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A Long-Forgotten Song #1
Things Unseen
History student Aria Forsyth's studies lead her to dangerous questions about the Empire's origins. A mysterious man named Owen, impervious to the winter cold, further unravels the safety of the world she thought she knew. At first, Aria believes Owen is human. He says he's not. What if they're both wrong? A moment's compassion draws her into a conflict between human and inhuman, natural and supernatural, and she begins to discover the secrets of the Empire, the Fae, and what it means to be human.
316 pages, Paperback
First published April 5, 2014
28 people are currently reading
493 people want to read
About the author
C.J. Brightley
28books239followersC. J. Brightley lives outside Washington, D.C., with her husband and their two young children. When she's not busy writing, she teaches karate, bakes too many desserts, and makes jewelry. She loves to connect with readers!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
June 27, 2014
Completely unlike Brightley's "Erdemen Honor" series, Things Unseen is set in a dystopian Earth-as-it-might-be. It centers around Aria, a graduate student of history that somehow can't complete her thesis without locking horns with her professors and the current powers-that-be, who deem questioning their authority to be punishable by failure. But Aria somehow can't simply kowtow for the easy A--her curiosity just won't allow it. So as she agonizes over her research in her favorite bookstore, she sees a rather strange fellow having words with the store owner. Who is this mysterious figure? And why is he barefoot in the beginnings of winter?
With an interesting cast of characters and an equally fascinating plot that had me constantly wanting to turn pages to find out "why?". Although there are fantastical elements with the story--the 'magic' system is quite unique, too--they are subtle enough to play second-fiddle (pun on the title intended) to the plot such that the characters' pathos is almost tangible. Though the book ends on a cliffhanger, I see no reason not to look forward to book two, and...the rest of the story!
With an interesting cast of characters and an equally fascinating plot that had me constantly wanting to turn pages to find out "why?". Although there are fantastical elements with the story--the 'magic' system is quite unique, too--they are subtle enough to play second-fiddle (pun on the title intended) to the plot such that the characters' pathos is almost tangible. Though the book ends on a cliffhanger, I see no reason not to look forward to book two, and...the rest of the story!
May 2, 2018
I never expected to like this. Totally not my thing, with something like vampires in a dystopian urban fantasy setting.
But it's a lot more than that. I loved the characters, even if some of their motivations strain credulity sometimes. The interactions are good, and by about 1/3 into it, I wanted to see how things turned out (always a good thing, especially with my recent book burnout). The Fae in this book are convincing and interesting in their otherness.
There were a few issues though.
In the very beginning, the actions of the main character don't seem to make much sense. She's meant to be impulsive, ok, but what she does (repeatedly) is more than a little nuts. I think there's probably a good reason for it, but it's hidden in future volumes. I'm ok with that, but it might drive some readers crazy.
The ending is open-ended, which is fine. But there might be a bit of a bait and switch going on, which I don't appreciate. Book 2 is very different from book 1. I won't say any more, because it's not the review for book 2, but caveat emptor.
Still, despite those issues I really enjoyed the story and would recommend it.
But it's a lot more than that. I loved the characters, even if some of their motivations strain credulity sometimes. The interactions are good, and by about 1/3 into it, I wanted to see how things turned out (always a good thing, especially with my recent book burnout). The Fae in this book are convincing and interesting in their otherness.
There were a few issues though.
In the very beginning, the actions of the main character don't seem to make much sense. She's meant to be impulsive, ok, but what she does (repeatedly) is more than a little nuts. I think there's probably a good reason for it, but it's hidden in future volumes. I'm ok with that, but it might drive some readers crazy.
The ending is open-ended, which is fine. But there might be a bit of a bait and switch going on, which I don't appreciate. Book 2 is very different from book 1. I won't say any more, because it's not the review for book 2, but caveat emptor.
Still, despite those issues I really enjoyed the story and would recommend it.
January 31, 2015
Very enjoyable, she left enough mystery to spur me to read until 3 a.m., finish with regret, and pop over to Amazon for book 2, ( yet to be released)
Immediately purchased on Amazon for a friend, sent it to her kindle with directions to "drop and read" she did,,,,her response? Loved it!!!! Followed by,,, you got me in a series that is just starting,,,now I actually have to wait for them to be written!
Super enjoyable,,,put on my recommendations list :)
Immediately purchased on Amazon for a friend, sent it to her kindle with directions to "drop and read" she did,,,,her response? Loved it!!!! Followed by,,, you got me in a series that is just starting,,,now I actually have to wait for them to be written!
