Eden Newman must mate before her 18th birthday in six months or she'll be left outside to die in a burning world. But who will pick up her mate-option when she's cursed with white skin and a tragically low mate-rate of 15%? In a post-apocalyptic, totalitarian, underground world where class and beauty are defined by resistance to an overheated environment, Eden's coloring brands her as a member of the lowest class, a weak and ugly Pearl. If only she can mate with a dark-skinned Coal from the ruling class, she'll be safe. Just maybe one Coal sees the Real Eden and will be her salvation her co-worker Jamal has begun secretly dating her. But when Eden unwittingly compromises her father's secret biological experiment, she finds herself in the eye of a storm and thrown into the last area of rainforest, a strange and dangerous land. Eden must fight to save her father, who may be humanity's last hope, while standing up to a powerful beast-man she believes is her enemy, despite her overwhelming attraction. Eden must change to survive but only if she can redefine her ideas of beauty and of love, along with a little help from her "adopted aunt" Emily Dickinson.
As an adult, I sometimes seek the escape of teen literature in an effort to immerse myself in less complicated plots. I was shocked and pleasantly surprised when this book not only drew me in immediately, but challenged me to think about a world not unlike ours that was changed by pollution and overuse of resources. A post-apocalyptic ride with a romantic twist, Revealing Eden centers on a young girl named Eden Newman who is about to reach an age where she must mate or die. Fair skinned and blond (a Pearl)when the ruling class is darker complected and brunette (Coals), Eden is abused at every turn for being a minority. Even the world she lives in could kill her, as the sun’s rays are so powerful that many people die of “The Heat.” Society has moved underground. Resources are lim! ited. And no Pearl is safe. When a rebel force strives to use Eden in an attempt to destroy her father, a scientist experimenting with genetics to help more people thrive in these hazardous conditions, she is forced to go on the run with Dad and the one man she hates the most. What follows is a story of self discovery, survival, and ultimately finding true love. Set in both the tunnels of an underground society and a lush jungle, Revealing Eden is a must read for anyone who is a fan of post-apocalyptic literature. The moral of this book is to find your true self, a fantastic lesson for teens of all ages. As a side note, the author includes within this novel poetry by Emily Dickinson. The juxtaposition of the beauty and simplicity of her poems with the harsh reality of the universe she created is BEAUTIFUL. A fan of Dickinson, I was delighted to see a modern, teen lit author re-introducing these lovely poems to a new generation.
(Fantasy Book Addict)
Y'all know how much I adore dystopian novels. The government is overpowering, the world is blind, all except one strong flawed teenager. She fights the government under intense danger and goes on an emotional journey along the way, and also fins love (usually). I will always be accepting to a new dystopian, especially one where the girl thinks she's ugly because of the current standards (those really tug on your heartstrings). Get this novel!
--BookSpark Revealing Eden is the runner up in the YA category of the 2011-2012 LOS ANGELES BOOK FESTIVAL!
This is an incredibly powerful novel. Eden, the main character, lives in a dystopic world. The sun is no longer effectively blocked by the ozone layer, rendering anyone without adaptations, aka very dark skin, undesirable. Eden is as much of a "Pearl," aka very white, as they come. She knows her mating chances are low and desperately wants to mate with a Coal. She wants to succeed so much that her instincts fail her and she is betrayed by her Coal secret boyfriend.
She is saved by one of the most powerful and desired Coals. Her father and her are taken to a safe place so that her father can continue helping the powerful Coal in peace. Eden feels a dangerous attraction Bramford, the Coal who saved her, and doesn't know what to do with her feelings. She fights Bramford every inch of the way. The reader will love to read about their ups and downs and developing relationship. The scenes with Bramford and Eden are filled with tension, the reader will love the suspenseful undercurrent. Can Eden change her perceptions to accept what is real?
As a character, Eden is feisty. She is impulsive, brave, and fiery. The reader will never tire of following her "adventures"...even when the reader will feel like shaking Eden and telling her what she should be doing. Bramford is surly himself, but he is also Eden's savior and seems to see the "true Eden." He doesn't give up on her even when she pushes him to his limits. The secondary characters pale in comparison to Bramford and Eden.
The events of this book were fast-paced and interesting. The author details the rich environment of the safe place perfectly, the feelings and tone of the novel are clear. This book is highly recommended to young adult/adult readers.
Review by Live to Read
Showcasing Victoria Foyt We had the chance to do a lovely interview with Victoria Foyt and get to know her a little. She's going to tell you about her book Revealing Eden and a little about herself....enjoy!!
For me, writing became a natural extension of my passion for reading, a way to join the club of authors I so deeply admired. In many ways, they saved me, offering a way to be entertained by the swirling chaos of life. By adolescence, I’d been swept away by Gone With The Wind, Great Expectations, and The Count of Monte Christo, and I dreamed of writing novels.
