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Tassamara #1
A Gift of Ghosts
Akira Malone believes in the scientific method, evolution, and Einstein's theory of relativity. And ghosts.
All the logic and reason in the world can't protect her from the truth-she can see and communicate with spirits. But Akira is sure that her ability is just a genetic quirk and the ghosts she encounters simply leftover electromagnetic energy. Dangerous electromagnetic energy.
Zane Latimer believes in telepathy, precognition, auras, and that playing Halo with your employees is an excellent management technique. He also thinks that maybe, just maybe, Akira can help his family get in touch with their lost loved ones.
But will Akira ever be able to face her fears and accept her gift? Or will Zane's relatives be trapped between life and death forever?
All the logic and reason in the world can't protect her from the truth-she can see and communicate with spirits. But Akira is sure that her ability is just a genetic quirk and the ghosts she encounters simply leftover electromagnetic energy. Dangerous electromagnetic energy.
Zane Latimer believes in telepathy, precognition, auras, and that playing Halo with your employees is an excellent management technique. He also thinks that maybe, just maybe, Akira can help his family get in touch with their lost loved ones.
But will Akira ever be able to face her fears and accept her gift? Or will Zane's relatives be trapped between life and death forever?
236 pages, Paperback
First published December 9, 2011
1878 people are currently reading
3621 people want to read
About the author
Sarah Wynde
19 books191 followersSarah Wynde graduated from Wesleyan University with a degree in English, which she actually managed to put to use by becoming an editor. She's worked on magazines, websites, and books, including ten years spent as a senior acquisitions editor with Pearson. Eventually, her love of writing pushed her into independent publishing. She likes to think of the stories she writes as unexpected fiction—bending, blending, and occasionally breaking genres.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 613 reviews
October 4, 2014
If you, like me, have read the other reviews you'll notice that most of them say something like, quick, easy, nice, light or the like.
Unfortunately for me quick, easy or nice aren't bonus points in my book.
At 30% there was no hint of a story, the only glaring point being inconsistency. I have a mouse of an heroine. She clearly has a troubled past, she fears her "power", she would prefer the security of know places. She is described as scientist who might be having quite a few problems.
What I read is totally inconsistent with this description. She signs a two-year contract with an unknown firm without ever wondering what's her job is going to be. Let me repeat, during the interview the interviewer wasn't able to tell her what kind of jobs he's offering. But she accepts.
She fears being insane and refuse to let people know she can see ghosts, and rightly so. Ten minutes after seeing him, she blabbers her secrets. And doesn't even tries to backpedal, deny. Niet.
She has an accident along a road. The doctor that checks her tells the heroine's employer (the doc's own brother) everything she gleams from the scans. () Do you think the heroine did anything against such a blatant abuse of power and trust? I don't know, throw a fit? No. She does absolutely nothing.
The heroine makes clear in more than one occasion that she wants her secret to remain such. The hero basically doesn't give a fig. The only thing he doesn't do to let the news travel is actually call a newspaper. Steamrolling doesn't even cover it. Doormat doesn't even cover her.
Again she does nothing, has no reaction.
She doesn't panic, she's never enraged. She's flatter that a flat tire in the desert under an August sun. Simply, she's not real. In any way I can think of it.
At 30% mark after the nth lack of any reaction I left the heroine to her life and went on with mine.
Arc courtesy of publisher via Netgalley.
Unfortunately for me quick, easy or nice aren't bonus points in my book.
At 30% there was no hint of a story, the only glaring point being inconsistency. I have a mouse of an heroine. She clearly has a troubled past, she fears her "power", she would prefer the security of know places. She is described as scientist who might be having quite a few problems.
What I read is totally inconsistent with this description. She signs a two-year contract with an unknown firm without ever wondering what's her job is going to be. Let me repeat, during the interview the interviewer wasn't able to tell her what kind of jobs he's offering. But she accepts.
She fears being insane and refuse to let people know she can see ghosts, and rightly so. Ten minutes after seeing him, she blabbers her secrets. And doesn't even tries to backpedal, deny. Niet.
She has an accident along a road. The doctor that checks her tells the heroine's employer (the doc's own brother) everything she gleams from the scans. () Do you think the heroine did anything against such a blatant abuse of power and trust? I don't know, throw a fit? No. She does absolutely nothing.
