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The Fahllen #1
The Reaping
The Reaping, A Haunting Young Adult Paranormal RomanceThe Fahllen SeriesBook 1- The ReapingBook 2- The Reckoning, COMING Halloween 2011**includes an excerpt of Wiccan**Every hell has its devil. And Carson is about to become intimately acquainted with hers.Seventeen-year-old wallflower Carson Porter has always dreamed of being something special, but what she gets isn’t exactly what she signed up for. Yeah, a girl’s supposed to change as she gets older, but this is ridiculous! Shiny skin, greener eyes and a run-in with the flesh-eating dead are just a few of the changes Carson has to adjust to, not to mention the arrival of the very hot and very dangerous Derek Hrolf. If all that wasn’t enough to turn her once hum-drum life into something unrecognizable, a twin sister that haunts her from the shadows and a wheeling, dealing collector of souls will definitely do the trick. The question what will her life become? And what will she become?**This book contains graphic scenes and some sensuality**About I love coffee and chocolate, even more so when they are combined. I'm convinced that one day they could be the basis for world peace. I also love the color red and am seriously considering dying my hair.
386 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 28, 2011
30 people are currently reading
2337 people want to read
About the author
M. Leighton
67 books9,435 followersNew York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author, M. Leighton, is a native of Ohio. She relocated to the warmer climates of the South, where she can be near the water all summer and miss the snow all winter. Possessed of an overactive imagination from early in her childhood, Michelle finally found an acceptable outlet for her fantastical visions: literary fiction. Having written over a dozen novels, these days Michelle enjoys letting her mind wander to more romantic settings with sexy Southern guys, much like the one she married and the ones you'll find in her latest books. When her thoughts aren't roaming in that direction, she'll be riding wild horses, skiing the slopes of Aspen or scuba diving with a hot rock star, all without leaving the cozy comfort of her office.
About Michelle: I love coffee and chocolate, even more so when they are combined. I'm convinced that one day they could be the basis for world peace. I also love the color red and am seriously considering dying my hair.
About Michelle: I love coffee and chocolate, even more so when they are combined. I'm convinced that one day they could be the basis for world peace. I also love the color red and am seriously considering dying my hair.
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January 24, 2013That's it… GASP! I need the next one….. SOOO GOOD *scurries off to buy the next one*
NOTE TO AUTHOR: um... so M I'm thinking I need a signed copy of the next one too. AND I'm missing my chocolate martini buddy and well ya know… we need another event for an excuse to hang out.
NOTE TO AUTHOR: um... so M I'm thinking I need a signed copy of the next one too. AND I'm missing my chocolate martini buddy and well ya know… we need another event for an excuse to hang out.
May 28, 2011
I really liked this book up until 63% then I just didn't like where the story went from that point and found it hard to finish the book. I won't be reading the 2nd book.
September 2, 2011
I have one word for this book. AMAZING.
Okay, five stars might be a little over the top, but really, I had to do it.
From the very beginning, the reader is dragged into a tumultuous and dangerous world. The danger is palpable and the character is insanely lovable! From the prologue all the way through events unfold that make you go "is this the climax?" Lone behold, none of these events are. Finally, in a whirlwind of mind blowing action the book reaches its most climactic point, and wow is it good.
The characters in this story are realistic, dangerous, loveable and honest. M. Leighton created a world where it felt like you had something in common with every character. Carson Porter's character was amicable, beautiful, generous, and strong. She was not your typical 'weak' lead character. She was strong, soulful and honest. She had moments of weakness, of course, but overall she maintained a level of independence that makes her a wonderful role model.
This story captivated me at every turn. I won't lie, Derek sort of annoyed me. In a way that made me absolutely LOVE him! He emanated danger and passion, and it brought a level of sensuality and sexuality to the story that is often lacking in today's literature.
This book was a winner, and I cannot WAIT for book two!
Okay, five stars might be a little over the top, but really, I had to do it.
From the very beginning, the reader is dragged into a tumultuous and dangerous world. The danger is palpable and the character is insanely lovable! From the prologue all the way through events unfold that make you go "is this the climax?" Lone behold, none of these events are. Finally, in a whirlwind of mind blowing action the book reaches its most climactic point, and wow is it good.
The characters in this story are realistic, dangerous, loveable and honest. M. Leighton created a world where it felt like you had something in common with every character. Carson Porter's character was amicable, beautiful, generous, and strong. She was not your typical 'weak' lead character. She was strong, soulful and honest. She had moments of weakness, of course, but overall she maintained a level of independence that makes her a wonderful role model.
This story captivated me at every turn. I won't lie, Derek sort of annoyed me. In a way that made me absolutely LOVE him! He emanated danger and passion, and it brought a level of sensuality and sexuality to the story that is often lacking in today's literature.
This book was a winner, and I cannot WAIT for book two!
March 1, 2011
Carson almost 18 yrs old lives with her Dad under the impression that her mother and sister were killed in an accident when she was very young. Her father has always been extremely over protective with her and she can understand given that the rest of the family is gone. Carson starts discovering physical changes after she is almost hit by a car but somehow she is able to avoid it. From that point on she starts discovering things about her and her past, the ability to see the dead (which are not friendly at all) and the truth about her family with the help of a man she believes to be her love.
Though it didn't take me long to get hooked on the story I felt the need to know more about the characters and the story didn't provide me with enough description of them. Mysteries were quickly answered through the story but it was entertaining enough to keep me going. there were unanswered questions but overall i enjoyed it.
review link: http://www.onceuponatwilight.com/2011...