Now, I understand that the authors of those books must have fallen in love with their characters because that is exactly what happens to me. In my new Young Adult fantasy adventure romance, Revealing Eden (Save The Pearls Part One), I tapped into my deep fears about Global Warming and my lifelong questions about true love. I really wanted to know what would love and relationship and even, beauty, look like if an overheated earth turned social standards upside down.
This led me to create a post-apocalyptic world in which increased solar radiation has forced mankind to live in tunnels. Caucasians are an oppressed minority, the Pearls, while dark-skinned people are more able to withstand The Heat, and therefore rule. The contrast between this bleak, angry, overly tech-driven world in which love is dead and the interracial romance that flourishes, despite all odds, between Eden Newman, a downtrodden Pearl, and Ronson Bramford, a Coal titan, is unique and inspiring. I feel in love with them, just as they fell in love with each other.
Like Eden, I always hoped that someone would love me for my mind, the real me, and not judge me on appearance. It was such a thrill to write her story. Feisty and brave, she also lacks confidence, which often leads her to make poor decisions in relationship with men. Sadly, not unlike me.
I started writing Revealing Eden in first person, but my editor suggested I change to third person intimate, which feels like first person because we still see the story through one character’s eyes. She was right; the change helped create the wonderful romantic tension between Eden and Bramford, and made him seem really hot! Sometimes you simply want to shake Eden, which is how I once felt about Scarlett O’Hara!
Once I changed the tense, the writing of Revealing Eden just flowed; it took me about two and a half years. I was excited each day to get to my studio and see what would happen next. If I’m lucky, the characters act out the story for me, and Eden and Bramford were great actors! It was much easier to simply take dictation from them than slavishly follow my outline. I can’t listen to music or be distracted by the Internet or phone calls because watching and listening requires all of my concentration. I think it would be way too hard to write it by myself.
And while I may have been alone at my computer, talented actors surrounded me when we shot a dozen videos for SaveThePearls.com, an interactive site about Eden’s world. It was amazing to watch “Eden” come to life and act out scenes in the book. As a filmmaker and a novelist, the creation of her world online provided a fantastic opportunity for me to use all of my experience and skills.
I want to thank all of you who have uploaded your videos to the site, and who have contacted me at VictoriaFoyt.com or http://www.facebook.com/SaveThePearls. I love hearing from you!
And a huge thank you to all the bloggers who have requested a copy of the book and also written about it. The passionate community of readers you are creating both amazes and inspires me.
“Wickedly clever and hard to put down! Victoria Foyt takes readers to a dark future where the tables are turned on racial struggles, and trust and love are fragile things. With a determined young woman to lead the way, this well imagined post-apocalyptic world contains all the elements of mystery and romance that make us turn pages faster and faster. You won’t want to miss this ride.” --Jerrilyn Farmer, bestselling author of 8 award-winning Madeline Bean mysteries
-Blood Magic Book
Victoria Foyt Interview
What inspires you to write?A burning question usually inspires me, what if? In Revealing Eden (Save The Pearls Part One): what would happen if global warming turned today’s prevailing beauty standards upside down? In the story, because Caucasians have less melanin in their skin to protect them from the sun’s burning rays, they are branded as inferior Pearls. Dark-skinned people, or Coals, have more resistance to the Heat, and therefore, now rule society. Eden Newman, a lithe blue-eyed blonde, would be considered gorgeous in our day, while in the future she has to beg for a mate or suffer an early death. The direction in which my “what if” question took me greatly surprised me, as it often does.
How old were you when your first novel was published?In my forties, that’s all I’ll say. Looking back, I see that the seemingly circuitous path I took from studying foreign languages and literature in college, to acting and screenwriting and directing afterwards, all provided key tools I would need as a novelist. Meanwhile, I was accumulating invaluable life experiences and insights, which gives a writer his or her unique “voice.” By the time I started my first novel in my thirties, my words flew onto the page, and I haven’t stopped since.
Which films did you co-wrote?Several indie films, all of which were directed by Henry Jaglom: Babyfever; Last Summer In the Hamptons, Festival In Cannes, Going Shopping and Déjà vu, which is my favorite, and has become somewhat of a cult classic. My work as a screenwriter definitely improved my sense of dialogue and place. It also added a distinctive visual orientation to my writing.
Which have you starred in?All of the above, except for Festival In Cannes. At the time it went into production, I was busy writing a novel and had to turn down the starring part. It was a tough decision, but finally, I needed to commit to my heart’s desire, which I’m glad I did.
What's your favorite Bath and Body Works scent?I love Warm Vanilla Sugar—both seductive and comforting. I discovered it years ago at their shop in the charming city of La Jolla and couldn’t resist it.
