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Faeble #1
Gossamer
Sophia Blithe’s seemingly perfect life masks the scars of a past that’s left her cold and immune to emotion. She hides it well, and is content to live behind that mask for the rest of her life.
A zoning change a few weeks before the start of her senior year changes all that when Sophia is forced to attend Gossamer High. It’s there she meets Dex Sterling, the boy whose eyes haunt her dreams. He’s carefree, handsome, cryptic, infuriating, and he knows more about her than he should. He makes Sophia question the feelings she has whenever she’s around him and worse, whenever she’s not.
Then one fateful night, Sophia makes a decision that changes everything and, in the darkness that hides nothing, learns the dangerous truth about Gossamer, about Dex, and how he knows so much about her. Now she’s left to figure out what it is she wants and whatever her decision, it could end up costing her life.
A zoning change a few weeks before the start of her senior year changes all that when Sophia is forced to attend Gossamer High. It’s there she meets Dex Sterling, the boy whose eyes haunt her dreams. He’s carefree, handsome, cryptic, infuriating, and he knows more about her than he should. He makes Sophia question the feelings she has whenever she’s around him and worse, whenever she’s not.
Then one fateful night, Sophia makes a decision that changes everything and, in the darkness that hides nothing, learns the dangerous truth about Gossamer, about Dex, and how he knows so much about her. Now she’s left to figure out what it is she wants and whatever her decision, it could end up costing her life.
361 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 17, 2011
5 people are currently reading
631 people want to read
About the author
S.L. Naeole
13 books492 followersS.L. Naeole has always loved the smell of books, the feel of books, and the destination that a book is guaranteed to take you. She knew from an early age that she was meant to write, to create those very same books she loved so much and vowed that one day, she would.
Now, after getting married and starting a family, she has finally made her dream come true. As the author of Falling From Grace, she's found a venue with which to allow her dreams to become the reader's, and transport them to worlds and lives where fantasy and reality blend seamlessly. With several more books in the works, including three sequels to Falling From Grace, she's hoping to give to her fans the same desire and affection for the written word that she had as a child.
S.L. Naeole writes from her home in Hawai'i, with her husband, four children, and cat by her side cheering her on and providing endless amounts of inspiration.
Her third book, Black Halo, book three in the Grace Series, is due to be released August 31st, 2010.
Now, after getting married and starting a family, she has finally made her dream come true. As the author of Falling From Grace, she's found a venue with which to allow her dreams to become the reader's, and transport them to worlds and lives where fantasy and reality blend seamlessly. With several more books in the works, including three sequels to Falling From Grace, she's hoping to give to her fans the same desire and affection for the written word that she had as a child.
S.L. Naeole writes from her home in Hawai'i, with her husband, four children, and cat by her side cheering her on and providing endless amounts of inspiration.
Her third book, Black Halo, book three in the Grace Series, is due to be released August 31st, 2010.
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June 2, 2011
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Where do I even begin?
Gossamer is about a girl, named Sophia who has had a bit of a rough past. She has jumped from home to home through the foster care system almost her entire life. And she is famously known in Oregon as the Blithe baby. Her mom was "crazy" had killed her husband and tried to kill Sophia while she was still in the womb, right after she was born, and again when she was only three. The story starts off with Sophia at a carnival with her foster sister, Astor, and boyfriend of three years, Jackson. Jackson tries to win Sophia a stuffed cow. This is where Dex comes in. Sigh... But only for like split twopointsevenseconds. Anywho, then Sophia finds out her district lines of schools has changed dramatically. She now has to go to Gossamer. Which is deemed as the "Perfect" school. Everyone there is perfect, gorgeous, and also down right mean as hell. Sophia does not fit in well and her rival Brea makes her time there hellish and back. Guess who else goes to this school? You got that right! Dex. Thank god. Guess who hits her with a car and smashes her skateboard to pieces? Dex.
This book was amazing. Ever since I read the first chapter a couple months ago, I could not wait to get my hands on this bad boy and go to town with it. Then, I started freaking out and thinking: "What if this book sucks??? What if Naeole does not live up to the high expectations I put her under! Well, she went above and beyond. Not only was this story amazing and original, it also has real life tragidies that a lot of females have to through. I love how she makes Sophia human. She is not too emotional and she is not made of glass. Naeole's characters react like humans! Not some robots Naeole has created. Amazing. And the love story! Do NOT get me started because I would go on for days! It had me wanting more of Sophia and Dex.
Cover: I love this, and now I know why there is a light house on the cover as well (Hint: Dex made it happen!)
Overall: Abso-freaking-lutely ah-maze-ing!!! Loved it!! I would recommend this book to everybody and anybody!!!! :) You will not be dissapointed in this story. Very original and amazing. And just when you think everything is done and there is going to be a happy ending! THINK AGAINNNNN!!!!!! Awesome. :)
Where do I even begin?
Gossamer is about a girl, named Sophia who has had a bit of a rough past. She has jumped from home to home through the foster care system almost her entire life. And she is famously known in Oregon as the Blithe baby. Her mom was "crazy" had killed her husband and tried to kill Sophia while she was still in the womb, right after she was born, and again when she was only three. The story starts off with Sophia at a carnival with her foster sister, Astor, and boyfriend of three years, Jackson. Jackson tries to win Sophia a stuffed cow. This is where Dex comes in. Sigh... But only for like split twopointsevenseconds. Anywho, then Sophia finds out her district lines of schools has changed dramatically. She now has to go to Gossamer. Which is deemed as the "Perfect" school. Everyone there is perfect, gorgeous, and also down right mean as hell. Sophia does not fit in well and her rival Brea makes her time there hellish and back. Guess who else goes to this school? You got that right! Dex. Thank god. Guess who hits her with a car and smashes her skateboard to pieces? Dex.
