Reviews

Aversion by Kenechi Udogu

emilywoodal's review against another edition

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4.0

I received a free copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest review.

This book immediately grabbed my attention because the main character, Gemma, could see a future and alter the person she had the vision about and completely change their future. I mean, what's not cool about that right? Having the ability to see someone do or go through a horrific event and then helping them by averting their minds to choose a different path is super cool.


Unfortunately in this book and for Gemma, that is quite the opposite. In her world, she is a rarity because people born like her are generally male and the females born like her are sort of shunned. Emma's first aversion happens to be a boy in school and she thinks she messes it up because the boy is suddenly talkative to her and wants to be around her all the time. This is where the rest of the series seems to be non stop action.

Emma, her father, and their friends who have their own abilities, soon find themselves being sought out by a group wanting to start a war against those who male the rules of their kind. Gemma however doesn't want any part of it and keeps herself distanced, and often fighting this group.

Later inn the series, they meet these people, called the keepers, and she is against them too but soon finds herself fighting with t against the rogue group.

Of course, I'm letting out a lot of details, but I just have to say that I really did enjoy reading this series. It kept me on my feet and interested at all times, wanting me to keep turning the pages to find out what happens. This series, while it seems short, had a lot of action packed into it. I highly recommend this series to everyone. Thank you to the author for the chance to read this series and add another author to my list of which I'll check out their other work.

alaynathereader's review against another edition

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4.0

Review originally posted on Ctrl, Alt, Books!

Aversion is a young adult novel with hints of romance and urban fantasy. It was a delightful, quick read. It sort of ends in a cliff hanger and I will be continuing the series because I need to know how it all ends. In this first part of the series we find out that there are people with powers to alter people’s fate by making them avoid an event in their life. Gemma completes her first aversion only for Russ to start talking to her and try to be her friend.

Gemma is a not so normal teenager. She keeps to herself, never making any lasting friendships. She doesn’t realize it but she’s special, even in the world of mentalists, she has unique powers. Since this is the first book in the series, it doesn’t dive too deeply as to what Gemma’s powers might be. I’m excited to continue the series and see where this story takes us.

This is a very short read and some might be able to get through it in one sitting. I feel it is a better value to get the box set that was released not too long ago. I did enjoy this young adult story because it was entertaining and interesting. I loved the world that the author created and I’d recommend reading this series. Keep an eye out because I will definitely be continuing the Mentalist series!

4/5
~Layna

chrissireads's review against another edition

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4.0

I really enjoyed this book by Kenechi Udogu. It is the first book I've read of hers and I'm definitely encouraged to read more of her work.

I thought Aversion was an interesting, fresh read. The characters were lovable and well developed, especially the protagonist Gemma. I'm intrigued by this series and I'm excited to read that Kenechi is working on the next book in the series.

I loved Kenechi's writing style. So easy to read. I can't wait to read more from her.

Check out my full review on my blog by clicking here



biteintobooks's review against another edition

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3.0

Thanks to the author for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This book is a good first in an unique series about Aversion, bending the minds of others. I could easily get through the book and it wasn't too long. That's also the main reason that I will read the second book in the series as well. I'm not sure if I would've continued the series if the books were longer, but since they're pretty short (for my standards, lol), I will continue this series.

A longer review can be found at Bite Into Books

Easy to read, an unique "magic system" and the ending left me curious! If you're into Fantasy/YA books and just looking for something fast and light to read, you could definitely try out the first book in this series!

pipss's review against another edition

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4.0

Aversion is the first book from The Mentalist Series by Kenechi Udogu.
From the moment I started this book, I was captivated by the story behind it. I was amazed by the whole idea of Aversion and so I wanted to know more. In the first book, however, I discovered that all I knew was close to nothing when I reached the end. It’s not a flaw, I must say, because not even Gemma (the only female Averter- or so she thought) knew much more.
It was easy for me to read the beginning of the series (mainly because I was a sucker for Gemma and Russ). The book itself was well written, which helped.
Two aspects I found negative:
-Sometimes I felt that the action was forced and rushed, leaving less room to explore more the concept of Aversion.
- Gemma is a lovely person and even though she seems a bit odd at the beginning, we can understand her motives thanks to the fact that the whole book is narrated from her perspective in the first person. Yet, it doesn’t change the fact that I found her a little too simple as a character.
- The end left me a little confused and made me question things like: How did so suddenly Gemma discovers she can talk with Russ using nothing more but her mind? No touching involved!
I’m looking forward to read the second book because I want to find out more about Gemma’s condition as Progressive Empath and her connection with Russ. I hope Kenechi Udogu will explore it more through the story.

nicolelynnreads's review against another edition

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4.0

I was given a free ebook version of this story by the author in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are mine and not influenced by any outside source.

