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The Lithia Trilogy #1
Out of Breath
Nineteen-year-old Kat Jones has been a competitive runner since she was a young girl, but after her mother's death, the path her life was supposed to take begins to crumble around her -- until one day, she finds herself on the run in a literal sense, this time in a race for her very life.
Kat's journey takes her to the Pacific Northwest town of Lithia, the place of her last good memories, of the days when her mother was still alive. But soon after her arrival, strange things begin to happen in Lithia -- and when one of her new friends disappears under mysterious circumstances, Kat begins to realize that Lithia's inhabitants are not all of this world. Worst of all, she is falling in love with one of these otherworldly locals, and the friend who hopes to save her has secrets of his own.
As Kat tries to rebuild her life, she is also training for a race that will turn out to be her biggest challenge yet, as she must outrun not only the demons of her past but the demons of the here and now, who threaten her very existence and that of the entire town...
Kat's journey takes her to the Pacific Northwest town of Lithia, the place of her last good memories, of the days when her mother was still alive. But soon after her arrival, strange things begin to happen in Lithia -- and when one of her new friends disappears under mysterious circumstances, Kat begins to realize that Lithia's inhabitants are not all of this world. Worst of all, she is falling in love with one of these otherworldly locals, and the friend who hopes to save her has secrets of his own.
As Kat tries to rebuild her life, she is also training for a race that will turn out to be her biggest challenge yet, as she must outrun not only the demons of her past but the demons of the here and now, who threaten her very existence and that of the entire town...
274 pages, Paperback
First published September 22, 2011
3 people are currently reading
600 people want to read
About the author
Blair Richmond
6 books25 followersI am the author of Out of Breath, The Ghost Runner and The Last Mile. These books make up what I call The Lithia Trilogy. I live, relatively anonymously, in Southern Oregon. I love the woods and I love doing my small part to protect animals.
I'm now writing a new book called The Marriage Spell... more soon...
I'm now writing a new book called The Marriage Spell... more soon...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
October 7, 2011
The first in a trilogy, Out of Breath follows Kat – who is has been on the run for a long time and finds herself in her hometown of Lithia. She is embraced by the townspeople and settles into a normal life, until her friend Stacey is brutally murdered while they are running in the forest. When Kat looks into her friend’s mysterious death, she finds out that Lithia isn’t the quaint small town she believed it to be. There are vampires hiding outside the town limits and they are killing people. How is Kat going to accept the fact that vampires are a part of Lithia, especially since she is falling for one?
Richmond’s novel is another YA paranormal romance that seems to blend in with all the others in its genre. It has some different elements that set it apart – Richmond focuses on the beauty of nature and the healing effects of running. Also, there is a lot of emphasis on vegan lifestyle – almost to the point where it seems to be pushing vegan ideals on the reader. The characters were mainly flat and had no depth and the plot had some intriguing aspects that went unexplored. The novel might have held more interest if it had not introduced vegan vampires from the Pacific Northwest – it seems it is just trying to be an eco-friendly version of Twilight but with a few different details.
Disclosure: I received my copy of this book free from Library Thing’s Early Reviewer program. However, this had no effect on my opinion of the book or my review.
Richmond’s novel is another YA paranormal romance that seems to blend in with all the others in its genre. It has some different elements that set it apart – Richmond focuses on the beauty of nature and the healing effects of running. Also, there is a lot of emphasis on vegan lifestyle – almost to the point where it seems to be pushing vegan ideals on the reader. The characters were mainly flat and had no depth and the plot had some intriguing aspects that went unexplored. The novel might have held more interest if it had not introduced vegan vampires from the Pacific Northwest – it seems it is just trying to be an eco-friendly version of Twilight but with a few different details.
Disclosure: I received my copy of this book free from Library Thing’s Early Reviewer program. However, this had no effect on my opinion of the book or my review.
October 25, 2011
One of the very wonderful things about reading books is that they take us into worlds we might never be able to experience and into the heads and hearts of characters we wish we could be. That being the case, it was a fascinating place to find myself inside the head and physical surroundings of Kat Jones.
I'm not and never have been a runner. It's something that has interested me over many years because I've come across friends and acquaintences who love to run. What makes "Out of Breath" so unique is the experiences shared about this lifestyle and its character building benefits. It was an educational and emotional experience to read.
From the perspective of strictly a YA novel, you'll find this one a treat because it's much along the lines of a "Twilight" venue. There is the dark and handsome vampire, Roman; the somewhat innocent and caring nature-boy, Alex; and Kat, who is new to town, a loner and quietly beautiful. But from that point the novel takes a direction that is explosive in character pulling us into the world of running, vegan lifestyles versus blood-feeding, and murder in the woodlands above the town called "Lithia" for its calmning drinking water.
Blair Richmond is a very strong author. Her style is not only agreeable, but engaging and it has a flow that makes one want to keep digging for answers that she poses in her story. I was hooked from the beginning, and I found the mysteries she posed in the novel grabbers! Her characters are also likeable; even the strangest of the vampires, and I'm anxious to know more about all of them.
This is the first in a series around Kat, Roman and Alex. I'm very much looking forward to reading more about them and the town of Lithia. There are open-ended questions I have and I'm dying to know the answers to.
Ease of reading and a great story will make this a sure-to-be loved novel and series. I recommend it for those who love vampires!
4 stars a running
Deborah/TheBookishDame
I'm not and never have been a runner. It's something that has interested me over many years because I've come across friends and acquaintences who love to run. What makes "Out of Breath" so unique is the experiences shared about this lifestyle and its character building benefits. It was an educational and emotional experience to read.
