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duskbladedrow's review
3.0
This is a tough one. I really wanted to love this book, but it didn't connect with me. I didn't feel the romances (plural), and that kept me from really enjoying the book. I kept skipping pages just so I could see how it ended, not feeling that invested in the characters or their love lives. A lot of people will like this book, especially those who like multiple romances in their books, but this wasn't really my thing. I read back over the synopsis and I can see why I expected a different book than what I read.
hyperashley's review
5.0
Reapers, Shifters and witches, oh my -also fae, necromancers, banshees, zombies and so much more. This book is freaking amazing and it has so many paranormal elements that it's hard not to love. I'm a huge paranormal fan so to see so many different creatures wrapped up in one big book was beyond incredible, it was addicting as hell. It was basically my book brand of heroin - I'm aware of how weird that sounds but you'll have to read it to understand what I mean.
The book is centered around four peoples POV, Ember, Mace, Kai and Tristen and though that sounds like it would be confusing it's not. It works so well because each character was highly entertaining to read and easy to get invested in. I like how every individual POV blended together so well and ended up coming together at the end with no stone left unturned.The story was fast and so easy to follow and I wasn't kidding when I said addicting. I read over 300 pages in a day because I didn't want to stop reading and the chapters were short, so it was easy to say one more chapter, just one more. I had plenty of question going through this book but I was left with none, almost none. I have only one question after that ending and it is, when is book two coming out? I need it like yesterday!
I'm actually a huge fan of books dealing with reapers, there aren't many out there sadly so I was glad they were in here. Kai was great though it reaper-ness didn't get much of a chance to show in this book but that just makes me excited for book two. To see how the author will take his story and his powers, I think that will be very interesting. This was also the first book that I've read that had a banshee, which was freaking awesome. And come on necromancers are always cool. The entire paranormal world fascinates me and this is no exception though this world may be my favorite now.
When it comes to the characters I think they were all great. They were funny and mixed well together and kind of made me jealous that I don't exist in this world- I personally think I would make a good reaper or shifter or anything really. Mace and Ember were my favorite just how they were together was cute, eventually. Kai and Tristen were funny when they were dealing with each other especially that beginning argument. It was hysterical this book also made me want a twin to argue with. I think what I liked the most about the characters were how real and life like they seemed, the supernatural stuff aside, of course. The way they talked to each other felt like it was real, like it was how I would talk with my own friends and family.
Don't let the size of this book intimidate you, I know it's big but it's so entertaining and fast paced that it'll be worth it. I happen to like big books so I was thrilled but I know some people scare easily, just trust me on this one and give this book a chance. I can't wait for book two so I can see what happens with everyone and how badass these characters are going to become.
The book is centered around four peoples POV, Ember, Mace, Kai and Tristen and though that sounds like it would be confusing it's not. It works so well because each character was highly entertaining to read and easy to get invested in. I like how every individual POV blended together so well and ended up coming together at the end with no stone left unturned.The story was fast and so easy to follow and I wasn't kidding when I said addicting. I read over 300 pages in a day because I didn't want to stop reading and the chapters were short, so it was easy to say one more chapter, just one more. I had plenty of question going through this book but I was left with none, almost none. I have only one question after that ending and it is, when is book two coming out? I need it like yesterday!
I'm actually a huge fan of books dealing with reapers, there aren't many out there sadly so I was glad they were in here. Kai was great though it reaper-ness didn't get much of a chance to show in this book but that just makes me excited for book two. To see how the author will take his story and his powers, I think that will be very interesting. This was also the first book that I've read that had a banshee, which was freaking awesome. And come on necromancers are always cool. The entire paranormal world fascinates me and this is no exception though this world may be my favorite now.
When it comes to the characters I think they were all great. They were funny and mixed well together and kind of made me jealous that I don't exist in this world- I personally think I would make a good reaper or shifter or anything really. Mace and Ember were my favorite just how they were together was cute, eventually. Kai and Tristen were funny when they were dealing with each other especially that beginning argument. It was hysterical this book also made me want a twin to argue with. I think what I liked the most about the characters were how real and life like they seemed, the supernatural stuff aside, of course. The way they talked to each other felt like it was real, like it was how I would talk with my own friends and family.