This book was amazing. Ever since I read the first chapter a couple months ago, I could not wait to get my hands on this bad boy and go to town with it. Then, I started freaking out and thinking: "What if this book sucks??? What if Naeole does not live up to the high expectations I put her under! Well, she went above and beyond. Not only was this story amazing and original, it also has real life tragidies that a lot of females have to through. I love how she makes Sophia human. She is not too emotional and she is not made of glass. Naeole's characters react like humans! Not some robots Naeole has created. Amazing. And the love story! Do NOT get me started because I would go on for days! It had me wanting more of Sophia and Dex.
Cover: I love this, and now I know why there is a light house on the cover as well (Hint: Dex made it happen!)
Overall: Abso-freaking-lutely ah-maze-ing!!! Loved it!! I would recommend this book to everybody and anybody!!!! :) You will not be dissapointed in this story. Very original and amazing. And just when you think everything is done and there is going to be a happy ending! THINK AGAINNNNN!!!!!! Awesome. :)
May 31, 2011
Overview of the story: Sophia Jane Blithe is the mysterious surviving daughter of the crazy Lillian Blithe. Scandal has surrounded her from birth as she survived her mother's attempt to kill her from the womb. She has bounced around the foster care system for years, finally ending up with the Ackermans in a small town in Oregon. Her boyfriend is the cute, All-American boy next door with a baseball scholarship. Her foster father's radio show has taken off and the family is now well-to-do and living in a nice home in the Oregon hills. She has her foster sister and brother, and things seem to be going well. But school re-zoning and her boyfriend's aggression cause Sophia to take her already stoic and emotionless self into a spiraling free-fall (and not the good kind). The only light at the end of the tunnel seems to be a violet-eyed boy, but is he what he seems and what does he want from Sophia? Many near death experiences and a few shocking revelations later, we have the wonderful tale of Gossamer where nothing is what it seems and Sophia's ability to shut out every and all emotions is starting to take a toll on her spirit. But who will she choose? Who will take her out of her mundane and status quo existence into a world of love and emotions that everyone around Sophia seems to think she deserves. Everyone that is, except herself. And that may be her biggest enemy yet...
Having just finished S.L. Naeole's Grace series, I was surprised at how well she could transfer into a new female character, and do so in the first person. I felt such a difference between Grace and Sophia, however, I did see their desire to please everyone around them and motherly abandonment can be seen in both stories. I guess what I mean is that the tone of the story was significantly different, and as a writer, I can appreciate the difficulty in such a task.
As far as the story goes, I was intrigued by the use of the Sidhe in the way Naeole portrays them and the problems Declan (Dex) has had to face with his people. Sure we have the familiar story line of hero sacrificing for heroine, but in this novel it is not cheap or cheesy. Naeole does a spectacular job of placing her characters in real-life and difficult situations that most of us do not have to endure on a daily basis. The incorporation of the foster care system and emotional and physical abuse that isn't overwhelming to the story shows the true depth and skill of the author.
At times I wanted to scream for, with, and at Sophia. For some parts I wanted to shake her and tell her to grow a pair. But I could do that from my cushy bed and because I had never been raised in the foster care system, nor had I had an abusive boyfriend. I had to take the time, pull back, and see that emotional scarring from birth could truly cause someone to be that self-destructive (although I didn't want to see it from my female lead). But again, that is Naeole's gift. She takes the difficult outsiders and brings them into the pages. She makes you angry at them, but because they are so human, you can find the sympathy that may not be there for flat "perfect" characters.
I do not recommend this book to the faint-hearted. It is a wonderful, but difficult read. It is not your typical YA novel and I thank God for that! It is too bad the Grace series was only four books and that I read Gossamer in only two days. Dear Ms. Naeole--keep'em coming!
Having just finished S.L. Naeole's Grace series, I was surprised at how well she could transfer into a new female character, and do so in the first person. I felt such a difference between Grace and Sophia, however, I did see their desire to please everyone around them and motherly abandonment can be seen in both stories. I guess what I mean is that the tone of the story was significantly different, and as a writer, I can appreciate the difficulty in such a task.
As far as the story goes, I was intrigued by the use of the Sidhe in the way Naeole portrays them and the problems Declan (Dex) has had to face with his people. Sure we have the familiar story line of hero sacrificing for heroine, but in this novel it is not cheap or cheesy. Naeole does a spectacular job of placing her characters in real-life and difficult situations that most of us do not have to endure on a daily basis. The incorporation of the foster care system and emotional and physical abuse that isn't overwhelming to the story shows the true depth and skill of the author.
At times I wanted to scream for, with, and at Sophia. For some parts I wanted to shake her and tell her to grow a pair. But I could do that from my cushy bed and because I had never been raised in the foster care system, nor had I had an abusive boyfriend. I had to take the time, pull back, and see that emotional scarring from birth could truly cause someone to be that self-destructive (although I didn't want to see it from my female lead). But again, that is Naeole's gift. She takes the difficult outsiders and brings them into the pages. She makes you angry at them, but because they are so human, you can find the sympathy that may not be there for flat "perfect" characters.