From the perspective of strictly a YA novel, you'll find this one a treat because it's much along the lines of a "Twilight" venue. There is the dark and handsome vampire, Roman; the somewhat innocent and caring nature-boy, Alex; and Kat, who is new to town, a loner and quietly beautiful. But from that point the novel takes a direction that is explosive in character pulling us into the world of running, vegan lifestyles versus blood-feeding, and murder in the woodlands above the town called "Lithia" for its calmning drinking water.
Blair Richmond is a very strong author. Her style is not only agreeable, but engaging and it has a flow that makes one want to keep digging for answers that she poses in her story. I was hooked from the beginning, and I found the mysteries she posed in the novel grabbers! Her characters are also likeable; even the strangest of the vampires, and I'm anxious to know more about all of them.
This is the first in a series around Kat, Roman and Alex. I'm very much looking forward to reading more about them and the town of Lithia. There are open-ended questions I have and I'm dying to know the answers to.
Ease of reading and a great story will make this a sure-to-be loved novel and series. I recommend it for those who love vampires!
4 stars a running
Deborah/TheBookishDame
September 4, 2011
'Out of Breath' by Blair Richmond is set to be released at the end of October and all of you 'Twilight', 'Vampire Diaries' fans out there are in for a treat. I have no idea why I agreed to read this ARC despite my hard line against all things vampire/werewolf/etc (must have been a moment of weakness), but I started it yesterday afternoon and was up till midnight finishing it. I admit, I liked it.
What I liked about it:
1. The cover. I hope they don't change it.
2. The fact the Katherine is has a secret and an agenda of her own. It is actually a secret that an entire novel could be written around without the addition of otherworldly beings.
3. Mr Richmond's writing style. The characters are well developed and the story flows beautifully. I was hardly aware of turning pages.
4. The addition of running as an activity. These are hard core athletes that comprise a society of their own within the town. They are connected by the sport in a way we see every day with skiers and rock climbers, hockey players, etc.
5. The way running and the beauty of the mountains and nature become characters of the book in their own right.
6. The ending wasn't a cliffhanger but left me ready to read the next book of the trilogy. (Oh, did I mention that this is the first book in a trilogy?)
7. The fact that the press release says for ages 12 and up and it is totally appropriate for ages 12 and up - maybe even 10 and up.
What I didn't like:
1. As an older reader it was blatantly obvious that many of the ideas and characteristics of the vampire world were incorporated from both 'Twilight' by Stephanie Meyer and 'Vampire Diaries' by L. J. Smith - this would not likely be an issue for younger readers and maybe not even for readers who are fans of these other books.
2. The fact that I liked the book! I was kind of enjoying my anti-vampire book stance till now.
What I liked about it:
1. The cover. I hope they don't change it.
2. The fact the Katherine is has a secret and an agenda of her own. It is actually a secret that an entire novel could be written around without the addition of otherworldly beings.
3. Mr Richmond's writing style. The characters are well developed and the story flows beautifully. I was hardly aware of turning pages.
4. The addition of running as an activity. These are hard core athletes that comprise a society of their own within the town. They are connected by the sport in a way we see every day with skiers and rock climbers, hockey players, etc.
5. The way running and the beauty of the mountains and nature become characters of the book in their own right.
6. The ending wasn't a cliffhanger but left me ready to read the next book of the trilogy. (Oh, did I mention that this is the first book in a trilogy?)
7. The fact that the press release says for ages 12 and up and it is totally appropriate for ages 12 and up - maybe even 10 and up.
What I didn't like:
1. As an older reader it was blatantly obvious that many of the ideas and characteristics of the vampire world were incorporated from both 'Twilight' by Stephanie Meyer and 'Vampire Diaries' by L. J. Smith - this would not likely be an issue for younger readers and maybe not even for readers who are fans of these other books.
2. The fact that I liked the book! I was kind of enjoying my anti-vampire book stance till now.
October 12, 2011
Out of Breath by Blair Richmond is a young adult novel that will have readers quickly turning the pages to find out what secrets Kat Jones is hiding and why the town of Lithia where she ends up seems so ethereal and mysterious. Kat arrives in Lithia, where she was born, after running from something that happened in Texas, and everyone in the town is incredibly friendly and welcoming.
Richmond’s sparse narration, plus the focus on running races, ramps up the suspense as Kat’s secretive nature enables her to blend in and adopt a new life. However, this new life quickly becomes more than she can handle, enticing her to strap on her running shoes and get out of town fast. She’s a young woman who’s budding college life is cut short, and she turns to the only activity — running — that gives her solace to escape. A vegan in a town of tree huggers and other like-minded nature and running enthusiasts, Kat is at home and relatively at peace. However, the rivalry between Roman and Alex and their secrets threaten to disturb the tenuous life she’s starting to build.
Read the full review: http://savvyverseandwit.com/2011/10/o...
Richmond’s sparse narration, plus the focus on running races, ramps up the suspense as Kat’s secretive nature enables her to blend in and adopt a new life. However, this new life quickly becomes more than she can handle, enticing her to strap on her running shoes and get out of town fast. She’s a young woman who’s budding college life is cut short, and she turns to the only activity — running — that gives her solace to escape. A vegan in a town of tree huggers and other like-minded nature and running enthusiasts, Kat is at home and relatively at peace. However, the rivalry between Roman and Alex and their secrets threaten to disturb the tenuous life she’s starting to build.
Read the full review: http://savvyverseandwit.com/2011/10/o...
October 18, 2011
Out of Breath can be read in one day and is an eco-friendly, vampire ridden mystery with a love triangle. I must say that it really wouldn't be a choice as to who I would pick though. I just adore Alex. I wish there was more of a pull to each boy. I never really saw why each of the boys really were attracted to her especially to the point of protecting her like they do.