The heroine makes clear in more than one occasion that she wants her secret to remain such. The hero basically doesn't give a fig. The only thing he doesn't do to let the news travel is actually call a newspaper. Steamrolling doesn't even cover it. Doormat doesn't even cover her.
Again she does nothing, has no reaction.
She doesn't panic, she's never enraged. She's flatter that a flat tire in the desert under an August sun. Simply, she's not real. In any way I can think of it.
At 30% mark after the nth lack of any reaction I left the heroine to her life and went on with mine.
Arc courtesy of publisher via Netgalley.
October 12, 2014
Well this was a fun read for October...a book of ghosts, psychics, strange people and a strange town. This is not the the chilling type of ghost story for those looking for such a book but it is quite interesting and diverting in its speculation on what ghosts are and where there they go...on top of why, in blazes, they hang around.
Akira Malone is a scientist but she is also looking for a new job and finds herself in Florida in a very odd interview for a company that has actually contacted her. Oh yes, she also has a long, occasionally difficult, history with ghosts. The story has ghosts both happy and morose, some almost malignant. And Akira seems to be a contact point.
This really was an enjoyable, light, quick read. I can do without the romance but I suppose some readers demand it. I also wouldn't mind it just a wee bit edgier, but that would be a different book, I suppose. All in all, a fun break from Ulysses and other heavy reading :)
Rating 3.5, rounded to 4.
A copy of the book was provided by the publisher through NetGalley in return for an unbiased review.
Akira Malone is a scientist but she is also looking for a new job and finds herself in Florida in a very odd interview for a company that has actually contacted her. Oh yes, she also has a long, occasionally difficult, history with ghosts. The story has ghosts both happy and morose, some almost malignant. And Akira seems to be a contact point.
This really was an enjoyable, light, quick read. I can do without the romance but I suppose some readers demand it. I also wouldn't mind it just a wee bit edgier, but that would be a different book, I suppose. All in all, a fun break from Ulysses and other heavy reading :)
Rating 3.5, rounded to 4.
A copy of the book was provided by the publisher through NetGalley in return for an unbiased review.
April 12, 2014
This short and humorous romance with ghosts was a delightful reading diversion. Its protagonist Akira is a physicist who can communicate with ghosts. All her life, she kept her quirky ability to see and talk to ghosts private, but after one unthinking paragraph in a scientific paper, her academic career started deteriorating. When a job offer came from a small town of Tassamara, Florida, Akira grabs it. She doesn’t know that on her new job, her ghost-chatting ability will be a huge plus.
The entire town collects psychics, and although at first Akira feels weird and misplaced, she soon finds her footing. She befriends the resident ghosts in her house and becomes attached to the ghost in her rented car.
Her boss Zane is not a ghost. He is a full-blooded man and an unexpected bonus to her research project. Sweet, handsome, and easy-going, Zane might be just what Akira needs after a series of devastating breakups. No boyfriend of hers was willing to accept her ghosts before, but Zane is different. He has a gift of his own, and Akira’s talking to ghosts doesn’t freak him out.
The story line is light and a bit fluffy, and the ghosts play weightier parts in it than most human characters, with the exception of Akira herself. I liked her story and look forward to more books in the series.
The writer’s originality and wit in her approach to ghosts contributed to my enjoyment of this book. Here is what Akira thought about relatives of the ghosts she sees:
I also want to point out that the writing was excellent. I haven’t spotted even one misspelling – a rare occurrence for indie writers.
And I learned a new word tetrachromat – a creature who can see more than the usual visual spectrum, like ultraviolet. Tetrachromats can see a million shades of colors.
Recommended to any fan of light romance.
The entire town collects psychics, and although at first Akira feels weird and misplaced, she soon finds her footing. She befriends the resident ghosts in her house and becomes attached to the ghost in her rented car.
Her boss Zane is not a ghost. He is a full-blooded man and an unexpected bonus to her research project. Sweet, handsome, and easy-going, Zane might be just what Akira needs after a series of devastating breakups. No boyfriend of hers was willing to accept her ghosts before, but Zane is different. He has a gift of his own, and Akira’s talking to ghosts doesn’t freak him out.
