Illumine (The Illumine Series) [Kindle Edition]

Alivia Anders (Author)

Book Description

THE ELECTRIFYING BEGINNING TO THE AMAZON BESTSELLING ILLUMINE SERIES!

Winner for Paranormal Book of the Year by Turning Pages!

Every action comes with a price.

Let the flames begin.

For the past five months Essallie Hanley has been trying to forget about the frightening murder of her boyfriend. Haunted by vivid nightmares and hallucinations of the event she does anything she can to pretend she's like every other normal girl in High School. 

Only Essallie is far from normal. Able to conjure blue fire and a shimmering silhouette of wings from her body, she seeks the only known solace left to her name; her first home in Belfast, Maine. 

But she soon realizes that her return home is only the beginning of a long and twisted road taking her as far from her humanity as possible, with Kayden, the demon originally summoned to slaughter her, leading the way. Unable to touch her but oddly curious, he joins Essallie in her search to find out just what she is. But neither of them were prepared for the secrets they've begun to unravel, secrets that will change Essallie and everyone around her forever.

Fans of Nevermore and Sweet Evil will love the twisting mysteries and dark ties of love in The Illumine Series! 

Praise for Illumine, book one in The Illumine Series:

"A fabulous YA read, full of many different surprises at every turn! You don't know what, or who you'll run into next!" - Uniquely Moi Books

"... Illumine is a fast paced, action packed paranormal which will keep sinking its teeth into you until you've reached the last page!" - Bellebooks

"I will definitely be reading the next book in the series to find out more!" - BookStacksOnDeck

"If you like YA books about a little bit of magic, angels, and demons, I think you should give this book a try!" - Synchronized Reading

"... If you're looking for a fast supernatural read, this one is perfect!" - I Read Indie Book Blog

"Can't wait for the second book in this series to come out this summer. Hurry up summer! I've got some reading to do!" - Nat's Book Nook

"... [ESSALLIE & KAYDEN'S] witty banter, their smoldering hidden feelings, all of it meshed beautifully and I was smitten." - Hopelessly Devoted Bilbliophile

"... The overriding story arc of a girl who had been kept in the dark as to who she is or what she can do and has to seek advice from a creature that has tormented her nightmares is compelling." - Reading The Paranormal

"This is surely to have a sequel that I myself will be looking forward to reading." - Jacquie Talento

"Alivia Anders' books must be read; they capture the reader from the start." - Leigh Kern

"I really felt like Essallie was telling her story, the emotions and characters that were concentrated on only made me want to know more as I began to connect with them. The reality spliced with fantasy was the perfect mix for laying out in the beach sun and forgetting about reality." - Katie Quinn

"If you enjoy Angels/Demons with various supernatural creatures thrown in the mix, you should enjoy this story!" - Willow Cross, author of Birthright

"PERFECT YA FICTION." - Alex Rimany

"Essie... Was great as a protagonist, and dutifully stubborn. Her personality made for an interesting story, as well as the personalities of the people closest to her... Illumine was a fun, quick read that besides leaving me anxiously awaiting the second in the story, left me smiling." - Mera's YA Book Blog

"I absolutely loved this because even though it was a fast read, I never wanted it to end ever. The future can only tell what is in store with Essallie and where her journey will lead." - Silent T's Book Blog

 

Editorial Reviews

Review

"PERFECT YA FICTION." - Alex, Goodreads.com user

"A fabulous YA read, full of many different surprises at every turn! You don't know what, or who you'll run into next!" - UNIQUELY MOI BOOKS

"... Illumine is a fast paced, action packed paranormal which will keep sink it's teeth into you until you've reached the last page!" - BELLEBOOKS

"If you like YA books about a little bit of magic, angels, and demon you should give this book a try!" - Synchronized Reading

"For a first time, self published, author I have to say I'm impressed. Alivia Anders has created a beautiful story and interesting characters that suck you in and leave you wanting more." - Kristina, owner of OpinionatedMama

" ..both Essallie and Kayden stole the show for me. Their witty banter, their smoldering hidden feelings, all of it meshed beautifully and I was smitten. I see great things coming around the bend from Alivia Anders." - Hopelessly Devoted Bibilophile

"I will definitely be reading the next book in the series to find out more!" - BookStacksOnDeck

"Can't wait for the second book in this series set to come out this summer. Hurry up summer! I've got some reading to do!" - Nat's Book Nook

From the Author

Books Available by Alivia Anders:

The Illumine Series:
Illumine (Book #1) 
Obumbrate (Book #2)
Riven (Book #3)

Ethereal (Book #3.5, releases March 2013)

Look for the title and cover reveal of book #4 to the Illumine Series in Summer, 2013! 


