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Light Bringer #1
Sundial
It is 1988 and teenager Whitney Forbes thought her biggest problem was surviving high school and determining if there was more to handsome Reid Wallace than just his looks and popularity. She was wrong. Her problems were about to get a lot more complicated.
Whitney always knew she was special. But when she discovers she is more "special" than she ever imagined, surviving another school day outside her posh D.C. suburb takes on a whole new meaning. Caught in the middle of a CIA plot and her undeniable magnetic attraction to Reid, she will need to decide who she can trust and what it means to become the Sundial...before she risks her heart and an alarming plan goes into motion.
SUNDIAL is an epic adventure full of romantic intrigue that questions the bonds of love and trust as well as social and economic issues. It unflinchingly dares its characters to overcome adversity to survive and nothing is quite as it seems in this character driven suspense that has a high intensity ending!
Whitney always knew she was special. But when she discovers she is more "special" than she ever imagined, surviving another school day outside her posh D.C. suburb takes on a whole new meaning. Caught in the middle of a CIA plot and her undeniable magnetic attraction to Reid, she will need to decide who she can trust and what it means to become the Sundial...before she risks her heart and an alarming plan goes into motion.
SUNDIAL is an epic adventure full of romantic intrigue that questions the bonds of love and trust as well as social and economic issues. It unflinchingly dares its characters to overcome adversity to survive and nothing is quite as it seems in this character driven suspense that has a high intensity ending!
330 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 6, 2011
26 people are currently reading
1154 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
November 23, 2011
Sundial is an incredible adventure of a book! I loved it from page one. It's the kind of book that makes you think, a lot, you can't just fly through pages. It's got an in-depth and intense plot filled with everything from very funny characters, science, high school, parties, CIA, and more!!
Whitney is hilarious!! I can picture her and her snarky attitude in my head. Fruzzetti and Pearsall do a remarkable job creating characters that made me want to keep reading. Whit has some of my favorite features of a girl in charge, tough yet charming, sweet and knows what she wants. From the very beginning I knew I was going to love her. She talks in the book about knowing what she wants and not settling, and not changing her life for a boyfriend and it's a characteristic I think all YA books need in their heroine. We have to teach young girls that, YOU DON'T NEED A MAN but they're nice to have around. ;)
The authors keep the readers on their toes, especially in the end of a book. The plot just gets thicker and thicker, and the ending OMG! I love when I'm done with a book, to feel like I need to skim through it one more time, because it can't be over I NEED MORE!! I'm using a lot of caps in this review, but they are necessary. Am I getting my point ACROSS? K just making sure.
Anyway, onto the boyfriend. Wow! What a charmer. It thrilled me that while everyone else was falling over him Whitney kept her cool. Boyfriends complicate things, and she realizes that from the beginning. Does that stop her from falling fast? Of course not, she's not immune to love but she's a thinker and is always one step ahead of the situations thrown at her, except with him (how frustrating).
This is how I would describe this book to someone wanting to know the genre. It begins as a YA contemporary romance or coming of age, pretty simple plot, easy to get into and used to the setting and slew of characters. Yes some of our characters have unique abilities but they're still just teenagers living day to day until they can be adults. Slowly the story begins to get more complicated and intricate, the authors add in many different elements like martial arts, covert-ops, spy, death, intrigue, drama, nuclear fall outs, until eventually we are consumed in this tale. And yes, on top of everything, it's a love story. And, oh how I love a great love story.
It's books like this that I want to quote when people say to me "Carole, you're 24, why do you still read YA?" because it's freaking fantastic! I mean geeze, get a grip!
I recommend Sundial to fans of Kelley Armstrong's Darkest Powers series and Darkness Rising series, and anyone looking for a great action packed book. Thank you to the authors for approaching me to read this amazing book, it's definitely a series I plan to follow and one I will recommend to everyone and anyone who will listen!
Whitney is hilarious!! I can picture her and her snarky attitude in my head. Fruzzetti and Pearsall do a remarkable job creating characters that made me want to keep reading. Whit has some of my favorite features of a girl in charge, tough yet charming, sweet and knows what she wants. From the very beginning I knew I was going to love her. She talks in the book about knowing what she wants and not settling, and not changing her life for a boyfriend and it's a characteristic I think all YA books need in their heroine. We have to teach young girls that, YOU DON'T NEED A MAN but they're nice to have around. ;)
The authors keep the readers on their toes, especially in the end of a book. The plot just gets thicker and thicker, and the ending OMG! I love when I'm done with a book, to feel like I need to skim through it one more time, because it can't be over I NEED MORE!! I'm using a lot of caps in this review, but they are necessary. Am I getting my point ACROSS? K just making sure.
Anyway, onto the boyfriend. Wow! What a charmer. It thrilled me that while everyone else was falling over him Whitney kept her cool. Boyfriends complicate things, and she realizes that from the beginning. Does that stop her from falling fast? Of course not, she's not immune to love but she's a thinker and is always one step ahead of the situations thrown at her, except with him (how frustrating).
This is how I would describe this book to someone wanting to know the genre. It begins as a YA contemporary romance or coming of age, pretty simple plot, easy to get into and used to the setting and slew of characters. Yes some of our characters have unique abilities but they're still just teenagers living day to day until they can be adults. Slowly the story begins to get more complicated and intricate, the authors add in many different elements like martial arts, covert-ops, spy, death, intrigue, drama, nuclear fall outs, until eventually we are consumed in this tale. And yes, on top of everything, it's a love story. And, oh how I love a great love story.
It's books like this that I want to quote when people say to me "Carole, you're 24, why do you still read YA?" because it's freaking fantastic! I mean geeze, get a grip!
I recommend Sundial to fans of Kelley Armstrong's Darkest Powers series and Darkness Rising series, and anyone looking for a great action packed book. Thank you to the authors for approaching me to read this amazing book, it's definitely a series I plan to follow and one I will recommend to everyone and anyone who will listen!
October 22, 2011
This is the smartest young adult novel I have read in quite awhile. I
give it five stars for its complex plot, structure, character
development and world worth experiencing!
If you are looking for more than just a paranormal love story Sundial
is a good choice and had me checking out their website to look for a
sequel release date. I promise you the ending will have you on the
edge of your seat and takes you to place you would never imagine to
find two high school students!
What I liked about the book is that it is not just mush of boy meets
girl and they go to prom. This book has a complex and intelligent
plot that unfolds for the characters along with the readers. As
Whitney learns her life is becoming unhinged, so does the reader.
Brilliant. The book is sophisticated and may be lost on younger young adults. It deals with themes of power, trust, survival, war and empathy.
The best part of the plot was that the book chapters end in
cliffhangers--not all of which are resolved immediately--so I found
myself racing through the pages trying to get all of the pieces of
this elaborate puzzle. It is refreshing to have a captivating story
that doesn't water the story down for the reader. The end, of course,
is the biggest cliffhanger of all even though many of the meaty pieces of the story are resolved. It does leave you wanting more so be
prepared.
As far as the characters go you can take your pick of who to like. (It is obvious who is there to threaten Whitney and you can root against
either an evil CIA director or an obnoxious high school.) All the
characters are flushed out nicely and the pairing of Whitney and Blair is especially fun--two besties who bring out the best and sometimes
the opposite in each other. The sub characters are also helpful and
reveal more about our main characters. For instance, in the details
of the clothing. You get a sense of the character's personalities even through shoe choice---one in Sperry boat shoes, one in Jack Rogers
sandals and one in Doc Martins boots--that alone tells you a lot about who these people are and how it they fit into a wealthy world set in
and around Washington, DC. They are all unique even though clearly
affluent. The world building with the affluence it consistent
throughout---the characters all go to the same high school and all
have access to things some of us dream about: boats, cars, expansive
houses, computers and money. It totally fits the bill for the area
around Washington and makes it that much more fascinating. At one
point, Blair asks Whitney if Reid's last name should be "Carrington"
from the hit show of ultimate opulence DALLAS. Their wealth explains
a lot about how they are able to do some of the things they do--like
go boating and have fantastic parties. This is all fascinating but
none of it as fascinating as Reid---who you fall in love with not just because he is the hottest guy you can imagine in your mind--but
because you get the sense he really cares about Whitney and this is
conveyed in both action and words. His blunders make him all the more
interesting and relatable as a teenage guy.
