Through the Psyche of Ambrosia: Part I (Worlds Beyond Scripture, #1) by Byron Fortin

Through the Psyche of Ambrosia: Part I (Worlds Beyond Scripture, #1) Reviews

• 
  Jen - The Tolkien Gal

  So a story starts with a jolting fantasy-like first chapter which totally grips you by the throat in its intensity and splendour.Then suddenly you are devoured in a gaping hole of a noir-like scene where a man wakes up hungover in a car, driven by the first woman he ever knew outside of his home, he watches her as her cigarette is expertly and elegantly held in her hand as she explains that he will now begin with his new life.
  
  Wow. And that's just been the first 3 chapters! I love both the mystery and being thrown into two worlds within an hour! This reminds me so much of the balancing of two worlds (without being urban fantasy within itself) in
  
  
  Thank you so much to Mr Fortin for giving me an audio book copy in exchange for an honest review!
  
  Review to come today! This is an absolutely fantastic book like no other!
  
  
• 
  Laura

  Copy provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
  Thank you Byron Fortin
  
  This read was unique!
  
  In this world of possibilities, Ambrosia, there are road leading everywhere. It's all up to you which direction you take. But choose your path wisely and remember your family will always be there to take care of you whenever you reach out for them.
  
  Take hold your dreams and trust in your heart, and you will find what you're looking for.
  
  True to this little snippet from the first chapter, or Chapter 3 to be more exact, since the book properly starts at Chapter 3, this book is Ambrosia's tale to self discovery.
  
  Meet Ambrosia as he is invited by a wealthy philanthropist to leave behind his life of general obscurity, safely sheltered from society, to enter a world of intriguing characters in the big city of Hartland. He’s not ready for what lies ahead though, and this adventure is just beginning to heat up…. He will soon meet a set of twins, throwing him into a love triangle he cannot possibly understand. But if he only knew what was to come, he may have never stepped onto that plane. He becomes terrorized in a dream so intensely real his mind cannot seem to let go of it, and is plagued by disturbing images of infatuation from another time. Afraid he is spiraling into madness, Ambrosia seeks out the help of those around him. Yet he has no idea what he is about to uncover. There may be more mystery and magic in his new home than he ever cares to admit.
  
  The first part of the book concentrates on Ambrosia's thoughts and ruminations about the new world he is suddenly thrust in. Raised in a faraway place by 4 Mothers, Ambrosia vies the modern world with it's "new to him" clothing and gadgets in a childlike manner, experiencing in a refreshing way the wonder of landscapes, drinks and so many other things we normally take for granted. However, his philosophical musings coupled with extended descriptions, make the book a little bit difficult to get through in this first half.
  
  The second half however picks up the pace and the narration changes here through mostly dialogue, which will allow a much faster and engaging reading pace.
  
  There is very little I can say about the story without giving any spoilers, so I'll stick to the minimum.
  
  Ambrosia has been brought up by his Mothers with rituals of invocation of presences from a supplementary dimension and with legends of dimensional coalescence, reincarnation, spirits and astral bodies. Unfortunately however, Ambrosia never felt anything during those childhood rituals so he reached the only one logical conclusion that "there is no such thing". The dreadful nightmares that plague him suggest otherwise, but still, Ambrosia chooses to stick with logic. Until he reaches his new home, that of his rich benefactor Mona. And at this point Ambrosia is forced to open his eyes to magic and all those things he was so sure wouldn't exist.
  Well either that, or he is going completely bonkers!
  
  Please note that this books ends in a cliffhanger and you will need to read the sequel
  Through the Psyche of Ambrosia: Part II to see how Ambrosia's story ends. I for one am intrigued enough to go on with it.
  
  If you are looking for something different to read, something that comes outside the usual norm and gives you a good and intriguing psychic mystery, this is the perfect book for you.
  
  Find this review and more on my book review and cover art blog
  The Magic Book Corner
• 
  Kayla Krantz

  So this is a very different type of read. Right away, as a reader, I was thrown off by the concept of the book starting on chapter three. This book details the journey of a young man who is pulled from his world into the modern day. As he comes to grips with his new life, he is haunted by his past, and must do what he can to adjust and survive.
  
  The way he sees things is fresh and new, especially when it comes to pretty girls. I thought the descriptions throughout the book were beautiful albeit over winded at times. There are some patches of dialogue that are funny, some that are integral to the story, and some that I thought were just unhelpful to the story overall.
  
