Transcendence
by C.J. Omololu (web)
First in a series
Genre: YA, Paranormal, Mythology
Published June 5th 2012 by Walker & Company
copy received from publisher
format: Hardvover, eBook
Synopsis from goodreads
Rating:
When a visit to the Tower of London triggers an overwhelmingly real vision of a beheading that occurred centuries before, Cole Ryan fears she is losing her mind. A mysterious boy, Griffon Hall, comes to her aid, but the intensity of their immediate connection seems to open the floodgate of memories even wider.
As their feelings grow, Griffon reveals their common bond as members of the Akhet—an elite group of people who can remember past lives and use their collected wisdom for the good of the world. But not all Akhet are altruistic, and a rogue is after Cole to avenge their shared past. Now in extreme danger, Cole must piece together clues from many lifetimes. What she finds could ruin her chance at a future with Griffon, but risking his love may be the only way to save them both.
Full of danger, romance, and intrigue, Transcendence breathes new life into a perpetually fascinating question: What would you do with another life to live?
The first thing that grabbed my attention here was the setting! US Girl going to London the idea of reincarnation is fascinating! The synopsis is utterly gripping and perfectly written to grab my attention!
Glimpses of a Previous Life?
Truly, who doesn’t think that the idea of having lived before isn’t extremely fascinating and gives room for a phenomenal romance? The concept in Transcendence is very unqique as there are few people that are actually aware of their previous lifes which is an interesting idea. Imagine meeting a 17 year old boy who has lived already countless of previous lives and processes the knowledge of so many lifetimes? Seems like a very wise young boy… However, not all know about the other lifes right away, some just “become” Akhet meaning they have to learn painfully that they have lived before and get glimpses of past lives which of course leaves them utterly confused at first …
Cole – a new Akhet
Cole is a pretty normal, not excitingly outstanding girl who is one of those that learn rather late that she has actually lived before. She get’s glimpses of her previous lifes which leaves her utterly confusing, being afraid she looses her mind. It’s when she meets Griffon she begins to understand…. As mentioned before, Cole was rather plain and truth to be told she had sometimes a pretty annoying attitude. I couldn’t fall for her completely and connecting with her was rather hard to accomplish…
Griffon – the boy who lived .. before
Griffon was a very interesting character, especially when we learn about his past. And although the concept of old souls in your bodies is nothing new (take all supernatural creatures here… ) it was harder to grasp here. It felt weird that he would fall for such a young girl with no experience of this world whatsoever. Maybe that was the appeal? The Romance was sweet but the butterflies were missing. However, Griffon was very likely my most favo character apart from Cole’s best friend who was fan freakingtastic!! 😉
An old Grudge and a Mystery
One part of the story was a mystery Cole had to solve together with Griffon’s help. This was a nice addition to the learning process of Cole’s new role in the world and I enjoyed this part quote a bit!
Bewitched Rating
Bottom Line
Transcendence was a quick read with a deeply fascinating concept or reincarnation. The mythology was intriguing and left enough room to wish for more. However, Cole as a main character didn’t excite me too much and the romance lacked the necessary sparks. Despite the problems I had with the story, it was still a  enjoyable read!
 
Tell me, would you like to know you have lived before? Even processing all the knowledge from the previous lifes? Or would you rather not know ?
Much Love,
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I’ve been seeing this book around the blogosphere lately and I’m totally intrigued by the premise.
Reincarnation is a fascinating topic and I love reading stories with that theme in them.
I’m not sure if I would enjoy the romance in the story though since you mentioned the whole thing with the whole she’s younger thing. Anyways, if the main character is pretty annoying I’m not so sure how I would feel about her.
Great review, Danny ! I’m glad that you enjoyed it despite it’s flaws. 🙂
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I did enjoy it and while re-reading my review I realized I focused a lttle too much on the annoying parts. But, the story itself was great, so I finished it in little time. I love reincarnations and it was really differently played here! I read a lot of awesome reviews so you might end up loving it much more than I did!
Danny recently posted..Transcendence by C.J. Omololu
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Past lives — all riiiight! 😉 I love reading about reincarnation because it’s so cool to think about. Like, what would we be in a past life? A princess, a servant, a GUY? (That would be kinda freaky actually LOL…) I love how the guy in this one doesn’t seem to be your average love interest, even though the romance was sparkless. And mentioning a mystery is like a flashing sign to a girl who LOVES to investigate!
