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Extant
Every family has secrets and Natalie Morrigan was used to being kept in the dark. But when her childhood home is destroyed following the mysterious disappearance of her parents, Natalie soon discovers her secrets are darker than most. With no where else to turn, Natalie and her four lifelong friends seek out their estranged Uncle for guidance and he cannot wait to tell her the truth. Her entire life has been a lie. Genetically adapted with a power that will change the world, Natalie is hunted by Nautilus: an organization that claims it will use her power to achieve an everlasting peace. But if Natalie has learned anything, it’s that things aren’t always what they seem.
Question everything.
Sarah Newland introduces a new world, hidden on the fringes of our own, in the first installment to her debut young adult trilogy: The Coelacanth Project.
Question everything.
Sarah Newland introduces a new world, hidden on the fringes of our own, in the first installment to her debut young adult trilogy: The Coelacanth Project.
319 pages, Paperback
Published September 1, 2019
9 people are currently reading
551 people want to read
About the author
Sarah Newland
8Ìýbooks55ÌýfollowersSarah Newland is an award-winning young adult fiction author and licensed veterinary technician based in coastal Virginia. Her books revolve around adventure, critical thinking skills, and friendship, and she hopes they will help to promote a love of reading and brain-active living.
When she isn't writing or working, Newland and her husband love to travel and dote upon their three fur-babies: Big Kitty, Little Kitty, and Meowse.
She's surprisingly good at pinball. Terrible at karaoke.
Connect more with Sarah by following her on , signing up for her , and checking out her writing tips on .
When she isn't writing or working, Newland and her husband love to travel and dote upon their three fur-babies: Big Kitty, Little Kitty, and Meowse.
She's surprisingly good at pinball. Terrible at karaoke.
Connect more with Sarah by following her on , signing up for her , and checking out her writing tips on .
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
January 7, 2022
Extant is a YA book that I really enjoyed and now I can’t wait to read the sequel, immediately!!
At the start of the book I was taken aback a little with the introduction of a vast amount of characters within a short space of time, however, as I kept on reading I found myself growing comfortable with all the different characters and their individual personalities.
I found the book hard to put down and started doing that ‘just one more chapter� each time I needed to. The plot flowed and was so easy to follow despite its fantasy vibe, as the world-building was spot on. Although this is a YA book, I do think it is the kind of book that anyone could enjoy because of the various characters and their individual storylines.
I also appreciated that there was this underlying feeling throughout of lessons to do with family dynamics and friendships which made the book have a real depth to it.
Extant was a fast-paced adventure with plenty of secrets and plot twists and I adored it. It also ended on an immense cliff-hanger which means I now HAVE to read the next one.
At the start of the book I was taken aback a little with the introduction of a vast amount of characters within a short space of time, however, as I kept on reading I found myself growing comfortable with all the different characters and their individual personalities.
I found the book hard to put down and started doing that ‘just one more chapter� each time I needed to. The plot flowed and was so easy to follow despite its fantasy vibe, as the world-building was spot on. Although this is a YA book, I do think it is the kind of book that anyone could enjoy because of the various characters and their individual storylines.
I also appreciated that there was this underlying feeling throughout of lessons to do with family dynamics and friendships which made the book have a real depth to it.
Extant was a fast-paced adventure with plenty of secrets and plot twists and I adored it. It also ended on an immense cliff-hanger which means I now HAVE to read the next one.
July 22, 2019
A fast paced YA adventure that I couldn't put down! The final few chapters provided a huge payoff, while also making me yearn for the next book in this series.
Sarah Newland has done a masterful job writing a witty group of heroes that welcome you onto their team as you wish the "cool kids" had at your high school. A great combination of pace, humor, and depth, "Extant" feels like there are niches and secrets to uncover around every turn of phrase.
The plot follows a group of young adults as they discover secrets and race around the globe in a desperate attempt to hold onto their childhood lives. While the chase and humor prove to be amazing fun, the depth of the characters and the ambiguity of their problems is the true star. Though it is labeled as a "Young Adult" title and is a very easy read, "Extant" had me asking questions about myself and my perceptions of the world around me. The discussion questions in the back of the book were a happy surprise that led me to hours of internal debate. There seems to be no end to the new facets to discover, with hidden pop-culture references, clues to the rest of the series, and hints at the characters' motivations hidden in every crevice.