A final mention of world building. The book's setting is like going on an insider's guide of the DC area. The scavenger hunt was so
interesting -- the Netherlands Carillon -- a little known but local favorite. I love, love, loved this part. I also liked being inside the Wallace office and looking out on the city. It really conveys the level of power and prestige Reid brings with him and why he is such a hypnotic commodity!
This book made me feel like I was "there" and that I had truly escaped into a world of wealth, power and privilege. Fun to visit, even for a little while!
Looking forward to the next book and to see what kind of book cover
they will create for the next one. SUNDIAL'S artwork is stunning and
is just the tip of the iceberg of a thrilling and smart story!
give it five stars for its complex plot, structure, character
development and world worth experiencing!
If you are looking for more than just a paranormal love story Sundial
is a good choice and had me checking out their website to look for a
sequel release date. I promise you the ending will have you on the
edge of your seat and takes you to place you would never imagine to
find two high school students!
What I liked about the book is that it is not just mush of boy meets
girl and they go to prom. This book has a complex and intelligent
plot that unfolds for the characters along with the readers. As
Whitney learns her life is becoming unhinged, so does the reader.
Brilliant. The book is sophisticated and may be lost on younger young adults. It deals with themes of power, trust, survival, war and empathy.
The best part of the plot was that the book chapters end in
cliffhangers--not all of which are resolved immediately--so I found
myself racing through the pages trying to get all of the pieces of
this elaborate puzzle. It is refreshing to have a captivating story
that doesn't water the story down for the reader. The end, of course,
is the biggest cliffhanger of all even though many of the meaty pieces of the story are resolved. It does leave you wanting more so be
prepared.
As far as the characters go you can take your pick of who to like. (It is obvious who is there to threaten Whitney and you can root against
either an evil CIA director or an obnoxious high school.) All the
characters are flushed out nicely and the pairing of Whitney and Blair is especially fun--two besties who bring out the best and sometimes
the opposite in each other. The sub characters are also helpful and
reveal more about our main characters. For instance, in the details
of the clothing. You get a sense of the character's personalities even through shoe choice---one in Sperry boat shoes, one in Jack Rogers
sandals and one in Doc Martins boots--that alone tells you a lot about who these people are and how it they fit into a wealthy world set in
and around Washington, DC. They are all unique even though clearly
affluent. The world building with the affluence it consistent
throughout---the characters all go to the same high school and all
have access to things some of us dream about: boats, cars, expansive
houses, computers and money. It totally fits the bill for the area
around Washington and makes it that much more fascinating. At one
point, Blair asks Whitney if Reid's last name should be "Carrington"
from the hit show of ultimate opulence DALLAS. Their wealth explains
a lot about how they are able to do some of the things they do--like
go boating and have fantastic parties. This is all fascinating but
none of it as fascinating as Reid---who you fall in love with not just because he is the hottest guy you can imagine in your mind--but
because you get the sense he really cares about Whitney and this is
conveyed in both action and words. His blunders make him all the more
interesting and relatable as a teenage guy.
A final mention of world building. The book's setting is like going on an insider's guide of the DC area. The scavenger hunt was so
interesting -- the Netherlands Carillon -- a little known but local favorite. I love, love, loved this part. I also liked being inside the Wallace office and looking out on the city. It really conveys the level of power and prestige Reid brings with him and why he is such a hypnotic commodity!
This book made me feel like I was "there" and that I had truly escaped into a world of wealth, power and privilege. Fun to visit, even for a little while!
Looking forward to the next book and to see what kind of book cover
they will create for the next one. SUNDIAL'S artwork is stunning and
is just the tip of the iceberg of a thrilling and smart story!
October 24, 2011
SUNDIAL has all it takes to be the beginning of an epic adventure--right up to a cliffhanger of an ending that leaves you cheering and wanting more. This is an edgy read and one you will enjoy if you like mystery, suspense and intrigue. Every chapter leaves you with a question mark in your mind and, like a true suspense, not every question is immediately answered!
Whitney is a rock of a character. She knows who she is and she cultivates good friends. It is a refreshing change that she considers her options and makes smart decisions before diving in--even though she still finds herself in sticky situations from time to time. Blair, her best friend, always has her back and their relationship provides humor and balance. These two make a tough team and are always helping each other out even when one is pushing the other off a boat! Now, that's saying something!
Reid is dynamic and interesting. Yes, he is the most popular boy in school but he is more than the perfect cliche. He makes mistakes and is befuddled by Whitney. His super cool persona is another element that nothing is what it seems. I really like that he has met a mental fencing partner in Whitney and their witty exchanges reveal a mental test of wills and wit. Their conversations were funny and sharp--just like the characters. I appreciated that their relationship is deep while they are surrounded by shallow materialism. I'm glad Whitney out foxes Reid when she can't out power him and that there is a lot of strategy which adds to the plot's tension.
The wealthy powerhouse of Washington, D.C., and affluent Alexandria, VA, are the stomping grounds of this book. This area of the country is where money and power are always an undercurrent and is a fitting backdrop for the story's location. Nearby Langley, VA, houses the CIA and makes the setting of a DC suburb an obvious and pivotal choice. The glamorous monuments, historical and high brow Old Town all help to contribute to the sophisticated air of the book and makes me think it would play out as a great movie!
The book is subtle and well crafted. It is full of surprises and good characters. SUNDIAL leaves me believing Whitney and Reid can take on the world and I wonder where they will go next!
Whitney is a rock of a character. She knows who she is and she cultivates good friends. It is a refreshing change that she considers her options and makes smart decisions before diving in--even though she still finds herself in sticky situations from time to time. Blair, her best friend, always has her back and their relationship provides humor and balance. These two make a tough team and are always helping each other out even when one is pushing the other off a boat! Now, that's saying something!
Reid is dynamic and interesting. Yes, he is the most popular boy in school but he is more than the perfect cliche. He makes mistakes and is befuddled by Whitney. His super cool persona is another element that nothing is what it seems. I really like that he has met a mental fencing partner in Whitney and their witty exchanges reveal a mental test of wills and wit. Their conversations were funny and sharp--just like the characters. I appreciated that their relationship is deep while they are surrounded by shallow materialism. I'm glad Whitney out foxes Reid when she can't out power him and that there is a lot of strategy which adds to the plot's tension.
The wealthy powerhouse of Washington, D.C., and affluent Alexandria, VA, are the stomping grounds of this book. This area of the country is where money and power are always an undercurrent and is a fitting backdrop for the story's location. Nearby Langley, VA, houses the CIA and makes the setting of a DC suburb an obvious and pivotal choice. The glamorous monuments, historical and high brow Old Town all help to contribute to the sophisticated air of the book and makes me think it would play out as a great movie!
The book is subtle and well crafted. It is full of surprises and good characters. SUNDIAL leaves me believing Whitney and Reid can take on the world and I wonder where they will go next!
October 24, 2011
Reviewed for Wickedly Bookish Reviews
http://wickedlybookish.blogspot.com/
Whitney Forbes is your average 15 year old girl about to turn 16. She goes to high school, has awesome friends, and is being pursued by IT boy Reid Wallace. While she enjoys her adolescence to the fullest, there is one thing that lingers at the edge of her happiness giving it a bittersweet taste. When Whitney turns 21, the CIA will own her and force her to work for them as a remote viewer, a psychic who uncovers the secrets of hostile nations.