Don't let the size of this book intimidate you, I know it's big but it's so entertaining and fast paced that it'll be worth it. I happen to like big books so I was thrilled but I know some people scare easily, just trust me on this one and give this book a chance. I can't wait for book two so I can see what happens with everyone and how badass these characters are going to become.
lucy_edgar's review
5.0
Absolutely loved this book and how it switched to different people's pov as this keep me guessing what was going to happen and made me want to read on.
chrissyp's review
5.0
This was a very consuming story. There was so much going on and so many different characters to keep up with!! The supernatural aspects kept me guessing throughout the whole story....I never knew what to expect, and I was so disappointed every time I had to put the book down. I loved the big reveal, which I won't get into here, but I never would have guessed so many of the revelations that you find at the end. I'm so hooked on this series now, and absolutely can't wait to read the next book. I have to know how Ember, Mace, Tristin and Quinn resolve their situation.
bobbsayshi's review
3.0
I loved a lot of this book. I grew to love Ember, Kai, and the rest of the pack, but I didn't love them all. The only character I had to begrudgingly sympathize with was Tristin because of her attitude and overall unpleasantness. The best part of the book, by far, was the relationship between Kai and Rhys. It was practically my driving force for completing this monster of a book. However, the book was still very interesting and generally engaging.
aly36's review
5.0
I enjoyed this book very much. We have soo many characters and sooo many things to follow in this book but I didn't get confused. I enjoyed the characters of Ember and MACE, I think they are my favorite. I loved that the author added so many supernatural elements into this book and so many supernatural character in a super natural town. I am excited I decided to give this book a try and I will read the next in the series hoping this will be a great series to enjoy. So far it is great!
belindaclemons_123's review
5.0
I saw this book advertised on FB and liked the cover and title so I had to have it. I bought the book the day it came out and was lucky enough to win the pb from the author herself.
When I was reading the ebook it made me feel so much emotion I was crying, laughing tugging my hair and wanting to throw my kindle, but that's what I love so much about books. Children Shouldn't Play with Dead Things has twists, paranormal creatures ranging from witches to shifters.
When I received my book two days after finishing the ebook I had to reread it right then and so I did at work. These characters are so alive. This debut author had me falling in love.
When I was reading the ebook it made me feel so much emotion I was crying, laughing tugging my hair and wanting to throw my kindle, but that's what I love so much about books. Children Shouldn't Play with Dead Things has twists, paranormal creatures ranging from witches to shifters.
When I received my book two days after finishing the ebook I had to reread it right then and so I did at work. These characters are so alive. This debut author had me falling in love.
missjustynak's review
3.0
This book started out great. The first hald of the book was untriguing and i couldn't put it down. The characters were great and I couldn't wait to find out what was going on. I think the first thing that started throwing me off was the whole relationship between Ember and Mace. Their whole "thing" just started to bore me, which in turn caused me to lose interest in that whole storyline. I also couldn't help but eyeroll every time Mace called Ember "luv." Then there was a lot of repeating of what was happening and a lot of secrets that really didn't need to be kept. Anyway, by the end I just couldn't wait to finish and get it over with and I found that although I enjoyed the characters and story, I just didn't care anymore.
gen_wolfhailstorm's review
5.0
So whenever it takes me exceptionally long to read a book I tend to class it as a negative because I'm not gravitating towards it, however with this novel, the reason was completely the opposite! I kept putting it off because I honestly didn't want it to end!
The first time I heard of this novel was on Casey Ann reads channel. The book sounded awesome and if I recall correctly she had a link where the author was giving the ebook away for free so I grabbed it up and downloaded it.
It took me ages to decide to pick it up and when I did I didn't expect the long length of it, but looking back, I quickly realised that was a blessing because I was lapping up all I could get!
Children shouldn't play with dead things is the first in the Dead things series, following a young girl called Ember who skips school and spends her time in graveyards, trying to avoid her alcoholic father. When a death close to home happens, her body goes through changes she can't understand and help comes from strange and confusing places, opening up doors to a whole other existence she never thought possible!
