What do you think?
Rate this book
Paranormal Public #1
Paranormal Public
Welcome to Charlotte’s world of unusual powers, wonderful friendship, new love and shocking betrayal . . .
Charlotte Rollins is an elemental, but she doesn't know it yet. Now, with the help of her old friend Cale and her new friend Keller, she will fight against an evil whose only goal is to consume her.
From Kobo:
There is no such thing as a mage. There is certainly no such thing as a vampire, pixie, werewolf, or fallen angel. And they certainly do not all attend a college together called Paranormal Public University.
One minute Charlotte Rollins is a normal girl about to go to a normal college. She is at once excited and nervous, getting ready to start this new phase in her life. The next minute she is a freshman not at a normal college, but at Paranormal Public University, a school where paranormals of all kinds must co-exist. Charlotte must learn magic, that is, if she could actually do magic, which unlike every other mage at Public she can’t seem to manage.
Her transition to this new and wonderful world is difficult. On top of trying to learn magic, make new friends, and confront forbidden love, the archenemy of the paranormals, the demons, are getting stronger. They are looking for something. It turns out that Charlotte might just hold the key to finding it.
Can Charlotte get a handle on her powers in time to save the school she loves? Can she fulfill a destiny the paranormals scarcely dared to hope for? Or will she be too late?
Charlotte Rollins is an elemental, but she doesn't know it yet. Now, with the help of her old friend Cale and her new friend Keller, she will fight against an evil whose only goal is to consume her.
From Kobo:
There is no such thing as a mage. There is certainly no such thing as a vampire, pixie, werewolf, or fallen angel. And they certainly do not all attend a college together called Paranormal Public University.
One minute Charlotte Rollins is a normal girl about to go to a normal college. She is at once excited and nervous, getting ready to start this new phase in her life. The next minute she is a freshman not at a normal college, but at Paranormal Public University, a school where paranormals of all kinds must co-exist. Charlotte must learn magic, that is, if she could actually do magic, which unlike every other mage at Public she can’t seem to manage.
Her transition to this new and wonderful world is difficult. On top of trying to learn magic, make new friends, and confront forbidden love, the archenemy of the paranormals, the demons, are getting stronger. They are looking for something. It turns out that Charlotte might just hold the key to finding it.
Can Charlotte get a handle on her powers in time to save the school she loves? Can she fulfill a destiny the paranormals scarcely dared to hope for? Or will she be too late?
256 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 17, 2011
359 people are currently reading
3071 people want to read
About the author
Maddy Edwards
42 books395 followersMaddy Edwards is the author of the Paranormal Public and One Black Rose and Spiral series!
If you want to keep up with new info from me, including sales, new releases, and giveaways, sign up for my Newsletter here!! http://maddyedwards.blogspot.com
If you want to keep up with new info from me, including sales, new releases, and giveaways, sign up for my Newsletter here!! http://maddyedwards.blogspot.com
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 231 reviews
March 5, 2012
This book is just awkward. The writing is stilted and the heroine is a puppet the author moves around on strings of impulse. None of the characters have any obvious motivations, come to think of it. The step-father hates her just because. The younger brother is sadly wise in a disconnected way just because. The friendly roommate helps her just because. The president of the school puts her on probation just because. The vampire representative hopes she fails just because.
And her decision to stay despite having no recognizable ability and accept probation is just weak. Why would she stay? She had a life and plans and this place has her starting with a handicap and a tenuous position at best. Why put up with that? It doesn't help that the character doesn't seem to know, either. She's kind of a directionless wimp. She's intimidated and uncertain and humiliated and however directionless she is, there's just no reason to stay in the face of all that. Why start, in the hole no less, at this dismal place when you have no goal here and no enticement to stay?
And the paranormal setup is just tedious. You have your stock paranormal races who have, for some inscrutible reason, decided to create a university setting where they all come to the same physical location but remain completely segregated while there. Why would you do that? If the author wants cliques that badly, she should just set the stupid book in High School, for heaven's sake. Ugh.
In the end, the book is unoriginal and poorly realized. The author displays no conception of motivation or characterization and the plot is like a train on rails to an inevitable destination with no deviation expected or allowed—all events happening just because that's how you get to whatever conclusion the author thinks is going to be "cool".
And her decision to stay despite having no recognizable ability and accept probation is just weak. Why would she stay? She had a life and plans and this place has her starting with a handicap and a tenuous position at best. Why put up with that? It doesn't help that the character doesn't seem to know, either. She's kind of a directionless wimp. She's intimidated and uncertain and humiliated and however directionless she is, there's just no reason to stay in the face of all that. Why start, in the hole no less, at this dismal place when you have no goal here and no enticement to stay?
And the paranormal setup is just tedious. You have your stock paranormal races who have, for some inscrutible reason, decided to create a university setting where they all come to the same physical location but remain completely segregated while there. Why would you do that? If the author wants cliques that badly, she should just set the stupid book in High School, for heaven's sake. Ugh.
In the end, the book is unoriginal and poorly realized. The author displays no conception of motivation or characterization and the plot is like a train on rails to an inevitable destination with no deviation expected or allowed—all events happening just because that's how you get to whatever conclusion the author thinks is going to be "cool".
December 16, 2014
You know how sometimes you think, let me sit on the couch, do something productive like read or send my nana an email, and hours later, look up from the Wikipedia article about the oldest pub in Europe you were reading on your smartphone and hate-think 'Oh My God, what a waste of time! I hate myself.'?
This is exactly how I felt reading Paranormal Public.
Paranormal Public by Maddy Edwards is about yet another sullen 'gifted' teenager who gets whisked off to a special college for paranormal creatures such as 'mages,' fallen angels, vampires.
Over the course of this rather dull and trope filled book, our heroine is alternatively shown swooning over boys, joining her friends to defeat narration advancing evil demons and bemoaning the fact her 'special talents' haven't shown themselves yet.
The last part particularly grated on my nerves - I was curious to see how an Elemental would be written (the closest Elemental character I have seen so far is in Kevin Hearne's absolutely excellent Iron Druid series) but the so called Elemental magic shown here is written so vapidly that even my imagination gave up and just started throwing these scenes of barren land in my mind. Also, these powers kick in only at the 90th percentile of the book. One has to plod through pages of careless writing about unlikeable characters and forced bad humor and poor pacing before any of the fun action begins. Please employ your strongest stretch of the imagination to define anything in this book as 'fun.'
Another review here said something about how there is no motivation or raison d'etre shown in the book - the things in the book happen 'just because.' (Very similar to Vampire Academy, shudder) I was looking at my notes for this review and I see I pretty much wrote down the same thing - there is no explanation or background given for any of the feelings or situations in this book. There is zero character development and I can't even muster the energy to dislike Charlotte, the protagonist.
This turned into a hate read for me 30 pages into the book. Some of the more irritating plot points jumped out at me which I will therefore address with some free editor's advice:
1. Charlotte telling Keller to stop harassing her just because he smiles at her. I had to read this at least thrice just to make sure I was reading correctly. Over sensitive much? Please re-write.
2. Great, we have more stereotypes of the popular and pretty 'school bitch.' More women hating women. Can we not, writers?
3. Teachers using magical force to slam pupils into walls - weirdly violent and completely unnecessary. Dear Maddy Edwards, refer to one Professor Snape. Also, refer to using violence just for the sake of violence as being redundant.
4. This isn't Hogwarts - this is a pale and poor imitation done with no respect to the source material. Please use common sense.
5. Three chapters of reading is too much homework? Which school did the author go to?
6. Charlotte is barely 2 days in her new college, an unfamiliar environment, and she is already whining to be allowed to learn 'how to do magic' than study theory and just soak in this brand new magical world she has been thrown into? Reeks of self entitlement. Please re-write.
