YA Novel | KindleObsessed

Can’t Fight That Feeling

August 31st, 2010

Back in March I read a book called “Leaving Paradise” and it was fantastic. I raved about it, and (if I remember correctly) told all of you to run right out and buy it. There was something so emotional, and real about it that it left me breathless, so when I received an ARC copy of its follow-up novel “Return to Paradise” I was like a kid in a candy store. I jumped, I squealed, and then I stayed up until ungodly hours reading it.

I wish I hadn’t.

“Caleb Becker left Paradise eight months ago, taking with him the secret he promised to take to his grave. If the truth got out, it would ruin everything.

Maggie Armstrong tried to be strong after Caleb broke her heart and disappeared. Somehow, she managed to move on. She’s determined to make a new life for herself.

But then Caleb and Maggie are forced together on a summer trip. They try ignoring their passion for each other, but buried feelings resurface. Caleb must face the truth about the night of Maggie’s accident, or the secret that destroyed their relationship will forever stand between them.”

I have been let down by books before, (even books by Simone Elkeles) but for some reason this felt much more personal to me. I fell in love with Caleb and Maggie’s story in LP, I held my breath in anticipation of their future, I felt their emotional acceptance, I even cried for them, but somehow in “Return to Paradise” all of that was lost. The character development, and intensity that was so carefully crafted seemed to disappear completely, and was replaced by (somewhat) forced dialogue, and awkward personal interaction.

The lessons in RTP (which are absolution and acceptance) were cleverly disguised as a “Re-Start” youth program, and allowed Elkeles to expand her cast, but even with witty new characters, and chapters of angst, everything just felt dry and redundant. For a woman that has (not only) made her mark in the YA community, but kicked mounds of sand over everyone elses’, to say I was disappointed would be like saying “spiders are icky”… grossly understated. I was completely deflated.

Read it if you must, but my advice (and I really hate saying this) retain your reading high from “Leaving Paradise” and write off the rest.

Oh… and (just because I have no self control) What the hell is up with the cover art? Really? Did we have to go with the extra slice of cheese?

Happy reading my fellow Kindle-ites and remember: Sometimes even the best book can be broken.

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(3.0/5)

(On a side note: I know some of y’all are probably wondering where the 3 is coming from after such a harsh review, so let me explain. Regardless of its inability to live up to it’s predecessor, RTP did have a few outstanding moments in it, and at the end of the day… I still love Caleb and Maggie, and giving their story anything less than a 3 felt sorta sinful. If you are now confused I humbly apologize, this was not my intention, but so goes the game of a bi-polar reviewer.)

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Maggie and Caleb, Return To Paradise, Simone Elkeles, YA Novel

Sometimes Words Are All You Have

August 15th, 2010

It has been almost a year since I started KindleObsessed, and yesterday something occurred to me… I’m difficult to please. I know, I know… most of y’all are shaking your heads right now saying “Really Misty? It took you an entire years worth of bashing books to realize you’re a complete pain in the ass?” Yeah, well… apparently. To be honest I’m not quite sure where it comes from. Could it be the number of books I have read in my relatively young 29 years? Is it the artistic side of my head that has me demanding more from the people who also call themselves creative? Or maybe… just maybe it’s the well known fact that I used to read Thesauruses for fun. Who knows… or even better… why would you care? You probably don’t, but that being said… I do actually have a point so I guess I’d better get to it.

I read “His Eyes” over a week ago with every intention of writing a review on it, but the later in the week it got, the more I felt ashamed of my views on this particular piece of work, and wanted to spare the author my thoughts. The story was actually a good one. Well thought out, wonderful characters, believable. “So what’s the problem?” I’m sure your asking. Ok, I’ll tell you. It needed to “be more.”

Let me explain, (be more is kind of a vague thought) This was the story of a teenage girl and her quest to fund her really expensive college experience. In order to pad her pockets she does what most would do… she gets a job. This job however, is not like every other job, (flipping burgers or brewing lattes) no, this job is to be a “babysitter” for a blind boy, (who in a twist turns out to be her age). Now… we all know where this story goes, it’s kind of predictable, (and that’s ok) it’s not always about the ending, sometimes it’s about the journey, but when the journey feels as though it is at warp speed, there is a problem.