With some of the most fun dialog I have ever read, "Extant" refuses to let you be a fly on the wall and instead pushes the reader to actually be part of this group of special friends. As the plot twists and unfolds you find yourself "questioning everything" right along with your new friends.
Sarah Newland has done a masterful job writing a witty group of heroes that welcome you onto their team as you wish the "cool kids" had at your high school. A great combination of pace, humor, and depth, "Extant" feels like there are niches and secrets to uncover around every turn of phrase.
The plot follows a group of young adults as they discover secrets and race around the globe in a desperate attempt to hold onto their childhood lives. While the chase and humor prove to be amazing fun, the depth of the characters and the ambiguity of their problems is the true star. Though it is labeled as a "Young Adult" title and is a very easy read, "Extant" had me asking questions about myself and my perceptions of the world around me. The discussion questions in the back of the book were a happy surprise that led me to hours of internal debate. There seems to be no end to the new facets to discover, with hidden pop-culture references, clues to the rest of the series, and hints at the characters' motivations hidden in every crevice.
With some of the most fun dialog I have ever read, "Extant" refuses to let you be a fly on the wall and instead pushes the reader to actually be part of this group of special friends. As the plot twists and unfolds you find yourself "questioning everything" right along with your new friends.
January 21, 2021
WOW!! I have had this book on my TBR for awhile and it finally came on top of rotation. A great read that had me wishing for book 2 STAT!! Newland did an amazing job creating this world which spotlight's The Coelacanth Project. A project centered around five teenagers who have been raised together since birth. Natalie, Leo, Tawny, Owen & Brant have always known their parents work was more than they let on, but they never imagined being the center of it's secrets. It was a heart pounding adventure following them through danger and self discovery. As Leo says to Natalie. Newland, I am With You on this series journey and can't wait for the second book!
P.S. I collect book boyfriends, it's what I do, Leo has been added to my shelf!
P.S. I collect book boyfriends, it's what I do, Leo has been added to my shelf!
January 1, 2021
Extant by Sarah Newland is about Natalie, a teenager who's family has been keeping secrets, very dangerous secrets the might well get her killed, or perhaps studied like a lab rat in a science experiment. I thoroughly enjoyed it, the story was good, the characters were believable and it was well written. It's obvious that you're missing something throughout the book but I didn't see what the something was until it came (no spoilers!), which I thought was clever. Overall, yes... I really liked this book and I'll be watching out for the next installment to be published.
February 24, 2020
Think Marvel's Runaways in Virginia and you've almost got the basic premise. I rated it low because it was extremely hard to read in the sense that the chapters changed perspectives, past and present, and there was barely any indication of which was which. It is never revealed how much actual time is between the two perspectives. It also leaves numerous questions unanswered and has an intense cliffhanger.
That being said, the characters were mostly believable and it was an intriguing concept.
That being said, the characters were mostly believable and it was an intriguing concept.
July 21, 2019
Once started, you won’t want to put it down! Extant pulls you in from the first page with characters you feel instantly invested in. Natalie and her friends are swept into a world they never knew existed, where courage and trust are put to the test. The story is exciting and engaging, with twists and turns, and an ending that leaves you wanting more. Can’t wait to read more from this author!
July 10, 2022
This was an "I can't put it down; I have to know what happens next" reading experience. There are so many twists and turns that it keeps you enthralled from the beginning. Highly recommend.
Bonus: If you're familiar with Virginia / Hampton Roads there's lots of "I know that place" moments which is pretty cool.
Bonus: If you're familiar with Virginia / Hampton Roads there's lots of "I know that place" moments which is pretty cool.
May 29, 2022
What an impressive debut novel. I was astounded by this first time author’s ability to draw you into her world from the very first page. I became so engrossed in the characters predicament, I just had to keep reading. If I had any complaint at all, it would be..... I CAN’T WAIT FOR BOOK TWO.
July 28, 2021
Newland's voice shines brightest through her characters in this one, especially Natalie.
It was clear to me early on in this book that the author developed a close relationship with her characters to the point where I found myself identifying on many levels which each and every one of them. I also found Newland's ability to walk the line between suspense (which comes at you already on page one) and calmer, more reflective scenes, to be definite strength of the work.
A particular delight through the story were the sprinkles of personality interwoven seamlessly throughout the narrative. The way Natalie, Leo, Tawny, Owen & Brant interacted with one another, not to mention the Virginian settings which felt very much like 'home away from home for me,' painted a picture of familiarity that allowed the admittedly fast-paced story to enjoy some much needed moments of still - critical for getting to know some of the nuances of the characters and their personal struggles.
All this taking place within a world of mystery and secret organizations makes for a perfect YA series where one is forced to QUESTION EVERYTHING.
Already ordered my copy of the next book in the series. Excited for all the books yet to come from Sarah Newland.
It was clear to me early on in this book that the author developed a close relationship with her characters to the point where I found myself identifying on many levels which each and every one of them. I also found Newland's ability to walk the line between suspense (which comes at you already on page one) and calmer, more reflective scenes, to be definite strength of the work.
A particular delight through the story were the sprinkles of personality interwoven seamlessly throughout the narrative. The way Natalie, Leo, Tawny, Owen & Brant interacted with one another, not to mention the Virginian settings which felt very much like 'home away from home for me,' painted a picture of familiarity that allowed the admittedly fast-paced story to enjoy some much needed moments of still - critical for getting to know some of the nuances of the characters and their personal struggles.
All this taking place within a world of mystery and secret organizations makes for a perfect YA series where one is forced to QUESTION EVERYTHING.
Already ordered my copy of the next book in the series. Excited for all the books yet to come from Sarah Newland.
October 25, 2021
I really liked the way this book flowed. Although the storyline for the main character was expected, the supporting characters were so likable and exciting, I could overlook the typical leading female character blankets.
It is an easy and quick read. It does have a few surprises, but overall not too bad.
It is an easy and quick read. It does have a few surprises, but overall not too bad.
June 3, 2021
Extant is a young adult sci-fi set in present-day Hampton Roads, VA. A group of friends (Natalie, Tawney, Leo, Owen, and Brant) are enjoying a day in Williamsburg together when disaster strikes at the Naval Base in Norfolk. Their world gets turned upside down when they're forced to be on the run while learning how to use their newfound abilities. Along the way, they must question everything they've ever known.
Extant stands out in the genre with its original ideas and unpredictable plot. The stakes are high and the story is always at risk of going in an unexpected direction. If you're looking for a YA series that doesn't follow YA's typical plot formulas, check out The Coelacanth Project!
Extant stands out in the genre with its original ideas and unpredictable plot. The stakes are high and the story is always at risk of going in an unexpected direction. If you're looking for a YA series that doesn't follow YA's typical plot formulas, check out The Coelacanth Project!
September 24, 2021
Intrigue! This book is wonderfully full of it. Everyone seems to have a secret. The more answers we get, the more questions are raised.
Newland has a talent for writing tension, drawing the reader through a scene with utter excitement. I often found myself skipping ahead to find out what happens (which I never do!). Sometimes the pace wanes and I wanted things to progress, but a slower pace can be good as it gives the reader a chance to breathe and relish in the fact that our brave characters (and the adorable, loyal dog!) are okay--for now. Then there’s the lush, vivid writing that pulls you in and makes you dream, think, wonder. It’s a pleasure to read. Lastly, I want to mention the unique take on the sci-fi trope of teleporting and the great way that Newland discusses the science in a way that is approachable but not overly technical. Overall, I really enjoyed this awesome novel :)
Newland has a talent for writing tension, drawing the reader through a scene with utter excitement. I often found myself skipping ahead to find out what happens (which I never do!). Sometimes the pace wanes and I wanted things to progress, but a slower pace can be good as it gives the reader a chance to breathe and relish in the fact that our brave characters (and the adorable, loyal dog!) are okay--for now. Then there’s the lush, vivid writing that pulls you in and makes you dream, think, wonder. It’s a pleasure to read. Lastly, I want to mention the unique take on the sci-fi trope of teleporting and the great way that Newland discusses the science in a way that is approachable but not overly technical. Overall, I really enjoyed this awesome novel :)
June 27, 2022
Newland has produced a captivating debut YA sci-fi novel that keeps you guessing up until the last chapter! I loved this book! A page turner from beginning to end, with a twist I won't spoil here but made my nerdy heart very excited for the sequels. Highly recommend, great adventure, intriguing plot, lovable characters.