7. Charlotte calls Camilla 'an evil lunatic.' Please refer to 'Feminism in the 21st century.'
8. Why does everyone behave as if they are in high school and not college? Please explain.
9. Why are all the girls so boy crazy? Please explain.
TL;Dr: Everyone in this book is just awful. If you must read another Harry Potter, pick up a copy of The Magicians by Lev Grossman.The Magicians One reluctant star because not giving any would be weird.
This is exactly how I felt reading Paranormal Public.
Paranormal Public by Maddy Edwards is about yet another sullen 'gifted' teenager who gets whisked off to a special college for paranormal creatures such as 'mages,' fallen angels, vampires.
Over the course of this rather dull and trope filled book, our heroine is alternatively shown swooning over boys, joining her friends to defeat narration advancing evil demons and bemoaning the fact her 'special talents' haven't shown themselves yet.
The last part particularly grated on my nerves - I was curious to see how an Elemental would be written (the closest Elemental character I have seen so far is in Kevin Hearne's absolutely excellent Iron Druid series) but the so called Elemental magic shown here is written so vapidly that even my imagination gave up and just started throwing these scenes of barren land in my mind. Also, these powers kick in only at the 90th percentile of the book. One has to plod through pages of careless writing about unlikeable characters and forced bad humor and poor pacing before any of the fun action begins. Please employ your strongest stretch of the imagination to define anything in this book as 'fun.'
Another review here said something about how there is no motivation or raison d'etre shown in the book - the things in the book happen 'just because.' (Very similar to Vampire Academy, shudder) I was looking at my notes for this review and I see I pretty much wrote down the same thing - there is no explanation or background given for any of the feelings or situations in this book. There is zero character development and I can't even muster the energy to dislike Charlotte, the protagonist.
This turned into a hate read for me 30 pages into the book. Some of the more irritating plot points jumped out at me which I will therefore address with some free editor's advice:
1. Charlotte telling Keller to stop harassing her just because he smiles at her. I had to read this at least thrice just to make sure I was reading correctly. Over sensitive much? Please re-write.
2. Great, we have more stereotypes of the popular and pretty 'school bitch.' More women hating women. Can we not, writers?
3. Teachers using magical force to slam pupils into walls - weirdly violent and completely unnecessary. Dear Maddy Edwards, refer to one Professor Snape. Also, refer to using violence just for the sake of violence as being redundant.
4. This isn't Hogwarts - this is a pale and poor imitation done with no respect to the source material. Please use common sense.
5. Three chapters of reading is too much homework? Which school did the author go to?
6. Charlotte is barely 2 days in her new college, an unfamiliar environment, and she is already whining to be allowed to learn 'how to do magic' than study theory and just soak in this brand new magical world she has been thrown into? Reeks of self entitlement. Please re-write.
7. Charlotte calls Camilla 'an evil lunatic.' Please refer to 'Feminism in the 21st century.'
8. Why does everyone behave as if they are in high school and not college? Please explain.
9. Why are all the girls so boy crazy? Please explain.
TL;Dr: Everyone in this book is just awful. If you must read another Harry Potter, pick up a copy of The Magicians by Lev Grossman.The Magicians One reluctant star because not giving any would be weird.
March 8, 2012
Ok I couldn't finish this.... :-(
In all fairness, I read the blurb and got so freakin excited... a pure adrenaline rush! I thought.... Harry Potter as an adult! YES!
But this isn't it.
And that's why I think you should at least check out the sample versus taking my complete word on this...
I got to 25% and stopped reading.
I didn't connect with the main character.
I was mad it wasn't freaking awesome like Harry Potter (which isn't fair...)
I thought that the main characters materialization to the Paranormal College was a big WTF... huh..
Its like hey I'm a regular girl and then later when she wakes up at this Paranormal College Huh? WTF? Where did that come from?
Its like I'm dating this guy and then on date three he says oh yeah I told you I actually have a vagina right?....
Ok... let me caln down.... I guess I'm mainly mad that it wasn't an adult Harry potter....
In all fairness, I read the blurb and got so freakin excited... a pure adrenaline rush! I thought.... Harry Potter as an adult! YES!
But this isn't it.
And that's why I think you should at least check out the sample versus taking my complete word on this...
I got to 25% and stopped reading.
I didn't connect with the main character.
I was mad it wasn't freaking awesome like Harry Potter (which isn't fair...)
I thought that the main characters materialization to the Paranormal College was a big WTF... huh..
Its like hey I'm a regular girl and then later when she wakes up at this Paranormal College Huh? WTF? Where did that come from?
Its like I'm dating this guy and then on date three he says oh yeah I told you I actually have a vagina right?....
Ok... let me caln down.... I guess I'm mainly mad that it wasn't an adult Harry potter....
August 24, 2016
Whilst this is far from being the best read I have ever picked up, it was certainly addictive. In fact, it was way more addictive than I had anticipated it to be.
It reads a lot like every other young-adult urban fantasy book out there. We have the academy for the paranormal teenagers. We have a main character with a sob story of a backstory. We have the special snowflake aspect. It is something that has been done before, and yet I found myself unable to put it down. In many ways, if this kind of story is done right, it will always be interesting – and whilst this wasn’t done perfectly, it was done a lot better than many others have done it.
I’ll start with the good.
The story has more than just the standard options when it comes to the supernatural. Quite often these supernatural school settings are limited to the high school life of vampires or the children of gods. This one differs as it’s a higher education setting with all kinds of creatures in one place. Through this, we get to see some fun interaction between different creatures. Rather than simply having vampires and werewolves, which has been a favourite since Twilight, we’re also given some other creatures such as fallen angels and fairies.
For me, finding out all about the different kinds of creatures was a lot of fun. Watching how they interacted was one of my favourite aspects of the book. The hierarchy between the creatures, the way in which there were unspoken rules, was really enjoyable. It was somewhat childish at times, yet it allowed us to watch the characters grow throughout the book. Admittedly the development was somewhat limited on that front, but it does set up promise for the future books.
Plus, as I’ve already said, it was super addictive. Despite the bad points, which I will get to shortly, I was curious to see what happened next. I found myself saying ‘just one more chapter’ every time I finished a chapter, as I needed to see how things played out.
Now for the bad.
Things were so predictable. This links in with how it is like so many other books out there. There really were no surprises. Everything was obvious. The bad guy. The powers. The way in which things would play out between characters. There wasn’t really much by way of surprise. You knew what you were getting way before it was revealed to characters, even before suggestions were made. It wasn’t enough to ruin the story, but it did lessen the enjoyment at times.
There was also the fact that certain scenes seemed to be thrown in pointlessly. It was as though the author really wanted a certain thing to play out, despite how it didn’t really seem important to the story. Almost as though the author was working through a check list in regards to what this kind of story must include.
Overall, however, it was super addictive and I had a lot of fun with it.
It reads a lot like every other young-adult urban fantasy book out there. We have the academy for the paranormal teenagers. We have a main character with a sob story of a backstory. We have the special snowflake aspect. It is something that has been done before, and yet I found myself unable to put it down. In many ways, if this kind of story is done right, it will always be interesting – and whilst this wasn’t done perfectly, it was done a lot better than many others have done it.
I’ll start with the good.
The story has more than just the standard options when it comes to the supernatural. Quite often these supernatural school settings are limited to the high school life of vampires or the children of gods. This one differs as it’s a higher education setting with all kinds of creatures in one place. Through this, we get to see some fun interaction between different creatures. Rather than simply having vampires and werewolves, which has been a favourite since Twilight, we’re also given some other creatures such as fallen angels and fairies.
For me, finding out all about the different kinds of creatures was a lot of fun. Watching how they interacted was one of my favourite aspects of the book. The hierarchy between the creatures, the way in which there were unspoken rules, was really enjoyable. It was somewhat childish at times, yet it allowed us to watch the characters grow throughout the book. Admittedly the development was somewhat limited on that front, but it does set up promise for the future books.
