The Hive: Lexi's Review for Fireflies and Hope From the Ocean by P.S. Bartlett

Title: Fireflies

Author: PS Bartlett

Release Day: April 3th, 2013

Genre: Historical Fiction/Paranormal/Historical Irish Fiction

Summary:

However peculiar Ennis Whelan has been for the first six years of his life, not until the day he found the bird, did the degree of his strangeness become so tangible.

Dr. Owen Whelan and his wife Sarah, both Irish immigrants, have been living the American dream, as well as raising seven bright and expressive children. Their youngest Ennis, however, has since birth, been a bit of a mystery.

Ennis was always small, meek and frightfully odd but there is so much more to him than anyone could have imagined. His sister Teagan grows increasingly suspicious of his behavior but their mother dismisses her claims, until the day he starts healing people.

When Ennis ultimately reveals the gift of sight, he questions his father about visions of his past, including his voyage to America in 1844. Owen prayed he’d never have to share those tragic memories but he will share them, when he realizes he has no choice. Ennis’ life may depend on it.

Lexi's Review:

Fireflies by P.S. Bartlett is a gripping story that narrates the story of a boy who has the a special and unique ability to heal wounds.

I wanted to be assigned to this story because the synopsis was very interesting and compelling. To be honest, I had a hard time starting this story. I felt like the first 50 pages wouldn’t end already. But as I got more and more into the story I was pleasantly surprised that it got better.

Even if it got better, I am still a bit unsure of my feelings towards it. I liked it at times and not so much at others. My intention is to make a spoiler-free review, so I won’t go into details, but all I am saying that I wish Fireflies was a little different than what it is. How? I don’t know, it just is not what I expected. But that may be good for others.

The author has an impeccable way of writing. I love her method of writing and her choice of words especially that the plot is set in the 1800's, which until now, I found a rather boring period to read about.

Fireflies by P.S. Bartlett is definitely a story that will give you a whole lot of emotions whilst reading it. I would recommend it to everyone who likes to be gripped into an emotional story with an amazing ending that will leave you desperately wanting for more.

Rating:

My rating will be 4 out of 5 honey pots just for the fact that I had a really hard time in the beginning.

Title: Hope From the Ocean

Author: PS Bartlett

Release Day: May 30th, 2014

Genre: Historical Fiction/Paranormal/Historical Irish Fiction

Summary:

When Owen Whelan revealed his secret, he was set free from a haunting past and an uncertain future for his son, Ennis. However, in order to know the true depths of his heart, first we must follow him all the way back to a dirt road on a chilly and bitter spring dawn in Ireland. Behind the locked doors of his memories and hidden beneath shame, hunger and eventually escape, we learn the true meaning of the proverb, “There’s hope from the ocean but none from the grave.” Owen’s journey will teach him that sometimes you have to cross that ocean not only to survive but to finally find love, life and become the man worthy of your own admiration and respect.

There are turning points in life you cannot come back from but if you’re brave enough, you can begin again.

Lexi's Review:

The novel Hope from the Ocean by P.S. Bartlett is the prequel to Fireflies, written by the same author. This prequel tells the story of Owen Whelan.

Unlike the first book “Fireflies” , this prequel does not have a heavy start. Even though it has a better start than the one before, it doesn’t mean I liked it more. I am not trying to be a negativist but I usually do not prequels. Maybe I should have started reading this book first and then continue with its companion.

Despite my weird affinity to books, I have to admit that the writing was once again impeccable. The author manages to describe everything to the most little detail perfectly. I love how she managed to put her words on the page and make me visualise the actions taking place.

The plot of the story is definitely very interesting and manages to capture your heart whilst reading it. Hope from the Ocean managed to play my emotions on its fingers at some parts.

And lets just talk about how it ended. I just have to say that it had an amazing end, just how Fireflies had! After reading this review, some might think I loved the prequel more than the first book, but I didn’t, and that is because of some little details that I cannot mention without spoiling you.

All in all, Hope from the Ocean by P.S. Bartlett is a great novel, that should be read before its companion, Fireflies, because it will help you understand the latter better. I would recommend this book to everyone who likes a gripping story and to everyone who read Fireflies so they can get answers to some parts that might have remained unclear.

P.S. The covers of both these novels are gorgeous. Definitely two of the best covers for indie books I have seen for a long time!

Rating:

About the Author:

I was born on Valentine’s Day a long, long time ago in South Baltimore, Maryland, less than a mile from Fort McHenry and Federal Hill. I’m the youngest of eleven children. I’m a very simple person. I love my life and am always striving to make it better for myself and my family. I write, I draw and I work full-time. I also paint beautiful watercolors with my three year old granddaughter.

I’ve been married for nearly 19 years and together we have two sons and a daughter. I’d call myself a football fan but I mostly only watch my home team, the World Champion Baltimore Ravens. I love super heroes and Superman has been my favorite since I was a little girl. June 2013 the new Superman movie “Man of Steel” arrives in theaters and it cannot get here soon enough for me. I love cats and I have a Maine Coon named Columbus.