For this review and more visit PopCrunchBoom Reviews!

The Review

Aversion by Kenechi Udogu is the first novella in The Mentalist series. The series follows Gemma Green, a female born Averter. As an Averter her job seems pretty simple: connect with the target, push the new thought into their mind, disappear. Only let’s be real, is any supernatural job ever simple? Gemma gets a tingle when she passes by a potential target and then visions of bad choices and actions flash before her eyes. It’s Gemma’s job to make sure that the target doesn’t follow through on their original plan. Cue in Russ: Gemma’s first assignment. She’s been trained all her life on how to do this. She knows all the rules and all the proceedures, so this first encounter should be no problem. With her Dad in tow, Gemma performs her first aversion on Russ. Everything seems to go alright, but the next day something bad happens. Russ begins to talk to her when he never had before. Now Gemma must figure out what went wrong and why Russ seems so interested in her. Breaking the rules, figuring things out and dealing with new problems (including her Dad), Gemma embarks on an adventure a lot grander than the regular life of an Averter.

The whole premise of the story is what really drew me in. The idea of an Averter and the abilities they possess is such a refreshing idea compared to most paranormal and supernatural stories in the book world right now. I really wanted to delve into this world Udogu created.


With that said, I do have to be honest and say the beginning of the novella was a struggle to get through. I’m not sure if it was because the story is told in first person and I haven’t read that POV in a while or if I just wasn’t connecting with Gemma. The editor in me began to subconsciously draw circles around all the “I’s” that appeared on one page. However, by the second half of the story things took a turn for the better. Once the action began and Gemma had more to deal with then Russ hanging around her I got pulled into the story.

The whole second half of the novella added danger, secrets unraveling, and a cause Gemma could champion. Although the initial problem with Russ was an OK plot, the heightened mission half-way through really brought this story to life. Now Gemma wasn’t a main character focused on a boy and the forbidden love angle. Instead Gemma’s character became more developmental–she has more growth potential. I began to connect with her and her new struggles. She wasn’t just a naive teenager trying to please her dad anymore, but a girl who began to see things differently, to question things, and someone who learned she was stronger than she seemed.

The writing also improved by the second half of the novella. The action was fast-paced and the characters more interesting. As I said before, I was really drawn in by this point. I began ignoring the editor side of me and began focusing on the lover of reading side of myself.

One thing Udogu did right from the beginning of the novella was the love interest/storyline. Russ and Gemma go really well together. Russ is more confident, but still a gentle spirit who is there to bring Gemma out of her shell. Gemma is hesitant, but Russ’ patience and nudging finally sneak into Gemma. She begins to see Russ as an option for love and someone she can trust. Their love develops slowly in the novella as well. There is a supernatural element between the two characters that leaves Gemma questioning things, but Udogu does a great job of keeping their relationship going despite the setbacks.

In the end, I did enjoy this story. I will most likely be continuing the series as Udogu does a great job of leaving a reader wanting more at the end. I want to know what happens to Gemma and Russ and her Dad and this world with Averters. So I will be keeping The Mentalist series on my radar.

Final Grade: B or 3.5 stars


lovesfromlindsey's review against another edition

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5.0

I was given this book in return for an honest review.

I truly enjoyed this book. It was a little slow in the beginning but after the first chapter or so it really picked up. The story is so unique and unlike anything else. I'm looking forward to reading more about Gemma and Russ in the next book!

shealwaysreads's review against another edition

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4.0

This was not what I was expecting. While the synopsis drove me to it, the cover is not something I would have gravitated towards. But after reading the work, it does make sense, but still not the most eye appealing. I do like the non-English cover much more.

This story unfolded so well. Now I read book one first instead of the prequel and I had no problem figuring things out. The plot built quickly with bits and pieces being tossed into the storyline. But oddly enough even with the vast amount of information you receive Udogu still manages to leave you with questions. Some of these questions were answered within the novella and I’m hoping that I’ll get the rest of my answers in Sentient (The Mentalist Series book 2). Because I need to know more about Gemma.

