booksabrewin's review against another edition
2.0
I received an e-copy from the publishers at NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Another one of my NetGalley impulse reads. I had read a few reviews from other bloggers that I follow who were quasi-impressed with the book. I was curious whether this shortie (155 pages) would live up to the praises. I actually thought this was going to be more of a witchy-type of book instead of being about a ghost. When you think of gifts that is what you think of naturally, right? When I started to realize while reading that it wasn't what I thought, I had to completely go into it blind. I didn't reread the premise to refresh my memory on what it was about after my misunderstanding. I simply kept going to see how I would feel about it without any refresher course.
This story starts with Daisy finding Vivi in a bathroom after taking a fair amount of pills. She quickly finds out that Vivi was attempting to reconnect with her ghost boyfriend that she claims is her soulmate. Daisy, always the skeptic despite her own otherworldly attributes, doesn't quite believe Vivi but she is willing to listen anyway due to an overwhelming draw to her. She feels like Vivi and her are supposed to be friends and she wants to know why.
Not long after that, Daisy's best friend, Danielle, is dragged into things. Danielle and Daisy start sharing an interesting psychic connection that they never had experienced before. They chalk it up to the physical body challenged friend of Vivi's. Eventually their world just completely gets consumed by the paranormal to the point where they start having to delve into the past to understand their present. Along the way, Daisy inadvertently draws in the handsome, odd, senior Kevin. There are, quite literal, sparks from the moment they meet and she confides in him rather easily.
Now it is up to Vivi, Danielle, Daisy, and Kevin to figure out how to help Vivi's ghost friend, but what do they truly know about him and what is his connection to all of them?
This book kind of read like it would fit more into the middle grade genre than the young adult. Some of the situations seemed a bit more like a PBS special than anything. The overall theme of the book seemed more a lesson in "don't talk to strangers" than any real spooky ghost story. I did, however, like the back story of how the girls have been connected in the past. That was the book's saving grace as far as I was concerned. The rest of it was just... not there for me. The conversations between the characters were supposed to be funny but it was that comedy that, once again, younger individuals would relate to or find humorous. I just kept wincing and hoping they get past it fast to get back to the meat of the story. I had to muscle my way through the book because I really wanted to set it down and read something else for a while. I am never one to start something I don't plan to finish and so... I did finish... reluctantly.
Gift is a book that would appeal to the younger generation of the young adult genre.
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meganmreads's review against another edition
3.0
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
This book looked incredibly interesting and different, which is why I requested to review it. The story is mainly about Daisy, a high school sophomore that has a secret power. To Daisy, being able to make electronics go haywire seems more of an inconvenience than a power. Fortunately, she is able to control her abilities to some degree and tries to fit in at her school. When a teacher asks Daisy to look for Vivi, Daisy finds her on the brink of death. Vivi and Daisy become fast friends as she tries to explain what happened. Vivi has a soulmate and he’s not alive. Patrick is a ghost.
This turn of events brings Daisy’s best friend Danielle, Daisy, and Vivi together as they try and figure out what is happening. They are having strange dreams and only Vivi seems to be able to communicate with Patrick. Daisy ends up meeting a dreamy senior named Kevin when she was supposed to meet up with Vivi for lunch. She finds out he’s a TA for her favorite teacher and asks him for help with her situation in the guise of writing a story.
The plot combines dreams, ghosts, Daisy’s electrical power, and the past for an interesting adventure for the four teenagers. Daisy and Kevin find out that have a connection, as well, which added the element of romance to the book. I found the plot to be unique, though somewhat predictable after a certain point. While there were surprises thrown my way, I felt as if I figured out the main mystery before Kevin did.
The characters were well developed, but I couldn’t connect with any of them. I felt as if there was something missing. The best developed character was Danielle, but I couldn’t stand her. There were avenues explored in this book that didn’t work with me because they didn’t end up really connecting to the plot or they were only explored vaguely.