Kat is a vegan and I really enjoyed the environmental part of the story. The lush landscapes written in detail, the healthy sport of running, and the way it plays a roll with the vampires. I enjoyed how the whole town gets together for the race that takes place in the town each year.
My favorite characters in the story are Alex and David. I can't wait to read more about them. I'm also hoping to get to know Kat more in the next two books as this is a trilogy. I'm sure we will find out more about her history as it was starting to unfold at the end of Out of Breath. I want to know the mystery of her mother's death and what exactly is going on with all the vampires in town.
All in all, Out of Breath is quick read with love of the environment, vampires, and a little mystery.
Kat is a vegan and I really enjoyed the environmental part of the story. The lush landscapes written in detail, the healthy sport of running, and the way it plays a roll with the vampires. I enjoyed how the whole town gets together for the race that takes place in the town each year.
My favorite characters in the story are Alex and David. I can't wait to read more about them. I'm also hoping to get to know Kat more in the next two books as this is a trilogy. I'm sure we will find out more about her history as it was starting to unfold at the end of Out of Breath. I want to know the mystery of her mother's death and what exactly is going on with all the vampires in town.
All in all, Out of Breath is quick read with love of the environment, vampires, and a little mystery.
May 21, 2012
Blair Richmond did an outstanding job with the novel "Out of Breath". This novel had me eagerly turning the pages- I couldn't put the book down and ended up finishing it within a day.
Katherine Healy is a nineteen year old girl who is running away from her past and ends up in the town where she was born- Lithia. In this town she finds some comfort until tragedy strikes and she can't help but feel guilty. To complicate matters, she's attracted to attention of two guys who both have secrets that they rather keep hidden but Katherine is determined to find out.
Out of Breath is just a glimpse into the promising of a great trilogy. I can not wait to see what will happen in the next novel
Katherine Healy is a nineteen year old girl who is running away from her past and ends up in the town where she was born- Lithia. In this town she finds some comfort until tragedy strikes and she can't help but feel guilty. To complicate matters, she's attracted to attention of two guys who both have secrets that they rather keep hidden but Katherine is determined to find out.
Out of Breath is just a glimpse into the promising of a great trilogy. I can not wait to see what will happen in the next novel
September 7, 2013
It would be curious to have read this book at a time before Stephenie Meyer and Twilight and less removed from my own young adult experience, which included winning the state cross-country championship.
As it was, I read this vampire novel set in the Northwest with a young long-distance running female protagonist, largely as a happy antidote to Twilight.
Admittedly, I never gave Twilight a close reading. My husband and I both read it to see what the fuss was about and our conversations about it revolved around two criticisms: lack of Gothic aesthetic and lack of agency for the young female protagonist. It's never clear what makes Isabella special or why she's interested in a monster. The most frightening aspects are the aberrant behaviors young readers might assume or have reinforced with regards to normal romantic attraction due to Twilight's fantasy.
Out of Breath does better on the first count, with a more Gothic sensibility, and fantastic on the second. It's daughter-friendly, in a rousing way, "...being told I'm strong makes me feel even better than being told I'm beautiful."
On the surface, it's a Twilight-esque scenario with a young woman arriving in the small town of Lithia, Oregon and becoming the love interest of two men in this case: Team Roman or Team Alex. It's true that Kat feels more strongly drawn to the darker Roman, rather than the nice guy Alex. Sigh, vampires.
However, Kat has agency and a purpose and story beyond these romantic liaisons. The book isn't just about which guy. Kat has her own important issues to resolve and she also has a close relationship with another woman as well as a man who is not a romantic interest. The story also makes fantastic use of its Northwest natural setting and there's a fun update to the vampire mythos.
Recommended for:those with an interest in the Gothic Northwest, anyone of Twilight reading age, and parents who want to offer their children, especially girls, a Twilight alternative or comparison
This book is the first in a trilogy and it does not have a satisfying ending. Some, but not all, ends are wrapped up. The plotting doesn't drive like The Hunger Games and force an immediate click on to the next book.
I expect I'd feel differently on the bus ride back from a high school cross-country meet though. Then, I would definitely want more.
Quotes:
"Right here, right now, I am content. And that counts for something."
"It's amazing how one act of kindness can make an entire town, even an entire world, seem friendly."
"'How is your toast?' Roman asks. 'It's delicious. Cruelty-free food always is.'"
As it was, I read this vampire novel set in the Northwest with a young long-distance running female protagonist, largely as a happy antidote to Twilight.
Admittedly, I never gave Twilight a close reading. My husband and I both read it to see what the fuss was about and our conversations about it revolved around two criticisms: lack of Gothic aesthetic and lack of agency for the young female protagonist. It's never clear what makes Isabella special or why she's interested in a monster. The most frightening aspects are the aberrant behaviors young readers might assume or have reinforced with regards to normal romantic attraction due to Twilight's fantasy.
Out of Breath does better on the first count, with a more Gothic sensibility, and fantastic on the second. It's daughter-friendly, in a rousing way, "...being told I'm strong makes me feel even better than being told I'm beautiful."
On the surface, it's a Twilight-esque scenario with a young woman arriving in the small town of Lithia, Oregon and becoming the love interest of two men in this case: Team Roman or Team Alex. It's true that Kat feels more strongly drawn to the darker Roman, rather than the nice guy Alex. Sigh, vampires.
However, Kat has agency and a purpose and story beyond these romantic liaisons. The book isn't just about which guy. Kat has her own important issues to resolve and she also has a close relationship with another woman as well as a man who is not a romantic interest. The story also makes fantastic use of its Northwest natural setting and there's a fun update to the vampire mythos.