I loved it. I BLOODY LOVED IT.
I will say, a few pages in I was totally overwhelmed! I felt like too much was happening, e.g. an early death, Ember's birthday and The Day Of The Dead celebrations. It was just too many events for an opening and I just wasn't sure as to what was happening, plus I was getting Beautiful Creatures vibes, which I really didn't like, but once all that was done, I was hooked!
I loved the array of characters that were featured here. I won't go into all of them though. Ember was such an awesome main character; with Tristan and Kai (and Mace) they made a bigger picture, but on her own she was still very solid and I loved her. She did make some awful decisions but she also grew so much and we got to see a lot of her personality as she came to terms with her true identity! She even showed a weird dominatrix type of character for a small part of the novel which was so uncomfortable it was funny.
The twins, Tristan and Kai, were awesome. Kai, along with Quinn, were totally part of the comic relief but when they needed to be serious they were. Kai is definitely one of my favourites. To quote a really funny part of this book with Kai and Quinn;
Mace... Oh my goodness Mace. I was so conflicted about him the whole time but he did things in this book that made my heart race and left me a little flustered and out of breath haha! He reminded me of ACOTAR's Rhys and my ovaries just couldn't take it when he was around.
I'll quickly mention the rest of the pack as a whole. Together they were so awesome! I felt like Isa made a really strong leader, but at times I found her too big for her boots. I would have loved more time with Neoma and Donovan because I'm left, even now, with questions to their backgrounds.
*Oh, random side note but I wanted to mention that I used word runner for the first time reading this book. I only used it a little but omg, it allowed me to read 5 pages in no time at all! At first, one word quickly appearing made my eye throb and it is a bit jaunty, but it's a great feature and I'd recommend trying it out, if you haven't already!*
There was one part in this story that I loved. It was about boundaries and that even though werewolves are very touchy feely in this world and like everything/one to have their scent, they still shouldn't touch without permission. That was aimed at Ember who was all very new to their ways and didn't like the sudden closeness and comfort of a family.
I couldn't for the life of me figure out why people weren't getting the significance of Ember's powers, what with what happened 12 years ago, but I mean, it was so much more than that, so who am I to talk? I could not predict what eventually came at all!
The only thing I didn't like was the writing at times. For example, the word "spastic" was thrown around way too much. I particularly didn't like the term being used, like another word could easily have given enough effect without potential offense to anybody.
I also found like a few words were missing. There were some times when a sentence didn't make sense and just felt off, but I think that may have been the way it was written as well, because I struggled a lot to see who was being referred to and who was talking. It wasn't clear enough. Ironically, I'm finding it hard to properly explain what I mean!
I was very hesitant at the idea of both Celtic and Egyptian gods being included in the story because I thought with the crossover of the two as well as all the other supernatural stuff concerned, that it would leave a very messy and unnecessary complicated story. I'm happy to say that although this story line calmed down, it came back big time at the end, but I think it was done so well and has left me really intrigued to find out more.
We got so close to the end before someone of significance died! I was in absolute shock when Quinn was murdered. I couldn't believe it and when I read that, I really started avoiding reading any more because I couldn't see how things would ever get better. I know... I was very dramatic! Now he's back in Mace's body and Mace did have a soul?! I just don't know how to feel!
Rhys and Kai's relationship is so cute! I really loved how easy the gay romance was. I mean easy in the sense that everyone just accepted it and didn't make a fuss, not easy in how bloody long it took Rhys to admit his feelings. After all that happened I did think he took so long because of his affiliation with the Grove. So it was cute that he tried to avoid the relationship until the lies were banished, and not because he was scared of feeling that way about another guy.
Overall, I've got to say, I just truly loved this book so much! I feel like it's been ages since I've read something like this and enjoyed it to this extent. I'd totally recommend it if you're looking for a YA supernatural story, with a bit of romance, betrayal and family kinship!
Pick it up, give it a go and enjoy! >(^_^)<
Gén
The first time I heard of this novel was on Casey Ann reads channel. The book sounded awesome and if I recall correctly she had a link where the author was giving the ebook away for free so I grabbed it up and downloaded it.
