Hearth: Exile (Book 1 of the Hearth Tetralogy) [Kindle Edition]

M. R. Jenks (Author)

Book Description

A man awakens to find himself propped half-in, half out of a trashcan in a back alley behind the Boathouse Restaurant in Central Park, New York City. He has no idea who he is, where he is, or how he got there. In Book One of the Hearth trilogy, this man wanders the streets in search of his identity, his memories, and his name. He is joined along the way by two companions, an orphan girl named Page, and a similarly memory-challenged woman named Lauren. Together they embark on a journey across the Christmas landscape of New York City, seeking answers to an unfolding and ever-growing mystery, watched over by Sister Regina, the head of the Convent where they are staying . . . And as they begin to find answers, as they begin to discover more and more clues to Lauren and Brinn’s identities, something stalks them - an ancient and deadly Evil from before the dawn of recorded history. A clock is ticking now, and they better solve the mystery of their origins and who they are soon. For it is not just they and everyone around them who are threatened; the entire fate of humanity and of two worlds is in peril, unless they find answers, and find answers soon.

Product Details

• File Size: 573 KB
• Print Length: 326 pages
• Simultaneous Device Usage: Unlimited
• Publisher: M. R. Jenks; 1st edition (April 17, 2012)
• Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
• Language: English
• ASIN: B007UB0RKK
• Text-to-Speech: Enabled
• X-Ray: Not Enabled
• Lending: Enabled
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #861,693 Paid in Kindle Store (See Top 100 Paid in Kindle Store)

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars An enticing read which offers a lot of excitement to come June 12, 2012

By G. Wakeling

Format:Kindle Edition

Hearth: Exile is most definitely one of those reads that draws you in gradually. Set in modern day New York, the main character immediately grips you, but it's the quiet unravelling of his story that begins to stir your interest and curiosity. At the outset of this book you don't even know the main characters name, for he himself has amnesia and has no idea who he is. However, for those who worry that this read will take a while to get into, Jenks' beautifully crafted New York cityscape is superbly drawn. It's winter, it's desolate, but the Big Apple continues to shine in all its beauty, and adds as much to the story as a supporting character.

As the story progresses, the main character's identity is revealed and he starts to remember aspects of his past life. This is particularly sparked when he meets Lauren; a stunning woman that he's sure he's met before. She offers support, kindness and shelter by way of a city Convent. There, under the watchful eye of Sister Regina, the pair of them begin to not only develop old feelings for one another, but sense that something rather sinister has happened to them.

One of the reasons that I loved this book was that the fantasy aspect was done in a very subtle way. It is the characters fascination for discovery that drives this story along, and the fantasy is peppered throughout; just enough to cause intrigue and curiosity, but not too much to turn what is a well structured character driven novel into yet another pointless fantasy saga. As more details emerge, so the fantasy thrills increase, offering an exciting end to this first novel in the series. I really liked the mixture of characters, including youngster Page who surprises everyone with her intellect and becomes a vital part of the storyline.

There's no doubt from the end of this novel, that Hearth: Exile is set to have a sequel written. And, such is my need to find out just what has happened, I hope that Jenks' has this sequel planned sooner rather than later. I highly recommend this book, and it'll leave you wanting much, much more.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Enjoyable read. June 5, 2012

By Moggy K

Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase

I snagged this title on a Kindle freebie day. I don't normally read this genre (although I really read a little of just about every genre) ~ I guess its classified and fantasy, time travel? I enjoyed the book and the characters. I especially liked the little girl Page. It was a little bit of a slow read though and just when things started really happening, the book ended. I look forward to reading the next book in the series, too bad it won't be out until before the holidays (according to the author ~ I met him on shelfari.com).

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Would Definitely Recommend This May 16, 2012

By dpappas

Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase

I started this book during a break from studying for my finals. A few pages into this book and I knew that I wasn't going to be doing much studying anymore. This book held my interest throughout, and at times I was completely wrapped up in it. The characters are compelling and I really came to root for them. I have to say that I connected the most with Page and loved reading her backstory. The more I learned about the characters the more I cared about them.

M.R. Jenks did a great job telling this story. It really flowed well and there didn't seem to be any lull in the story for me. I have to say that my favorite part of this story was Page's backstory. While I was reading that part I was so hooked that an earthquake wouldn't have torn my attention away from the book.

I really enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more in this series.