Recommended for:those with an interest in the Gothic Northwest, anyone of Twilight reading age, and parents who want to offer their children, especially girls, a Twilight alternative or comparison
This book is the first in a trilogy and it does not have a satisfying ending. Some, but not all, ends are wrapped up. The plotting doesn't drive like The Hunger Games and force an immediate click on to the next book.
I expect I'd feel differently on the bus ride back from a high school cross-country meet though. Then, I would definitely want more.
Quotes:
"Right here, right now, I am content. And that counts for something."
"It's amazing how one act of kindness can make an entire town, even an entire world, seem friendly."
"'How is your toast?' Roman asks. 'It's delicious. Cruelty-free food always is.'"
January 31, 2013
Out of Breath tells the story of Katherine, a vegetarian runner from Texas. She was born and raised in Lithia, a town in Oregon, but when her mother died, his dad lost his job and believed that life would be better outside Lithia. Too many bad things happened in Texas so Katherine decides to return to her hometown to start a new life, this time without his father.
At first, after reading the first three chapters, the story line didn't appeal much to me. Thought it was just an ordinary story for a paranormal-ish book. When I get to read the part where Katherine met Stacey and David, Out of Breath became a page-turner. I didn't stop until I read the whole book. I love how the author wove the story. Normally, paranormal romance books depend on the love story but Out of Breath is different. The story could actually stand out even without the main character's love interest/s. This is what I'm looking for in a novel. You don't have to wait for the romance part every single page. The story could be very well accepted as it is and the romance part is just a bonus to the readers. I love Katherine's personality, she's tough and strong for a female lead. If there is hesitation on some things, it would easily be resolved. What else? I love how the setting of the story is described. Imagine a place with forests, environmentalists, vegan people, etc.
As for the book cover, nice right? The paranormal part was surprising. With the book cover in mind, I thought differently. I'm not gonna spoil it for you so you decide which otherworldly beings are in this book. And would you believe these otherworldly beings are also vegan?? Interesting story!
Okay, while I loved this book, I just want to say that I had a little "connection problem" with the "romance part". It's just that I can't feel excitement with Alex and Roman, Katherine's love interests in the story. I love Alex (not sure about Roman though) but I felt something is lacking, probably because I have this delicate heart *wink* when it comes to dealing with love triangle issues in books.
Overall, I truly loved Out of Breath. If you are looking for a series to start, pick-up this book then! Now so happy to be reading book 2, Ghost Runner ;)!
At first, after reading the first three chapters, the story line didn't appeal much to me. Thought it was just an ordinary story for a paranormal-ish book. When I get to read the part where Katherine met Stacey and David, Out of Breath became a page-turner. I didn't stop until I read the whole book. I love how the author wove the story. Normally, paranormal romance books depend on the love story but Out of Breath is different. The story could actually stand out even without the main character's love interest/s. This is what I'm looking for in a novel. You don't have to wait for the romance part every single page. The story could be very well accepted as it is and the romance part is just a bonus to the readers. I love Katherine's personality, she's tough and strong for a female lead. If there is hesitation on some things, it would easily be resolved. What else? I love how the setting of the story is described. Imagine a place with forests, environmentalists, vegan people, etc.
As for the book cover, nice right? The paranormal part was surprising. With the book cover in mind, I thought differently. I'm not gonna spoil it for you so you decide which otherworldly beings are in this book. And would you believe these otherworldly beings are also vegan?? Interesting story!
Okay, while I loved this book, I just want to say that I had a little "connection problem" with the "romance part". It's just that I can't feel excitement with Alex and Roman, Katherine's love interests in the story. I love Alex (not sure about Roman though) but I felt something is lacking, probably because I have this delicate heart *wink* when it comes to dealing with love triangle issues in books.
Overall, I truly loved Out of Breath. If you are looking for a series to start, pick-up this book then! Now so happy to be reading book 2, Ghost Runner ;)!
October 12, 2011
As a mother of a teenage daughter and not typically a huge fan of the Vampire theme, I was pleasantly surprised at how much I loved this YA novel. First, it is set in a refreshing, quaint northwestern town (similar to one where I went to graduate school) and the author did a fantastic job of making the lush landscape, the environs, and the philosophy of the small town integral to the novel's plot formation. It has a definitely eco-friendly, environmental stance, which is so important in this day and age - especially as our young people become more involved in helping save the planet and come up with innovative ways to combat global warming. Despite the strong environmental leaning, I never felt as if the author was proselytizing to the reader. Everything just came together so fluidly.
Another reason why I loved the book so much is the strong female character, Kat. The young woman (who has had a mysterious past which we find out as the story unfolds) is an avid runner and a vegan. While our family is not vegan or vegetarian, I appreciate how she instills a unique perspective for adolescent readers. My daughter toys with the idea of becoming vegetarian for humanitarian and health reasons and I support her 100%. Kat has a strong belief system, sticks to her guns, and is a healthy, fit role model for girls. The books raises a great number of thought-provoking issues which can be discussed with your kids or in a teen book club. Out of Breath would be a wonderful addition to any schools' reading program.
Further (I could go on and on), there is enough drama to keep the kids reading: a love triangle, a disappearance, confusing emotions, sport, and theater. It is a very well rounded book! I have passed it on to my daughter and she to her friends. I just hope everyone loves it as much as I did! I can't wait for the next one in the series! Look out Twilight, here is your rival! With a heart!
Another reason why I loved the book so much is the strong female character, Kat. The young woman (who has had a mysterious past which we find out as the story unfolds) is an avid runner and a vegan. While our family is not vegan or vegetarian, I appreciate how she instills a unique perspective for adolescent readers. My daughter toys with the idea of becoming vegetarian for humanitarian and health reasons and I support her 100%. Kat has a strong belief system, sticks to her guns, and is a healthy, fit role model for girls. The books raises a great number of thought-provoking issues which can be discussed with your kids or in a teen book club. Out of Breath would be a wonderful addition to any schools' reading program.
