Odessa: Seraphym Wars Series

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Author(s)

Rebecca Ryals Russell

Publisher

MuseItUp Publishing

Genre(s)

Fantasy

Age Range

14+

ISBN

978-1-926931-60-9

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17-year-old Myrna is drawn into the middle of an epic battle between Seraphym and Demons. An average High School student from Florida, struggling with inner demons resulting from an attack when she was 15, she wakes one morning on the Steampunk planet of Dracwald, home of the demon-dragons responsible for her brother’s recent murder as well as many other atrocities in the news. She meets sweet and sensitive Michael, who explains that according to prophecy, Myrna must gather the remaining six Vigorios (teen warriors with special talents) then train with the Majikals on an enchanted island. He accompanies her on the quest, but harbors a secret past that ironically would destroy all the faith she has placed in him. A handsomely roguish Scientist with suspect motives haunts her dreams and makes sudden appearances in unlikely places, while a sensual dragon warrior defends her against her will. Will love and lust, jealousy, greed, deceit and distrust break the delicate tie that binds these teen warriors called The Vigorios? Can a troupe of teens help the Seraphym finally defeat the massive empire of evil dominated for eons by the demon-dragons of Dracwald?

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I just love being transported to another world.

June 27, 2011 (Updated: October 05, 2012)

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My Review: My first thoughts as I dove deep into the book Odessa, The Seraphym Wars Series, was to marvel at the comparison between this and C.S. Lewis’ Adventures in Narnia. I always loved Narnia’s new worlds and fast-paced adventures and to read Odessa did not disappoint with much the same amount of excitement, adventure and pace.
Eighteen-year-old Myrna has just recently graduated and is dealing with her own demons when she is mysteriously transported to another world haunted with real demon-dragons. A homesick Myrna discovers she cannot return home until she has completed the mission she was transported to Dracwald for – to join with the other Vigorios (teens with special talents) and destroy the demon-dragons, bringing peace to Dracwald. But it’s not going to be easy.
Myrna is thrust into adventure upon adventure, meeting strange and unique people, animals and other magical creatures along the way; some helping, but most trying to stop her. There is an ample amount of tension and excitement as she struggles to find and meet up with the other Vigorios, battling dragons, shape-shifting demons and other mind-boggling creatures. One cannot get bored with Odessa. In fact I found myself losing many hours of sleep at night because I could not put the book down.
Congratulations to Rebecca Ryals Russell for a fabulous tale. I give it 4 ½ stars out of 5. Now I have to wait (impatiently I might add) for the next installment to see what happens with Myrna and her slew of gifted friends. C.K. Volnek 4.5 stars MG/YA Author CK Volnek at http://www.ckvolnek.com/4/post/2011/06/review-odessa-the-seraphym-war-series.html

Good Points

My favorite aspect of this book is the character development. The reader goes on a journey with Myrna as she discovers her inner strength and courage. I enjoyed discovering the back-story of each Vigorio. The relationship between Myrna, Tien, and Brigid is precious. The bond between them grows as the story develops which really touched my heart. The tension created between the three young men that are vying for Myrna’s attention is perfection. Lisa Romancing the Book http://www.romancing-the-book.com/2011/06/review-odessa-by-rebecca-ryals-russell.html

Lovers of fantasy are generally big on whether or not the world that is built in a new story is vivid and sticks to its own rules. Rebecca Ryals Russell definitely fills those two requirements! Dracwald has an amazing back story that emerges as you read on, and the landscape that is shared with the reader is written in gorgeous detail. As the entourage makes their way across thick, dark jungles and bleak, desolate plains, the world of Dracwald opens up beautifully. The darkness that has surrounded the land oozes off the page. I was so happy! A new fictional place to fall in love with.

Story wise, the plot moves along at a rather nice pace. Since there is a lot of travelling going on in this first book, there are points in which things may seem a little slow. The banter between the characters eases this somewhat, and Russell seems to know just when to throw in a new twist, or a terrifying chase scene to keep the reader on their toes. As beautifully written as the world of Dracwald is, I must warn you that it is also a rather violent place. Readers who have an issue with that may find themselves a little squeamish. It isn't anything garish or gory, but rather Russell uses it as an opportunity to show, in sharp contrast, what the world once was compared to what it has become. Dracwald is mirrored with our world, and if you read carefully you may see a deeper message there. Jessica Torres at Hopelessly Devoted Bibliophile (4)
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