As I said before, I didn’t think the book was bad, it was just lacking. Renee Carter created this wonderful world of circumstantial love, she set up her characters, she drew her audience in, and then she just… well… dropped the ball. Just when I started to really get into the story it ended. She waited way to long to introduce her 3rd act, and then only allowed herself roughly 10 pages to clean it up and make it tidy. Why? Is there some digital paper Nazi out there I am unaware of? Why would someone take such great care in creating a world, and forming a relationship with her characters just to tap out when things were getting too emotional?

I guess this is something I’ll never understand, or maybe it is something I should just learn to live with…because lately it seems to be the norm, but do you know what gets me most of all? The sadness that erupts from me when I can tell an author just gave up.

Happy reading my fellow Kindle-ites and remember: sometimes being honest hurts.

For a complete book description click image.

(3/5)

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His Eyes, Renee Carter, YA Literature, YA Novel

Stupid Moon Phase!

June 2nd, 2010

After reading “Invisible Tears” it was imperative that I read something light-hearted, fun, and completely unrealistic. So in search of something to readjust my psyche I decided to dive into “Claire de lune” which has been waiting patiently on my Kindle for about 2 weeks now. If you think about it it was kind of inevitable… you can’t get much more unrealistic than werewolves.

Hanover Falls is a pretty average town, you have your famous photographers, your cute boys, your mildly obsessive activist, and your werewolves. Ok… so maybe the werewolf thing makes it a little less average, but in Claire’s eyes, large walking puppies are just another thing that makes life…life. That is until she find out she is one. On her 16th birthday Claire’s life is suddenly turned upside down. The itchy ears and hands she though was just a rash turns into something much more menacing, and to top it off, the boy (who she finally managed to nab) is none other than the local “lets kill em all” guru’s son. Will Claire ever learn to accept the “thing” she’s always been? Where are all these mysterious bodies coming from? And, will her faith in one person ultimately hurt or help her?

“Claire de lune” though enjoyable, was no more than “just another wolf tale.” With the exception of the “female only” wolf pack, the story lacked originality and could be easily dropped into the generic paranormal bin. Christine Johnson’s writing was predictable, but solid, and her fight scenes were so quick they barely allowed the reader to get amped up or anxious as to who would come out on top. There is an obvious formula to these types of books, and Johnson didn’t swerve (even the tiniest of blips) from it.

If you are a fan of paranormals, you will like it. Like I said, it wasn’t bad, it was just “another book.”

Here is my advice… if you need something to distract you (like I did) or are fishing for the quick summer read, then this is definitely a book to grab off the shelf. If you are looking for something with a little more depth… keep walking, this one is just to calculable to engage any sort of forward thought.

Happy reading my fellow Kindle-ites and remember: Rashes are gross… there is a crew of people out there that can fix it for you…quit living in denial and get some cream.

For a complete description click image

(3/5)

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Christine Johnson, Claire de Lune, Paranormal Novel, Werewolves, YA Novel

It’s Off To The Races!

May 26th, 2010

When I first started reading “Paper Towns” I didn’t really know what to think. Here was a book that read like I talked… dripping with sarcasm, irony, and made up words. I have to admit… it confused me, and then I realized something. If I were to ever buckle down and write a book, it would be THIS book.

Quentin is all around average. He goes to an average school, he does average work, he hangs out with average people, and does average things, but average quickly changes when his neighbor Margo (who is dressed in black and moves like a ninja) climbs through his window in the middle of the night. Bent on revenge, the unattainable Margo kidnaps Q and shoves him into (questionably) the greatest night of his life. Unfortunately the high ends when Margo suddenly jumps ship. They say Margo ran away, but is it really that simple? Who is this girl that grew up so close but seemed so far away? And can Q and his gaggle of goofballs get to her before there is nothing left but cryptic messages and left over fingernail polish?

First let me start by saying that the blurb for this book does not do it justice. Yes, there are boat loads of deep emotional meanings in this novel, but that is just 1 side of it. The side that captured me was the humor. Can you say laugh out loud funny? The structure is built for easy reading and is split up into 3 sections, the 1st two are deep and introspective, but the 3rd is where the story really sneaks up on you. This is the section that puts it all out there, it shows you the “ins and outs” of all of the characters, and it does it in such an irrational way that you can’t help but grab your stomach and chuckle. There is not a single thing about this novel I would change. “John Green” did a fantastic job of sucking the reader in quickly, and then pacing the plot with mystery and human connection to keep you interested.