Plus, as I’ve already said, it was super addictive. Despite the bad points, which I will get to shortly, I was curious to see what happened next. I found myself saying ‘just one more chapter’ every time I finished a chapter, as I needed to see how things played out.
Now for the bad.
Things were so predictable. This links in with how it is like so many other books out there. There really were no surprises. Everything was obvious. The bad guy. The powers. The way in which things would play out between characters. There wasn’t really much by way of surprise. You knew what you were getting way before it was revealed to characters, even before suggestions were made. It wasn’t enough to ruin the story, but it did lessen the enjoyment at times.
There was also the fact that certain scenes seemed to be thrown in pointlessly. It was as though the author really wanted a certain thing to play out, despite how it didn’t really seem important to the story. Almost as though the author was working through a check list in regards to what this kind of story must include.
Overall, however, it was super addictive and I had a lot of fun with it.
March 27, 2018
I have no idea why this book has a rating over 3 stars, because the writing is atrocious, the editing is non-existent, the characters are one dimensional and the plot is aimless and confused.
Our main character Charlotte suffers from tstl syndrome. She has no clue about anything, even when someone explains something to her, and because of the lack of editing a thing can be explained multiple times on one page. Charlotte is a paranormal who has no idea about her heritage and she's squirreled away to Paranormal Public(the epitome of exclusivity, I think, because 'Public'and 'Exclusive' apparently mean the same thing), after being attacked by a giant dog. The problem with Charlotte is that she never knew she had magic and therefore she doesn't know how to access it. Not that anyone actually shows her how to do so anyway, they just get mad at her when she can't. When her magic finally sets off a bunch of objects in a non used dorm she hides the fact from all her friends instead of I don't know, putting two and two together. Also on a related note, when you just discovered your magic and don't know how to use it properly yet, maybe it isn't the best idea to split from your friends when hunting a hell hound. Moron.
And these are just the problems with one character, and I'm not even done! There are doors that manage to slam open, not that they hit anything, they just SLAM. OPEN!
SLAM
verb - shut (a door, window, or lid) forcefully and loudly.
noun - a loud bang caused by the forceful shutting of something such as a door.
Somehow people manage to talk in parentheses. Yes they talk in brackets:
"You will be expected to train hard, to learn your talents and specialties (assuming you each have one), and to learn them to perfection."
Charlotte does have one talent, she can feel muscles in thumbs and fingers. I don't even know how the actual fuck that works.
I wouldn't wish this book on my worst enemy.
Our main character Charlotte suffers from tstl syndrome. She has no clue about anything, even when someone explains something to her, and because of the lack of editing a thing can be explained multiple times on one page. Charlotte is a paranormal who has no idea about her heritage and she's squirreled away to Paranormal Public(the epitome of exclusivity, I think, because 'Public'and 'Exclusive' apparently mean the same thing), after being attacked by a giant dog. The problem with Charlotte is that she never knew she had magic and therefore she doesn't know how to access it. Not that anyone actually shows her how to do so anyway, they just get mad at her when she can't. When her magic finally sets off a bunch of objects in a non used dorm she hides the fact from all her friends instead of I don't know, putting two and two together. Also on a related note, when you just discovered your magic and don't know how to use it properly yet, maybe it isn't the best idea to split from your friends when hunting a hell hound. Moron.
And these are just the problems with one character, and I'm not even done! There are doors that manage to slam open, not that they hit anything, they just SLAM. OPEN!
SLAM
verb - shut (a door, window, or lid) forcefully and loudly.
noun - a loud bang caused by the forceful shutting of something such as a door.
Somehow people manage to talk in parentheses. Yes they talk in brackets:
"You will be expected to train hard, to learn your talents and specialties (assuming you each have one), and to learn them to perfection."
Charlotte does have one talent, she can feel muscles in thumbs and fingers. I don't even know how the actual fuck that works.
I wouldn't wish this book on my worst enemy.
September 19, 2013
This book, despite its length, was actually a very quick and entertaining read. Yes the setting is once again in a college, and yes we seem to have that everywhere at the moment, but this story seems to have a little more depth. The characters are unique and easy to connect with, and therefore makes this story, in my personal opinion... different.
As well as unique, the characters are likeable, and of course we have a forbidden love theme going on too, which I happen to LOVE! We also read about demons, magic and many mythical beings, all of which keep you hooked to the pages.
The only gripes I have with the book is that some things in there are very similar to other things I’ve read recently. I know the characters are unique, but the setting once again put me back in school and I would have enjoyed being somewhere else.
Thank you for letting me review this book.
As well as unique, the characters are likeable, and of course we have a forbidden love theme going on too, which I happen to LOVE! We also read about demons, magic and many mythical beings, all of which keep you hooked to the pages.
The only gripes I have with the book is that some things in there are very similar to other things I’ve read recently. I know the characters are unique, but the setting once again put me back in school and I would have enjoyed being somewhere else.
Thank you for letting me review this book.
August 18, 2015
This book.... mehhh
It was like a sad wannabe Hogwarts.
Charlotte's relationships are wonky.
The whole plot of the book was so obvious that I was surprised at how confused and in the dark all the characters seemed to be.
Despite all its flaws it was still pretty entertaining. It was a quick easy read that I didn't really have to put any energy into thinking about. I know some people want every book to be deep and complex but sometimes you just want your mind to chill in space.
I liked it and thought it was ok but I don't think it was quite enough to hook me into reading the rest of the series.
It was like a sad wannabe Hogwarts.
Charlotte's relationships are wonky.
The whole plot of the book was so obvious that I was surprised at how confused and in the dark all the characters seemed to be.
Despite all its flaws it was still pretty entertaining. It was a quick easy read that I didn't really have to put any energy into thinking about. I know some people want every book to be deep and complex but sometimes you just want your mind to chill in space.
I liked it and thought it was ok but I don't think it was quite enough to hook me into reading the rest of the series.
November 14, 2015
I couldn't make it more than the first two chapters. The MC is just way too annoying. She accepts things way too easily. Guy shows up who she hasn't seen in over a year and all of a sudden is walking her home. Oh that's normal. Weird mist swirling around her? Oh that's normal. She's told she's a mage and her mother was a mage. Well that must be true because of this early childhood memory of her mother telling her such. GOD THINK FOR YOUSELF! I just can't. It feels like it was written by a teenager.
December 26, 2011
Do I? Don't I? Do I? Don't I? Up and down up and down. One minute I'm loving it the next not so much. Is the main character, Charlotte, awesome? or just annoying?...I don't know. I loved the supporting characters though and I really liked Charlotte's little brother even if he only made a couple of short appearances.
July 14, 2016
This was a good value read. Although some of the scenes were definitely not very new, and somewhat predictable it remains a good story.
The characters were particularly diverse and likable, with a good range of differing attitudes and personality.
I shall be happy to go on to the next novel in the series. Currently sitting at 5 books.
The characters were particularly diverse and likable, with a good range of differing attitudes and personality.
I shall be happy to go on to the next novel in the series. Currently sitting at 5 books.
August 23, 2016
Absolutely spectacular!!!!!
I loved everything about this book!!!!! Can't wait to read all the others!!!!
I loved everything about this book!!!!! Can't wait to read all the others!!!!
May 15, 2019
Most days I’m a relatively awkward person… and as an awkward human being, I can understand others’ awkwardness pretty well. Trust me, I know where you’re coming from… but this type of awkward was just plain awful.
DNF@55%
I’m not quite sure who this book was directed towards. A large portion of my books on Goodreads are young adult fantasy and considering this was a recommended read based on books I’ve read in the past, I assumed it was as well. However, I found this book reads much more like a book for pre-teens wanting to get into the fantasy genre. Needless to say… I didn’t enjoy it.