The story line is light and a bit fluffy, and the ghosts play weightier parts in it than most human characters, with the exception of Akira herself. I liked her story and look forward to more books in the series.
The writer’s originality and wit in her approach to ghosts contributed to my enjoyment of this book. Here is what Akira thought about relatives of the ghosts she sees:
Relatives always expected her to have the answers, as if seeing ghosts came with some gigantic book of profound insight into the spirit world. It didn’t. Or if it did, her copy of the book had gotten lost in the mail.The writer’s approach to sex is also refreshing. Akira is a physicist, and the scene of her seduction of Zane plays heavily with scientific physical terms. Friction produces desire. Kinetic energy gets converted to heat. Oscillations enhance the performance. “I bet you can find a really good place to oscillate,” she says to Zane and goes on explaining about resonant frequencies, while they f#$% shamelessly on the page, and the reader gets lusty too.
I also want to point out that the writing was excellent. I haven’t spotted even one misspelling – a rare occurrence for indie writers.
And I learned a new word tetrachromat – a creature who can see more than the usual visual spectrum, like ultraviolet. Tetrachromats can see a million shades of colors.
Recommended to any fan of light romance.
Read
August 24, 2018I enjoyed this quite a bit. The opening reminded me a little of the Hidden Witch stories - there's not a lot of drama, but an almost slice-of-life feel to Akira's transfer and settling in to a new town (and I was really captivated by Akira's back seat passenger). Plot developments did happen, but on the whole I don't think this is a story that would work for people who like a lot of tension and angst, since it's very much not that type of story. But I like stories that focus on exploring a situation and slowly unravelling some back story.
The romance was a little shakier for me, since I couldn't see the foundation of the attraction between Akira and Zane. They don't have a lot in common and Zane's nice and laid back personality didn't seem to match up with Akira's scientific interests and her desire to keep her business quiet, but I think there was a successful transition from a light affair to genuine connection.
Akira not giving clear explanations of important issues until hurried last-moment stumblings made me sigh a little, just as Zane's failure to respect privacy did early in the book, but overall I'll recommend this to the slice-of-life (and intriguing families) fans. I expect I'll continue on with the series.
The romance was a little shakier for me, since I couldn't see the foundation of the attraction between Akira and Zane. They don't have a lot in common and Zane's nice and laid back personality didn't seem to match up with Akira's scientific interests and her desire to keep her business quiet, but I think there was a successful transition from a light affair to genuine connection.
Akira not giving clear explanations of important issues until hurried last-moment stumblings made me sigh a little, just as Zane's failure to respect privacy did early in the book, but overall I'll recommend this to the slice-of-life (and intriguing families) fans. I expect I'll continue on with the series.
May 23, 2014
A quick, fun read. Will probably read the next one, too.
WHAT I LIKED
---------------
- The town of Tassamara is cute and friendly. Charmingly magical, it's a place I'd move to in a heartbeat.
- The friendly ghosts in the female lead's house and car melted my heart a bit.
- I found a nice pace, a good wit, and a general sense of enjoyment in reading this book.
WHAT I DIDN'T LIKE
-------------------
- Female lead seems a little dense and in denial when it comes to her ability to see ghosts and the new town she lives in. Obviously, the town is full of people with special powers, so no one's going to be worried about her being able to see ghosts. It seemed like a bit of a weird sticking point for her.
- The sudden transition from growing relationship to sex between the two main characters was a bit sudden for me. Also, the female lead spent the initial courting treating the whole thing rather timidly, then suddenly she's full on seduction in his office. What? Not a deal breaker, but not all that smooth either.
This book isn't going to blow your mind, I don't think, but it's a solid and fun story with a few oddities. I'd say it's worth picking up from the library or on the cheap if there's an Amazon special.
WHAT I LIKED
---------------
- The town of Tassamara is cute and friendly. Charmingly magical, it's a place I'd move to in a heartbeat.
- The friendly ghosts in the female lead's house and car melted my heart a bit.
- I found a nice pace, a good wit, and a general sense of enjoyment in reading this book.