There were unnaturally large cows, abandoned mini-malls, bottles of… pee (eww), Internet addicted friends, no pants, and 1 hell of a wild road trip.

The verdict? This is a relatively quick read, but more importantly is was fun… and who couldn’t use some fun in their life.

Happy reading my fellow Kindle-ites and remember: 5 energy drinks + bumpy car = oops!

For a complete book description click image

(4/5)

Comment ( 1 )

Funny Books, John Green, Paper Towns, YA Novel

When More Than Just Cookies Crumble

May 12th, 2010

So we all know by know that I wasn’t all that impressed with Simone Elkeles’ “Perfect Chemistry” (some of you even shot me some pretty intense emails about it) so when I decided to read “Rules of Attraction” (which is the companion novel to PC,) I promised myself that I would look at it from all of the angles y’all insisted were so important.

Now, while I stand behind my original objections to “PC” I am happy to say that “Rules of Attraction” was back on mark for Elkeles’ writing ability. (The ability that I fell in love with in her novel “Leaving Paradise”) All of the things that I ranted about; the lack of equal character development, the vapidness of the heroine, and the sloppy writing in PC, were no longer present in this novel (thank God.)

Carlos is a troublemaker, he is into drugs and gangs and pretty much anything else that would make a parents blood boil. Kiara is… not a troublemaker. She’s a tom-boy with quick wit, and a inability to turn down challenges, she spends her time teaching art classes at retirement homes and climbing mountains with her gay best-friend Tuck. Not exactly a match made in heaven right? But when Carlos is framed (think drugs… lots of them) and kicked out of his current sleeping situation he has only 2 choices… go to jail, or live at Kiara’s. Choosing the lesser of 2 evils Carol’s makes the move… to a lovely little yellow polka-dotted room. What happens when you finally realize the girl down the hall is more than just a T-shirt lovin wrench monkey? What happens when people start trusting you? And what is going to happen when the people that set you up, decided they aren’t quite through with you?

I was happy to see Elkeles bring back her natural flair for story telling. Her angst scenes were captivating, pulling the reader in and out of moments, daring them to guess what would happen next. Her characters were finally balanced, introducing their qualities in a steady stream of duel narration, and more importantly…I actually cared about what would happen to these people in the end of the novel (I even like Brittany more in this book. Go figure.) This book is easily a stand alone (if you don’t feel like backtracking to catch up) and if you are looking for something you can knock out in minimal time… this was a fairly quick read. (1 day for me)

There were devious blondes, cookie magnets, rainy homecoming dances, family fun nights, several life altering decisions, and a missing $50 grand.

There was plenty of action to keep the plot flowing and… just like last time, tons of Spanish slang (just in case you were needing to bone up on it.)

This one is worth the money people! Get it, Live it, Love it… pass it on.

Happy reading my fellow Kindle-ites and remember: never show up to peer counseling with a shiner… it spurs way to many questions.

For a complete book description click image

(4/5)

Book Trailer

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Carlos & Kiara, Gang Violence, Rules of Attraction, Simone Elkeles, YA Novel

Burn Baby Burn

April 28th, 2010

I know that I should be reviewing something else right now, but in the spirit of paranormal obsessiveness I just couldn’t control myself. I have been waiting (literally) for months for “Burned” to be released, and for those of you that follow the “House Of Night” series I’m sure you have my back on the sudden book ADD I developed yesterday morning.

Anyways,

For those of you that have NOT jumped on this action packed/spirit filled/to much drama for your mama vampire band-wagon then I want to be the first to scold you. (Shame Shame!) and to tell you that there is plenty of time to catch up… and I do mean catch up. This series is NOT one you can pick up in the middle and hope to have a clue as to what is going on, the continuing plot is extremely complex and boast a VERY large cast of characters. (the total history is necessary…trust me)

!!!!STOP!!!!

Disclaimer: If you have not read “Tempted” yet do not read any further because there is a VERY BIG spoiler in the paragraphs below…don’t say I didn’t warn you.

