Kindle Edition Amazon Eliza Mann, Author Category:  Fantasy Publisher: Araby Books ISBN-10:  1974267393 Type: Fiction Pages: 206 Copyright: Nov 18, 2017 ISBN-13: 9781974267392 Price: FREE! (eBook) Genre-bending YA novel asks, “What if you suddenly became psychic?” For Karina Morgan, every day is another chance to be bullied by the pretty girls at school–all because of an accident when she was just a baby that left her horribly scarred. Her life seems hopeless, until she stumbles upon a mysterious cave near her home. What she learns from the cave's extraordinary inhabitants will change her perspective–and her life–forever.

"highly recommended for all ages"

Eighth grader Karina Morgan is not like other girls. Her forehead was terribly scarred when she was a baby, so she's gone through her short life marred and tormented by her peers. The weight of what she faces in school increases every year, and middle school seems the worst of all trials until she discovers a cave, an old man, and a message that would seem to place her experience in a broader perspective.

Young readers might anticipate that Karina will be about a handicap fixed by the miracle of science; but a different kind of miracle comes to light, here: that of the mind.

Psychological insights blend nicely with metaphysical touches as reincarnation, life purpose, and lessons that can change others are introduced to the story line. These topics may sound like heady reading for middle graders; but E.B. Mann makes them accessible through lens of Karina's experience and emotions, successfully linking the concept of personal pain and courage with wider-ranging considerations of how individual trials in life can actually build a better world.

These themes and how they are handled make Karina a recommended read beyond middle grades or even high school, as different age groups will find her story accessible, thought-provoking, and a satisfying testimony to the power of enlightenment and personal growth.

The blend of magical places and a transformative process that ultimately changes not just one bullied eighth-grader but those around her creates a memorable read that reinforces a powerful concept: "...the world is merely a reflection of your own energy. Change yourself and you will see your reflection change. As the wise Native American Chief Seattle once said: 'All things are bound together, all things connect.'"

Think Cloud Atlas, but with a gentler touch, to grasp the essence of Karina's powerful message, which is highly recommended for all ages.

Diane C. Donovan, Senior Reviewer
Donovan's Literary Services
www.donovansliteraryservices.com



"brilliantly written"

Karina by E.B. Mann is a brilliantly written novel that begins with Karina Morgan - after dropping off her younger brother Max at his school - being driven to Vista Verde Middle School along with her socially acceptable womb mate, Jonah. Karina, on the other hand, has a three-inch scar on her forehead as a constant reminder of an accident she had as a toddler. As she reaches for the handle of the front door of the school, she pauses during a brief flashback to a dream she had, until it is interrupted by a growling 200-pound football player's, "Move it, loser!" Mary Blair is Karina's strong-willed best friend that helps her get through all of the ridiculing from the elite group of pretty girls they refer to as the "BB's." This story starts out like most books in the genre, until Karina discovers a cave near her home, with some very unusual inhabitants.

Ms. Mann does an amazing job of relating Karina's feelings as she goes through all of her trials and tribulations, between her crush on the most popular boy at school, and her brothers' constant bickering. All she feels she has, besides Mary, is her favorite person in the world; her Gram, short for grandmother. The characters of this story are well described, as well as flawlessly presented, to bring this story to life. E.B. Mann shifts gears when Karina's dream flashback becomes a reality and sends this story into overdrive. The author is able to grab hold of readers and take them on a whirlwind ride of Karina's journey to self discovery. This story was so hard to put down from the very start. I was thoroughly impressed with this captivating tale, so vividly captured that I could envision it as if it were on the silver screen. This story may have started out like many others, but it took unexpected twists that just turned Karina into a masterpiece, the likes of which I have never seen before. Brava! Encore!

Reviewed by Stephen Fisher for Readers' Favorite



"a quick and thought provoking read"

“When the student is ready, the teacher appears.” (Mann, from “Karina”.)

Karina is like any teen in middle school. She struggles with self-confidence and her first crush. A group of mean girls makes school a nightmare. Living with her two younger brothers that constantly fight is also a challenge. What makes Karina different from most is that she suffered an injury as a toddler that left her with a scar. The scar has become the overriding force in her life, leaving her vulnerable to bullying and overwhelming insecurity. Luckily, Karina has moments of brightness with her quirky and free-spirited friend Mary. She also shares a unique bond with her grandma. Even though these relationships provide her with critical support, Karina seems destined to remain emotionally stuck due to her circumstances. Readers will likely be able to relate to Karina’s struggle personally through their own experience or through that of a loved one.

Then, one fateful day, Karina encounters a mysterious cave. The cave and its inhabitants challenge her to open her mind and unlock her potential. Karina's journey after this moment will keep readers rooting for her throughout the rest of the story. Will Karina overcome the emotional consequences of her scar? How will this cave change her as a person? How will the experience affect her other relationships? That my dear bibliophiliacs, I will leave to you to discover when you read this book.

Mann's debut novel is a quick and thought provoking read that would appeal to both teens and parents alike. Karina invites readers to explore the necessity of introspection in a world that increasingly draws our attention away from this. It is also about self-love and compassion for others. Personally, I look forward to having my children read this book and have conversations about all of these aspects.

By Amanda Merriman for Castle Pines Connection