My first Barrett read
355751
This is my first Barrett read,but will not be my last. I enjoyed the plot and the characters. Looking forward to more Jake Pendleton adventures.
271748
I really trudged through the beginning of the book, it seemed a bit elementary. I felt there were quite a few inconsistencies and that a lot of things we're too convenient or cheesy to be believable but decided to hang on when Raffe came in. The sarcastic banter between Penryn (also really disliked that name lol) and Raffe was my favorite part of the book and the reason why I will continue to read this series. I also commend the character of Penryn's mom. Suprisingly I found it somewhat believable and likable- still haven't figured out the point or symbolism of the eggs.
4676584
I'm not at all sure how I feel about Fury. The story was done well, but there were some...unpleasant (my attempt to not be a spoiler) things I wasn't a fan of simply because they weren't pleasant. Yeah, I like a good pleasant story sometimes. That being said, I think the unpleasantries were good for the story. Okay, I'm done being all weird and cryptic now.

The characters were a great fit for the story, but that's not the same as likable. In fact, I really wasn't a fan of a lot of the characters. I hated Zack and I really wasn't a fan of Emily. They both got under my skin and just completely irked me off. The other characters weren't so bad but I didn't really like them either, well, except for JD. I really liked JD and wished there's been more of him.

The writing was great. It had a touch of creepiness, but it wasn't really scary. The snowy, Maine setting really brought an unexpectedly eerie feeling I never would have thought of. It took a little bit to get into Fury part of the story, but the set-up isn't at all boring.

Final Thoughts: While I was hoping for a little different outcome, this was a fantastic start to the trilogy. The creepy factor is subtle but spectacular. You may not believe me, but the crappy characters make for a really good story (crappy as in generally unlikable and not badly written)
547606
So let me preface the re-posting of my review with the following:  This is the author's first book.  A preliminary look at the most popular 5-star reviews of this book are done by individuals with very few other reviews.  Take what you want from that bit of info.

Also, after posting my original review (which appears directly below this paragraph) I received a comment from the publisher to add "Spoiler Alert" at the beginning of my review.  I have done that as a courtesy, although I don't believe my review contains spoilers.  Since I received the comment shortly after posting the review I was surprised how closely monitored the review was and also that the same comment appears in other reviewer comments.

**Possible Spoiler Alert**

I'm kinda torn with this one. The plot was clever and different. The author hit a lot of genres: military, sci-fi, horror, mystery and a slight tinge of almost romance and I thought that was an interesting approach. I really liked how he captured being a child during the eighties. Told from firs hand experience clearly, but it was fun to reminisce.

It was a good story, and for the most part captivating. The different sections were explicable, but some were a little too drawn out (I felt Simon's story was one, the FBI/military segment - which merely served as a justification for putting pieces backs together and two additional circumstances both of which were centered around chase scenes where I felt the need to speed the scene along by glancing over a few pages). I felt as though the approach for the chase scenes was to build tension, but it went just a little too far. I think sometimes authors tend to provide explanations for every single detail in a story instead of letting the reader decide how it could have played out. I suppose there are certain circumstances that need explanations and some that don't - knowing the difference is the key.

Overall, I think a bit more editing could have made this a really great book. And I mean that in the sense of removing unnecessary details, moving sections to different places and lessening certain parts, not editing in the sense of typos. As it is, it's clever, conflicting and intense. I'm not at all annoyed I spent my time reading it, but it didn't continue to replay in my head.

And now, feel free to tell me how much you disliked my review
3060285
And here I thought Barrett is the ultimate heartthrob.....here comes Fitz who swept me off my feet...
528649
I picked up Gone by Michael Grant yesterday at around noon.  2:30 in the morning I was still reading and when I woke up this morning I didn't get out of bed until I finished it.

There are plenty of other reviews that give too many plot details so I'll just pass on the information I think matter the most.

1.  This is the first book of a series.  I think if you read it not knowing it was a series you might be quite disappointed, but it works great as a first book.

2.  There are a LOT of characters in this one, sometimes it was almost hard to remember who some of the more important minor characters were when they jumped to the forefront of the story.

3.  The book has elements of science fiction, elements of horror, and elements of fantasy in it.  If that's not your cup of tea, I'd move along.

4.  GOOD READ!

I heartily recommend this book to all readers of a reading level of about 6th or 7th grade or above.  I'm 47 myself and enjoyed the heck out of it, my 15 year old has been reading since I handed it over this afternoon and so far she concurs with me.  I'll be eager to read the next book in the series and see if some of my guesses as to what's happening in this world are correct or completely off base.

