Book Review – Beth Teliho’s Order of Seven
This is quite possibly the most cantankerous book review you will read today.
There are several reasons why I should not review this book for you at all.
I do not read much contemporary fiction. It is not my first choice when I want to crack open a book. I am also not a big fan of the YA genre. I am no longer a young adult and the subject matter doesn’t grab me. I read a lot of non-fiction and often return to the “old dead white guys” canon of literature from my high school and college days.
I know, I know – you’re wondering which rock over there in the pile is the one I call home. Maybe I’m just an old soul with my head stuck in tradition.
But in my area of the blogosphere there was much scuttlebutt about the upcoming release of Beth Teliho’s Order of Seven. I needed to see what was causing all the noise.
Let me say this: it broke through a few boundaries for me.
I found myself sneaking in short bursts of reading when I had a few minutes. This was no easy task since I read the entire thing on my phone. Yes, my phone. I am one of those people who refuses to cave to the e-reader. I like a book. But if I wanted a sneak peek at Order of Seven, it was e-reader or bust. It was worth the effort and the drain on my phone charge.
I read many books at the same time. I switch from one to another depending on various circumstances. Beth’s book grabbed my attention right away and held it; the rest of my reading pile sat on hold. This book is edge-of-your-seat reading, even in the quiet moments.
Beth’s use of foreshadowing and symbolism is superb. Connections between characters, places, and events are subtle and magnificent. The story threads are woven one at a time in a precise manner until the reader finally beholds the completed tapestry. Readers who suspected what the final picture would be are happily rewarded; those who did not are delightfully surprised.
There is a particular feature of the book that I appreciate a great deal. Beth addresses the intimate attraction between two characters without adding gratuitous sex scenes. I respect that. It is easy to toss a steamy sex scene into a book or a film. It requires more skill and talent to suggest it and let the reader draw their own conclusion. Consider the films of the 1950s, for example. You knew what the characters were going to do after that kiss, but you didn’t need to watch it to understand. Beth acknowledges the sexuality of these two young adults without resorting immediately to sex.
If there is any one thing I felt was lacking, it would be more detail and development of some of the characters we meet later in the book. These minor characters are all identified, but I found myself wanting to know more about them. I wanted to know them as well as we know Devi and Baron and Nodin and Ben. My suspicion? Perhaps these details remain vague so there is room for greater exploration in a continuation of the story…
Beth Teliho’s Order of Seven was a fascinating and gripping read. It is thoughtful, intelligent, and classy. The story is about secrets and mysteries, discovery and imagination. Grab a copy today and enter the intriguing world revealed in Order of Seven.
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BETH TELIHO is a writer, artist and tree hugger who lives in Texas with her husband and two adventurous sons. Restless in the mundane, she writes about the abnormal, paranormal and otherwise fantastical because that’s what quickens her heartbeat. She laughs at inappropriate jokes, and prefers spicy food and margaritas to almost anything. One day, she hopes to live in a treehouse, where she can be an eccentric introvert with at least seven cats.
Order of Seven is available on Amazon for pre-order by clicking HERE.
Visit the author at her website: www.bethteliho.me
Facebook: www.facebook.com/writerbisme
Twitterverse: @beth_teliho
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/bethteliho
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FRISTTTTTTT! BOOM!
I heard that thunderous FRIST all the way over here across the pond! Way to wake up America! 😀
I usually don’t like to read YA books either but this is the second great review I’ve read about this book so I am going to have to check it out for myself!
Hi Rena! I remember you from Dana’s blog on Monday! I hope you do read the book; I think you’ll love it. 🙂
Rena, it was someone else’s review that made me want to read Order of Seven. That reviewer also admitted to not being a huge YA fan, but loved it. Do check out the book – you won’t be sorry! It really does reach a wide audience. I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised.
