melodicfate's review against another edition
3.0
*I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review.*
Upon finding out that this was a paranormal Young Adult novel without a love triangle, I was definitely interested. Love triangles aren't something I normally like as a reader, and it keeps me away from a lot of Young Adult. This book promised a soulmate, thereby meaning a relationship with only one guy. It also promised supernatural things and immortals, and of course I love those. When I read this story, I found an interesting tale about family, friends, and love of all kinds.
The main character was Jazzy. I liked her, because she was sassy, and did her best to not let people talk down to her. Although she was rebellious, she was smart, and I loved how she didn't just run off on her own to save the day when she thought she was right, like so many book heroines do. Jazzy was also a great music lover, and I found that that helped me to relate to her. I loved the fact that she painted, and had dreams and goals. All of this combined into an interesting character, whom I didn't mind following throughout this story.
Her love interest was Seth. I liked him, because he was sweet, and knew how to help Jazzy. he was there for her whenever Jazzy needed him, and I loved how supportive of her he always was. However, I didn't feel like we really got to know him. Also, their relationship progressed from like to love fairly quickly. I understand that they were soul mates and their love wasn't instantaneous since they acknowledged that they didn't really know each other, but it didn't take long for both of them to say they loved one another. Also, Jazzy freaked out at random times over how they'd be together forever, and I thought that was weird, considering the depths of their feelings. Other than that, I really liked these two being together, and I definitely think they helped each other be the best people they could be.
This story had a lot of side characters, and sometimes it was hard to remember who was who. The most important ones were very memorable, though. There was Jazzy's brother Henry, whom I liked because I could definitely see how much he cared for her. But then, there were lots of times when I thought he was way too overprotective. There was one instance in the novel where someone mentioned Henry letting Jazzy date, and that didn't sit well with me. How was it fair that he was so overprotective of Jazzy, but he hid his dating from her? This was the case with Henry's friend Barry, as well. Even though I liked him for his serious and playful side, I also thought he was way too overprotective of Jazzy, even if he did come to see her as a sister. Then, there was Jazzy's best friend Skeeter. I thought she was a good friend, but later on in the story, she overreacts to some things, and it was a bit ridiculous.
With all that said, I thought the plot was interesting. I really liked all the supernatural elements woven into the book, and thought that they were done really well. Jazzy met Seth and became his soulmate, thereby finding out that some supernaturals were real. Then, she unknowingly angered one of them, and began to be under attack. Therefore, this book was all about Jazzy meting and falling in love with Seth, and exploring their relationship while being protected and learning to defend herself from her attacker. I found it an interesting read, and I definitely got more into it the closer the ending came, since that's where a lot of the action scenes were.
Overall, I did like this book. It was an interesting paranormal Young Adult, with some intriguing characters. My problems with this book had to do with some of the characterization, and a couple things that happened in the story like the swiftness with which Seth and Jazzy announced their love for one another. I also had a problem with how quickly Jazzy's mom's situation changed, but to say too much about that would be a spoiler. There was also an odd POV switch at the very end, but I think that that was to help introduce the next book. Either way, I still did enjoy reading it, and finished fairly quickly. Anyone who likes paranormal YA should at least give it a chance, if only to follow the functional relationship between Seth and Jazzy, but I loved the themes of family sticking together, and doing whatever you can for your friends and loved ones.
Upon finding out that this was a paranormal Young Adult novel without a love triangle, I was definitely interested. Love triangles aren't something I normally like as a reader, and it keeps me away from a lot of Young Adult. This book promised a soulmate, thereby meaning a relationship with only one guy. It also promised supernatural things and immortals, and of course I love those. When I read this story, I found an interesting tale about family, friends, and love of all kinds.
The main character was Jazzy. I liked her, because she was sassy, and did her best to not let people talk down to her. Although she was rebellious, she was smart, and I loved how she didn't just run off on her own to save the day when she thought she was right, like so many book heroines do. Jazzy was also a great music lover, and I found that that helped me to relate to her. I loved the fact that she painted, and had dreams and goals. All of this combined into an interesting character, whom I didn't mind following throughout this story.
Her love interest was Seth. I liked him, because he was sweet, and knew how to help Jazzy. he was there for her whenever Jazzy needed him, and I loved how supportive of her he always was. However, I didn't feel like we really got to know him. Also, their relationship progressed from like to love fairly quickly. I understand that they were soul mates and their love wasn't instantaneous since they acknowledged that they didn't really know each other, but it didn't take long for both of them to say they loved one another. Also, Jazzy freaked out at random times over how they'd be together forever, and I thought that was weird, considering the depths of their feelings. Other than that, I really liked these two being together, and I definitely think they helped each other be the best people they could be.
This story had a lot of side characters, and sometimes it was hard to remember who was who. The most important ones were very memorable, though. There was Jazzy's brother Henry, whom I liked because I could definitely see how much he cared for her. But then, there were lots of times when I thought he was way too overprotective. There was one instance in the novel where someone mentioned Henry letting Jazzy date, and that didn't sit well with me. How was it fair that he was so overprotective of Jazzy, but he hid his dating from her? This was the case with Henry's friend Barry, as well. Even though I liked him for his serious and playful side, I also thought he was way too overprotective of Jazzy, even if he did come to see her as a sister. Then, there was Jazzy's best friend Skeeter. I thought she was a good friend, but later on in the story, she overreacts to some things, and it was a bit ridiculous.