What is Revealing Eden about?REVEALING EDEN (Save The Pearls Part One) is a fantasy sci-fi adventure romance that, to my amazement, fulfills all of the requirements of each genre and yet, is a unique page-turner. I didn’t set out with such lofty goals, I simply had to tell Eden’s story, which in truth, is a pastiche of my own fears and dreams. Doomed unless she mates soon, Eden Newman, a white Pearl, hopes a Coal from the dark-skinned ruling class will save her. But when she unwittingly compromises her father’s secret biological experiment, perhaps mankind’s only hope, Eden is cast out—into the last patch of rainforest and also the arms of a powerful beast-man she believes is her enemy, despite her overwhelming attraction to him. To survive, Eden must change—but only if she can redefine her ideas of beauty—and of love.
Which was your favorite magazine to be in?I was thrilled when my publicist announced that I was going to be in Vogue! I immediately decided to lose 5 pounds, but I was in Italy at the time. Who can diet there? I fretted about what to wear and was very relieved when I learned that the magazine’s stylist would bring a selection of clothes. Great, as long as they didn’t bring bathing suits, I joked. The day came and two lovely stylists arrived at my house with several wardrobe trunks. I watched with great anticipation as the women unpacked the items, setting out Louboutin shoes, which had just started to become popular, accessories, and then, oh no—a rack full of bathing suits! I stared dumbfounded at the skimpy suits. It was a mistake. Didn’t they know I’d had two kids? I hadn’t prepared anything else to wear and, near tears, began frantically to root through my closet. Finally, the editor and I pulled together something simple that, in the end, reflected my style best. It was so much fun.
Who was your favorite talk show host? Why?I adore Oprah! She’s so authentic and powerful. She radiates real beauty. I praise her efforts at encouraging reading. And I admire her motto: “live your best life”, which isn’t about competition, but being true to yourself. When I wrote an article for her magazine, O at Home, the efficiency, professionalism, and positive nature of her staff impressed me, and seemed to reflect Oprah’s great qualities.
Can you describe Lexie Diamond?Lexie Diamond believes that cyberspace is the key to a realer reality than the so-called real world, or “Bubble,” in which everyone else is trapped. She has a hard time understanding why people don’t see how fake their lives are, or why their “Monitor A” type speech clearly doesn’t match the subtext she “hears” on “Monitor B” Disaffected and socially inept, she finds solace in her alter-ego, a computer she names Ajna-Mac (ajna is the Sanskrit word for third eye.) Then a tragic accident rocks Lexie’s cyber-driven world and forces her to navigate the real world. With the help of an unexpected ally—her first actual friend—not only is Lexie drawn in a mystery surrounding the accident, but she discovers more magic in the Web that she ever dreamed possible. Along the way, her beliefs are challenged, her family is turned upside down, and her future is threatened. Finally, Lexie must decide what is real and what is virtual.
Do you have more of an East-Coast style or more of a West-Coast style?My style is more tropical, an island mentality. I grew up in Coral Gables, a suburb of Miami, just off Biscayne Bay, and spent my days swimming in warm water, often eating lobsters that my brothers caught off of our dock. That sense of freedom and oneness with nature has never left me. Even in the midst of intense production or social activity, I can tap into a wellspring of inner peace that I discovered when sailing on calm seas.
Which book was the most fun to write?REVEALING EDEN (Save The Pearls Part One) was a thrill to write. One of the great gifts of being a writer is what your characters reveal about yourself. Eden Newman, the seventeen-year-old protagonist, uses her head, not her heart, to navigate the world. I definitely have had to work at opening my heart and, like her, to stop judging myself based on my appearance. I loved watching Eden transform from this oppressed, frightened girl to someone who is willing to embrace her strength, her inner beauty and even, true love. And then, I really enjoyed creating her surly love interest, beastly Bramford, who turned out to be so hot!
Which character from any movie, or any book, or any television show are you most like and why?I’ve always identified with Lucy from the Peanuts comic strip. She is slightly out of touch with social cues and clearly in need of some TLC.
Is there anything else you'd like to say?I love to hear from readers! Please visit me at VictoriaFoyt.com or at facebook.com/VictoriaFoyt. And thanks for all the cool videos you’ve uploaded at SaveThePearls.com. You make it all worthwhile.