A huge problem for me was the writing style. Although the idea wasn’t entirely original (some obvious similarities to an honorable mention aka Harry Potter), I didn’t really mind the plot. It’s the writing style that was in serious need of editing and refining. The characters were ill-developed and our MC is just short of unbearably annoying. She’s far too immature, dangerously impulsive, and still does nothing to improve herself or her position for more than half the book. Honestly, I can only take so much...
Final thoughts? If you're looking for a TRUE good read, then don't bother with this one.
DNF@55%
I’m not quite sure who this book was directed towards. A large portion of my books on Goodreads are young adult fantasy and considering this was a recommended read based on books I’ve read in the past, I assumed it was as well. However, I found this book reads much more like a book for pre-teens wanting to get into the fantasy genre. Needless to say… I didn’t enjoy it.
A huge problem for me was the writing style. Although the idea wasn’t entirely original (some obvious similarities to an honorable mention aka Harry Potter), I didn’t really mind the plot. It’s the writing style that was in serious need of editing and refining. The characters were ill-developed and our MC is just short of unbearably annoying. She’s far too immature, dangerously impulsive, and still does nothing to improve herself or her position for more than half the book. Honestly, I can only take so much...
Final thoughts? If you're looking for a TRUE good read, then don't bother with this one.
January 28, 2012
This is mildly spoilery. You have been warned.
This was a wonderful YA story. The main character is relatable, her core group of secondary characters is well developed, the bad guy is pretty impressive & the romance is pitch perfect for the genre. I really found Charlotte to be a very likable character. She makes understandable choices for someone her age who feels a bit isolated, she may play some cards close to the chest but is willing to stick up for those she deems her friends. The secondary cast all has developed personalities, especially her 3 friends Sip, Lisabelle, & Lough. I personally love Lanca & really want to get her background. I like the relationship that Charlotte develops with Keller, its natural & age appropriate for the genre (something not all of the YA stories pull off to well). There are certainly shades of Snape in the professor Zervos. As this is the intro book there is certainly still a bit more Universe building to go, but it was an awesome introduction! I can't wait to read the next one & find out more about the students at Paranormal Public!
This was a wonderful YA story. The main character is relatable, her core group of secondary characters is well developed, the bad guy is pretty impressive & the romance is pitch perfect for the genre. I really found Charlotte to be a very likable character. She makes understandable choices for someone her age who feels a bit isolated, she may play some cards close to the chest but is willing to stick up for those she deems her friends. The secondary cast all has developed personalities, especially her 3 friends Sip, Lisabelle, & Lough. I personally love Lanca & really want to get her background. I like the relationship that Charlotte develops with Keller, its natural & age appropriate for the genre (something not all of the YA stories pull off to well). There are certainly shades of Snape in the professor Zervos. As this is the intro book there is certainly still a bit more Universe building to go, but it was an awesome introduction! I can't wait to read the next one & find out more about the students at Paranormal Public!
February 13, 2012
I saw Paranormal Public on a fellow Good Reads friend's profile and decided to read it. I know a lot of people do not like books that take place at a school for paranormals, but I LOVE those types of books! You get to see a lot of paranormal action since there are so many in the book.
For me, Paranormal Public did not disappoint. The main character, Charlotte, is a very likeable character and the reader wants things to go her way. I'm hoping a sequel will come out because I would love to see more of the Paranormal Public action :)
For me, Paranormal Public did not disappoint. The main character, Charlotte, is a very likeable character and the reader wants things to go her way. I'm hoping a sequel will come out because I would love to see more of the Paranormal Public action :)
January 9, 2012
Take a healthy dose of Harry Potter, a smidgen of Hex Hall, and a splash of Vampire Academy. Painfully obvious, the protagonist never asked the right questions, and was oblivious to the truth that stared her right in the face. Even when confronted with said truth, she still wanted to remain oblivious.
And yet... I couldn't put it down! Yeah! Figure that one out!
And yet... I couldn't put it down! Yeah! Figure that one out!
February 23, 2012
First I have to give five stars to Maddy Edwards, she is very nice and friendly.
I loved reading Paranormal Public and I'm so anxious to get my hands on a second book. Maddy you did great job. Five stars from me.
I loved reading Paranormal Public and I'm so anxious to get my hands on a second book. Maddy you did great job. Five stars from me.
January 4, 2013
3.5 Really would be my Review... but it was very close. And I will tell you why.
First right off the bat, I am going to try my bestest not to give any spoilers but since we already know a BIG part of the book which is that our main character Charlotte is an Elemental - well there it it is. She is an Elemental, only she doesn't find out until more than 75% through the book, i read on the kindle i don't know the page numbers or anything. So yeah there is that. So i was sitting on this HUGE ASS secret with no clear idea when Charlotte was going to find out. So while i am suppose to be feeling bad for her because she thinks she is a mage but she can't really do magic, i dont because i am like, well i know what you really are...so when are you going to find out? i kept thinking that throughout the whole book until she finally finds out. Ugh and it took us awhile but we get there, and then everything piles on right after that. No i am not saying that the entire book is boring beforehand because it's not things happen. Interesting, moving the story plot along things happen. I don't know what was wrong with me really on this book but i felt that the problem - demons - was almost overlooked for a really long time. I just didn't feel the urgency or horror of it. Not until the end and even then i wasn't built up to this point. So i was like oh...okay. None of the college students - and i will be getting to that in a minute - acted like it was a big deal really. But i will admit a big reason this book got that extra .5 from me was because she managed to shock me, and that does not happen alot and i am not trying to sound conceded or anything but its the truth sometimes i can just figure things out really fast. As i am sure a lot of super experienced readers do. So i was like hey...wow....good going there buddy!
Okay so back to what i was saying about those college kids. I am a college kid, yup thats right i am. So this school setting was high school, the drama seemed high school, and my God i understand Freshman are still somewhat in High school, and i know i should take in account, that i do not live on campus, though i don't go to the biggest school ever, and all that i should take just my experience in account but i do because i have read a lot of college aged kids books. But everyone in this book seem to know everyone, and i was like, okay i don't even know half the kids in one of my classes names...And i get it this is a small magic school, chances are its a small community and i wouldn't have minded it soo much if I don't know they acted more mature? Rise above my friends, rise above... My thing is there were different ways to handle some situations that would have made the students seem more college aged. Because i had to remind myself that they were in college...alot. But I am not saying that the author should change certain characters, an example being Camilla she was the bitch of the story and i didn't mind that, there is always a characters want to hate. And some people never change from how they were, or how they are. Then there were characters like Lisabelle, who i thought was very college like. I am not going to in major detail about characters right now though. So this was one of my big issues with the books, because i just had to remind myself this was college, and i just was getting a little annoyed sometimes.
Okay, now i absolutely hate when people compare books to other books because - i will admit i am Creative Writing Major/ English Major so yes i write, doesn't make me an expert and i will not claim that i am - but i do believe that as writers, they take ideas, and influences from other authors. I don't mind that at all, just shape into your own ideas. But i am about to be the super bitch who does it. It wasn't the entire book just some aspects kept me going to back to Harry Potter. Not the school for paranormals because they're a ton of books like that and that is totally normal. It was the suspecting of one professor. That sounded dangerously like Snape. There i said it. And i hate myself for doing it but i felt that way and that was another huge things that bugged the hell out of me.
As i was writing about characters i also thought of something else that bugged me. She changed things while writing the book i think. Because rules/important details change dramatically. And i was like wait what? And there were times things didn't quite make sense, it was small stuff, like i am pretty sure she said for example: "OH this person was fine but they were taking her the hospital to get surgery or something because she just barely survived".... um what?