Super enjoyable,,,put on my recommendations list :)
July 5, 2016
An intriguing urban fantasy
It has been a long time since I've read a fantasy novel in which the magical element seems legitimately alien and marvelous. But this book has it, and I'm looking forward to reading the next in the series.
It has been a long time since I've read a fantasy novel in which the magical element seems legitimately alien and marvelous. But this book has it, and I'm looking forward to reading the next in the series.
November 20, 2017
Things Unseen (A Long-Forgotten Song #1) by C.J. Brightley is a dark world where humans are controlled by the government but don't know it. There are Fae, and other creatures of the night, and one girl finds one fae man injured and becomes involved in something far greater than she ever thought possible. It is a dark fantasy that is exciting, full of emotion, suspense, and very captivating. I loved it! I have to save up to get the next book because it is not on KU. ugh!
July 15, 2015
With the trend in YA Fantasies shifting in a direction that isn't my taste, Things Unseen was a life saver. It's pretty different from some of the fantasies I've been reading. It's refreshing. Opening it up I wasn't sure what to expect being told that it was a Christian Fantasy. Being brought up with a super religious grandmother I was prepared for reading about Jesus at some point, yet I didn't really come across anything religious throughout the novel except for the mentions of bibles. Unless I missed something (I wasn't really looking for themes and symbols so I probably missed it). Nonetheless, that isn't what should be important about this book. What is important is how much action and suspense there was that made every single moment of this book interesting. I'm willing to push aside the fact the first chapter was kind of hurried and choppy because the interest and suspense of the first chapter just pulled me in. It was good compensation.
The use of sensory imagery in this book was also splendid. I was able to feel what characters felt and see what characters saw (granted I live close to where this book takes place so I suppose it was easier to imagine the landscape). The ability to relate to characters was also a good move. It helped me a lot with falling in love with them faster, being able to relate with feelings, and especially Aria's thought process.
Also, brownie points for this interpretation of the Fae. It frustrates me especially with letting people read excerpts from my books, especially the ones that include one of the main supporting characters who is a Faerie and they interpret him like he's Tinker Bell and I'm just like "No????? ?? ? ? ?" I guess it's just a bias. I don't think of Fae as in wee little ones who just throw around magic and fairy dust. I think of Fae as tall and strong wielders of magic who can still resemble humans with diversity. I guess I just agree with this interpretation... Still, kudos.
And the way the magic is written. It's just. Ugh. So awesome.
The plot was really interesting and the interaction with the characters kept me from putting it down. I blew through this book in about a week. The love story that slowly developes is also well-written and not overpowering to the main plot. Aria's infatuation with the love interest is so adorable and it doesn't take up her whole entire thought process yet it's so sweet how the love shapes her actions and the care for his people. I can't wait to see what becomes of it in the second book.
Overall, it was very inspiring and it makes me want to push through writing my novels faster.
The use of sensory imagery in this book was also splendid. I was able to feel what characters felt and see what characters saw (granted I live close to where this book takes place so I suppose it was easier to imagine the landscape). The ability to relate to characters was also a good move. It helped me a lot with falling in love with them faster, being able to relate with feelings, and especially Aria's thought process.
Also, brownie points for this interpretation of the Fae. It frustrates me especially with letting people read excerpts from my books, especially the ones that include one of the main supporting characters who is a Faerie and they interpret him like he's Tinker Bell and I'm just like "No????? ?? ? ? ?" I guess it's just a bias. I don't think of Fae as in wee little ones who just throw around magic and fairy dust. I think of Fae as tall and strong wielders of magic who can still resemble humans with diversity. I guess I just agree with this interpretation... Still, kudos.
And the way the magic is written. It's just. Ugh. So awesome.
The plot was really interesting and the interaction with the characters kept me from putting it down. I blew through this book in about a week. The love story that slowly developes is also well-written and not overpowering to the main plot. Aria's infatuation with the love interest is so adorable and it doesn't take up her whole entire thought process yet it's so sweet how the love shapes her actions and the care for his people. I can't wait to see what becomes of it in the second book.
Overall, it was very inspiring and it makes me want to push through writing my novels faster.
January 4, 2017
Very interesting
I really enjoyed this book. Haven't read anything in the "Fae" area. The characters were very interesting and I really began to feel them. I definitely want to learn more about El and the other's relationship with Him. I would like to get a little more description on how each character looks physically. Going to buy the next one right now!
