Brigitte is an emissary of nature chosen to renew the treaty between Atlantis and the ancient bloodline of Lemuria. Her sacred betrothal would renew the function of the Crystal Grid that powers the ten kingdoms of Atlantis. But her people are attacked by a storm of shadows, and now she is running for her life. Upon her arrival in the ruling city, she meets D’Vinid, a dejected musician who lives … lives the quintessential Atlantean lifestyle of revelry, escapism and apathy. Under the eclipse of a holy festival marking the union of Atlantis’s mystical technology with nature, they are swept into an attraction they cannot resist. They become the embodiment of two gods whose union is meant to protect humanity from a deadly enemy – the Shadows of Atlantis. But this man is not her betrothed. Brigitte discovers the Grid is corrupted by psychic parasites that feed off human suffering, a sweeping epidemic called “The Madness.” The rituals required to charge the Grid with psychic emanations have been poorly attended, and this has caused the Grid to malfunction. But as nature always strives toward balance, the crystals have activated a genetic upgrade, and the youth have begun to express supernatural powers. Could it be that Brigitte and D’Vinid are meant to be leaders among the awakened? And if so, why does it seem impossible for them to be together?A mysterious tale of romance, seduction and betrayal that reaches just enough into the modern mind to ask – will we learn the lessons of Atlantis?
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I don’t know if I’ve ever read a book with a fantasy world so real, richly detailed and believable. Ms Powers has a stunning literary gift of visual imagination, rivaling that of JK Rowling or JRR Tolkien. Her Atlantis is extraordinarily complex, with many realms of influence and power, which are revealed organically as the story of Brigitte, D’Vinid, and the dark forces infecting the Crytal Grid progress in a compelling and character-driven conflict. Lessons are to learned here, parallels to modern problems abound. The apathy and entitlement of the citizens of Atlantis are what allow the dark forces to feed and grow. But Brigitte is determined to fulfill her mission to renew the treaty between the elemental realm of Atlantis and the celestial sphere from whence it all originated, to “rise to the highest vibration in the face of adversity and break through the paradigm of duality.” Her task may sound somewhat abstract, but citizens of Atlantis are dying and being possessed at an alarming rate, and deadly storms are approaching, so the battle is clear and Brigitte has many terrible struggles along the way. D’Vinid has spent most of his life avoiding his destiny and his latent powers, but will he rise to the occasion when the stakes get personal? This book develops with the power of a freight train gathering speed and impetus as it hurtles to its compelling climax. I can’t wait for the next book which I understand is on the near horizon. Make no mistake, although this is Ms Power’s first book, it is a masterwork of fiction which she has been developing for 30 years.
I have a real interest in mythology after studying it in college, so I was definitely drawn to Shadows of Atlantis as the reviews stated that historical legend and fact was weaved into the plot. I had high hopes for the first in Mara Power’s fantasy saga and I was not disappointed. The scenes were set beautifully with detailed descriptions – I could almost see the ancient city of Atlantis with my own eyes. Additionally, Power has created two protagonists – Brigette and D’Vinid’ that you cannot help but become deeply invested in. The attraction between then is so powerful, but Brigette has been promised to another, to renew the bond between two Kingdom and strengthen the life force that sustains them all. However, there are shadows lurking in Atlantis that threaten the destroy everything – is this the end of the magical city.
If you are a fan of fantasy fiction like I am, then you will definitely enjoy ‘Shadows of Atlantis: Awakening’ by Mara Powers. It provides a unique take on the story of the mythical city of Atlantis, whilst weaving in a powerful love story, and plenty of supernatural peril. The plot focuses on Brigette who must travel to Atlantis to meet her betrothed, which is essential to the continued functioning of the Crystal Grid – the source of life to ten kingdoms. When she arrives she meets a man and finds herself falling in love, but he is not her betrothed and forces seem set on keeping them apart. There are other threats to Crystal Grid, mysterious shadows that spread sickness through the people of Atlantis, throwing nature and the Crystals out of balance. Can Brigette find a way to be with the man she loves and save the Ten Kingdoms, or will her entire world crumble?
The fantasy novel is mysterious., alluring and so engaging. It draws you in from the very first chapter and takes you on a fast-paced journey of discovery and danger, right up to its unpredictable conclusion. I thoroughly enjoyed the first in the ‘Shadows of Atlantis’ series and I am very much looking forward to reading the next book in the series. Well done Mara Powers.