Note: 4 stars only because I did not know it was the first book of a series when I first started it.  Luckily I found out before I was more than a few chapters in, so I did not expect the author to wrap up every little thread.
4647026
First, let me say that I didn't pick this book myself, it was in my suggestion list by Amazon based upon my past reading history. However, once I read the synopsis of the book and that it was the first of this author's work, I thought I should at least give it a try. I was not disappointed. Although keeping up with the back and forth between characters in the beginning was a little annoying, I quickly became engrossed enough in the story to push through.  I'm looking forward to the next book in the series. I already have it flagged on my Kindle.
366937
I started reading this book because 1) I wanted to see if I was in a reading mood and was ready for The Reading Quest  Im feeling very shaky about it  and 2) this book has been second-hand hyped to me for a while now. No one has ever directly recommended it to me, but one of my favorite bloggers way back when declared it one of their all time favorites, and Ive been looking forward to it ever since. Fast forward a couple years, and I finally got to it! The not so bright side: its not one of my new favorites, and Im not sure Ill continue with the series. But first let me acknowledge some things.

The characters are interesting, and the mystery + how Mycroft and Watts go about solving the mystery are one of the best things about this book. BUT even given all of that, this book didn't arouse too much of my interest. Books with anything to do with Sherlock Holmes, for whatever reason, often end up doing not so well with me. I don't know if its because of the mis-characterization or what, but Im never in love with the retellings and/or spin-offs. Every Breath is certainly one of the better ones Ive read, but as a whole, I only liked it  nothing more or less. The first 30% of the book didn't grab me at all, but once I got into the groove of the characters and their personalities, things started getting better.

Every Breath starts out with Rachel Watts hating on city life and crushing on her neighbor and schoolmate, James Mycroft. The two are friends who hang out with each other, but one day, they stumble upon the dead body of their homeless friend, Dave. After they call the police, Rachel just wants to let the matter go, but James is determined to find out the truth behind his friends death. Along the way, they meet friends, foe, and quite the grumpy policeman (hes great).

One thing I loved about this book is that it was surprisingly realistic in how Rachel and James went about solving the murder. Yes, the two are ridiculously smart, but its appropriate for their age level. I feel like most Young Adult, Sherlock-based books make out the main characters to be super geniuses who know everything and are afraid of nothing, but Mycroft, despite his eccentricities, is afraid for his and Rachels life at the appropriate moments, and he also faces his own teenage struggles. He often needs Rachels help to figure out little details about the murder, and both his and her reactions to things that happen are realistic of teens. I found it refreshing.

One of my main disappointments regarding this book is that based on the synopsis, I thought that James Mycroft would be this cold, arrogant, good-looking boy that Rachel has yet to be close friends with. For whatever reason, I imagined this as more of a hate-to-love romance, when in reality, its friends-to-lovers. To be fair, the friends-to-lovers is done excellently, and there are some sexy YA things that happen between the two before they acknowledge their feelings for each other  I have no misgivings. But again, its still a bit sad that the amazing dream Mycroft-Watts ship I had ready in my head isn't actually and might never be a real thing.

I did like this book, but it wasn't nearly as amazing as I had been led to believe it would be by other ratings/reviews. I gave this book three stars () because while the book is more than decent, the plot itself didn't feel very major. I probably would have liked this story more if it was, say, a tv episode where the romance and personal issues develop over the season(s).
1710796
the first thing I did was read the last page. and I was toast. War, Over Easy is everything i needed it to be.

(see what I did there?? mmm...who wants breakfast? :)

I know thats an odd way to put it...but if poetry is therapy, this book should save you a lot of money.

storytelling in prose. this is the window in. and who doesnt love to peek behind the curtain?

JH Hard is quite vulnerable protagonist, hero, villain, even the scenery on occasion. :)

naked is the word that comes to mind. this is a gritty first book. you can almost feel JH Hard getting his bearings, but I think thats intentional. hes not apologizing.

instead, he lets us watch him grow into himself. so much of him is between the words, and it resonates. i found myself on the pages, underlining as I mmm-ed.

watching someone wholly themselves is always always an invitation. and thats just what War, Over Easy was for me hospitality for my grief, my honesty, my angst, my love, my lust and my hope.

Oh, and in case hes listening , here are my suggestions for naming book two:

Scrambled Love (with a side of Bacon)
Love, Over Eager
You had Me at Free Guacamole
Omelet You Go Now

youre welcome. :)
4467963
A great first sentence that intrigues from the start. The opening scenes set a nice mysterious introduction and engaged me immediately. From there, I was introduced to the  entomologist in the lab and the mysterious butterflies. Then came the military choppers flying to the research facility, all fun stuff.  After they entered the premises the fight scene began. A half-hour later, I was  still reading the fight scene, which I didn't care for because of  all the similes and over use of certain words. I decided to skip the fight scene and get on with the story. I kept swiping the Kindle, but they were still fighting, page after page after page. I finally tried the scroll bar, giving it a healthy nudge up. Still fighting. It seemed no matter where I placed the scroll bar, I couldn't get beyond that marathon fight.