Other Series By Alivia Anders: 

The Black Symphony Saga Novellas:

An Ice Princess Heart (Novella #1, releases 2013)

An Ice Princess Kiss (Novella #2, releases 2013)

An Ice Princess Symphony (Novella #3, releases 2013)

An Ice Princess Dream (Novella #4, releases 2013)

The Black Symphony Saga:
A Shard of Ice (Book #1, releases April 2014)
A Brush of Fire (Book #2, releases January 2015)
A Breath of Life (Book #3, releases December 2015)


Stand Alone Novels:

Unwanted (New Adult Dystopian, releases July 30th, 2013)

Project Halielle (YA Dystopian, Releases 2014)

Black Crowns (YA Fantasy, Releases 2014)

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• File Size: 335 KB
• Print Length: 227 pages
• Page Numbers Source ISBN: 1478190787
• Simultaneous Device Usage: Unlimited
• Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
• Language: English
• ASIN: B006V1MRTO
• Text-to-Speech: Enabled
• X-Ray: Not Enabled
• Lending: Enabled
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #96,158 Paid in Kindle Store (See Top 100 Paid in Kindle Store)

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Surprisingly found myself looking for the next in the series January 23, 2012

By Bryan

Format:Kindle Edition

Having read Angelfall by Susan Ee, I saw this title recommended. With a delayed flight in Atlanta (go figure) I settled in for a young author's perspective of an age old topic. Alivia's characterization of Kayden was a great character build and left me interested in the chapter of the series. A couple characters seemed a bit rushed as scenes began and ended but never the less it was a fast paced read that weaved a dark magical tale.

i hope to see the series continue and wish the author the best in Essallie and Kayden's journey.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Thrilling and Toe Tingling! March 6, 2012

By Uniquely Moi Books

Format:Kindle Edition

When I first started reading Illumine, I wasn't warned of the horrific and graphic scenes that take place that led to my nightmare. With that being said, I much enjoyed the detail and writing style of Alivia. I love how she included 'real world' things that I could relate to into the story. Illumine definitely held my interest with tons of activity and had sent questions whirring through my head only to leave my mouth on the floor at the end. A fabulous YA read, full of many different surprises at every turn! You don't know what, or who you'll run into next!
Essallie now spends her life trying to forget that day. It seems like no matter what she does, that's all she can think about. That horrid day that changed her life forever. The things she seen and experienced that day were far beyond this world, this realm. Yet, it happened. She was there. She seen the demon right in front of her and never wants to experience it again. No more parties for Essallie. No more anything that might lead to something so sinister.
Finally, after many months of boredom and doing nothing, Essallie lets herself get talked into a party. While there, she sees his face. The demon. Asking to reveal himself, he does, speaking his name and sharing with her his purpose. Kayden. His plans have now changed, and there are things about Essallie that she doesn't even know about herself.
Along the journey to finding her purpose and her true self, new creatures will be revealed, a great friend will be lost, and surprises that will have you begging for more!

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Perfect YA Fiction! January 14, 2012

By Alex

Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase

Illumine was a little hard to get into at firsr. The beginning was somewhat wordy and choppy and there were a few name-drops and I kind of was like, "Ugh, please don't make this sound like a Blue Bloods novel." But I got past the prologue, and immediately, I was immersed in Essallie's world.

It was amazing. It was perfect YA fiction. Really. PERFECT YA FICTION. It reminded me a little of Lauren Kate's novel "Fallen." But only in the way that it flowed really well, not because they're both about half-angels.

I liked how Alivia Anders didn't try to shove information at you all at once. What was explained was simple, she didn't try to complicate anything. It was wonderful.

Essallie was a good character, likable. Even Ursula was likable, in her own way. Kayden grows on you. Each character has depth, and they aren't just silly Mary Sues.

The ending comes too fast, and I can't wait for the sequel.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Illumine Review for Mera's YA Book List December 10, 2012

By Chamera Sampson

Format:Paperback

Illumine by Alivia Anders is a fast-paced, exciting read that left me begging for more. Illumine is the story of Essallie Hanley, often called Essie, who moves back to her hometown after a weird night, during which she watches her boyfriend die. But for Essie, who has had a rather unusual childhood, running from her problems doesn't work, and she's forced to face the weird and paranormal occurrences that come at her in full speed.