There are just so many wonderful things about Sundial I hardly know where to begin. First off, it is very well written making it a smooth enjoyable read. The authors obviously put a lot of thought into how Whitney and the other psychic's abilities would work and how the American government would be able to put them to use. The Clarion program fits seamlessly into what the average American perceives the CIA to be and doesn't feel made up or forced. On top of being totally awesome, the psychics of this book also have food allergies as part of their genetic makeup. In Sundial, people who have a food allergy are more evolved and develop psychic abilities. The science is actually pretty well developed and explained throughout the book. What a neat way to highlight a condition that has become more pronounced throughout the years!
I think my favorite part of the world the authors have placed their heroine in is the unique use of Kung Fu in Whitney and Reid's training. I haven't seen this in any of the YA books I have read recently and felt it was both appropriate and really neat to learn about. It was a treat to see such clashing cultures twine together to make such capable people.
The characters in Sundial are strongly constructed and very likable. Whitney is really like no other YA heroine you will read about. She knows exactly what she wants from life before the CIA gets their hands on her and she is determined to have no less. She is confident, capable, and far from the often self-destructive example we see in today's YA books. If you are a parent, and want a good read for your teen where the heroine isn't completely self-centered, whiny, and out-of-control, I would highly recommend Sundial. Don't get me wrong, I love YA fiction so much, and enjoy the racier books immensely,, but I am also an adult and understand how to separate fiction from fact. Let's be honest here, a good majority of YA fiction features teen girls ready to give up their lives, futures, and even families to be with some hot, sparkly, Emo vamp. While this is all fine well and good in a fictional world, it sends a bad message to impressionable teens who have yet to figure out what a real, healthy relationship entails. Sure, we all have to make sacrifices for the ones we love at one point or another, and it is pretty romantic to think someone loves you so much they would sacrifice everything for little old you. However, when you love someone, you don't expect them to give up everything they love and value just so they can be yours. This is where Sundial gets it right. Whitney and Reid's relationship revolves around their mutual attraction for each other of course, but also contains a respect and intelligence that teen relationships often lack. The authors offer a healthy and realistic example of what teens should expect out dating.
As for pacing, the book begins out slow and doesn't quite get to the action until the last third,, however once I got to the action, I understood exactly why. The authors are setting up Whitney's world and getting the reader familiar with the characters, how they think, and the way the interact with each other. This is the first book in a series, and like any other first, needs to take the time to set up the world and its characters.My only real complaint about this book was that things seem almost too easy and what I mean by this is that Whitney and Reid seem to always have the answers. Things almost always go without a hitch and that irked me a bit. I understand these people are psychics and can see what is going to happen and all, but everything can't go perfectly all the time. At some point, something has to go wrong. Obviously this wasn't a big enough problem to keep me from enjoying Sundial, but I do look forward to things not always falling perfectly together in book two.
I was approached by the authors to read and review Sundial. I am so grateful that I got the opportunity to be a reviewer for such a neat book. The authors had this to say about their debut novel, "We have tried to show girls in a positive and capable light and to give a boost to kids who feel socially isolated because of a food allergy through an exciting mainstream adventure." Well, with that being said, Fruzzetti and Pearsall succeed in this endeavor brilliantly. I recommend Sundial to all of you YA lovers and to teens looking for something that has both supernatural excitement and substance.
http://wickedlybookish.blogspot.com/
Whitney Forbes is your average 15 year old girl about to turn 16. She goes to high school, has awesome friends, and is being pursued by IT boy Reid Wallace. While she enjoys her adolescence to the fullest, there is one thing that lingers at the edge of her happiness giving it a bittersweet taste. When Whitney turns 21, the CIA will own her and force her to work for them as a remote viewer, a psychic who uncovers the secrets of hostile nations.
There are just so many wonderful things about Sundial I hardly know where to begin. First off, it is very well written making it a smooth enjoyable read. The authors obviously put a lot of thought into how Whitney and the other psychic's abilities would work and how the American government would be able to put them to use. The Clarion program fits seamlessly into what the average American perceives the CIA to be and doesn't feel made up or forced. On top of being totally awesome, the psychics of this book also have food allergies as part of their genetic makeup. In Sundial, people who have a food allergy are more evolved and develop psychic abilities. The science is actually pretty well developed and explained throughout the book. What a neat way to highlight a condition that has become more pronounced throughout the years!
I think my favorite part of the world the authors have placed their heroine in is the unique use of Kung Fu in Whitney and Reid's training. I haven't seen this in any of the YA books I have read recently and felt it was both appropriate and really neat to learn about. It was a treat to see such clashing cultures twine together to make such capable people.
The characters in Sundial are strongly constructed and very likable. Whitney is really like no other YA heroine you will read about. She knows exactly what she wants from life before the CIA gets their hands on her and she is determined to have no less. She is confident, capable, and far from the often self-destructive example we see in today's YA books. If you are a parent, and want a good read for your teen where the heroine isn't completely self-centered, whiny, and out-of-control, I would highly recommend Sundial. Don't get me wrong, I love YA fiction so much, and enjoy the racier books immensely,, but I am also an adult and understand how to separate fiction from fact. Let's be honest here, a good majority of YA fiction features teen girls ready to give up their lives, futures, and even families to be with some hot, sparkly, Emo vamp. While this is all fine well and good in a fictional world, it sends a bad message to impressionable teens who have yet to figure out what a real, healthy relationship entails. Sure, we all have to make sacrifices for the ones we love at one point or another, and it is pretty romantic to think someone loves you so much they would sacrifice everything for little old you. However, when you love someone, you don't expect them to give up everything they love and value just so they can be yours. This is where Sundial gets it right. Whitney and Reid's relationship revolves around their mutual attraction for each other of course, but also contains a respect and intelligence that teen relationships often lack. The authors offer a healthy and realistic example of what teens should expect out dating.
As for pacing, the book begins out slow and doesn't quite get to the action until the last third,, however once I got to the action, I understood exactly why. The authors are setting up Whitney's world and getting the reader familiar with the characters, how they think, and the way the interact with each other. This is the first book in a series, and like any other first, needs to take the time to set up the world and its characters.My only real complaint about this book was that things seem almost too easy and what I mean by this is that Whitney and Reid seem to always have the answers. Things almost always go without a hitch and that irked me a bit. I understand these people are psychics and can see what is going to happen and all, but everything can't go perfectly all the time. At some point, something has to go wrong. Obviously this wasn't a big enough problem to keep me from enjoying Sundial, but I do look forward to things not always falling perfectly together in book two.
I was approached by the authors to read and review Sundial. I am so grateful that I got the opportunity to be a reviewer for such a neat book. The authors had this to say about their debut novel, "We have tried to show girls in a positive and capable light and to give a boost to kids who feel socially isolated because of a food allergy through an exciting mainstream adventure." Well, with that being said, Fruzzetti and Pearsall succeed in this endeavor brilliantly. I recommend Sundial to all of you YA lovers and to teens looking for something that has both supernatural excitement and substance.
November 8, 2011
Hey girls! This relationship driven novel is amazing because a girl gets to play it RIGHT for once. What would you do if the guy everyone was crushing on tried to give you a ride home or threw a party just so you would come? Maybe not what you would expect if you were Whitney Forbes! If more of us were like Whitney we would figure out how to have a lot fewer broken hearts and how to be in control of our own destiny. At the very least, you have found lead characters you can respect and admire.
The powerful world these characters dwell is alluring. They have money, cars, boats and designer clothes at their fingertips and spin through a cinematic landscape. Yet Whitney is unimpressed. The genius of this book is that her focus is never blinded by the materialism (in fact she seems sickened by it and says as much) because she wants something real. The tiny details of the setting make it authentic and dazzling and teach you NOT to settle for the superficial box checks. What a great message for all who chase the most popular guy in school—there had better be more than just the image because if you settle for glamour you have settled for nothing at all!