Though it didn't take me long to get hooked on the story I felt the need to know more about the characters and the story didn't provide me with enough description of them. Mysteries were quickly answered through the story but it was entertaining enough to keep me going. there were unanswered questions but overall i enjoyed it.
review link: http://www.onceuponatwilight.com/2011...
August 14, 2011
I found this book to very intriguing and unique. The story pulled you in right away, starting in a ordinary world of a teenage girl named Carson. It then pulls you into a terrifying path that changes Carson's world forever. I found the author's writing very gripping, intense and descriptive enough to make you 'feel' everything that Carson goes through. Love, loathing, pain, terror are all very well described and the pace of the novel is perfect. I did find some parts that could have used more of an explaination and were left dangling but I do feel the author has prepped these incidents for the next book in the series, so I do not feel that it bothered me that much. I highly recommend this story and I can hardly wait to see what the next installment brings to Carson's world. It does have some graphic violence but I did not find them upsetting. I am definitely checking out M. Leighton's other books and look forward to be absorbed into her stories again.
November 11, 2017
This was a odd story I'll be honest, when I saw m leighton was pulling all her unpublished works to make room for new I knew I had to nab up and read all the stories I've been putting off by her. This was no different I wasn't honestly sure til about half way thru this book what the paranormal character was in this story, quickly I found out though and that suited me just fine. I enjoyed Derek who doesn't love a bad boy who shows up out of the blue and turns everything more upside down then it already was. I also enjoyed the main herione Carson she was feisty this book kept my attention and I read the reckoning directly after this
February 25, 2011
Carson has never really been normal. It's just her and her dad and her dad is super over protective. He doesn't want her to wear make up or too girly of clothes because he considers it "silly", he likes to make sure if she's not at school she is close to home and wants to know everything she is doing.
Right when Carson thinks she is getting a social life and that she might be able to make something out of her high school career, she starts to change, in drastic physical ways. Then everything around her starts to change and everyone that she loves is at risk.
The girl who was once a wall flower has to step into the limelight of a world she didn't even know existed to save her family and friends. But will she be strong enough and cunning enough to beat the evil that is coming her way?
I really loved this book.
I was a bit unsure what I was going to be reading because the description had so much going on in it. Shiny skin and green eyes made me think of aliens and flesh eating dead made me think of zombies. It's neither though. Once I got into the story everything started coming together and it was great.
As the title 'hints', it's about Reapers and reapings.
The storyline was great, but it was Carson that made this read awesome. She is just so real, I truly felt connected to her. She has a crush on a boy that doesn't look twice at her, she has a nerdy best friend, and a really great dad. Even though he is over protective, he means well, and teaches her a lot of things that are going to be very useful.
And when she starts changing, she doesn't have all the answers. Even when Derek, who has kind of been through what she is going through, comes along, doesn't have all the answers. He has some, but not all.
I do not like when a character starts having something happen to them that they know nothing about and they just happen to run into someone that has all the answers.
Carson has lots and lots of questions, and the more that got answered, the more questions she acquired. And they were good questions too. Ones that I would have asked in her situation.
Above all, she was strong. She did what she had to and what she thought was right. She wasn't some weak little girl that kept saying she was strong but hid under a rock at the sight of every shadow.
She leans on Derek for support when a tragedy strikes her family, but she still knew how to do things on her own.
Especially towards the middle-endish parts. This girl knows how to stand on her own two feet!
The writing has just enough description and just enough dialogue.
Oh, the descriptions were wonderful....and so creepy. Seriously, there were parts that after I read them I did not want to turn my light off at night. The reapings, the dead, all hair raising. I'm getting chills just thinking about it.
If you get creeped out easily, don't read this at night. Or have a night-light on. It helps.
I could go on and on about this book, but so much happens through out that I don't want to give anything away. So I will just strongly encourage you to head over to Amazon and order a copy for your Kindle.
It may seem a little daunting at about 8700 locations (most Kindle books I read are about 3500 locations which would be a bit over 400 pages, I believe), but it's really not that long at all. Or maybe it was just so good it didn't feel that long. Either way, it went by too fast and left me wanting more.
Cannot wait for the next one!
Right when Carson thinks she is getting a social life and that she might be able to make something out of her high school career, she starts to change, in drastic physical ways. Then everything around her starts to change and everyone that she loves is at risk.
The girl who was once a wall flower has to step into the limelight of a world she didn't even know existed to save her family and friends. But will she be strong enough and cunning enough to beat the evil that is coming her way?
I really loved this book.
I was a bit unsure what I was going to be reading because the description had so much going on in it. Shiny skin and green eyes made me think of aliens and flesh eating dead made me think of zombies. It's neither though. Once I got into the story everything started coming together and it was great.
As the title 'hints', it's about Reapers and reapings.
The storyline was great, but it was Carson that made this read awesome. She is just so real, I truly felt connected to her. She has a crush on a boy that doesn't look twice at her, she has a nerdy best friend, and a really great dad. Even though he is over protective, he means well, and teaches her a lot of things that are going to be very useful.
And when she starts changing, she doesn't have all the answers. Even when Derek, who has kind of been through what she is going through, comes along, doesn't have all the answers. He has some, but not all.
I do not like when a character starts having something happen to them that they know nothing about and they just happen to run into someone that has all the answers.
Carson has lots and lots of questions, and the more that got answered, the more questions she acquired. And they were good questions too. Ones that I would have asked in her situation.
