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bookishmadness's review against another edition
3.0
What I thought: Transcendence might not exactly be different but it did have the ability to pull me in. Soon after I began, I was comparing this to My Name is Memory and Lauren Kate's Fallen series. It was hard for me to read, because I felt like I was reading the same sort of thing all over again, but C.J. Omololu still had me trapped by wanted to know what was going to happen in the end. Cole is a normal teenage girl until she starts having dreams about people and places in history. Except these "dreams" come on at any time during the day and they feel very much real. As time passes, she learns that she is having memories of her past lives. Griffon, the cute boy she met on holiday, is suddenly around again and he seems to know a lot more than he is letting on.
The budding romance between Cole and Griffon wasn't fantastic and was semi-unrealistic but she is a fairly typical teenage girl with raging hormones so I just kept reading without looking too much into it.
There is a lot of action and intrigue in this story, so if past lives and reincarnation is what you want to read more of, then this story is for you!
The Good: I was sucked in by wanting to see how it ended.
The Bad: The story wasn't different enough from all the other "past lives" books I've read.
Rating: 3 bookstacks
The budding romance between Cole and Griffon wasn't fantastic and was semi-unrealistic but she is a fairly typical teenage girl with raging hormones so I just kept reading without looking too much into it.
There is a lot of action and intrigue in this story, so if past lives and reincarnation is what you want to read more of, then this story is for you!
The Good: I was sucked in by wanting to see how it ended.
The Bad: The story wasn't different enough from all the other "past lives" books I've read.
Rating: 3 bookstacks
postitsandpens's review against another edition
3.0
Transcendence was an interesting look at reincarnation, and what would happen if you could remember all of your previous lifetimes. Cole is a child prodigy cellist, who, while on vacation with her sister and father in London, starts experiencing ridiculously real visions of things that happened in the past. During one of these visions, she meets Griffon, a boy who she seems to have a startling connection to, considering that they've never met. Once back in the States, Cole realizes that Griffon actually lives near her, and the two begin dating. It's at this point that Griffon reveals why they seem drawn to each other: they're both Akhet, meaning they can remember their previous lives, and work towards righting the wrongs and fixing the world. But one of Cole's previous lives is threatening her current one, and Cole must remember what happened in order to keep herself safe.
I found this book to be enjoyable; it is a solid, 3-star book, nothing more, nothing less. There were moments when I was fed up with Cole and her thought process, because the choices she was making seemed a tad far-fetched, and I admit to being a little annoyed by the insta-love as well, even though it happens because Griffon and Cole are both Akhet. I get that, and was willing to look past it for the most part, but wish that there had been a bit more buildup. I also couldn't stand Cole's mother, who is the epitome of the stage mom characterization. She doesn't permit Cole to do anything that would interfere with her practice, and you can tell that, while Cole enjoys playing the cello, her mother enjoys the fact that her daughter is a child prodigy. After an injury makes playing the cello impossible for at least a little while, her mother refuses to accept this and, instead of being happy that her daughter survived, can only gripe at the doctor about the fact that she can't play, constantly reminding him that Cole is spectacular at the cello, as if her being good makes a difference. Seriously, I didn't like the mother AT ALL.
I haven't read too many books dealing with reincarnation, so for me this was a refreshing change from the current onslaught of other paranormal titles. I especially enjoyed the flashbacks into Cole's previous lives, and liked watching her try to figure out how everything fit together. The flashbacks were woven seamlessly into the narrative, so they were never disorienting or confusing. I also loved the richness of the description used when describing the time periods; everything from the description of the place they were, to the fabrics they were wearing, to the temperature or smells was spot-on. Omololu really has a knack for writing her settings. The flashbacks were some of my favorite parts of this book.
I was tempted to bump this up a half star, but the truth is that this book, while having an interesting idea and well-written characters, didn't wow or amaze me. This probably had more to do with my feelings toward Cole's actions late in the book than anything else; it sort of made the book end on a down note for me, mostly because my annoyance level kept going up and up as the book progressed. I just felt like she did a complete 180 in terms of what she thought and felt, and it really had me scratching my head at some of the leaps in logic she was making. I also had figured out the twist regarding the villain way before it came to be in the book, and while sometimes I like having guessed the truth, this time I just felt like the hints and clues dropped by the author were a bit too heavy-handed. Plus, there is a pretty big clue regarding one of her other previous lives that comes up right at the end, and seemed inserted simply because the author wanted to set up the next book. I felt like, at that point, that putting that in sort of disrupted the narrative and the flow, and would have been better left out all together. In fact, I kind of wish this was just a standalone book, because there are so few of those being released today, and this one was tied up nicely enough - aside from that scene - that it could have been over and done with in one installment. But alas, everything seems to be series these days!