The execution of Sundial is not typical of a YA start. The authors give quality relationship building and background upfront because it drives the plot and makes it believable when one character must risk it all for the other. It is unconventional in others ways as I felt it expected more from the reader than to blitz through it in search of a cheesy, spoon-fed rush because many aspects of the book are sophisticated and intellectual. If you race through it, you will miss clues and many of its unpredictable twists and turns. The foundation of this story is solid and the scientific bent made it plausible.
The slow burn and smoldering heat of the beginning blazes to a white-hot ending and this reminded me of a more literary approach to a clever and memorable adventure. This book is original and I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a cultivated take on paranormal romance and suspense. Bonus that it dares to take on how to sort out the difference between a fleeting crush and the real deal! Read it and learn something!
The powerful world these characters dwell is alluring. They have money, cars, boats and designer clothes at their fingertips and spin through a cinematic landscape. Yet Whitney is unimpressed. The genius of this book is that her focus is never blinded by the materialism (in fact she seems sickened by it and says as much) because she wants something real. The tiny details of the setting make it authentic and dazzling and teach you NOT to settle for the superficial box checks. What a great message for all who chase the most popular guy in school—there had better be more than just the image because if you settle for glamour you have settled for nothing at all!
The execution of Sundial is not typical of a YA start. The authors give quality relationship building and background upfront because it drives the plot and makes it believable when one character must risk it all for the other. It is unconventional in others ways as I felt it expected more from the reader than to blitz through it in search of a cheesy, spoon-fed rush because many aspects of the book are sophisticated and intellectual. If you race through it, you will miss clues and many of its unpredictable twists and turns. The foundation of this story is solid and the scientific bent made it plausible.
The slow burn and smoldering heat of the beginning blazes to a white-hot ending and this reminded me of a more literary approach to a clever and memorable adventure. This book is original and I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a cultivated take on paranormal romance and suspense. Bonus that it dares to take on how to sort out the difference between a fleeting crush and the real deal! Read it and learn something!
October 24, 2011
Exciting, Fun and Stylish!
I'm from DC and Sundial captures the area perfectly: money, power, back deals, intrigue---right down to the high school sororities! It is incredible how much money is in pockets of DC and its suburbs and it gives kids there a lot of "freedom" and independence. This setting works for the teens to be from here and to be able to do what they are able to do. It is sort of like a real life Hogwarts with money instead of magic wands.
I also loved the characters of this book--smart girls who know who they are and aren't afraid to question people or situations and when in doubt, they got the answers themselves like in the stakeout scene. These girls are empowered and savvy. You can tell this by the choices they make in social situations and the clothes they wear. I laughed out loud when I read Karen Eubanks had her hair blowing like from a bad heavy metal video. There is a lot about SUNDIAL that is funny and will make you laugh--like the zingers between Whitney and Reid. Never a dull moment between those two! And I liked that there was a positive spin on food allergy as well. I actually learned a lot about food allergy from the characters who dealt with it in a realistic and teachable way.
I liked all the cliffhangers at the end of the chapters, and of course, I was shocked, amazed and entertained by the ending! Great closing and beginning to the next book. This was a really fun and clever read that had a lot to offer and I can't wait to see where the story goes next!
I'm from DC and Sundial captures the area perfectly: money, power, back deals, intrigue---right down to the high school sororities! It is incredible how much money is in pockets of DC and its suburbs and it gives kids there a lot of "freedom" and independence. This setting works for the teens to be from here and to be able to do what they are able to do. It is sort of like a real life Hogwarts with money instead of magic wands.
I also loved the characters of this book--smart girls who know who they are and aren't afraid to question people or situations and when in doubt, they got the answers themselves like in the stakeout scene. These girls are empowered and savvy. You can tell this by the choices they make in social situations and the clothes they wear. I laughed out loud when I read Karen Eubanks had her hair blowing like from a bad heavy metal video. There is a lot about SUNDIAL that is funny and will make you laugh--like the zingers between Whitney and Reid. Never a dull moment between those two! And I liked that there was a positive spin on food allergy as well. I actually learned a lot about food allergy from the characters who dealt with it in a realistic and teachable way.
I liked all the cliffhangers at the end of the chapters, and of course, I was shocked, amazed and entertained by the ending! Great closing and beginning to the next book. This was a really fun and clever read that had a lot to offer and I can't wait to see where the story goes next!
July 28, 2014
This book was mediocre. The characters were ok, but nothing truly special. The writing style was the biggest flaw in the book. It did not sound like anything a teenager, even an intelligent teenager thinks like. In fact, I'd say it sounded nothing like an intelligent teenager. Here's a sample of the writing:
"My tired brain continued to wake up but my eyelids were not cooperating. They were too heavy to hoist. I saw a sliver of light through my struggling lashes."
First off, "too heavy to hoist"? Really? It brings to mind flags being dragged up to the top of a pole or someone straining to lift a heavy box. As a very wise saying that I read once said "You don't use words like 'infinite' when you mean 'very', otherwise you'll have no words left when you want to talk about something truly infinite." "too heavy to hoist" is overwrought, and this isn't the only example I could use. Also, "struggling lashes" is just plain ridiculous. I imagined her eyelashes waving frantically at the air. It made me laugh, and you shouldn't feel humor in what is supposed to be a stressful situation.
Not only was there a word choice problem, but there was even more of a word choice problem. Nearly every time in a "do not" or "there is" situation, be it in the text or dialogue between teenagers, they were all spelled out instead of being shortened to "don't". Far too formal and stilted language as a result.
To reiterate, this was a mediocre novel that is okay to read if you don't want anything really challenging.
"My tired brain continued to wake up but my eyelids were not cooperating. They were too heavy to hoist. I saw a sliver of light through my struggling lashes."
First off, "too heavy to hoist"? Really? It brings to mind flags being dragged up to the top of a pole or someone straining to lift a heavy box. As a very wise saying that I read once said "You don't use words like 'infinite' when you mean 'very', otherwise you'll have no words left when you want to talk about something truly infinite." "too heavy to hoist" is overwrought, and this isn't the only example I could use. Also, "struggling lashes" is just plain ridiculous. I imagined her eyelashes waving frantically at the air. It made me laugh, and you shouldn't feel humor in what is supposed to be a stressful situation.
Not only was there a word choice problem, but there was even more of a word choice problem. Nearly every time in a "do not" or "there is" situation, be it in the text or dialogue between teenagers, they were all spelled out instead of being shortened to "don't". Far too formal and stilted language as a result.
To reiterate, this was a mediocre novel that is okay to read if you don't want anything really challenging.
August 27, 2011
Whitney is facing many obstacles. There are evil people trying to take over the world, a CIA plot, pure energy, and a cute boy named Reid who Whitney cannot get out of her mind. Oh, and then there are the superpowers that both help and hinder the whole situation.
Let me tell you about these superpowers. My personal favorite is Reid’s power. He can tell the history of an object just by touching it. Other powers include enhanced eyesight and incredible physical strength to name a few. Whitney has the ability to learn any power at all with a little practice. Others only have one power and they must spend years perfecting it.
There is a growing relationship between Whitney and Reid. I liked their relationship and the way Whitney learned more and more about Reid throughout the story. At times their relationship was slow, but I felt drawn into the story again once things heated back up.
The plot is complex and Whitney learns that things may not be what they first appear to be. I liked the surprises and twists that the authors worked into the plot. Expect the unexpected with this one. On a personal note, my brother has a food allergy and I really appreciated that the authors worked food allergies into their story. I told you to expect the unexpected!
RATING
4 Liked
COVER COMMENTS
The blazing hot sun is fitting to a book entitled Sundial. Whitney’s dark silhouette adds some mystery to her appearance. Yeah, I like it.
Let me tell you about these superpowers. My personal favorite is Reid’s power. He can tell the history of an object just by touching it. Other powers include enhanced eyesight and incredible physical strength to name a few. Whitney has the ability to learn any power at all with a little practice. Others only have one power and they must spend years perfecting it.