Above all, she was strong. She did what she had to and what she thought was right. She wasn't some weak little girl that kept saying she was strong but hid under a rock at the sight of every shadow.
She leans on Derek for support when a tragedy strikes her family, but she still knew how to do things on her own.
Especially towards the middle-endish parts. This girl knows how to stand on her own two feet!
The writing has just enough description and just enough dialogue.
Oh, the descriptions were wonderful....and so creepy. Seriously, there were parts that after I read them I did not want to turn my light off at night. The reapings, the dead, all hair raising. I'm getting chills just thinking about it.
If you get creeped out easily, don't read this at night. Or have a night-light on. It helps.
I could go on and on about this book, but so much happens through out that I don't want to give anything away. So I will just strongly encourage you to head over to Amazon and order a copy for your Kindle.
It may seem a little daunting at about 8700 locations (most Kindle books I read are about 3500 locations which would be a bit over 400 pages, I believe), but it's really not that long at all. Or maybe it was just so good it didn't feel that long. Either way, it went by too fast and left me wanting more.
Cannot wait for the next one!
April 28, 2011
‘The Reaping’ is the début novel of a brand new author to the YA genre, M. Leighton. This book tells the tale of a seventeen year old girl called Carson Porter who has always dreamed of being something special, but probably never actually dreamed of what she was about to encounter, both in relation to her future and her past!
This is a paranormal romance where some of the main characters within the story have special attributes and powers, there is a twin sister who haunts Carson from the shadows and there are also quite a few graphic skirmishes with the flesh eating dead! Good battles evil within this story, but which side wins out in the end?
'The Reaping' is an easy and straight forward read. The plot within this story is very interesting and well though out, and does pull you in as the story progresses. Of course there has to be a bit of romance within this tale and Derek Hrolf might just be the one that actually captures Carson’s heart. You will have to read this book to see!
The author has actually written this book for the YA genre, and I think this book is just right for the younger end of the YA market. As an author’s very first novel this is a good story that contains interesting characters, paranormal happenings and a good clean romance, is also contained in there as well!
When first published, this book had a fairly dull and ambiguous cover. I am glad to see that the author has recently changed the cover to a more appropriate one for her book. These days a book cover can be important in attracting perspective readers towards a book, but I do know quite a number of books that actually sell very well because the story is good and not because of the book cover that it may have been published with.
I think M.Leighton is a very good author who will produce better and better books as her writing career progresses and I do look forward to reading more books by this author in the future.
This is a paranormal romance where some of the main characters within the story have special attributes and powers, there is a twin sister who haunts Carson from the shadows and there are also quite a few graphic skirmishes with the flesh eating dead! Good battles evil within this story, but which side wins out in the end?
'The Reaping' is an easy and straight forward read. The plot within this story is very interesting and well though out, and does pull you in as the story progresses. Of course there has to be a bit of romance within this tale and Derek Hrolf might just be the one that actually captures Carson’s heart. You will have to read this book to see!
The author has actually written this book for the YA genre, and I think this book is just right for the younger end of the YA market. As an author’s very first novel this is a good story that contains interesting characters, paranormal happenings and a good clean romance, is also contained in there as well!
When first published, this book had a fairly dull and ambiguous cover. I am glad to see that the author has recently changed the cover to a more appropriate one for her book. These days a book cover can be important in attracting perspective readers towards a book, but I do know quite a number of books that actually sell very well because the story is good and not because of the book cover that it may have been published with.
I think M.Leighton is a very good author who will produce better and better books as her writing career progresses and I do look forward to reading more books by this author in the future.
February 26, 2011
First of all, how haunting is that cover?? Amazing! To be honest with everyone, the cover caught my eye before I even read the summary! Then, I read the summary and was intrigued. It left me wondering what Carson is suppose to change into and what type of world the author is creating.
Living with an over protective Father, Carson has found her social life lacking and leaving her feeling like she isn't up to par with others her age. Her father doesn't allow make-up, going anywhere besides school and home, and practically a recluse in the friends department. I felt sorry for Carson on this point and felt bad that she didn't have a Mother to talk to about this. Then, everything starts to change and Carson finds herself in the center of the ring, so to speak. Not only is she changing, but the people around her are changing as well and she finds herself wondering what it going on.
Are you still wondering what type of book this is? Is it zombies, vampires, werewolves or aliens? Well rest assured, it is none of those things. This is a book about Reapers, which is a great play on words with the title being called The Reaping. When Carson meets Derek though, he is unable to answer many of the questions that she asks and they both need to figure them out together. While Carson was such a strong character of the book, Derek complimented her in a balanced way. He held her up when she needed it, but she also quickly recovered and stayed strong and true to the personality that the author created for Carson.
With chills and thrills with each turn of the page, The Reaping has brought an edge to the young adult genre by stepping out of the normal paranormal creatures of the night. I enjoyed reading this book and taking the journey down the path of unknown with Carson. With the perfect balance of dialogue and a creepiness to keep you gripping the pages, the author has brought a fresh new voice to read.
Living with an over protective Father, Carson has found her social life lacking and leaving her feeling like she isn't up to par with others her age. Her father doesn't allow make-up, going anywhere besides school and home, and practically a recluse in the friends department. I felt sorry for Carson on this point and felt bad that she didn't have a Mother to talk to about this. Then, everything starts to change and Carson finds herself in the center of the ring, so to speak. Not only is she changing, but the people around her are changing as well and she finds herself wondering what it going on.