After a shocking (I actually screamed out loud) ending to “Tempted” I was a little concerned that “P.C and Kristen Cast” had jumped the shark by killing off their main heroine, but again… this Mother/Daughter duo shocked me with their ability to twist the story to their favor. “Burned” like all of the other HON novels was action packed from cover to cover and in a surprising twist…amazingly current. How you ask? Well, for starters they made a “Glee” reference which, being a lover of the show, I found very amusing (and accurate) also the characters “generic” cell phones from the previous novels suddenly turned up as hip little iPhones in this novel.

The writing was (as always) flawless, as it should be by now, and even though additional character building could have been considered unnecessary, I was please to see that “Cast” expanded upon her already (aggressively) detailed characters. The plot was broken into several different stories, (Zoey/Stark/Heath – Stevie Ray/Rephaim/Red Fledgings – Aphrodite/Darius) each having a significant connection to the main plot, but also generating its own underlying subplot (which will be used in novels to come) There were a few NEW perspectives in the multi-narration (have no fear each person’s point of view was clearly marked) but more importantly… we were again left hanging (not as bad as last time, but enough to assume this is going to be an ongoing theme from now on.)

There were beautiful Indian boys, a lost giggling girl, an electricity wielding red fledging, a dedicated boy with a body full of cuts, 2 bulls, lots of kilts, even more fights, and 1 very broken soul.

Get to the store quickly my paranormal junkies because this one is going to sell out quickly.

Happy reading my fellow Vampires and remember: when in doubt, a Scottish accent counts!

For a complete book description click image

(5/5)

Comments ( 5 )

Burned, House of Night Series, Kristen Cast, PC Cast, Stark, Vampires, YA Novel, Zoey

Here’s To Group Projects!

April 14th, 2010

The last couple of novels I’ve read (if you’ve been keeping up) have been fairly strenuous on the emotions, so needing a break and an “easy read” that WAS NOT given to me by an author I decided to run to my local book nook and pick up “Perfect Chemistry.”

Back in March I reviewed “Leaving Paradise” also by “Simone Elkeles” and loved it, so going with the assumption of “if one was good the other is probably not that bad either” I threw my Visa on the counter and purchased a beautiful shiny new book.

I was shocked when (after flipping the last page) I realized I wasn’t all that impressed.

“Perfect Chemistry” was penned AFTER “Leaving Paradise” and while comparing the plots is irrational comparing the writing quality is necessary. I’m not exactly sure what happened to “Elkeles” writing process after LP but it is safe to say her writing quality declined and her attention to character development was significantly less than spectacular (detail with Alex, fluff with Brittany.) The only thing that saved this book was the concept.

Brittany is a grade A top choice high-school hottie with an equally appealing boyfriend and GPA. Alex is… not. Coming from the wrong side of the tracks (and being a gang-banger) Alex lacked that certain appeal to not only his teachers, but his new Chem partner. After being told (not so subtly) that there wasn’t a chance in hell that he would ever be known to Brittany as anything more than dust under shoes, Alex does what every other wannabe bad-ass high-school boy does…he makes a bet that he can get into her pants. What Alex didn’t plan on, however, was falling for the girl, the girl he realized was 5% drama queen and 95% loving sister. Do opposites really attract? Are people really who they pretend to be, and in the face of danger will they sacrifice themselves for the person they love?

“Elkeles” angst moments were expertly expressed (as usual,) however the rest of the novel felt as thought it was written for a 12 year old. The prose were sloppy, the dialogue felt forced in several places, and even though the plot flowed smoothly it seemed as though “Elkeles” just lost her gusto. To be honest, the most impressive part of the entire novel came in the last few chapters where glimpses of “Elkeles” previously found talent finally appeared.

There is definitely an audience out there for “Perfect Chemistry,” and that said audience (I’m quite certain) will be more than happy with their little literary find, but for the rest of us, the ones that loved “Leaving Paradise” be forewarned, you will not “feel” the emotion and you will not be on the edge of your seat. Simply put, you will read it, you will probably enjoy it (because the story was actually intriguing) and then you will stack in on your shelf and forget all about it.

Here’s to hoping the sequel will be better, because this one was “just another book.”