Transcendence is a well-written, fun read that uses an interesting and new idea. The main characters are fully fleshed out and developed, and there is a smattering of humor throughout. If you're looking for something a bit different, give this one a read. I think almost everyone would be able to find something they like about it.
An e-galley was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I found this book to be enjoyable; it is a solid, 3-star book, nothing more, nothing less. There were moments when I was fed up with Cole and her thought process, because the choices she was making seemed a tad far-fetched, and I admit to being a little annoyed by the insta-love as well, even though it happens because Griffon and Cole are both Akhet. I get that, and was willing to look past it for the most part, but wish that there had been a bit more buildup. I also couldn't stand Cole's mother, who is the epitome of the stage mom characterization. She doesn't permit Cole to do anything that would interfere with her practice, and you can tell that, while Cole enjoys playing the cello, her mother enjoys the fact that her daughter is a child prodigy. After an injury makes playing the cello impossible for at least a little while, her mother refuses to accept this and, instead of being happy that her daughter survived, can only gripe at the doctor about the fact that she can't play, constantly reminding him that Cole is spectacular at the cello, as if her being good makes a difference. Seriously, I didn't like the mother AT ALL.
I haven't read too many books dealing with reincarnation, so for me this was a refreshing change from the current onslaught of other paranormal titles. I especially enjoyed the flashbacks into Cole's previous lives, and liked watching her try to figure out how everything fit together. The flashbacks were woven seamlessly into the narrative, so they were never disorienting or confusing. I also loved the richness of the description used when describing the time periods; everything from the description of the place they were, to the fabrics they were wearing, to the temperature or smells was spot-on. Omololu really has a knack for writing her settings. The flashbacks were some of my favorite parts of this book.
I was tempted to bump this up a half star, but the truth is that this book, while having an interesting idea and well-written characters, didn't wow or amaze me. This probably had more to do with my feelings toward Cole's actions late in the book than anything else; it sort of made the book end on a down note for me, mostly because my annoyance level kept going up and up as the book progressed. I just felt like she did a complete 180 in terms of what she thought and felt, and it really had me scratching my head at some of the leaps in logic she was making. I also had figured out the twist regarding the villain way before it came to be in the book, and while sometimes I like having guessed the truth, this time I just felt like the hints and clues dropped by the author were a bit too heavy-handed. Plus, there is a pretty big clue regarding one of her other previous lives that comes up right at the end, and seemed inserted simply because the author wanted to set up the next book. I felt like, at that point, that putting that in sort of disrupted the narrative and the flow, and would have been better left out all together. In fact, I kind of wish this was just a standalone book, because there are so few of those being released today, and this one was tied up nicely enough - aside from that scene - that it could have been over and done with in one installment. But alas, everything seems to be series these days!
Transcendence is a well-written, fun read that uses an interesting and new idea. The main characters are fully fleshed out and developed, and there is a smattering of humor throughout. If you're looking for something a bit different, give this one a read. I think almost everyone would be able to find something they like about it.
An e-galley was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
amber04's review against another edition
4.0
Transcendence was amazing! I couldn't put this book down. There was so much mystery and suspense. If you are interested in reincarnation, this is a great pick for you. The unique storyline was so captivating. I simply can't say how fascinating this story is.
I actually think it would be just amazing to be able to remember past lives. To see how different the world has become through the years, centuries even. Cole and Griffon were two Akhet's, people who can remember who they were in the lives they've lived before. It's an Egyptian word that's been used to describe them for thousands of years. But there is also an Iawi Akhet, which they have had their memories for many lifetimes. This is what Griffon, the curly haired, Amber eyed hero is. The Sekhem is an organization that most of the Iawi Akhet belong to. They organize ways to give back. They try and help everything that the humans have helped screw up over the millennia, such as hunger, poverty, disease and climate change.