Are you still wondering what type of book this is? Is it zombies, vampires, werewolves or aliens? Well rest assured, it is none of those things. This is a book about Reapers, which is a great play on words with the title being called The Reaping. When Carson meets Derek though, he is unable to answer many of the questions that she asks and they both need to figure them out together. While Carson was such a strong character of the book, Derek complimented her in a balanced way. He held her up when she needed it, but she also quickly recovered and stayed strong and true to the personality that the author created for Carson.
With chills and thrills with each turn of the page, The Reaping has brought an edge to the young adult genre by stepping out of the normal paranormal creatures of the night. I enjoyed reading this book and taking the journey down the path of unknown with Carson. With the perfect balance of dialogue and a creepiness to keep you gripping the pages, the author has brought a fresh new voice to read.
June 21, 2011
just started this book a few days ago. After reading Blood of Poison by this author... I want to read ANYTHING!!!!! that she is writing. If she rewrote the phone book... I would read it. :)
amazing new find for me. Totally excited about her books. I havent had an obsession like this since twilight and hevenly series.....YAY!! hope this book is as good as her other stuff... I shall let ya know. ...
......LOVED this story!!!! still like Blood Of Poison better but this books still rocked! Alot more bone chilling, heart racing, spooky and slight on the bent & twisted side of things...which is right up my alley :) This one definately stands more in the horror story side of things. fantastic imagination. it amazes me how you can put these things down on paper. Anything from this author is worth the time to read. HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!
amazing new find for me. Totally excited about her books. I havent had an obsession like this since twilight and hevenly series.....YAY!! hope this book is as good as her other stuff... I shall let ya know. ...
......LOVED this story!!!! still like Blood Of Poison better but this books still rocked! Alot more bone chilling, heart racing, spooky and slight on the bent & twisted side of things...which is right up my alley :) This one definately stands more in the horror story side of things. fantastic imagination. it amazes me how you can put these things down on paper. Anything from this author is worth the time to read. HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!
April 19, 2012
3 stars...I enjoyed the plot but just couldn't seem to create a connection with the characters. It all seemed a bit rushed to me, there was a few times when I felt for the characters and their situation but straight away I could see what was coming next, which for me isn't a bad thing but their wasn't any surprises. However as I said I did enjoy the actual story just the characters didn't have enough depth for me, the setting achieved more for me than the characters. I'm still going to read the second instalment because I haven't before read a book about reapers. It an interesting concept.
January 2, 2012
Carson received so many shockers in her life. And she reacted, well.. not to realistic for me. Girl, you learn you're not natural and your Mom may have caused it, your boyfriend's too mysterious and won't answer your questions right away and your bestfriend's a blood sucker or a zombie-something-weirdo. It seems to me that the main character does not provide emotions on the right places. She learns everything for the first time and appears to be a natural. I hope the second book turns out better.
May 2, 2011
Oh, my. I don't even know if I have words to describe this novel. I was taken aback by the creativity and uniqueness of this author. It reminded me vaguely of Dean Koontz, sort of a Dean Koontz for Young Adults. It was chilling, haunting and the ending will stay with me for a very long time. I am looking VERY much forward to the sequel to this book! (And I will be seeking out her other titles, too!)
January 1, 2014
It's finally happened. I've given up on a book. This just didn't work for me. I was 33% in but was still so confused by what was going on. The story just felt all over the place. Something new and frightening would happen to the girl and then she'd just shrug it off and head off to school to check out the hot jocks..wait, what?!? My skin totally changed but wait I need to finish my science fair project!?! I'm sure this will appeal to someone else but it didn't do it for me.
February 25, 2011
I won the ebook in a giveaway and was hooked as soon as I'd started! You don't want to miss this thrilling take on paranormal YA.
March 12, 2011
Great new book from a great new author!
March 18, 2011
*Review to come*
June 17, 2019
The writing style was nice since I finished the whole book in one sitting - that aspect of it is a 3 to a 3.5. I disliked Carson from the onset though and nothing changed. She sounded like a self centered brat. I felt no connection at all that would make me connect with her character. I liked Leah and so I was dissappointed she was condemned. It made me dislike Carson even more at her callous dismissal of Leah's virtue before Grey turned her into being blood thirsty. Derek was okay and I liked the dad. It is a 2.5 star for me
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 2, 2021
It was a nice story but I could not really get into it. Whenever I stopped reading I didn't feel a pull to pick it up again and continue. It is a sweet book but I don't think this will be a series I will be following.
February 11, 2018
I enjoyed this book!
December 26, 2012
3.5 stars. Beautiful imagery sucked me into the beginning of this book. Leighton describes Carson and the scene around her in a way that really makes you feel like you’re there. The story also moves along at a nice pace and leaves enough mystery for you to want to keep reading.
I really liked some of the supernatural elements of this story. I liked Carson’s powers, and her dreams. In particular, the way Leighton shows us that Carson has developed these powers is wonderful. She connects them to her emotions and then gives her believable reactions to them. I think my favorite scene in this book is the funeral scene, where we see Carson deal with her emotions over losing her father. It is well written, has beautiful imagery, and you really feel what she is feeling then.
One thing I found odd from the start were the names. Carson, and her sister, Grey, have odd names for girls. Although, there is an explanation for why they have these unusual names. Really, the first half of this book had me sucked in with just the right amount of mystery. Everything was being set up for a great story. But as the book went on I had more problems with it.
