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Flightless Bird #1
Flightless Bird
The summer of her seventeenth birthday Livy Eckels was faced with something she wasn't ready for. In the midst of a crumbling family, devastated, she grabs her bicycle and heads out of town to escape the heavy atmosphere at home. Livy unexpectedly crashes into the lives of two mysterious people living on the outskirts of town. As she prepares to start her final exhaustive year of high school, she already has enough on her plate. Then with the entrance of Gregory Mason, her life becomes even more complicated. Tall, handsome, and ever so annoying, Livy can't stand being around him until she finds herself being pulled closer and closer to things she cannot explain. She was determined to understand why Gregory Mason was so interested in her until she discovered something that may put her curiousity to an end. Before she knows what is happening Livy becomes entangled in the mystifying plots of a secret society, a vengeful ex-lover, and a situation she never expected to find herself in: falling in love with a boy whose secret she should have never known.
440 pages, ebook
First published September 5, 2015
28 people are currently reading
89 people want to read
About the author
Paulina Ulrich
9 books31 followersPaulina Ulrich is the author of the YA romance, the Flightless Bird series, and the YA urban fantasy romance, the Fighting Fate series.
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
November 25, 2012
4 BIG FAT I’m glad the SEQUEL is OUT STARS!!!
Flightless Bird was a fabulous debut novel by Paulina Ulrich. My favorite part was the way the relationship developed between Livy and Gregory. All of the characters were believable, the story was compelling and I absolutely fell in love!!
There were a few typos but none of them distracted me from the story. The beginning of the story was a little slow, but that was the result of the author painting such a detail rich story. When Livy and Gregory get together, it is MAGIC!! I dare you not to read this and cheer along!!!
The supporting characters were great. Cece and Kev were a sweet couple and the struggles in Livy’s life between her mother and father going through their own difficulties was VERY realistic.
This is one of those books that after you finish it you’ll be THRILLED you read it!! It is the first in a series, book 2 Broken Wing, and book 3 Fair Feathered, are already released. Congratulations Ms. Ulrich on an AWESOME debut novel!
Highly recommend to readers of fantasy, time travel, and sweet love stories!!!
Flightless Bird was a fabulous debut novel by Paulina Ulrich. My favorite part was the way the relationship developed between Livy and Gregory. All of the characters were believable, the story was compelling and I absolutely fell in love!!
There were a few typos but none of them distracted me from the story. The beginning of the story was a little slow, but that was the result of the author painting such a detail rich story. When Livy and Gregory get together, it is MAGIC!! I dare you not to read this and cheer along!!!
The supporting characters were great. Cece and Kev were a sweet couple and the struggles in Livy’s life between her mother and father going through their own difficulties was VERY realistic.
This is one of those books that after you finish it you’ll be THRILLED you read it!! It is the first in a series, book 2 Broken Wing, and book 3 Fair Feathered, are already released. Congratulations Ms. Ulrich on an AWESOME debut novel!
Highly recommend to readers of fantasy, time travel, and sweet love stories!!!
March 7, 2014
So, what do i best start with?
How about the things I liked about this book. I can actually say that in one sentence:
I liked the idea behind his mystery. That was all.
From the beginning I couldn't help but thinking that everything in this book reminded me of Stepheny Meyer's "Twilight", so much that I actually went and checked which book came out first, I don't know where to start because I have to say that I think this whole idea behind Gregory could have been GREAT if it would have been unique. And I'm not just saying there were similarities to "Twilight". This book was almost an exact copy of it, up until details that just couldn't pass me by.
A science class they share, him vanishing time and again, her and him dancing in his room, climbing trees... I'm sorry to say that, but I am more than just a little disappointed that someone would go around being so close to another book.
I get that it's hard to be original, but seriously, the basic idea about Greg and Cece was really really original... Why not spin it out your own way?
I only finished this book because I got a free copy of it in exchange for an honest review. And that was it.
How about the things I liked about this book. I can actually say that in one sentence:
I liked the idea behind his mystery. That was all.
From the beginning I couldn't help but thinking that everything in this book reminded me of Stepheny Meyer's "Twilight", so much that I actually went and checked which book came out first, I don't know where to start because I have to say that I think this whole idea behind Gregory could have been GREAT if it would have been unique. And I'm not just saying there were similarities to "Twilight". This book was almost an exact copy of it, up until details that just couldn't pass me by.
A science class they share, him vanishing time and again, her and him dancing in his room, climbing trees... I'm sorry to say that, but I am more than just a little disappointed that someone would go around being so close to another book.
I get that it's hard to be original, but seriously, the basic idea about Greg and Cece was really really original... Why not spin it out your own way?
I only finished this book because I got a free copy of it in exchange for an honest review. And that was it.