I came back to Amazon to see what people that didn't care for the book were saying. One reviewer commented that the entire book was one big fight scene. I decided this one was not for me and went on to another book.
866945
***Actually 3.5***

<i>I spent my life folded between the pages of books. In the absence of human relationships I formed bonds with paper characters. I lived love and loss through stories threaded in history; I experienced adolescence by association. My world is one interwoven web of words, stringing limb to limb, bone to sinew, thoughts and images all together. I am a being comprised of letters, a character created by sentences, a figment of imagination formed through fiction.
 Tahereh Mafi, Shatter Me</i> (this is my new life quote)

This book was an unexpected enjoyment for me. And after taking 12 days to finish it... I have to say that I will continue on with the story of Juliette, Adam, and Warner.

I honestly liked Juliette out of all the main characters I have read that have come from a dystopian universe. Though I can't relate to have the power to kill people instantly, I can relate to being ostracized by society for something you can't help. And it was nice to see how her self confidence grew throughout the story.

The other characters are really interesting too. But I have to say though that I don't trust Adam though. There is just something about him that I can't put my finger on. I don't really trust any of the characters really except Juliette. But I'll see in the next book.

At first the whole first section of the book was really boring for me, I must admit. I'd say until Juliette left the asylum that I was ready to DNF the whole book, and for sometime after that I still did. But, I rather enjoyed it after.

But the world building was spectacular! I'm honestly so intrigued to find out how their world ended up in such a mess, and if it can be fixed!

Overall, it was a fun lighthearted read with some heavy subject matter in bullying and self-acceptance. I honestly can't wait to pick up the next two books!
2800287
4.5 stars! I picked this book up on a whim through Kindle Unlimited, and to be totally honest I wasn't expecting to be blown away. I didn't think I was going to like Barrett in the beginning, but that all changed by chapter 3. From then on, I just loved him! He's charming and direct with Allison, and he doesn't make his feelings for her a secret. I was also a fan of Allison, and it's kind of hard not to be. She is a hard-working single mother trying to do what's best for her kid after leaving a disastrous marriage. She is open and tells it like it is, which I really appreciate in a heroine.

I liked the political aspects of this story and loved how Allison convinced Barrett to believe in himself. Their relationship really was heartwarming. Hux was a great addition, and I loved his relationship with Barrett. Barrett's family -- particularly Lincoln -- drew me in as well, and I can't wait for each of them to get their own story!

So why did I deduct half a star? Well, it felt like Allison reacted to the drama too fast, so it felt like there was a bit too much back and forth on her end. Otherwise, I really liked the characters and the plot!
4506024
It was free so I always approach carefully with my reviews as no cost is such a big influence but this was surprisingly interesting with some colourful characters particularly our strong and feisty lead. It was fun, and the story a little novel at least at this stage of the series.

I am not always keen on such a lengthy series so did some review reading of the books to follow and decided this was not going to be my cup of tea.  From the blurbs and the reviews I could see a lot of either repetition or too much time to get to the point.  These factors wear down my connection to the story and the characters. Most of the reviews however were very positive but  not enough to interest me as they discussed the very things that do wear me down and it all happens in six month?  In all fairness this is purely a personal feel towards the book and only intended to help others that think as I do. And bear in mind it is for young adults who may not feel so critical.  I will read the final in the series and hope it may prove me wrong and if it does I won't hesitate to go back and read the rest.
444956
While I say First Novel Syndrome, I don't mean that in a bad way.  What I mean is that this is a first book written by Chapman and it shows as the style needs to develop a bit.  It isn't bad, just obvious that it is a beginning.

I actually was asked to read book 2 in the series and at the suggestion of the author I actually went back and read book 1 first.  But, let me tell you this, the writing style will improve and I think book 2 shows a good development in the author's style.

I'm new to science fiction, but I love police dramas, so this was a good combination for me.  Ryo Trop is an investigator for the Inquisitor's office of Free City.  Fancy words to basically say, he is an FBI agent in the future.

There is lots of detail writing about futuristic science.  So, they don't have to be as much accurate as they have to be believable and inviting so that you want to read.

I enjoyed the book, it drew me in and set me up well to read the second book in the series.