There is a growing relationship between Whitney and Reid. I liked their relationship and the way Whitney learned more and more about Reid throughout the story. At times their relationship was slow, but I felt drawn into the story again once things heated back up.
The plot is complex and Whitney learns that things may not be what they first appear to be. I liked the surprises and twists that the authors worked into the plot. Expect the unexpected with this one. On a personal note, my brother has a food allergy and I really appreciated that the authors worked food allergies into their story. I told you to expect the unexpected!
RATING
4 Liked
COVER COMMENTS
The blazing hot sun is fitting to a book entitled Sundial. Whitney’s dark silhouette adds some mystery to her appearance. Yeah, I like it.
October 22, 2011
I just finished this a few days ago. I thought this first book (its part 1 of a series) was really great! I live in the DC area and this book sparked my interest because the book is based in my home town. The characters really pulled me in and I thought they were really well developed...not to mention very likable and funny. Things REALLY start getting good towards the middle and end of the book when the main characters, Whitney and Reid start getting more involved with each other as the uncontrollable situations start to unravel around them. Great cliffhangers, great life lessons. I can't wait to see what happens in the next book!! Highly recommend!
September 18, 2011
I enjoyed every minute of this intelligent, fast-paced, plot-twisting book! Great characters, great setting (love the '80's references and the use of D.C. as a backdrop), exciting story. On a side note, I'm thrilled to see food allergy as part of a smart young adult novel; these kids have to watch what they eat, but otherwise they are teenagers who are capable and athletic and intelligent and ready to take on the world (literally!). Definitely a recommended read! Great for young adults and parents alike!
September 11, 2011
I loved this book!! Whitney is a fantastic down to earth character and her easy banter with Reid is phenomenal. I wish I was that witty! This book was fast paced and just when you thought nothing more could happen or occur it did. Plus the cover is gorgeous, definitely a book to add to your tbr piles.
September 16, 2011
Sundial is a fun and fast read with likable characters. The attraction and tension that is between Reid and Whitney engages the reader and makes you want them to succeed as a couple! This is a good read for both the teenager as well as the adult. The end is a big cliffhanger and has us waiting anxiously for the next book in the series!!!
November 24, 2011
This book was so well written. It left you wanting to read the next book. In the book, Whitney knows that she is different. So she learns how to deal with it and wondering if she can trust a very handsome guy, Reid. It was fun, passionate and full of mystery.
April 17, 2012
I really want to give this 3.5 stars because it took sooooo long to go anywhere and the end left me HANGING (and I hate that). But the writing was good, the storyline original, and bonus points were given for creating an intelligent, self-aware teenage girl. Books aimed at this demographic are sorely lacking in that department.
I am really looking forward to the next book because I know we'll get right to the meat and not have to slog through so much character development. All that said, the authors should get even more bonus points for self-publishing this. If a big house had a chance to publish, they'll be kicking themselves in a few years like a few decliners of the Harry Potter series no doubt are.
I am really looking forward to the next book because I know we'll get right to the meat and not have to slog through so much character development. All that said, the authors should get even more bonus points for self-publishing this. If a big house had a chance to publish, they'll be kicking themselves in a few years like a few decliners of the Harry Potter series no doubt are.
October 1, 2012
As a child of the 80's myself, reading some of the brand names that popped up, along with the songs referenced, brought a smile to my face. Since I live in the DC metro area, I also was amused knowing where many of the places where. As for the story itself, I found it to be very good, and I really couldn't put it down until I finished the book. The characters grabbed me and held my attention the whole time. I loved that Reid was much more complex than just a pretty boy jock. I liked that Whitney was much more than just a pretty face, and that they weren't falling in love with each other after five minutes together. There were some editing issues, but they weren't enough to detract from the story itself. Very enjoyable read, and I look forward to the next in the series.
March 2, 2012
During the beginning of this book I found myself thinking that it might be more of a teenage book. I kept reading because I knew that it would become more. By a quarter of the way through, I could hardly put it down. I couldn't wait to see what would happen next. At the end I was wishing the next book in the series was out already. Unfortunately it isn't due out untill September 2012. I can't wait.
March 15, 2012
I really liked this book. It was original and I loved the banter between the two lead characters. However, you need extensive knowledge of the pop culture of the 80's to understand their clothing choices, etc.
July 8, 2012
Simply fantastic! What a refreshing YA novel. There is intelligence, suspense, profound observations about life/people, in addition to the usual quirky teenage drama. Highly recommended read! Can't wait for the sequel.
February 1, 2014
Way, way too much scientific gobbledygook! Not terrible, but just skipped right over the boring parts (and there were too many of them), and still got the whole story. Not going to read anymore of the series...one was plenty
July 15, 2024
Sundial is an incredible adventure of a book! I loved it from page one. It's the kind of book that makes you think, a lot, you can't just fly through pages. It's got an in-depth and intense plot filled with everything from very funny characters, science, high school, parties, CIA, and more!!
Whitney is hilarious!! I can picture her and her snarky attitude in my head. Fruzzetti and Pearsall do a remarkable job creating characters that made me want to keep reading. Whit has some of my favorite features of a girl in charge, tough yet charming, sweet and knows what she wants. From the very beginning I knew I was going to love her. She talks in the book about knowing what she wants and not settling, and not changing her life for a boyfriend and it's a characteristic I think all YA books need in their heroine. We have to teach young girls that, YOU DON'T NEED A MAN but they're nice to have around. ;)
The authors keep the readers on their toes, especially in the end of a book. The plot just gets thicker and thicker, and the ending OMG! I love when I'm done with a book, to feel like I need to skim through it one more time, because it can't be over I NEED MORE!! I'm using a lot of caps in this review, but they are necessary. Am I getting my point ACROSS? K just making sure.
Anyway, onto the boyfriend. Wow! What a charmer. It thrilled me that while everyone else was falling over him Whitney kept her cool. Boyfriends complicate things, and she realizes that from the beginning. Does that stop her from falling fast? Of course not, she's not immune to love but she's a thinker and is always one step ahead of the situations thrown at her, except with him (how frustrating).
This is how I would describe this book to someone wanting to know the genre. It begins as a YA contemporary romance or coming of age, pretty simple plot, easy to get into and used to the setting and slew of characters. Yes some of our characters have unique abilities but they're still just teenagers living day to day until they can be adults. Slowly the story begins to get more complicated and intricate, the authors add in many different elements like martial arts, covert-ops, spy, death, intrigue, drama, nuclear fall outs, until eventually we are consumed in this tale. And yes, on top of everything, it's a love story. And, oh how I love a great love story.
It's books like this that I want to quote when people say to me "Carole, you're 24, why do you still read YA?" because it's freaking fantastic! I mean geeze, get a grip!
I recommend Sundial to fans of Kelley Armstrong's Darkest Powers series and Darkness Rising series, and anyone looking for a great action packed book. Thank you to the authors for approaching me to read this amazing book, it's definitely a series I plan to follow and one I will recommend to everyone and anyone who will listen!
Whitney is hilarious!! I can picture her and her snarky attitude in my head. Fruzzetti and Pearsall do a remarkable job creating characters that made me want to keep reading. Whit has some of my favorite features of a girl in charge, tough yet charming, sweet and knows what she wants. From the very beginning I knew I was going to love her. She talks in the book about knowing what she wants and not settling, and not changing her life for a boyfriend and it's a characteristic I think all YA books need in their heroine. We have to teach young girls that, YOU DON'T NEED A MAN but they're nice to have around. ;)
The authors keep the readers on their toes, especially in the end of a book. The plot just gets thicker and thicker, and the ending OMG! I love when I'm done with a book, to feel like I need to skim through it one more time, because it can't be over I NEED MORE!! I'm using a lot of caps in this review, but they are necessary. Am I getting my point ACROSS? K just making sure.
