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Guardians of Time #1
The Named
Ethan lives a secret life as a Guardian of the Named. Under the guidance of Arkarian, his mentor, and with the help of Isabel, his unlikely but highly capable apprentice, Ethan has become a valued member of this other-worldly corps. As the only defense against the evil Order of Chaos, the Named travel through time to prevent the Order from altering history and thereby gaining power in the present and the future.
As the threat from the Order intensifies, secrets of the past are revealed and villains and heroes are exposed. This gripping fantasy is set in modern times, but is infused with intrigue from the past, super-natural characters and surprising plot twists. Curley has written a winner through to the end.
As the threat from the Order intensifies, secrets of the past are revealed and villains and heroes are exposed. This gripping fantasy is set in modern times, but is infused with intrigue from the past, super-natural characters and surprising plot twists. Curley has written a winner through to the end.
336 pages, Paperback
First published October 4, 2002
About the author
Marianne Curley
20 books1,228 followersI loved reading from a young age and scoured my school libraries during my younger years, but I never thought I would become a writer. It was not until my mid-thirties, while teaching office studies and computers to adults at the Coffs Harbour Education Campus that I began to think seriously about writing. I took several courses and experimented with different styles and genres. With two teenage daughters at the time I fell into writing young adult paranormal and have never looked back.
My first four novels, Old Magic, The Named, The Dark and The Key, were published by Bloomsbury Publishing in Australia, the UK, and the USA, with translations into more than a dozen foreign languages.
In 2004, just as The Key was being prepared for printing, I was diagnosed with an aggressive form of bone marrow cancer called Myelofibrosis. With only a short time to live, I was given a stem-cell bone marrow transplant using my sister’s stem cells, which saved my life. I have now been cancer free for seventeen years and have written a new trilogy called The Avena Series. Hidden, Broken and Fearless were published in 2013, 2014 and 2015.
In March 2018, I was finally able to publish the long-awaited fourth book to the Guardians of Time Series, called The Shadow. To unite the series, I brought out a new edition of the entire series with matching new fantasy covers tying the four books together.
I am presently working on a YA paranormal/time travel story, and a contemporary novel based on real events.
Website: http://mariannecurley7.com
Email: [email protected]
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/marianne.cur...
Facebook Author: https://www.facebook.com/MarianneCurl...
Insta: @marianne_curley
My first four novels, Old Magic, The Named, The Dark and The Key, were published by Bloomsbury Publishing in Australia, the UK, and the USA, with translations into more than a dozen foreign languages.
In 2004, just as The Key was being prepared for printing, I was diagnosed with an aggressive form of bone marrow cancer called Myelofibrosis. With only a short time to live, I was given a stem-cell bone marrow transplant using my sister’s stem cells, which saved my life. I have now been cancer free for seventeen years and have written a new trilogy called The Avena Series. Hidden, Broken and Fearless were published in 2013, 2014 and 2015.
In March 2018, I was finally able to publish the long-awaited fourth book to the Guardians of Time Series, called The Shadow. To unite the series, I brought out a new edition of the entire series with matching new fantasy covers tying the four books together.
I am presently working on a YA paranormal/time travel story, and a contemporary novel based on real events.
Website: http://mariannecurley7.com
Email: [email protected]
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/marianne.cur...
Facebook Author: https://www.facebook.com/MarianneCurl...
Insta: @marianne_curley
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 556 reviews
August 7, 2015
Reread August 2 to 7, 2015 for #fivefaves
Maybe more of a 3.5/5 stars. NOT SURE.
Well I still really liked this book, but I'm not sure if I can count it in one of my faves anymore. I still really love the story and overall concept - they are so unique and wonderful that it's hard NOT to love them. However the writing is so SO bad. It's something I definitely wouldn't have noticed as much years ago, but it's really bad. The character development is definitely lacking as well, and the characters being SO YOUNG (aka not 18) kinda makes things like romances a little icky. SO I STILL LIKED IT but I now have more issues with it. At least now I recognize them!
Maybe more of a 3.5/5 stars. NOT SURE.
Well I still really liked this book, but I'm not sure if I can count it in one of my faves anymore. I still really love the story and overall concept - they are so unique and wonderful that it's hard NOT to love them. However the writing is so SO bad. It's something I definitely wouldn't have noticed as much years ago, but it's really bad. The character development is definitely lacking as well, and the characters being SO YOUNG (aka not 18) kinda makes things like romances a little icky. SO I STILL LIKED IT but I now have more issues with it. At least now I recognize them!
December 27, 2015
Meet Bob
Now we can tell that Bob is going to work but what is his job?