Further (I could go on and on), there is enough drama to keep the kids reading: a love triangle, a disappearance, confusing emotions, sport, and theater. It is a very well rounded book! I have passed it on to my daughter and she to her friends. I just hope everyone loves it as much as I did! I can't wait for the next one in the series! Look out Twilight, here is your rival! With a heart!
October 24, 2011
For starters, I won this on LibraryThing Early Reviewers. I had no idea what to expect other than it was a paranormal romance and involved running.
This story was dark, mysterious, and had a certain depth to it.
Kat. Well, she has a past. Throughout the entire novel, she didn't reveal much about her life. The main things I got what that she was a runner, she was running from and to her past, in a way. You'd have to read the book to understand what I mean by that. Her character definitely mystery to it. I can't wait to figure out more about her in the sequels.
Roman. He's, uh, well, something. I didn't like him. It frustrated me throughout the book that Kat was hung up on him because she felt this "connection". Let's just say, my intuition was right about him towards the end.
Alex. He's such a sweetie! I liked him right off the bat. It kind of irritated me that Kat couldn't choose between him and Roman. When, obviously, Alex is the better choice.
Stacey&David. Well, for Stacey I have nothing to say other than she and the events around her confused me. David, I felt bad for him. He didn't deserve the heartbreak he got.
Now, on to the plot. Without giving away details, I'll say that it was well written. I liked the flow of the story. The fact that Kat was a vegan and a runner set in this dark world somehow made the story realistic. I like dark fiction. Or rather, the kind of fiction that has a dark undertone. And Blair Richmond portrayed the darkness well. In my opinion, that darkness seemed to sprout mostly from Kat, but there was a little of all the major character's there, too. Lithia seems to have a darkness. I just can't explain it right.
Overall, this book was definitely interesting. I really enjoyed it. There was such great plot twists! I simply cannot wait for the next book, The Ghost Runner, coming out in 2012.
This story was dark, mysterious, and had a certain depth to it.
Kat. Well, she has a past. Throughout the entire novel, she didn't reveal much about her life. The main things I got what that she was a runner, she was running from and to her past, in a way. You'd have to read the book to understand what I mean by that. Her character definitely mystery to it. I can't wait to figure out more about her in the sequels.
Roman. He's, uh, well, something. I didn't like him. It frustrated me throughout the book that Kat was hung up on him because she felt this "connection". Let's just say, my intuition was right about him towards the end.
Alex. He's such a sweetie! I liked him right off the bat. It kind of irritated me that Kat couldn't choose between him and Roman. When, obviously, Alex is the better choice.
Stacey&David. Well, for Stacey I have nothing to say other than she and the events around her confused me. David, I felt bad for him. He didn't deserve the heartbreak he got.
Now, on to the plot. Without giving away details, I'll say that it was well written. I liked the flow of the story. The fact that Kat was a vegan and a runner set in this dark world somehow made the story realistic. I like dark fiction. Or rather, the kind of fiction that has a dark undertone. And Blair Richmond portrayed the darkness well. In my opinion, that darkness seemed to sprout mostly from Kat, but there was a little of all the major character's there, too. Lithia seems to have a darkness. I just can't explain it right.
Overall, this book was definitely interesting. I really enjoyed it. There was such great plot twists! I simply cannot wait for the next book, The Ghost Runner, coming out in 2012.
October 3, 2011
Wow! I loved this book. I received it as an ARC from Librarything.com and I am so glad that I did! I had a very hard time putting this book down. I love the characters. David and Alex are probably my favorites. I was really enthralled with the book when it came down to the last 50 or so pages. Big twists and turns. The ending leaves a few unanswered questions so I am highly anticipating the next book. I know I will have to wait a while, but it will sure be worth it!
July 27, 2012
I started reading this book with the idea that it'd be a mystery/self-discovery/dark past& secrets type of story -- not so, entirely. Ended up feeling like Twilight. Ugh.
May 14, 2017
Flashback
I usually do not give reviews. I realize that an author's success depends heavily on reviews of their work. In most situations I feel that I cannot articulate my opinion well enough to do the author justice.
With that being said I would also like to note that it is very rare that I will give a negative review. However, this book just fell flat. I do not know of any other word to describe it.
There was no depth to the characters. I felt that at times more emphasis was given to nature and scenery than to character development. Also the climax of the story was built up very slowly and was just dropped as if the author was unsure of where to take the rest of the story. The end was just strange and I am unsure of what to think of it.
Furthermore, what bothered me the most are the blatant similarities to the Twilight series. In some scenes it was almost as if I was having an Edward/Bella/Jacob flashback. These similarities in turned caused the entire story to have a very tried, unimaginative, bored feeling. I was really sorry I could not have liked this book more.
I usually do not give reviews. I realize that an author's success depends heavily on reviews of their work. In most situations I feel that I cannot articulate my opinion well enough to do the author justice.
With that being said I would also like to note that it is very rare that I will give a negative review. However, this book just fell flat. I do not know of any other word to describe it.
There was no depth to the characters. I felt that at times more emphasis was given to nature and scenery than to character development. Also the climax of the story was built up very slowly and was just dropped as if the author was unsure of where to take the rest of the story. The end was just strange and I am unsure of what to think of it.
Furthermore, what bothered me the most are the blatant similarities to the Twilight series. In some scenes it was almost as if I was having an Edward/Bella/Jacob flashback. These similarities in turned caused the entire story to have a very tried, unimaginative, bored feeling. I was really sorry I could not have liked this book more.
