Story is well told and encourages page turning. I haven't read many YA novels, but they already seem to be following a formula based on the success ofStory is well told and encourages page turning. I haven't read many YA novels, but they already seem to be following a formula based on the success of previous novels. Perhaps that is what is necessary to be published in this no-risk environment. Unfortunately, it turns authors into cookie cutters. I long for the day when we stop trying to please crowds and allow the creative muse to wander into territories unknown. ...more
This is a story for Middle Grade readers. While I cannot speak for them or assume to know what they might like, I will say that parents and teachers m This is a story for Middle Grade readers. While I cannot speak for them or assume to know what they might like, I will say that parents and teachers may want to slide this novel towards those children to open young minds to multicultural understanding and tolerance.
Children take on the beliefs of their parents and can act out in fear and rudeness towards those with different religions and cultural backgrounds. This story presents a balanced viewpoint from three children: a young white Christian girl from South Africa, and two Muslim children, one boy and one girl, who interact with her. It does not flinch at the difficulties inherent in a clash of cultures. Neither does it avoid the emotional and physical pain children suffer. Redemption comes with forgiveness and working out relationships that respect each belief system.
The story remained interesting and taught by example rather than falling into a lecture. Adults acted responsibly, without resorting to caricatures. In all, a clear story, well told. ...more
The story revolves around Evie, a young woman who had been sheltered from danger by a protective father who withheld information as to her he3.5 Stars
The story revolves around Evie, a young woman who had been sheltered from danger by a protective father who withheld information as to her heritage. She learns on her own, through a kiss--that primal precursor to grownup sex--she is different than the average human. Evie has a highly combustive nature. After some teenage angst, she forgives her father his deception, and, as is usual with this stage of human development, she decides she is wiser than him in just about everything. Poor dad--all that work raising a child only to see it hell-bent on self destruction.
With a kick of hormones and love-at-first sight, Evie falls for the dangerous young man, Clay, whose family are killers of people with heritages such as Evie. Although Evie's mother was likely killed by Clay's family, Evie is hot for Clay anyway and they can't keep their hands off one another. Foreplay. Foreplay. Foreplay. Romeo and Juliet. Foreplay. This is a paranormal romance, so despite tragedy and death, lots of giggles and groping ensue.
Evie goes through a time learning that dad was right, but only after she loses everything. Thankfully, she becomes an adult, a phoenix rising from the ashes. Although the story stops there (it is first in a series), I can only imagine that the upcoming generation, too, will think they are wiser than Evie, and ignore any good council learned through her experience. Humans are silly that way.
The pace and writing were well done for a debut novel. The story met the standards of a YA/Paranormal Romance. Evie's heritage is unique, and fae were recast in a non-traditional way. I grew a bit tired of Evie's bed-hopping, but that is just personal taste. (view spoiler)[Evie's groping of Clay was a bit difficult to take in what seemed hours after his family kills her father. (hide spoiler)]. So, my sympathy was generally with Clay more than Evie. The steamy scenes were a bit mechanical. Most jarring was when a lover 'sighed' into Evie's mouth, and a few pages later, if I remember correctly, he mumbled or muttered or somehow spoke into her mouth again. If they were having oral sex, I missed it. If they weren't, then I think the image is very odd. But that is just me.
In summary, this series shows enough legs to gather a fan base of YA/Paranormal Romance readers.
Jack and Mel are gifted children, full of imagination and artistic potential. They are kindred spirits with a spiritual and psychic connection that al Jack and Mel are gifted children, full of imagination and artistic potential. They are kindred spirits with a spiritual and psychic connection that allows them to share fantasies and experience the wonders and magic of painting and music.
The joy of this novel is young love in its purest form, and discovery of the world, and of self.
The tragedy is how the flaws and failings of the adult world are evident when seen in juxtaposition with innocence. A school teacher and principle are given a chance to heal old wounds. Parents are forced to either support one another, or continue to drift into a tormented oblivion. Even an older sibling learns a lesson or two. Jack and Mel hold up a mirror for others in this small town to see themselves, and hopefully repair the damage of prejudice and self-righteousness.
Luckily, Tom Conyers doesn't paint all grownups as damaged goods. Two adult characters serve as examples of balanced maturity. Yet, they too feel the sting of the residents of Miller’s Creek, a small, stagnant, town. The children bring change, through a tragedy I didn't see coming. Yet the sense remains that change unfolds, like spring, with a flowering of humanity and a song of hope.
Loading...