Princess Reviews
Tasha Nicole
My Thoughts: Eden Newman is considered one of the lowest class with her white skin, classifying her as a Pearl. Always hating not being a Coal and having to cover her white skin, she thinks herself ugly. Eden has a few more months before her 18th birthday to find a mate and she thinks she does in a secret relationship. Then there is her boss, Bramford, Head Honcho with a goal in mind and Eden’s father is the head scientist. Eden discloses some important material to her secret boyfriend which forces Bramford to jump in feet first and becomes the test experiment changing him into a beast-man and they escape into the forest. In this time Eden finds herself drawn to Bramford. Hoping he sees the Real Eden. Ok that is a limited summary I know, but it hits on points without giving spoilers. I will say this, when I first started it was un-like any book I have ever read. I almost put it down because at first I couldn't get over the race part. But Foyt must have drawn me in because I just kept reading and she turned me around in 40 pages. I knew that she made me look at a bigger picture. Her words opened my imagination and created the world she wants her readers to see. Soon I was rooting on Eden in growing stronger. Even though Eden didn't see it, I knew Bramford had feelings for her. She just had to see how beautiful she was on the outside, no matter her skin color. Bramford, went from being handsome and welcomed by many, to half changed into a beast, but still gorgeous in every sense and a man worthy of seeing the real Eden. It was a modern day Beauty and the Beast. Well, modern as in post-apocalyptic. I did not want to put the book down. I wanted to keep seeing where it was going and the romance between Eden and Bramford was steamy. Though this is a YA book, there was a hint of passion in the encounters between them. It was one fast paced, jam packed, keep you on your toes story with action, adventure, betrayal, love, and passion. I am already wanting the next book “Save The Pearls: Part Two ~ Adapting Eden” to see where Victoria Foyt takes us next. I have to admit I fell in love with the whole story. I would also like to thank Sand Dollar Press and Victoria Foyt for the opportunity to review this book and taking me out of my normal reading style to explore a great new world in Revealing Eden. 4.50 out of 5 stars
--United by Books
So, first let’s get those typical questions out of the way…I’m sure you’ve been asked a million times, but, hey, inquiring minds want to know!
Tell us a little about your personal life? Married? Children? Furry Children? Hobbies?
My children are no longer furry, alas. My daughter is a sophomore at NYU film school, my son a budding thespian in high school. I feel so grateful to be their mom; it’s an extraordinary journey. I live with another artist, a very talented sculptor, who understands why I disappear into my studio for long hours and my passion for writing. Like the romantic hero of Revealing Eden, he’s beastly, in a good way. In fact, I dedicated the book to him!
Hobbies—who has time? Reading is my favorite pastime, at least two books a month. And after sitting at my computer for long stretches, I like to exercise, mainly walking along the seaside bluffs or playing tennis. I’m hoping to learn to sail as soon as I finish the third book in the Save The Pearls series.
When did you first realize that you wanted to be a writer, and what was the first thing you remember writing?
I always wanted to be a writer; I couldn’t not write. I wrote a lot of poetry in high school, a practice I returned to whenever my heart was broken. One in particular, a sonnet, was my favorite, and I’ve included it in a novel that I’ve been working on for a while. Later, I wrote screenplays, which were turned into indie movies: Déjà Vu, Last Summer in The Hamptons, Babyfever, Going Shopping, Festival In Cannes. Of all the forms of writing, novels satisfy me the most.
Who were your favorite authors growing up, and who are your favorite authors now?
As a youngster, I tended to read the classics, perhaps because that’s what I found on my parents’ bookshelves: Margaret Mitchell, Hemingway, Fitzgerald, Dickens, Dumas, Nabokov, Dostoyevsky. Heady, great stuff! In college, as a foreign language major, I fell in love with Cervantes, Lorca, Camus. Now, my favorite authors include Jane Austen, or course, and Isabel Allende, Gabriel Garcia Marquez, Jeffrey Eugenides, and the languorous Haruki Murakami. To me, each great book is like a small, exciting master class in writing.
In Revealing Eden, people are given “mate rates” – the darker their skin color, along with wealth and social status, the higher the mate rate. Tell us what celebrity (real or fictional) would get the highest mate rate from you and why.
What a great question! Actually, I modeled Ronson Bramford on Sir Richard Branson, the head of Virgin, who funds visionary research in air and space exploration. I figured that if he were faced with a similar situation on Earth that caused people to die from the extreme solar radiation, he might develop a technology to save the world. Of course, like Eden, Branson’s white skin would brand him a Pearl with a low mate-rate. The highest rating might go to someone like Jay-Z, who is young, rich and dark.
Eden’s father combines the DNA of 3 animals to alter Bramford’s DNA in an experiment to make him a more “superior” species. If you could do this to yourself, which animals would you choose and why?
Perhaps, like Eden’s father, I would take something from the same three great predators—the jaguar, harpy eagle, and anaconda—which would give me an edge on land, water and air. In Bramford’s case, the primary donor is the black jaguar, and I would choose the same. However, I would go for the more familiar russet-coloring. Love that print!
Can you tell us anything about the next book?
Gladly. In Adapting Eden (Save The Pearls Part Two), the past comes back to haunt Eden Newman. If she thought life and love challenged her in Revealing Eden, the stakes ratchet even higher in the next book. She must fight to save those she loves against impossible odds, testing herself beyond her limits—in love and physical strength—while the countdown to humanity’s extinction continues. I’ll tell you, being in her head is a wild, exciting ride! Overall, her journey takes her from oppressed, fearful girl to an alpha babe, or Jaguar Babe.
And now for some random questions:
It is Valentine’s Day – do you have any special plans?