January 19, 2018
I have been in a reading slump lately and have started books only to not finish them. Out of Breath came through for me though. The Pacific Northwest setting, the intriguing story, the supernatural elements, and the cleanliness (no crudeness, no sex, no foul language) all added up to hooking me into the story. I can't give it higher than three stars though
because of the main characters "interests" being so non-relatable, and sometimes a bit annoying, to me. She's a runner, and I am not, she's vegan, and I am definitely not. So the whole "eco-friendly"/vegan angle was my only complaint. I will give book two a try. UPDATE: I started book two, but the "hippy" feel of it was not to my liking.
because of the main characters "interests" being so non-relatable, and sometimes a bit annoying, to me. She's a runner, and I am not, she's vegan, and I am definitely not. So the whole "eco-friendly"/vegan angle was my only complaint. I will give book two a try. UPDATE: I started book two, but the "hippy" feel of it was not to my liking.
May 16, 2023
When I found this YA trilogy set in a lovely small town surrounded by trails and nature but with a mysterious possible supernatural element I knew I HAD to read this for HIKEATHON (my fitness/nature themed readathon. I really really enjoyed the setting and the love story (possible love triangle?) this first story is setting up.
Things I didn't love: I didn't love the audiobook's narrator.
I felt the main character constantly talking about her veganism took away from the actual plot/story.
But overall it was a fun easy read!
Things I didn't love: I didn't love the audiobook's narrator.
I felt the main character constantly talking about her veganism took away from the actual plot/story.
But overall it was a fun easy read!
September 8, 2017
At first I was like, who is she and the way the author describes the storyline it's like I am Kat, I feel what was like to not have any money and place to stay but right after Alex and Roman fighting over her I was like, "Am I reading Twilight or something?!" Because of the similarity but then again, we can totally see the difference and I'm loving this novel. Glad I could read it from my phone too. Great book, worth your time reading it.
December 26, 2020
It’s a YA book about a girl who falls in love with a vampire. Predictable and full of toxic tropes and examples of unhealthy relationships that got completely ignored. Very dumb but I finished it in a day so at least it was entertaining. That being said, stalking and possessiveness is not attractive or ok and I wish books(especially young adult books) would stop portraying it as this romantic thing that’s just so sweet.
January 24, 2023
I wish this book had found me years ago, but I'm still happy I got to enjoy it now. Vegan main character and vegan vampires alongside traditional vampires is the perfect combination for me. I love vampires, I love veganism and this book was perfect. It might not be for someone else, but for me, it was everything I wanted and needed. Fast-paced story with interesting plotline and a good narrator to make it all come alive.
February 21, 2023
Spoilers ahead. I can’t count how many times I rolled my eyes. Love Triangle. Judgmental vegans vs. judgmental carnivores. Vampires in the Pacific Northwest. Also… a vampire that lives by sucking the blood of trees!? Come on…
Felt like a Twilight knockoff but just weird.
Felt like a Twilight knockoff but just weird.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 28, 2018
This story is very much about the running with a little bit about Katherine & supernatural creatures. Suitable for young adults it has no sex or swearing & very minimal violence.
April 29, 2018
An okay read
February 15, 2023
I liked it until the vampire theme entered the story.
February 27, 2023
Laughably bad. Seriously. And somehow the monotone narration was worse. This book feels like the author got into Twilight, wrote a fanfic online, and someone encouraged them to publish it.
February 28, 2023
This is a gimmick book pure and simple. I did not enjoy it.
March 12, 2023
Listened to the audio book. Did not enjoy the narrator. Won't be finishing the trilogy. I was interested in the story until it got weird then found it laughable
Read
October 28, 2011Out of Breath is a quick paranormal read with a beautifully captivating Northwest setting, has a few vampires, a love triangle and a little element of mystery to it that kept me turning the pages. I really liked the concept of this story and I of course loved the setting! I'm a sucker for an outdoor, specifically one that takes place in the Northwest like this book does. I think this setting worked great for this story and I liked that Blair was able to blend the way of life in the Pacific Northwest, which is very outdoor driven, heath conscious and eco-friendly, and the quiet little town feel into his book well. All of these things are both a big part of this story, and the character's life. The only thing that bothered was how often being a vegan is mentioned in the story. After the first few times I felt it was completely distracting to the story line to have it brought up as often as it was.
I liked that Kat, the main character turned to running as a way of healing from her past and what she's running from. I found her story was a bit fascinating and from the get go I wondered how she was able to go just "get by" the way she was. She's definitely one of those resilient characters who just makes do, and makes things work for her, and I admired that about her. Unfortunately, as the story went I found that's all I was able to like about Kat. It's not that she's not likable per say, but I really needed to have some sort of connection with her to like her the way I had excepted to, and I didn't get that. I adored Alex, one of the first guys in town that Kat meets, but what irritated me about their relationship is how quickly they went from really just meeting to all the sudden he becomes overly protective of her, and has this need to warn her about the other love interest Roman. Roman was a very hard character for me to like.
I'm the type of reader who needs character connection and a believable love story. As much as I wanted that from Out of Breath, I didn't get that with Kat, Alex or Roman. I felt like there was something missing with their character development that kept me from feeling that connection to them. I did however really enjoy the relationship between Kat, Stacey and her boyfriend David have. I liked that Stacey and Kat hit it off from the moment Kat comes to town and meets her. That relationship played well into the turn of events that happen in Lithia, and leave Kat questioning whether the impossible is really possible in this small town. The paranormal element with the vampires, the outdoors and Kat's history was a bit unique and I liked the elements that Blair uses to tell his story.