March 14, 2022
Very good debut book. Author has a great imaginative tale that pulls the reader in. Great descriptive writing that helps the reader visualize the scenes and characters.
September 5, 2019
Your next YA sci-fi obsession....
After reading Chapter 1, my first thought was: I need answers. Extant immediately grabs your attention and doesn’t let go. I felt as though I was on a journey with the main characters. Each revealed secret was replaced with another question, leaving me both satisfied and wanting to know more.
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In addition to the action and intrigue, the characters are both relatable and unpredictable as they face one challenge after another. The story is well-written with light, witty banter to counter the dark realities at every turn.
Ìý
But don’t just take my word for it. Question everything.
After reading Chapter 1, my first thought was: I need answers. Extant immediately grabs your attention and doesn’t let go. I felt as though I was on a journey with the main characters. Each revealed secret was replaced with another question, leaving me both satisfied and wanting to know more.
Ìý
In addition to the action and intrigue, the characters are both relatable and unpredictable as they face one challenge after another. The story is well-written with light, witty banter to counter the dark realities at every turn.
Ìý
But don’t just take my word for it. Question everything.
December 3, 2019
Even though Extant is in the Teen/Young Adult category, I personally think this is a great beginning to a series that can be enjoyed by all. As a Generation X reader who does not venture far from my favorite authors from my “young adult� years, I can honestly say I have added Sarah Newland to my list of favorite authors. Extant has characters you will remember and can relate too even if it has been a while since you were a teen. Extant would be fun to read as a family or book club; there are even discussion questions at the end. I am eagerly waiting for book two.
August 6, 2019
Great first novel, had my interest from page one. I loved the ideas brought to life, and that it took place in an area of the country I was familiar with.
It appears from the clues at the end that there is much more to come! Let me just put in my order for book two now......
It appears from the clues at the end that there is much more to come! Let me just put in my order for book two now......
August 29, 2020
This book was very well written! I loved the ending and how it caught me, making me excited for the next book. I thought the characters were really well written and the story extremely intriguing. Well worth the time to read it.
Read
April 15, 2021Natalie's past is riddled with secrets.
Her power. Her family.
Trust isn't an option.
Question everything.
This is my first novel, my first series, and we're starting with a bang. Welcome to the Coelacanth Project, this is only the beginning.
Her power. Her family.
Trust isn't an option.
Question everything.
This is my first novel, my first series, and we're starting with a bang. Welcome to the Coelacanth Project, this is only the beginning.
November 15, 2019
great book love it fastest book i ve ever read it was so good favorite
March 9, 2023
I have taken a long time to write this review after reading the book, because I really felt like I needed to sit with the story and figure out exactly how I felt about what I just read. I'm going to address what held me up first, but please read the thoughts that follow if you find yourself in the same rut that I was in as I really think that overall this was a GREAT debut novel!
For me it got off to a great start full of intrigue and questions about the family secrets and the parent's behavior, but soon after, lost me. I put the book down for weeks and made myself pick it back up- I AM GLAD I DID!!!! Near the beginning of the book the main character Natalie makes a really dumb decision (as she was thankfully called out on by her friends so I know the author knows lol). She as a character was presented as supposedly intelligent- and I was left not trusting that description. I honestly had checked out and wasn't invested in the character anymore. Truth be told, she is probably my least fav of the cast of personalities (a personal personality preference issue, not a writing issue!). So I give this first book a 3.5 just because of the difficulty I had caring about the MC and the fact that she lost my trust so early in the story before I had a chance to get really invested in her to begin with. I highly anticipate the rest of the series being at least a 4 if not higher, and look forward to reading them!
However, as stated above, I am glad I picked the book back up and continued reading! The intrigue abounds in this well paced adventure and the writing is well executed so when I did pick it back up, I was left never really knowing what was going to happen next, or what was going to be revealed. This book was a breath of fresh air in that regard, since I feel like many YA books are super predictable.