I do not recommend this book to the faint-hearted. It is a wonderful, but difficult read. It is not your typical YA novel and I thank God for that! It is too bad the Grace series was only four books and that I read Gossamer in only two days. Dear Ms. Naeole--keep'em coming!
November 22, 2011
review by Megsly
*Warning: possible spoilers ahead.*
A few months ago, I had the distinct pleasure of reading SL Naeole’s Grace Series, which absolutely blew my mind. I’ve been waiting on bated breath for her new book, Gossamer, to be released and when it was, I jumped on it and was once again blown away.
Gossamer is the story of Sophia, the infamous Blithe Baby who was adopted by a strict, conservative radio talk show host in her teenager years. She’s famous within her state as the baby who survived her mother’s attempts to murder her, not just once, but twice. As a result of her mother’s actions, Sophia is a distinctly cold and unfeeling person. Her adopted siblings frequently beseech her to do things to evoke emotions from her, but all Sophia can do is put on a cheerful face and pretend. It’s never genuine emotion.
Surprisingly, for being a relatively unemotional person, Sophia has a longtime, steady boyfriend and a strong relationship with her siblings. But when she is switched to a different school district her senior year, the fragile strings of her world fall apart. Reluctantly, she attends and finds herself in the midst of a perfect world, filled with perfect people, who make perfect grades and do perfect work. Of course, Sophia with her blue and black hair, black clothes and skateboard doesn’t fit their mold, or does she? When Dex enters the picture as the handsome boyfriend of Gossamer High’s perfect cheerleader, Brea, Sophia begins to wonder if things could get any worse.
I have to say, I think Naeole out did herself with this one. The only problem I had with her previous series was the length and her sometimes to-flowery words, and Gossamer, in comparison, was a perfect length. It was well paced, with very few slow spots within the chapters and most of the time, I was so engrossed with what I was reading that I didn’t even take note of how far into the book I was. And just like she did with the Grace Series, Naeole is a master and unfolding her story one tiny page at a time. I never knew what to expect, but she kept me hanging on for more and at the very end, she definitely revealed just enough to keep me definitely coming back for more with the next book.
Plot wise, I have to say that Naeole did a great job twisting mythology once again to suit the needs of her characters. The paranormal aspect of the story wasn’t so prevalent in this book, but I have a feeling it will appear in the future installments. But we got just a taste of it, but it was just enough of a taste to whet my appetite for more.
Also, I loved the characters. The reasonings behind Sophia’s actions were well developed, with lots of information and backstory to pull the reader in. Sophia herself was an enigma, though not in a way that put me off. I enjoyed learning about her as the story unfolded. The themes of abuse within the story, though difficult for me to read at times due to my own personal history, were also well written. Naeole did a great job with communicating the pain and confusion that comes with being a victim of abuse, as well as the difficulty one may have in escaping the patterns of an abusive relationship. It’s a hard subject to write on, but she did it wonderfully. As someone who’s lived through an abusive relationship, and has read many works that I found horribly offensive for their portrayal of abusive relationships, I commend Naeole for writing so well.
Dex was an intriguing character, and at points I hated him and at points I loved him. He truly was a curious little specimen to look in to. As the story surrounding him unfolds, he becomes even more intriguing and confusing but I really just couldn’t get enough of him. I can’t wait for the next book within the series simply so that I can learn more about him!
One thing I think that does need to be mentioned is that this book carries some pretty mature themes, as far as abuse and depression are concerned. This is a YA novel, and I would definitely say if you’re going to let your teen read this, discuss it with them as they read it. It’s a pretty thought provoking and emotional book, and though it’s totally teen appropriate, it does bring up some subject matter that I personally, and as an educator, think would be valuable discussion topics for any parents and teens. Otherwise, go read it! :)
Below is my rating of Gossamer by SL Naeole. These are reflective strictly of my opinion of the novels I’ve read and reviewed, and are not necessarily reflective of the other staff members of MVF.
-Story Elements (plot) – 9
-Character Development - 8.5
-Grammar & Punctuation - 9
-Prose – 9
-Paranormal Element - 7
Total Score: 8.5/10
(total score is derived from the average of the 5 individuals scores)
*Warning: possible spoilers ahead.*
A few months ago, I had the distinct pleasure of reading SL Naeole’s Grace Series, which absolutely blew my mind. I’ve been waiting on bated breath for her new book, Gossamer, to be released and when it was, I jumped on it and was once again blown away.
Gossamer is the story of Sophia, the infamous Blithe Baby who was adopted by a strict, conservative radio talk show host in her teenager years. She’s famous within her state as the baby who survived her mother’s attempts to murder her, not just once, but twice. As a result of her mother’s actions, Sophia is a distinctly cold and unfeeling person. Her adopted siblings frequently beseech her to do things to evoke emotions from her, but all Sophia can do is put on a cheerful face and pretend. It’s never genuine emotion.
Surprisingly, for being a relatively unemotional person, Sophia has a longtime, steady boyfriend and a strong relationship with her siblings. But when she is switched to a different school district her senior year, the fragile strings of her world fall apart. Reluctantly, she attends and finds herself in the midst of a perfect world, filled with perfect people, who make perfect grades and do perfect work. Of course, Sophia with her blue and black hair, black clothes and skateboard doesn’t fit their mold, or does she? When Dex enters the picture as the handsome boyfriend of Gossamer High’s perfect cheerleader, Brea, Sophia begins to wonder if things could get any worse.
