybutt and Allie Twinkletail) and dogs.
Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter
GIVEAWAY! a Rafflecopter giveaway
May 2, 2017
Memortality is a wonderfully unique story that tells a story that is set in the past and the present. The timeline jumps a bit at the beginning, as we start with Mary Lou Corbet. Then we go to Minerva in the present, then back to the past to figure out what happened with the accident. However, this does smooth out, and the story quickly becomes intriguing. Minerva has a gift, but is unaware of it. Raven also had the gift, but he is now dead. Surely that's the end of the story? Not at all!!! That is only the beginning, and part of what makes this story so interesting.
With plenty of intrigue on every page, this isn't a romance, although love does play a part. Memortality is very well written, with a smooth pace, and thought-provoking storyline. Most definitely recommended by me.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and my comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
With plenty of intrigue on every page, this isn't a romance, although love does play a part. Memortality is very well written, with a smooth pace, and thought-provoking storyline. Most definitely recommended by me.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and my comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
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