He could be a businessman, a lawyer, a clown, an assassin, a secret agent, a doctor, or that might not even be his briefcase at all!
What about his personality?
He looks happy in this picture but what if one of his friends just died and he's trying to look happy since that's what his friend wants?
What if he has an evil plan inside that head of his?
The thing is...
We don't know Bob.
That's what I felt like when I read this book.
I knew all of the character's names and maybe what they did but they didn't have any personality. The lacked the pizzazz I need in characters.
I absolutely love time travel but I had a hard time getting through this book since they didn't feel alive.
I probably knew them as much as Bob.
Now we can tell that Bob is going to work but what is his job?
He could be a businessman, a lawyer, a clown, an assassin, a secret agent, a doctor, or that might not even be his briefcase at all!
What about his personality?
He looks happy in this picture but what if one of his friends just died and he's trying to look happy since that's what his friend wants?
What if he has an evil plan inside that head of his?
The thing is...
We don't know Bob.
That's what I felt like when I read this book.
I knew all of the character's names and maybe what they did but they didn't have any personality. The lacked the pizzazz I need in characters.
I absolutely love time travel but I had a hard time getting through this book since they didn't feel alive.
I probably knew them as much as Bob.
February 25, 2023
This book is for you if… you enjoy to be emotionally detached from your characters
⤐ Additionally.
It would be mean to describe this book as forgetful or shallow. In my opinion, though, the plot never really caught beyond a general "Consider me intrigued" vibe. Unfortunately, for me, a general basic interest is not enough to get me hyped. While I think it was cute to make an enemies-to-whatever out of a former crush, I just did not see many of the details of this book make any sense.
Additionally, I did not get to know these characters at all even though I spent hundreds of pages with them. I read what they do and say and sometimes how they feel even, but still had the same emotional connection to them as I do to the neighbours I never really see and greet politely. I genuinely had as much of an idea of who they are as I did at the end of this book.
It's sad because I love books about time travelling or interdimensional travel. The excitement of revisiting history or experiencing an alternative version of our world rarely fails to amaze me, but I just did not manage to stay interested. Additionally, Marianne's writing felt very unpracticed and stiff - even childish sometimes. That's just a whole concoction called 'I just simply couldn't.
⤐ What’s happening.
spoiler alert : Enemies-to-whatever meets okay-ish time travel and some mysterieous supernatural dudes.
_____________________
3 STARS. Decent read that I have neither strongly positive nor negative feelings about. Some things irked me and thus it does not qualify as exceptional.
May 2, 2018
*happy sigh* There's a reason I've read this series so many times. Ethan will forever be one of my favourite characters of all time. This world will always be one of my favourites of all time. It has been so awesome to go back and relive this!! On to book 2! 😊😊😊
February 21, 2021
Have you ever picked up a book you loved in your teens and re-reading it you're like ✨ w h h h y ? ✨
I remember immensely enjoying The Named and never finished the series because I forgot what it was called 🙄. Recently I found the first three books on the Overdrive library app (Libby) and thought "why not?" and settled in for that nostalgic re-read.
The Named is mostly as I remembered. I say mostly because for a lot of it I was thinking "why is this character so one-dimensional?" and "that's really not how this character would talk??". It turns out that The Guardians of Time was one of many series that I daydreamed about endlessly, filling in the gaps with dreamy fanfic. Oh yeah. I may have had a teensy bit of a thing for the violet-eyed blue-haired 600 year old immortal Arkarian.
Having said that, it was a comforting re-read. I breezed through it and mostly enjoyed it. And when it comes to books, what more can we ask for really?
-------------
Book 1, The Named: ★★★☆☆
Book 2, The Dark: ★★☆☆☆
Book 3, The Key: ★★☆☆☆
Book 4, (wait.. there's a book 4??): Oh hell no!
I remember immensely enjoying The Named and never finished the series because I forgot what it was called 🙄. Recently I found the first three books on the Overdrive library app (Libby) and thought "why not?" and settled in for that nostalgic re-read.
The Named is mostly as I remembered. I say mostly because for a lot of it I was thinking "why is this character so one-dimensional?" and "that's really not how this character would talk??". It turns out that The Guardians of Time was one of many series that I daydreamed about endlessly, filling in the gaps with dreamy fanfic. Oh yeah. I may have had a teensy bit of a thing for the violet-eyed blue-haired 600 year old immortal Arkarian.
Having said that, it was a comforting re-read. I breezed through it and mostly enjoyed it. And when it comes to books, what more can we ask for really?