The biggest issue I had was that I didn’t find Carson’s relationship with Derek believable. She’s drawn to him for no reason. Had why she was drawn to him been explained I would have felt better but it never was. Also, she even admits that she barely knows him and yet feels like she can say that she loves him. Even at the end of the book I have questions about Derek’s motives, which at parts were an interesting twist to the storyline, but the fact that Carson so easily overlooks them bothers me. I think had their relationship been built up better and they gotten to know one another better I would have given this story 4 stars. I will say though that the steamier scenes between them were well written. Still, they would have been more fun to read had I believed that they knew each other well enough to be that crazy about each other.
Another thing that bothered me about this book was how many questions it left me with at the end. The mystery that kept me reading at the beginning never got fully explained. Derek in particular keeps so many secrets from Carson, and he keeps them for far too long. Some things I could figure out on my own, like I assume that Carson’s powers were either related to her upcoming 18th birthday, or the fact that her sister makes a deal with Fahl. And, I know Derek has the power to control water, but I’m not sure what his other power is, fire? I also want to know the significance of 306 and why it kept repeating in the story, and why her sister’s hair is red and then black at the end of the book. Most importantly though I have questions about the ending. There are so many deals made with the devil that I was wondering what people got in exchange for their souls, and if so many people were trading up to keep Carson safe then why was she ever in danger?
There is a second book, and I can understand some of these questions not being answered until I read that one, but I feel like there were just a few too many left open. Also, I liked the message of this book, but it gets laid on a little too thick at the end. And there’s one scene where Carson saves a girl’s life but another boy is basically damned and she considers it a good deed. She also probably gave them both third degree burns and destroyed the girl’s house, not to mention left her with serious psychological damage. So, I don’t quite understand why she thinks she’s done a good thing.
Overall I would say that there is some good writing here and an interesting idea, although there are some issues with the plot. If you’re the kind of person that can look past those ‘drawn to you for no reason’ romances I think you would enjoy this. And, I am considering reading the next book, although it’s mostly because I’m hoping it answers the questions that were left open in this one.
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I really liked some of the supernatural elements of this story. I liked Carson’s powers, and her dreams. In particular, the way Leighton shows us that Carson has developed these powers is wonderful. She connects them to her emotions and then gives her believable reactions to them. I think my favorite scene in this book is the funeral scene, where we see Carson deal with her emotions over losing her father. It is well written, has beautiful imagery, and you really feel what she is feeling then.
One thing I found odd from the start were the names. Carson, and her sister, Grey, have odd names for girls. Although, there is an explanation for why they have these unusual names. Really, the first half of this book had me sucked in with just the right amount of mystery. Everything was being set up for a great story. But as the book went on I had more problems with it.
The biggest issue I had was that I didn’t find Carson’s relationship with Derek believable. She’s drawn to him for no reason. Had why she was drawn to him been explained I would have felt better but it never was. Also, she even admits that she barely knows him and yet feels like she can say that she loves him. Even at the end of the book I have questions about Derek’s motives, which at parts were an interesting twist to the storyline, but the fact that Carson so easily overlooks them bothers me. I think had their relationship been built up better and they gotten to know one another better I would have given this story 4 stars. I will say though that the steamier scenes between them were well written. Still, they would have been more fun to read had I believed that they knew each other well enough to be that crazy about each other.
Another thing that bothered me about this book was how many questions it left me with at the end. The mystery that kept me reading at the beginning never got fully explained. Derek in particular keeps so many secrets from Carson, and he keeps them for far too long. Some things I could figure out on my own, like I assume that Carson’s powers were either related to her upcoming 18th birthday, or the fact that her sister makes a deal with Fahl. And, I know Derek has the power to control water, but I’m not sure what his other power is, fire? I also want to know the significance of 306 and why it kept repeating in the story, and why her sister’s hair is red and then black at the end of the book. Most importantly though I have questions about the ending. There are so many deals made with the devil that I was wondering what people got in exchange for their souls, and if so many people were trading up to keep Carson safe then why was she ever in danger?
There is a second book, and I can understand some of these questions not being answered until I read that one, but I feel like there were just a few too many left open. Also, I liked the message of this book, but it gets laid on a little too thick at the end. And there’s one scene where Carson saves a girl’s life but another boy is basically damned and she considers it a good deed. She also probably gave them both third degree burns and destroyed the girl’s house, not to mention left her with serious psychological damage. So, I don’t quite understand why she thinks she’s done a good thing.
Overall I would say that there is some good writing here and an interesting idea, although there are some issues with the plot. If you’re the kind of person that can look past those ‘drawn to you for no reason’ romances I think you would enjoy this. And, I am considering reading the next book, although it’s mostly because I’m hoping it answers the questions that were left open in this one.
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December 31, 2014
I actually started this book twice. The first time around, I didn't get through the first chapter. But I'm gonna accredit that to the shitty mood I was in. Sometimes, it's just not optimal--or even preferred--conditions to read a headache like a Nook. (E-readers can be headaches, indeed!) The second time around, oddly enough, I actually couldn't stop reading.
When I first got a glimpse of The Reaping's characters, they seemed destined for one-dimensionality. Carson, the narrator, wanted to be part of the "in" crowd so much that she risked utter humiliation just to get it. Leah, her girly-girl nerd best friend, was a mindless chatterbox who stood in as someone for Carson to relate to. Carson's father was the typical teenage recipient of frustration because he made her do things she didn't want to do and had strict rules for things she didn't understand. And Derek... Derek was the mind-numbingly dangerous, dark, sexy guy who came into her life out of nowhere.
What I didn't expect was for me to fall in love with every single one of them, and their depth of personality. Derek was difficult because he maintained his elusive breviloquence for the most part, but Leah and Carson and even Carson's father all fell in step with my heartbeat after I sank into the story.
