jenbsbooks's review against another edition
3.0
This book was recommended by a friend who loved it. There were demons, and angels too, and a bit of religious talk (what God expects, why some things happen, an idea of heaven, thoughts on Satan and his minions trying to drag others down). To me it felt a bit heavy handed, even though I don't disagree (don't drink, don't take drugs, don't party, don't watch violent movies ... you are inviting demons.) It did have some interesting thoughts about those negative thoughts everyone has, and the idea of YOU being a guardian angel and helping people yourself.
It was a quick and easy read. Did feel YA to me.
I borrowed this as part of my Kindle Unlimited trial.
It was a quick and easy read. Did feel YA to me.
I borrowed this as part of my Kindle Unlimited trial.
nerdy_berdie's review
4.0
Fast pace YA read
I read this book in a day. Overall the story was fast paced and intriguing. I did think the relationship between Levi and Adelle was a little unrealistic but I was able to look past that throughout the story. Although I enjoyed the main two characters they were a rather flat and I would have liked to see more character development or back story. Be warned this book is full of heavy religious views and if you are uncomfortable with religion it may not be for you. Over all a good read.
I read this book in a day. Overall the story was fast paced and intriguing. I did think the relationship between Levi and Adelle was a little unrealistic but I was able to look past that throughout the story. Although I enjoyed the main two characters they were a rather flat and I would have liked to see more character development or back story. Be warned this book is full of heavy religious views and if you are uncomfortable with religion it may not be for you. Over all a good read.
mushroomie2's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
absentminded_reader's review
4.0
At its heart, "The Girl Who Heard Demons" is a story about a girl, Adelle Hansen, who thinks her gift is actually a curse. Only when her love for somebody else outweighs her fear of being found out does she start to embrace her gift. Of course, if your gift was the ability to listen to demons, you might not be so excited to embrace that ability either.
Even though this was a darker tale than other Rallison stories that I've read, her skill at writing romantic scenes and clever dialog were still on display. That made the book very enjoyable. Sometimes I felt that the demons were almost extraneous to the story because the story events were like a young adult suspense thriller with paranormal bits tacked on. This is likely because Rallison's bread & butter has been teen romance. However, the story had a satisfying paranormal climax.
Rallison's years of experience as a YA romance novelist were a plus for this story. The characters and situations felt real, the romance was believable, and her fine sense of comedy added light touches in contrast with the tales of demonic possession. The religious elements were handled in a way that provided just enough information to help serve the plot without any solid denominational details. This was a strength of the story, I felt.
Over all, an enjoyable read.
Even though this was a darker tale than other Rallison stories that I've read, her skill at writing romantic scenes and clever dialog were still on display. That made the book very enjoyable. Sometimes I felt that the demons were almost extraneous to the story because the story events were like a young adult suspense thriller with paranormal bits tacked on. This is likely because Rallison's bread & butter has been teen romance. However, the story had a satisfying paranormal climax.
Rallison's years of experience as a YA romance novelist were a plus for this story. The characters and situations felt real, the romance was believable, and her fine sense of comedy added light touches in contrast with the tales of demonic possession. The religious elements were handled in a way that provided just enough information to help serve the plot without any solid denominational details. This was a strength of the story, I felt.
Over all, an enjoyable read.
jresendez610's review
4.0
A bit cheesy at times but unexpectedly good! It held my interest throughout and I found the ideas the author presented about demons and angels interesting, even though they weren't anything new.
rebeccacarter's review
4.0
Adelle has no friends because she hears (and sees) demons. Although she tried to counteract the negative things the demons are saying, she creeps people out more than she helps them. Her "abilities" have also forced her family to move so Adelle can try to have a normal life elsewhere. But, demons torment people wherever she goes. Perhaps Levi, the boy she saves from death, will be different and stay her friend if she reveals her secret to him.