Amazing review, Danny! I think…. I’d want to know if I lived before. Because then I can stop from making the same mistakes all over again! 😉 <3
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See, I wish I was a princess but probably I was just a damn boring girl just like I am now :)) Love your angle, not making the same mistakes twice…
Oh no, Griffon is definitely different and he brought a lot of maturity into the story. I mean his soul was really realllllyyy old! I hope you pick it up and love it 🙂
Danny recently posted..Transcendence by C.J. Omololu
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I love the concept of this book–wish the character connection was stronger. Still, I’m looking forward to reading it, just so I can see how the past life thing plays out. It’s such an interesting idea! If we really are just reincarnated souls (or whatever), I’m sure I was just a round-cheeked farm girl or servant or maybe even a rapscallion pirate who was hung for her (his?) crimes. Hum. Maybe that’s why I don’t like things around my neck…
Mary @ Book Swarm recently posted..Speed Date with Griffin: THE TAKEN by Vicki Pettersson
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*giggles* Yes Mary, I totally see you as a pirate!!! This comment made my day!!! *hugs*
It is a great book and I think the series has a lot of potential. I’m actually super interested to see what happens next and also if I maybe can connect more to Cole!
Danny recently posted..Transcendence by C.J. Omololu
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I actually was pleasantly surprised by this book. Really enjoyed it! The past lives was fascinating and it was a quick read, which I love. I’m looking forward to seeing where the story goes in the sequel. Ooo
Cristina @ The Princess Of Storyland recently posted..Review: Just Flirt
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Oh this makes me so happy to hear!!!!!! I agree it was a fast read and I actually read it also very fast which shows that I did enjoy it in the end :)) The sequel has a huge potential and I’m looking forward to it!!
Danny recently posted..Transcendence by C.J. Omololu
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I agree Danny! I loved the reincarnation aspect of this one, that’s something that always fascinates me, but I had some issues with Cole. I really liked her at times and then didn’t like her at all others, but I’m hoping as the series continues we get some maturity from her and my relationship with her will be a bit smoother:)
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You know I love how often (nearly always) seem to agree on books :)) I was so often hot and cold with Cole and this was something that annoyed me a little…
I do think the series has a lot of potential and I’m looking forward seeing where it goes!
Danny recently posted..Transcendence by C.J. Omololu
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I agree that this book is a nice one to read.. I’m looking forward to read all this books..
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oh I’m glad!!! Guess the next one comes out next year though! 🙂
Danny recently posted..Transcendence by C.J. Omololu
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This actually had an intriguing synopsis, so it is a little disappointing to see it wasn’t amazing or anything. I’ve read similar reviews that gave this book a 3/5 so I don’t think I’ll be reading this.
Great review Danny 🙂
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Yes I know, I am sorry too! But although it wasn’t mind-blowing I still enjoyed it and I think the series has potential!
Danny recently posted..My Friday Love {61} – Favorite Book Shop’s
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I honestly have not paid this book much attention. I didn’t even know it was about reincarnation. And that is a fascinating subject! For that reason I may enjoy this one. I’m okay with no romance, so that would probably be fine. But the MC not really standing out is kind of a downer. It’s still one I might pick up if I saw it at the library (and my TBR wasn’t TOO out of hand, haha). Great review though! I’m glad to finally have a better handle on what it’s about.
Candace recently posted..Review: Something Like Normal by Trish Dollar
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Oh there was romance, it just didn’t tickle me completely! Normally, I have little butterflies when the kiss for teh first time, this is when I know the book is awesome! Here,… it was Ok but that’s ok! Maybe you give it a try or wait until the sequel is out 🙂
Danny recently posted..My Friday Love {61} – Favorite Book Shop’s
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I think reincarnation is so fascinating. This sounds like a great concept, but the lack of characters connection and ho-hum romance has left me disappointed. I am glad you enjoyed it, but I am removing this from my must have list and placing it on the possible library book. Great review Danny!
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Oh I think this is a great library book!!! I was sad myself I didn’t enjoy it more and I especially had problems with Cole… She left me hot and cold and I ended up not caring enough for her to make this book such an awesome experience for me!
Danny recently posted..My Friday Love {61} – Favorite Book Shop’s
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Great review Danny I’m always fascinated by reincarnation. Not sure i would enjoy Cole that much either though the way you describe her as annoying and plain >.< But Griffon and the old sounds concept sounds super cool!!
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Sounds like an interesting book. I love the idea of reincarnation. Although I’ve read several others, so it’s hard to stand out. Still, Griffin sounds really cool. And I love that they actually put someone on the cover who isn’t white. That never seems to happen.
Alison (AlisonCanRead) recently posted..Feature and Follow Friday #101
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Thanks for a great review…I really appreciate this kind of post..
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I’m really sorry this one fell short. I saw this one on NetGalley and couldn’t decide. But in the end I was too committed to other things to read it. It did sound good, but I know how it is if you can’t get behind the main character and you don’t feel the romance, I know how important that is for you!
On to other books, right! And I bet you were fascinating in past lives just like you are in this one. Maybe you were Mona Lisa?? Or maybe you were one of the ninja nun assassins from Grave Mercy?? I’m sure you weren’t boring!
Heather
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I definitely agree with you chick! I enjoyed the concept, but for me the character depth and development wasn’t enough for me! Plus you’re totally right about the romance lacking those sparks! I wanted to love it…but just ended up kind of liking it. Great review!
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