I don't really know what to say other than that, though. The writing wasn't the best, but it was definitely solid, which actually worked better for the narrative than any other approach would've because Carson's voice was equal parts girl trying to find herself and equal parts girl flung into disastrous supernatural situation with life-turning-up-side-down consequences. The plot kept a firm hold of itself, too. I did find it difficult to follow along sometimes, though. But I'm a gullible reader. I take what's going on at face value. If one of the characters is being lied to, trust and believe I'm being lied to as well. So when Carson came out of a situation even more confused than when she entered it, I kind of just had to go along with it.
But the thing is, I LOVED GOING ALONG WITH IT. Carson's curse rang as one of the more "original" ideas I've come across--not just in YA but in fiction anywhere--and it played a huge part in my delight over the story. While I read, I was reminded of my feelings while I read The Sleepwalkers (J. Gabriel Gates) and Ashes and Ice (Rochelle Maya Callen), which is to say totally creeped out BUT AWESOME.
:D
Overall, The Reaping was NOT what I was expecting but only in the best ways possible. I can only hope the sequel, The Reckoning , will hold up against all this awesome. Fingers crossed!
When I first got a glimpse of The Reaping's characters, they seemed destined for one-dimensionality. Carson, the narrator, wanted to be part of the "in" crowd so much that she risked utter humiliation just to get it. Leah, her girly-girl nerd best friend, was a mindless chatterbox who stood in as someone for Carson to relate to. Carson's father was the typical teenage recipient of frustration because he made her do things she didn't want to do and had strict rules for things she didn't understand. And Derek... Derek was the mind-numbingly dangerous, dark, sexy guy who came into her life out of nowhere.
What I didn't expect was for me to fall in love with every single one of them, and their depth of personality. Derek was difficult because he maintained his elusive breviloquence for the most part, but Leah and Carson and even Carson's father all fell in step with my heartbeat after I sank into the story.
I don't really know what to say other than that, though. The writing wasn't the best, but it was definitely solid, which actually worked better for the narrative than any other approach would've because Carson's voice was equal parts girl trying to find herself and equal parts girl flung into disastrous supernatural situation with life-turning-up-side-down consequences. The plot kept a firm hold of itself, too. I did find it difficult to follow along sometimes, though. But I'm a gullible reader. I take what's going on at face value. If one of the characters is being lied to, trust and believe I'm being lied to as well. So when Carson came out of a situation even more confused than when she entered it, I kind of just had to go along with it.
But the thing is, I LOVED GOING ALONG WITH IT. Carson's curse rang as one of the more "original" ideas I've come across--not just in YA but in fiction anywhere--and it played a huge part in my delight over the story. While I read, I was reminded of my feelings while I read The Sleepwalkers (J. Gabriel Gates) and Ashes and Ice (Rochelle Maya Callen), which is to say totally creeped out BUT AWESOME.
:D
Overall, The Reaping was NOT what I was expecting but only in the best ways possible. I can only hope the sequel, The Reckoning , will hold up against all this awesome. Fingers crossed!
April 25, 2012
I liked this one. It was a fun read, a different premise, and I had a hard time walking away. While I found the characters of Bo and Ridley in the Blood Like Poison sereis generally more appealling I had to give the Reaping more stars for being better written. There was less constant sappy love admissions, the story was better rounded, the dialogue a little quicker though still slwo, and Carson seemed a little more human. I liked watching her work through her doubts and struggling with her fate, rather than blindly accepting.
I'm only giving 3 stars instead of four for a few reasons. First, the author's passive tone seems to slow the story significantly. Even the graffic battle and flight scenes seem to move through mud. M. Leighton skips over big parts of the story and then goes back and give the reader a summary. I'd rather live at least some of it in the moment with the characters. As a result the reader is left unsure of the amount time passing. I don't feel confident with where Carson falls in her life.
Secondly, I feel there could be more character development, specifically pertaining to Derek. I like the mystery of him, but we really have very little dialogue. I understand the idea that we're seeing him from Carson's point-of-view, but there are ways to round him out - think Jace Lightwood, Peeta Mellark, Dimitri Belekov, or even Jack Force. Carson could use a little more as well. She starts off strong in the mind of a typical, dreamy teenage girl, describing fantasies and desires. By the end of the book this personality trait is gone. I would have liked to see it continue and evolve. As a girl who daydreamed through my youth and continues in adulthood, I would have felt closer to the character had the theme carried through.
Thirdly, there were many loose ends and plot holes that don't seem like they will be addressed in the sequel. Carson's father and the estate were left as a loose end. I know he ended up moving on, but I felt like we never found out what was in the packages he left with his murdered attorney. Where are those packages now? What information did he have? What exactly did Carson's father know? It would have made an interesting subplot. I don't understand having Byron Allsley in there at all without more. Strangely we don't learn the term "reaper" until near the end of the book, and then it's not a clear picture. Also, what is the Darkness? The author describes it as similar to Purgatory, but it has plenty of characteristics of Hell. I like the idea, but would have liked clearer descriptions of that particular state of being.
All in all, it's a fun and easy read.
I'm only giving 3 stars instead of four for a few reasons. First, the author's passive tone seems to slow the story significantly. Even the graffic battle and flight scenes seem to move through mud. M. Leighton skips over big parts of the story and then goes back and give the reader a summary. I'd rather live at least some of it in the moment with the characters. As a result the reader is left unsure of the amount time passing. I don't feel confident with where Carson falls in her life.