My boyfriend and I are going out to dinner at a local Italian restaurant I love. That sounds so prosaic, but now that I have love in my life I really enjoy all those silly rituals I once disdained. I’m sure we’ll find something inventive to do afterwards!
What is your favorite ice cream flavor?
Despite my intense love affair with chocolate, I prefer coffee flavored ice cream. Although in Italy, I had a pistachio gelato that was out of this world.
Any weird obsessions or quirks?
Tons, but I wouldn’t reveal most. I can tell you I would make a lousy vampire. I love to rise at the crack of dawn. Everything about the morning delights me: the quiet freshness, a feeling of renewal, and the first slant of daylight give me a powerful feeling. Also, because of my acute memory, I get bored watching the same movie twice so immortality would be a drag.
What is your favorite guilty pleasure?
I’ve given up my guilt over my love for dark chocolate. I don’t care whether or not it’s good for me, or fattening, or whatever. It gets me through the day.
Thanks for your interest. By the way, I love to hear from readers. Please visit me at VictoriaFoyt.com or at Facebook.com/VictoriaFoyt and check out the awesome, dynamic interactive site SavethePearls.com or on Facebook.com/SaveThePearls. You make it all worthwhile.
And seriously, guys, Revealing Eden:Save the Pearls was an awesome book!
--The Once and Future Librarian
1~ Tell us a little about yourself?
I’m both deeply analytical and highly creative. Fortunately, since writing is such a solitary pursuit, I’m a homebody. However,I have traveled quite a lot and lived in Europe during my junior year in college. I had a double major in French and Spanish, so I split the year between France and Spain. I love languages, words, reading—communicating ideas and story.
After college, I moved to Los Angeles and began studying acting and writing screenplays. This honed my use of dialogue,location and story structure. I was lucky toco-write and star in several indie films: Déjà vu, Last Summer in the Hamptons, Going Shopping, and Babyfever.
Now, I live in the pretty coastal town of Santa Monica where I have raised two teenagers. I write every morning, nearly seven days a week. When I’m not writing or managing my business, I love to play tennisand spend time with my family and friends.
2~ Tell us please, what's a typical writing day like for you?
The timeworn cliché of a slovenly, drunken writer is 180 degrees opposite from my approach. To me, being a writer requires an almost athletic discipline: clean body, sharp mind, and an open heart. At breakfast, I usually read The New York Times because invariably, I’ll find something to use in my writing, even if it’s only a word. Around 8:00 a.m., I head to my office with a big mug of coffee in hand. There, I meditate to clear my mind. Typically, I set a goal of how many pages I hope to write or edit, depending on where I am in the story. I usually quit by mid-afternoon to attend to phone calls and business. Later, I try to exercise because sitting for so long is hard on the body. And most importantly, I aim for a good night’s sleep so my mind is fresh when I begin again the next day.
3~ Do you have any writing quirks?
Probably more than I realize! I’m very strict about starting to write at the same time. If I manage it, the writing flows. If not, it can be more work than play. It’s as if my muse is conditioned to show up at a certain hour,and punishes me whenever I’m late.
4~ Have you always wanted to be an author?
I always wanted to be a writer; I couldn’tnot write. I wrote a lot of poetry in high school, a practice I returned to whenever my heart broke. I have a lot of poems in a drawer! Of all the forms of writing, a novel satisfies me most. It combines my love of language, story and theme. And it is the thing I most dreamed of doing when I was a young girl.
5~ What authors do you admire?
The list of writers whom I admire and who have influenced me is long and varied. I have always been an enthusiastic reader of all kinds of books from romances by Jane Austen and mysteries by Raymond Chandler, to biting social commentary such as Aravind Adiga’s The White Tiger or Lois Lowry’s The Giver. As a teenager, I devoured Ernest Hemingway’s books, and have recently reread many of them. His direct prose and elegant storytelling definitely set the bar. On the other end of the spectrum, I adore Isabel Allende’s lush, more feminine prose and quixotic stories. One of my favorite books is the heartbreaking Love in the Time of Choleraby Gabriel Garcia Marquez. From each writer I have found the courage to find my own voice.
6~What inspired you to write "Revealing Eden"?
Usually a big “what if” question leads to a story, and this certainly was the case withRevealing Eden. I wondered what would happen if global warming turned today’s prevailing beauty standards upside down. In the story, the loss of the ozone layer has increased solar radiation to deadly levels.Since Caucasians have less melanin in their skin to protect them from radiation, they have largely died off. The remaining white population is branded as inferior Pearls. Dark-skinned people, or Coals, have more resistance to the Heat, and therefore, now rule society. Eden Newman, a lithe blue-eyed blonde, would be considered gorgeous in our day, while in the future she has to beg for a mate or suffer an early death. The direction in which my wonderings took me greatly surprised me, as it often does.