It took me ages to decide to pick it up and when I did I didn't expect the long length of it, but looking back, I quickly realised that was a blessing because I was lapping up all I could get!
Children shouldn't play with dead things is the first in the Dead things series, following a young girl called Ember who skips school and spends her time in graveyards, trying to avoid her alcoholic father. When a death close to home happens, her body goes through changes she can't understand and help comes from strange and confusing places, opening up doors to a whole other existence she never thought possible!
I loved it. I BLOODY LOVED IT.
I will say, a few pages in I was totally overwhelmed! I felt like too much was happening, e.g. an early death, Ember's birthday and The Day Of The Dead celebrations. It was just too many events for an opening and I just wasn't sure as to what was happening, plus I was getting Beautiful Creatures vibes, which I really didn't like, but once all that was done, I was hooked!
I loved the array of characters that were featured here. I won't go into all of them though. Ember was such an awesome main character; with Tristan and Kai (and Mace) they made a bigger picture, but on her own she was still very solid and I loved her. She did make some awful decisions but she also grew so much and we got to see a lot of her personality as she came to terms with her true identity! She even showed a weird dominatrix type of character for a small part of the novel which was so uncomfortable it was funny.
The twins, Tristan and Kai, were awesome. Kai, along with Quinn, were totally part of the comic relief but when they needed to be serious they were. Kai is definitely one of my favourites. To quote a really funny part of this book with Kai and Quinn;
"show him you're a strong independent reaper who don't need no wolf".I was in hysterics at this and even did the head bob to this line before reading that Quinn did that too. Kai's sister on the other hand, although very bad ass, I just didn't like too much and a lot of her actions throughout the book are testament as to why I felt that way about her.
Mace... Oh my goodness Mace. I was so conflicted about him the whole time but he did things in this book that made my heart race and left me a little flustered and out of breath haha! He reminded me of ACOTAR's Rhys and my ovaries just couldn't take it when he was around.
I'll quickly mention the rest of the pack as a whole. Together they were so awesome! I felt like Isa made a really strong leader, but at times I found her too big for her boots. I would have loved more time with Neoma and Donovan because I'm left, even now, with questions to their backgrounds.
*Oh, random side note but I wanted to mention that I used word runner for the first time reading this book. I only used it a little but omg, it allowed me to read 5 pages in no time at all! At first, one word quickly appearing made my eye throb and it is a bit jaunty, but it's a great feature and I'd recommend trying it out, if you haven't already!*
There was one part in this story that I loved. It was about boundaries and that even though werewolves are very touchy feely in this world and like everything/one to have their scent, they still shouldn't touch without permission. That was aimed at Ember who was all very new to their ways and didn't like the sudden closeness and comfort of a family.
I couldn't for the life of me figure out why people weren't getting the significance of Ember's powers, what with what happened 12 years ago, but I mean, it was so much more than that, so who am I to talk? I could not predict what eventually came at all!
The only thing I didn't like was the writing at times. For example, the word "spastic" was thrown around way too much. I particularly didn't like the term being used, like another word could easily have given enough effect without potential offense to anybody.
I also found like a few words were missing. There were some times when a sentence didn't make sense and just felt off, but I think that may have been the way it was written as well, because I struggled a lot to see who was being referred to and who was talking. It wasn't clear enough. Ironically, I'm finding it hard to properly explain what I mean!
Spoiler
I was very hesitant at the idea of both Celtic and Egyptian gods being included in the story because I thought with the crossover of the two as well as all the other supernatural stuff concerned, that it would leave a very messy and unnecessary complicated story. I'm happy to say that although this story line calmed down, it came back big time at the end, but I think it was done so well and has left me really intrigued to find out more.
We got so close to the end before someone of significance died! I was in absolute shock when Quinn was murdered. I couldn't believe it and when I read that, I really started avoiding reading any more because I couldn't see how things would ever get better. I know... I was very dramatic! Now he's back in Mace's body and Mace did have a soul?! I just don't know how to feel!
Rhys and Kai's relationship is so cute! I really loved how easy the gay romance was. I mean easy in the sense that everyone just accepted it and didn't make a fuss, not easy in how bloody long it took Rhys to admit his feelings. After all that happened I did think he took so long because of his affiliation with the Grove. So it was cute that he tried to avoid the relationship until the lies were banished, and not because he was scared of feeling that way about another guy.