I really enjoyed this book. Haven't read anything in the "Fae" area. The characters were very interesting and I really began to feel them. I definitely want to learn more about El and the other's relationship with Him. I would like to get a little more description on how each character looks physically. Going to buy the next one right now!
November 8, 2014
A fast-paced book that kept me turning pages till after midnight. Absolutely worth reading.The world that C.J. Brightley has built seamlessly combines reality with fantasy, is populated with human and fantasy characters, and plugged with problems with which we all can connect.
The very first pages put the reader in the middle of a conflict that will start the heroine on a journey where she and those around her will risk their lives, meet others, human and not so human, and find out things that will force them to question their core beliefs.
Additional fun for the history lovers: same as in Game of Thrones, try to figure out historical parallels.
The very first pages put the reader in the middle of a conflict that will start the heroine on a journey where she and those around her will risk their lives, meet others, human and not so human, and find out things that will force them to question their core beliefs.
Additional fun for the history lovers: same as in Game of Thrones, try to figure out historical parallels.
July 7, 2014
An interesting read that succeeds in creating a robust world without sacrificing pace or story. C. J. Brightley is able to tell a keep the readers interest while gradually revealing more details about the world she has created.
The story is set in a dystopian society where history has been replaced by propaganda. Aria is a history grad student whose curiosity and passion for the truth draws her into conflict with the established academia. It also draws her to Owen and into a greater world she never knew existed as she begins to learn the truth about the revolution, the Fae and herself.
I strongly recommend this book for readers looking for a quick and enthralling novel.
The story is set in a dystopian society where history has been replaced by propaganda. Aria is a history grad student whose curiosity and passion for the truth draws her into conflict with the established academia. It also draws her to Owen and into a greater world she never knew existed as she begins to learn the truth about the revolution, the Fae and herself.
I strongly recommend this book for readers looking for a quick and enthralling novel.
August 10, 2016
4.5 stars. Gripping urban fantasy set in a chilling future dystopia. Aria is a history student with a little more curiosity than is good for her; she stumbles into the hidden world of the Fae, who are horribly persecuted under the new government, and the human resistance. Well-written, though there are a few slow spots and some of Aria's initial choices seem incredibly reckless and impulsive. I really enjoyed the Fae, who seem human but are very much not, and Aria's developing relationships with them. The book is a wonderful example of good if flawed characters trying to do the right thing in impossible circumstances.
January 2, 2017
I was so impressed by this book! A fantasy world set in some reality that was recognizable and felt personal. It captivated me from the beginning. The world it introduced felt so real and well-developed, with many twists and turns that were as unexpected as they were fascinating! Soooooo many questions, I have to read more! So satisfying as a story, with compelling characters that drew me to them. Kudos!! I have already ordered the next 2 - MUST know more! :-D
September 27, 2014
this a fantastic urban fantasy/near future dystopian novel that will have you ignoring your work to read just one more page.
November 24, 2014
Such a page-turner! Great story with so many questions. I can't wait until the next book!
March 8, 2020
A nonstop story of action. I loved how the story went and how the characters interacted with each other.
August 25, 2016
YA about the two worlds colliding - the world of regime country suppressing the free thinking and the mythological world of long-forgotten fairies. And the girl in the centre of it.
Aria doesn't know what is so interesting about the guy. She should work on her thesis, shouldn't she? But she follows him, and this encounter is the start of her awakening to well-hidden reality of her world, where people are controlled by government as in some kind of Matrix and where the said government is guilty of much worse things, like cruelty to its own citizens and another humanoids - like Fae. Fae are more known like fairies, but the stories about them are not true, explains Owen, or - lord Owen, the leader of Fae. In unity with human resistance, Owen and Aria ally to free the captured Faes, tortured and subjected to "research".
But who is Petro, the uncertain figure, gifted by enormous power, and why is Aria able to communicate with him freely? She might have a drop of Fae blood in her, but she might be even more...
I love YA. But I don't love this book. I mean: the idea is interesting - the hidden race with morals different from ours, the fight for what is right, the idealism, the beginning of love. But the execution is sloppy, I must say. I have never seen the goverment so lazy and inefficient to rule a cruel regime! And they are even not entirely evil - even the big baddie is not entirely bad, just mistakenly believing in the wrong ideology! I see where the author is coming from (as there are very slight Christian undertones in the book and the novel is apparently focused to explore the fact of free will and implications of the choice), but if you want to fight something, it should be worth the fight.
The plot is prolonged, too - the swift editing might make wonders.