I have to say, I think Naeole out did herself with this one. The only problem I had with her previous series was the length and her sometimes to-flowery words, and Gossamer, in comparison, was a perfect length. It was well paced, with very few slow spots within the chapters and most of the time, I was so engrossed with what I was reading that I didn’t even take note of how far into the book I was. And just like she did with the Grace Series, Naeole is a master and unfolding her story one tiny page at a time. I never knew what to expect, but she kept me hanging on for more and at the very end, she definitely revealed just enough to keep me definitely coming back for more with the next book.
Plot wise, I have to say that Naeole did a great job twisting mythology once again to suit the needs of her characters. The paranormal aspect of the story wasn’t so prevalent in this book, but I have a feeling it will appear in the future installments. But we got just a taste of it, but it was just enough of a taste to whet my appetite for more.
Also, I loved the characters. The reasonings behind Sophia’s actions were well developed, with lots of information and backstory to pull the reader in. Sophia herself was an enigma, though not in a way that put me off. I enjoyed learning about her as the story unfolded. The themes of abuse within the story, though difficult for me to read at times due to my own personal history, were also well written. Naeole did a great job with communicating the pain and confusion that comes with being a victim of abuse, as well as the difficulty one may have in escaping the patterns of an abusive relationship. It’s a hard subject to write on, but she did it wonderfully. As someone who’s lived through an abusive relationship, and has read many works that I found horribly offensive for their portrayal of abusive relationships, I commend Naeole for writing so well.
Dex was an intriguing character, and at points I hated him and at points I loved him. He truly was a curious little specimen to look in to. As the story surrounding him unfolds, he becomes even more intriguing and confusing but I really just couldn’t get enough of him. I can’t wait for the next book within the series simply so that I can learn more about him!
One thing I think that does need to be mentioned is that this book carries some pretty mature themes, as far as abuse and depression are concerned. This is a YA novel, and I would definitely say if you’re going to let your teen read this, discuss it with them as they read it. It’s a pretty thought provoking and emotional book, and though it’s totally teen appropriate, it does bring up some subject matter that I personally, and as an educator, think would be valuable discussion topics for any parents and teens. Otherwise, go read it! :)
Below is my rating of Gossamer by SL Naeole. These are reflective strictly of my opinion of the novels I’ve read and reviewed, and are not necessarily reflective of the other staff members of MVF.
-Story Elements (plot) – 9
-Character Development - 8.5
-Grammar & Punctuation - 9
-Prose – 9
-Paranormal Element - 7
Total Score: 8.5/10
(total score is derived from the average of the 5 individuals scores)
July 13, 2011
Wow this book was so fu*ked up I don't even know where to begin. I mean how many times can a person be violated to get the point?! I wanted to scream on top of my lungs "Are you kidding me?!"!!! I completely hate Sophia and for the person she is. This is why we have psycho killers in the world doing the things they do because there are people like Sophia that don't stop it. This book made me angry and disgusted. I wanted to punch someone in the face. It was just an emotional rollercoaster and that is why I'm giving the book four stars. The author brought out the worst emotions in me and any book that can do that deserves four stars.
June 13, 2011
3.5 out of 5 stars, but rounded up.
17 yr. old Sophia Jane Blithe is a survivor. From escaping her mentally-ill, homicidal mother to becoming a ward of the state and enduring foster home after foster home, she has learned to keep people at an arms length and to shut down her emotions and desires because people and places are transient and conflict is something best avoided. When she was eleven she was taken in by the Ackerman family and has seemingly found a safe haven. Just before she's about to start her senior year of high school, her family finds out that the school districts have been rezoned and Sophia is now to attend Gossamer "Perfect" High. Things are not perfect at "Perfect" High, however, and Sophia finds herself isolated in school where the students treat her as an outcast and her teachers are somewhat indifferent. The only bright spot is meeting Dex, a boy who treats her with kindness and strangely seems to know everything about her.
Props to Naeole for Sophia's character. Sophia is an incredibly damaged, complex girl. She has carried the weight of her mother's actions and the stigma of being "The Blithe Baby" her whole life. She believes that somehow that all that's happened to her is her fault and that she deserves the cards she's been dealt. She's of the opinion that she doesn't deserve love, she doesn't think she can even feel love for anyone else; she's just kind of dead inside. Soooo....she's got some serious self-esteem issues going on. That being said, she's not a complete doormat, and the introduction of Dex into her life provides her with an avenue of self discovery. Her dependence on Dex worries me a bit though, and I wish she had come out more self-reliant at the end. However, Sophia and Dex's story is not over yet, so who knows where her character will go in the next few books.
There are some serious issues going on in this book and situations that, if your teens are reading this book, should be discussed with them. The events and circumstances that Sophia already has endured before the story starts and then does endure through the book are enough to land someone in some serious therapy if not a straight-jacket. The affects of mental illness upon loved ones, willing self-destructiveness, low self-esteem, abusive partners, manipulative authority figures, and situations of sexual violation are just a few.
The paranormal aspect of this story was surprisingly not as prevalent. In fact, in my opinion, this story could have easily been reworked without it. But as I said, their story isn't over yet, this is just the first act and Naeole has set it up well for the paranormal to become the larger issue in the subsequent novels.
This story is very different from Naeole's Grace series and that in itself impresses me. Even though I think I prefer the Grace series better, she's created something with Gossamer that's entirely different and personalities that are unique to this story, not just slightly reworked versions of previous characters.