I think this is a book the YA crowd will enjoy. It has the young romance element necessary for that appeal. In some ways, I liked how the author portrayed the demons instigating the people they followed because it had a message to go along with it: you are ultimately responsible for your actions despite what the thoughts in your head tell you; demons can only control you if you let them. On the other hand, it almost felt too casual at times. Some demons were mere annoyances, while others could completely twist a person's mind.
I received a free copy of this book through the Kindle Scout program.
I think this is a book the YA crowd will enjoy. It has the young romance element necessary for that appeal. In some ways, I liked how the author portrayed the demons instigating the people they followed because it had a message to go along with it: you are ultimately responsible for your actions despite what the thoughts in your head tell you; demons can only control you if you let them. On the other hand, it almost felt too casual at times. Some demons were mere annoyances, while others could completely twist a person's mind.
I received a free copy of this book through the Kindle Scout program.
aravenclawlibraryx's review
4.0
This was such a fun book! Don't let the fact that it is about demons deter you. They are written in such a well thought out way, that you won't scare you (if that's what you are worried about). I can see people getting all up in arms about this book because it mentions demons. Kind of like how people got their panties in a twist about Lucifer the TV show. (which by the way, it's one of the funniest shows I've ever watched. Watch it! You will not be disappointed.)
Anyway. On to the actual review. So the book is about Adelle, who can hear demons and has been able to hear them ever since she was little. She knows what they are thinking and saying. She can feel their presence. It's not a fun time for her. Because of this gift, she gets bullied and abused by people constantly. She moves in with her aunt in hopes of having a fresh start.
However, that is not the case when she meets Levi. She saves his life and then sticks around because. Levi is an atheist. He doesn't really believe in the whole demon talk. He tries to constantly rationalize Adelle's gift. Which I can believe. Those that say they can hear demons are often told they are schizophrenic or something like that.
I adored the relationship that blossoms between Levi and Adelle. We actually get two points of view so if something major happens to both of them, we get to actually read how it affects both of them. I love stories like that if they are done well and it is totally done well in this case. I love that even though there was a tiny case of insta love, Adelle acknowledged it. She knew that she was being silly in thinking like that. I can also see why she falls so hard. Adelle has had a rough life after she was able to hear demons. To have someone (outside her family) actually talk to her and not just try and use her, I think it meant a lot to her.
I don't know if this really counts as a spoiler but I'm hiding it nonetheless.
I truly am amazed that I haven't seen backlash about this book. Normally anything demon related is enough to send people in a tizzy. But I'm glad. We need more books like this. It would help people get over their fear of things that are different than what they believe in. For real, give this book a chance.
Anyway. On to the actual review. So the book is about Adelle, who can hear demons and has been able to hear them ever since she was little. She knows what they are thinking and saying. She can feel their presence. It's not a fun time for her. Because of this gift, she gets bullied and abused by people constantly. She moves in with her aunt in hopes of having a fresh start.
However, that is not the case when she meets Levi. She saves his life and then sticks around because
Spoiler
she saw an angel that said she needed to be Levi's guardian angel.I adored the relationship that blossoms between Levi and Adelle. We actually get two points of view so if something major happens to both of them, we get to actually read how it affects both of them. I love stories like that if they are done well and it is totally done well in this case. I love that even though there was a tiny case of insta love, Adelle acknowledged it. She knew that she was being silly in thinking like that. I can also see why she falls so hard. Adelle has had a rough life after she was able to hear demons. To have someone (outside her family) actually talk to her and not just try and use her, I think it meant a lot to her.
I don't know if this really counts as a spoiler but I'm hiding it nonetheless.
Spoiler
In this book there is talk about near death and how one can hear demons/angels if they are on the brink of death. This is how Adelle gained her gift. Do I believe that this could happen? I have no idea. It seems entirely plausible. I've heard of people who are ready to pass on, see their passed loved ones before they die. I don't see why something like this could happen. Makes you think.I truly am amazed that I haven't seen backlash about this book. Normally anything demon related is enough to send people in a tizzy. But I'm glad. We need more books like this. It would help people get over their fear of things that are different than what they believe in. For real, give this book a chance.
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