Overall, I've got to say, I just truly loved this book so much! I feel like it's been ages since I've read something like this and enjoyed it to this extent. I'd totally recommend it if you're looking for a YA supernatural story, with a bit of romance, betrayal and family kinship!
Pick it up, give it a go and enjoy! >(^_^)<
Gén
vondav's review
5.0
Ember a young girl who loved being surrounded by the dead, whether it was hanging out at the cemetery or working in the local undertakers. Having a drunk of a dad made her into a bit of a loner, after her dad died she thought she was by herself, how wrong she was. Living in a veiled town are Tristin and Kai, twins with special powers. Rescuing Ember from a mysterious man (Mace) they realise that there is something bigger going on and to get through it, they will need a lot more help.
Even though related, Ember, Kai and Tristin were completely different. Ember was so used to being by herself, she lapped up any interest in her wellbeing. When she was introduced to the people Kai and Tristin lived with, she was really overwhelmed and when she started learning what she was she didn’t know who to trust. Kai was the joker in the family, on the outside he made a joke about most things, but this was more of a defence mechanism. Tristin was completely opposite to her brother, a moody teenager, was happier to punch the stuffing out of a punchbag and had an instant disliking to Ember. Whilst the story revolves around these three, the story relies on other characters as well. Mace, the mysterious man who attacked Ember, with his cocky attitude, and his bad boy image he reminded me of Spike (Buffy) and was the anti-hero of the story. Quinn, a human born to a magical family, he was the only one that understood Tristan and was the brains. Isa the Alpha and Rhys her brother were werewolves had always played an important role in Kai and Tristin’s lives and Isa really showed her authority when she found out about all the deceit in the pack.
This book had a lot going on, however as the author wrote it in 1st person POV and each chapter was clearly labelled with that 1st person, it was not confusing and helped the story flow. There were some great one liners usually from Kai and this just showed how comfortable he was with his family and his sexuality, the scenes between him and Rhys were sweet and you could feel their love for each other, even when they were at each other’s throats. As Ember became more comfortable with her powers, you get to find out more about the history of the town and the tragic circumstances that happened there. With Reapers, Banshees, Witches, Shifters and not just wolves and many more different supernatural beings this book has it all for paranormal lovers. A long book but as this is fast paced it was a quick read. An unexpected ending leads nicely into Dark Dreams and Dead Things.
Even though related, Ember, Kai and Tristin were completely different. Ember was so used to being by herself, she lapped up any interest in her wellbeing. When she was introduced to the people Kai and Tristin lived with, she was really overwhelmed and when she started learning what she was she didn’t know who to trust. Kai was the joker in the family, on the outside he made a joke about most things, but this was more of a defence mechanism. Tristin was completely opposite to her brother, a moody teenager, was happier to punch the stuffing out of a punchbag and had an instant disliking to Ember. Whilst the story revolves around these three, the story relies on other characters as well. Mace, the mysterious man who attacked Ember, with his cocky attitude, and his bad boy image he reminded me of Spike (Buffy) and was the anti-hero of the story. Quinn, a human born to a magical family, he was the only one that understood Tristan and was the brains. Isa the Alpha and Rhys her brother were werewolves had always played an important role in Kai and Tristin’s lives and Isa really showed her authority when she found out about all the deceit in the pack.
This book had a lot going on, however as the author wrote it in 1st person POV and each chapter was clearly labelled with that 1st person, it was not confusing and helped the story flow. There were some great one liners usually from Kai and this just showed how comfortable he was with his family and his sexuality, the scenes between him and Rhys were sweet and you could feel their love for each other, even when they were at each other’s throats. As Ember became more comfortable with her powers, you get to find out more about the history of the town and the tragic circumstances that happened there. With Reapers, Banshees, Witches, Shifters and not just wolves and many more different supernatural beings this book has it all for paranormal lovers. A long book but as this is fast paced it was a quick read. An unexpected ending leads nicely into Dark Dreams and Dead Things.