July 2, 2017
The writing was heavy handed, the formatting was awful and the story dragged on and on with nothing happening. I wanted it to be good. I was interested, but there were pages and pages of drivel that led no where, that killed my interest. The author said there was an edited copy... perhaps it's the one with the cover above, the one I read had a different cover and it was not worth the time it took to plow through.
March 29, 2018
This book was difficult to complete. The grammar and spelling errors made it almost impossible for me to focus. Also, it was slow!! About half way through we find out the boy’s secret. In chapter 40, it finally got exciting!
I often found myself skipping from each character’s speaking part (quote to quote). This book could be cut in half at least and would have made perfect sense and been way more enjoyable.
I often found myself skipping from each character’s speaking part (quote to quote). This book could be cut in half at least and would have made perfect sense and been way more enjoyable.
December 1, 2013
Original Posting: Gaga Over Books
A while back I was reading this ARC by an author who I know has a YA series as well. I am friends with her on twitter and I expressed my wish to read her YA series as well. And she was kind enough to send me the book as a gift. Thank You Paulina for that treat.
FlightlessBird is the first book in The Flightless Bird series by Paulina Ulrich. The first three books are already out. The fourth book is scheduled for release in 2014.
I liked the synopsis and the cover. That cover didn’t really give away much but the new cover change made it a surety that this book has something to do with time travel.
Caution: Ignore the constant use of the words ‘sometimes’ and ‘like’ and some other recurring words. <_< (Also, the in-coherency.)
I have mixed feelings about this book. I liked it sometimes and sometimes I just wanted it to end. This book was long. It could have done fairly well had it been short and compact. I didn't like the slow pacing in this book. I liked… the writing style. But I felt it lacking sometimes in the way that I almost felt nothing in the moments the characters shared. I was on Chapter 12 and I was like, ‘Give us answers already or some action at least.’ Like, I get it. There needs to be a buildup but seriously I was getting tired of the attraction between the two main leads. I liked the names of all the chapters. -- I don't know but the book scenes seemed like Twilight, Unbreakable whatever. Time traveling was different. But I wasn’t sure if the book was leaving an impression on me. It was readable but frustrating. And. Not in a good way. I was so waiting for the plot twist. I had to wait for a long while. When the twist finally came, I wasn't really impressed. :/
Seriously, the question sessions and then whispering in the back of the class -- Twilight much?!!? Livy was not a solid protagonist. Neither was Gregory. The proper execution was missing. Sorry. Also what is with the authors- making every guy speak like a gentleman? Why can't they act like normal teenage boys? Not act, talk. Gah. I didn’t like Gregory’s use of the endearment ‘love’. *gags*
Sometimes I liked how the two leads were but it seemed like the situations were dragged- as in the frustrations and/or the plot. LOL. Sorry. I am not making sense. If you get me, then comment!! LOL.
My book notes were literally like ‘I don't get it.’
I didn't like how Livy was always contemplating and thinking. Argh. It’s not her fault. And what is with the insecurity. Well, I think that happens. Yeah. Guys suck. I can side with her in that situation but it was too much. I felt like Livy was trying too hard to be smart or whatever. Unnecessary stress or whatever—unnecessary emotions sometimes, more like. For instance, when in Chapter 33 and I didn’t like how Livy responded. He wasn’t ‘pestering’ her he only asked her a simple ‘yes or no’ question. That question wasn’t mysterious. And yeah you can say it was random but not really. That dance scene where she was like I don’t deserve you – like what’s with self-deprecating girls?
And I felt like Gracie was that cliché best friend who was outspoken, chirpy, getting whatever she wants, liked by everyone. I liked her but then sometimes she was too much. But I liked her nonetheless. :p I liked Cecily and (Grandma Jean) as well.
Random: I thought it had things to do with time travel and the bird was an allegorical reference to one of the characters. So it was nice to finally find the reason behind the title and who called it. My guess was close, btw. ;)
So, I will be reading the next book that is for sure because well, I did like this book (kind of). I believe maybe I wasn't in the right mind state to not have loved this book; to not have enjoyed this book. And who knows I might really like the next book. Because sometimes, you don’t like the first book but you like it enough to read the next book or be sure of the fact that you will like the future books. Does it make sense? I did enjoy some parts. So... read the book.
Will I recommend it? (Hesitant) Yes, I will still tell you to check it out as you might like it more than me.
Teaser:
A while back I was reading this ARC by an author who I know has a YA series as well. I am friends with her on twitter and I expressed my wish to read her YA series as well. And she was kind enough to send me the book as a gift. Thank You Paulina for that treat.
FlightlessBird is the first book in The Flightless Bird series by Paulina Ulrich. The first three books are already out. The fourth book is scheduled for release in 2014.
I liked the synopsis and the cover. That cover didn’t really give away much but the new cover change made it a surety that this book has something to do with time travel.
