The Gaia Wars

Jo Bryant

Clement Valley has been home for thirteen-year-old Warren Wilkes, ever since his parents died just before his third birthday. Living with Uncle Dave, Warren has come to love the Valley and Torch Lake.

The Finlays want to destroy that. Todd Sr., by development, Todd Jr., because he is his father’s son. I admit to feeling a sense of satisfaction at the way the world turns on Todd Jr.

When Warren stumbles across an ancient skeleton, and finds a medallion, his world is changed – irrevocably. Dark, malevolent forces are set loose upon the earth and its ancient secrets.

I finished The Gaia Wars in one sitting. I simply couldn’t stop reading. Technically a YA fiction book, The Gaia Wars is a lot more than that.

The character of Onotah is breathtakingly clever, and a poignant reminder of where we are headed with our planet lest we take care. Adults and young adults will relate to Warren easily as he struggles to find out where he fits in to the world, where he came from, and if life itself can be kept safe.

The Gaia Wars is fantastic, as fantasy should be, but it is oh so true.

I think that is what I liked the most about this book. The reality that is woven with the fantasy so realistically it almost doesn’t seem fantastic at all.

Kenneth G. Bennett

Kenneth G Bennett is the author of The Gaia Wars and Battle for Cascadia (book 2 of The Gaia Wars). Perhaps it is his enthusiasm for the outdoor life that translates across the pages of this book. I just know I can’t wait to read Book 2, to continue the journey with Warren Wilkes.

***

Over the next few weeks I am taking part in a gigantic holiday book bash.

I get to read new books.

Anytime anyone offers me books to read – I’m in.

Then I get to tell YOU what I think about them.

The Gaia Wars is the first of four I will be reading.

Emlyn Chand and her team over at Novel Publicity & Co. are the organisers.

Emlyn has a great post with an interview with Kenneth G. Bennett.

There are perks other than new books – so if you want to vote for me: here’s the link.

Just scroll down the page a bit until you find click here to vote then ‘Chronicles of Illusions’

Or don’t – books is all I needed to hear !!!!!!!

As part of the promotion you can get your copy of The Gaia Wars at either Amazon or Barnes & Noble for 99 cents this week.

There are also prizes for you too if you want.

***

Well sometimes life is grand !!!

Kenneth G. Bennett stopped by and said thanks.

I am easily pleased…

Published by Jo Bryant

I was born in the land of Banjo Paterson, gum trees, and weather extremes. I am a freelance photographer. I love to make images that make people happy. To capture forever a precious moment. I am also a freelance writer/editor. I live in the Bay of Plenty, New Zealand, but still like to claim my Australian heritage. I graduated with a Bachelor of Communications in 2008. I am writing my first novel. I love to write poetry, short stories, and also write for the web. And there is nothing that is on a par with a sunny summer's day spent at Waihi Beach.

28 Comments

  2. That sounds really good! Earlier this year, I read “Zeitoun” by Dave Eggers. I highly recommend this book as a must read! 🙂

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  3. I hate it when books are categorized as YA fiction book. I feel it is disrespectful to the awesome adults who still enjoy fantasy. 😛

    Should be giving this a read soon.

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    1. I agree – while there are many parts of this book that I think the YA demographic will relate to – I’m 53 and I really enjoyed it. We have gotten a little carried away with labelling everything and everyone…grrrrrrrrrrrr

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    1. It was a good read – thank you so much for the vote – while I admit a prize would be nice – getting a bunch of new books to read – a prize in itself. (I couldn’t sleep last night – read book 2 already – in one sitting as well)
      🙂

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  6. Jo, thank you so much for the generous, detailed review and for giving my books a home on your beautiful site! I really appreciate it. The blogging community has been so supportive of The Gaia Wars and Battle for Cascadia– you guys do a tremendous job; for authors and readers alike. Thank you!! Thanks to everyone who commented here, as well! Loved reading everyone’s remarks.

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    1. Kenneth I absolutely loved The Gaia Wars and have to say I have already read Battle of Cascadia (another read it in one sitting event). It was a pleasure to do the review as I love being able to bring others to good writing. Hope you’ll come back later as I hope there will be more comments for you to read and enjoy !!
      🙂

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  7. Done! I was recently forced to read a number of YA fiction books for uni (I’m a mature-age student ;-)) and am now hooked. My favourites from the set works were ‘The Red Shoe’ by Ursula Dubosarsky and ‘The Fire Eaters’ by David Almond, and I admit to even enjoying some of the fantasy books as well, so am tempted to read this one, Jo – thanks, and good luck 🙂

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    1. Awwwww – I take it done means you voted for me…THANK YOU !!!!!!!!
      Having done the mature age student thingee – I can relate. But it opened me up to poetry again, so I am not complaining. Give it a go – man at 99 cents – it is actually theft. All I can say is it has to be good for me to read in one sitting – I am easily bored (Kiwi/Aussie thing) and when I got to the end I was like WHAT !!! you can’t finish now. Luckily I had book 2…hehehe

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  8. Great review, Jo! And you obviously have a hoppin’ blog readership. Kudos on that too 😀 I was surprised by how quickly I read GAIA too, and I’m a YA writer! This book is full of both adventure and eloquence–that’s the only way to put it.

    Would you be so kind as to cross-post this lovely review for Mr. Bennett? Getting reviews up on Amazon and GoodReads really helps authors get some well-deserved exposure.

    Thank you for all your hard work 😀

    Emlyn

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  9. Jo, just saw your Gaia Wars-related posts on Goodreads– thank you for taking the time to post there; your kind words and generous support mean a ton to this new author! Best wishes,

    Ken

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  10. The book(s) sound very interesting on a number of different levels and I could probably relate to them all. Definitely ones to consider in the future when I want something new to read.

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    2. Thanks for your interest in my books! If you decide to read them I’d love to hear what you think.

      And Jo, thank you again for your support and kind words. I feel really lucky to have had my books featured on your beautiful site.

      Cheers and a very happy holidays to you both!

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      2. Well, how can I resist that now? Infact I bought a 2012 diary today and the cover picture was entitled ‘Gaia’ – it must be a sign… I have a week or so off over Christmas so I will use the time to read the book and yes, I’ll let you know what I think. How do I contact you? Please visit my blog sometime, it’s almost as interesting as Jo’s…… 😀

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