Author Mara Powers has spent almost 30 years exploring the labyrinth of ancient civilizations. Her decision to turn it all into a high concept, visionary fantasy series stems from her study of the esoteric depiction of Atlantis. With the other half of her research rooted in the secular, it was the best way to illustrate both aspects of this fascinating legend. Her work is the legacy of the legend. She regularly migrates between Los Angeles and San Francisco, California, Northern Colorado, Washington, D.C., New York City, and Austin, Texas
Mara has obviously intensely studied the history of Atlantis – and for those for whom this is the initial impression of Atlantis, ‘Atlantis is a fictional island mentioned within an allegory on the hubris of nations in Plato’s works Timaeus and Critias, where it represents the antagonist naval power that besieges “Ancient Athens”, the pseudo-historic embodiment of Plato’s ideal state in The Republic. Mara has shaped mythology and history and literary freedom and has created a book that is not only fascinating reading, but also a text gook of sorts. At the back of her book she generously offers a cast of characters defined, and an exceptional glossary of terms used in this approach to Atlantis.
At book’s end Mara shares her experience with her obsession with Atlantis – ‘There are two ways to approach the study of Atlantis, one is through secular subjects which are often considered “alternative.” The other is through the dazzling world of the esoteric. I find the latter reads like a science fiction novel. In choosing fiction, I could use these fantastic stories, and I didn’t need to back them up with hard facts. I just had to read and be inspired. To that end, I could also weave in my wider research on metaphysics, sociology and philosophy, as well as story-craft, a sprinkling of Jungian Psychology, and Joseph Campbell’s heroes journey… Do I believe in these stories? The answer is irrelevant. Because even Plato’s account of the discussion between Socrates and Solon about Atlantis is said to be an allegory about the downfall of Utopia by its own progress. The wave that sank Atlantis into the ocean is perhaps a metaphor for the destruction of humanity by the poison of our own psyche. These are the shadows of Atlantis… There are many aspects of my life experience woven into these pages. Struggles with addiction, abusers and sexual assault serve as a lesson for those who may have the same problems. The madness is based on the time I spent living in downtown Los Angeles near skid row watching the homeless epidemic happen around me. It is also a vehicle to demonstrate my theories about evil being an actual disease based on separation from unity consciousness. Hover Tricksters are my ode to the time I lived in Venice Beach where the skateboarders have achieved a level of fame. The conclaves are based on my time in the rave world and the festival circuit. The royal courts are based on the Renaissance reenactment world, otherwise known as SCA.’
A lot of background for this novel, but necessary to reap the wonder the novel offers.
The plot is complex but well distilled here – ‘Enter the legacy of the legend… Brigitte has been chosen to renew the treaty between Atlantis and the ancient bloodline of Lemuria. As an emissary of nature, her betrothal would ensure the continued function of the Crystal Grid, the life source of the ten kingdoms of Atlantis. But as Brigitte prepares to leave from her home in the magical Dreamvale, her people are attacked by a storm of shadows. Now she is running for her life. Upon her arrival in the ruling city of Atlantis, she meets D’Vinid, a dejected musician who lives the quintessential Atlantean lifestyle of revelry, escapism and apathy. Under the eclipse of a sacred festival, they are swept into an attraction they cannot resist. Their union may protect humanity from its worst enemy – the shadows of Atlantis. But there is one problem, this man is not her betrothed. Brigitte soon discovers that the corruption of the Grid could very well be the Grid itself. Citizens have neglected to attend the rituals required to charge the crystals with their psychic emanations. Some have fallen prey to an epidemic called “the madness”, caused by shadowy parasites that feed off human suffering. But as nature always strives toward balance, the crystals have activated a genetic upgrade among the people. The youth have begun to express supernatural powers. Could it be that D’Vinid and Brigitte are meant to be leaders among the awakened? And if so, why does it seem impossible for them to be together?’
Take time and read this novel slowly. It is rich in content and fascinating in presentation.
Shadows of Atlantis: Awakening, by Mara Powers (326 pages, published by Shadows of Atlantis LLC, 2018), is the first part of the Shadows of Atlantis series, and is a mythical fiction and fantasy novel located in the third era of the enigmatic kingdom of Atlantis. The author has dedicated the book to “the awakening of humanity”.
D’Vinid, a professional musician and an expert hoverboard trickster from Poseidia, Atlantis, tries to break the ties that eagerly tie his life to the design of the Watchers and live by his own standards, in a world that apparently clouds reason with dreams. Brigitte, from the Dreamvale, escapes from a growing disaster, leaving everything behind for a goal that has been predefined from above. Their paths will cross and take them both to the center of Atlantis, where they will be part of a gigantic struggle between fate and freedom, between conscience and blind faith.
Through a fantastic but extremely thorough and quite coherent reconstruction of the ancient world of Atlantis, Mara Powers manages to present in Awakening a detailed allegory of the individual, social, religious and political struggles of the human race, confronting belief and technology, dreams and reality, freedom and destiny, light and shadows. The myriad of characters that make up this work have been defined with precision and rigor, and the story has been woven with such skill that the plot organically expands like a torch that gradually illuminates an immense labyrinth right from its center.