Anyway, onto the boyfriend. Wow! What a charmer. It thrilled me that while everyone else was falling over him Whitney kept her cool. Boyfriends complicate things, and she realizes that from the beginning. Does that stop her from falling fast? Of course not, she's not immune to love but she's a thinker and is always one step ahead of the situations thrown at her, except with him (how frustrating).
This is how I would describe this book to someone wanting to know the genre. It begins as a YA contemporary romance or coming of age, pretty simple plot, easy to get into and used to the setting and slew of characters. Yes some of our characters have unique abilities but they're still just teenagers living day to day until they can be adults. Slowly the story begins to get more complicated and intricate, the authors add in many different elements like martial arts, covert-ops, spy, death, intrigue, drama, nuclear fall outs, until eventually we are consumed in this tale. And yes, on top of everything, it's a love story. And, oh how I love a great love story.
It's books like this that I want to quote when people say to me "Carole, you're 24, why do you still read YA?" because it's freaking fantastic! I mean geeze, get a grip!
I recommend Sundial to fans of Kelley Armstrong's Darkest Powers series and Darkness Rising series, and anyone looking for a great action packed book. Thank you to the authors for approaching me to read this amazing book, it's definitely a series I plan to follow and one I will recommend to everyone and anyone who will listen!
July 22, 2024
Sundial is an incredible adventure of a book! I loved it from page one. It's the kind of book that makes you think, a lot, you can't just fly through pages. It's got an in-depth and intense plot filled with everything from very funny characters, science, high school, parties, CIA, and more!!
Whitney is hilarious!! I can picture her and her snarky attitude in my head. Fruzzetti and Pearsall do a remarkable job creating characters that made me want to keep reading. Whit has some of my favorite features of a girl in charge, tough yet charming, sweet and knows what she wants. From the very beginning I knew I was going to love her. She talks in the book about knowing what she wants and not settling, and not changing her life for a boyfriend and it's a characteristic I think all YA books need in their heroine. We have to teach young girls that, YOU DON'T NEED A MAN but they're nice to have around. ;)
The authors keep the readers on their toes, especially in the end of a book. The plot just gets thicker and thicker, and the ending OMG! I love when I'm done with a book, to feel like I need to skim through it one more time, because it can't be over I NEED MORE!! I'm using a lot of caps in this review, but they are necessary. Am I getting my point ACROSS? K just making sure.
Anyway, onto the boyfriend. Wow! What a charmer. It thrilled me that while everyone else was falling over him Whitney kept her cool. Boyfriends complicate things, and she realizes that from the beginning. Does that stop her from falling fast? Of course not, she's not immune to love but she's a thinker and is always one step ahead of the situations thrown at her, except with him (how frustrating).
This is how I would describe this book to someone wanting to know the genre. It begins as a YA contemporary romance or coming of age, pretty simple plot, easy to get into and used to the setting and slew of characters. Yes some of our characters have unique abilities but they're still just teenagers living day to day until they can be adults. Slowly the story begins to get more complicated and intricate, the authors add in many different elements like martial arts, covert-ops, spy, death, intrigue, drama, nuclear fall outs, until eventually we are consumed in this tale. And yes, on top of everything, it's a love story. And, oh how I love a great love story.
It's books like this that I want to quote when people say to me "Carole, you're 24, why do you still read YA?" because it's freaking fantastic! I mean geeze, get a grip!
I recommend Sundial to fans of Kelley Armstrong's Darkest Powers series and Darkness Rising series, and anyone looking for a great action packed book. Thank you to the authors for approaching me to read this amazing book, it's definitely a series I plan to follow and one I will recommend to everyone and anyone who will listen!
Whitney is hilarious!! I can picture her and her snarky attitude in my head. Fruzzetti and Pearsall do a remarkable job creating characters that made me want to keep reading. Whit has some of my favorite features of a girl in charge, tough yet charming, sweet and knows what she wants. From the very beginning I knew I was going to love her. She talks in the book about knowing what she wants and not settling, and not changing her life for a boyfriend and it's a characteristic I think all YA books need in their heroine. We have to teach young girls that, YOU DON'T NEED A MAN but they're nice to have around. ;)
The authors keep the readers on their toes, especially in the end of a book. The plot just gets thicker and thicker, and the ending OMG! I love when I'm done with a book, to feel like I need to skim through it one more time, because it can't be over I NEED MORE!! I'm using a lot of caps in this review, but they are necessary. Am I getting my point ACROSS? K just making sure.
Anyway, onto the boyfriend. Wow! What a charmer. It thrilled me that while everyone else was falling over him Whitney kept her cool. Boyfriends complicate things, and she realizes that from the beginning. Does that stop her from falling fast? Of course not, she's not immune to love but she's a thinker and is always one step ahead of the situations thrown at her, except with him (how frustrating).
This is how I would describe this book to someone wanting to know the genre. It begins as a YA contemporary romance or coming of age, pretty simple plot, easy to get into and used to the setting and slew of characters. Yes some of our characters have unique abilities but they're still just teenagers living day to day until they can be adults. Slowly the story begins to get more complicated and intricate, the authors add in many different elements like martial arts, covert-ops, spy, death, intrigue, drama, nuclear fall outs, until eventually we are consumed in this tale. And yes, on top of everything, it's a love story. And, oh how I love a great love story.
It's books like this that I want to quote when people say to me "Carole, you're 24, why do you still read YA?" because it's freaking fantastic! I mean geeze, get a grip!
I recommend Sundial to fans of Kelley Armstrong's Darkest Powers series and Darkness Rising series, and anyone looking for a great action packed book. Thank you to the authors for approaching me to read this amazing book, it's definitely a series I plan to follow and one I will recommend to everyone and anyone who will listen!
January 19, 2025
I was really not drawn into this storyline. I didn't think there was enough explanation for the ramp up to the story. In fact, I think that the only time during the entire book that I was really on the edge of my seat was during the last chapter. That was fun but didn't make up for the feeling that I was slogging through the rest of it. Obviously other readers have rated it with 5 stars and enjoyed it. All I can say is that I have no interest in reading the next books in the series.
October 13, 2018
A DNF for me. Everybody was just so similar and they were all totally fun and sarcastic to each other. I also felt the attraction between Whitney and Reid fell flat.
March 26, 2014
If you analyze the concept of who this main character really is, and what her abilities are, you can appreciate the book. With that said, there were a lot of flaws with this book that easily makes me not want to read the rest of the series.
Okay I'll start off with the good. Whitney Forbes has a special gift. She has the ability to read people's thoughts and search their minds. Good baseline plot that an author can do wonders with. Then on top of that, she's secretly part of a government agency that would use her once she turns of age. Unfortunately, the government wants to abuse its power and use her for evil purposes. Sounds good so far right?
Now for the bad... it's all a bunch of jargon. The author could have taken this concept in SO many ways but instead she focused too much on Whitney's pathetic high school drama. I didn't mind Reid, the love interest in the storyline. He was fine and I liked them together eventually. But the day to day high school drama about stupid girl stuff was just unnecessary and unbelievable. Fine. I get it. She's a teenager and she lives in the 1980s. But don't forget that she has been training for years, has a secret life, has a mission to think about for her future and yet she goes on her day without a care in the world like any other normal teenage girl? I would think her personality would be a lot different. And on a side note, when have sorrorities been part of high school?! They were meant for COLLEGE and are always known to be found in college. Clubs and organizations can be found in high school but Sororities?? Maybe they do it differently in D.C. but I could not relate to this at all and I'm sure a lot of people would have the same thought as well.