  This is a very complex narrative, one that requires a bit of in depth thought to truly appreciate. I think I’ll continue on with the series to see what the next one has to offer because this one left me certainly curious.
  
• 
  Nic Hobbies

  I won't bash this book. I just want to say I loved the premises and the idea behind this book, I'm just not a fan of the exicution. Sorry Byron.
  
  I was given this book for an honest review.
• 
  Happy Booker

  Through the psyche of Ambrosia is a Paranormal Romance about Ambrosia leaving behind his normal life and entering a world where everything is not so ordinary. A wealthy philanthropist is his ticket to this world. Ambrosia meets two women who happen to be twins, and the dynamic between the three of them begin to take an exciting turn adding some fun to the mixture.
  
  
  As he is getting used to his new life, there are more things around that he discovers and that makes his existence to be harder than he thought. He has no choice but to survive, but to what cost?
  
  
  
  The literature was very in-depth written and descriptive with plenty of mystery and suspense. The book began with part one yet jumped to chapter three, which I found odd. As I was fully aware of there being a second book, I was looking for a good foundation for the storyline. I did feel that the author managed to create a very compelling story with many layers to explore in future books.
  
  
  
  I would recommend this book to people who like to read dark fantasy, romance, paranormal stories, and urban fantasy.
  
  
• 
  Raya Whitehouse

  
  So I got both the audio-book and the written book, and they are both one in the same as it's the same story, but I will try to remember to put both read/listen in even though I listened to it.
  
  So when you read or listen to this book the story actually starts on chapter three which is actually done on purpose. The author describes many things in the book, which can help you visualize what you are listening/reading even better There is so many twists and turns in the book you never know what will be around the next corner as you read/listen to the book. I personally think it was a well written book, though some of the descriptions could be cut a bit.
  
  Ambrosia who is a male gets a chance to experience a whole new world that he has never seen before. The book follows his journey into the modern era. New clothes was one of the first things he got introduced to, and the description was quite funny as to what he thought of it. As he is trying to cope with this life he is living, he feels haunted by things in his past and has to think what can be done to cope.
  
  The narrator was great, he pronounced everything at a good pace, never rushing through or drawing out the scenes. He put voices into each of the characters, even making it seem like each one had the proper emotions (example sadness). His voice rose and fell in all the right areas. He does a great job on this book.
  
  I received a free copy of this audio-book free and am giving it an honest review of my thoughts.
  
• 
  Josephine Spire

  A compelling paranormal read!
  
  “The journey which took us into the city and towards my new home was one of both wonder and amazement. The lights at the heart of the inner metropolis captured and transfixed me with their brimming spectacle of luminescence .......”
  
  Ambrosia ventures into a new life of adventure and mystery away from his norm, but very soon he discovers how challenging life was going to be. A beautifully written and highly entertaining tale that grips you from start to finish. A must read.
• 
  Kelly Channick

  Through the Psyche of Ambrosia is a fast-paced paranormal mystery/romance, that keeps you turning page after page. I was a little confused when the book started on chapter three, but quickly realized that was done on purpose.
  
  The writing was well-done, so much so, that I felt I could sympthathize with Ambrosia and often felt as confused/lost in this new world that he suddenly found himself plopped into. I don't want to give too much away, but with alluring twin sisters, strage dreams, and secret languages, this story keeps you guessing! Additionally, there was enough questions left unanswered, and strange/suspenseful events occuring, that make me want to grab a copy of the sequel and continue Ambrosia's strange mystery.
  
  I did receive a free copy of this book from the Karma Reviewing Group, and all thoughts expressed here are my own.
• 
  Maya

  ***thank you to the author for sending me a free ebook copy in exchange for my review***
  
  I genuinely cannot tell how I feel about this book.
  
  On one hand, it was near impossible to put down, with characters that intrigued me and prose that flowed beautifully, albeit could be considered a bit much by a casual reader.
  
  On the other, watching Ambrosia fall madly in love/lust with every attractive woman who breathes near him was so irritating to read, even if I understand it due to his secluded upbringing.
  
  In any case, I'm intrigued enough to read the second book, and with the mystery presented to me in this one, I have very high hopes.
  
  Overall, solid 3.5 stars, and I look forward to seeing what Fortin does in the future!
• 
  Alexandria

  I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author via Voracious Readers Only.
  