WHAT I DIDN'T LIKE
-------------------
- Female lead seems a little dense and in denial when it comes to her ability to see ghosts and the new town she lives in. Obviously, the town is full of people with special powers, so no one's going to be worried about her being able to see ghosts. It seemed like a bit of a weird sticking point for her.
- The sudden transition from growing relationship to sex between the two main characters was a bit sudden for me. Also, the female lead spent the initial courting treating the whole thing rather timidly, then suddenly she's full on seduction in his office. What? Not a deal breaker, but not all that smooth either.
This book isn't going to blow your mind, I don't think, but it's a solid and fun story with a few oddities. I'd say it's worth picking up from the library or on the cheap if there's an Amazon special.
September 21, 2020
If one is looking for a fun and light read with some cheery ghosts then this book rightly fills the bill. Tassamara is a town with a difference. Most people residing here have one or other special gifts.Most of them are psychics and Akira lands into this quirky town with her ability to see and converse with ghosts. Akira as a central character is not too strong, in fact her characterization definitely needed some work but otherwise one can't help but fall in love with the ghosts Dillion, Rose and Henry. The romance was cute but the sudden shift from casual friends to steamy seduction was abrupt. Could have had more time for the romantic development. This easy read book definitely worked for me as I was looking for exactly that.
April 30, 2014
[I got a free copy of this book through NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review.]
This was a quick and light read, and I mostly appreciated it. Not the best book I've read this year, but definitely enjoyable.
I liked its take on ghosts, how they behaved, the way they were bound to places that had been important to them in life or at the moment of their death. Their world wasn't in black and white only: the "bad" ghosts, though definitely dangerous, aren't totally unredeemable, and aren't intrisically bad either; conversely, a "safe" ghost could turn into a dangerous one just as well if overwhelmed with grief. A lot seemed to be about balance, about regrets left behind, but it wasn't so simple as "just get rid of your regrets and you'll find the white light that'll help you move on." This predicament (for both the ghosts and Akira, who had her share of bad experiences with people she had tried to help) was interesting, and left room to various interpretations on the reader's part. Being able to see ghosts doesn't mean Akira can "save" them, and it explained her attitude on the matter. For instance, she doesn't like advertising her ability because then she's asked to bring closure to the ghosts' relatives; yet simply relaying said ghosts' messages doesn't ensure their family will feel better, nor that the dead will manage to move on.
Those plots with the ghosts may or may not be seen as a problem. In a way, the story felt a little disjointed, in that those subplots were of the slice-of-life (pardon the pun) kind and didn't seem to serve a larger purpose at first. However, in the end, they were important to understand Akira's views, played a part in how relationships developed, and I think they also helped shape the ending. (I liked the twist with Henry, by the way.)
The writing itself was pleasant. Good formatting and editing, no weird sentence structures (if there were any, they really didn't strike me). There was one sex scene that might seem weird at first, because the flirting/foreplay part involved a lot of references to physics; I think it depends on the reader here. I liked it, and I guess my inner geek just found it sexy—much better than the usual purple prose I've seen in too many depictions of romance/erotica—but I can also see how it wouldn't work for other people.
The two things I liked the less were:
1) The setting. We have a small Florida town seemingly full of psychics, with Zane's family members also having their share of powers, but we don't see them that much. It would've been interesting to have a better glimpse into the life of Tassamara as a whole.
2) The characters were somewhat lackluster (though some got better later in the book). I think I liked the ghosts characters (Dillon and Rose mostly) better than the human ones. Akira especially struck me as a little too passive: accepting a job she didn't know that much about for starters, not reacting that much to situations that should've prompted a more heated answer... I got a better feeling of her later on, but not at first.
In general, this novel had its faults, but as far as I'm concerned, the ghost-related plots made up for them.
This was a quick and light read, and I mostly appreciated it. Not the best book I've read this year, but definitely enjoyable.
I liked its take on ghosts, how they behaved, the way they were bound to places that had been important to them in life or at the moment of their death. Their world wasn't in black and white only: the "bad" ghosts, though definitely dangerous, aren't totally unredeemable, and aren't intrisically bad either; conversely, a "safe" ghost could turn into a dangerous one just as well if overwhelmed with grief. A lot seemed to be about balance, about regrets left behind, but it wasn't so simple as "just get rid of your regrets and you'll find the white light that'll help you move on." This predicament (for both the ghosts and Akira, who had her share of bad experiences with people she had tried to help) was interesting, and left room to various interpretations on the reader's part. Being able to see ghosts doesn't mean Akira can "save" them, and it explained her attitude on the matter. For instance, she doesn't like advertising her ability because then she's asked to bring closure to the ghosts' relatives; yet simply relaying said ghosts' messages doesn't ensure their family will feel better, nor that the dead will manage to move on.