I continued to be frustrated with the main character's lack of willingness to engage the story/the situation they find themselves in, especially compared to her friends and she is meant to be a sort of leader amongst them. I liked the supporting cast A LOT and would have like to hear more from their perspectives, since I wasn't jiving with the MC . I absolutely love and trust Leo as a character and kind of wish he was the MC. However, as all the problems I have with the MC are addressed in the story by the other characters, I am hopeful that this will just be the low beginning point of a beautiful character arc. If Natalie steps up in the rest of the series that would fix all the problems I had with this introduction to the world, as I have no complaints about anything else!
The pacing was great, the flashbacks provided some dramatic suspense, the rest of the cast was engaging with fun friend-banter and quirky personalities I loved, and the action will have you flipping pages fast enough to get a papercut!
Definitely worth a read if you like MIA parents, secret organizations, and kids having to save the world with emerging new abilities!
For me it got off to a great start full of intrigue and questions about the family secrets and the parent's behavior, but soon after, lost me. I put the book down for weeks and made myself pick it back up- I AM GLAD I DID!!!! Near the beginning of the book the main character Natalie makes a really dumb decision (as she was thankfully called out on by her friends so I know the author knows lol). She as a character was presented as supposedly intelligent- and I was left not trusting that description. I honestly had checked out and wasn't invested in the character anymore. Truth be told, she is probably my least fav of the cast of personalities (a personal personality preference issue, not a writing issue!). So I give this first book a 3.5 just because of the difficulty I had caring about the MC and the fact that she lost my trust so early in the story before I had a chance to get really invested in her to begin with. I highly anticipate the rest of the series being at least a 4 if not higher, and look forward to reading them!
However, as stated above, I am glad I picked the book back up and continued reading! The intrigue abounds in this well paced adventure and the writing is well executed so when I did pick it back up, I was left never really knowing what was going to happen next, or what was going to be revealed. This book was a breath of fresh air in that regard, since I feel like many YA books are super predictable.
I continued to be frustrated with the main character's lack of willingness to engage the story/the situation they find themselves in, especially compared to her friends and she is meant to be a sort of leader amongst them. I liked the supporting cast A LOT and would have like to hear more from their perspectives, since I wasn't jiving with the MC . I absolutely love and trust Leo as a character and kind of wish he was the MC. However, as all the problems I have with the MC are addressed in the story by the other characters, I am hopeful that this will just be the low beginning point of a beautiful character arc. If Natalie steps up in the rest of the series that would fix all the problems I had with this introduction to the world, as I have no complaints about anything else!
The pacing was great, the flashbacks provided some dramatic suspense, the rest of the cast was engaging with fun friend-banter and quirky personalities I loved, and the action will have you flipping pages fast enough to get a papercut!
Definitely worth a read if you like MIA parents, secret organizations, and kids having to save the world with emerging new abilities!
July 17, 2020
Book Rating: ★★★☆� (3.5/5 Stars)
Question everything.
Life is hard enough after you’ve just graduated high school. You’re trying to choose a college, you’re saying goodbye to good friends, and the world is at your finger tips. But for Natalie Morrigan and her close friends � Tawny, Leo, Brant, and Owen � there world is turned upside down by a series of bombings. Suddenly, their lives are turned upside down, their homes destroyed with their parents missing. At first, they think they’re mere pawns in the game…until they discover a mysterious ability granted to them at birth.
Extant is the fast paced first novel of The Coelcanth Project by Sarah Newland. In a gripping YA Sci-Fi novel, the readers embark on a journey that is filled with questions about morality, eugenics, and the definition of peace. Who can be trusted? And are Natalie and her friends making the right decision.
This story definitely hooked me right from the first page. Newland has a remarkable ability to write fast paced scenes while keeping the science fun and easy to understand. Natalie serves as a wonderful character to learn this through; her inner monologue is exactly what you would expect of an over-analytical teenager who is more interested in reading, mathematics and theories than being surrounded by the action. Her friends serve as good foils to her overall character too: Leo the protector, Tawny the feisty, Brant the “comic�, and Owen the “nerd�. Each one provides a valuable part of the team.