Secondly, I feel there could be more character development, specifically pertaining to Derek. I like the mystery of him, but we really have very little dialogue. I understand the idea that we're seeing him from Carson's point-of-view, but there are ways to round him out - think Jace Lightwood, Peeta Mellark, Dimitri Belekov, or even Jack Force. Carson could use a little more as well. She starts off strong in the mind of a typical, dreamy teenage girl, describing fantasies and desires. By the end of the book this personality trait is gone. I would have liked to see it continue and evolve. As a girl who daydreamed through my youth and continues in adulthood, I would have felt closer to the character had the theme carried through.
Thirdly, there were many loose ends and plot holes that don't seem like they will be addressed in the sequel. Carson's father and the estate were left as a loose end. I know he ended up moving on, but I felt like we never found out what was in the packages he left with his murdered attorney. Where are those packages now? What information did he have? What exactly did Carson's father know? It would have made an interesting subplot. I don't understand having Byron Allsley in there at all without more. Strangely we don't learn the term "reaper" until near the end of the book, and then it's not a clear picture. Also, what is the Darkness? The author describes it as similar to Purgatory, but it has plenty of characteristics of Hell. I like the idea, but would have liked clearer descriptions of that particular state of being.
All in all, it's a fun and easy read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 4, 2011
I was a little apprehensive coming into this book. I’m not really big on things that go bump in the night, and a scary book isn’t my cup of tea. Surprisingly enough the book didn’t give me nearly the willies I got from Falling Under. While it did have its skin crawling moments there was nothing that made me jump at the shadows when it was done.
The relationship between Derek and Carson intrigues me. Magnetism is a powerful thing but shouldn’t be as all consuming as portrayed. Or at least that’s what I thought until I realized fire to water. Then it makes total sense. Or at least to me it does. I do love an all consuming flame. ^_~
The plot’s kind of vague. Or maybe my mind is kind of vague. The basic impression I got from the plot was that Carson is really trying to deal with the new changes in her life without it actually affecting her life. We all know how well that works, but as we all also know there’s no better teacher then experience. ^_^
The Reaping felt like an introduction to something more rather than a book sole of its own. While the book ended with an open end to give the impression it could continue, it doesn’t need to continue. Its ending is closed enough that we could be left imagining the future just as easily as a book could fill in those holes. Another book would be cool, but at the same time, I’m content if it doesn’t happen. By no means is it boring, however, no fireworks or massive spasms of excitement occur when it’s done. An easy read for those looking for something uncomplicated.
The relationship between Derek and Carson intrigues me. Magnetism is a powerful thing but shouldn’t be as all consuming as portrayed. Or at least that’s what I thought until I realized fire to water. Then it makes total sense. Or at least to me it does. I do love an all consuming flame. ^_~
The plot’s kind of vague. Or maybe my mind is kind of vague. The basic impression I got from the plot was that Carson is really trying to deal with the new changes in her life without it actually affecting her life. We all know how well that works, but as we all also know there’s no better teacher then experience. ^_^
The Reaping felt like an introduction to something more rather than a book sole of its own. While the book ended with an open end to give the impression it could continue, it doesn’t need to continue. Its ending is closed enough that we could be left imagining the future just as easily as a book could fill in those holes. Another book would be cool, but at the same time, I’m content if it doesn’t happen. By no means is it boring, however, no fireworks or massive spasms of excitement occur when it’s done. An easy read for those looking for something uncomplicated.
March 5, 2012
wow !!!! I read this book in almost one sitting, it was just fantastic !! First chapter starts out filled with all the goodies - ropes you in and before you know it you have turned the last page and Im sure you will want more !!!
Its nice to pick up a book that contains different aspects and has its own unique storyline. The Reaping is about Reapers - its chilling spine tingling, creepy yet also very intriguing. A little romance is thrown in to give us romantics at heart that little fix. Heart felt moments are present and depending upon what type of reader you are you my just need the tissues. I know that one part certainly made me tight lipped and even a tad scared for the character and also heart broken..
I found the book to well balanced = we werent left at the end wandering or having any unanswered questions hanging in the loop !! A dramatic climax that I did not see coming. Definetly unpredictable !
Fluent flowing dialogue and storyline - characters that Im sure will grow with you within each page and enjoy !! Leighton has put forth visuals for us to envisage whilst reading,so for the weak stomached readers a few parts may just have you loosing your appetite. Horror aspects are put forth, giving the reader those tingles - and believeme not in the right places lol !!! Some parts are just gross !!
I will definelty be reading the second book in this series !!! A new author to stalk and will be reading more of M Leightons work !!
Its nice to pick up a book that contains different aspects and has its own unique storyline. The Reaping is about Reapers - its chilling spine tingling, creepy yet also very intriguing. A little romance is thrown in to give us romantics at heart that little fix. Heart felt moments are present and depending upon what type of reader you are you my just need the tissues. I know that one part certainly made me tight lipped and even a tad scared for the character and also heart broken..
I found the book to well balanced = we werent left at the end wandering or having any unanswered questions hanging in the loop !! A dramatic climax that I did not see coming. Definetly unpredictable !
Fluent flowing dialogue and storyline - characters that Im sure will grow with you within each page and enjoy !! Leighton has put forth visuals for us to envisage whilst reading,so for the weak stomached readers a few parts may just have you loosing your appetite. Horror aspects are put forth, giving the reader those tingles - and believeme not in the right places lol !!! Some parts are just gross !!
I will definelty be reading the second book in this series !!! A new author to stalk and will be reading more of M Leightons work !!