Those plots with the ghosts may or may not be seen as a problem. In a way, the story felt a little disjointed, in that those subplots were of the slice-of-life (pardon the pun) kind and didn't seem to serve a larger purpose at first. However, in the end, they were important to understand Akira's views, played a part in how relationships developed, and I think they also helped shape the ending. (I liked the twist with Henry, by the way.)
The writing itself was pleasant. Good formatting and editing, no weird sentence structures (if there were any, they really didn't strike me). There was one sex scene that might seem weird at first, because the flirting/foreplay part involved a lot of references to physics; I think it depends on the reader here. I liked it, and I guess my inner geek just found it sexy—much better than the usual purple prose I've seen in too many depictions of romance/erotica—but I can also see how it wouldn't work for other people.
The two things I liked the less were:
1) The setting. We have a small Florida town seemingly full of psychics, with Zane's family members also having their share of powers, but we don't see them that much. It would've been interesting to have a better glimpse into the life of Tassamara as a whole.
2) The characters were somewhat lackluster (though some got better later in the book). I think I liked the ghosts characters (Dillon and Rose mostly) better than the human ones. Akira especially struck me as a little too passive: accepting a job she didn't know that much about for starters, not reacting that much to situations that should've prompted a more heated answer... I got a better feeling of her later on, but not at first.
In general, this novel had its faults, but as far as I'm concerned, the ghost-related plots made up for them.
August 4, 2015
LOVED!!!!!
Awesome paranormal book. I could not put it down. I needed a little paranormal in my life and this book delivered!
Awesome paranormal book. I could not put it down. I needed a little paranormal in my life and this book delivered!
October 15, 2019
Akira is a scientist. As such, she believes strongly in what can be proven, seen, and explained by normal means.
This has served her well - but she has a problem - a huge problem. She can see ghosts. Not only can she see them, she can communicate with them. She doesn't consider this a gift at all. Ghosts have given her many problems throughout the years - especially the ones who beg her to talk to their families. And then there are the ghosts that are surrounded by a red field - ominous beings and quite dangerous.
Akira writes a scientific article and with one little comment not thought through, just like that, her career is done. A tiny mention of something that the scientific world would not overlook.
Akira finds herself applying - and then being hired - at a business in Florida of all places. A true California girl, she finds the heat and humidity overwhelming, yet she is drawn to accept their offer of a job after seeing the incredible laboratories at her disposal in their nondescript building. Even so, they are very, very quiet about what they actually do. Deposited in the, shall we say, "quaint" town of Tassamara, Akira soon realizes what her boss, Zane, tried to tell her. This is no normal town. The residents seem to all have special abilities and Akira will fit right in.
Enter Dillon - a young ghost tied to a rental car that Akira gets on her first trip to her job interview. Dillon, as it turns out, died in that car - not from an accident - but from taking some pills he thought would bring out his special "abilities" so he could better fit in with others in Tassamara.
This book was a fun read. The characters are well developed, and Akira is beyond likeable. Tassamara is a little town I'd love to visit. This is book 1 in the Tassamara series and I plan to read all of them!
This has served her well - but she has a problem - a huge problem. She can see ghosts. Not only can she see them, she can communicate with them. She doesn't consider this a gift at all. Ghosts have given her many problems throughout the years - especially the ones who beg her to talk to their families. And then there are the ghosts that are surrounded by a red field - ominous beings and quite dangerous.
Akira writes a scientific article and with one little comment not thought through, just like that, her career is done. A tiny mention of something that the scientific world would not overlook.
Akira finds herself applying - and then being hired - at a business in Florida of all places. A true California girl, she finds the heat and humidity overwhelming, yet she is drawn to accept their offer of a job after seeing the incredible laboratories at her disposal in their nondescript building. Even so, they are very, very quiet about what they actually do. Deposited in the, shall we say, "quaint" town of Tassamara, Akira soon realizes what her boss, Zane, tried to tell her. This is no normal town. The residents seem to all have special abilities and Akira will fit right in.