7~ Let's say your book is being made into a movie, do you already have actors in mind you would want cast? What bands/singers would you want on the soundtrack?
So many readers have commented on what agreat movie Revealing Eden would make that I began to wonder about the casting. I think Elle Fanning would be awesome as Eden Newman. She looks just like her, is the right age, and what a terrific actress. I haven’t come up with anyone for Bramford. If you or your readers have any ideas, I’d love to hear them.
8~ What are the first three things that instantly pop into your mind when you think of "Revealing Eden"?
1.Interracial relationships
2.True love
3.Our dying environment.
9~ Being that Valentine's is a day of love and romance, could please you share a bit insight to the relationship of the characters or perhaps even a snippet?
Eden Newman, an oppressed Pearl with a low mate-rate, feels inferior to her Coal boss, the handsome titan, Bramford. When she unwittingly messes up a secret experiment he has funded, which just may save mankind, they are tossed into the last patch of rainforest. In this strange,dangerous world, they must rediscoverthemselves, and each other. Their preconceived opinions get in the way, but ultimately, as trust grows and they reveal their secrets, love blooms.
The forest sounds dropped away, replaced by the rapid pounding of her heart. Eden forgot the passing scenery and their destination. Only the hot press of his hands on her bare skin, the tilt of his head brushing her inner leg, and her burning ache consumed her. The more pleasure she experienced, the bolder his touch grew. Now his hand trailed up and down the whole of her leg.
She dared to test the boundaries of their body language and flexed her thighs around his neck. Unbelievably, his gait slowed. A feverish thrill shot through Eden. She could guide Bramford with a mere squeeze.
Did she dare push him further? She couldn’t resist the wild urge to flick her hips against his shoulders. At once he picked up speed. She almost squealed—his raw animal power was at her command.
10~ I can tell you I'm a bit anxious already for "Save The Pearls : Part two, Adapting Eden". Is there anything you can share with us about what's coming up next?
At first, the idea of writing a sequel daunted me. As soon as I started, however, the next phase of Eden’s journey from an oppressed, fearful girl to an alpha babe, or Jaguar Babe, captivated me. In Adapting Eden (Save The Pearls Part Two), the past comes back to haunt Eden Newman. If she thought life and love challenged her in Revealing Eden, the stakes ratchet even higher in the next book. She must fight to save those she loves against impossible odds, testing herself beyond her limits—in love and physical strength—while the countdown to humanity’s extinction continues. I’ll tell you, being in her beastly head is a wild, exciting ride!
Are you ready for some quick fun? Choose one answer questions?
Coke or Pepsi? Diet coke with a slice of lemon, very little ice.
McDonald's or Burger King? Just fries, either one.
Chocolate, Vanilla, or Strawberry? Major chocolate addiction!
Paranormal or Historical when reading? Paranormal.
Kit-Kats or Peanut Butter Snickers? Yum, Kit-Kats.
Casual dress or formal attire? Casual, kind of preppy.
I would like to take the time to say thank you again for being on the blog today! Is there anything you would like to say to your fans?
I love to hear from you! You make it all worthwhile. Please visit me at VictoriaFoyt.com or at Facebook.com/VictoriaFoyt. And check out Eden Newman’s videos on the interactive site: SaveThePearls.com! I think you’ll be amazed. Thanks so much for your time. your time.
--United by Books
The plot is very different than anything I have ever read, it is very unique. It is set in a time where the darker your skin, the higher your social status. Eden is a "pearl" (Caucasian) and covers her skin with brown gunk to make herself appear darker, but she still doesn't get treated fairly by the "coals" (darker skinned people). It is an example of race inequality, and how some people still feel like they are superior to another race and that was sad to see. An interesting part of the story is that if Eden doesn't find a "mate" before her 18th birthday, she will be set out in the sun to die. How can people do that to someone? That's crazy.
The setting was completely different than anything I have read. The sun being a killer? I can't imagine a world without the sun, that would be so crazy! The world Eden lives in was very technologically advanced. Eden wore headgear, that allows you to mentally see any place and time, that would be so cool! It would also be a great escape for Eden and an entertaining tool. The whole setting was awesome, from the jungle and the compound where Eden lived, hidden from the sun and the way it was described was phenomenal.
The romance aspect was something I didn't exactly believe at first. I thought Bramford was a jerk, he was. But after a while I could see why Eden was attracted to him. The tension kept building between the two and it was like, why can't they just make out already? It is bound to happen. At the end of the book, I wanted more, and can't wait to see what happens next!
Revealing Eden was a exciting and original, I can't wait for Part 2!
5-star review Epic Book Adventures
What would happen if global warming continued to the point where resistance to deadly solar radiation determined class and beauty? This is the future we encounter in Victoria Foyt's captivating new novel, (Save The Pearls Part One) Revealing Eden (Sand Dollar Press, Inc.).