Yet, while Newland writes compelling action and fast paced scenes, some of this severely hindered the plot. I would have liked to see a bit more places where the character “breathe�. The story doesn’t take long to jump into the action, so the reader has to learn about the characters in these high adrenaline instances, rather than taking a bit of time to get to know them in calmer circumstances. That, coupled with the back and forth between past and present (which might have served as foreshadowing a discovery towards the end of the book), made me feel like I was constantly on the run. This, of course, is a testament to Newland’s writing ability, that the reader feels the anxiety pulsing through the pages. I personally would have liked a bit more time to get to really know Natalie and her friends though.
Still, if you want a fast paced novel filled with action and friendship, plus a little bit of science, Extant is definitely for you. I personally look forward to the next installment…since this is just a mere taste of what is to come.
Question everything.
Life is hard enough after you’ve just graduated high school. You’re trying to choose a college, you’re saying goodbye to good friends, and the world is at your finger tips. But for Natalie Morrigan and her close friends � Tawny, Leo, Brant, and Owen � there world is turned upside down by a series of bombings. Suddenly, their lives are turned upside down, their homes destroyed with their parents missing. At first, they think they’re mere pawns in the game…until they discover a mysterious ability granted to them at birth.
Extant is the fast paced first novel of The Coelcanth Project by Sarah Newland. In a gripping YA Sci-Fi novel, the readers embark on a journey that is filled with questions about morality, eugenics, and the definition of peace. Who can be trusted? And are Natalie and her friends making the right decision.
This story definitely hooked me right from the first page. Newland has a remarkable ability to write fast paced scenes while keeping the science fun and easy to understand. Natalie serves as a wonderful character to learn this through; her inner monologue is exactly what you would expect of an over-analytical teenager who is more interested in reading, mathematics and theories than being surrounded by the action. Her friends serve as good foils to her overall character too: Leo the protector, Tawny the feisty, Brant the “comic�, and Owen the “nerd�. Each one provides a valuable part of the team.
Yet, while Newland writes compelling action and fast paced scenes, some of this severely hindered the plot. I would have liked to see a bit more places where the character “breathe�. The story doesn’t take long to jump into the action, so the reader has to learn about the characters in these high adrenaline instances, rather than taking a bit of time to get to know them in calmer circumstances. That, coupled with the back and forth between past and present (which might have served as foreshadowing a discovery towards the end of the book), made me feel like I was constantly on the run. This, of course, is a testament to Newland’s writing ability, that the reader feels the anxiety pulsing through the pages. I personally would have liked a bit more time to get to really know Natalie and her friends though.
Still, if you want a fast paced novel filled with action and friendship, plus a little bit of science, Extant is definitely for you. I personally look forward to the next installment…since this is just a mere taste of what is to come.
December 14, 2022
I understand that while Natalie was imprisoned, she was trying to examine the past events to hopefully find clues to help her escape. However, I was not a fan of alternating chapters between the past and the present, for a few reasons. The main reason for me was the different pace of the past and present, as well as the pace that I went at while reading, which sometimes made it hard for me to follow the course of events. It was also sometimes not very clear if the chapter took place in the past or the present. A simple headline of what the date was at the top of each chapter would have been a great help. The second was for spoilers; I typically enjoy the flow of a story and natural discovery, rather than knowing what happens before the characters do. I would have rather discovered their powers and the truth behind who they are as the characters did so. Switching viewpoints through time actually symbolically made sense at the end of the book with a revelation of another power that Natalie has, but personally that style of storytelling isn't my favorite.
A main theme of the book is to question everyone's motives and what you assume about the world around you. Does that make you paranoid or careful? One question I have is why Nautilus attacked in the first place. I understand that they are an extremist organization and thought that violence was necessary, but if the goal is to use these teen's powers to make the world a peaceful and safer place, why not just approach them and have a conversation, invite them to join the cause and only then if they said no, use violence? It seemed counterproductive, and I am curious to find out more about what the organization actually does in the next book.