While the plot was strong, I felt like there were elements that didn’t quite fit in and wondered why they were even there to begin with if they weren’t going to connect in some way. For instance, the three girls and Kevin use their favorite teacher’s classroom as a place to get together during lunch to discuss their strange events. They were afraid that he would eavesdrop and occasionally, he would make a comment that made it seem like he was listening, but nothing ever happened after the plot got rolling to suggest he ever was listening. I guess I expected him to have some sort of role as the plot developed and nothing happened. Also, Daisy’s father is not in the picture and she discovers that her mom may be hiding something. Once she found out what her mom was hiding, I figured that secret would also connect to the plot, but it only served to steer Daisy in the wrong direction and nothing about her father was ever spoken of again.
Because the plot was so unique and combined many various elements, I guess I just expected something more. I finished reading with slight disappointment and wished there was just more to it. It was a great read and certainly something different and I would still recommend it, but it left me wanting more the entire time I was reading.
This book looked incredibly interesting and different, which is why I requested to review it. The story is mainly about Daisy, a high school sophomore that has a secret power. To Daisy, being able to make electronics go haywire seems more of an inconvenience than a power. Fortunately, she is able to control her abilities to some degree and tries to fit in at her school. When a teacher asks Daisy to look for Vivi, Daisy finds her on the brink of death. Vivi and Daisy become fast friends as she tries to explain what happened. Vivi has a soulmate and he’s not alive. Patrick is a ghost.
This turn of events brings Daisy’s best friend Danielle, Daisy, and Vivi together as they try and figure out what is happening. They are having strange dreams and only Vivi seems to be able to communicate with Patrick. Daisy ends up meeting a dreamy senior named Kevin when she was supposed to meet up with Vivi for lunch. She finds out he’s a TA for her favorite teacher and asks him for help with her situation in the guise of writing a story.
The plot combines dreams, ghosts, Daisy’s electrical power, and the past for an interesting adventure for the four teenagers. Daisy and Kevin find out that have a connection, as well, which added the element of romance to the book. I found the plot to be unique, though somewhat predictable after a certain point. While there were surprises thrown my way, I felt as if I figured out the main mystery before Kevin did.
The characters were well developed, but I couldn’t connect with any of them. I felt as if there was something missing. The best developed character was Danielle, but I couldn’t stand her. There were avenues explored in this book that didn’t work with me because they didn’t end up really connecting to the plot or they were only explored vaguely.
While the plot was strong, I felt like there were elements that didn’t quite fit in and wondered why they were even there to begin with if they weren’t going to connect in some way. For instance, the three girls and Kevin use their favorite teacher’s classroom as a place to get together during lunch to discuss their strange events. They were afraid that he would eavesdrop and occasionally, he would make a comment that made it seem like he was listening, but nothing ever happened after the plot got rolling to suggest he ever was listening. I guess I expected him to have some sort of role as the plot developed and nothing happened. Also, Daisy’s father is not in the picture and she discovers that her mom may be hiding something. Once she found out what her mom was hiding, I figured that secret would also connect to the plot, but it only served to steer Daisy in the wrong direction and nothing about her father was ever spoken of again.
Because the plot was so unique and combined many various elements, I guess I just expected something more. I finished reading with slight disappointment and wished there was just more to it. It was a great read and certainly something different and I would still recommend it, but it left me wanting more the entire time I was reading.
katsmiao's review against another edition
4.0
i enjoyed this read.
there's lots of twist, intrigue, trust issues, new love, friendship turmoil, and let's not forget ghosts.
There are some great unexpected twists, so the book kept me guessing and I wasn't able to predict the end.
there's lots of twist, intrigue, trust issues, new love, friendship turmoil, and let's not forget ghosts.
There are some great unexpected twists, so the book kept me guessing and I wasn't able to predict the end.
obsessedmuch's review against another edition
5.0
First, I want to thanks NetGalley and author to giving me this book for honest review
"High school sophomore Daisy Jones is just trying to get by unnoticed. It doesn't help that she's the new girl at school, lives in a trailer park, and doesn't even own a cell phone. But there's a good reason for all that: Daisy has a secret, unpredictable power-one only her best friend, Danielle, knows about. Despite her "gift" (or is it a curse?), Daisy's doing a good job of fitting in-and a cute senior named Kevin even seems interested in her! But when Daisy tries to help Vivi, a mysterious classmate in a crisis, she soon discovers that her new friend has a secret of her own. Now Daisy and her friends must deal with chilling dreams and messages from the beyond. Can Daisy channel the power she's always tried to hide-before it's too late?"