So Now that have done like plot-y like stuff, here my thoughts on the characters:
Charlotte: Orphan, technically, she has a jackass of a step-father who is the book for the first maybe two to three chapters. She also had this fantastically mature 10 -year old half brother...10 years old...and a boy....and supposedly according to Char he was also spoiled. That is not what i saw. And his maturity didn't match his age...at all but then again i don't know many - or any 10 years old. Anyways this is about Char right now, so she accepted a whole lot really easily, and suppressed a lot that suddenly came back to her. They never really explained the breaking of the dishes that always seemed to happen around her. I liked her because she was loyal, and she kind. She cared about her friends and really went to the ends of the earth for them. Also she started to get a backbone and stood up for herself. So there was grown in her character which i liked.
Sip: Charlotte's werewolf roommate. Sip is interesting. At one point it seems like she is a really good girl, i think there was one point it said she would even say "Shut up" but then later in the book she says it without even blinking...I feel like Sip's character was lost a little sometimes. She seemed really nice, and i liked her but i didn't get much feeling other than that from her. Charlotte didn't seem interesting in learning about the werewolf culture in the book which disappointed me because all she really seem interested in was mages, and elementals. But what about everyone else? So Sip was the roommate, and protector when need be.
Lisabelle: A darkness mage. Sarcastic to a T and snarky. I liked her a lot. She was a good friend and she showed it through her actions not through her words. She mostly said particularly nice things but as Char mentions she does have a really good heart. Lisabelle seems dark and cruel but she doesn't mean that. As a darkness mage people both fear/hate her but Char accepts her right away and that makes me like Char more, and makes me love Lisabelle for accepting her friendship.
Lough: Is a dream-giver... again we don't learn much about these spieces of paranormals and this was the first i have ever heard of the dream-giver. They have a couple examples of their powers but not a whole lot. Lough is in love with Lisabelle, and a good friend to Sip and Charlotte. I think he was against just a sweet guy, but a lot of the characters as i have mentioned aren't as well developed as they could have been.
Cale: her pixie friend from the past, who she never knew was a pixie. Anyways he i think was suppose to an almost admirer? but didn't quite make the cut. I think that i would have been more interested him if he actually was legit interested in Char but to be honest it didn't seem that way...at all. Maybe i was expecting alot more out of Cale because he is mentioned in the summary but he wasn't all that important, and Char and him i didn't feel it...at all. So moving on to Keller.
Keller: fallen angel - which are suppose to be pure and good...um well that is a new take on them i suppose... anways i am not touching that because yeah no. Anyways Keller was distant, and well distant. He was Char's tutor and constant shadow. He showed up to save her ass, that was his job. i know he was suppose to be the love interest but um...that fell realll flat. There relationship felt superficial, and almost one-sided. i saw almost one-sided because it only seemed like Char cared...but she didn't overwhelming care. She never admitted she was mad other girls were touching him and what nots because she was jealous, and um...Keller...don't even get me started on him. He could be so much more in the next ones and i hope, i honestly hope that he is.
Okay as i always do the ending being as vague as possible here i go: Um a lot of left unsaid, and i don't mean to the point that it is a cliffhanger but seemingly important things to know like what happened to certain characters. Other than that ( i know the next two are out) there isn't that feeling of a cliffhanger. The problems still exist and that is okay because if not than i would be annoyed and be asking why are you even making a second one? So i will probably get to the second sooner or later... we shall see but i will probably give it a shot. And i think this book is worth a look see, try out the sample on amazon see how you feel about it.
So now to be that annoying person. Check out my blog, blah blah blah, we are new so much appreciated if you do, and you can check out how i feel about other books, and books you might have never heard of but you might enjoy so yay! here the link: http://theviolethourbookreviews.wordp...
First right off the bat, I am going to try my bestest not to give any spoilers but since we already know a BIG part of the book which is that our main character Charlotte is an Elemental - well there it it is. She is an Elemental, only she doesn't find out until more than 75% through the book, i read on the kindle i don't know the page numbers or anything. So yeah there is that. So i was sitting on this HUGE ASS secret with no clear idea when Charlotte was going to find out. So while i am suppose to be feeling bad for her because she thinks she is a mage but she can't really do magic, i dont because i am like, well i know what you really are...so when are you going to find out? i kept thinking that throughout the whole book until she finally finds out. Ugh and it took us awhile but we get there, and then everything piles on right after that. No i am not saying that the entire book is boring beforehand because it's not things happen. Interesting, moving the story plot along things happen. I don't know what was wrong with me really on this book but i felt that the problem - demons - was almost overlooked for a really long time. I just didn't feel the urgency or horror of it. Not until the end and even then i wasn't built up to this point. So i was like oh...okay. None of the college students - and i will be getting to that in a minute - acted like it was a big deal really. But i will admit a big reason this book got that extra .5 from me was because she managed to shock me, and that does not happen alot and i am not trying to sound conceded or anything but its the truth sometimes i can just figure things out really fast. As i am sure a lot of super experienced readers do. So i was like hey...wow....good going there buddy!
Okay so back to what i was saying about those college kids. I am a college kid, yup thats right i am. So this school setting was high school, the drama seemed high school, and my God i understand Freshman are still somewhat in High school, and i know i should take in account, that i do not live on campus, though i don't go to the biggest school ever, and all that i should take just my experience in account but i do because i have read a lot of college aged kids books. But everyone in this book seem to know everyone, and i was like, okay i don't even know half the kids in one of my classes names...And i get it this is a small magic school, chances are its a small community and i wouldn't have minded it soo much if I don't know they acted more mature? Rise above my friends, rise above... My thing is there were different ways to handle some situations that would have made the students seem more college aged. Because i had to remind myself that they were in college...alot. But I am not saying that the author should change certain characters, an example being Camilla she was the bitch of the story and i didn't mind that, there is always a characters want to hate. And some people never change from how they were, or how they are. Then there were characters like Lisabelle, who i thought was very college like. I am not going to in major detail about characters right now though. So this was one of my big issues with the books, because i just had to remind myself this was college, and i just was getting a little annoyed sometimes.
Okay, now i absolutely hate when people compare books to other books because - i will admit i am Creative Writing Major/ English Major so yes i write, doesn't make me an expert and i will not claim that i am - but i do believe that as writers, they take ideas, and influences from other authors. I don't mind that at all, just shape into your own ideas. But i am about to be the super bitch who does it. It wasn't the entire book just some aspects kept me going to back to Harry Potter. Not the school for paranormals because they're a ton of books like that and that is totally normal. It was the suspecting of one professor. That sounded dangerously like Snape. There i said it. And i hate myself for doing it but i felt that way and that was another huge things that bugged the hell out of me.
As i was writing about characters i also thought of something else that bugged me. She changed things while writing the book i think. Because rules/important details change dramatically. And i was like wait what? And there were times things didn't quite make sense, it was small stuff, like i am pretty sure she said for example: "OH this person was fine but they were taking her the hospital to get surgery or something because she just barely survived".... um what?
So Now that have done like plot-y like stuff, here my thoughts on the characters:
Charlotte: Orphan, technically, she has a jackass of a step-father who is the book for the first maybe two to three chapters. She also had this fantastically mature 10 -year old half brother...10 years old...and a boy....and supposedly according to Char he was also spoiled. That is not what i saw. And his maturity didn't match his age...at all but then again i don't know many - or any 10 years old. Anyways this is about Char right now, so she accepted a whole lot really easily, and suppressed a lot that suddenly came back to her. They never really explained the breaking of the dishes that always seemed to happen around her. I liked her because she was loyal, and she kind. She cared about her friends and really went to the ends of the earth for them. Also she started to get a backbone and stood up for herself. So there was grown in her character which i liked.
Sip: Charlotte's werewolf roommate. Sip is interesting. At one point it seems like she is a really good girl, i think there was one point it said she would even say "Shut up" but then later in the book she says it without even blinking...I feel like Sip's character was lost a little sometimes. She seemed really nice, and i liked her but i didn't get much feeling other than that from her. Charlotte didn't seem interesting in learning about the werewolf culture in the book which disappointed me because all she really seem interested in was mages, and elementals. But what about everyone else? So Sip was the roommate, and protector when need be.