It honestly didn't get good until the very end! Whitney was suddenly part of a secret mission with Reid once she discovered what her real role would be in relation to her gifts. This was exciting and very interesting. The descriptions were good and the author was able to capture the scenes very well (especially since I've never been to D.C. before). But the problem is that I had to go through 60% of the book somewhat bored and annoyed until it got interesting. I read part of chapter 1 for book #2 and it was kind of interesting but the author was falling into old habits. All Whitney could think about was going back to normal and go back to school. Um... did you forget that you're suddenly the leader of something big that's about to happen? How can you possibly expect to go back to the way things were after just 1 mission? I don't know. There's too much unnecessary scenes and this story could have been filled with adventure and sci-fi thrilling scenes. Unfortunately it all just falls short.
Then again, this was a free book after all so maybe my expectations were a little too high.
Okay I'll start off with the good. Whitney Forbes has a special gift. She has the ability to read people's thoughts and search their minds. Good baseline plot that an author can do wonders with. Then on top of that, she's secretly part of a government agency that would use her once she turns of age. Unfortunately, the government wants to abuse its power and use her for evil purposes. Sounds good so far right?
Now for the bad... it's all a bunch of jargon. The author could have taken this concept in SO many ways but instead she focused too much on Whitney's pathetic high school drama. I didn't mind Reid, the love interest in the storyline. He was fine and I liked them together eventually. But the day to day high school drama about stupid girl stuff was just unnecessary and unbelievable. Fine. I get it. She's a teenager and she lives in the 1980s. But don't forget that she has been training for years, has a secret life, has a mission to think about for her future and yet she goes on her day without a care in the world like any other normal teenage girl? I would think her personality would be a lot different. And on a side note, when have sorrorities been part of high school?! They were meant for COLLEGE and are always known to be found in college. Clubs and organizations can be found in high school but Sororities?? Maybe they do it differently in D.C. but I could not relate to this at all and I'm sure a lot of people would have the same thought as well.
It honestly didn't get good until the very end! Whitney was suddenly part of a secret mission with Reid once she discovered what her real role would be in relation to her gifts. This was exciting and very interesting. The descriptions were good and the author was able to capture the scenes very well (especially since I've never been to D.C. before). But the problem is that I had to go through 60% of the book somewhat bored and annoyed until it got interesting. I read part of chapter 1 for book #2 and it was kind of interesting but the author was falling into old habits. All Whitney could think about was going back to normal and go back to school. Um... did you forget that you're suddenly the leader of something big that's about to happen? How can you possibly expect to go back to the way things were after just 1 mission? I don't know. There's too much unnecessary scenes and this story could have been filled with adventure and sci-fi thrilling scenes. Unfortunately it all just falls short.
Then again, this was a free book after all so maybe my expectations were a little too high.
August 23, 2012
"Whitney Forbes always new she was special. Growing up with a father in the CIA, it is no surprise that she would be automatically included into the top secret agency; chosen at a young age to be part of clarion, a unique program developed for children like her, who were gifted. Her ESP has always allowed her to read people and see things to come, but when she is inexplicably drawn to Reid Wallace it becomes clear that her abilities far surpass that of any other person with such a gift. After the devastating news that a close friend has passed on, Whitney’s life heads in a direction she never saw coming. With a new secret mission ahead and the knowledge of what is to come she must find the ability to blindly trust the one person who still manages to surprise her and take on the role of leader as the sundial.
Reid Wallace has always been a lady’s man. It is no surprise to anyone when there is a new girl on his arm; but when he is paired with Whitney Forbes he soon discovers that there is more to her than meets the eye. Being an empath himself he is able to read things about her and her past that no one else would know. This brings him even closer to Whitney and pulls him into feelings he never knew he could have. Now that their fates are intertwined he must find the courage to be there for her like no one else, to teach her, and to face a mission so dangerous that he may not return.
The fact that both of these characters were involved in either military or CIA since they were younger really makes for a perfect pair; but at the same time brings up a lot of questions regarding trust. He was meant to protect her and teach her the one thing she needs to know most, how to block others with gifts from reading her thoughts; but for her, trusting him isn’t easy; especially when it comes to Karen. There is definitely something there and when you pair that with the fact that he refuses to tell her, it becomes clear he has something to hide. However, for the mission at hand the two characters abilities completely complement each other and allow for a very interesting mystery.
I feel that the author really rushed the story, going from one moment to the next abruptly, with no real warning. She skipped over days sometimes weeks in a matter of one paragraph. Although, most people would prefer in person to skip the detail and get straight to the point, I find it completely unappealing in a book. It felt as though you were running through, trying to catch up, only to get lost again; like being in a coma for a few days and then you wake up and return right back to life as if nothing had happened. I admire the story line and the mystery within the book; however, I do not think I would read it again.
"
Reid Wallace has always been a lady’s man. It is no surprise to anyone when there is a new girl on his arm; but when he is paired with Whitney Forbes he soon discovers that there is more to her than meets the eye. Being an empath himself he is able to read things about her and her past that no one else would know. This brings him even closer to Whitney and pulls him into feelings he never knew he could have. Now that their fates are intertwined he must find the courage to be there for her like no one else, to teach her, and to face a mission so dangerous that he may not return.
The fact that both of these characters were involved in either military or CIA since they were younger really makes for a perfect pair; but at the same time brings up a lot of questions regarding trust. He was meant to protect her and teach her the one thing she needs to know most, how to block others with gifts from reading her thoughts; but for her, trusting him isn’t easy; especially when it comes to Karen. There is definitely something there and when you pair that with the fact that he refuses to tell her, it becomes clear he has something to hide. However, for the mission at hand the two characters abilities completely complement each other and allow for a very interesting mystery.
I feel that the author really rushed the story, going from one moment to the next abruptly, with no real warning. She skipped over days sometimes weeks in a matter of one paragraph. Although, most people would prefer in person to skip the detail and get straight to the point, I find it completely unappealing in a book. It felt as though you were running through, trying to catch up, only to get lost again; like being in a coma for a few days and then you wake up and return right back to life as if nothing had happened. I admire the story line and the mystery within the book; however, I do not think I would read it again.
"
August 8, 2013
To see my full review:
http://wp.me/p1jhaj-3Fu (available 8/14/13)
Complete with romance, special ops, nuclear energy, and the paranormal, this novel has a little bit of everything for everyone. Whitney Forbes, our strong female lead, is a great character, taking care of herself and not falling for the cute boy in school based on looks alone. She’s got a good head on her shoulders, and she double checks anything suspicious, which, in this case, is Reid Wallace. Whitney has ESP, and with her abilities to sense, along with the ability to absorb and learn powers, she’s got her hands full trying to understand why Reid knows so much about her when she’s told him very little… Trust must be earned in this novel, and it is. As the plot unfolds, we learn why Whitney and Reid are so drawn to one another, and the revelations are very intriguing.
Much of the plotline in this novel is spent building up the relationship between Whitney and Reid, with boat rides, kisses, long drives, and parties, the perfect way to flesh out their relationship and build their characters in this first book of the series. However, it causes the story to unfold rather slowly as the CIA plot involving nuclear reactions and genocide isn’t really touched upon until near the end of the novel. But then again, without the attention to the budding relationship, the novel wouldn’t have so expertly captured the world of the rich in D.C. And, for those of us around in the 80s, a lot of the name brands and places mentioned in this novel really hit home, especially if you live(d) in the D.C. area, which, in my opinion, makes the slower pace worth it.
The one aspect that I had a little difficulty with as I read was that the overall story tended to jump ahead a lot, almost rushing the reader, cutting out details right when the going gets good. Many chapters end with a sort of cliffhanger, jumping ahead to another segment of the story, or bypassing weeks or months in the span of a paragraph or two, and while I do enjoy cliffhanger chapters as they pique my interest, I also like my story to follow a more linear fashion… to be less rushed. But this isn’t bad story-telling by any means, and I believe some readers will really enjoy this writing style, though I personally found it a little bit jarring.