But not only do they have this amazing responsibility, but they can sense other Akhet's. That is how Cole and Griffon's journey began. It was so sweet and paced nicely. I liked the fact that Cole was just coming into her Akhet abilities and Griffon was there to guide her. He was a knockout! I just adored this character. He wasn't the hero that tried to whisk the lady off her feet and throw her in the sack. He was a gentleman. Respectful. I admired him for his sense of self-control. It was cute watching Cole go all mushy thinking about him and being around him.
There was a particular item in this story that holds a big piece to the puzzle. The mystery glimpses of the past are stepping stones to the final scene. This story was so well played out and so intriguing. I enjoyed the easiness of the writing and steady pacing. I can't wait to read the next installment. I seriously Can. Not. Wait!
A special “Thank You” to Bloomsbury Walker.
I actually think it would be just amazing to be able to remember past lives. To see how different the world has become through the years, centuries even. Cole and Griffon were two Akhet's, people who can remember who they were in the lives they've lived before. It's an Egyptian word that's been used to describe them for thousands of years. But there is also an Iawi Akhet, which they have had their memories for many lifetimes. This is what Griffon, the curly haired, Amber eyed hero is. The Sekhem is an organization that most of the Iawi Akhet belong to. They organize ways to give back. They try and help everything that the humans have helped screw up over the millennia, such as hunger, poverty, disease and climate change.
But not only do they have this amazing responsibility, but they can sense other Akhet's. That is how Cole and Griffon's journey began. It was so sweet and paced nicely. I liked the fact that Cole was just coming into her Akhet abilities and Griffon was there to guide her. He was a knockout! I just adored this character. He wasn't the hero that tried to whisk the lady off her feet and throw her in the sack. He was a gentleman. Respectful. I admired him for his sense of self-control. It was cute watching Cole go all mushy thinking about him and being around him.
There was a particular item in this story that holds a big piece to the puzzle. The mystery glimpses of the past are stepping stones to the final scene. This story was so well played out and so intriguing. I enjoyed the easiness of the writing and steady pacing. I can't wait to read the next installment. I seriously Can. Not. Wait!
A special “Thank You” to Bloomsbury Walker.
kaymariko's review against another edition
4.0
I am pleasantly surprised with the ending of this book, and how excited I am at the existence of a sequel.
Admittedly, it took me quite a while to fully accept the notion of reincarnation in this book and how it worked. Especially regarding the "mental age difference" between Cole and Griffon. Once I was able to overcome that one factor, I wholly accepted the characters.
Cole is a likable protagonist. While at times, I definitely rolled my eyes at her true teenage girl tendencies and thoughts regarding her forming crush, it wasn't enough to turn me off from her.
I also thoroughly enjoyed all the subplots, and the past lives were smart. There was obviously a lot of thought regarding the web of Cole's lives, and I can appreciate all the work that was obviously put in to it.
Despite the difficulty I had in grasping the reincarnation concept early on, I genuinely enjoyed this book, and will be reading the sequel.
Admittedly, it took me quite a while to fully accept the notion of reincarnation in this book and how it worked. Especially regarding the "mental age difference" between Cole and Griffon. Once I was able to overcome that one factor, I wholly accepted the characters.
Cole is a likable protagonist. While at times, I definitely rolled my eyes at her true teenage girl tendencies and thoughts regarding her forming crush, it wasn't enough to turn me off from her.
I also thoroughly enjoyed all the subplots, and the past lives were smart. There was obviously a lot of thought regarding the web of Cole's lives, and I can appreciate all the work that was obviously put in to it.
Despite the difficulty I had in grasping the reincarnation concept early on, I genuinely enjoyed this book, and will be reading the sequel.
danicapage's review against another edition
4.0
My Rating: 4 out of 5 stars.
My Overall Thoughts/ Impressions: First off, I'd like to thank Netgalley and the publisher for giving me an e-galley to review this novel.
I went into this novel with absolutely no expectations and I was blown away with how much I enjoyed this story. I loved the character Cole from the moment she entered the story and I can say the same about Griffon. The characters were well-developed and the chemistry between them was undeniable.
The plot was fairly original. I thought I wouldn't be too interested in books about reincarnation; however, I've read so many amazing books about this topic that I'm reconsidering.