December 17, 2011
This is the story of Carson, a normal girl who doesn't really stand out anywhere in her life. All she dreams of is being special, being popular, and just standing out in a crowd. So when one day she wakes up and everything seems to have changed after an accident that was far from anything spectacular, she's overwhelmed with how much she really does stand out, but why is her temper suddenly so short? Not to mention the fact that when she gets mad, things tend to go a little crazy.
I really don't want to give away too much about this story. I feel like the reader needs to experience it as they read each word. It was a quick paced story filled with action and mystery that will definitely leave you guessing until the end. I was second guesing myself at pretty much every turn, not sure who the bad guy really was or what would happen to Carson in the end.
I'm glad things ended up the way they did for her, and no, I won't give away the ending because that's something you need to read to discover. I was still sad about what happened to her dad. I guess that's something that will always hit home with me because I'm so close to my parents. I think I literally cried at that part.
I want to thank M.Leighton for taking me on one of the greatest literary adventures of my life, and I have already bought the second book in the series, so I'm pretty excited to get to read it as well!
I really don't want to give away too much about this story. I feel like the reader needs to experience it as they read each word. It was a quick paced story filled with action and mystery that will definitely leave you guessing until the end. I was second guesing myself at pretty much every turn, not sure who the bad guy really was or what would happen to Carson in the end.
I'm glad things ended up the way they did for her, and no, I won't give away the ending because that's something you need to read to discover. I was still sad about what happened to her dad. I guess that's something that will always hit home with me because I'm so close to my parents. I think I literally cried at that part.
I want to thank M.Leighton for taking me on one of the greatest literary adventures of my life, and I have already bought the second book in the series, so I'm pretty excited to get to read it as well!
November 10, 2014
This book has chills and thrills to keep you turning the pages through the night. The Reaping has brought a new edge to YA Paranormal by stepping away from the ordinary creatures of the night. I really enjoyed reading this book and stepping into the unknown with Carson. With the perfect balance of dialogue and creepiness it will keep you turning the pages. This book is like nothing that I have ever read before. At first I was on the fence about the subject matter in this book, I thought zombies, then I thought aliens, but I was wrong. This book is about Reapers. This book has the right language for YA novels; it is what I would expect to see. I found myself believing so much in this story that at times I felt like I was being sucked up into the story and watching the scenes unfold before my very eyes. It was very fulfilling to watch their love blossom and fully bloom. I could not help rooting for Carson and Derek to be together and be happy, because they have both been through so much in their lives. The author has put a fresh new voice in YA Paranormal, with her flair and great ability to draw you into Carson's world. If you read this book you will not be disappointed.
Catie
Reviewer for Coffee Time Romance & More
Full Review: http://www.coffeetimeromance.com/Book...
Catie
Reviewer for Coffee Time Romance & More
Full Review: http://www.coffeetimeromance.com/Book...
November 7, 2011
I would give this book more like 3.75 stars...the romance, as always, was excellent. The characters are very well written and likeable. I also enjoyed the mystery very much. BUT, I have a hard time with the zombies. There, I said it. But still a good read, if you don't mind their skin falling off and them eating people...;)
UPDATE! After re-reading this book, I have increased my rating to a solid 4 stars! It was still a very dark story, but I took the time to really enjoy each part of the story and found that I liked it more than I thought I did. I still found certain parts disturbing and hard to read, but that doesn't take away from the fact that it is very well written, with solid, likeable characters and an inventive plot.
*Spoiler Alert* My favorite part is when Carson proclaims her belief in God...an incredibly bright spot in a seemingly doomed situation! And of course, I'm anxious to read more about Carson's relationship with Derek...;)
UPDATE! After re-reading this book, I have increased my rating to a solid 4 stars! It was still a very dark story, but I took the time to really enjoy each part of the story and found that I liked it more than I thought I did. I still found certain parts disturbing and hard to read, but that doesn't take away from the fact that it is very well written, with solid, likeable characters and an inventive plot.
*Spoiler Alert* My favorite part is when Carson proclaims her belief in God...an incredibly bright spot in a seemingly doomed situation! And of course, I'm anxious to read more about Carson's relationship with Derek...;)
February 17, 2012
Michelle Leighton's writing is absolutely spot on. Her style is very similar to that of Slights by Kaaron Warren. Michelle writes with a tremendous vocabulary, painting such a full picture that makes you imagine that you are Carson. The Reaping is a fantasy and it is a fun, exciting and enjoyable read. The structure is great and the pace is correct. This book is clean, there is no rough or graphic sex to make the reader smile. The ending is good. I am an Atheist and The Reaping is such a HOOT! to read. This book is not my usual reading genre of conspiracies or crime thrillers but The Reaping is very entertaining and a joy to read. As a reader, I can't ask for any more as it fills my desire for an inspiring daily read. I will always remember this book when I am walking my dog and I stumble across a clearing in the woods!
July 27, 2011
Wow!! That was a brilliant, although very disturbing, story! I loved every bit of it - from high school drama to the powerful (and intensely creepy) paranormal development! Some parts will have you jumping up to turn on all the lights before you can continue reading. And I don't even want to consider what my dreams may hold after reading this! (Although, I wouldn't mind at all if the incredibly dangerous & absolutely scrumptious Derek was in them!!) I love Carson, too. After all the loss & sorrow in her life she still manages to pull herself up out of the trenches and becomes a bright, shining heroine who loves with all her heart and fights for those close to her. I can't wait to read more of this story!
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