I'm a little torn on where I stand with this book, because there were times I liked it and other times I thought it was just okay, which is due to my feelings through out the story. There were times I felt like either the plot line was missing something or it felt a little flat and there were others times I liked the little elements of surprise that Blair added to the story. Though I loved the setting and the way it wrapped into the story, overall I felt like too many little things were missing from the plot and the main characters for me to really like the book/connect with it, like I had hoped to. I can certainly see why others would love it, but it just wasn't a book that connected with me. Though I didn't like it as much as I wanted to, this is a book I'd recommend to older YA readers who enjoy paranormal reads.
I liked that Kat, the main character turned to running as a way of healing from her past and what she's running from. I found her story was a bit fascinating and from the get go I wondered how she was able to go just "get by" the way she was. She's definitely one of those resilient characters who just makes do, and makes things work for her, and I admired that about her. Unfortunately, as the story went I found that's all I was able to like about Kat. It's not that she's not likable per say, but I really needed to have some sort of connection with her to like her the way I had excepted to, and I didn't get that. I adored Alex, one of the first guys in town that Kat meets, but what irritated me about their relationship is how quickly they went from really just meeting to all the sudden he becomes overly protective of her, and has this need to warn her about the other love interest Roman. Roman was a very hard character for me to like.
I'm the type of reader who needs character connection and a believable love story. As much as I wanted that from Out of Breath, I didn't get that with Kat, Alex or Roman. I felt like there was something missing with their character development that kept me from feeling that connection to them. I did however really enjoy the relationship between Kat, Stacey and her boyfriend David have. I liked that Stacey and Kat hit it off from the moment Kat comes to town and meets her. That relationship played well into the turn of events that happen in Lithia, and leave Kat questioning whether the impossible is really possible in this small town. The paranormal element with the vampires, the outdoors and Kat's history was a bit unique and I liked the elements that Blair uses to tell his story.
I'm a little torn on where I stand with this book, because there were times I liked it and other times I thought it was just okay, which is due to my feelings through out the story. There were times I felt like either the plot line was missing something or it felt a little flat and there were others times I liked the little elements of surprise that Blair added to the story. Though I loved the setting and the way it wrapped into the story, overall I felt like too many little things were missing from the plot and the main characters for me to really like the book/connect with it, like I had hoped to. I can certainly see why others would love it, but it just wasn't a book that connected with me. Though I didn't like it as much as I wanted to, this is a book I'd recommend to older YA readers who enjoy paranormal reads.
November 1, 2011
Source: Received from publicist. Many thanks goes to Rebecca from Ashland Creek Press for sending me a copy of this book. I received this book free of charge in exchange for an honest review.
My rating: 3.5/5
Kat has been on the run, and is now coming full circle. She is back in the town she was born in, and she is hoping that she has run far enough from her past to settle down for a while. She makes friends with the locals, finds a place to live and to work, and has her pick of two of the towns most eligible young men. Kat is not quite sure that this is her life now, and when a murder destroys the sense of peace surrounding the town, she realizes that she might have to run yet again.
Out of Breath is an interesting tale, one that brings together vampires and vegans. It is an eco-friendly read, especially since Kat is a vegan. The outdoor beauty of Lithia, the mountains, and the competitive atmosphere of those hoping to run the upcoming race all factor in to make this an idyllic read. It could have been written on those merits alone without the addition of vampires. Even so, the vampires aren't necessarily of the norm, and Kat will have to decide who she can trust once she makes some realizations of her own. Though this is the first novel in a trilogy, it can be read as a standalone. There is resolution at the end of the book, though it is left open-ended to continue with the next book in the trilogy.
I liked Kat, and I liked Alex. I even liked Roman. However I found that though they were all drawn to each other, there wasn't any definitive reason as to why they liked each other. They seemed to be a little flat, and their relationships with each other and past history is left in question and is not wholly believable. I wanted a more in depth look at the inner workings of the characters, particularly Alex and Roman. I wanted to know why they set their sights on Kat, and what made her so special to them.
I did enjoy the book, and I was intrigued by the vampire mythos used in the book. I liked the incorporation of Kat's vegan diet, and how it in turn brought another outlook or aspect to the read. Out of Breath is a fast-paced read, and readers will gobble it up in a few short hours. I am left to wonder what will happen next to Kat, especially since there are things and beings hinted at that haven't even been formally introduced into the story yet.
All in all, this is a haunting and inspired read. Though there are vampires in Out of Breath, the book is not just another vampire novel. There are other elements at play, and it will be interesting to see what happens next as Kat's past and more of the supernatural world is revealed.
My rating: 3.5/5
Kat has been on the run, and is now coming full circle. She is back in the town she was born in, and she is hoping that she has run far enough from her past to settle down for a while. She makes friends with the locals, finds a place to live and to work, and has her pick of two of the towns most eligible young men. Kat is not quite sure that this is her life now, and when a murder destroys the sense of peace surrounding the town, she realizes that she might have to run yet again.
Out of Breath is an interesting tale, one that brings together vampires and vegans. It is an eco-friendly read, especially since Kat is a vegan. The outdoor beauty of Lithia, the mountains, and the competitive atmosphere of those hoping to run the upcoming race all factor in to make this an idyllic read. It could have been written on those merits alone without the addition of vampires. Even so, the vampires aren't necessarily of the norm, and Kat will have to decide who she can trust once she makes some realizations of her own. Though this is the first novel in a trilogy, it can be read as a standalone. There is resolution at the end of the book, though it is left open-ended to continue with the next book in the trilogy.
I liked Kat, and I liked Alex. I even liked Roman. However I found that though they were all drawn to each other, there wasn't any definitive reason as to why they liked each other. They seemed to be a little flat, and their relationships with each other and past history is left in question and is not wholly believable. I wanted a more in depth look at the inner workings of the characters, particularly Alex and Roman. I wanted to know why they set their sights on Kat, and what made her so special to them.