One thing I appreciated was how despite being science fiction, the chemistry as to why the teens' powers work only in the ocean with the aurichalcum "spark" was actually scientifically feasible. The specific concept of their powers was also quite creative; I have never read a book before with powers so specific and unique in this requirement. I also admired the bravery of Natalie and the other teens. They could teleport across the world to wherever they want, to start their lives over, and yet decided to try to find their adoptive parents and fight back. I do not know if I would have done the same.
A main theme of the book is to question everyone's motives and what you assume about the world around you. Does that make you paranoid or careful? One question I have is why Nautilus attacked in the first place. I understand that they are an extremist organization and thought that violence was necessary, but if the goal is to use these teen's powers to make the world a peaceful and safer place, why not just approach them and have a conversation, invite them to join the cause and only then if they said no, use violence? It seemed counterproductive, and I am curious to find out more about what the organization actually does in the next book.
One thing I appreciated was how despite being science fiction, the chemistry as to why the teens' powers work only in the ocean with the aurichalcum "spark" was actually scientifically feasible. The specific concept of their powers was also quite creative; I have never read a book before with powers so specific and unique in this requirement. I also admired the bravery of Natalie and the other teens. They could teleport across the world to wherever they want, to start their lives over, and yet decided to try to find their adoptive parents and fight back. I do not know if I would have done the same.
November 1, 2023
This is a really fun read. I loved how the author chose to unfold things, and having a dual timeline actually worked for a change. Non-linear narration often doesn't work for me, but the decision to have a "present" and "past" unfolding simultaneously in the reader's mind is not only well done, but has a deeper meaning once the final twist comes to light--and that made it brilliant.
I really enjoyed the characters. It's a group of friends with some hints of more, but for the most part these teens know each other so well they don't really notice. That made some interactions really endearing, others funny--and for me, it's great writing to be able to get all of that across merely through the character's interactions. Great "showing". In a way though, there was a lot of focus on the larger-than-life extroverts, which meant the introverts kinda blended in my mind. I'm not entirely sure which one is which because there weren't enough distinguishing characteristics mentioned right at the beginning.
The plot unfolded really well and as mentioned, the dual timeline worked. It's something I'd like to reiterate because it even helped to ramp up the tension. You knew something was going to happen, but didn't know when, and that really gave each new intense scene even more tension because it "could" happen now--and then it didn't. I also really enjoyed the moment when the cover and the title made perfect sense.
This is a carefully crafted "contemporary" sci-fi book with an interesting premise and a fun group of friends racing against time to figure out what is going on and how to save their parents. I'm definitely looking forward to reading the next book!
I really enjoyed the characters. It's a group of friends with some hints of more, but for the most part these teens know each other so well they don't really notice. That made some interactions really endearing, others funny--and for me, it's great writing to be able to get all of that across merely through the character's interactions. Great "showing". In a way though, there was a lot of focus on the larger-than-life extroverts, which meant the introverts kinda blended in my mind. I'm not entirely sure which one is which because there weren't enough distinguishing characteristics mentioned right at the beginning.
The plot unfolded really well and as mentioned, the dual timeline worked. It's something I'd like to reiterate because it even helped to ramp up the tension. You knew something was going to happen, but didn't know when, and that really gave each new intense scene even more tension because it "could" happen now--and then it didn't. I also really enjoyed the moment when the cover and the title made perfect sense.
This is a carefully crafted "contemporary" sci-fi book with an interesting premise and a fun group of friends racing against time to figure out what is going on and how to save their parents. I'm definitely looking forward to reading the next book!
September 18, 2020
Nicely tense, swiftly moving YA sci-fi
EXTANT is a nicely tense, swiftly moving read that follows four friends through the aftermath of a terrorist bombing, which thrusts them right into the reality that nothing- namely their own lives- are what they've believed them to be. Add in an unknown ability, a touch of Jurassic Park style science, and some psychopathic fanatics, and start running. (or tacking, whichever the case may be)
It's highly worth mentioning that the MC (Natalie) has a large German Shepherd bodyguard that races through the story alongside her 🥰 I think this is the second book I've read where the MC has a pet (within the last couple years)! It's actually kinda nice!