Verdict: A dark, heavy story and I'm curious to see how Naeole resolves it.
17 yr. old Sophia Jane Blithe is a survivor. From escaping her mentally-ill, homicidal mother to becoming a ward of the state and enduring foster home after foster home, she has learned to keep people at an arms length and to shut down her emotions and desires because people and places are transient and conflict is something best avoided. When she was eleven she was taken in by the Ackerman family and has seemingly found a safe haven. Just before she's about to start her senior year of high school, her family finds out that the school districts have been rezoned and Sophia is now to attend Gossamer "Perfect" High. Things are not perfect at "Perfect" High, however, and Sophia finds herself isolated in school where the students treat her as an outcast and her teachers are somewhat indifferent. The only bright spot is meeting Dex, a boy who treats her with kindness and strangely seems to know everything about her.
Props to Naeole for Sophia's character. Sophia is an incredibly damaged, complex girl. She has carried the weight of her mother's actions and the stigma of being "The Blithe Baby" her whole life. She believes that somehow that all that's happened to her is her fault and that she deserves the cards she's been dealt. She's of the opinion that she doesn't deserve love, she doesn't think she can even feel love for anyone else; she's just kind of dead inside. Soooo....she's got some serious self-esteem issues going on. That being said, she's not a complete doormat, and the introduction of Dex into her life provides her with an avenue of self discovery. Her dependence on Dex worries me a bit though, and I wish she had come out more self-reliant at the end. However, Sophia and Dex's story is not over yet, so who knows where her character will go in the next few books.
There are some serious issues going on in this book and situations that, if your teens are reading this book, should be discussed with them. The events and circumstances that Sophia already has endured before the story starts and then does endure through the book are enough to land someone in some serious therapy if not a straight-jacket. The affects of mental illness upon loved ones, willing self-destructiveness, low self-esteem, abusive partners, manipulative authority figures, and situations of sexual violation are just a few.
The paranormal aspect of this story was surprisingly not as prevalent. In fact, in my opinion, this story could have easily been reworked without it. But as I said, their story isn't over yet, this is just the first act and Naeole has set it up well for the paranormal to become the larger issue in the subsequent novels.
This story is very different from Naeole's Grace series and that in itself impresses me. Even though I think I prefer the Grace series better, she's created something with Gossamer that's entirely different and personalities that are unique to this story, not just slightly reworked versions of previous characters.
Verdict: A dark, heavy story and I'm curious to see how Naeole resolves it.
May 22, 2011
Amazing book!!! Sophia has always been the girl everyone has talked about. Her past has haunted her from her birth, and she has built a wall to shelter herself from the pain in life.
Dex is the mysterious stranger who seems to have a connection with Sophia. She can feel it, she can sense it, but she still pushes it away. Everyone in Gossamer has their own secrets. Sophia isn't who she appears to be, Dex has his own hidden mysteries. Their paths continue to cross one another as they learn truths that neither of them expected. I could not put this book down! The many characters are well written, each of them intricately woven to create Sophie's story. I love Sophie's siblings. You will feel a part of the world of Gossamer! I cannot wait for the second book of this great series!!
Dex is the mysterious stranger who seems to have a connection with Sophia. She can feel it, she can sense it, but she still pushes it away. Everyone in Gossamer has their own secrets. Sophia isn't who she appears to be, Dex has his own hidden mysteries. Their paths continue to cross one another as they learn truths that neither of them expected. I could not put this book down! The many characters are well written, each of them intricately woven to create Sophie's story. I love Sophie's siblings. You will feel a part of the world of Gossamer! I cannot wait for the second book of this great series!!
June 22, 2011
I was really excited to read this. However, it was a little dissapointing. The main character Sophia "Fee" was so unbelievable. Every few chapters she was getting the crap beat out of her. Why her mother did what she did was never explained. The "magical" book left to her was just left hanging. I am guessing that will become clear in the next book.
Now it had some very good parts. The story has so much potential and I will be reading the next book hoping to get some answers like "what is the book her mother left her?" "What is Sophia?" "How is it that she was the only student affected by the school zoning change?" "What is up with her foster dad?" Hopefully I will get my answers in the next book.
Now it had some very good parts. The story has so much potential and I will be reading the next book hoping to get some answers like "what is the book her mother left her?" "What is Sophia?" "How is it that she was the only student affected by the school zoning change?" "What is up with her foster dad?" Hopefully I will get my answers in the next book.
May 23, 2011
I commend Ms. Naeole for her fire and fervor when it comes to the tough and gritty subject matter that is portrayed in this book. The romance aspect wasn't overwhelming, and the rejection of emotions felt so real, I could almost taste the confusion and bitterness within the Sophia character.
It's not every day that you find an author willing to draw attention to such topics, who won't treat teenagers like fragile pieces of glass, and who respects the social foundation that is being a foster child.
It's not every day that you find an author willing to draw attention to such topics, who won't treat teenagers like fragile pieces of glass, and who respects the social foundation that is being a foster child.
April 15, 2020
Definitely a good read! Lots of up's and downs and decent character development. A couple of almost-rape scenes that were difficult to get through, but other than that, I did enjoy this. I'll probably pick up the next book in the series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 17, 2013
What people heard as I was reading this book:
Me: Oh shit!
Me: HELL TO THE NO
Me:OH NO SHE DIDN'T!! NO I CAN"T LOOK!!!!
Me: *swoon* I'm in luuurrrveee
Me: NO! NO! NO, FEE! I BELIEVE IN YOU!! YOU CAN DO THIS!!
