Handbook for Mortals: Book One of the Series

Lani Sarem has written an easy-going, fun story, which brought me back to the books I frequently enjoyed during my childhood in the 90s. I have not read a book in the same tone as Handbook of Mortals in many years and, honestly, it was refreshing to be able to sit down, relax, and simply digest the story without a heavy-handed message strewn throughout. I finished the book in less than a week's time, and would have liked to have a sequel to pick up right after. Yes, it was that captivating.

At times, the supporting character's introductions felt overwhelming [trying to remember everyone in the first few chapters] and Zade, as loveable as she is, goes on tangents from time to time in which I could not relate, but I imagine other readers would know the references. Overall, the plot is engaging and the characters are enjoyable and interesting. The taste of magick makes it all worth it!

My daughter Janicee who is very picky about books got this book from Lani Sarem was totally blown away, she was soo hooked she read it with in 2days!! She then gave it to me and I loved it!! Anyone who reads this must be open minded to the paranormal and magical world. This is not your typical fantasy book, this really has a story that keeps you reading on and on!

Pure, unmitigated garbage. I have no doubt that someone had to buy a spot on a bestseller list for this book, because it would never make it there on its own merit. It's no small coincidence that the character on the cover of the book, Zade (Ugh), bears a striking resemblance to our dear author (Also ugh).

It is sad that such a wonderful person and gifted writer should go through this type of public shaming. Please read the book and decide for yourself if any of these 1-star reviews are substantiated. I am not a big reader of young adult, but I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Its fun and reads like a film script where the action keeps moving from one page to the next. Please give it a try and don't let bullies influence your opinion.

Handbook for Mortals by Lani Sarem
reviewed by Angi

I had mix thoughts going into this book. On one hand, it sounded very interesting on the other the reviews and publicly were less than desirable. I thankfully do not allow bad reviews to persuade me. I am so happy I went on and read it.

Lani doesn't give away all the info until just the right time when you need to know it. She has a delightful way of keeping you enthralled and needing more. I sometimes felt the chapters ended abruptly and we didn't always move forward in time as smoothly as I liked but it somehow worked for this story.

I read where people thought the characters weren't well written but here is where I beg to differ. We need to remember that this is YA. Though not teens these characters are young adults and therefore think and talk like YA. There is a scene where Zade imagines if only she had a camera to catch the way her skirt floats around her when she moves. Well, what young lady hasn't swished her skirt around thinking the same. Or when she sees a beautiful (or in her mind to beautiful for her own good, who wants to date someone prettier than yourself ..now come on we've all thought it) standing like Abercombie and Finch. Well, we all see someone beautiful and ads come to mind. So in this, I found a real believable girl, a whimsical girl on the road to coming to whom she will become.

There is a magic to the book that is not thrown into your face magic (this ain't Harry Potter folks) and then there is the Vegas magic show that Zade joins.

There is a love triangle which I could not fully grasp I didn't really feel for Jackson like I did for Mac. But it is young love and that should explain it all. Then there is family. True family comes together right?

This is a fun book you can read in a few hours. It's not an epic fantasy or a Fabio love story. It is just a fun read.

Take my word for it and take a chance. I for one can not wait to read more about Zade and her next adventure.

Handbook for Mortals is a terrifically well written work of fiction whose characters run deep and are made to spring to life in beautifully relatable ways. From plot twists that even the avid fiction lover will never see coming to rich player histories and nods to what will come, this book is sure to become a cult classic.

Sometimes the story behind the story needs to be told. (I’m speaking about the current rating for this book.) I feel like there are a lot of people trolling this book for no good reason. I would doubt they have read the whole book. Would you stop watching a movie after 2 minuets and write a horrible review because you didn’t like how the characters and plot are introduced? I’m going to stop pontificating. Buy the book, read the whole thing, and then form an opinion for yourself. For me, I can’t wait for the screen adaptation.

I liked the book. It was entertaining but not classic literature by any means, but its not supposed to be. People need to realize, that rumors are just rumors. Sarem, like all new authors, did of course order a bunch of her own books to promote on tour, that does not mean she bought thousands and thousands of copies to trick the selling list. Its a good story and I look forward to the movie

"Handbook for Mortals" is a thoroughly enjoyable read. Though normally not as big a fan of the genre as others on this site, I found myself drawn in by the characters, especially Zade and her adventure. Highly recommended! I look forward to the motion picture.

Such a page turner! I just bought the kindle version of this book today and must regrettably admit that NONE of my housework got done! In today's crazy world, one needs an escape to decompress. The magical tales spun by Lani are intriguing and captivating and the PERFECT escape from reality - for adult and young adult/teen alike. My son is impatiently waiting for me to finish it so he can read it next.

I'm a sucker for teenage shows, books & movies so needless to say I was stoked to dive into this. I love that it's a little bit of everything from magic to fantasy to romance to science fiction to drama and to being in a more realistic setting in a real city instead of some random fictitious place. Combine all these together and you have the Handbook for Mortals. I really can see this becoming a series and being adapted into a great franchise of literature and film. Obviously it's easy to read but hard to put down!

My daughter Janicee who is very picky about books got this book from Lani Sarem was totally blown away, she was soo hooked she read it with in 2days!! She then gave it to me and I loved it!! Anyone who reads this must be open minded to the paranormal and magical world. This is not your typical fantasy book, this really has a story that keeps you reading on and on!