  I feel bad reading the reviews from others about how much they loved the book because I just didn't. As an English teacher, I love a nice, detailed picture of where we, as the reader, are in the novel. However, I felt the novel was almost overly detailed and it took away from the actual premise.
  
  Unfortunately, I can't even tell you what the premise is or even could be. I felt as though Ambrosia is interested in anything with a pulse, which I realize this is labelled as a paranormal romance, but I was anticipating a strong relationship between him and another character, not quick thoughts about him with anyone moving.
  
  Also, sadly, I don't understand why the novel starts at chapter three. I figured this might be something that is answered near the end, and maybe it is in book two, but that doesn't make me feel better about it.
  
  Because I finish everything I start, I anticipate reading book two because it was also provided as a complimentary copy; however, I will read something more enjoyable beforehand and hope book two can answer many unanswered questions when I decide to read it.
• 
  Bikram

  Disclaimer.
  I had requested and received audible version of this book for free from the author, in exchange for an unbiased review.
  
  What I liked about the book -
  This book is quite unique and different from what I usually get to read. It didn't follow any set formula and charts its own path. The characters are well developed and gritty. The story is very intriguing and captivating, with lots of twists. I liked the author's writing style, which made it a worthwhile reading experience.
  
  What I disliked about the book -
  Nothing specific that I can think of.
  
  Narration -
  Narration by John Joseph Rogers was well done.
• 
  MK Whiting

  A story that I might have missed the point
  
  The beginning of the book was very interesting. Taking someone to a new place that they had only read about. The experiences were funny and enjoyable.
  But the pages and pages of descriptions of a house that did not seem to fit the story
  I am not sure where this book was going. It was a journey but to where?
  Not sure I want to invest in book 2 of its the same.
  The writing style was a grade level of two above mine. Many words I had to assume the meaning of.
  So maybe it was me but I just didn't see the story, just a lead up.
  Well written just not my style.
• 
  Lene Lund

  I think the plot is very interesting, but the first book falls to short for the whole worldbuilding and expectations, as well as getting to know the other characters like Mona, Summer and Star. I have started book two and Im hoping there will be more to explore there.
  
  I was given a copy of the book for review.
• 
  Marian Thorpe

  “A riddle wrapped in a mystery inside an enigma.” Churchill’s famous description of Russia during World War II also applies to Byron Fortin’s duo of books A Nexus of Numen and A Swain’s Affray under the umbrella title Through the Psyche of Ambrosia. I’m going to be honest and say for a long time I didn’t know what to make of the books; as I worked my way through them – and it was work – at first what I saw was a story of a young man, Ambrosia, raised in a remote location by four women he calls the Mothers, who is suddenly catapulted into a modern world.
  
  Over-detailed and overlong description, of places, of people, of what Ambrosia is thinking, make up a large part of the books, as suggested by the umbrella title. But about two-thirds of the way through the first book, the narrative suddenly changes from Ambrosia’s inner thoughts and reactions to a section that is mostly dialogue. This part read very differently, and it was at this point I began to wonder if there was more to the books than I thought. At about the same time, I began to notice that some of the descriptive sentences actually made very little sense – some read as if they had been translated from another language, some as if they were simply a string of words that almost made sense, but on closer examination didn’t: “Those indigo locks, they trailed the touch of porcelain silk shoulders as the skin she was in absorbed the surrounding world as freckles on the face of her ever abounding glory.” (from Book II, A Swain’s Affray). I began to notice character’s names were frequently those of constellations or stars. I analyzed the words Ambrosia hears calling to him – Natarehs La Mihtrasem – which are – planned by the author or not – anagrams of the names of two Middle Eastern settlements. Hmmm….
  
  There are other examples I won’t give, as too many become spoilers. The question remains: do the books tell an intricate, coded story that is not what it appears, but rather a narrative as complex as the symbolism in a medieval painting, or are all the ‘hints’ of that simply coincidence? I remain on the fence, and in the end not interested enough in wading through the prose to pursue the former interpretation. But it remains a possibility, one that may spark curiosity other readers with more interest in the arcane, and could certainly form the basis for an interesting book club discussion. Two stars.
  
  Review by Goodreads Author Marian Thorpe
  Marian L. Thorpe
  
  The author provided me with copies of the books in exchange for an honest review.
• 
  Deedra

  This book was more 'involved' than I imagined.I felt lost through all of it. John Joseph Rogers narration seemed fine throughout.I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.'