Lisabelle: A darkness mage. Sarcastic to a T and snarky. I liked her a lot. She was a good friend and she showed it through her actions not through her words. She mostly said particularly nice things but as Char mentions she does have a really good heart. Lisabelle seems dark and cruel but she doesn't mean that. As a darkness mage people both fear/hate her but Char accepts her right away and that makes me like Char more, and makes me love Lisabelle for accepting her friendship.
Lough: Is a dream-giver... again we don't learn much about these spieces of paranormals and this was the first i have ever heard of the dream-giver. They have a couple examples of their powers but not a whole lot. Lough is in love with Lisabelle, and a good friend to Sip and Charlotte. I think he was against just a sweet guy, but a lot of the characters as i have mentioned aren't as well developed as they could have been.
Cale: her pixie friend from the past, who she never knew was a pixie. Anyways he i think was suppose to an almost admirer? but didn't quite make the cut. I think that i would have been more interested him if he actually was legit interested in Char but to be honest it didn't seem that way...at all. Maybe i was expecting alot more out of Cale because he is mentioned in the summary but he wasn't all that important, and Char and him i didn't feel it...at all. So moving on to Keller.
Keller: fallen angel - which are suppose to be pure and good...um well that is a new take on them i suppose... anways i am not touching that because yeah no. Anyways Keller was distant, and well distant. He was Char's tutor and constant shadow. He showed up to save her ass, that was his job. i know he was suppose to be the love interest but um...that fell realll flat. There relationship felt superficial, and almost one-sided. i saw almost one-sided because it only seemed like Char cared...but she didn't overwhelming care. She never admitted she was mad other girls were touching him and what nots because she was jealous, and um...Keller...don't even get me started on him. He could be so much more in the next ones and i hope, i honestly hope that he is.
Okay as i always do the ending being as vague as possible here i go: Um a lot of left unsaid, and i don't mean to the point that it is a cliffhanger but seemingly important things to know like what happened to certain characters. Other than that ( i know the next two are out) there isn't that feeling of a cliffhanger. The problems still exist and that is okay because if not than i would be annoyed and be asking why are you even making a second one? So i will probably get to the second sooner or later... we shall see but i will probably give it a shot. And i think this book is worth a look see, try out the sample on amazon see how you feel about it.
So now to be that annoying person. Check out my blog, blah blah blah, we are new so much appreciated if you do, and you can check out how i feel about other books, and books you might have never heard of but you might enjoy so yay! here the link: http://theviolethourbookreviews.wordp...
March 18, 2018
I read this a few years ago and something about it was nagging my brain. I couldn't remember which book it was that I had read, but after a long search and rereading so many books, I pretty sure this is the one I was remembering. I really enjoyed it and found it very entertaining. I liked the main character and I also really liked the side characters. Obviously there were many things that were unreal in this book seeing as it's about a bunch of paranormal teens going to a paranormal university to learn how to use their magic and battle demons, etc. But there were just as many real situations, mean girls, jealousies, rivalries, groups and outcasts. I appreciate that it wasn't overly dramatic in the romance department beyond the petty jealousies because this was about demons trying to break into a school and destroy these kids. I give it a happy 4 stars.
July 21, 2022
I'm not sure why I finished this (and read the next one). Oh yeah, it was because it was a 3 books in 1 on kindle unlimited and I didn't even bother to check. This was a very juvenile and predictable story, but not horrendous or anything. The pace felt a bit slow, despite the length.
February 3, 2019
I could not finish since I thought it was gonna be more scifi oriented.
February 22, 2018
What happens when a girl ends up at a college for paranormal instead of a mundane college.
Well written, exciting, full of twists and turns, this story keeps you interested. A teen expecting a regular college finds out that she is a mage to be, and that werewolves, vampires, pixies, and the whole gamut of fairy tale brings exist. And the forces of darkness want them all dead.
Well written, exciting, full of twists and turns, this story keeps you interested. A teen expecting a regular college finds out that she is a mage to be, and that werewolves, vampires, pixies, and the whole gamut of fairy tale brings exist. And the forces of darkness want them all dead.
February 8, 2012
Paranormal Public is a college for students who were born with special abilities ( werewolves, pixies, vampire, mages etc.) Before you begin running off screaming, "Oh no, not another YA parnormal novel set in a school," let me assure you that this one is different. There is no Greek mythology theme, the main character isn't some highly skilled herione who saves the day. She is just a simple girl named Charlotte whose life has not been a bed of roses; but, manages to unite a group of prejudiced individuals.
Charlotte's mother died a few years ago. She is being tolerated by her mean stepfather. However, she knows that she will be leaving for college soon and will probably never return except to see her brother. Charlotte dreads being out at night because she always seems to see fog and then the appearance of a giant black dog with red eyes. On her way home from working at a restaurant, she runs into a friend named Cale, who had graduated a year prior. He walks her home; but, before she can get into the house safely, she is attacked by the black demon dog.
Charlotte wakes in the infirmary at Paranormal Public College. She is informed that she has been sent their to learn about her paranormal abilities. As a freshman, she must demonstrate her abilities in order to obtain her ring that will denote the dormitory she will reside in. Unfortunately for Charlotte, she is unable to perform in front of the student body. She is immediately ostracized, criticized and generally mocked. She is determined to make her mother proud by demonstrating her skills.
Although the idea of a school for paranormals is not unique, this plot is definitely different and well executed. Maddy Edwards has a knack for setting the tone, world building and great characterizations. You really can feel Charlotte's confusion, despair and goodness. It is wonderful to watch her grow and mature. If I had a criticism it would be that at times, I felt like this was high school instead of college. But in an age of massage YA vulgar language and sexually exploitive plots, it is kind of refreshing.
The amazing thing is that this book is only 99 cent on Kindle form. It is a steal. So, do not hesitate, buy this book before the price goes up. It is a wonderful start to a great series. I will be anxiously awaiting the next book in the series.
Charlotte's mother died a few years ago. She is being tolerated by her mean stepfather. However, she knows that she will be leaving for college soon and will probably never return except to see her brother. Charlotte dreads being out at night because she always seems to see fog and then the appearance of a giant black dog with red eyes. On her way home from working at a restaurant, she runs into a friend named Cale, who had graduated a year prior. He walks her home; but, before she can get into the house safely, she is attacked by the black demon dog.
Charlotte wakes in the infirmary at Paranormal Public College. She is informed that she has been sent their to learn about her paranormal abilities. As a freshman, she must demonstrate her abilities in order to obtain her ring that will denote the dormitory she will reside in. Unfortunately for Charlotte, she is unable to perform in front of the student body. She is immediately ostracized, criticized and generally mocked. She is determined to make her mother proud by demonstrating her skills.
Although the idea of a school for paranormals is not unique, this plot is definitely different and well executed. Maddy Edwards has a knack for setting the tone, world building and great characterizations. You really can feel Charlotte's confusion, despair and goodness. It is wonderful to watch her grow and mature. If I had a criticism it would be that at times, I felt like this was high school instead of college. But in an age of massage YA vulgar language and sexually exploitive plots, it is kind of refreshing.
The amazing thing is that this book is only 99 cent on Kindle form. It is a steal. So, do not hesitate, buy this book before the price goes up. It is a wonderful start to a great series. I will be anxiously awaiting the next book in the series.
July 26, 2016
Let me start this review by saying, I love this series. I read all the way through number 11, because that's what was out at the time. When number 12 came out, I began the book, but then realized I'd forgotten what happened in the first 11, so I'm currently re-reading them all. I just finished number 9 again, and I still love the series. I'm going to review the whole series in this review, because I don't really remember what happened in each individual book.