Happy reading my fellow Kindle-ites and remember: sometime people just want to set us free.

For a complete book description click image

(3/5)

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Alex & Brittany, Perfect Chemistry, Simone Elkeles, YA Novel

Everyone’s Got Cracks

April 7th, 2010

Finding a book that discusses the nature of addiction is really not all that hard. It’s even less difficult when you are trying to find a novel about TEEN addiction, but what many fail to see, are the books out that there have abstract addiction. The first thing people think of when the word “addiction” is drugs, but limiting yourself to only a few narrow paths can ultimately hinder a persons understanding. In “Cracked Up To Be” “Courtney Summers” tackles a whole new line of addiction… GUILT. (Ok, I know you are probably questioning how guilt can be associated with an inability to stop one’s actions, but trust me… it is more than relevant.)

Parker Fadley is a wreck. She drinks, she skips school, she refuses to conform to her friends needs, and she puts whole new meaning to the word brooding, but the most important thing to understand is that Parker used to be perfect. She was a bright shining star, captain of the cheer-leading squad,and all that that entailed, but when a much contested night of drinking stirs a pot of scandalous secrets, Parker and her party of 4 friends suddenly turns to 3. Can she ever see past that 30 seconds in the woods? Will her guilt for not saying anything eventually kill her? And is there anybody out there that can convince her that taking her own life won’t bring back someone elses?

The layout in which “Summers’” wrote was actually quite intriguing. Instead of starting at the beginning of the story she started in the middle, and then sporadically filled in the blanks with flashbacks and daydreams. Her character development was spot on in every account, clearly painting a picture of her characters behaviour before and after their friends disappearance, and even going so far as to paint pictures of who they will become. The writing was dark without being daunting, and expertly plotted to show the full effects ones decision can do to hinder or help their general existence. “Cracked Up To Be” was not without fault however… some of the flashbacks became overly repetitive and the conversations were sometimes choppy, but these nuances are easily ignored and for the most part overshadowed by what is actually occurring at the time.

I do not think that this is a generalized read however, there are large groups of people that will not like or appreciate the storyline…but for the following people I suggest you give it a try.

If you have a teenager who is acting out in school (not normal crap, more the drinking from a flask type trouble) then this book my shed light on how to approach and have a helpful conversation with them.

If you are a teenager and have experienced a loss and don’t know how to properly channel your feelings, this book may help you understand the different paths in which to express yourself.

And if you work closely with teenagers in any sort of outreach, church youth, or educational venue, this book may actually help you understand a teenagers train of thought.

There is no doubt in my mind that I will read more of “Summers” work, because I have two budding children and need all the help I can get for their future angst, but more than anything… I enjoyed her perspective on things, even if they were a tad dark.

Happy reading my fellow Kindle-ites and remember: there is no one out there telling you to to hide your feelings but yourself.

For a complete book description click image

(3/5)

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Courtney Summers, Cracked Up To Be, YA Novel

Re-Write? or Re-Wrong?

April 1st, 2010

I wouldn’t normally post a review on a Thursday but today was sort of mandatory (I have read 3 books and haven’t written a review on any of them… I’m afraid I’m going to get them confused in my head) So, in lieu of “It’s a Tween Thing,” I’ll just write a review of a book that involves teens. (Sounds like a fair trade right?)

“Beastly” is a story we have read a hundred time…seen a hundred times… and will most likely read, and see 100 times more before it has been pummeled into little bitty unrecognizable pieces.

Ladies and gentleman, let me introduce you to the latest literary version of Beauty and the Beast.

You would think after so many versions someone would come up with a unique twist right? Apparently not, which I have to say baffles me more than I would like to admit. Here is an outline for a story that has been handed down for hundreds of years, boy is arrogant, girl is nice/naive, witch thinks boy should learn a lesson, cast a spell and BAM! Ugliness ensues. There are a number of different rules/regulations/requirements to break the spell but the most important is true love…BAM spell broken!

So why is it so hard to shake things up a bit? Regardless of your thoughts, dear authors, you can very easily keep an intended plot line AND explore the alternatives in the quest to get there.

I’m not saying that “Beastly” was uninteresting… the story is a classic for a reason, but the fact that the screenwriters for its up coming movie adaptation had more creativity, in a minute long teaser trailer, than an author (that has 7 novels under her belt) did is almost embarrassing.