With all that said, I thought the plot was interesting. I really liked all the supernatural elements woven into the book, and thought that they were done really well. Jazzy met Seth and became his soulmate, thereby finding out that some supernaturals were real. Then, she unknowingly angered one of them, and began to be under attack. Therefore, this book was all about Jazzy meting and falling in love with Seth, and exploring their relationship while being protected and learning to defend herself from her attacker. I found it an interesting read, and I definitely got more into it the closer the ending came, since that's where a lot of the action scenes were.
Overall, I did like this book. It was an interesting paranormal Young Adult, with some intriguing characters. My problems with this book had to do with some of the characterization, and a couple things that happened in the story like the swiftness with which Seth and Jazzy announced their love for one another. I also had a problem with how quickly Jazzy's mom's situation changed, but to say too much about that would be a spoiler. There was also an odd POV switch at the very end, but I think that that was to help introduce the next book. Either way, I still did enjoy reading it, and finished fairly quickly. Anyone who likes paranormal YA should at least give it a chance, if only to follow the functional relationship between Seth and Jazzy, but I loved the themes of family sticking together, and doing whatever you can for your friends and loved ones.
lifeandliterature's review against another edition
3.0
Two months, four days and twelve hours ago, my life was perfect, whole. But now? Now it's shattered and missing some important pieces.
Jazzy Williams and her older brother Henry have just moved in with their uncle. Both dealing with the grief following the death of their father and sister and the absence of their mother who is receiving some treatment for the state of her mental health. As well as their Uncle, they have each other to lean on.
Starting a new school is always hard, but Jazzy quickly becomes friends with the bubbly Skeeter from her art class and also catches the attention of the gorgeous Seth. Jazzy and Seth have an undeniable connection but there's much more to Seth than what Jazzy first sees. How will Jazzy react when he tells her that he's not exactly human? But it's when she turns down the attentions of classmate Derik that things really start to heat up. Derik's not willing to take no for an answer!! And he will go to great lengths to get what he wants.
I have to say that when I started reading True Connection I felt a bit overloaded with characters. There were lots to get to know. And as the story went on it seemed that almost all of the characters were not human. But once I wrapped my head around who they all were and where they all fit into the story i enjoyed it that much more. Although there does continue to be a whole host of characters that we are introduced to as the story develops.
Jazzy is a strong leading character. The grief that she carries around weighs heavily on her. But she grabs onto the good in her life and doesn't let the bad get her down for too long. She has a wicked sense of humour. Even when times are tense she always manages to share a laugh with someone. And her caring nature really shone through. Jazzy and her brother Henry had a really strong and close relationship. They were not your typical brother and sister. Their bond seemed to transcend the norm. I think when you have dealt with the things that they have it can only bring you that much closer together.
The feel of his love washes through me. My eyes close lazily with the caress on my mind. I see myself through his eyes, and feel his love, his joy, and contentment.
As for the romance between Jazzy and Seth... Seth was all in almost from the get go. He knew exactly how he felt and made it very clear to Jazzy through his words and his actions. He was incredibly protective of Jazzy and his love for her was clear to see. While Jazzy is clearly smitten with Seth and comes to rely on his strength and support it takes her a little while longer to wrap her head around her feelings. But the times that they spent together were filled with loving moments.
The other character that I really enjoyed getting to know was Barry. He starts out as Henrys friend but he is such a protector of Jazzy. I loved the way that they played off each other.
True Connection turned out to be a solid and enjoyable read. The action scenes really stood out for me and the loving bond between Jazzy and Seth was at times beautiful. A great start to the series.
3.5/5 Stars!!
Jazzy Williams and her older brother Henry have just moved in with their uncle. Both dealing with the grief following the death of their father and sister and the absence of their mother who is receiving some treatment for the state of her mental health. As well as their Uncle, they have each other to lean on.
Starting a new school is always hard, but Jazzy quickly becomes friends with the bubbly Skeeter from her art class and also catches the attention of the gorgeous Seth. Jazzy and Seth have an undeniable connection but there's much more to Seth than what Jazzy first sees. How will Jazzy react when he tells her that he's not exactly human? But it's when she turns down the attentions of classmate Derik that things really start to heat up. Derik's not willing to take no for an answer!! And he will go to great lengths to get what he wants.
I have to say that when I started reading True Connection I felt a bit overloaded with characters. There were lots to get to know. And as the story went on it seemed that almost all of the characters were not human. But once I wrapped my head around who they all were and where they all fit into the story i enjoyed it that much more. Although there does continue to be a whole host of characters that we are introduced to as the story develops.
Jazzy is a strong leading character. The grief that she carries around weighs heavily on her. But she grabs onto the good in her life and doesn't let the bad get her down for too long. She has a wicked sense of humour. Even when times are tense she always manages to share a laugh with someone. And her caring nature really shone through. Jazzy and her brother Henry had a really strong and close relationship. They were not your typical brother and sister. Their bond seemed to transcend the norm. I think when you have dealt with the things that they have it can only bring you that much closer together.
The feel of his love washes through me. My eyes close lazily with the caress on my mind. I see myself through his eyes, and feel his love, his joy, and contentment.
As for the romance between Jazzy and Seth... Seth was all in almost from the get go. He knew exactly how he felt and made it very clear to Jazzy through his words and his actions. He was incredibly protective of Jazzy and his love for her was clear to see. While Jazzy is clearly smitten with Seth and comes to rely on his strength and support it takes her a little while longer to wrap her head around her feelings. But the times that they spent together were filled with loving moments.
The other character that I really enjoyed getting to know was Barry. He starts out as Henrys friend but he is such a protector of Jazzy. I loved the way that they played off each other.
True Connection turned out to be a solid and enjoyable read. The action scenes really stood out for me and the loving bond between Jazzy and Seth was at times beautiful. A great start to the series.
3.5/5 Stars!!
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