And the characters should be more that just black and white figures, they are missing some personality and flair. And personal shortcomings. O like my characters raw, human, making mistakes and learning from them to be better persons, Fae or anything :)
But still - I don't love the book, but I don't dislike it. It has its amounts of shortfall, but there is certain sweetness and freshness in it.
It is also a clean read, which I like - poor YA is so often just an erotica for teenagers in disguise, so it is lovely to find a book what is not that.
I hope that the author would go deeper in the following novels in the series. I believe this would improve its quite lovely idea tremendously!
Aria doesn't know what is so interesting about the guy. She should work on her thesis, shouldn't she? But she follows him, and this encounter is the start of her awakening to well-hidden reality of her world, where people are controlled by government as in some kind of Matrix and where the said government is guilty of much worse things, like cruelty to its own citizens and another humanoids - like Fae. Fae are more known like fairies, but the stories about them are not true, explains Owen, or - lord Owen, the leader of Fae. In unity with human resistance, Owen and Aria ally to free the captured Faes, tortured and subjected to "research".
But who is Petro, the uncertain figure, gifted by enormous power, and why is Aria able to communicate with him freely? She might have a drop of Fae blood in her, but she might be even more...
I love YA. But I don't love this book. I mean: the idea is interesting - the hidden race with morals different from ours, the fight for what is right, the idealism, the beginning of love. But the execution is sloppy, I must say. I have never seen the goverment so lazy and inefficient to rule a cruel regime! And they are even not entirely evil - even the big baddie is not entirely bad, just mistakenly believing in the wrong ideology! I see where the author is coming from (as there are very slight Christian undertones in the book and the novel is apparently focused to explore the fact of free will and implications of the choice), but if you want to fight something, it should be worth the fight.
The plot is prolonged, too - the swift editing might make wonders.
And the characters should be more that just black and white figures, they are missing some personality and flair. And personal shortcomings. O like my characters raw, human, making mistakes and learning from them to be better persons, Fae or anything :)
But still - I don't love the book, but I don't dislike it. It has its amounts of shortfall, but there is certain sweetness and freshness in it.
It is also a clean read, which I like - poor YA is so often just an erotica for teenagers in disguise, so it is lovely to find a book what is not that.
I hope that the author would go deeper in the following novels in the series. I believe this would improve its quite lovely idea tremendously!
September 27, 2014
Brightley takes us into a world where the government was toppled a few decades prior. "Things are better" now, of course. Nobody has any reason to doubt that.
No reason that they understand, anyway...
And therein lies the problem within Aria's world. People believe in their government wholeheartedly. They have no doubts. The government protects them, keeps them happy, and makes their lives comfortable.
That is, as long as they're not too curious...
Unfortunately for Aria, she is. When she meets a man named Owen, one that very clearly doesn't seem to belong, she discovers that much of what she thought she knew was wrong. Not only is there more to the world than she thought,
There are more than just humans.
Owen isn't human. Rather, he's fae. He's stronger, faster, and older... older than any human, though he appears to be relatively young. He's also trying to save his entire society from the human government, which is trying to eradicate them... and they're doing a rather good job of it, too.
Aria finds herself drawn not only to Owen, but also to his cause, and soon she finds herself in a deadly battle with the human authorities and their experimental pets.
Brightley created a vivid world with vivid characters.
She took pieces from several different myths and legends in order to create the fae within these pages. These are not the fairies that you're accustomed to, with flitting wings and mischievous giggles. They're strong, they're rough around the edges, and I never saw a single wing flitting about.
Brightley did something different with their creation, and I strongly recommend that you discover the intricacies of the species of fae that she designed.
(This is a truncation of my full review, posted to Undiscovered Tomes.)
No reason that they understand, anyway...
And therein lies the problem within Aria's world. People believe in their government wholeheartedly. They have no doubts. The government protects them, keeps them happy, and makes their lives comfortable.
That is, as long as they're not too curious...
Unfortunately for Aria, she is. When she meets a man named Owen, one that very clearly doesn't seem to belong, she discovers that much of what she thought she knew was wrong. Not only is there more to the world than she thought,
There are more than just humans.
Owen isn't human. Rather, he's fae. He's stronger, faster, and older... older than any human, though he appears to be relatively young. He's also trying to save his entire society from the human government, which is trying to eradicate them... and they're doing a rather good job of it, too.
Aria finds herself drawn not only to Owen, but also to his cause, and soon she finds herself in a deadly battle with the human authorities and their experimental pets.
Brightley created a vivid world with vivid characters.
