Unexpectedly couldn't put it down
593868
I am not into young teen drama, but decided to read it when a friend recommended it. The writing was a little bit obnoxious, but the story plot was compelling
4162968
I have to say, I was pleasantly surprised by this book.  A kindle freebie, from an unknown author--I have learned to not expect too much.  However, I was hooked from the beginning:  a missing girl, hired killers, secret agents, computer hackers...all connected through politics and history.  The plot built slowly, laying the foundation of the mystery that needed resolution, growing more urgent and gripping as the events unfolded.
4171487
This book was recommended by a friend and, although it's not necessarily something I'd normally read, I did it as a favor.  I was much more captivated than I expected and read it in one day.  I kept wanting to find out what happened next.  It kept me interested and wanting to learn more.  I'll happily read the next book in the series.
4411958
Not my usual genre but couldn't stop reading it.
4355315
I picked this up on the suggestion of a friend as it is far from my typical genre. Wow! I stayed up way too late on several nights because I couldn't put it down. Not too many books make me laugh and cry but this one did.
The characters and story are captivating and real. As a cop's daughter, sister, and friend I was surprised how far removed I am from the realities faced by crime fighters. After this read, I have renewed appreciation. Anxiety producing scenes are eased with humor but the details put the reader right in the action.
Far from our typical book club read but this will be my suggestion next time I get to assign!
1384051
I thoroughly and unexpectedly enjoyed this. Could not put it down. Highly recommend this to anyone looking for a good read.
3159167
What a brilliant surprise! The story revolves around a black ship and the people who must have her. It had just the right amount of creepy; enough to make me watch the shadows, but be able to turn out the lights. The characters struggled with their dark sides enough to make me inspect mine.

About halfway through the book I was happy to find I couldn't put it down. I read a lot of indie books and there have been only a handful that stoked the page turning passion.

Many of my favorite book elements were at play here: I love ocean adventures, a good mystery, tales of old schooners, ghosts, tragedy, suspense and relationship drama.

My only complaint is that I wonder what the characters looked like.

I recommend this book and will read other by the same author.
405372
I was not honestly not expecting much from this novel, but it surprised me with well developed characters and an intriguing plot. I will certainly read other books by this author.
4797384
While I agree with other reviews that the author tends to overexplain certain things, I still couldn't put this book down.  The story had unexpected twists and turns and I loved how the characters evolved.  A lesson in although your past effects who you are today but does not have to haunt you.  A great read!
4848012
I didn't expect much but I was surprised how much I enjoyed this book.  In fact I immediately started the next in the series. I might be hooked on the main character  (Erica). My only concern is that it all takes place in London - which I am not familiar with- and a lot of the dialect is unfamiliar.  But other than that it is a good read.
3513131
I was not expecting to like this book as much as I did, but I couldn't put it down once I started getting into the characters. From the write-up I thought it would be a predictable story about homelessness. But the plot turns and weaves and surprised me several times with the attention to detail. Looking forward to the sequel.
3539847
After reading a few chapters, I put this book down and forgot it for a few weeks. When I picked it up again, I had to re- read a previous few pages to get back on track. Then it "was on". I could not put the book down. I experienced some additional confusing moments but I was second guessing the ending. And what an ending - WOW. Can't wait for book 2.
3144149
I admit I thought I bought / downloaded this book mistakenly and at first I thought I wouldn't like it for sure, BUT I was very pleasantly surprised .this book held me captive and leaves me anxious and excited for the next in series.
966845
I normally don't read books like this at all but I figured I would give it a try since I had a friend who was promoting it. Needless to say I loved it. It kept me drawn in. I found myself reading instead if sleeping when my baby was sleeping (smh) but I didn't regret it at all. By the end of the book I was ready for more! Ready for the second book!
4924026
I picked this up at the library on a whim and still can't believe what a great read it was. The twists and turns, unexpected. Can't wait to read the next two.
2957535
Wow, I was very pleasantly surprised to find that this was not at all what I was expecting!

I was surprised at just how good this book was as I was not expecting such a complex and in depth story with an equally complex and in depth cast of characters.

The book covers several emotive subjects at the same time...some quite disturbing...yet it never gets lost or bogged down in the way it is able to blend these events into the overall story.
The author does this by skillfully ascribing and blending emotional backstories to each of the key characters, so that the reader becomes invested in the outcome of each individual as well as the overall story...thus making this a fascinating as well as compelling read.

It is a hard book to review without alluding to facts which would be considered spoilers, so rather than risk that, my advice would be to read the blurb and then dive right in as I did.
*Be aware though that the book does involve some quite confronting issues, having said that, I think it covers them in a most realistic light.

If I have one issue with this book it is the cover, I don't believe it does anything to sell this book for what it is, and possibly gives a misleading first impression.

"Confronting, amusing and compelling, this is a story about choices and how they shape who we become."

5s
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for my digital copy to read and review.
1490841
Surprisingly I found that I couldn't put this book down. It's been a long time since I've been able to say that. I don't normally read this kind of book but I have to admit, I plan on starting book 2 of this series immediately.