Enter Dillon - a young ghost tied to a rental car that Akira gets on her first trip to her job interview. Dillon, as it turns out, died in that car - not from an accident - but from taking some pills he thought would bring out his special "abilities" so he could better fit in with others in Tassamara.
This book was a fun read. The characters are well developed, and Akira is beyond likeable. Tassamara is a little town I'd love to visit. This is book 1 in the Tassamara series and I plan to read all of them!
August 3, 2019
I really liked the story and the characters. I loved Dillion and Rose and Henry, the ghosts. And I liked Akira and Zane, too. This was kind of like the TV show Eureka meets Ghost Whisperer, and I loved both shows so I guess that’s what made me like the story so much.
It was mostly about Akira facing her gift of being able to see and talk to ghosts and not thinking of herself as crazy, or it being called nothing but a “quirk.” She was a physicist so she had a hard time with seeing ghosts and science.
One sex scene and I thought it was pretty funny how Akira talked all about science during it.
The F-bomb was used 5 times.
As to the narration: Absolutely awesome, thanks to Sarah Grace Wright and Tristan Wright and thanks to whomever set up this session of the narration. It was exactly how a male and female should narrate; she did all the female voices and he did all the males. Tristan did a good job but he did sound so young sometimes, and not just when he did 15 year old Dillion spoke. But Ms. Wright did a phenomenal job. Her southern drawl for Rose was awesome and when Zane and Akira were having sex no one could have done a better job of the sounds she made while she was talking to Zane.
It was mostly about Akira facing her gift of being able to see and talk to ghosts and not thinking of herself as crazy, or it being called nothing but a “quirk.” She was a physicist so she had a hard time with seeing ghosts and science.
One sex scene and I thought it was pretty funny how Akira talked all about science during it.
The F-bomb was used 5 times.
As to the narration: Absolutely awesome, thanks to Sarah Grace Wright and Tristan Wright and thanks to whomever set up this session of the narration. It was exactly how a male and female should narrate; she did all the female voices and he did all the males. Tristan did a good job but he did sound so young sometimes, and not just when he did 15 year old Dillion spoke. But Ms. Wright did a phenomenal job. Her southern drawl for Rose was awesome and when Zane and Akira were having sex no one could have done a better job of the sounds she made while she was talking to Zane.
October 11, 2014
This novel has a captivating main idea but the writing and characterisation are uneven, especially in the first few chapters, which left me quite disengaged. I did really enjoy the concepts, especially as the novel progressed.
The fact that I went straight on to read the next book shows that by the end I had enjoyed the book rather more than the 3 star rating suggests.
The fact that I went straight on to read the next book shows that by the end I had enjoyed the book rather more than the 3 star rating suggests.
August 31, 2020
A Gift of Ghosts by Sarah Wynde is set in a special community in Florida that is home to psychics and other gifted individuals. Akira can see and communicate with ghosts - she is specific about this definition throughout the book. The story is about family, friends and acceptance of each other even those who have "quirks".
July 31, 2015
This book follows Akira as she is summoned to a job interview in Florida without knowing exactly what the requirements are. Zane has been looking for a woman with certain talents and Akira seems to fit the description so she is signed up to a two year contract with the hope of carry out further research in her field, physics. However, Zane has other ideas and notices that Akira has a 'genetic quirk' that will benefit his company while she would rather ignore her talents. When Akira meets Dillon, Zane's dead nephew however she can't help but try to help him and this leads her on a dangerous path of angry ghosts.
This was an okay read but it wasn't anything mind blowing. Some parts were confusing, especially the laws when it comes to the technicalities of ghosts. I felt like the author just made everything up as she went along.
I liked Akira and you could tell that she had been through a lot and just wanted to find her place in the world. Zane and his family were interesting, the story basically revolves around them. I didn't like how Zane doubted Akira though and I also thought he left it a bit late to question her theories.
The ending was a little to perfect for me, Akira got everything she wanted even though she had been through an ordeal and it seemed to fake. She had everyone in her life that she wanted and it seemed unrealistic, especially with Dillon and his grandmother as I don't see how they can stick around. I think that will definitely put a strain on her relationship with everyone because there is a barrier there between the living and dead. Maybe I'm reading a little to much into it there though. Overall a good storyline with interesting characters but nothing amazing.
This was an okay read but it wasn't anything mind blowing. Some parts were confusing, especially the laws when it comes to the technicalities of ghosts. I felt like the author just made everything up as she went along.
I liked Akira and you could tell that she had been through a lot and just wanted to find her place in the world. Zane and his family were interesting, the story basically revolves around them. I didn't like how Zane doubted Akira though and I also thought he left it a bit late to question her theories.
The ending was a little to perfect for me, Akira got everything she wanted even though she had been through an ordeal and it seemed to fake. She had everyone in her life that she wanted and it seemed unrealistic, especially with Dillon and his grandmother as I don't see how they can stick around. I think that will definitely put a strain on her relationship with everyone because there is a barrier there between the living and dead. Maybe I'm reading a little to much into it there though. Overall a good storyline with interesting characters but nothing amazing.
November 26, 2014
Light fun read...perhaps a palate cleanser between books?
Quick read. Probably great for high-schoolers on up. I like the premise, and it might actually make a fun TV series. I have other books in the series on my list because the series might even better. I'm going to keep my eye out for this author as time goes on. I loved the ghosts' personalities and grew to love them...perhaps more so than the living characters.
There were a couple things that were odd to me.
1. Akira was a bit too dichotomous for me. In the beginning, she is built up as a science nerd, but then finds herself easily letting loose with Zane. She alternates between being super self-conscious to taking control.
2. I have a pet peeve where the main character is loathe to bring up all the information that friends/lovers/family needs in order to keep themselves or the main character safe. It just doesn't make sense to me. Why leave people unprepared? Why wait until it's too late? I'd rather the climax come from some other reason than, "huh....maybe if I'd clued people in, we could have avoided this..."
I do have to say, the author seems like someone I'd love to know. When I read the forward, acknowledgement, or from her website, she seems really down to earth, funny, and thoughtful. On a playful note, I like that she loves the TV series Eureka, and I enjoyed looking for moments in this book that played a bit of homage.
I received a free digital copy from Netgalley in exchange for a review.
March 24, 2015
Read this today on layover at the airport. It was fun! I thought sometimes the pacing was a bit weird, which is why I bumped it to four stars, but I enjoy the characters and the town a lot. Plus, Akira was a fun protagonist. I liked that she wasn't a traditional protagonist in many ways. I also enjoy Zane and his family, and the friendly ghosts of course. Plus, Zane and Akira's dynamic is really fun. I like how neither of them expected it to become so important, and it just did. On the other hand, occasionally, Zane was a bit dismissive of Akira's talent, and who she's comfortable knowing about it. That could have also possibly been dealt with better. But overall, minor quibbles.
July 31, 2015
This was a far better read than I expected. I liked how Akira's story was slowly revealed, and I loved her relationship with Zane. As for the ghosts and the physics explanations, I couldn't really follow all of them, but it all felt well-rounded, as if it would make sense if I could have grasped the concepts. You see, I was awful at physics at school (I don't really know how I didn't fail it in high school, to be honest) and I didn't like it either (it was a mutual dislike). But this book makes physics sexy! If you read it, you'll know what I'm talking about.
August 13, 2017
I enjoyed the concepts and ideas in this book, that stretch the imagination.
Akira's character development helped her to understand her abilities and allowed her to find acceptance with her gift.
Zane, Rose, Henry, and Dillion were all delightful supporting characters that kept the story line light and fresh.
I hope to have the opportunity to read more like this . . .
September 18, 2020
Very enjoyable once you get past Akira's neurosis. I would have liked more research on and info about the various types of ghosts, though.
Not sure if I'm interested in the rest of the series, but this book works well as a standalone story.
Not sure if I'm interested in the rest of the series, but this book works well as a standalone story.
September 25, 2017
I was loving this book until I hit the 41% and the two main characters had sex. (I have nothing against sex! But this just ...happened, without any preamble or development of the relationship, or... ANYTHING!)