In this book a science station on the moon is obliterated by space pirates to cover up the fact that they stole a bunch of the anti-matter that was being developed as well as kidnapping several of the scientists from the station.

The evil warlord that did the deed wants to use the scientists and the anti-matter as a simple way to develop a weapon that will help him destroy a relative who is a rival warlord.

So, Dr. Jana Feasi is kidnapped and Ryo Trop and his associates must find her and the anti-matter before it can be used to destroy millions of people.

Will they succeed?  Will they save the world?  That is the question.

The characters are well developed.  The scenario is as true to today's world as can be, and thus believable.

I enjoyed the book and the writing style and look forward to Chapman's development as a writer in the next several books.

Enjoy!
2630792
Ever since I read Pivot Point by Kasie West and re-read Stranger with My Face by Lois Duncan, I've been a bit obsessed with parallel worlds. After reading Gretchen McNeil's other book, Ten, I knew I needed to read her most recent book.

The title and the minimalist cover immediately caught my attention.

First of all, I would just like to pint out hat the book has really short chapters, which I love. It highlights the important times in Josie's day and night. The short chapters also keep me thinking "okay now, Annie, just one more chapter before bed". Of course, that doesn't really work because I just end up continuing to read.

This book is suspenseful, mysterious, and dark. The author mixes those elements so well. I kept guessing and making up theories until the very end. Side note: THAT ENDING! Oh my god, I expected some parts of it, but it still tore me up inside a bit.

I really like how despite the book is in third-person perspective, I can really connect with the protagonist. I feel like I can feel exactly what she feels, especially her confusion throughout sections of the story.

A bittersweet thing about the book is the scientific explanation. I'm torn about how I feel. While I do generally critique books when they either make no sense scientifically or have no scientific evidence to support the situations, this book makes me question that. It's packed with physics theories and laws. I'm unbelievably horrible with physics, but would other readers understand the theories? I do understand that the book wouldn't work as well without the science, but it really distracted me.

To me, the characters are also a bit undeveloped. They don't have much of a personality. However, I didn't notice that much until after I finished the book. I guess the story kept me distracted.
3958015
Ill come out right now and admit that up until now, I had only read one book in this series, and that was the first one, Pucked. I didn't much care for it. Its not that I disliked it, but I also wasn't sold on it, primarily because I didn't care much for the over-the-top almost slapstick-like comedy and wasn't sure if I really wanted to continue with the series. So when the chance came up to read an advance copy of Pucked Off, I jumped at the chance, hoping that just maybe, I would like it a little more than the first.

And I did.

I didn't just like it; I loved it. I loved the characters, I loved the storyline; I loved it all.

But lets get into the WHY, I liked it.

Lance is a star defenseman who likes women, alcohol, and picking fights, not necessarily in that order. So when he manages to hurt himself in a bar fight at the beginning of the pre-season, hes sent for therapeutic massage. Enter Poppy, the massage therapist. Due to some pretty heavy issues in his youth Lance has trouble with anyone touching his body, and Poppy is the first one whose touch not only brings pleasure, but also fills an emptiness hes felt for years.

Lance wants to get to know Poppy outside of their professional relationship, but Poppy refuses to date him while treating him. Lance decides to chance a relationship with her (something he has NEVER felt compelled to do) by firing her and asking her out. Both of them are hesitant to put their hearts on the line, but neither can dismiss the sexual tension between them and their chemistry in or out of the bedroom. Can Poppy look past Lances checkered past, especially when there is a psycho ex involved? Is Lance ready to share his secrets and put his own heart on the line?

Pucked Off was a sizzling, slow burn, sports romance. Once I picked it up, I did not want to put it down. I loved Poppy; she is a strong, independent woman. Lance is a broken bad boy looking for someone to love and love him back, though hes not sure how to go about that, much less thinks he is deserving of it. The story is told in a dual POV and I loved getting inside Lances head in particular because his emotions and recollection of the past were palpable and he quickly became a character that I was rooting for every step of the way.

Im glad I took a chance on this one and now Ill have to go back and check out the rest of the series. As other reviewers have mentioned, Hunting seems to have to try a little too hard to be funny, so the antics of the characters in the first book felt very forced, whereas in this volume, every bit of the story felt organic and genuine.
3842424
I got the first book of The Becoming novels,  for free, and although it is not my usual type of reading, its description did catch my interest. As I got into it I admit thatI was skeptical. The first thing that caught my interest was the frequent reference to Ash's fixation of red things. By the time Ash clocks Savage on the head with a frying pan I was hooked. Quite a bit graphic in the animalistic sexuality, this story still managed to make it fit and flow.