-------------
Book 1, The Named: ★★★☆☆
Book 2, The Dark: ★★☆☆☆
Book 3, The Key: ★★☆☆☆
Book 4, (wait.. there's a book 4??): Oh hell no!
December 12, 2020
Eski yorumlarımı güncellerken bu seriyi hatırladım.Ne severim bu seriyi. :)) Bu kadar kaliteli seri az olur. Okumayan varsa okusun. Hatta hemen okusun. Herkes okusun. Lütfen, okusun. İsterseniz kitabı araştırın, inanın okursanız pişman olmazsınız. :)) Yani bence olmazsınız, sadece bir şans verin. :)
September 30, 2008
What if you could protect the Future...by traveling into the Past
The Named- where the Gaurdians of Time travel into history to protect life as we know from the Goddess of Chaos, a rampaging Immortal intent on taking over the world.
Ethan- a member of "The Named", part of a prophecy made years ago fortelling the end of the battle that rages between Lorian and the Goddess, and the main character of the book. He has been promoted to "Trainer" and his apprentice is - his ex-best friend' sister- which doesn't set well with Matt (the ex-friend) who is overprotective as well as the jumping-to-conclusion's type. With his fragile peace with Matt verging on all out war, and his standing with the Tribunal in jeopardy this is an interesting time to spend with him.
Isabel- Matt's sister and Ethan's apprentice she is a huge part of this story. With her gift- healing- revealing itself the Guardians recrute her and Ethan has only two weeks to get her ready for her first mission- to save King Richard the II of England.
In this book of ambiguity and beautiful ideas. Everything is not what it seems. Mysterious and mesmeric this is a very, very enjoyable read. Fantasy and reality intwine in this lovely book where worlds and deminsions collide.
The Named- where the Gaurdians of Time travel into history to protect life as we know from the Goddess of Chaos, a rampaging Immortal intent on taking over the world.
Ethan- a member of "The Named", part of a prophecy made years ago fortelling the end of the battle that rages between Lorian and the Goddess, and the main character of the book. He has been promoted to "Trainer" and his apprentice is - his ex-best friend' sister- which doesn't set well with Matt (the ex-friend) who is overprotective as well as the jumping-to-conclusion's type. With his fragile peace with Matt verging on all out war, and his standing with the Tribunal in jeopardy this is an interesting time to spend with him.
Isabel- Matt's sister and Ethan's apprentice she is a huge part of this story. With her gift- healing- revealing itself the Guardians recrute her and Ethan has only two weeks to get her ready for her first mission- to save King Richard the II of England.
In this book of ambiguity and beautiful ideas. Everything is not what it seems. Mysterious and mesmeric this is a very, very enjoyable read. Fantasy and reality intwine in this lovely book where worlds and deminsions collide.
April 23, 2017
The first half of this book was just like all the other YA paranormals that I’ve grown so tired of - teenagers in class, passing notes, grumpy teachers, girl & boy working together, one with a crush on the other. Depressing home lives, parent and sibling issues, blah blah. Not a lot actually happens at first, but I could see where it was going and was quickly falling into eye-rolling mode, fighting boredom and frustration. How many times have I seen these clichés play out by now?
When I picked this up, I really thought it would be more about time travel adventures. Although the Named are guardians of the timeline, this story is more about the guardians in the present than what they do when they travel to the past. The teenagers are in training (very vaguely described aside from repeated mention of parent and sibling problems caused by the two spending time together), and the focus is not enough on their lives as guardians, at least at first. Irritated at being sucked into another one of these sorts of books, I forced myself onward, prepared to skim if necessary to finish this thing.
Then something changed. I’m not sure exactly when I stopped having to force myself to read. Probably about the time high school dropped out of it and we actually got past the training and into the missions (yes, this does happen!). Then there were a couple small events that challenged my sense of knowing exactly where it was going, and then stuff started happening and I got interested and then - then the end. Just as it started to get up to speed, it ended, and now I’m going to have to read the next one. I sincerely hope I don’t have to wait through another half book of the daily lives of teenagers before things get interesting again. Please no more high school. If we can stick to the business of the Named, I’ll be happy.
June 6, 2021
1. Bohaterowie kompletnie nijacy, a relacja między nimi bezpodstawna.
2. Ostatnie sto stron strasznie mnie wynudziło. Niby dużo się działo, ale tak nie dbałam o to, co stanie się z bohaterami, że mnie to totalnie nie ruszało.
3. Worldbuilding był praktycznie żaden. Zostajemy wrzuceni w fabułę bez żadnych wyjaśnień, świat Straży i jej sens został wytłumaczony w trzech zdaniach XD
2. Ostatnie sto stron strasznie mnie wynudziło. Niby dużo się działo, ale tak nie dbałam o to, co stanie się z bohaterami, że mnie to totalnie nie ruszało.