The characters in Anders story conflicted me a multiple points.

Kayden, a mysterious but completely handsome demon, left me wondering about his intentions and thoroughly intrigued me, while still grossing me out. I don't know how he managed to do so, but it worked rather well. Even thinking about him now leaves me in a state in-between love and disgust. Trust me, this is actually not so bad, considering the events that follow his most cringe-worthy moment.

Essie, while she often made me want to shake her for not seeing the obvious, was great as a protagonist, and dutifully stubborn. Her personality made for an interesting story, as well as the personalities of the people closest to her. Her caring older brother Jayson helped when it came to annoyance towards Essallie, as his character often made me smile.

Besides Essie and Jayson, a few other charcters made a big impact on how I viewed this story. Abigail and Ursula were two characters that came across with big personalities, and were written by Anders in a way that gave me a great visual of the dynamic characters, and Leo, who I miss already, is a character I had a soft spot for from the first mention of him in the story. If I had to pick teams, like many of us do for books we've enjoyed, I would pick #TeamLeo, as he is one of my favorite characters in the story.... Like Jayson, Leo helped alleviate some of my aggravation with other characters. They are the calm in the midst of the storm, well, story.

All in all, Illumine was a fun, quick read that besides leaving me anxiously awaiting the second in the story, left me smiling. I'm happy to have gotten a chance to read this story. Read more ›

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Captivating! November 24, 2012

By candy

Format:Paperback

I received this book free from Alivia in exchange of a honest review.
When I first started Illumine I was taken aback by the graphic detail in the first chapter.I put it down for a day then picked in back up and read it in one sitting.I loved it! The way Alivia writes detailed descriptions of the scenes brings the story to life.It flows well and captivates your imagination.
Essallie attends a high school party and is betrayed by her boyfriend and best friend in a horrific way.They try to sacrifice her but when they summon the demon he kills Chase,Essallie's boyfriend and sends Cassie,her best friend,running for her life. Essallie is scarred by this incident and Essallie starts to have hallucinations of the demon everywhere.
She is sent to live with her half brother in a small town up north to give her a fresh start.Some the student have heard rumors and know something is strange about Essallie. But when Essallie and her new best friend,Abigail,sneak off to a party Kayden,the demon from the incident,shows up.She thinks she is hallucinating, but all the students see him.They have a small confrontation and then everyone goes home after one of the students falls to the ground convulsing.
Things aren't to good at school,everyone this she is still a freak and on top of that Kayden decides to enroll as a student.He continues to harass Essallie about her needing his help.After she almost combusts from a high fever due to her powers coming in,she gives in to Kayden. He helps her try figure out who she really is and then Leo steps in with some information of his own and shows her to city of supernatural creatures....They go to the city to find answers but only get more questions after a faerie tell them that Essallie must find her Watcher to help bind her power or she will die When Essallie,Kayden,Leo,and Ursula attend a Carnival in Charon,the supernatural city,things get haywire.Who will survive? Will Essallie find her Watcher?
I love Essallie's tenacity,she always has a sarcastic comment.Everything she goes through she never gives up, even though she may want to. Kayden is my favorite character.He is painted a evil person but he ends up softening up a bit.He is one of those characters that grows on you.You are left wanting trust him but not sure if you can. Read more ›

More About the Author

ALIVIA ANDERS is the author of the Amazon bestselling Illumine Series. Born and raised in PA, she fell headfirst into the world of writing at thirteen with the discovery of internet fan-fiction and RPG-forum boards. A lover of chinchillas, mexican food, and coffee, she spends most of her time drumming up new ideas to spin into tales to enchant readers everywhere.

You can find out more about Alivia, and her upcoming projects, by visiting her Facebook or Blogger.

Books Available by Alivia Anders:

The Illumine Series:
Illumine (Book #1)
Obumbrate (Book #2)
Riven (Book #3)
Ethereal (Book #3.5, releases March 2013)

Look for the title and cover reveal of book #4 to the Illumine Series in Summer, 2013!


Other Series By Alivia Anders:

The Black Symphony Saga Novellas:
An Ice Princess Heart (Novella #1, releases 2013)
An Ice Princess Kiss (Novella #2, releases 2013)
An Ice Princess Symphony (Novella #3, releases 2013)
An Ice Princess Dream (Novella #4, releases 2013)

The Black Symphony Saga:
A Shard of Ice (Book #1, releases April 2014)
A Brush of Fire (Book #2, releases January 2015)
A Breath of Life (Book #3, releases December 2015)