She took pieces from several different myths and legends in order to create the fae within these pages. These are not the fairies that you're accustomed to, with flitting wings and mischievous giggles. They're strong, they're rough around the edges, and I never saw a single wing flitting about.
Brightley did something different with their creation, and I strongly recommend that you discover the intricacies of the species of fae that she designed.
(This is a truncation of my full review, posted to Undiscovered Tomes.)
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November 18, 2022Things Unseen is not the sort of book I would ordinarily pick up. It is a Christian Dystopian Urban Fantasy, and most of those are genres I tend to avoid. However, the author shared some spoilers about the series in a Discord I’m in, and that caught my interest.
That is the opening line, by the way. Though I didn’t find myself immersed in the characters or the setting, or particularly invested in the writing style, I did find Aria’s experiences and thoughts decidedly interesting. Her frustrations with not being wanted to actually study history, but instead to simply find the right way to parrot so-called “facts” without exploring or questioning them. With getting an F on a paper she wrote, with the professor giving a reason that she had stated something she had not even stated … the real reason being that she allowed for and invited interpretations of events other than the official one in her paper.
When Aria meets a strange, mysterious man who seems to frighten the bookstore lady, she becomes reckless and impulsive. She reputedly pursues her mysterious stranger into dark, lonely, or frightening situations with a recklessness that seemed … slightly odd. At the same time, the whole situation is slightly odd, if not more odd, and the fact she hardly takes a moment to appreciate the eerieness of the places she gets herself into, or the danger that most people would perceive in apparently equivalent situations, may be due to an intuition, one that she isn’t even aware of, but nonetheless guides her thoughts and feelings. After all, it certainly seems to surprise him that she is even able to track and follow him, and it’s not because the young history student has exceptional tracking abilities.
Or it could be put down to a young, rash recklessness. After all, Aria is a young woman who doesn’t remember large pieces of her own life, and only barely seems to notice it, yet she has noticed that something is off with the situation and what she’s being taught. If she has a somewhat off-kilter approach or perception of things like mysterious strangers, that might be to be expected.
But when Aria’s repeated trailing of the young stranger put them both in danger, her world, too, is changed. And, on the spur of the moment, prompted by something she sees in him and the questions she’s been nurturing, she makes a decision that forever changes her life, throwing in her lot with those who flee, hide, and oppose the Empire.
While the characters didn’t immediately connect to me, as I read the book, I found myself more invested in their personalities and encounters. Owen’s responses to Arria, and the seeming mix of irritation that she’s following him, and some sort of consideration that she cares, that she is not hostile, were endearing. There’s something so soft, so indefinable, and also so firm, pain and compassion, frustration and determination with no bitterness, in his interactions, and the ability to see that she cares, that she doesn’t intend harm – even while she is putting him in terrible danger, unknowingly. At the same time, even after she throws her lot in with him, Arria is still terribly irritating – and at the same time, from her point of view, her need to have answers and understand is quite understandable. Yet it’s very irritating when she does not know how to shut up.
I really enjoyed the themes of compassion and something that might be called loyalty – to never leave your friends and fellows behind, no matter the risk, no matter the unlikelihood of successful rescue, no matter the likelihood you will be captured as well. For all of Aria’s split-second decision earlier in the book to throw in her lot with the rebels, the real moment when she becomes committed is when she witnesses the suffering and atrocities inflicted on a Fae child who’s been held as a captive of the Empire.
My full review here:
Researching this thesis is an exercise in dedication, frustration, making up stuff, pretending I know what I’m doing, and wondering why nothing adds up.
That is the opening line, by the way. Though I didn’t find myself immersed in the characters or the setting, or particularly invested in the writing style, I did find Aria’s experiences and thoughts decidedly interesting. Her frustrations with not being wanted to actually study history, but instead to simply find the right way to parrot so-called “facts” without exploring or questioning them. With getting an F on a paper she wrote, with the professor giving a reason that she had stated something she had not even stated … the real reason being that she allowed for and invited interpretations of events other than the official one in her paper.
What was the point of history, if you couldn’t learn from it? The people in history weren’t perfect any more than people now were. But surely, as scholars, they should be able to admit that imperfect people and imperfect decisions could yield lessons and wisdom.
It wasn’t as if it was ancient history either. The Revolution had begun less than fifteen years ago. One would think information would be available. Memories should be clear.