The first time I read the series I noticed a couple inconsistencies, that I could look past, because they didn't hamper the story in any way. The second time I read them, while still not hampering the story, I noticed so many inconsistencies, it started to get real close to ridiculous. The inconsistencies I noticed the first time happened in different books, so I could understand those. I'm not an author, so I suppose it can be hard to remember every little tiny detail you put into the story line. The second time through, I began to notice that the inconsistencies were sometimes in the same book, even as close as the very next chapter. There were also inconsistencies with the characters. For instance, when we first meet Professor Dacer, Sip tells Charlotte that he doesn't teach, because he doesn't like students. In later books, he's described as the favorite among students. Names changed a couple times in the books as well. When we first met Daisy and Dobrov, their last name was Validification, and then a book or two later, it was Valedication, and then in number 10, it's Validification again. There were so many more, but it would take way too long to list them all, and they would most definitely include spoilers. Like I said before, I love this series, but I think it would be beneficial to hire someone to read and note inconsistencies in the books, because there are just way too many.
The premise of this series is not new. We've read about the paranormal world being at war with evil. However, the way this series was done, is fairly original. I've read a lot of fantasy books, and they're mostly set in high school. I love that this series was set in college, as there aren't a ton that are. I got lost in this story, and these characters. I really just wish there hadn't been so many inconsistencies that pulled me out of the world.
The first time I read the series I noticed a couple inconsistencies, that I could look past, because they didn't hamper the story in any way. The second time I read them, while still not hampering the story, I noticed so many inconsistencies, it started to get real close to ridiculous. The inconsistencies I noticed the first time happened in different books, so I could understand those. I'm not an author, so I suppose it can be hard to remember every little tiny detail you put into the story line. The second time through, I began to notice that the inconsistencies were sometimes in the same book, even as close as the very next chapter. There were also inconsistencies with the characters. For instance, when we first meet Professor Dacer, Sip tells Charlotte that he doesn't teach, because he doesn't like students. In later books, he's described as the favorite among students. Names changed a couple times in the books as well. When we first met Daisy and Dobrov, their last name was Validification, and then a book or two later, it was Valedication, and then in number 10, it's Validification again. There were so many more, but it would take way too long to list them all, and they would most definitely include spoilers. Like I said before, I love this series, but I think it would be beneficial to hire someone to read and note inconsistencies in the books, because there are just way too many.
The premise of this series is not new. We've read about the paranormal world being at war with evil. However, the way this series was done, is fairly original. I've read a lot of fantasy books, and they're mostly set in high school. I love that this series was set in college, as there aren't a ton that are. I got lost in this story, and these characters. I really just wish there hadn't been so many inconsistencies that pulled me out of the world.
October 12, 2015
Okay, so, this book.... This book sparked my interest because it sounded like Harry Potter and Hex Hall had a love child. It was also free as part of a Book Bub giveaway, so I thought I'd try it.
Things I liked: I found both Lisabelle and Lanca to be snarky in a funny way. Both of them won chuckles out of me. I found Lough to be an interesting character. I kept waiting for him to , but he didn't. Turns out he's more of . I was glad to be wrong and to see the character's evolution. I liked that Charlotte's With how that particular subplot was presented, I thought it would play out differently.
One thing I really, really loved was that there were magical classifications that fell within the grey area - that there were people who could do "dark" magic but could opt how they used it. It was refreshing to see those sorts of characters have moments of heroism - underscoring that it isn't your abilities but how you use them that determines your pathway. So two thumbs up for the author there.
So, why only three stars? Several reasons. First, the beginning of the book lacked logic. The heroine suddenly finds herself at magic school and takes it all in stride. It just did not work for me. There are also a LOT of editing fails. I'm not sure who edited this book, but the number of typos and places where sentences were half edited was pretty large. One or two typos happens in most books (I've found them in Indy books and traditionally published books). Several typos a chapter does not. Finally, the story was predictable. That Charlotte is an elemental is obvious from pretty early on (how she doesn't figure this out is beyond me), and the villain was not only obvious but did everything straight out of Villain 101 (with no explanation as to WHY the villain was evil).
Ultimately, I think this story had a good concept. There were just some flaws in the execution. Despite that, I think the author has potential, especially as she gets more experience and if she finds herself good beta readers. I'll probably try the sequel if it's at a decent price point.
Things I liked: I found both Lisabelle and Lanca to be snarky in a funny way. Both of them won chuckles out of me. I found Lough to be an interesting character. I kept waiting for him to , but he didn't. Turns out he's more of . I was glad to be wrong and to see the character's evolution. I liked that Charlotte's With how that particular subplot was presented, I thought it would play out differently.
One thing I really, really loved was that there were magical classifications that fell within the grey area - that there were people who could do "dark" magic but could opt how they used it. It was refreshing to see those sorts of characters have moments of heroism - underscoring that it isn't your abilities but how you use them that determines your pathway. So two thumbs up for the author there.
So, why only three stars? Several reasons. First, the beginning of the book lacked logic. The heroine suddenly finds herself at magic school and takes it all in stride. It just did not work for me. There are also a LOT of editing fails. I'm not sure who edited this book, but the number of typos and places where sentences were half edited was pretty large. One or two typos happens in most books (I've found them in Indy books and traditionally published books). Several typos a chapter does not. Finally, the story was predictable. That Charlotte is an elemental is obvious from pretty early on (how she doesn't figure this out is beyond me), and the villain was not only obvious but did everything straight out of Villain 101 (with no explanation as to WHY the villain was evil).
Ultimately, I think this story had a good concept. There were just some flaws in the execution. Despite that, I think the author has potential, especially as she gets more experience and if she finds herself good beta readers. I'll probably try the sequel if it's at a decent price point.
February 13, 2012
Protagonist and heroine Charlotte is such a delightful character. I want to say “lovable,” but maybe “comprehensible” would be a better word. She certainly has it rough; lost her mom, her stepdad wants to almost literally push her out of their home, she’s going to college and will miss her ten-year-old brother terribly; and she’s got this little bad habit of breaking china-often-always unintentionally. Even worse, she’s afraid to be out after dark because she thinks she’s being menaced by inexplicable mist and a huge, red-eyed, black dog. Then a former classmate, a young man a year older than Charlotte, shows up to walk her home; the dog attacks her; and she wakes up in the Infirmary at a different school, known as Paranormal Public University, where all things Paranormal are-well, real: werewolves, vampires, mages, pixies, fallen angels, elementals, and so on. What an enticing story line! And so smoothly-written that you won’t even recognize you’re turning those pages, you’ll be so caught up in the story!
Charlotte is happy about being at this new University, and being sought out as a student there. But not being able to demonstrate any kind of magical or paranormal power at the first dinner meeting is humiliating, and she expects to be rejected after all. Although she is allowed to stay on for one semester under probationary status, one of the vampire professors and some of the students have already turned against her and strive to make her stay miserable, or preferably, to encourage her to leave Paranormal Public forever (there is no second chance for those who fail). Once she realizes that the massive black dog stalking her at home is a Hellhound, Charlotte is really panicky-nowhere to turn, she doesn’t seem to fit here, she refuses to return to her stepdad’s household-what else can she do?
Charlotte is happy about being at this new University, and being sought out as a student there. But not being able to demonstrate any kind of magical or paranormal power at the first dinner meeting is humiliating, and she expects to be rejected after all. Although she is allowed to stay on for one semester under probationary status, one of the vampire professors and some of the students have already turned against her and strive to make her stay miserable, or preferably, to encourage her to leave Paranormal Public forever (there is no second chance for those who fail). Once she realizes that the massive black dog stalking her at home is a Hellhound, Charlotte is really panicky-nowhere to turn, she doesn’t seem to fit here, she refuses to return to her stepdad’s household-what else can she do?
September 17, 2012
I really liked this story. Was it the dark humor? The hot guys? The paranormal aspect (vampires, werewolves, and pixies, oh my!)? Probably a combination of all of the aforementioned things, plus the whole at-college vibe. Freshman fifteen is no joke!