I’ve been sitting at my keyboard for 5 minutes, unable to form a complete sentence. I wish all my days started out with fireworks like today! Thank you, Lisa, for having an open mind and reading something completely out of your comfort zone, so to speak. Thank you for taking the time and effort to promote. Thank you for this well-thought out, thorough, beautiful review. Thank you for your enthusiasm and support.
just…..Thank you. xoxo
You are more than welcome, Beth. I only speak the truth. I was intrigued by Crystal Cook’s review – that’s the one that made me say “OK, I have to see this for myself.” I just did a whole post about stepping outside my comfort zone so I guess this fits right in! 🙂 We can never grow if we don’t remain open to new ideas. Congratulations to you for being open to your idea and letting it grow into this wonderful story!
Here’s Crystal’s review: http://theqwietmuse.com/2015/02/28/you-really-should-read-this-order-of-seven-by-beth-teliho-you-can-pre-order-now/
oh yes, Crystal’s review is wonderful! I think she was my very first actually! And just so you (and all reviewers) know, all the review posts are linked to my “Oo7 Pimpage” Pinterest board. 🙂
That’s why reviews are so vital – they make others want to read!
Word of mouth is always a powerful thing.
Well, let me “one up” you by saying I don’t even know what YA is?!!! *Just figured it out* This is NOT my kind of book to read either… I don’t believe I have EVER read a book about paranormal stuff and could probably count on one finger the number of contemporary fiction books I have read in my adulthood. And yet, I HAD to read it too!! I’m actually in the middle of the book now, and I find myself thinking about it often and wanting SO badly to get back to reading it. I have been pulled into this story and drawn to the fascinating plot Beth so brilliantly unfolds with carefully placed bits ad pieces of the puzzle.
I have been thinking about my own review, and I think it’s just so cool that you too have shared how this isn’t really in your typical niche of books. What an experience for us both!! Thanks go to knowing such an excellent writer, that is Beth!!
Well, there you go – we learn something new every day, right? 🙂
I think the fact that a handful of us are not generally readers of this particular type of book speaks loudly of Beth’s ability as a writer. Her story spans audiences and genres and makes the reader want to stay in the story every moment possible. That is quality storytelling.
HIIII Chris!!!! *waves wildly* I’m so happy you’re enjoying the book, and I’m OVERFREAKINGJOYED that the story is speaking across demographics and genres. I mean….seriously…that’s kind of everything. My day is SO made, I’m just going back to bed because everything else is going to pale in comparison. Good night.
Reading on your phone is tough – I’ve done it before, with a book I just had to read right now. So I get it – and I completely understand why you loved Beth’s book. I do like YA, but sometimes the writing is immature. Not with Oo7, and I knew this going in, because Beth is an amazing writer.
Yeah, the phone is most assuredly NOT my preferred method for reading, but this was a case of not wanting to wait to read Beth’s book. I was completely taken by the story, perhaps because it didn’t feel typically YA. Beth is a true storyteller.
“Beth is a true storyteller.”
*liquifies into a puddle of writer-happy*
Dana, knowing the voracious reader you are, your opinion of my writing carries a lot of weight. THANK. YOU.
I think you’re right about the later characters. I suspect we’ll learn more in the next book, and I’m excited for it!
mwahahahaha *lips are sealed*
I am sitting here wanting to pull a Meg Ryan from When Harry Met Sally by screaming “YES! YES! YES!” Like you I am not big on YA fiction unless it really catches my eye. And knowing that Beth is a damn good writer plus the already kick ass reviews coming out my plastic will be at the ready to order this when it’s released.
Heh, so funny, Kim – that’s a great scene. Classic. And yes, it’s that good. This is a great story and already knowing Beth’s skill you just have to know you’ll love it. Can’t wait to hear how you like it!
Ha! Kim that’s hilarious. I can’t stop picturing you doing that scene now.
So, I think I’m one of the few here who actually enjoys reading YA fiction. Beth’s book is on my To Read list… I’ll be sure to let you know what I think!
Louise, I don’t generally enjoy YA fiction and I loved it. If you already like the genre, you are sure to love it! Let me know what you think.
LOUISE! I’m am so excited for you to read it!!!!! Dying for you to delve into this story……
[…] us for a stop along her blog tour. I reviewed Order of Seven not long ago. You can check that out here. Go ahead, the coffee is still […]