Reviews

Il Dono by L.J. Smith

crbeckett's review against another edition

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mysterious
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No

4.0

hpitcher15's review against another edition

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3.0

good, even though the obvious pick for her is Rob, you cannot help but root for kait and gabriel

louiepotterbook's review against another edition

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adventurous mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.0

It’s getting 3 stars for nostalgia but my god this book is bad. 

leeneee's review against another edition

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4.0

3.5

leasey23's review against another edition

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3.0

Interesting book, definitely feels quite YA but that makes it nice to read. I would have liked to get to know Kaitlyn better at the beginning, as I feel it dived straight into 'I'm a witch, a mysterious woman turns up, now I live with other gifted people' without much context. I want to know more about her dad too! Despite this, it keeps up a great pace of action and you're never left bored, and I found it quite easy and enjoyable to read - I read it in one sitting. Reading the next one as we speak! (This cover really is terrible though, aren't they supposed to be like 16/17?)

toriedawn1's review against another edition

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4.0

I think this story has potential. As with a lot of this authors books the main character is a little annoying at times, the story literally starts with Kait saying how nobody ever wants to invite her to party's because she is the town witch but then immediately after a guy is friendly and polite to her and Kait glares at the poor guy to scare him off. hmmm perhaps they dont like you because you are antisocial and threatning. Anna seems nice. Gabriel seems interesting in a tortured in need of therapy kind of way. Lewis seems a little dull,I hope he improves. Rob is... well he is Rob, he just wants to help || his and Kaits relationship felt so forced to me, like it just happened, almost against his will|| I will look forward to book two.

shaikhanabeel's review against another edition

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3.0

Kaitlyn is dumber than a doornail. Infuriatingly dim. Lacking in intellect. Thicker than molasses. Her elevator doesn't reach the top floor. Her grey matter, it doesn't flatter. The bluntest tool in the drawer. Fucking useless.

Rob is just a little less dense. Gabriel is the only saving grace.

annsbibliotherapy's review against another edition

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4.0

I loved books by L.J. Smith in high-school and they still entertain, thats the mark of a great author when decades can go by and someone can still enjoy the book.

lestaslettering's review against another edition

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2.0

If Kaitlyn wasn't this stupid, I've rated the book higher.

amy_inthecatacombs's review against another edition

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5.0

The Strange Power is the first book in the Dark Visions trilogy by L.J. Smith.

Kaitlyn Fairchild is different from her classmates. At times, she’ll feel the need to draw something. When she does, it’s about an event that will happen in the future, but she usually doesn’t know what it means until it happens. Kaitlyn’s eyes are different and are often referred to as witch eyes. One day at school, she is called into an office where a woman, Joyce Piper, has come to talk to Kaitlyn about her “gift”. It is revealed that a visual screening that was held at the school was really to find high school seniors to come to the Zeke Institute for a year for experiments. Afterward, the students will receive a substantial amount of money.

Kaitlyn decides to go and meets four other people.
Anna, a girl that can control animals, Lewis, a boy that has psychokinesis, Rob, a boy that can heal, and Gabriel, a boy that is described as a psychic vampire.
Anna, Lewis, and Rob are nice from the beginning but Gabriel is guarded and tends to stay away from the group. While they are at the Institute, they participate in testing and go to school. Soon the group realizes that the Institute may not be the great place they first thought it was. What is Mr. Zeke up to?

I’ve had this series for a while but had never read them. I’ve missed out for at least 4 years. I really enjoyed the first book and can’t wait to start on the next book.