This novel was one that I stayed up all night reading and has definitely caught my attention. The writing was masterful and Omololu has created a world that I want to revisit. I can't wait to see what happens in the sequel Fated. This was her sophomore novel.
If you are looking for an intriguing YA paranormal novel, than this is the novel for you.
In Summary: I went in with no expectations and fell in love with this story. Omololu has weaved an intriguing tale that I will definitely be keeping tabs on.
Warnings/Side-notes: This novel is fairly clean. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it.
The Wrap-up: I'm glad I took a chance on this one. I only read it because I loved the cover. Thankfully, the cover didn't lead me astray. Definitely recommend this one.
Love,
Danica Page
My Overall Thoughts/ Impressions: First off, I'd like to thank Netgalley and the publisher for giving me an e-galley to review this novel.
I went into this novel with absolutely no expectations and I was blown away with how much I enjoyed this story. I loved the character Cole from the moment she entered the story and I can say the same about Griffon. The characters were well-developed and the chemistry between them was undeniable.
The plot was fairly original. I thought I wouldn't be too interested in books about reincarnation; however, I've read so many amazing books about this topic that I'm reconsidering.
This novel was one that I stayed up all night reading and has definitely caught my attention. The writing was masterful and Omololu has created a world that I want to revisit. I can't wait to see what happens in the sequel Fated. This was her sophomore novel.
If you are looking for an intriguing YA paranormal novel, than this is the novel for you.
In Summary: I went in with no expectations and fell in love with this story. Omololu has weaved an intriguing tale that I will definitely be keeping tabs on.
Warnings/Side-notes: This novel is fairly clean. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it.
The Wrap-up: I'm glad I took a chance on this one. I only read it because I loved the cover. Thankfully, the cover didn't lead me astray. Definitely recommend this one.
Love,
Danica Page
josiekeleb's review against another edition
2.0
Had a lot of cringey moments and was pretty boring most of the time. The concept of the story still seemed interesting.
lesliethewanderlust's review against another edition
4.0
I saw the cover of this book and it immediately caught my eye— since I’m always on the lookout for books in the paranormal world with people of colour in them. Anyways I read the synopsis, and it sounded great so here’s my review.
Transcendence tells the story of world much like ours, except people called Akhet exist. It is insinuated that everyone has past lives. They are constantly being reborn in different centuries, as different people, but no one can remember these experiences— unless you are Akhet.
Enter sixteen-year-old cello prodigy Cole, and her slightly older love interest Griffon (can’t remember exact age). Cole starts getting weird blackouts and getting glimpses of other peoples lives, only to later find out its her own latent memories resurfacing from past lives. Griffon has the same abilities as she does and he helps her sort through the memories… and of course they fall for each other. Cole battles between the memories in her head, and the reality she can see, and learns something about Griffon that pretty much changes everything about their growing feelings towards each other.
The romance aspect of the book was sweet, and it didn’t seem forced. The writing was engaging and the characters were likable. I am really interested to see where the story goes in book #2.
Transcendence tells the story of world much like ours, except people called Akhet exist. It is insinuated that everyone has past lives. They are constantly being reborn in different centuries, as different people, but no one can remember these experiences— unless you are Akhet.
Enter sixteen-year-old cello prodigy Cole, and her slightly older love interest Griffon (can’t remember exact age). Cole starts getting weird blackouts and getting glimpses of other peoples lives, only to later find out its her own latent memories resurfacing from past lives. Griffon has the same abilities as she does and he helps her sort through the memories… and of course they fall for each other. Cole battles between the memories in her head, and the reality she can see, and learns something about Griffon that pretty much changes everything about their growing feelings towards each other.
The romance aspect of the book was sweet, and it didn’t seem forced. The writing was engaging and the characters were likable. I am really interested to see where the story goes in book #2.
shelleyrae's review against another edition
3.0
It has been three weeks since sixteen year old Nicole, sight-seeing at the Tower of London, was dizzied by a vision of an executioner's axe and a jeering crowd. Now, back home in San Francisco, Cole is surprised but pleased when Griffon, the cute boy who rescued from her faint in England, appears on her doorstep but she soon learns that Griffon has sought her out for a reason. Cole, like Griffon, is Ahket and her seemingly inexplicable visions of people and places in times long ago are memories of her past lives intruding on to her present.