I really, really like the cover, that's what first caugh my attention when I saw the book. I started reading the second I got it, but I was bored and easy give up. I decide to try again and this time I actually loved it.
Let me just say,this isn't some deep psihological book that will change your life or broke your heart, but it's fast and interesting to read.
This is one of rare books where I actually like main character. Daisy is not little Mary Sue (for you who don't know what Mary Sue is, here is the link: (http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/MarySue )
I like how Kevin and Daisy have so much in common , and the fact they actually talk to each other. I fell in love with Kevin, I mean he is such a good boyfriend. What other boy will stay overnight and not expect anything?
Jane is also one of my favorite female heroine of all time, the fact that she didn't just scream and expect to someone save her is fantastic.
The only character I didn't like is Danielle, she was always so sarcastic and trying to be funny.
Best part of the book was short comic at the end, it perfectly fits in.
"High school sophomore Daisy Jones is just trying to get by unnoticed. It doesn't help that she's the new girl at school, lives in a trailer park, and doesn't even own a cell phone. But there's a good reason for all that: Daisy has a secret, unpredictable power-one only her best friend, Danielle, knows about. Despite her "gift" (or is it a curse?), Daisy's doing a good job of fitting in-and a cute senior named Kevin even seems interested in her! But when Daisy tries to help Vivi, a mysterious classmate in a crisis, she soon discovers that her new friend has a secret of her own. Now Daisy and her friends must deal with chilling dreams and messages from the beyond. Can Daisy channel the power she's always tried to hide-before it's too late?"
I really, really like the cover, that's what first caugh my attention when I saw the book. I started reading the second I got it, but I was bored and easy give up. I decide to try again and this time I actually loved it.
Let me just say,this isn't some deep psihological book that will change your life or broke your heart, but it's fast and interesting to read.
This is one of rare books where I actually like main character. Daisy is not little Mary Sue (for you who don't know what Mary Sue is, here is the link: (http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/MarySue )
I like how Kevin and Daisy have so much in common , and the fact they actually talk to each other. I fell in love with Kevin, I mean he is such a good boyfriend. What other boy will stay overnight and not expect anything?
Jane is also one of my favorite female heroine of all time, the fact that she didn't just scream and expect to someone save her is fantastic.
The only character I didn't like is Danielle, she was always so sarcastic and trying to be funny.
Best part of the book was short comic at the end, it perfectly fits in.
bosicbyi's review against another edition
4.0
Gift was a nice quick read. The writing style was good and It kept my interest throughout the entire book. The concept was interesting and had like-able, unique characters. Gift had a great mix of paranormal, suspense and mystery. I will definitely be reading more from Buchanan. This was a clean read that is suitable for young adults and older.
Special Thanks to Netgalley and Open Road Media for providing an e-galley in exchange for an honest review.
Special Thanks to Netgalley and Open Road Media for providing an e-galley in exchange for an honest review.
vixenchick's review against another edition
3.0
I enjoyed the book. There were a couple of predictable spots but, the story was original for me.
jeannemurray3gmailcom's review against another edition
4.0
Really good book by an author that I had not read before. This book is exciting, mysterious, and keeps you interested. There are unexpected twists that make it an above the average thriller. I SCARY ghosts!
Daisy's gift can be thought of as an asset or a liability. She has an affect on anything around her that is electrical. She has learned to keep it under control most of the time. Now, however, she has to learn how to use her gift to control the paranormal.
Daisy's gift can be thought of as an asset or a liability. She has an affect on anything around her that is electrical. She has learned to keep it under control most of the time. Now, however, she has to learn how to use her gift to control the paranormal.
take_me_awayyy's review against another edition
1.0
Cross posted here and at my blog: Take Me Away... On the Pages of Your Story
From the moment I read the synopsis I was intrigued by the premise. It truly was one that I hadn't heard of before and I just had to read the book, because I nosily wanted to know what her gift was. So I began reading... And then I couldn't stop. I finally found out that the main character's gift is the ability to mess with (or mess up) electronics, like cell phones, microwaves, and radios. Unfortunately, this is where my liking for the book stopped.
But then as I got to the meat of the story, I began to get confused. Daisy's powers were discussed in the beginning of the story, but they weren't EXPLAINED until way later in the story and I was confused about some of the things she could do. Also with her powers I noticed some details that didn't make sense. She can't use a cell phone or anything like that, but the fact that she can use a house phone.... Yeah last I checked that was electronic as well.
I also did not like the plot. It seemed like the further I got through it the more I wanted to put it down. I was definitely let down by this book. I made it through the first 2/3rds of the book and I just couldn't finish it.
From the moment I read the synopsis I was intrigued by the premise. It truly was one that I hadn't heard of before and I just had to read the book, because I nosily wanted to know what her gift was. So I began reading... And then I couldn't stop. I finally found out that the main character's gift is the ability to mess with (or mess up) electronics, like cell phones, microwaves, and radios. Unfortunately, this is where my liking for the book stopped.
But then as I got to the meat of the story, I began to get confused. Daisy's powers were discussed in the beginning of the story, but they weren't EXPLAINED until way later in the story and I was confused about some of the things she could do. Also with her powers I noticed some details that didn't make sense. She can't use a cell phone or anything like that, but the fact that she can use a house phone.... Yeah last I checked that was electronic as well.
I also did not like the plot. It seemed like the further I got through it the more I wanted to put it down. I was definitely let down by this book. I made it through the first 2/3rds of the book and I just couldn't finish it.
dalidja's review against another edition
3.0
I have to applaud the interactive ending. Usually you finish a book, you put it down, and that's pretty much it. We here get to rate and review, and some just process the contents, before moving on. Generally this is where I get upset if there isn't a sequel. With Gift, I was upset, I wanted to witness Daisy and Kevin in action, realizing their full potential(because it's definitely not set in concrete.) I want more past-life stories, or more bonding moments for the couple. And as I was fuming: "WHY IS THIS NOT A SERIES???!", I was interrupted but the discovery of the Kevin, Vivi, and Danielle chapters. My wrath tamed, I perused the art, the diary, and then finally explored the music. At first I felt that Kevin sang the wrong story to Daisy, but I listened to Don't Look Back, one more time, and then one more time. And again, and again, and started singing it, and.. Fell. In. Love. with it. What other novels can catch your heart like that, really interact with the reader, without a movie? Bravo I say. Bravo.
Now I also have to side note that, yes, there are some issues within the book. Although I appreciated being able to know what happened in the background after I finished the book(when it wouldn't ruin it anymore,) there were some discrepancies. I somewhat agree with most readers whom drew issue with Daisy's inconsistent abilities, 'How can you use electronic necessities?' But personally I mused that this was probably an attempt to connect with younger viewers, 'Don't make her an outcast, but someone that anyone who's been grounded can relate to.'
I tried to ignore these things as I read. I also tried not to attempt strangling Daisy for being so daft and falling for the stupidest things and being a dick to her friends.
Now Gift is one of those books that you expect as an adult you can still fully enjoy if you read YA, but... I might beg to differ. Although I enjoyed it in the end, I still definitely saw it as what it was; a YOUNG teen read. Something I would have enjoyed significantly more at that age. Which is unfortunate, I really appreciate the authors than can span a wider audience age.
Netgalley read.
Now I also have to side note that, yes, there are some issues within the book. Although I appreciated being able to know what happened in the background after I finished the book(when it wouldn't ruin it anymore,) there were some discrepancies. I somewhat agree with most readers whom drew issue with Daisy's inconsistent abilities, 'How can you use electronic necessities?' But personally I mused that this was probably an attempt to connect with younger viewers, 'Don't make her an outcast, but someone that anyone who's been grounded can relate to.'
I tried to ignore these things as I read. I also tried not to attempt strangling Daisy for being so daft and falling for the stupidest things and being a dick to her friends.
Now Gift is one of those books that you expect as an adult you can still fully enjoy if you read YA, but... I might beg to differ. Although I enjoyed it in the end, I still definitely saw it as what it was; a YOUNG teen read. Something I would have enjoyed significantly more at that age. Which is unfortunate, I really appreciate the authors than can span a wider audience age.
Netgalley read.