In this world, the darkest skinned people (the Coals) are prized and can survive much better than the fair-skinned (Pearls). Pearls are considered undesirable and go to great lengths to be more acceptable by covering their white skin with dark make-up.
Our heroine, Eden Newman, is 17 and running out of time. She is a Pearl and if no one picks up her mating option by her 18th birthday, she will be sent outside to die. Her father is a scientist working for a wealthy, charismatic Coal named Ronson Bramford. Bramford believes that Dr. Newman has developed the technology to save mankind by producing a super-being who can withstand the deadly environment and thrive.
Eden is working in the lab when we meet her. Her mother has died and she is not very close to her father as he is consumed with his work. She desperately hopes a Coal, named Jamal, who seems to be very interested in her, will pick up her mating option before it is too late.
What happens next is page-turning suspense when Eden unwittingly compromises her father's experiment and is forced to escape with Bramford and her father to the last patch of rainforest. There, the love story between Eden and Bramford turns unexpectedly as each is surprised by the other's true character, neither living up to built-in prejudices, even about their own kind.
Eden is smart, funny, feisty and fearless. Ronson Bramford is her Rhett Butler and we watch them fight and fall in love all while they deal with "The Heat," humanity's probable demise, and the experiment that may allow humans to adapt. While reading this I felt like I was watching an Avatar type film. It's very visual and futuristic with a tender love story at its core.
Foyt covers interracial issues, what beauty means culturally, and environmental destruction, all while entertaining the reader with one twist after the next. Although the book is young adult/fantasy/sci-fi/romance, I, as an adult who mostly reads non-fiction, loved it!
-Huffington Post
Irene Rubaum-Keller
Book Review: Save the Pear;s (Part One) Revealing Eden
November 11, 2011
Revealing Eden was a very interesting read. It is different than anything else I have read. I love apocalyptic stories and this novel has a great visual feel of underground tunnels and people having their entire lives influenced by computers and holographic images.
The people in this book is divided into two groups. The group that was the minority in the old world is now the ruling majority. Coals vs Pearls. At first this aspect gave me pause. Because pearls and coals are just synonyms for whites and blacks. In this story black people (Coals) rule the world and white people (Pearls) are becoming extinct because no one wants to mate with the lowest class citizens. It is a very interesting idea but to me there is so much racial prejudice today that it seemed strange to base a futuristic novel on this same premise.
However, as the story progressed and a shift occurred from the community life to the more secluded jungle life. It became possible for the different races to push boundaries and develop connections. This was my favorite part of the novel. It became less about hate and more about accepting who you are and appreciating the unexpected beauty in others.
Revealing Eden is a very unique novel and I believe that anyone who reads it would be captivated and drawn into this new world that is similar yet strangely different from ours.
I am very excited that Save the Pearls is a series and there is more to come from author Victoria Foyt. The website that accompanies the books is amazing! It is so detailed with blog/vlog entries from the main character, FAQ, group forums and more. I have never seen a book website that was so all encompassing and expansive. You have to check it out! www.savethepearls.com
I can't wait for Save the Pearls Part Two ADAPTING EDEN to come out. It also sounds great.
-New Mummy Love
My thoughts:
What I should mention first about this read is that the description of the settings was absolutely lovely. Different parts of the book are in different settings and it was a brilliant contrast between one and the other - complete opposites that got me really feeling like I was there.
I must admit I found it hard to like the protagonist, Eden, at first. She really got on my nerves but I found she grew on me the more she developed throughout the story. As events unfolded she made better decisions so I ended up really liking her towards the end.
Let's talk about Bramford for a minute though. Wow. He's made of hot stuff let me tell you! I really loved his character and how underestimated he was for literally three quarters of the book. I didn't fully understand his intentions until right towards the end of the book and I think that's the way it was meant to be. He was a brilliant character - full of depth and passion.
What let me down though was that the book only seemed to start to get going towards the end. The last quarter was where it started to get really exciting and things were brought to light. I think what kept me reading was little tidbits of interesting clues here and there to make me wonder what was going on. It was worthwhile towards the end though because when everything came together it all made perfect sense even though I was no way near close to guessing what was going to happen!
Overall this is a very quick and easy read full of great characters - some of them more charming than others - and a lot of action. I do recommend it and I'm certainly looking forward to the next book in the series!
--Books Glorious Books
help from her "adopted aunt" Emily Dickinson.
I saw this one first on Twitter. They started following me and so I investigated to see who they were. I don't blindly follow. I went to the website which I found very bizarre, but I couldn't look away. I kept watching this lovely blond haired, pale girl get increasingly dark skinned and dark haired. She looked ridiculous. But the things she was saying were even more so. Then I clicked to another part of the site and there was a part that was like a matchmaker site. Again I couldn't look away. I finally left after reading the premise of the book, but still not sure what I'd seen. Then the book became available on NetGalley and I knew I had to read it.