Transcendence is the introduction to a new young adult series by C.J. Omololu in which she explores reincarnation, fate and destiny. I really like this fresh mythology and the way in which the author combines contemporary, paranormal, history and mystery to create a story that crosses genres.
Though I found that the characterisation was not always consistent, most noticeably with Cole, I find both she and Griffon generally appealing. I love that Cole is a cellist prodigy, finally a heroine with a hobby! Unfortunately Omololu hasn't strayed quite far enough way from the character traits I've come to expect in the YA genre, Cole is insecure about her appearance, lacking in generally in self confidence and impulsive enough to create her own trouble.
This being YA, a romance is obligatory. To be honest I think it is a little creepy for Griffon, who is physically seventeen years old but with the memories and experience of a man centuries old, to be in love with Cole, who has still not integrated her memories. The author does make an attempt to address the issues that come from such a significant 'age' difference though and I hope that feeling will wane though as Cole regains her knowledge from past lives.
In general, Transcendence is a well written story, the flashbacks in particular are well handled. I thought the pace was okay
and there is a twist or two, though no real surprises.
I think Transcendence, as a series, has promise and this novel is a good introduction into Omololu's world.
buuboobaby's review against another edition
4.0
4 stars
I think I enjoyed Transcendence so much because of how much I liked the protagonist. I was immediately invested in Cole’s lives, both present and past. I was held in an agony of suspense as she tried to make sense of everything that was happening to her. As she learns more about her past, she begins to question her present. She has always cherished her ability to play the cello, but now she feels that she’s been cheating and lying, and that she has an unfair advantage over other musicians. I never thought she was arrogant about her musical gifts, so to see how confused she became only made me like her that much better. I felt a real connection with Cole, and I am looking forward to learning more about both her present and past lives.
Full review here - http://www.mangamaniaccafe.com/?p=6577
I think I enjoyed Transcendence so much because of how much I liked the protagonist. I was immediately invested in Cole’s lives, both present and past. I was held in an agony of suspense as she tried to make sense of everything that was happening to her. As she learns more about her past, she begins to question her present. She has always cherished her ability to play the cello, but now she feels that she’s been cheating and lying, and that she has an unfair advantage over other musicians. I never thought she was arrogant about her musical gifts, so to see how confused she became only made me like her that much better. I felt a real connection with Cole, and I am looking forward to learning more about both her present and past lives.
Full review here - http://www.mangamaniaccafe.com/?p=6577
emslovestoread's review against another edition
4.0
I was hooked from 'Tower of London'! I couldn't imagine that a book starting out that way would be anything but good, and I was right. I seriously enjoyed this book. It had plenty of twists and turns that kept me guessing and plenty of intrigue to keep my mind reeling. Just when I thought I had something figured out right, NOPE. I didn't. I like books that keep me on my toes.
There were characters that I loved from the beginning and characters that I couldn't stand (coughKatcough). There were people I thought I had all figured out and by the end, I realized I had no idea who they were at all. The story was so well crafted that it led me along exactly as how the author had it mapped out and then BAM - CHANGE! (well, I assume I was led exactly how she'd planned)
I really liked the way things progressed between Griffin and Cole. It was perfect for the story. A little bit of insta-love going on, but nothing I couldn't handle. And really, it was almost to be expected, given the nature of the story. I won't spoil anything here, but it made perfect sense to me once I got further in.
Loved the story and can't wait to find out what happens next. I had an egalley of this one and I'll definitely be buying a finished copy once I'm able to.
It's a 4 Eiffel Tower book for me!
There were characters that I loved from the beginning and characters that I couldn't stand (coughKatcough). There were people I thought I had all figured out and by the end, I realized I had no idea who they were at all. The story was so well crafted that it led me along exactly as how the author had it mapped out and then BAM - CHANGE! (well, I assume I was led exactly how she'd planned)
I really liked the way things progressed between Griffin and Cole. It was perfect for the story. A little bit of insta-love going on, but nothing I couldn't handle. And really, it was almost to be expected, given the nature of the story. I won't spoil anything here, but it made perfect sense to me once I got further in.
Loved the story and can't wait to find out what happens next. I had an egalley of this one and I'll definitely be buying a finished copy once I'm able to.
It's a 4 Eiffel Tower book for me!