When Aria meets a strange, mysterious man who seems to frighten the bookstore lady, she becomes reckless and impulsive. She reputedly pursues her mysterious stranger into dark, lonely, or frightening situations with a recklessness that seemed … slightly odd. At the same time, the whole situation is slightly odd, if not more odd, and the fact she hardly takes a moment to appreciate the eerieness of the places she gets herself into, or the danger that most people would perceive in apparently equivalent situations, may be due to an intuition, one that she isn’t even aware of, but nonetheless guides her thoughts and feelings. After all, it certainly seems to surprise him that she is even able to track and follow him, and it’s not because the young history student has exceptional tracking abilities.
Or it could be put down to a young, rash recklessness. After all, Aria is a young woman who doesn’t remember large pieces of her own life, and only barely seems to notice it, yet she has noticed that something is off with the situation and what she’s being taught. If she has a somewhat off-kilter approach or perception of things like mysterious strangers, that might be to be expected.
But when Aria’s repeated trailing of the young stranger put them both in danger, her world, too, is changed. And, on the spur of the moment, prompted by something she sees in him and the questions she’s been nurturing, she makes a decision that forever changes her life, throwing in her lot with those who flee, hide, and oppose the Empire.
While the characters didn’t immediately connect to me, as I read the book, I found myself more invested in their personalities and encounters. Owen’s responses to Arria, and the seeming mix of irritation that she’s following him, and some sort of consideration that she cares, that she is not hostile, were endearing. There’s something so soft, so indefinable, and also so firm, pain and compassion, frustration and determination with no bitterness, in his interactions, and the ability to see that she cares, that she doesn’t intend harm – even while she is putting him in terrible danger, unknowingly. At the same time, even after she throws her lot in with him, Arria is still terribly irritating – and at the same time, from her point of view, her need to have answers and understand is quite understandable. Yet it’s very irritating when she does not know how to shut up.
When she glanced up again, he was sitting, leaning forward with one arm resting on his knee.
“Why are you following me?” His voice was soft. “I’ve done nothing to you.”
“I wasn’t following you. I was walking, and I saw a shape here. I wasn’t sure it was you.” She edged a little closer. “I was worried. You were hurt, and the IPF…” her voice trailed away. “I thought they meant to help you at first.” She frowned.
He huffed softly, a short hard sound that might have been a laugh. “They never mean to help us.”
Aria tried to see him in the darkness. His form was shadowy, and she could see only the pale, angular shape of his face, his arms, and his bare feet. Closer. “I wasn’t looking for you, but you’re hurt. It’s freezing out here, and you don’t have any shoes. Let me give you mine. I have more at home. They’re boots, and they’re too big for me anyway. They ought to fit.”
She sat back and started to pull at her laces.
He reached forward and stopped her with one bare hand. “I’m fine.” There was a hint of warmth in his voice now, and she met his eyes.
He swallowed and looked away first, glancing back toward the empty street beyond the steep bank. “Thank you for your concern. It is unusual.”
I really enjoyed the themes of compassion and something that might be called loyalty – to never leave your friends and fellows behind, no matter the risk, no matter the unlikelihood of successful rescue, no matter the likelihood you will be captured as well. For all of Aria’s split-second decision earlier in the book to throw in her lot with the rebels, the real moment when she becomes committed is when she witnesses the suffering and atrocities inflicted on a Fae child who’s been held as a captive of the Empire.
My full review here:
January 23, 2017
I came across this book in the Legends & Myths free box set. I had not known the author C.J. Brightley before I read Things Unseen. At first I got excited by the nature of the way the plot was heading, as the story and characters wasn't the straight away stars in eyes romance, that seems so popular, then I admit I was speed reading a little when I felt I wasn't getting a proper handle on the story and was missing the development of the characters personalities. But then, I couldn't put it down and actually spent every spare minute during the day reading it. By the end of the novel, I was so invested in Aria and Owen, that I really want to know what happens next. It was a good unique story, the fae are usually such strong characters, it was good to see the authors imagination take them on a different journey.
July 15, 2016
A well-written, thoughtfully compelling story, set in a near-future dystopia, with added monsters and fae and vampires. What's not to like? Aria's motivation for her actions are sometimes a bit obscure, but then, the motivations and actions of the whole society are more than a bit obscure, so there's a strong sense that she is herself without moorings, unable to understand why she does what she does. There are strong hints that this story has a long way to go, and a lot to reveal. I picked this up almost by chance, and I'm very glad I did. (and the next volume is even better!)
February 7, 2017
Read this in one shot! Didn't stop reading until I was done (1:00 am). Loved the plot and now I'm on Book 2 of this 3 Book Series.
Enjoying the way C. J. wove faith, God and all the other "wonders" into this series. Recommend if you want something interesting, and entertaining with a Christian Fantasy theme!