Me: KICK HIM IN THE BALLS!!! MAKE HIM CRY!!
and...yeah. It continues.
As always, S.L.Naeole has sent me on a magical adventure into love, loss, darkness, and hope. She has once again ensnared me in her web and, to be honest, I don't really want to leave!! She has me so ensnared that I forgot to eat dinner, ignored when I was called down to eat, and someone had to come and physically remove the kindle from my grasp so I would eat. Yeah, that didn't really happen. But it almost did.
Ms. Naeole brings into her books a darkness which most people try and avoid. Somethings not right in the characters' life, and it's issues that wee see as taboo. Why, I don't really know, but we do. She's not afraid to go to these places that others see as 'dark' and 'bad'. I find that authors quite often want to stay in the la-la land of rainbows and fairies with the only dark thing being someone who wants to kill the main character, but overall it's pretty predictable and light. S.L.Naeole brings these things out into the light, and I think that that helps people know that it's okay to feel bad things and have bad things happen, that we can overcome these things and that we're not alone. It's an important message and I comment her for not being afraid to say it, loud and proud.
Ok, my synopsis.
Meet The Blithe Baby. I'm sure you've heard of her. She's the one who's mother tried to kill her after killing her father. She's a freak. Watch out, she's just like her mum.
That's what Sophia Jane Blithe hears wherever she goes. And it's true. Her mother tried to kill her. Consequently, she ended up in foster care, moving from house to house until she settled down. Kind of. Everything's going right for Sophia - she's semi-popular due to her über popular boyfriend (even if she doesn't love him), her sister and best friend, Astor, is with her, and she has a family who's keeping her, even if not in name. So how does that all get turned around by simple land ownership? And how does this thing that turns her life upside down change how she see's everything? She thought going to Perfect High would be torture, and it is, but her mind keeps straying to those violet eyes, that perfect face, that dark silk hair...
YEAH I LEFT IT THERE!! NOW GO AND READREADREAD THIS BOOK!!!
I give this 5 stars out of 5 stars, and suggest that you go and make a sign to put on your door saying: READING! DO NOT DISTURB! I'm making mine as we speak as I wait for number 2 to download to my kindle. Oh, how I just love pyjama days!!
Me: Oh shit!
Me: HELL TO THE NO
Me:OH NO SHE DIDN'T!! NO I CAN"T LOOK!!!!
Me: *swoon* I'm in luuurrrveee
Me: NO! NO! NO, FEE! I BELIEVE IN YOU!! YOU CAN DO THIS!!
Me: KICK HIM IN THE BALLS!!! MAKE HIM CRY!!
and...yeah. It continues.
As always, S.L.Naeole has sent me on a magical adventure into love, loss, darkness, and hope. She has once again ensnared me in her web and, to be honest, I don't really want to leave!! She has me so ensnared that I forgot to eat dinner, ignored when I was called down to eat, and someone had to come and physically remove the kindle from my grasp so I would eat. Yeah, that didn't really happen. But it almost did.
Ms. Naeole brings into her books a darkness which most people try and avoid. Somethings not right in the characters' life, and it's issues that wee see as taboo. Why, I don't really know, but we do. She's not afraid to go to these places that others see as 'dark' and 'bad'. I find that authors quite often want to stay in the la-la land of rainbows and fairies with the only dark thing being someone who wants to kill the main character, but overall it's pretty predictable and light. S.L.Naeole brings these things out into the light, and I think that that helps people know that it's okay to feel bad things and have bad things happen, that we can overcome these things and that we're not alone. It's an important message and I comment her for not being afraid to say it, loud and proud.
Ok, my synopsis.
Meet The Blithe Baby. I'm sure you've heard of her. She's the one who's mother tried to kill her after killing her father. She's a freak. Watch out, she's just like her mum.
That's what Sophia Jane Blithe hears wherever she goes. And it's true. Her mother tried to kill her. Consequently, she ended up in foster care, moving from house to house until she settled down. Kind of. Everything's going right for Sophia - she's semi-popular due to her über popular boyfriend (even if she doesn't love him), her sister and best friend, Astor, is with her, and she has a family who's keeping her, even if not in name. So how does that all get turned around by simple land ownership? And how does this thing that turns her life upside down change how she see's everything? She thought going to Perfect High would be torture, and it is, but her mind keeps straying to those violet eyes, that perfect face, that dark silk hair...
YEAH I LEFT IT THERE!! NOW GO AND READREADREAD THIS BOOK!!!
I give this 5 stars out of 5 stars, and suggest that you go and make a sign to put on your door saying: READING! DO NOT DISTURB! I'm making mine as we speak as I wait for number 2 to download to my kindle. Oh, how I just love pyjama days!!
March 16, 2012
I really liked Gossamer for many reasons. First it was really different than most paranormal romance as it doesn’t involve our usual vampire, fairies werewolf or angels and the story behind what make them “special” is very original, it’s very refreshing to see some original ideas every once in a while. Secondly I think that book was really well written and the characters have a lot of dimension.
S.L create a very complex character in Sophia…..it was a risky bet I have to admit because the things she let slide, the things she accepts are infuriating. I wanted to reach in the book and punch some sense into her (pun totally intended). If it had been any other book I would have given up long ago as really I can’t deal with ‘passive’ character but here It makes sense, you have the back story that help you see things for her point of view and you only want her to see she deserve so much better than that.