This started with Gemma knowing who and what she was, training and finally completing her first Aversion. You see, while Gemma may look like and ordinary high schooler, she is not. I really don’t know how to explain her power. It’s like the fates revealed the future to her. Your most pivotal moment in life and Gemma has the gift to persuade you to change your path. Now the tricky part is that can still be overruled because of free will.

This is ingenious. I fell in love with this idea. She like a guardian with super mind powers.

Russ Tanner her first subject. He was instantly liked. His interaction with Gemma added just right spark to fuel a little underline story which turns into a full on major plot twist.

This is a must read in my opinion.

raineneal's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional mysterious tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

irissantos's review against another edition

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2.0

Análise requisitada pela autora.

Gemma Green é uma rapariga de 15 anos, cujo aspecto físico é difícil de imaginar, uma vez que tão pouca descrição existe sobre este, assim como do seu pai.

Gemma, ao contrário dos outros adolescentes da sua idade, é uma Averter. O que é um Averter? Um Averter é uma pessoa que possui a capacidade de sentir um desastre iminente na vida de alguém à sua volta. Fica ele então encarregue de evitar que este desastre ocorra, recorrendo à capacidade mental de evitar que a pessoa vá em frente com um plano ou atitude e assim conseguir fazer com que ela escape ilesa, sã e salva, e sem a percepção de ter sofrido uma manipulação telepática.

Um dia, na escola onde estuda, sente um choque que lhe percorre o corpo, ao aperceber-se que Russ, seu colega de turma, irá ter um acidente mortal se ela não o evitar. Com o apoio do pai, Gemma leva a cabo a aversão, a sua primeira de sempre, sobre a mente de Russ, e consegue. Porém, algo correu mal e Russ sente uma forte atracção que o impele a aproximar-se de Gemma, embora ela o evite a todo custo por viver na penumbra de forma a esconder a sua identidade e estranheza.
Após este erro do destino, Gemma e Russ acabam por inevitavelmente sentirem-se atraídos um pelo outro, mas este é o início dos seus problemas.

A premissa do enredo é interessante, embora já haja disto em grande número, não minto. A ideia de manipular a mente de outrem já é uma ideia que nos entretém há séculos (senão milénios) e sentimo-nos compelidos a brincar com ela.

O livros é simples, curto, e facilmente se lê num dia ou dois. O grande problema deste livro é… todo o resto.

A introdução começa quase de forma condescendente. Após Gemma se apresentar ao leitor, ela procede a descrever o seu poder especial e a dizer, “eu sei, parece mentira, mas não é, é verdade”. O que seria algo escusável de ser escrito, uma vez que estou a ler um livro sobre o paranormal urbano e é um grande motivo pelo qual eu o estou a ler.

Além disso, ao longo da história existem coisas que não encaixam, ou detalhes que parecem peças de um puzzle forçadas sobre as outras de forma a que nos obrigue a engolir as falhas no enredo e os erros de concordância na história. Existe até mesmo um erro tão grande que esperei até ao fim do livro para compreender se aquilo tinha um motivo de ser que me pudesse ter escapado. Não tinha.

O romance entre Gemma e Russ é forçado, embora isso dependa mais da minha predilecção por slow-burning romances. Tudo acontece muito rápido e eu creio que mesmo numa história com uma premissa tão simples, a autora quis apressar o enredo e ficaram muitos detalhes importantes por referir, que tornam o mundo e espaço ricos e interessantes.

A própria Gemma é uma personagem vagamente irritante para mim: bonita mas sem se aperceber, simples e sem desejos e determinação na vida. A típica heroína de uma distopia ou romance paranormal que, com toda a sinceridade, se tornou enjoativa. A sua ideia de se achar especial (ainda que de forma humilde, humildade essa imposta ao leitor e com um sabor completamente erróneo) cai por terra quando não pensa sequer que se ela existe em toda a sua peculiaridade, talvez também outros existam igualmente, afinal, nada neste Universo é único.

E para concluir a colecção de todos os problemas que o enredo tem, agrego mais o facto de o pai de Gemma viver toda a sua vida sobre uma dedução sem o mínimo fundamento que cria todos os problemas que caem sobre os ombros da sua filha. Claro que a história e o seu pivô teriam de aparecer de algum lado, mas a autora não se esforçou muito para pensar neste ponto.

Foi uma leitura rápida que na verdade foi atrasada pelo facto de me sentir pouco interessada logo à primeira página. Condescendência não cai bem a nenhum autor. Porém, achei uma leitura minimamente interessante para adolescentes ou pessoas que procuram um passatempo fugaz.


- Análise no meu blog. -