Enjoying the way C. J. wove faith, God and all the other "wonders" into this series. Recommend if you want something interesting, and entertaining with a Christian Fantasy theme!
September 9, 2023
Not at All What I Expected
Things Unseen begins with a mundane account of a college student struggling to do research and write her papers. Then it gets weird from there. She sees a young man that few others can see. A monster attacks that no one has heard of. Fae are real. And the government has placed trackers in...everyone?
Initially due to curiosity and later conviction, Aria follows the young man and learns there's more to everything going on around her than she could have ever imagined. Like many heroines, she is with a choice. Will she choose to go back to life as usual, or will she risk everything for truth and love?
I said earlier that this was nothing at all what I expected. The character types and archetypes in this book aren't typical of a dystopian story. The fae almost seem like angels, the way their powers work and don't. And I have no idea what Petro is. The book also delves into the human need to know everything but questions is that good for us? I struggled with that. Because as a human, and probably as an American, I want to know things, I think I have the right to know things, to be able to make decisions for myself after being given all the information. And yet, I know that knowledge can be used to enact great evil, so perhaps there is a point where we need to relinquish our insatiable need to know and choose who we will trust. I may change my mind tomorrow, though. I'm still processing this.
There is also much of good versus evil. You may detest someone, or you may find their methods incongruent with your worldview, but they still might not be evil...possibly, even good. It's a lot to wrestle with. And I'm looking forward to mysteries that will unfold in book two and, probably, a lot more questions.
Note: This book ends on a bit of a cliffhanger, and the author has said the story doesn't resolve until book four. I think it's still worth the read for the questions that begin to be asked in this book.
Things Unseen begins with a mundane account of a college student struggling to do research and write her papers. Then it gets weird from there. She sees a young man that few others can see. A monster attacks that no one has heard of. Fae are real. And the government has placed trackers in...everyone?
Initially due to curiosity and later conviction, Aria follows the young man and learns there's more to everything going on around her than she could have ever imagined. Like many heroines, she is with a choice. Will she choose to go back to life as usual, or will she risk everything for truth and love?
I said earlier that this was nothing at all what I expected. The character types and archetypes in this book aren't typical of a dystopian story. The fae almost seem like angels, the way their powers work and don't. And I have no idea what Petro is. The book also delves into the human need to know everything but questions is that good for us? I struggled with that. Because as a human, and probably as an American, I want to know things, I think I have the right to know things, to be able to make decisions for myself after being given all the information. And yet, I know that knowledge can be used to enact great evil, so perhaps there is a point where we need to relinquish our insatiable need to know and choose who we will trust. I may change my mind tomorrow, though. I'm still processing this.
There is also much of good versus evil. You may detest someone, or you may find their methods incongruent with your worldview, but they still might not be evil...possibly, even good. It's a lot to wrestle with. And I'm looking forward to mysteries that will unfold in book two and, probably, a lot more questions.
Note: This book ends on a bit of a cliffhanger, and the author has said the story doesn't resolve until book four. I think it's still worth the read for the questions that begin to be asked in this book.
April 20, 2024
This book is aptly named in so many ways, not the least of which is the fact that I didn't see me liking it. If I read books based on their cover, this one would have scared me away. Not that it's bad. It's just dark and scary looking. Not my typical fantasy read.
Things Unseen is dark fantasy with a smattering of urban fantasy and a dollop of dystopia.
It's fantasy so there is magic in it but it's not your typical, run-of-the-mill magic. This one seems ancient and alien, woven into the fabric of the story's universe.
One of the things that most intrigued me was the main character herself. Aria Forsyth isn't the typical kickbutt heroine that society thinks of when they hear the term "strong female character ". She's strong, but because of her curiosity and the fact that she deeply cares about others and the truth of what is going on around her. Somehow, Brightley managed to make a heroine who is soft, femine, quiet AND smart. She overcomes her fears to learn the truth and to help those around her. It makes her very likeable and intriguing.
I ordered book 2 because I need to know what happens next. So many questions left unanswered.
Things Unseen is dark fantasy with a smattering of urban fantasy and a dollop of dystopia.
It's fantasy so there is magic in it but it's not your typical, run-of-the-mill magic. This one seems ancient and alien, woven into the fabric of the story's universe.
One of the things that most intrigued me was the main character herself. Aria Forsyth isn't the typical kickbutt heroine that society thinks of when they hear the term "strong female character ". She's strong, but because of her curiosity and the fact that she deeply cares about others and the truth of what is going on around her. Somehow, Brightley managed to make a heroine who is soft, femine, quiet AND smart. She overcomes her fears to learn the truth and to help those around her. It makes her very likeable and intriguing.