Overall, this is an intriguing read with some great, strong main characters, and I think the second novel is going to be even better than the first now that all the character building and introductions are out of the way.
http://wp.me/p1jhaj-3Fu (available 8/14/13)
Complete with romance, special ops, nuclear energy, and the paranormal, this novel has a little bit of everything for everyone. Whitney Forbes, our strong female lead, is a great character, taking care of herself and not falling for the cute boy in school based on looks alone. She’s got a good head on her shoulders, and she double checks anything suspicious, which, in this case, is Reid Wallace. Whitney has ESP, and with her abilities to sense, along with the ability to absorb and learn powers, she’s got her hands full trying to understand why Reid knows so much about her when she’s told him very little… Trust must be earned in this novel, and it is. As the plot unfolds, we learn why Whitney and Reid are so drawn to one another, and the revelations are very intriguing.
Much of the plotline in this novel is spent building up the relationship between Whitney and Reid, with boat rides, kisses, long drives, and parties, the perfect way to flesh out their relationship and build their characters in this first book of the series. However, it causes the story to unfold rather slowly as the CIA plot involving nuclear reactions and genocide isn’t really touched upon until near the end of the novel. But then again, without the attention to the budding relationship, the novel wouldn’t have so expertly captured the world of the rich in D.C. And, for those of us around in the 80s, a lot of the name brands and places mentioned in this novel really hit home, especially if you live(d) in the D.C. area, which, in my opinion, makes the slower pace worth it.
The one aspect that I had a little difficulty with as I read was that the overall story tended to jump ahead a lot, almost rushing the reader, cutting out details right when the going gets good. Many chapters end with a sort of cliffhanger, jumping ahead to another segment of the story, or bypassing weeks or months in the span of a paragraph or two, and while I do enjoy cliffhanger chapters as they pique my interest, I also like my story to follow a more linear fashion… to be less rushed. But this isn’t bad story-telling by any means, and I believe some readers will really enjoy this writing style, though I personally found it a little bit jarring.
Overall, this is an intriguing read with some great, strong main characters, and I think the second novel is going to be even better than the first now that all the character building and introductions are out of the way.
June 10, 2015
I enjoy a lot of books and share that joy with other readers. But rarely do I find a book that I want to devour and tell the world about. Well, in Sundial I did.
I had downloaded this book well over a year ago when it was offered free for Kindle. This is one good argument to give your book (at least the first one) away for free and keep your fingers crossed for more than a few months that you’ll get results. I was getting back to my reading and this book came up next in the queue. I’m so glad it did.
A young girl discovers a strong attraction in a young man, but instead of feeling giddy about it she wants to run for the hills. Something about the attraction has all her warning bells going off. The more she learns about him, the more reasons she finds to run. As she deals with teenage crush issues, she discovers that there is more going on around her. With her own deep secrets, she discovers that many more exist around her and will change her entire life.
The plot...well, I couldn’t put the book down. Does that tell you anything? I read it within 24 hours as I took my reading devise with me everywhere. I had to know what was happening next. The plot kept me on my toes and had me looking in so many directions for the next move. Excellent plot writing. So many things I did not see coming. I love it when that happens.
I found the characters multi-faceted. They were far from bland had were extremely realistic from their teenage actions to the not so normal actions you’d expect from those so young. I quickly wanted to join them in their adventures from ‘stakeouts’ to secret missions.
I kept forgetting this was a YA novel. I swear I was entering a Tom Clancy world though there was a little more romance in this one than I would expect to see in a Clancy novel. So what did I do when I finished it? I immediately ordered book two. Now you need to do the same and read this great book!
Note: I received this book during free Amazon days.
I had downloaded this book well over a year ago when it was offered free for Kindle. This is one good argument to give your book (at least the first one) away for free and keep your fingers crossed for more than a few months that you’ll get results. I was getting back to my reading and this book came up next in the queue. I’m so glad it did.
A young girl discovers a strong attraction in a young man, but instead of feeling giddy about it she wants to run for the hills. Something about the attraction has all her warning bells going off. The more she learns about him, the more reasons she finds to run. As she deals with teenage crush issues, she discovers that there is more going on around her. With her own deep secrets, she discovers that many more exist around her and will change her entire life.
The plot...well, I couldn’t put the book down. Does that tell you anything? I read it within 24 hours as I took my reading devise with me everywhere. I had to know what was happening next. The plot kept me on my toes and had me looking in so many directions for the next move. Excellent plot writing. So many things I did not see coming. I love it when that happens.
I found the characters multi-faceted. They were far from bland had were extremely realistic from their teenage actions to the not so normal actions you’d expect from those so young. I quickly wanted to join them in their adventures from ‘stakeouts’ to secret missions.
I kept forgetting this was a YA novel. I swear I was entering a Tom Clancy world though there was a little more romance in this one than I would expect to see in a Clancy novel. So what did I do when I finished it? I immediately ordered book two. Now you need to do the same and read this great book!
Note: I received this book during free Amazon days.
October 31, 2011
Sundial takes the reader back to the early eighties and the last vestiges of the Cold War, but it begins as a romance between two uniquely gifted and specially skilled teenagers. The book begins rather slowly. The reader is given clues that something major is going to happen and that these two teenagers, Reid and Whitney, will be important players, but the story takes its time getting there. The first 187 pages are dedicated almost exclusively to the courtship between Reid and Whitney. They spend a lot of time with their friends, taking the boat out on the Potomac, and enjoying sporting events and parties. The reader really gets to know the characters during this time, but keeps waiting and wondering when the real action of the story will begin. Once the action does begin, it warms up slowly until becoming fast and furious and providing an interesting flashback into history...a history of which most teenagers of today have no real knowledge. The adventure and the danger toward the end of the book increase dramatically until it is no longer just a story about teenage romance. Then it ends on a cliffhanger meant to leave the reader highly anticipating the next book in the series. The two main characters are well-developed but also have an air of mystery about them. However, the writing is a bit uneven with too long a stretch between getting to know the characters and any real action taking place. It also doesn't flow well in many places. The transitions from one scene to another are often non-existent in such a way that the reader is suddenly somewhere else and wonders how he/she got there. Still, I liked the overall story, especially after the action heated up. The writing also seemed to flow better toward the end. Nevertheless, I'm not sure I'm hooked enough to read the sequel.
January 27, 2016
I expected this young adult novel to be just a high school romance story, and in fact, it seemed to start out that way. And then it started to actually get interesting! We have not only the young romance angle, but throw in CIA, psychics, martial arts, mind reading, international intrigue, almost super hero characters, evil villains, and pretty soon you are totally immersed in an interesting and intriguing story.
I think young readers would be especially enthralled with teenage characters who have maturity and intelligence and can take on the challenge of saving the world, which adults are unable to do, but not in a silly, unbelievable way. I am looking forward to the second book. Not only does each chapter end as a cliff-hanger, the end of the book leaves the reader hanging off the highest cliff!
Good writing, great characters, unpredictable storyline - highly recommended.
I received a free copy of the book in exchange for writing a review.
I think young readers would be especially enthralled with teenage characters who have maturity and intelligence and can take on the challenge of saving the world, which adults are unable to do, but not in a silly, unbelievable way. I am looking forward to the second book. Not only does each chapter end as a cliff-hanger, the end of the book leaves the reader hanging off the highest cliff!
Good writing, great characters, unpredictable storyline - highly recommended.
I received a free copy of the book in exchange for writing a review.
March 10, 2012
This book was wonderful in its humor and the writing flowed beautifully. The ratings for this book were exceptionally high and I was eager to read it. As I read, I found myself laughing at the natural humor that Whitney showed and the relentless personality of Reid. Unfortunately,I felt that the book deserves three stars simply because it takes over half the book for any sort of action or suspense to really take place. It is obvious from the beginning that Reid and Whitney will end up together, but I felt as if the author spent a considerable amount of time building up the relationship between Whitney and Reid and not enough time with the actual plot. The reader feels as if the "story" has just begun the last quarter of the book. Having said that, I do look forward to the next one, and can only hope that we see more action.
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