In a reverse discrimination scenario, "The Pearls, "fair skinned, blond haired people, are looked at as inferior because they cannot withstand the harshness of the world outside of the caves that everyone lives in. The melanin in the "Coals" skin protects them and makes them valued. It's an apocalyptic and dystopian society. If a Pearl hasn't been mated by the age of 18, their life resources are cut off and they either perish out in the heat and harsh sun or die inside without food or oxy- some type of drug the government rations out to everyone I suppose to keep peace and keep them from feeling claustrophobic living in a cave basically. Eden and her mother used to make up relatives since they didn't have any before the last generation. The rest had died in the Meltdown and most of the Pearls had died then. What few were left were easily outruled by the Coals who survived the Meltdown better due to their darker skin.
First problem, the Great Meltdown isn't really explained. Did people destroy it through war? Nuclear perhaps? Did the ozone layer completely burn off and no one could survive the temperatures? But it sounds like something catastrophic happened. At least that's what it sounds like. Like all of the sudden thousands died in an instant. And then Pearls, even though they live underground are more likely to die by The Heat. That too, is not explained. Nuclear sickness? But only Pearls wouldn't be affected. Skin Cancer? Possibly. But then you'd expect they'd have medicine for that. We treat it now. Anyway, that isn't explained either.
So, Eden and her red headed, pale skinned mother make up relatives, one of them being Emily Dickinson. They read her poems and memorize them. She becomes so believable as a relative that even after her mother dies of The Heat, Eden refers to her as Aunt Emily and looks to her poems for guidance. And Eden has a problem. A negligent father, a Pearl who is allowed to live because of his scientific knowledge. who is working on a top secret project for the rich, arrogant and angry Ronson Bramford. Eden has one hope, one prospect in a soldier for picking up her mating option. But in one night everything goes terribly wrong and she finds herself with the one man she can't stand the most, her father dying and worst of all on the run topside to the borderlands. They end up in the rain forest, the last remaining rain forest and it's there that Eden learns about life, real life.
This was a a real page turner. There was constant action, a bit of reflection and a lot of stupidity on the part of Eden. She can't see what's right in front of her for what she's left behind and what she left behind was sure death. Eden is one of those characters that you want to yell, "Don't go into the basement," when you're watching a slasher movie because you know that's where he's waiting for her. Same with Eden, but it's don't do that, don't say that, don't go there, Dear Lord, please don't go there. She thinks she's Xena Warrior Princess, but she's more like Alice in Wonderland. And she upsets everything. She causes a lot of problems and for being someone that has been continuously looked down upon for her skin color, she's got quite a bit of growing up to do regarding prejudice. I did find the little inserts of Emily Dickinson's poetry though, interesting. Here are the immortal words of a 19th century poet being used as inspiration and guidance for a 17 yr old girl in whatever year it is but many centuries in the future.
Ronson Bramford is the romantic lead and is very enigmatic both in his pre and post state. I can't say more than that or it will give too much away. But he is drawn to Eden for all the wrong reasons and all the right ones. But because of this, there is this constant war within himself and he brings her close then pushes her away. It might have happened once too many times for me. But he does save her life more than once, one in a spectacular fight with an animal I've never read about a person fighting. It felt incredibly real.
Details. There were lots of details about life in the compound or cave or wherever it was Eden lived before. But the better part was when they lived in the rain forest. There was always a new bird or flower or something. Some new experience for Eden since she'd only experienced any of this through a sensory band that showed a kind of hologram. This was real. Maybe that's why she didn't understand the dangers of what she did when she made stupid choices. But it was like a kid on Christmas morning and I found it very interesting to read about. Especially as I doubt I'll ever be visiting the Rain forest.
The unexpected ending was amazing. I felt doom and really didn't want the story to end the way it seemed destined to end. And what's more, there will be a second story. In all, if you can overlook the lack of explanations, which I easily did, and stop wishing you could slap Eden, this is a really enjoyable story about the future of how mankind might survive.
So, to sum up, slightly annoying Eden until she wakes up and realizes what she has. Incredible story line. Love where it seems to be headed and cannot wait for the sequel. It's going to be truly amazing. I don't know if the story can be finished in three books. There's a lot to cover. But it's imaginative and that's what I love.--Buried in Books
Victoria Foyt is well known for her work as a screenwriter, actress, producer of critically acclaimed independent films, including DAjA vu and Last Summer in the Hamptons. She has appeared on major television and radio outlets, at film festivals around the world, and in many magazines, including Vogue, O at Home, and Town and Country. Her debut novel, The Virtual Life of Lexie Diamond (HarperCollins), a young adult (YA) supernatural mystery, received critical acclaim, including a five-star review from TeensReadToo.com. She established Sand Dollar Press in 2011 to promote YA novels through film-quality, online campaigns. Save the Pearls Part One: Revealing Eden is her first release, tied to an interactive site: SaveThePearls.com, and a newsfeed.