“Alex Flinn’s” writing was, in places, exasperatingly juvenile, and there were random chat-room sequences that were awkward, unnecessary, and out of place. The character development was also top heavy, listing pages of detail for “Beast” but in return only offering the audience a few brief paragraphs for Lindy (the girl.) It is important for authors of YA Literature to understand that even though their novel is “intended” for a youthful audience, their WRITING doesn’t need to reflect it.

Now, keeping all of the negativity in mind, the above rant is not to say the book wasn’t an enjoyable read, it’s just one that has to be read for what it is. It’s a read that takes a few hours and not much thought, which might be just what the doctor ordered on days of endless stress.

Here is my recommendation… If you are having a bad day and want to relax with a book you don’t have to concentrate all that hard on, buy it, otherwise, wait for the movie. (God I hate saying that.)

Happy reading my fellow Kindle-ites and remember: if there is a will there is a way, sometimes it just takes a fresh perspective.

For a complete book description click image

(2/5)

Movie Trailer

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Alex Flinn, Beastly, Beauty & The Beast, YA Novel

Hey!! Don’t Dig There!

March 29th, 2010

Dear Mysterious Powers and Angry Evil Dudes… my how I have missed you.

As you know by know (because I’m annoying and have said it about 500 times) I have been slammed with review request over the last month which, coincidentally enough, has left me little time to my OWN devises (aka the multitude of books I purchased that having been sitting on my Kindle like little sad puppies for a while now.) So, when my husband had to make a sudden trip out of town, and offered to bring the kiddos with him, my first thought was Wahoo!!! I can read ALL NIGHT with no interruptions!! Well, of course that didn’t happen, instead I went a little overboard with the Netflix, but regardless, I still managed to knock out not 1 but 2 of my lovely little paranormal ditties.

First up is “The Body Finder”

For most of you, you have already seen this book because it was a part of my “2010 Paranormal Book Preview” but for those that haven’t… it’s time to quit stalling and buy it already.

It’s not often that a title of a book and the plot of the book are one in the same (usually the title is much more abstract) but with “The Body Finder” what you read… is what you get.

Violet has a little problem. Dead people talk to her. Not in the hey-how-are-you-I’m-a-ghost way one would expect, but more the what-is-that-ringing-oh-that’s-right-there’s-something-dead-buried-there way. Since she was a child the echos of the dead have spoken to her, and unless they are properly put to rest, Violet herself will get no sleep. So, when her sleepy little town suddenly turns into the hot spot for kidnapped and murdered teenage girls, Violet does what she does best, she finds the body and then finds the echo that matches it. With her best friend and local hottie Jay by her side nothing can go wrong right? Not so much. When a nightmare, Violet thought had ended, suddenly turns into a game with her being the pawn, can she escape with her life or is she the next to be found beneath the trees?

Now, to be perfectly honest I’m not sure if I liked this book so much because of my recent paranormal absence or because I was expecting another “preview” let down, but the fact remains… this was one of the best YA books I have read so far this year. “Derting” (this was her debut) was not flawless by any means, the first couple of chapters were sloppy and repetitive, and the character development was extremely lopsided; but by the time the action crept in her writing smoothed out enough for it to be enjoyable. Her YA angst techniques were in full force and very well executed (loved the party scene) and the suspense towards the end of the book was not only dead on, it was surprising. The one thing that discouraged me however was a misinterpretation about 70% through when I thought “Derting” had chopped the ending bluntly and unnecessarily, but have no fear… I was wrong, which made the last 2 chapters even more exciting. I’m not sure what “Derting” has up here sleeve for her next novel, but lets just hope that she learns from her mistakes, tweaks them, and runs like the wind… her knack for story telling is obviously natural, now all she needs is a little more focus and a mission.

There were bells in the cemetery, evil blondes, oil like substances in the lake, flat tires, over-protective boys, crutches, man hunts, unintentional cliff diving, and a chase through the woods that left several people breathless.

This one is a must read for paranormal lovers, I’m just glad the media finally got one right.

Happy Reading my fellow Finders and remember: peace and quiet is often over-rated…use the closest bathroom available.

For a complete book description click image.

(4/5)