Dex….what can I say about Dex. That guy is everything you want and more. Really SL is not helping lowering the standards of perfect boyfriend. I would steal him away without a second though, read this book to you own risks as you might catch a dangerous case of “crush”
I also loved most of the secondary characters (I say ‘most’ because there is a few I would love to see rot in hell). These characters all have a purpose and are not just thrown around as filler where it makes you think “okay what is that dude even doing here?!” Kudos for that SL.
The storyline was great too, it’s really flowing well and you can see that the story is really thought through. It keeps a nice pace, keeping you interested to the last page.
I would not recommend this book to ‘younger’ teens as it touch some sensitive subject such as assault against women, attempting rapes etc….It is not stupid violence or anything like that, it has a role to play in the story and SL managed to write it without making it too sinister but yet I think younger, more sensitive readers should know what to expect.
This is a very strong start of a series that really keep me on edge for book 2. This book really made me feel a wide range of emotions I was angry, hurt, sad…and totally in love :P. You have it all in it, drama, romance, secrets….
In conclusion: This book contains all the right elements to make it a winner, great writing, great storyline, great characters, great plots and of course SL ability to make you feel along with the character.
Please just give me book 2 already….Pretty please with a cherry on top
Stars: 4.5/5
S.L create a very complex character in Sophia…..it was a risky bet I have to admit because the things she let slide, the things she accepts are infuriating. I wanted to reach in the book and punch some sense into her (pun totally intended). If it had been any other book I would have given up long ago as really I can’t deal with ‘passive’ character but here It makes sense, you have the back story that help you see things for her point of view and you only want her to see she deserve so much better than that.
Dex….what can I say about Dex. That guy is everything you want and more. Really SL is not helping lowering the standards of perfect boyfriend. I would steal him away without a second though, read this book to you own risks as you might catch a dangerous case of “crush”
I also loved most of the secondary characters (I say ‘most’ because there is a few I would love to see rot in hell). These characters all have a purpose and are not just thrown around as filler where it makes you think “okay what is that dude even doing here?!” Kudos for that SL.
The storyline was great too, it’s really flowing well and you can see that the story is really thought through. It keeps a nice pace, keeping you interested to the last page.
I would not recommend this book to ‘younger’ teens as it touch some sensitive subject such as assault against women, attempting rapes etc….It is not stupid violence or anything like that, it has a role to play in the story and SL managed to write it without making it too sinister but yet I think younger, more sensitive readers should know what to expect.
This is a very strong start of a series that really keep me on edge for book 2. This book really made me feel a wide range of emotions I was angry, hurt, sad…and totally in love :P. You have it all in it, drama, romance, secrets….
In conclusion: This book contains all the right elements to make it a winner, great writing, great storyline, great characters, great plots and of course SL ability to make you feel along with the character.
Please just give me book 2 already….Pretty please with a cherry on top
Stars: 4.5/5
September 13, 2012
Oh my. This is a book quite different from other paranormal romances I've read. Those stories seem like fluffy chicks compared to what goes on in this book. Be warned, the heroine suffers a lot of violence at the hands of fiance, granddad-in-law-to-be, and her own stepdad (albeit in a more psychological way). So if you can't handle graphic descriptions of domestic violence, steer clear.
I finished this book in two days (even read past midnight, knowing I'd show up like a zombie at work the next day :), so it was a really good read. And the writing truly drew me in. The way Sophia's dad behaves in the book frustrated me so much I wanted to slap him across the fictitious face! The way Sophia slowly but surely comes to the conclusion that Jackson is not the guy for her is slightly over the top but still quite realistic (it takes victims of violence a LONG time to accept the fact that they deserve to be loved, as I've observed from real-life situations).
The story managed to really touch me, although I did think the pace was a bit off every now and then, and some discoveries Sophia makes (about her mom's book and about a guy who disappeared in Astoria) were skimmed over entirely in the chapters following those discoveries. Overall, the story was strongest in the heroine-growing-as-a-person as well as the romance-development department, and weakest in the paranormal-plot department. I liked the fact that there was no such thing as insta-love between Sophia and Dex; it all came across as very realistic and properly paced.
I do intend to get the second book in this series and hope it will be less dark and a little bit more uplifting than this one. Definitely give this one a try if you like paranormal romance for grown-ups with a bit of family drama thrown into the mix.
I finished this book in two days (even read past midnight, knowing I'd show up like a zombie at work the next day :), so it was a really good read. And the writing truly drew me in. The way Sophia's dad behaves in the book frustrated me so much I wanted to slap him across the fictitious face! The way Sophia slowly but surely comes to the conclusion that Jackson is not the guy for her is slightly over the top but still quite realistic (it takes victims of violence a LONG time to accept the fact that they deserve to be loved, as I've observed from real-life situations).
The story managed to really touch me, although I did think the pace was a bit off every now and then, and some discoveries Sophia makes (about her mom's book and about a guy who disappeared in Astoria) were skimmed over entirely in the chapters following those discoveries. Overall, the story was strongest in the heroine-growing-as-a-person as well as the romance-development department, and weakest in the paranormal-plot department. I liked the fact that there was no such thing as insta-love between Sophia and Dex; it all came across as very realistic and properly paced.
I do intend to get the second book in this series and hope it will be less dark and a little bit more uplifting than this one. Definitely give this one a try if you like paranormal romance for grown-ups with a bit of family drama thrown into the mix.
October 7, 2011
Entertaining book.
My review has some mild spoilers, so please bear with me.