Anyhow, the characters were interesting and fairly representative of the just-starting-college stereotypes (think high school stereotypes, but older and a bit better at what they personify - rude=bi&^hy, etc). Unfortunately I do think the characters lacked depth, and therefore they seemed less real. For instance, none of the motivations or whys are explained for any of the characters (her step-father who hates her, her super mature 10 year old brother, her roommates, and even the villain of the story). I did like the general message of the book, though it got a bit repetitive towards the end. As for pacing, it started off slow, but definitely fit the book as it reflected what Charlotte was going through at the time.
Aside from a few minor editing errors (missing punctuation, mostly) the story flowed nicely. There are only a handful of terms you "need" to remember, though it's not completely necessary. The author pretty much follows the conventional thoughts on the different paranormal species, so no surprises there.
I would recommend this book, with the caveat that this story is not quite as complicated or well written, to fans of Harry Potter, Percy Jackson (or any of Rick Riordan's books, really), and the like. Still, for some reason this has really peaked my interested and I want to see what happens next!
Anyhow, the characters were interesting and fairly representative of the just-starting-college stereotypes (think high school stereotypes, but older and a bit better at what they personify - rude=bi&^hy, etc). Unfortunately I do think the characters lacked depth, and therefore they seemed less real. For instance, none of the motivations or whys are explained for any of the characters (her step-father who hates her, her super mature 10 year old brother, her roommates, and even the villain of the story). I did like the general message of the book, though it got a bit repetitive towards the end. As for pacing, it started off slow, but definitely fit the book as it reflected what Charlotte was going through at the time.
Aside from a few minor editing errors (missing punctuation, mostly) the story flowed nicely. There are only a handful of terms you "need" to remember, though it's not completely necessary. The author pretty much follows the conventional thoughts on the different paranormal species, so no surprises there.
I would recommend this book, with the caveat that this story is not quite as complicated or well written, to fans of Harry Potter, Percy Jackson (or any of Rick Riordan's books, really), and the like. Still, for some reason this has really peaked my interested and I want to see what happens next!
August 25, 2012
Picked this book up on a whim and am not disappointed. The blurb of the book wasn't as attractive as the review trend on Amazon and Goodreads.
Charlotte is ready to join college and leave behind the forgetful experience of living with her step-dad. However, she is suddenly thrust into the magical world of Paranormal Public including beings such as vampires, werewolves, fallen angels, mages, demons and hellhounds. Soon there is trouble brewing due to mysterious appearances by demons and their hellhounds at Paranormal Public
The story is quite cliched and predictable, however full marks to the author to keep it interesting, fast paced and fun. I was constantly reminded of Touch of Frost and sometimes by J K Rowling's Harry Potter books. I was not thoroughly convinced by the plot but again, since I meant this to be a fun read, it could be forgiven. The world building is also pretty good and I look forward to read more on this in the next installment.
Would recommend it to anyone interested in a Harry Potter"ish" YA book. Wouldn't recommend this book however if you are looking for a strong plot and the "big surprise" factor.
Charlotte is ready to join college and leave behind the forgetful experience of living with her step-dad. However, she is suddenly thrust into the magical world of Paranormal Public including beings such as vampires, werewolves, fallen angels, mages, demons and hellhounds. Soon there is trouble brewing due to mysterious appearances by demons and their hellhounds at Paranormal Public
The story is quite cliched and predictable, however full marks to the author to keep it interesting, fast paced and fun. I was constantly reminded of Touch of Frost and sometimes by J K Rowling's Harry Potter books. I was not thoroughly convinced by the plot but again, since I meant this to be a fun read, it could be forgiven. The world building is also pretty good and I look forward to read more on this in the next installment.
Would recommend it to anyone interested in a Harry Potter"ish" YA book. Wouldn't recommend this book however if you are looking for a strong plot and the "big surprise" factor.
January 6, 2016
Off to a Brilliant Start!
I'll be honest, I downloaded this novel because I have an absolute love for the paranormal. Anything striking in the fantasy genre. Paranormal Public was everything I could have asked for from a book and so much more. I may be a little biased, since I love fantasy and I'm a freshmen in college like Charlotte, but I felt truly connected to the story.
Charlotte was given a solid opportunity to lead a brand new life that she had barely known could exist. Stolen away from her regular, stress filled life living with her stepfather, she's suddenly thrown into the lion's den. Expected to know magic and understand why she's there.
As luck would have it, she befriends unlikely characters and discovers more about herself than she could have ever imagined. Maddy Edwards takes the story at a nice pace. Just slow enough to keep you frustrated to learn more, but fast enough to keep you addicted.
While reading the book, I ran into quite a few errors that should have been taken care of during the editing stage, but everything great will always have a few kinks to fix.
In all, I give this novel a full-on five-star review. Can't wait to read more. I hope you enjoy it nearly as much as I did!
I'll be honest, I downloaded this novel because I have an absolute love for the paranormal. Anything striking in the fantasy genre. Paranormal Public was everything I could have asked for from a book and so much more. I may be a little biased, since I love fantasy and I'm a freshmen in college like Charlotte, but I felt truly connected to the story.
Charlotte was given a solid opportunity to lead a brand new life that she had barely known could exist. Stolen away from her regular, stress filled life living with her stepfather, she's suddenly thrown into the lion's den. Expected to know magic and understand why she's there.
As luck would have it, she befriends unlikely characters and discovers more about herself than she could have ever imagined. Maddy Edwards takes the story at a nice pace. Just slow enough to keep you frustrated to learn more, but fast enough to keep you addicted.
While reading the book, I ran into quite a few errors that should have been taken care of during the editing stage, but everything great will always have a few kinks to fix.
In all, I give this novel a full-on five-star review. Can't wait to read more. I hope you enjoy it nearly as much as I did!
April 29, 2012
I got this for $ .99 on Amazon. It was the best $ .99 I've spent in a while. I gave it four stars instead of five because I felt the setting didn't correlate with the events of the story. The story is set at Paranormal Public University. This is my issue...at Paranormal Public students can receive detention and have a curfew to be in bed in their dorms. This should be set in a boarding school (high school) because anyone who has ever heard of college knows you don't get detention for rule breaking. You are just expelled and anyone moves on with life (at least that's how it is with every college I've ever heard of!!). This was a real distraction to the story and this is to bad because it is a really good story. The story revolves around Charlotte, a new student who has no idea what kind of magic she possesses. The whole is about her discovering this magic and her family heritage. The best part of the story is that the author keeps the reader turning pages to find out what Charlotte is. The big reveal isn't until near the end of the book which I felt made the story drive on seamlessly. I am anxiously awaiting the second book in the series "Museum of Masks."
August 1, 2014
I actually enjoyed this book. The characters are maybe a bit under-developed, I've read books that reach the very soul of characters and Edwards, I think, perhaps uses her characters more like a beautiful cake... you can see the surface of them quite well, they all have their 'quirks' which are brought to attention- the fun and easy going but tough werewolf, the bad-ass and take no shit from anyone scary as heck dark mage, the gentle and kind round dream-giver, the goldenboy strong and thoughtful fallen angel and of course the main character, confused but hard to keep down and curious about learning, hates being the center of attention, doesn't like making scenes, but refuses to let people kick her down and walk on her.
There are several parts of this book that I find myself laughing at loud over, and I've gotten sucked into continuing the series past this one. I did regret that she didn't learn her true class until the end of the book, but it gave room for book number 2 to dive into it. It wasn't too easy to guess what would happen which made it interesting enough to continue. I like the interactions between characters and the story line itself is interesting.
There are several parts of this book that I find myself laughing at loud over, and I've gotten sucked into continuing the series past this one. I did regret that she didn't learn her true class until the end of the book, but it gave room for book number 2 to dive into it. It wasn't too easy to guess what would happen which made it interesting enough to continue. I like the interactions between characters and the story line itself is interesting.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 231 reviews