sarabc's review against another edition
5.0
Originally reviewed on Sara's Books and Things
I really enjoyed this book. Lilly is a wonderful protagonist that goes after what she wants. Be it love or information that she needs, she won't stop until she has it.
Another thing I enjoyed was the dynamic between Lilly and her mom's boyfriend. It's a bit tentative but then again he's the first real father figure she's ever had.
I also really liked her and Talon's relationship. It progresses very naturally and it's extremely easy to root for them despite their circumstances.
I received this book courtesy of NetGalley in exchange for my free and honest review.
I really enjoyed this book. Lilly is a wonderful protagonist that goes after what she wants. Be it love or information that she needs, she won't stop until she has it.
Another thing I enjoyed was the dynamic between Lilly and her mom's boyfriend. It's a bit tentative but then again he's the first real father figure she's ever had.
I also really liked her and Talon's relationship. It progresses very naturally and it's extremely easy to root for them despite their circumstances.
I received this book courtesy of NetGalley in exchange for my free and honest review.
ksmarsden's review
5.0
Lily has been left with nothing after the hurricane, and after months living in a hotel, it really isn't that hard to follow her mother into some middle-of-nowhere town to start afresh. There's her new step-father and step-brother-to-be to contend with; getting along with the locals; oh, and dealing with a spooky paranormal light.
I really enjoyed this book. It's a very impressive début, with a confident voice. Hall's writing is smooth and carries you along, making you want to read just one more chapter!
It follows a group of 16-19 year olds, as they uncover the truth of a local mystery. But despite their age, their actions make them seem younger - making a den in the middle of the woods; pranks and walkie-talkies. But I didn't find this detrimental. In fact, along with an atmosphere that felt "safe"; it simply felt that the book would be safe for younger readers; while not being questioned by older readers.
There. I think that made sense.
The characters are all pretty cool.
Lily is equal parts girly-girl and ready to get her hands dirty. After a few hesitations, she dives straight into her new life and makes the most of it. Yes, she's the pretty girl that all the boys immediately fancy, but it's refreshing to not have the clichéd denials and the "oh-but-I've-never-attracted-anyone-before" line.
Talon is both the love interest, and the soon-to-be step-brother. If that makes your skin crawl, go read something else.
The morality of falling in love with someone that will be related to you by marriage is examined in this book. It's not done lightly, and although I was wary at first, I thought it was done very well.
Owen and Hunter add an entertainment factor to the book. They are real characters, with real feelings, but their not afraid to squabble like siblings and accidentally wake you up at 6am singing Old MacDonald.
I enjoyed the background and history that was created, and how it wove down into modern life and linked everyone together. The mystery of Alyssa and the white light pulls you along, with little hints and keeps you guessing until the end.
I will definitely be reading more of Hall's work in the future!
I really enjoyed this book. It's a very impressive début, with a confident voice. Hall's writing is smooth and carries you along, making you want to read just one more chapter!
It follows a group of 16-19 year olds, as they uncover the truth of a local mystery. But despite their age, their actions make them seem younger - making a den in the middle of the woods; pranks and walkie-talkies. But I didn't find this detrimental. In fact, along with an atmosphere that felt "safe"; it simply felt that the book would be safe for younger readers; while not being questioned by older readers.
There. I think that made sense.
The characters are all pretty cool.
Lily is equal parts girly-girl and ready to get her hands dirty. After a few hesitations, she dives straight into her new life and makes the most of it. Yes, she's the pretty girl that all the boys immediately fancy, but it's refreshing to not have the clichéd denials and the "oh-but-I've-never-attracted-anyone-before" line.
Talon is both the love interest, and the soon-to-be step-brother. If that makes your skin crawl, go read something else.
The morality of falling in love with someone that will be related to you by marriage is examined in this book. It's not done lightly, and although I was wary at first, I thought it was done very well.
Owen and Hunter add an entertainment factor to the book. They are real characters, with real feelings, but their not afraid to squabble like siblings and accidentally wake you up at 6am singing Old MacDonald.
I enjoyed the background and history that was created, and how it wove down into modern life and linked everyone together. The mystery of Alyssa and the white light pulls you along, with little hints and keeps you guessing until the end.
I will definitely be reading more of Hall's work in the future!
ayanamifaerudo's review against another edition
2.0
It was okay but I didn't find the zoosh that I wanted. The plot had potential, but the atmosphere was sacrificed by telling the narrative in a hurry. There was something missing. Almost there, but not quite.
Full review to come.
Full review to come.
More...