First books are usually gearing up for the second, but shouldn't some things be given a better explanation before we go on? The Sidhe book story just ended abruptly. At least a clue to what was going on before the second book would have sufficed.
Astor was an admirable character. Her loyalty and devotion to Sophia, her bluntness, giving Sophia her opinion without sugarcoating. But her relationship with Joel was a bit creepy...
Sophia, Sophia, Sophia.
Well...a smart kid who was so utterly dumb when it came to Jackson, letting him beat the shit out of her. How messed up was she to let him do that even when the signs were in her face? I appreciate that the author was addressing domestic violence but our protagonist made me hate her more than sympathize.
My mind's a bit muddled over how Sophia is meant to save the Sidhe; they kill her and what? 'Drink' in her "light"...?
Will I read the second book? Sure....but I'm not dying to get my hands on it.
My review has some mild spoilers, so please bear with me.
First books are usually gearing up for the second, but shouldn't some things be given a better explanation before we go on? The Sidhe book story just ended abruptly. At least a clue to what was going on before the second book would have sufficed.
Astor was an admirable character. Her loyalty and devotion to Sophia, her bluntness, giving Sophia her opinion without sugarcoating. But her relationship with Joel was a bit creepy...
Sophia, Sophia, Sophia.
Well...a smart kid who was so utterly dumb when it came to Jackson, letting him beat the shit out of her. How messed up was she to let him do that even when the signs were in her face? I appreciate that the author was addressing domestic violence but our protagonist made me hate her more than sympathize.
My mind's a bit muddled over how Sophia is meant to save the Sidhe; they kill her and what? 'Drink' in her "light"...?
Will I read the second book? Sure....but I'm not dying to get my hands on it.
June 3, 2011
I guess i have to be the first to write a somewhat negative review :( I wanted to start by saying I LOVED the Grace Series, because of this I gave Gossamer a try. I don't know what I was expecting, but I felt like the writer was trying to hard to be dark and focus on details of Sophia's past that I didnt really connect with the story. I won't give Any spoilers, but I was quite uncomfortable at times with the direction things were going in. Not just Sophia's relationship with Jackson and Declan, but also her family as a whole. I was left wanting more understanding, but not necessarily more story.
I will give the next book a try and hope to be surprised.
I will give the next book a try and hope to be surprised.
September 14, 2011
The first 200 pages of this book were awesome! Then it started to go down hill. I enjoyed the twist and thought it was a good idea, but didn't like the delivery. Also some of the supernatural stuff was not explained, which I am assuming is because she is waiting for the sequel, but I think it should have been brushed on at least. Near the end it started getting a little corny for me and had a couple unnecessary chapters. I just had a lot of hopes for the ending after reading the first 200 pages and they weren't met.
March 11, 2012
I loved this book! It was something new to sink my teeth into. I love anything that has a paranormal type genre or theme and this was right up my alley. I have devoured everything that S.L. Naeole has written, she is one of those authors that captivates you from the beginning and you cannot put the book down or in my case the kindle. I cannot wait for her next book to come out, because I read everything of her's in one sitting and it is hard to wait for the next! I definately think that she is an excellent author and would highly recommend anything that she has written.
June 7, 2011
I have to say that I was excited when this book came out, but overall it was a little bit of a letdown. I absolutely loved the Grace series and I don't think this book was bad,but I guess it just didn't satisfy me. Too much wasn't explained for me. But since it is part of a series, then I will give the sequel a chance to see if it can do better than this. The Grace series just kept me wanting more and excited for each book. So hopefully this series will get better.
September 14, 2011
I liked this book and I'm looking forward to the rest of the series. I've also read the Grace series by this author and liked it as well. I did feel that this story line seemed a bit too similar to the Grace series, almost basically just another version of it. None the less, I still liked this book and would recommend it.
May 30, 2011
Love Love Loved it!! i wasnt sure about but i ended up loving it just as much as the grace series (which is pretty hard to live up to seeing as though i was proposed to in it) cant wait for the next one
July 20, 2011
What an incredible book. I couldn't put it down once I started reading it. The story line is very original, the writing is fantastic and the love story is beyond words. Can't wait for Book #2. Simply brilliant.
July 20, 2011
This book in my opinion connects to so many different problems/troubles in peoples lives. Whether it be trouble to with a family or special other or not really having much to go off of how to be happy on your own. It was truely a book you didn't want to put down.
September 12, 2011
Love it! It's every bit as good as the Grace Series was. The only disappointing thing is I'll have to wait for Naeole to write the next books in the series now, and I'm impatient. I'd recommend this book to anyone. The characters are loveable and the constant action makes for a very quick read.
February 2, 2013
I was not disappointed! I loved Naeole's Grace series and this one really was even better. I cannot begin to describe how I loved Sophia Blithe. The story still hasn't even begun to open up with all it's possibilities I hope the next installment is as powerful!
April 5, 2011
Fantastic!!!!!!
May 27, 2011
Amazing! CAn't wait to read the next one!
May 23, 2011
Ah-mazing!
May 23, 2011
I want the next one already!!!!!!!
June 13, 2011
Enjoyed it! Ready for the next one.
June 16, 2011
WOW!!! This book was so brutal in some places that it was hard to read. My heart was pounding. Then there was Dex. and my heart kept pounding. Highly recommended!!! Loved it!!!
June 20, 2011
Love love love this book. I couldn't put it down I stayed up all night reading this book. Amazing I would highly recommend it :)
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