Caution: Ignore the constant use of the words ‘sometimes’ and ‘like’ and some other recurring words. <_< (Also, the in-coherency.)
I have mixed feelings about this book. I liked it sometimes and sometimes I just wanted it to end. This book was long. It could have done fairly well had it been short and compact. I didn't like the slow pacing in this book. I liked… the writing style. But I felt it lacking sometimes in the way that I almost felt nothing in the moments the characters shared. I was on Chapter 12 and I was like, ‘Give us answers already or some action at least.’ Like, I get it. There needs to be a buildup but seriously I was getting tired of the attraction between the two main leads. I liked the names of all the chapters. -- I don't know but the book scenes seemed like Twilight, Unbreakable whatever. Time traveling was different. But I wasn’t sure if the book was leaving an impression on me. It was readable but frustrating. And. Not in a good way. I was so waiting for the plot twist. I had to wait for a long while. When the twist finally came, I wasn't really impressed. :/
Seriously, the question sessions and then whispering in the back of the class -- Twilight much?!!? Livy was not a solid protagonist. Neither was Gregory. The proper execution was missing. Sorry. Also what is with the authors- making every guy speak like a gentleman? Why can't they act like normal teenage boys? Not act, talk. Gah. I didn’t like Gregory’s use of the endearment ‘love’. *gags*
Sometimes I liked how the two leads were but it seemed like the situations were dragged- as in the frustrations and/or the plot. LOL. Sorry. I am not making sense. If you get me, then comment!! LOL.
My book notes were literally like ‘I don't get it.’
I didn't like how Livy was always contemplating and thinking. Argh. It’s not her fault. And what is with the insecurity. Well, I think that happens. Yeah. Guys suck. I can side with her in that situation but it was too much. I felt like Livy was trying too hard to be smart or whatever. Unnecessary stress or whatever—unnecessary emotions sometimes, more like. For instance, when in Chapter 33 and I didn’t like how Livy responded. He wasn’t ‘pestering’ her he only asked her a simple ‘yes or no’ question. That question wasn’t mysterious. And yeah you can say it was random but not really. That dance scene where she was like I don’t deserve you – like what’s with self-deprecating girls?
And I felt like Gracie was that cliché best friend who was outspoken, chirpy, getting whatever she wants, liked by everyone. I liked her but then sometimes she was too much. But I liked her nonetheless. :p I liked Cecily and (Grandma Jean) as well.
Random: I thought it had things to do with time travel and the bird was an allegorical reference to one of the characters. So it was nice to finally find the reason behind the title and who called it. My guess was close, btw. ;)
So, I will be reading the next book that is for sure because well, I did like this book (kind of). I believe maybe I wasn't in the right mind state to not have loved this book; to not have enjoyed this book. And who knows I might really like the next book. Because sometimes, you don’t like the first book but you like it enough to read the next book or be sure of the fact that you will like the future books. Does it make sense? I did enjoy some parts. So... read the book.
Will I recommend it? (Hesitant) Yes, I will still tell you to check it out as you might like it more than me.
Teaser:
“Did you ever notice how the words ‘student’ and ‘dying’ put together spell out studying?”
July 6, 2012
- Review taken from my YA book blog Little Paper Rose
It took me a while to get into 'Flightless Bird' - the book felt very long to me and I do think I would've enjoyed it more had it been more compact.
However, it featured what we see quite rarely of in YA fiction nowadays which is a realistically and carefully growing relationship between hero and heroine.
The slow pace of the book gave more than enough time for Livy and Gregory to find each other - as people, as friends, and emotionally.
Ulrich put so much time into building a strong foundation and authentic connection between the two of them and she succeeded, by far. Their relationship was neither obvious nor forced, it wasn't anything but natural and you got to experience it step-by-step and see it taking shape before your eyes.
I wasn't exactly sure where to place Livy between the person she was when falling apart due to her parents divorce, the supposed dork at school, or the girl growing close and falling for Gregory - a part of me feel like I didn't get to know her well enough.
As for Gregory, I liked that he wasn't just this perfect gentleman (which he was) but that he had a pained past, that there was something else there.
There were a couple of really sweet supporting characters such as Livy's best friend Gracie, the hip Grandma Jean, and Gregory's older sister Cecelia, whom I couldn't but adore.
Cece was just the kindest, with such a warm persona. I could absolutely not believe that she was nineteen being so incredibly motherly - always taking care of others and never asking for anything in return.
"The secret" is kept subtle throughout the story, not taking action until the latter parts of the book. It isn't necessarily predictable but after a few good hints are dropped you kind of get an idea of what it might be regarding and even though it may not come as a shock, it is different and interesting.
