Transcender: First-timer is about 17 year old Jaden who, through some accident of fate is thrust into an alternate universe. The premise of the story is that there are an infinite number of alternate realities out there where people make different decisions thus the alternate reality. Jaden finds herself in one of these realities where life on earth is very different from ours. There are basically three domes or colonies that exist since the atmosphere is no longer viable for sustaining life. Jaden is transported into her own body in an alternate reality in which she is a princess of Domerica and is kidnapped by Ryder who is a Chief’s son of a rogue clan (for lack of a better term). Ryder doesn’t live in any of the domes.
This one is a tough one for me to review. It took a long time for me to read it. I’m not sure it was the books fault or that I was reading other books at the same time which I don’t usually do. Anyway, I did enjoy the story. The world building was done exceptionally well and I could visualize it in my mind. Everything was in place. The story idea itself was excellent and at first I couldn’t put the book down. Then somewhere in the middle I got a little bored and would only read a short snippet at a time. I don’t think it was the writing, this was very good, but I think the story just dragged a bit in the middle so I got bored. I tend to like fast passed edge of your seat type books. The ending picked up and again I couldn’t put it down. Absolutely loved the ending including the cliff-hanger, which again is something I don’t usually like. I prefer my stories to be independent of the sequel, but this one was very well done.
The only thing that I didn’t like which is why I gave it 4 stars instead of five is that the main character was a little off. She didn’t speak or act like a 17 year old girl most of the time. She seemed so grown up. This isn’t a bad thing, but I would have expected more teenage angst and drama for someone so young thrust into that situation, (****spoiler alert****) especially when faced with the idea of marriage at that age. I get the whole soul mate thing but what 17 year old from our world would be even thinking about that? Even if she says she is going to wait for a while before actually doing it.
4 stars
Cynthia Stacey 