I did enjoy the book, and I was intrigued by the vampire mythos used in the book. I liked the incorporation of Kat's vegan diet, and how it in turn brought another outlook or aspect to the read. Out of Breath is a fast-paced read, and readers will gobble it up in a few short hours. I am left to wonder what will happen next to Kat, especially since there are things and beings hinted at that haven't even been formally introduced into the story yet.
All in all, this is a haunting and inspired read. Though there are vampires in Out of Breath, the book is not just another vampire novel. There are other elements at play, and it will be interesting to see what happens next as Kat's past and more of the supernatural world is revealed.
September 17, 2014
This book is classified as a young adult but it seems like a hard written book for young adults unless they are avid readers. It has a smooth beginning but you are dropped into a story line with only a bare history. I prefer to know where the main character is coming from and why I am following her story. The characters did grab my attention but I kept wondering why I was following along with them. [return][return]The main character comes across as an adult however she is only 19 and fully independent, but for living on her own it does not give a clear picture of how hard it is for a young girl to get along on her own cross country. I didn't get a feeling or a good description of what was around her at all. The author kept teasing with little phrases on the past but never fully clarified even in the end which leaves me with alot of questions. I understand this will be a series however it doesn't give me much anticipation for the next one because it is so blase about everything except the main character. There was enough interaction with other characters however they never really got a chance to become a connection through the book.[return][return]On the flip side I did like the spin on vampires that was mentioned, as well as the focus on running. It made me want to go out and start running every morning. For as bland as most of the book was the descriptions and emotions really came alive when she described the main character and how she was connected to her surrounding while running. [return][return]The other topic I really enjoyed was the mysterious beings in the woods and mountains. I hope she can go further into detail in the next book on them.
August 16, 2011
Today's review is on Out of Breath by Blair Richmond
Out of Breath is the debut release by Blair Richmond and shows tremendous promise. This 268 page, first installment of Richmond's three part series is easily read in one day.
The reader follows the adventure of Katherine Healy, a nineteen year old runaway who also LOVES to literally run. You see, she was on track in high school, winning races and impressing recruiters until,that is,her father runs over her foot. Now she's on the run trying to get away from her problems, and her secrets. She ends her journey in the small town of Lithia and finds that things are not exactly what they seem. Lithia has a secret all of its own, and she is thrown right into the middle of it.
Though I feel that this series shows great promise, I did find it to be a bit slow. The reader never knows why Kat is on the run until the end of the book, and there wasn't much leading up to the great reveal.
I would have liked a little more build up to the dramatic events in the book as well. After all the first part of dramatic is drama. Also, I know there is a love triangle there between Kat, Roman, and Alex, but it too is a little flat.
All in all, it is a good book, and I enjoyed it. I am however looking forward to some growth in Richmond's writing with each new installment. That; I feel, is the best part of being a book reviewer. Watching the development, and improvement of new authors.
3 of 5 stars
Out of Breath is the debut release by Blair Richmond and shows tremendous promise. This 268 page, first installment of Richmond's three part series is easily read in one day.
The reader follows the adventure of Katherine Healy, a nineteen year old runaway who also LOVES to literally run. You see, she was on track in high school, winning races and impressing recruiters until,that is,her father runs over her foot. Now she's on the run trying to get away from her problems, and her secrets. She ends her journey in the small town of Lithia and finds that things are not exactly what they seem. Lithia has a secret all of its own, and she is thrown right into the middle of it.
Though I feel that this series shows great promise, I did find it to be a bit slow. The reader never knows why Kat is on the run until the end of the book, and there wasn't much leading up to the great reveal.
I would have liked a little more build up to the dramatic events in the book as well. After all the first part of dramatic is drama. Also, I know there is a love triangle there between Kat, Roman, and Alex, but it too is a little flat.
All in all, it is a good book, and I enjoyed it. I am however looking forward to some growth in Richmond's writing with each new installment. That; I feel, is the best part of being a book reviewer. Watching the development, and improvement of new authors.
3 of 5 stars
October 30, 2011
This was a great story based on trying to find out who you really are, who you want to be and how to get there. Kat faces many challenges in this story, but all lead to her trying to make those decisions about her own life. She has a love for running - the freedom you feel as the wind whips in your face, the solitude of being alone with your thoughts. But Kat has also been running from her past, moving from place to place just as quickly as she arrived. Has she finally found a place that she feels she can stay and finally be herself?
There are side stories that go along with all of this running business - that of a love triangle and vampires. It kind of reminds me of Twilight, but not totally. There is the dark and mysterious, Roman and then there is the boy next door, Alex. A bit of a love triangle develops with touch of jealousy between the guys - each trying to protect Kat in their own way, each falling in love with her a little more.
I'm hoping to learn more about their reasons for being so protective of Kat, I have a hunch about why, but can't write it because it would lead to a spoiler. I will just have to wait for the next two books in the trilogy to see if I am right. I'm excited to see if Kat really stays put in Lithia, to learn more about Roman and Alex, and to see what happens with this love triangle.
There are side stories that go along with all of this running business - that of a love triangle and vampires. It kind of reminds me of Twilight, but not totally. There is the dark and mysterious, Roman and then there is the boy next door, Alex. A bit of a love triangle develops with touch of jealousy between the guys - each trying to protect Kat in their own way, each falling in love with her a little more.
I'm hoping to learn more about their reasons for being so protective of Kat, I have a hunch about why, but can't write it because it would lead to a spoiler. I will just have to wait for the next two books in the trilogy to see if I am right. I'm excited to see if Kat really stays put in Lithia, to learn more about Roman and Alex, and to see what happens with this love triangle.
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