There will be a big conflict at the end of the book and some serious fighting-sequences will break lose. Although, for some reason I'd expected something more, or something else. I can't exactly put my finger on it, but I'd hoped to have seen a bigger change or impact in the storyline or character.
There's a slight mysterious and classic vibe about 'Flightless Bird' and even though it wasn't entirely my cup of tea, I do recognize the work behind it. There's no denying Ulrich has put a lot of heart into this story and it's the kind of book I would say is timeless.
It took me a while to get into 'Flightless Bird' - the book felt very long to me and I do think I would've enjoyed it more had it been more compact.
However, it featured what we see quite rarely of in YA fiction nowadays which is a realistically and carefully growing relationship between hero and heroine.
The slow pace of the book gave more than enough time for Livy and Gregory to find each other - as people, as friends, and emotionally.
Ulrich put so much time into building a strong foundation and authentic connection between the two of them and she succeeded, by far. Their relationship was neither obvious nor forced, it wasn't anything but natural and you got to experience it step-by-step and see it taking shape before your eyes.
I wasn't exactly sure where to place Livy between the person she was when falling apart due to her parents divorce, the supposed dork at school, or the girl growing close and falling for Gregory - a part of me feel like I didn't get to know her well enough.
As for Gregory, I liked that he wasn't just this perfect gentleman (which he was) but that he had a pained past, that there was something else there.
There were a couple of really sweet supporting characters such as Livy's best friend Gracie, the hip Grandma Jean, and Gregory's older sister Cecelia, whom I couldn't but adore.
Cece was just the kindest, with such a warm persona. I could absolutely not believe that she was nineteen being so incredibly motherly - always taking care of others and never asking for anything in return.
"The secret" is kept subtle throughout the story, not taking action until the latter parts of the book. It isn't necessarily predictable but after a few good hints are dropped you kind of get an idea of what it might be regarding and even though it may not come as a shock, it is different and interesting.
There will be a big conflict at the end of the book and some serious fighting-sequences will break lose. Although, for some reason I'd expected something more, or something else. I can't exactly put my finger on it, but I'd hoped to have seen a bigger change or impact in the storyline or character.
There's a slight mysterious and classic vibe about 'Flightless Bird' and even though it wasn't entirely my cup of tea, I do recognize the work behind it. There's no denying Ulrich has put a lot of heart into this story and it's the kind of book I would say is timeless.
March 12, 2014
Flightless Bird captivated me from the first page!! Paulina grabs you by the hand and pulls you into her romantic and exciting story! She'll holds you tight with fantastic characters and a fast moving plot, I promise you won't want Flightless Bird to ever end!
Your last in high school is stressful enough for any seventeen year old but Livy's life is collapsing around her and then she encounters Gregory Mason *sigh* trust me this book is yummy! He's sexy, mysterious....oh and extremely annoying! That's right y'all Gregory has all the elements to repel you and attacked you all at the same time.
In order to keep herself sane, Livy vows to stay away from Gregory ( um, yeah good luck with that). But the more Livy keeps her distance, the more she gravitated to him she feels. Soon neither can deny the chemistry between them and give in *squeal* Livy and Gregory's romantic is the kind poems and love songs are written about. Ladies prepare yourselves to swoon and fall in love, you won't be able to help yourself!
As in life, love is not perfect, Gregory is keeping a secret from Livy a big one, one that can endanger her life. Soon Livy is engulfed in a society she never even knew existed. But when a vindictive ex comes back to town every one's lives are at risk. Can Gregory keep Livy safe, or will his past take her life?
This is a love story Livy and Gregory fight for, with so much danger against them, you'll being cheering for them as well. I laughed and cried and even felt embarrassed right along with the characters. Paulina is an expert at making the reader fall in love with the realistic characters and situations. This story is the perfect mixture of passion, turmoil, comedy and true love! A MUST read!!!
November 21, 2012
This is a beautiful tale of girl meets boy, boy has a secret, girl is irritated by said secret until said girl learns the truth and then things get super exciting. Paulina does a lot of things right in this book starting with two words, Gregory Mason. Truth be told Gregory is not a name I equate with sexy, intriguing, or hot but I do now! Gregory is sweet, loving, and every moment he is absent I was left pining away for him. I haven't been that anxious over a character's absence since Edward in New Moon. What else does Paulina do right? Chemistry! There is such electricity between Livy and Gregory it jumps off the page and settles into your bones. Livy and Gregory have so many intelligent, witty, and laugh out loud exchanges throughout this book! Love them! And what's a good love story without a little conflict? Flightless Bird will keep you on the edge of your seat while you travel through some serious nail biting treacherous scenes. Paulina does everything right in this book! So, what are you waiting for? It's time to fly away with Livy, Gregory, and company!
April 3, 2014
Excellent. I enjoyed book and how the characters and plot came about. I can't wait to read more by author.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews