Altered

by Laura Burks

All eighteen-year-old Jenna wants to do is have a slow paced and predictable summer in the small town of New Roads with her grandfather. But on Friday the thirteenth, the unpredictable occurs when she mysteriously hears a voice leading her to a buried book. Jenna is unaware that a secret curse lies within and she's just unleashed its hold.

As writings appear in the book strangely matching her vivid dreams, Jenna's curious nature takes over pulling her deeper into the mystery and the connection to her family. What she didn't expect to find was a forbidden love and a choice to save a life.

Will Jenna's choice remain a secret? Or did the secret choose her?

Genres: Young Adult, Fantasy, Paranormal, Romance, Paranormal Romance, Witches, Magic

Nook

First published September 1, 2011

About the author

My writing career began as a freelance writer as well as the creator and writer of a business newsletter. Public speaking and writing speeches are what led me to dig deep and find my true passion – writing young adult novels. My debut novel, ALTERED, a young adult paranormal romance mystery is now available.

When I'm not writing or just being me, I work for the Boys & Girls Club teaching “Get Real About Violence” an anti-bullying course to local elementary school children. Several months out of the year, I work with middle school students in a Youth Legislature Program. I live in the beautiful Deep South of Louisiana with my husband, our two children (ages 16 & 20) two dogs and a cat who allows us to share his home.

I love old movies, but my all time favorites are the "Pirates of the Caribbean." I know it's not old, but you can never go wrong with Johnny Depp.

If you'd like to get in contact with me, I can be reached at:
Website: http://lauraburks.com/
Email: lauraburks@cox.net
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/...
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Laura-B...
Blog: http://laura-burks.blogspot.com/


ALTERED is available in print, Kindle, and all MulitFormats for epub.

NOOK & all MultiFormats for epub: http://www.fictionwise.com/ebooks/b12...
Print/Kindle: http://www.amazon.com/Altered-Laura-B...
All Formats: http://www.wings-press.com/Bookstore/...

THANKS!!!

Reviews

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very good mysterious book.

In Altered you get a Louisiana Bayou adventure. Jenna Larson is an 18 year old on summer vacation before her senior year in a small town in the mysterious humid Bayou in the deep south. Visiting her “Pops” for the entire summer is just what she had in mind and a trip she makes every summer, a nice lazy summer soaking up the suns glorious rays…



While sunning herself she thinks she hears her voice being called into the words, so she does what any sane girl her age would do… follows it into the woods silly! Ok I know you wouldn’t do that and neither would I. However Jenna is the curios sort and this is her story so we let her. She finds a dilapidated cabin and incidentally finds a cursed book (hence why I would have never had went in the woods).




Homey right?

 

I digress! Anywho… she starts having odd dreams that night and weird things happening with said cursed book… To be fair there is a rose on the cover as well but you try finding that picture, besides I like the snake, very creepy.




The next day Jenna heads into town to the local hang out with two old friends and while catching up and eating pizza she spots a boy across the restaurant. She catches his eye as well and soon he attempts the cutest opening line. Enter Jess Parkin our very mysterious 19 year old bad boy with bright blue eyes…



Yep you know I am a sucker for the dark hair, blue eyes, bad boy type! I won’t get into too much more because I don’t want to spoil anything but Jess is a mystery to Jenna and is instantly drawn to those baby blues (can’t blame a girl for that). While falling into a forbidden love Jenna has a supernatural mystery and a cursed book on her hands, not to mention some family secrets.

I struggled very much with my rating for this one because I did enjoy the story so much but there were a few issues I had with the book. Mainly the ending, don’t worry I won’t spoil it but I will just say that a couple of the events were not believable to me and the ending feels very abrupt.

With all that being said I do recommend it.

This is a great book to share and read with a teenager in your life!

Rating – 3.5 Stars

Recommended for – Teens and Adults

Go to my blog and Follow me and my silly weirdness! DO IT!!!
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[Virginia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the story of Jenna, a girl from Orlando who visits her grandfather for the summer in Louisiana. One day she hears her name being called but no one is around. This starts her on an adventure/journey that involves love, lies, curses and secrets. Jenna discovers a hidden book with blank pages and meets Jess. Jess is the most handsome boy she has ever seen but he is also very vague and mysterious. She opens the book in the hopes of finding answers but is left with more questions as words start to appear. How Jess is involved with the book becomes apparent. Jess and Jenna become closer but at the same time the secrets between them make their feelings for each other conflicted. As you read, you wonder if Jess and Jenna will find love and have a happy ending.

I loved the way the characters are portrayed. Jenna is a sweet, caring girl who is willing to give herself to help others. She has a great relationship with her grandfather. Jess is handsome and mysterious yet gentle. He was addicting to Jenna and I found him to be the same way. I kept looking forward to the parts he was in.

This is Laura’s first book and I would love to see more from her. I loved it and could not put it down. The story held your interest and was easy to read. It contains a lot of action, romance and adventure. A sequel to this would be great too- I would love to see what the future holds for Jess and Jenna. A definite must read!!

http://youngadultbookaddict.blogspot....

[Carla-Everything Romance · Rating 4 out of 5]

My Review (by BMR's guest reviewer - Michelle M)

Altered, surprisingly, is Laura Burks debut novel. If this is her first offering, I can't wait to see what she gives us in the future!

When Jenna goes to visit her Grandfather for the summer she doesn't expect to be drawn into a world of lies, cheating & betrayal, yet that's exactly what happens when she discovers a hidden book and then meets the mysterious Jess. Just what is he hiding and how is she connected to it? The book gives her more questions than answers and Jenna struggles when deciding who to turn to for answers.

Laura Burk has a knack for developing tension, I actually found myself shouting at Jenna not to be so stupid at times, although she did seem to grow up a little throughout the book. The plot was drawn out quite a bit - enough to keep you reading, not to much so as you lost interest. It was an enjoyable book but I'm not sure if I entirely trust Jess, I have a feeling there is a lot more to his story than we discovered in this book. Laura has set it up perfectly for a sequel, it'll be interesting to see what happens next!

Highly recommended if you enjoy Young Adult fiction, may appeal to those who enjoyed The Secret Circle.

I award Altered 4 Stars.

[Terri ♥ (aka Mrs. Christian Grey) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick review:

Cover: Kind of interesting
Rating: PG
Thumbs Up: 3.5
Overall: Certainly something different.
Characters: Okay
Plot: A story I wouldn’t have expected.
Page Turner: Kind of
Series Cont.? Sure
Recommend: Maybe
Book Boyfriend: Jess

SUMMARY (50 words or less)

This story was certainly different. I don’t think I’ve read a plotline quite like it. Very imaginative, but at times the story direction is a little to convenient. But still, the story is very sweet and of good overall moral character. I liked it. Looking forward to the next one.

To see my full review and yummy pic, check out my blog post below.

COMING SOON

[Beth Bares · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can't believe this is a first time writer. Altered is one of the most unique, fresh and CLEAN paranormal romance books I have read in a long time. I hope she considers writing a sequel. I want to see Jena and Jess move to a new chapter in life. As an avid reader, I have no doubt this debut author is going places! Thanks for giving us a wonderful book. I'm a true fan!

[Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you enjoy paranormal tales, especially those set in the Bayou state and all that may conjure up in your mind, this is a novel for you. The book is targeted to young adults, but as an old adult, I was captivated early on with the characters, mystery, and suspense in this multi-layered story. I recommend this novel. It's an original, well-written story that is truly a page-turner.

[Juliette Townsend · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novel is a really unique take on young adult romance. It’s paranormal, but it’s done in a really refreshing way. Read the rest of this review here: http://paperbacksandfrosting.com

[Allbooks Review International · Rating 5 out of 5]

Altered--A Teenage Girl’s Must-Have

Laura Burks’ first novel Altered is a captivating bundle of mystery, suspense, and forbidden love. I would definitely recommend this book for young teenage girls, typically from ages 14-16 (especially if they also enjoy the book series Twilight).
The intricate story begins very interestingly. Jenna Larson, the protagonist of the novel, hears a mysterious voice whisper her name. Right from the beginning, the book has already captured your interest. Readers will wonder, what voice? Who called? From then on, the plot only gets more and more boggling. After hearing the unexpected name call, Jenna gets curious and attempts to find who whispered her name. She proceeds into the forest, discovers an abandoned cabin, and finds a worn, strange book under the floorboards.
When I reached that point of the book, I was a little miffed. I found it unrealistic how Jenna tried so hard to find who whispered her name. It seemed like Burks was just trying to find some reason to get Jenna into finding the empty cabin. Also, in my opinion, the discovery of the old book was almost cliché in a way. I thought I knew immediately what the story would be about. The book would have magical powers…have things written in it by itself…be some evil object belonging to some evil person…I figured the rest of the plot would be a knock-off to J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets.
Surprisingly, Altered took a whole different turn away from the odd book and more into romance and danger. Jenna soon encounters a beautiful adolescent man named Jess Parkin and of course, love begins to cook between them. However, complications occur and this is when the disturbing, suspenseful parts of the book fall in.
This novel is told in first person. That allows the readers to really understand and feel Jenna’s emotions. The readers can relate to her feelings as well. All teenage girls have felt their heart jump and their bellies go nuts with butterflies whenever they’re talking to someone they like. If the story was told in third person, I think the book wouldn’t have been as spellbinding and relatable.
Altered always keeps you reading. You have no choice but to read, it’s too riveting. You’re forced to keep guessing, and when you think you know what happens next, the author always manages to surprise you. It’s one of those novels that once you start reading, you can’t stop.
Laura Burks began writing at a young age, mostly in a diary. Later, she started to write as a creator of a monthly business newsletter. Her love for writing grew immensely from then on. She started Altered (which is her first book) in March 2009. During this time, she spent a lot of time editing and browsing Internet publishing option until Wings ePress offered to print and publish her book. Besides being a writer, Burks is also a wife, mother, and a teacher of “Get Real About Violence” and a Youth Legislature program. She is also a member of Romance Writers of America and HeartLa. Reviewer: Iris Park, Allbooks Review Int. www.allbooksreviewint.com

[Zee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Altered is an amazing story, one which kept me guessing all the way through. I loved that this was not your typical paranormal title. The paranormal aspect of this novel was more subtle, more disturbing. Let's talk about Louisiana and a curse from a deal gone wrong. This title makes you think twice before shortchanging someone you have made a deal with. Altered makes you think again before deciding to have your cake and eat it too.

I enjoyed reading about the budding romance between Jenna and Jess. It was slow, sensual, and deliberate. Jenna and Jess would let each other know where their heart was. There were no games. No drama. It was honesty in it's purest form. To just be with each other was enough. Every hand held, every gaze in each other's eyes, every secret shared was monumental. They lived in the moment with each other. I was often taken back to the days when my young heart was filled with that much innocence, when I experienced my first throws of love. The romance in Altered will make your heart leap more than once in fond remembrance.

Burks kept surprising me at every turn of the page. I would have it in my head where I thought the story would go next, and it never did. I was glued to this book. Quite literally. Every second I had, I whipped out one of my devices - HTC smartphone, iPod Touch, Kindle, HP Touchpad - to finish a chapter or read one more sentence. Altered is just that good of a novel! Laura Burks writing style is flawless. I don't remember seeing a typo nor did I have to reread a paragraph to understand what was going on. She kept her plot tucked away nicely, waiting on the right moment to reveal information to the reader, and as a result, everything fell smoothly into place.

Laura Burks is a seriously talented author and very creative to boot. Altered, her debut novel, is a hit and a personal favorite. I can't wait to read more novels from Laura! :)

http://firepages.blogspot.com/2011/09...

[Sherry Ellis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eighteen-year-old Jenna is spending the summer with her grandfather at his home in Louisiana. When she arrives, she has no idea of what kind of crazy things are about to happen. It all begins when she hears her name called by a voice in the woods. Curiosity leads her to a deserted cabin where she discovers an old book that had been buried under the floorboards. Soon she finds herself involved with a group of cursed criminals. She must alter the curse in order to save both her grandfather and Jess, the man who holds her heart.

Altered is a compelling novel that grabs the reader from the very beginning. The voice from the woods happens in paragraph two. Of course the reader wants to know who is calling Jenna. Then the reader wants to know about the mysterious book from the cabin. Then, when handsome Jess enters the picture, the reader wants to know what's going to happen between Jenna and Jess.

The story is told by Jenna in a first-person point of view. This allows the reader to really feel Jenna's fears, concerns, and desires. The rich, descriptive writing allows readers to clearly visualize the setting and events of the story. Altered is a wonderfully written combination of romance and the paranormal. Readers age fourteen and older who enjoy these genres will really enjoy this book.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Altered, surprisingly, is Laura Burks debut novel. If this is her first offering, I can't wait to see what she gives us in the future!



When Jenna goes to visit her Grandfather for the summer she doesn't expect to be drawn into a world of lies, cheating & betrayal, yet that's exactly what happens when she discovers a hidden book and then meets the mysterious Jess. Just what is he hiding and how is she connected to it? The book gives her more questions than answers and Jenna struggles when deciding who to turn to for answers.



Laura Burks has a knack for developing tension, I actually found myself shouting at Jenna not to be so stupid at times, although she did seem to grow up a little throughout the book. The plot was drawn out quite a bit - enough to keep you reading, not to much so as you lost interest. It was an enjoyable book but I'm not sure if I entirely trust Jess, I have a feeling there is a lot more to his story than we discovered in this book. Laura has set it up perfectly for a sequel, it'll be interesting to see what happens next!



Highly recommended if you enjoy Young Adult fiction, may appeal to those who enjoyed The Secret Circle.

Read for Book Monster Reviews

http://bookmonsterreviews.blogspot.com/

[Gabby (What's Beyond Forks?) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Full Review at: What's Beyond Forks?

"Hearing her name started it all..."

Reading that first line on the book summary started it all for me too. I love when I can gush about a book! From the first moment Jenna sees Jess to the very end, the book has you anxious for what is coming next. There are so many occurrences that make up this story, I don't want to spoil the reading adventure by giving away too much. So, I won't. The author has a magical way of engaging you in her story. The superb writing makes it effortless to visualize every moment as it unfolds. This is not your typical paranormal romance. There are no vampires or werewolves. Altered brings you something entirely original and intriguing. Add the curse to an already mysterious and spooky Louisiana setting and you have a story that is impossible to put down. I'm keeping my fingers crossed for a sequel to this one. I'm not ready for the story to end.

[Olivia · Rating 2 out of 5]

Alright, someone please tell me... what am I missing?

Usually reviews on Goodreads are pretty spot on so I was really excited for this "mysterious" and "darkly romantic" read. However, to my surprise, I get to reading this book and there is nothing that I would call mysterious or darkly romantic about it. Maybe I don't find cards fascinating enough but even the final game wasn't all that for me. I can't even say there was build up in this book, things were just going and going at the same pace.

I got to 80% (reading the Kindle version) and I was amazed that I had gotten that far with nothing happening. The only redeeming quality that this book had was the three main characters (Jenna, Jess & Pops). Each of the three main characters were well developed and interesting. To bad they never did anything.

[Laura Burks · Rating 5 out of 5]

ALTERED is also available on these sites:

B&N: (NOOK)
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/books...

FICTIONWISE: (NOOK, etc.) http://www.fictionwise.com/ebooks/b12... .

PRINT AND ALL EPUB FORMATS: (pdf for NOOK & KOBO)(mobipocket for KINDLE) Discounted price for print on this site!
http://www.wings-press.com/Bookstore/...

AMAZON (PRINT/KINDLE)
http://www.amazon.com/Altered-Laura-B...


This is my novel, so I can't rate it. But feel free to leave a rating or ask any questions. Also, you can visit my website at http://www.lauraburks.com. Thanks and I hope you enjoy ALTERED!

[Sherri Moorer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book and highly recommend it to anyone that's looking for a good supernatural tale that's a refreshing change of pace from the current vampire/werewolf craze that's taken over YA fiction. One thing I particularly liked was Jenna's great relationship with her grandfather. I lost my granddaddy when I was 12 and imagine this is the kind of relationship I would have had with him if he lived longer.

This is an excellent read. Captivating and exciting. I had a hard time putting it down and probably would have read it straight through if I had time to.

[Monique James · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a super fun read for me. I'm from South Louisiana and so I could picture exactly what was going on and the places that were described in the book. But, beyond that the story was fun and easy to get "hooked" on! I immediately loved the characters and the sweet forbidden love story. I'm a huge paranormal fan and I thought this was one of the most creative and original stories that I've read in awhile. I got to meet Laura at a book signing and wish her many more successes!

[Joan (official heroine hater) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great book. Good characters, great writing, original unique plot and a very nice romance. The only negative?? I finished it too fast and it seems to wrap up at the end so I'm thinking no sequel?? I'd really like to read more Jenna and Jess! Well, here's hoping....

[Karey Smtih · Rating 5 out of 5]

SO FINISHED THE BOOK AND LOVED IT!!!!!!!!!!! I so enjoyed the characters of Jenna and Jess and their story so much. The book is so well written had me visualizing and losing myself int he book. Wasn't able to put it down such an easy read and ready for the next book LOL.

[Meaghan R. (YA-aholic)]

i canNOT wait for this book!!!!

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Laura Burks is an incredible author. I couldn't put this book down, that's how fantastic it was! I can't wait to read more books from her. I'm hoping that there's a sequel coming soon.

[Hmr28]

Sounds great....but...I can't read it because it is not available on the nook. BOO.

[J · Rating 5 out of 5]

a debut author?all the readers would doubt that!

[Jennifer (random jendsmit) · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

I liked it :o) review to come this week.

[Joel Jurrens · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good book for a teenage girl. A lot of romance without sex or much violence. I would not have a problem letting my thirteen year-old granddaughter read this book--and I will.

[Evelyn Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very captivating and keeps the reader guessing. I would advise any young adult to read, Altered!

[Jax O · Rating 3 out of 5]

Altered is a dark and mysterious tale of secrets and curses. Jenna is not your average eighteen year old anticipating a summer like every other; relaxing with her Grandfather on his farm is what she calls heaven. Jenna and her Grandfather have a very unique and inspiring relationship. There tradition of spending summers together is about to change with Jenna finds herself drawn to an old abandoned cabin on the property. What starts with mild curiosity soon becomes something much danger and sinister. Determined to decipher her discovery she will uncover dangerous secrets that were buried long ago. With her frequent distractions by the dark and mysterious Jess this will prove a long adventure. When everything begins falling into place she finds the answers were always closer than they appeared. To protect her family she will be left with the choices, and either way she will lose. Altered is a long and tedious journey, but it proved to be a very enjoyable read. Spotlighting moments of suspense and lustful romance it was easy to delve into this story.

[Natalie]

I read the sample pages on my kindle and didn't feel that interested. Since its not at the library and my to-read list is massive, I'm not going to pursue it.

[Nereid · Rating 3 out of 5]

Engaging first book, basically a romance with a touch of the paranormal. I did find it a bit hard to get into with all the different POV but it was enjoyable.

[Brittany · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this book through the First Reads giveaway program on Goodreads. Review to follow.