3. Worldbuilding był praktycznie żaden. Zostajemy wrzuceni w fabułę bez żadnych wyjaśnień, świat Straży i jej sens został wytłumaczony w trzech zdaniach XD
July 14, 2010
So I finished the book and I certainly enjoyed the time that I was reading it, but I feel that this only deserves 3 stars because anything higher should be reserved for particularly good work. This was candy.
But the candy tasted a little bitter because with such an intriguiging concept, the execution was a bit of a disappointment. There could have been so many interesting theames explored with the idea of how tightly interwoven events in space-time are. But it often seemed like the timetravel aspect was just a vessle used to chug the story along to the end. And this wouldn't be such a problem if it felt like that end had any sort of purpose at all. But this is a story that exists just to exist.
On the positive side I will say that I liked the central characters Isabel, Ethan, and Arkarian which is a plus. And I actually liked the shifting of perspectives because I enjoyed hearing from both Isabel and Ethan.
In the end though, there's just so much more that could have been done with the plot and characters which is why I'm so frustrated that it only ended up being a fun read.
But the candy tasted a little bitter because with such an intriguiging concept, the execution was a bit of a disappointment. There could have been so many interesting theames explored with the idea of how tightly interwoven events in space-time are. But it often seemed like the timetravel aspect was just a vessle used to chug the story along to the end. And this wouldn't be such a problem if it felt like that end had any sort of purpose at all. But this is a story that exists just to exist.
On the positive side I will say that I liked the central characters Isabel, Ethan, and Arkarian which is a plus. And I actually liked the shifting of perspectives because I enjoyed hearing from both Isabel and Ethan.
In the end though, there's just so much more that could have been done with the plot and characters which is why I'm so frustrated that it only ended up being a fun read.
Read
August 2, 2011Very adventurous, a definite page turner.
It had me wanting more after each chapter, i literally could not put this book down.
The characters are a fine set all with their own personality.
My only complaint is that they were not defined much, as in, i had no idea how they looked like. At times Curley would describe a few of their qualities, but not enough to get a strong image.
If anything, all i got a good image of was when they turned into someone else. Arkarian is my favorite character along with the intelligent Isabel.
I'm glad this book is a series.
Recommended!
Man twists and turns, and at times it seems predictable, but goes back to being "What the?"
thankfully it isn't another book about werewolves and vampires, in fact, hardly any love is in this book!
Mostly action and world traveling.
It's a very good read, and i do hope a very good series.
It had me wanting more after each chapter, i literally could not put this book down.
The characters are a fine set all with their own personality.
My only complaint is that they were not defined much, as in, i had no idea how they looked like. At times Curley would describe a few of their qualities, but not enough to get a strong image.
If anything, all i got a good image of was when they turned into someone else. Arkarian is my favorite character along with the intelligent Isabel.
I'm glad this book is a series.
Recommended!
Man twists and turns, and at times it seems predictable, but goes back to being "What the?"
thankfully it isn't another book about werewolves and vampires, in fact, hardly any love is in this book!
Mostly action and world traveling.
It's a very good read, and i do hope a very good series.
February 4, 2009
This book was fantastic! "The Named" is a great time travel book: exciting, magical, historical, and had a bit of romance. It was a little confusing in places, but overall it was a great page turner that will have you scrambling for the rest of the trilogy.
August 20, 2010
This book was awesome! It involved time travel, drama, and mystery. I really enjoy books that aren't predictable. I just pulled this off the shelf not expecting much, and would really enjoy reading the others. It kept me going and I read it in three days.
September 30, 2013
This book is one of the best books you'll ever read. I just finished the second one, The Dark, and it was even better than the first--if that's possible. Anyway, I am off to read the third and I highly recommend this to everyone, especially fans of sci-fi, mystery, fiction and fantasy.
July 24, 2016
This book is the literary equivalent of Chinese food. You really enjoy it sometimes, you share it with friends who enjoy it too, and an hour later you forget it because it didn't really satisfy you in some fundamental way.
The better attributes of the book are the greater-than-average number of ideas included in the plot and the fantasy elements. Interesting choices of destinations in time and historical figures to meet (not the obvious choices) set the book apart right away. Then the description of the catacombs or chambers between worlds with their magic puzzles and traps takes the book to a cool fantasy place for a while.
The weakest attribute of the book is the shifting perspective. It feels VERY short attention span to go back and forth between Ethan and Isabelle so often. This relates to the other major problem, which is anything that pertains to a character other than Ethan or Isabelle. Because Curley already has her hands full trying to flesh out two characters in a first-person way (which requires a lot more dextrous writing than having multiple main characters in third person omniscient), she just has nothing left to give the characters who aren't given a first-person voice. Arkarian, Matt, and Rochelle are all little more than sketches, which is disappointing when you find out that they are going to be much more important in the later books.
I also don't think Curley does very well at giving Ethan and Isabelle distinct voices -- there's virtually nothing about the way they speak that differentiates gender, intelligence, priorities, interests, influences... and Curley misses almost any opportunity to have them think/see/notice different things about the secondary characters, which might differentiate Ethan and Isabelle better and give you more insight into the people they know. Also gotta say, Ethan is pretty smooth around the edges for a teenage boy, which starts to seem implausible the more seriously you try to take the book.
So, all in all, The Named is a lot like Chinese food among friends. You get to sample a lot of different things, some of which are pretty tasty and some of which are just variety for variety's sake. You have a nice, chill time. And soon after you put it away, you're hungry again.
The better attributes of the book are the greater-than-average number of ideas included in the plot and the fantasy elements. Interesting choices of destinations in time and historical figures to meet (not the obvious choices) set the book apart right away. Then the description of the catacombs or chambers between worlds with their magic puzzles and traps takes the book to a cool fantasy place for a while.
The weakest attribute of the book is the shifting perspective. It feels VERY short attention span to go back and forth between Ethan and Isabelle so often. This relates to the other major problem, which is anything that pertains to a character other than Ethan or Isabelle. Because Curley already has her hands full trying to flesh out two characters in a first-person way (which requires a lot more dextrous writing than having multiple main characters in third person omniscient), she just has nothing left to give the characters who aren't given a first-person voice. Arkarian, Matt, and Rochelle are all little more than sketches, which is disappointing when you find out that they are going to be much more important in the later books.
I also don't think Curley does very well at giving Ethan and Isabelle distinct voices -- there's virtually nothing about the way they speak that differentiates gender, intelligence, priorities, interests, influences... and Curley misses almost any opportunity to have them think/see/notice different things about the secondary characters, which might differentiate Ethan and Isabelle better and give you more insight into the people they know. Also gotta say, Ethan is pretty smooth around the edges for a teenage boy, which starts to seem implausible the more seriously you try to take the book.
So, all in all, The Named is a lot like Chinese food among friends. You get to sample a lot of different things, some of which are pretty tasty and some of which are just variety for variety's sake. You have a nice, chill time. And soon after you put it away, you're hungry again.
August 7, 2018
I got to page 194 before I decided to quit in this one. The story has good potential, but I feel that some of the events were a bit random. I also didn't really care for where the story was going. This book was throwing random things at me to keep me hooked, but I wasn't. The book was also a bit predictable. Also, the romance was really lacking and I didn't feel that Ethan or Isabel could have anything beyond a friendship.
March 7, 2019
Let me just say that I was sooo impatient to start this series of Marianne Curley! After reading Old Magic as a teenager and loved it, I searched for the Guardians of Time for many years unitll I could eventually find them on an e-book format since it never was translated in Greek.
The Νamed is a fast paced YA story, only the beginning of 4 books really. It made me remembered of Old magic (which I've read countless of times over the years), and a little of Ruby Red. Yes, it contains time travel but in a way that combines adventure, hope and love.
I was afraid that since it was written 14 years ago, it might not be such a surprise, the plot twists might me old fashiond, like the story. Well... I'm happy to tell you that this is not the case! It might be my happy feeling of finally reading it, but it didn't dissapoint. I might given it 4 stars since there was some minor things that I didn't like, but in the end, the familiar feeling of reading a Marianne Curley's book, along with the story and the warmth in my heart now that I've finish it, I know that there is no alternative. This is a five star book for me and I cannot wait to read the next on the series, The Dark.
To all my friends: since I know that our tastes are alike, mark this as "want to read" and download it when you're feeling like you want a fast paced YA, sweet, adventurous and (even though some times predictable), with many potentional for the next 3 books of the series!
PS. Also, after the Darkling, I think I'm in love again 😍😍😍
The Νamed is a fast paced YA story, only the beginning of 4 books really. It made me remembered of Old magic (which I've read countless of times over the years), and a little of Ruby Red. Yes, it contains time travel but in a way that combines adventure, hope and love.
I was afraid that since it was written 14 years ago, it might not be such a surprise, the plot twists might me old fashiond, like the story. Well... I'm happy to tell you that this is not the case! It might be my happy feeling of finally reading it, but it didn't dissapoint. I might given it 4 stars since there was some minor things that I didn't like, but in the end, the familiar feeling of reading a Marianne Curley's book, along with the story and the warmth in my heart now that I've finish it, I know that there is no alternative. This is a five star book for me and I cannot wait to read the next on the series, The Dark.
To all my friends: since I know that our tastes are alike, mark this as "want to read" and download it when you're feeling like you want a fast paced YA, sweet, adventurous and (even though some times predictable), with many potentional for the next 3 books of the series!
PS. Also, after the Darkling, I think I'm in love again 😍😍😍
September 5, 2023
pleasantly surprised by finding myself staying up late to finish this time travel adventure
March 31, 2020
Increíble. Muy poca gente conoce esta trilogía y es alucinante. Creo que incluso esta descataloga en España. La historia me ha gustado mucho porque además habla sobre historia que es mi materia favorita. Va sobre un niño que trabaja para la Guardia que lo que hace es viajar en el tipo, porque los malos viajan al pasado para cambiarlo y así provocar guerras, hambre y cosas a su favor. Este chico, Ethan los detiene que ayuda de la Guardia. Pero la cosa empieza cuando le asigna una aprendiza a la que tiene que entrenar en tan solo 2 semanas. Es una historia muy buena que aunque no tenga unos valores increíbles engancha muchos y tiene unos giros muy buenos.
January 14, 2010
I was really excited about this book...it got such a high rating and seemed like such a fantastic premise. Maybe that's why it seemed to fall short.
Ethan is a Guardian of Time; he travels to the past in order to keep evil denizens from the Order of Chaos from changing it, thus affecting the future. Of course Ethan's only a teenager, but he's already very good at what he does. So the Guard decides to test him by giving him the willful Isabel as his new apprentice. But Isabel's initiation brings a whole host of problems to the surface, most of them revolving around an ancient prophecy.
It sounds so wonderful, and so much could have been done with such a concept. Which is why it comes so close to painful to watch the story enacted quite a bit below its potential.
In fact, I think my irritation with this novel stems from the wasted potential. It was enjoyable on some levels, but all I could think was how much better it could have been. Ethan and Isabel have all the seeds of great characters, as do others they interact with; Ethan's wise and ever-youthful mentor Arkarian probably comes closest to being a truly relatable person. But again, they never come to life; they remain flat and stiffly-written, shifting between easy teenage narration and speech too stilted to ever really come out of a mouth. I think this is partly due to the first person narration, something that most authors are either good at...or aren't. Curley unfortunately is not. The emotions are also only vaguely felt.
The story itself also grazes shallowly along the surface of its awesome premise. Plot bumps detract from the realism; it's too obvious how the author hand-waves the various parts of the Guard with magic, illusions, or mysterious powers. It's also a tad misleading; I was expecting the bulk of the story to involve the time traveling missions, but by the end more focus is put on old feuds with evil Chaos denizens then on anything historical. And the few missions sprinkled in do little to actually expose the reader to the time period, barreling through the process and tossing in some random historical figures like King Richard II and Abigail Adams.
The premise saves the story, giving it some decent moments and a pretty good climax and conclusion. I'm not sure I'll be reading the rest of the trilogy right away; it didn't reel me in as I'd hoped it would.
Ethan is a Guardian of Time; he travels to the past in order to keep evil denizens from the Order of Chaos from changing it, thus affecting the future. Of course Ethan's only a teenager, but he's already very good at what he does. So the Guard decides to test him by giving him the willful Isabel as his new apprentice. But Isabel's initiation brings a whole host of problems to the surface, most of them revolving around an ancient prophecy.
It sounds so wonderful, and so much could have been done with such a concept. Which is why it comes so close to painful to watch the story enacted quite a bit below its potential.
In fact, I think my irritation with this novel stems from the wasted potential. It was enjoyable on some levels, but all I could think was how much better it could have been. Ethan and Isabel have all the seeds of great characters, as do others they interact with; Ethan's wise and ever-youthful mentor Arkarian probably comes closest to being a truly relatable person. But again, they never come to life; they remain flat and stiffly-written, shifting between easy teenage narration and speech too stilted to ever really come out of a mouth. I think this is partly due to the first person narration, something that most authors are either good at...or aren't. Curley unfortunately is not. The emotions are also only vaguely felt.
The story itself also grazes shallowly along the surface of its awesome premise. Plot bumps detract from the realism; it's too obvious how the author hand-waves the various parts of the Guard with magic, illusions, or mysterious powers. It's also a tad misleading; I was expecting the bulk of the story to involve the time traveling missions, but by the end more focus is put on old feuds with evil Chaos denizens then on anything historical. And the few missions sprinkled in do little to actually expose the reader to the time period, barreling through the process and tossing in some random historical figures like King Richard II and Abigail Adams.
The premise saves the story, giving it some decent moments and a pretty good climax and conclusion. I'm not sure I'll be reading the rest of the trilogy right away; it didn't reel me in as I'd hoped it would.
March 14, 2011
I will have to say that I was pretty disappointed with this book. The back cover promised to portray a story of excitement and romance which was quite misleading. The premise of the story was excellent, but the delivery was flat. The characters are not fully developed and the connections between characters are also not explored to satisfaction. Time travel isn’t real, and the author did a good job of remind me of that while reading. None of it seemed to transcend reality: the characters, plot, events, even dialogue. All of it seemed faked.
Curley has two different main characters (Ethan and Isabel). Time is spent on both stories within the book and because of this neither character is fully understood. I didn’t care too much about them or their well-being because while reading the book, I was fully aware that this was a story, and that these characters were fictitious beings. The characters came to epiphany-style realizations far too often. I found myself thinking, “Really? You just figured all of that out by looking at the rock?” It didn’t make sense as to why things just happened to make sense to the characters. On top of it all, the reactions to events were typically atypical of a normal (real) person. Inconsistency also played a large role in my dislike of this book, not to mention predictability. I found myself trying to force myself to finish the book, if only to confirm the ending that I had already figured out on my own.
In the end, I gave this book a 2.5 star rating. It was not the worst book I’ve ever read but I didn’t really enjoy it. I can’t say whether or not I’ll be reading the final two books in this series. I’ll have to take a little break and see if I’m still curious enough about the ending to continue on. As of right now, I think I’ve had enough of The Named for a little while.
Curley has two different main characters (Ethan and Isabel). Time is spent on both stories within the book and because of this neither character is fully understood. I didn’t care too much about them or their well-being because while reading the book, I was fully aware that this was a story, and that these characters were fictitious beings. The characters came to epiphany-style realizations far too often. I found myself thinking, “Really? You just figured all of that out by looking at the rock?” It didn’t make sense as to why things just happened to make sense to the characters. On top of it all, the reactions to events were typically atypical of a normal (real) person. Inconsistency also played a large role in my dislike of this book, not to mention predictability. I found myself trying to force myself to finish the book, if only to confirm the ending that I had already figured out on my own.
In the end, I gave this book a 2.5 star rating. It was not the worst book I’ve ever read but I didn’t really enjoy it. I can’t say whether or not I’ll be reading the final two books in this series. I’ll have to take a little break and see if I’m still curious enough about the ending to continue on. As of right now, I think I’ve had enough of The Named for a little while.
September 24, 2015
Intriguing plot. Brilliant ideas of a new world. An ending somewhat satisfied.
BUT ...
The world building is lacking ... The explanation on time, on the 2nd world and on how things come to be is not very well done. We get to know things on the surface,and I hate that! I like to know everything there is to know and more.
The character's development is also lacking for lots of characters. So far, Ethan the main boy is the only one I like, mostly because his actions made senses. The rest, they aren't really relateable ...
And the romance department? gosh... soul-FREAKING-mates.. for everyone!!
"I don't know. I get the feeling, that's all, as if we know each other or something."
That is pretty much the lovestory line ...
I just want to scream : "NO dude! you're supposed to get to know her THEN fall in love! If all you see is her pretty face, then that your hormones talking! not destiny!!!" And it happens to every single character ...
BUT ...
The world building is lacking ... The explanation on time, on the 2nd world and on how things come to be is not very well done. We get to know things on the surface,and I hate that! I like to know everything there is to know and more.
The character's development is also lacking for lots of characters. So far, Ethan the main boy is the only one I like, mostly because his actions made senses. The rest, they aren't really relateable ...
And the romance department? gosh... soul-FREAKING-mates.. for everyone!!
"I don't know. I get the feeling, that's all, as if we know each other or something."
That is pretty much the lovestory line ...
I just want to scream : "NO dude! you're supposed to get to know her THEN fall in love! If all you see is her pretty face, then that your hormones talking! not destiny!!!" And it happens to every single character ...
June 27, 2018
Estoy releyendo estos libros antes de leer The Shadow, la cuarta parte de esta ahora tetralogía que la autora ha publicado 13 años después de la tercera parte. Y que espero que sirva para mejorar su final, porque recuerdo que en su momento no me gustó demasiado y me estropeó un poco todo lo demás.
En cuanto a Los Elegidos en particular, lo leí por primera vez cuando tenía unos 12 años, y fue uno de los libros que sin duda marcaron mi adolescencia temprana y que siempre he recordado con mucho cariño. Mi favorito de los tres originales, además. Desde entonces he leído cosas de mayor calidad, pero aquí no puedo evitar ponerle las 5 estrellas, porque creo que es fantástico como literatura juvenil. En mi caso desde luego contribuyó a despertarme la imaginación muchísimo y me dejó una huella bastante importante. De ahí la curiosidad que tengo incluso ahora por el nuevo libro. Veremos qué tal está, pero de momento estoy disfrutando de esta nueva visita al universo creado por Marianne Curley.
En cuanto a Los Elegidos en particular, lo leí por primera vez cuando tenía unos 12 años, y fue uno de los libros que sin duda marcaron mi adolescencia temprana y que siempre he recordado con mucho cariño. Mi favorito de los tres originales, además. Desde entonces he leído cosas de mayor calidad, pero aquí no puedo evitar ponerle las 5 estrellas, porque creo que es fantástico como literatura juvenil. En mi caso desde luego contribuyó a despertarme la imaginación muchísimo y me dejó una huella bastante importante. De ahí la curiosidad que tengo incluso ahora por el nuevo libro. Veremos qué tal está, pero de momento estoy disfrutando de esta nueva visita al universo creado por Marianne Curley.
January 21, 2024
Originally read this trilogy when I was in middle, so maybe back in 2006? Really enjoyed it and thought of it again when I was older....and couldn't remember the name! Even looking on ya fantasy books and searching descriptions of my vague memories, I couldn't find this book. Finally posted on reddit and some angel replied with 30 minutes with the title!
What a fun trip down memory lane!!! There's a lot I had forgotten, which was kinda fun because I didn't always know what was going to happen next but I found I did remember most of the characters. This isn't the greatest book in the world and the writing is very simple but I still had a fun time and would recommend it for middle grade readers.
Best quote:
"I was vulnerable, and power is food for the weak"
What a fun trip down memory lane!!! There's a lot I had forgotten, which was kinda fun because I didn't always know what was going to happen next but I found I did remember most of the characters. This isn't the greatest book in the world and the writing is very simple but I still had a fun time and would recommend it for middle grade readers.
Best quote:
"I was vulnerable, and power is food for the weak"
May 14, 2008
This is a YA book, first of 3, even though it seems there should be one before it. Its about boy who witnessed his sisters abduction by a monster, who turns out to be his father's partner turned rouge in a group called Gaurdian of Time. A group of people with supernatural abilities fight against the evil goddess who wants to change history so she can rule the world.
I really liked this book, it was entertaining and kept me in suspense, even the sappy romantic stuff in it. Very well written and I look forward to reading the next 2 books to see what happens.
I really liked this book, it was entertaining and kept me in suspense, even the sappy romantic stuff in it. Very well written and I look forward to reading the next 2 books to see what happens.
March 6, 2012
Once again Marianne Curley had me from hello! This book starts out with a bang and ends pretty much the same way! I was glued to the book and didn't want to put it down.
The main character Ethan is my favorite. Isabelle runs a close second but Ethan is who stole my heart. I love the time travel! Going back in time to make sure all goes as planned. It's a great and different concept that was a nice break from vampires, werewolves and all other supernatural reads.
I already have "The Dark" so I'm looking forward to reading more!
The main character Ethan is my favorite. Isabelle runs a close second but Ethan is who stole my heart. I love the time travel! Going back in time to make sure all goes as planned. It's a great and different concept that was a nice break from vampires, werewolves and all other supernatural reads.
I already have "The Dark" so I'm looking forward to reading more!
October 2, 2011
I can not put this series down. It is so interesting. The characters are real and I love the story. I am always on the edge of my seat waiting to see what happens next. I like that you get to see into two charcters minds. It is such a great book. Easy to understand and fun to figure out.
November 18, 2014
Lo había leido hace muchos años, y la verdad solo me acordaba por encima,y ahora lo volvi a leer al hacerme con toda la trilogía me arrepiento de no haberla conseguido antes, me ha gustado mucho la historia y como se va contando. Pronto, una opinión más extensa en www.boywithletters.blogspot.com.es
April 25, 2016
THIS WAS SO GREAT. The writing honestly wasn't amazing, but the unique premise and the riveting plot certainly made up for that. I can't wait to continue on with this series!
January 8, 2023
Am I giving the book 5 stars, or am I giving 5 stars to the impact the original trilogy had on my life? Who cares.
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