It's not twilight, so don't expect it to be
924393
I waited a year after the twilight series to read this book.  I knew it was not going to be twilight (which I loved) and wanted to be able to enjoy it for it's own merits.
It was so much better than I even expected.  I wish I had read it sooner.  Very good story, I couldn't put it down.  Read the whole book in 4 days.
Hope Stephanie writes more books, I am a total fan!
2973100
This is really a different read. There are no beautiful people in it. All seem to have a problem of some kind. I did figure ahead how it might end and was right.
It reminded me of something you might have seen on the old T.V. reruns of  "The Twilight Zone". If you lke the genre you will like the book.
1026272
I was expecting dark, but not this dark.  I did not see really any "romance," but I did see people care for one another.  Although, it was not what I was expecting nor what I call romance, it was still a great book.  It made you see the darker side of society with women being sold and BDSM being abused by those with no scruples.  It was well written, and I am not sure if I will read another like this, but if you enjoy the darker "romance" books, you will enjoy this book.
4105446
With that title, I was expecting to run the gamet of emotions while on this journey with someone or some people trapped - didn't know how or why.  Well, I won't spoil it for anyone to tell what it's about, and it just may frighten some people, just not me.  I like more realistic scenarios and this just isn't that, so I gave it an 'okay'.  Let's just say this isn't a high budget movie.
88583
Was not what I expected , but enjoyed the dark unexpected parts.
2792257
At times, it reads like a novel, but it's not a novel, and that's apparent as it moves toward its less than dramatic resolution and conclusion...it's reality.
2578548
So many people have attacked Rowling for "The Casual Vacancy," but I don't believe they're entirely grounded in their accusations. People were expecting something with the genius and creativity of Harry Potter, and, no, this book doesn't have that. It is very dark and not as humorous as it was advertised to be. It is certainly not for children. However, it was never supposed to be Harry Potter, and if that's what people want, then they'll just have to stick with those seven volumes until Rowling decides to write more from the magical world.

"The Casual Vacancy," to me, is realistic. The social problems that Rowling brings to light through the plot are worldwide issues that need to be discussed. I am an American and I hear on the news every day incidents similar to those that drive the plot of this book, so it isn't just the English who have societal ills. While it isn't great literature, it's not the one-star book that so many disappointed Potter nuts are making it out to be.
3463909
With appearances from Snow White, Hansel and Gretal, Cinderella, Puss in Boots, and other familiar characters, I expected something more. But the reality is this is not a light read, not a fairy story, and certainly not for children or younger teens. Each person you meet in the book has problems, yes they tend to parallel the stories they're from, but they're also darker. Hansel and Gretal for instance. Their mother leaves them in a shopping mall, twice! The first time a kindly police officer manages to reunite them with their mother. The second time? A pedophile takes them home with him.

I usually love this author, and honestly the book is well-written. It just isn't something I will be re-reading, and most likely would not have purchased had I realized what I was getting into.

(Review cross-posted to my blog.)
4183357
Don't assume you have it figured out halfway through.
973423
I was not ready for this, but that didn't make it bad book.
4490954
not my cup of tea...however, it does not mean that to someone it would be a wonderful read!
3425054
A good read for teens or just about anyone that hasn't learned that when bad things happen, it's not the end of the world.  That doesn't mean that we all have fairy tale endings either, but life will go on.
1993884
It wasn't what I expected.  There are situations that will make you roll your eyes, but it's not terribly bad.  At least there are some hesitations or angsts about some of the decisions made by the heroine.  There were enough twist, and character/story development to keep me reading and desire to read the next books in this series.  It appears to be something that has the opportunity to grow into a really great series.  This read almost like a pilot episode of a good tv series.  A little weak, but interesting enough for you to tune in next week to see what else happens in the world these characters live in.  Watching as new characters are mixed in and problems begin to escalate.  It's sexually graphic in some areas, so be mindful of that.
1372236
Okay, it's a young adult book written from the view of a nerdy teen girl. Don't expect brilliant, deep characters and astounding plot lines. It's just an entertaining, scary, confounding story that will let you escape into a world not unlike Hunger Games. Yes it's sophomoric and yes the main teen character might drive you a little crazy (that's what they do). If you're looking for a light read to escape the daily grind, here it is. Want something deep and meaningful? You'll need to look elsewhere.
4106971
Really isn't the color they show but it will do.
4202550
After reading the summary I was tempted to take a pass on this book - I'm getting a little tired of lycanthropy, vampires and the like, but the positive reviews motivated me to take a look.  Lycanthropy is not what this book is about.  Destiny Binds is about Scout and the key people in her life, particularly Alex, and she is so well-drawn that it's easy to feel what she's feeling, easy to invest in her and her story.

That's both the good news and the bad news. Obviously Scout's story continues in books two & three, but since this is a review of book one I think it's  fair to say; don't read this book if happy endings are important to you.  I finished this book shortly before going to bed, and I had trouble sleeping that night because I was so gutted (that's why I'm giving four stars instead of five).  Worse - since this is a debut novel you don't know whether you can trust the author for a satisfying conclusion to  Scout's story - if I stick with her through the next two books will I ultimately regret it?  Will we be in for more of the same?  Who wants to invest in the escapism that this kind of fantasy provides if you're going to end up emotionally frayed and wrung out at the end?  What kind of escape is that?

It's too late for me, I'm all in. I'm gambling that there will be a big payoff for all the emotional energy this book has taken simply because I have to believe the author is looking forward to that pay-off as much as I am.

I sure hope she is.
3228221
This was different from most ya books I have read lately.  There was some dark realism mixed with the paranormal. Because of the mature themes, I wouldn't recommend this book for younger teens, but the issues weren't dealt with in an inappropriate manner.  I'm looking forward to continuing the series.