Even though Awakening does not deliver a conclusion, its reading has been greatly pleasing and the journey exciting. This book does not lack action, humor, fantasy, romance or intrigue, and the promises it has placed on the horizon are powerful enough to wish to continue reading the rest of the series. A highly recommended book.
A well written story that has rivalry, family issues, love, monarchy, drama, tales and love in it. Nice storyline and plot. Characters are well described and they develop nicely through the story.
I like the mix of villains, good people and trickster. It made me want to read on. The story was written with emotions and twists.
A story about living in Atlantis. It has a hint of sci-fi but also romance.
Recommendable to others that like their stories a bit different.
Mara Powers invites you to step into a fantastical and timeless world of dreams in this tightly-written journey, accompanied by great illustrations.
If you are intrigued by the sound of magical lands, parasitic shadows, tattoos that come to life, murder, elixirs, crystals, and apparitions made of fear then get lost in these pages as soon as you can!
The essence of the story is that the main character, Brigitte, and her brother, Lukias, journey to fulfil Brigitte’s birthright, to become the Queen of Atlantis. They must learn all about their new kingdom and its problems.
Without giving too much away, newly-betrothed Brigitte becomes pregnant, which of course is perfectly poised as material for Powers’s follow-up book to cover. Who is the father of her yet-to-be-born child though? Her new husband, King Kyliron or her lover, D’Vinid?
Brigette and D’Vinid, the two main characters, with different backgrounds, lead us through Atlantis a peaceful, idyllic place and paradise. Atlantis is run by Crystal Grid energized by the psychic power of its citizens. The grid is in danger now and Brigitte can be the only key to save this beautiful, unique place.
This book is excellent for every fan of fantasy and mythology. Mara Powers did a great job with pacing and keeping the reader on the edge. An absolutely fantastic read that had me turning the pages obsessively from the beginning
This great and imaginative book from author Mara Powers will totally draw you in to its world of wonders and mythical elements with the heroine being Brigitte and her brother Lukias as they are taken by some group called the Watchers to Atlantis (yes, Aquaman anyone, haha) to search for the one who will establish an alliance or something like that between their two worlds. Brigitte finds herself drawn to a mysterious man-creature by the name of D’vinid who seem to also eye her for his own interests. I was very taken in by the book’s simple writing and how fantastical it all is with the inhabitants of this version of Atlantis, the great and remarkable civilization of history and myth that many in our day talk about with awe and wonder.
I found this book to be very entertaining, romantic, adventurous and amazing. If you ever are in the loop for a book that takes place in Atlantis and is a lover of a fresh outlook about it then check this book out. The imagery is just fresh because everything about this Atlantis is drawn from Powers’ innovative and storytelling mind. There are creatures here that are called the Magi (hmmm…sounds familiar right?) Then there are characters with attire that will remind you of the characters of old fantasy mediums like hoods, scarves and crystals and stuff like that. There are the usual creatures of the sea like the dolphin for instance and then there is the inclusion of the Biblical hybrid we know as the Nephilim. All in all, if you are one who enjoys Sci-Fi/ Fantasy/ Bible/ and the great Ocean deep, this book is definitely for you. I know because I loved it after completing it! I won’t spoil the book for you so no more previews!
For these last few days of 2018, you should buy and read this ebook now! After your spiked interest in Atlantis maybe from viewing the Aquaman movie that’s out now this year (2018) this book I believe will sate you. Have a wonderful remainder of the old year and why not say goodbye to it with an amazing book like this?
Shadows of Atlantis: Awakening by Mara Powers takes this legend into new and different territory. It appears that the author has researched the legend of Atlantis extensively,and this shows in the writing. This book is full of the metaphysical, new inventions and technology, and fantasy, all captured in this epic tale. With a wonderfully put together story that plays off of history, as well as mythological history, the author has done her research. Great characters, along with a compelling story line keep this from becoming a rather dry tome, while a complex plot keeps your interest as you learn of this unusual world. Highly recommend for something a little different, magical places and events, and an often light and fascinating writing style.
What a great first novel! Powers clearly is passionate about Atlantis, and does a great job creating and building a world for us to roam in. The world is very well-developed, along with the characters. The history and culture in the book is enough to draw us in, but Powers manages to drag us in deeper with skillful writing and bits of real history. It’s enough to have made me forget that I was reading a book, and felt a part of her universe. It’s hard to really focus on anything other the amazing attention to detail in the world/character building, as you might find from other reviews, but there’s a great story wrapped amidst it all as well. We get thrown into an adventure that is somewhat politically charged, but that fire is stoked by adventure, danger, and sacrifice. Brigitte is a solid character with diverse issues that really bring her to life in this story. If you haven’t already, give this book a shot. You wont be disappointed.