I ordered book 2 because I need to know what happens next. So many questions left unanswered.
March 20, 2018
This book was readable... but there are so many things that make absolutely no sense. So many! There was also nothing in any of the book that would lead the reader (me) into any obvious signs that Aria had fallen for him in any way before she outright says it. She sees him in passing in the book store and he draws her curiosity and then she not only follows him, she tries to break into his apartment and then just randomly decides to give up her entire life because she doesn’t have anything worth staying for. Because one guy peaks her interest? Because he tries to strangle her? What?! There is nothing in this book suggesting even a bond between the two of them other than his mouth twitching in what is supposed to be his humor and reacting to Aria. Maybe more things are explained more in other books but to me, this book is unrealistic and barely held my interest. I was able to finish it so it got three stars but I don’t think it deserves much more.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 10, 2023
This book was dark but an excellent story. The book is a bit slow in the beginning. The thing that bugged me the most is the choices made by the main character didn’t have any logical sense. It was just repeated that she was “curious”. She kept doing things that by all standards nobody would normally/logically choose so that baffled me a bit. That being said the story itself is good. I love stories involving fae in general so that had me sucked in. I also enjoyed the dystopian setting, it was well written. The only nit picking I have, is that things were explained in piecemeal and what you get wasn’t always enough to put pieces together completely. Other then that I enjoyed the action in the book and the strategic parts of the book. It has me curious enough to see what happens next. I wouldn’t purchase it as I didn’t love it that much but definitely would continue reading. I was given this book as a part of a beginners set of e books. I am leaving this review willingly.
February 27, 2018
This story was very interesting, almost apocalyptic but with a paranormal touch. By the end of it, I was so enthralled that I know that I will be reading the next book in this series. It was very well written and at times, very scary. What if this could really happen? The world becoming one Empire under one government and not one for the people. I really enjoyed Aria and Owen together, they seem to be drawn to each other but neither of them really knows why. They are both enigmas and I am curious to see if they are less so as the story goes on.
August 9, 2019
An interesting futuristic world, in which no one remembers before the Empire...or, at least, no one is supposed to remember. Aria sees an interesting man in a bookstore and follows him. Despite repeated warnings to stay away, she does not. By assenting to have a monitoring device removed, she enters a world of rebels...and a long-forgotten people in need of rescuing.
This is an enjoyable book. I cared about the characters, I liked Aria's moxie, and the pacing and plotting were good. (Look at me, trying to sound like an official book critic.) I look forward to reading the next book.
This is an enjoyable book. I cared about the characters, I liked Aria's moxie, and the pacing and plotting were good. (Look at me, trying to sound like an official book critic.) I look forward to reading the next book.
June 23, 2020
An enjoyable read as I followed the characters through an unexpected turn of events. How could a population be controlled? There's at least one answer.
What are the Fae really like? There's an answer for that also. And there is even something beyond the Fae, but we are never sure in total what it is.
There is action as the fight continues to overthrow the incoming regime that slide in while people weren't watching closely enough. There is character development which is fun to read, but we are left a bit wanting as we don't really get to know all about them.
What are the Fae really like? There's an answer for that also. And there is even something beyond the Fae, but we are never sure in total what it is.
There is action as the fight continues to overthrow the incoming regime that slide in while people weren't watching closely enough. There is character development which is fun to read, but we are left a bit wanting as we don't really get to know all about them.
Shelved as 'freebie-owned-to-read'
August 23, 2020Own in
September 16, 2018
I absolutely loved this book. This book was a great read and the story was superb.
Aria Forsyth is a grad student studying history. Owen is a mystery man that she can’t seem to get out of her mind. She follows him and her life changes in a heartbeat. Her life for years has been a lie and she finally sees the truth.
If you are a fan of the Fae than read this book.
Aria Forsyth is a grad student studying history. Owen is a mystery man that she can’t seem to get out of her mind. She follows him and her life changes in a heartbeat. Her life for years has been a lie and she finally sees the truth.
If you are a fan of the Fae than read this book.
December 26, 2021
3.75? I'm semi-intrigued by the world and plot (also, I don't see a lot of books with grad student main characters that I don't have to caveat for a bunch of content, so that was nice to experience), but simultaneously attracted to and pushed off by the kinda-instalovey thing going on (okay, mostly onesided for a while but still). Not sure if I'll keep reading or not.
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