I thoroughly enjoyed Natalie's view on fighting. Even while I'm yelling at her to take the f'n gun, I loved that she didn't, that she was not going to behave like every other fighting heroine who's out to save her life and her world, and that she stuck to her own convictions and her own way. That reservation, that hesitance on her part made me love and respect her more, made me listen and think. I am grateful that the story was in her viewpoint and not any of the others- as likeable as the rest all were.
The story is split along two timelines. When the past loops up to the present near the end, the Question Everything clue takes on better meaning, and the right questions start to get asked and answered, leaving you really wanting the story to continue.
Very well done!
EXTANT is a nicely tense, swiftly moving read that follows four friends through the aftermath of a terrorist bombing, which thrusts them right into the reality that nothing- namely their own lives- are what they've believed them to be. Add in an unknown ability, a touch of Jurassic Park style science, and some psychopathic fanatics, and start running. (or tacking, whichever the case may be)
It's highly worth mentioning that the MC (Natalie) has a large German Shepherd bodyguard that races through the story alongside her 🥰 I think this is the second book I've read where the MC has a pet (within the last couple years)! It's actually kinda nice!
I thoroughly enjoyed Natalie's view on fighting. Even while I'm yelling at her to take the f'n gun, I loved that she didn't, that she was not going to behave like every other fighting heroine who's out to save her life and her world, and that she stuck to her own convictions and her own way. That reservation, that hesitance on her part made me love and respect her more, made me listen and think. I am grateful that the story was in her viewpoint and not any of the others- as likeable as the rest all were.
The story is split along two timelines. When the past loops up to the present near the end, the Question Everything clue takes on better meaning, and the right questions start to get asked and answered, leaving you really wanting the story to continue.
Very well done!
August 26, 2022
“Extant� is Book One of the Coelacanth Project introduces Natalie Morgan, a teenager and her four friends, Leo, Tawney, Owen & Brant. The kids are connected by their parents—all of which have mysterious jobs.
Overall, I enjoyed this adventure. I found the secrets/powers to be interesting and different than what I have read before. It also made me want to push the tale forward to figure out exactly what was going on. The story flips from past to present timelines which I thought helped the pacing. The author’s descriptions are consistently detailed which helped with “seeing� the scenes but dragged along the story a little when listening on audiobook. Find the full blog review at heatherlbarksdale.com
I ended up checking out this tale on mixed platforms- e-book and audiobook. The narrator is easy to listen to and understand. She does an excellent job of changing her voice for each of the characters, but is a little sing-songy for my attention and the level of descriptive detail of this story.
I received a copy of this story in exchange of a fair and honest review.
Overall, I enjoyed this adventure. I found the secrets/powers to be interesting and different than what I have read before. It also made me want to push the tale forward to figure out exactly what was going on. The story flips from past to present timelines which I thought helped the pacing. The author’s descriptions are consistently detailed which helped with “seeing� the scenes but dragged along the story a little when listening on audiobook. Find the full blog review at heatherlbarksdale.com
I ended up checking out this tale on mixed platforms- e-book and audiobook. The narrator is easy to listen to and understand. She does an excellent job of changing her voice for each of the characters, but is a little sing-songy for my attention and the level of descriptive detail of this story.
I received a copy of this story in exchange of a fair and honest review.
April 25, 2020
Definitely a fun, and quick read. Lots of action and characters to grow to love and cheer on.
What makes this book and series enticing is the air of mystery around the opposing organizations in the book. At the end of the book you are unsure if one is good and one is evil or if both are a little shady...
I think there are lots of unanswered questions at the end which make you want to continue reading the story.
A pretty solid story especially for a debut book and a self-published author.
What makes this book and series enticing is the air of mystery around the opposing organizations in the book. At the end of the book you are unsure if one is good and one is evil or if both are a little shady...
I think there are lots of unanswered questions at the end which make you want to continue reading the story.
A pretty solid story especially for a debut book and a self-published author.
October 20, 2021
Well written and fast-paced read. The sci-fi is light which is what I prefer, and there's enough tension to keep you interested. The cliffhanger ending certainly left me wanting to find out what happens next.
May 26, 2023
This book kept me on toes the entire time! I didn’t feel a lag at all and the different elements of “tacking� and then time travel was so well introduced! Can’t wait to read the next one!!!
September 16, 2023
Riveting and highly imaginative. Loved it!
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