| Title | : | In the Beginning |
| Author | : | |
| Rating | : | |
| ISBN | : | - |
| Language | : | English |
| Format Type | : | Kindle Edition |
| Number of Pages | : | 67 |
| Publication | : | First published November 7, 2013 |
Of Dreams and Horses tells how Rachel discovers the magic and the burden of the Memory. Plucked from the clutches of the Protector, she is set on a path of discovery and creation that leads to a bittersweet destiny.
Fathers and Brothers is about Hector, his childhood introduction to cruelty and loss at the hands of his father, and how Abaddon’s choice falls upon this small, broken creature to be his instrument.
Jonah’s Story tells of another child with a tragic childhood, but unlike Hector, Jonah’s humanity is not snatched from him: it matures and grows in the solitude of the desert, until the time comes to fulfil his destiny—helping another to fulfil hers.
In the Beginning Reviews
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In the beginning, there was the Garden.
But we are not going back that far. This “beginning” tells the tale of three individuals whose fates intertwine to forge a new Garden.
Rachel, assistant to her scientist husband, Raphael, and a scientist in her own right…at least until the Protector and the Elders of Providence took that away from her. Visions come to her, creatures unknown to her scuttle across her path. She sees…colors. In a grey and brown city, vibrant colors on strange things around every corner.
The elders fear this power, and so Rachel steals away with her husband and their child, Deborah. They make it as far as the outside of the crystal shield that houses Providence, and then in one tragic moment, Rachel has to go it alone.
But she is never alone, as long as she has the power.
Hector Deodato, a little boy abused and neglected, but still proud of the father who treats him terribly. His pride for his father is stilled completely in one terrible day, and with one fatal blow–to another boy.
Jonah, whose father is killed at work, and whose mother is near death. The Protector’s own Black Boys will not allow anyone out of their houses during the day, so when Jonah needs help the most, it is denied him. When the inevitable happens, Jonah escapes to the Underworld of the so-called Ignorants and also finds his way out of the Dark Citadel.
He finds the most surprising things in a place all of Providence fears–another culture, another way of life. He also hears the call of someone else searching for a better life, and waits for the day when they will meet face-to-face.
This short novella is the perfect prequel to “The Dark Citadel”, Jane Dougherty’s first published book of the series. It does a tremendous job of summing up answers to questions readers may have had, and points to the next book in seemingly effortless prose. Ms. Dougherty’s descriptions are so well-written that the reader can almost feel the oppressiveness of the city and the wind-blasted heat of the desert outside the crystal walls.
If you like YA dystopian novels, this is definitely a series you should pick up. I can guarantee you that you won’t want to put it down! -
The Green Woman, one of the more fascinating characters in “The Dark Citadel,” is the topic of the first story. To refresh our memory, she’s the keeper of the memories. The person who remembers what Providence was like before. The Ignorant class passes the stories in their oral history and in this story; the Green Woman is just starting to realize her skill.
The fluidity with which Dougherty writes is impressive. The trio of short stories not only meld well with “The Dark Citadel” and enhance that already outstanding novel but works really well on their own. There’s a very clear continuity in her text that makes the setting and situation clear without the need of copious exposition. There is an easy transition to a world quite different from our own.
The other stories involve the character of Hector and Jonah and while there’s darkness there;s also hope. This is not a world without a chance. This is not a world without love or light or promise.
That is not to say that Providence isn’t brilliantly written as a supercilious society that is quite dangerous to those not born in the right area of the city. There is a pall hanging over this society that is deliciously vibrant with what can be and the revolution that is coming.
I loved “The Dark Citadel” and I love “In the Beginning.” If you like fantasy and fiction that is intelligent in its commentary, pick this one up today. -
This is a tale of evil seeping into a land and smothering all the goodness out of it. There is good and bad in everyone. Which one wins depends upon which is nurtured. The author is telling a story about what would happened if evil came into the world and took over all beings. You will feel the pain and torment of each character.
Will the evil presence take over or will those beings, nurtured by the Green Woman, personification of goodness, somehow survive and change the world?
This is an imaginative tale with frightening details but the author brings some hope forth through positive thought to one of the main characters. Will the world spring forth green again out of the black pit of evil? I guess you will just have to read this book to find out. It is an unusual but enjoyable read. -
This book of three short stories is a companion to 'The Dark Citadel' (book 1 of The Green Woman' series) and will answer some of the questions that may have come into the reader's mind.
As expected of the author, these stories are well written and intriguing.
Now I'm ready and better prepared for book 2, 'The Subtle Fiend'.
See my review also at:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/product-revie...
http://www.amazon.com/In-Beginning-Ja...
http://www.amazon.ca/product-reviews/...
http://www.amazon.com.au/product-revi... -
If you're a fan of The Dark Citadel, In the Beginning is a must-read. The three stories might answer a few questions you might have about The Green Woman, Deborah, Hector, and Jonah. For those who haven't already read The Dark Citadel, these three short stories might seem a bit disjointed, but I think you'll have no trouble understanding what is going on. The author's writing flows effortlessly and beautifully as she paints a picture of a world undergoing a miraculous rebirth. Memories become reality as Rachel brings the world back to life. If you love epic fantasy or dystopian fantasy, I would definitely recommend that you get your hands on this series.
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Jane Dougherty is the author of the previously reviewed book The Dark Citadel. She has written what I’m calling a novelette, a set of stories that will open up that world even more. The stories found in her novelette, In the Beginning.
Readers will find three back stories to characters that play a crucial part in The Dark Citadel. The tales will introduce you to Rachel (The Green Woman), the cruel Hector, and the kind Jonah. The stories will help give the reader a further understanding of the characters and what drove them to the spot you find them in as you read, or read The Dark Citadel.
The stories begin with who will become a major player, and that is Rachel. She is the Green Woman, the holder of memories of the past. As you read the story, Of Dreams and Horses, you discover how Rachel first discovered her “gift”. You will find out how others helped her to understand the gift and the importance it will have on their world. At the same time the reader will find out about the sacrifice that she will have to give to escape the city.
The story Fathers and Brothers, takes us into the cruel world of the young boy named Hector. A boy who has an abusive father who is “important” to the city and has a job no one else can do. Hector is proud of his father knowing that his job is important but also misses the love his mother gave. The boy has some physical challenges but his lonely torment is going to be seen by others. The story tells the reader what may lead this kind but misunderstood child to the villain he becomes.
The last story found within is called, Jonah’s Story. As in Hector’s tale this tells of a young man who deals with the loss of a loved one. What makes it worse for Jonah is after a lock down his mother suffers a terrible fate that sends Jonah running into the tunnels under the city. It is during this escape that a voice comes to him and will help him for years. Along the way, and outside the domed city, he is introduced to the pack of pups we find in The Dark Citadel. As in the other stories you read and understand how he becomes such a pivotal character.
All three of these stories give the reader a deep understanding of the motivation for each character. This is a great addendum to The Dark Citadel as it gives the motivations that push these three characters. A reader can either read In the Beginning before or after they read the primary book. In either case it will draw you in deeper to their world and hopefully wanting more. -
An awesome collection of stories that shed some light on the foundations of The Green Woman series.