One moment they are playing pool and the next thing .... she is talking like a hormonal hussy and more or less dragging him into the bedroom. (and again, that's fine, but it just didn't 'fit' into the story at that point.)
And after the sex, the story and the characters simply fell apart. It got to the stage where I had NO IDEA what was going on.
:( And it had SUCH a great beginning :(
One moment they are playing pool and the next thing .... she is talking like a hormonal hussy and more or less dragging him into the bedroom. (and again, that's fine, but it just didn't 'fit' into the story at that point.)
And after the sex, the story and the characters simply fell apart. It got to the stage where I had NO IDEA what was going on.
:( And it had SUCH a great beginning :(
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 20, 2017
That was a quick, fun read.
Romance, family bonds, mixed with ghost stories... the best fluffy read for this time of year :)
Romance, family bonds, mixed with ghost stories... the best fluffy read for this time of year :)
September 14, 2015
I had no intention of reading this novel this weekend, when I'm so far behind with the authors who've asked me to read/review their books, and I'd never even heard of Sarah Wynde, nor has she ever heard of me. However, I peruse the daily Kindle offerings, and "nerdy love scene" complete with physics terms caught my eye. So did the ghosts. I downloaded this "Free Today" book swearing it wouldn't be just another "Kindle stuffer," one of the thousands I never get around to reading, but I always try to sample at least one page of the many books I download.
At first glance, the cynic in me suspected shades of 50 Shades of Brain Popcorn -- the heroine is on her way to a job interview with a handsome rich guy who has a reputation for having a lot of girlfriends -- but the teenage boy in the back seat was the game changer from the first page.
Not just Dillon, the teenage ghost, but the entire cast of characters charmed me. Normally I prefer "literary" literature, but this story is quirky and endearing. It isn't Edgar Allen Poe or Henry James, and it doesn't need to be. Some days I can't take another tragic tale. I'm always up for a ghost story that isn't macabre or depressing.
There is plenty of pathos with Dillon having died young and the other ghosts who need to move on. Having caught more than I wanted to all week of the Ken Burns Civil War documentary (my husband can't get enough of this stuff), I needed this antidote: fun, escapist, yet smart story telling, with physics terminology and rationalizations about life after death. Now, maybe, I'm ready to start in on those manuscripts I've been asked to read. This one was a vacation from the work of editing or reviewing. I'd love to start right in on Book Two of the "Gift" series, but E.E. Giorgi finished Book Two of the Mayaki Chronicles, and I'm eager sneak off into the futuristic world of Akaela and her brother Athel, their friends and even their adversaries, Yuri and Cal. I still haven't read Harvey Click's "House of Worms" nor Carol E. Ervin's "Ridgetop," nor the dozens of Awesome Indies in my Kindle.
Speaking of Kindles, a fun aspect of this book is what Dillon does to Kindles. Fun, because it's only fiction. In real life -- well, read the book, and you'll see what I mean.
At first glance, the cynic in me suspected shades of 50 Shades of Brain Popcorn -- the heroine is on her way to a job interview with a handsome rich guy who has a reputation for having a lot of girlfriends -- but the teenage boy in the back seat was the game changer from the first page.
Not just Dillon, the teenage ghost, but the entire cast of characters charmed me. Normally I prefer "literary" literature, but this story is quirky and endearing. It isn't Edgar Allen Poe or Henry James, and it doesn't need to be. Some days I can't take another tragic tale. I'm always up for a ghost story that isn't macabre or depressing.
There is plenty of pathos with Dillon having died young and the other ghosts who need to move on. Having caught more than I wanted to all week of the Ken Burns Civil War documentary (my husband can't get enough of this stuff), I needed this antidote: fun, escapist, yet smart story telling, with physics terminology and rationalizations about life after death. Now, maybe, I'm ready to start in on those manuscripts I've been asked to read. This one was a vacation from the work of editing or reviewing. I'd love to start right in on Book Two of the "Gift" series, but E.E. Giorgi finished Book Two of the Mayaki Chronicles, and I'm eager sneak off into the futuristic world of Akaela and her brother Athel, their friends and even their adversaries, Yuri and Cal. I still haven't read Harvey Click's "House of Worms" nor Carol E. Ervin's "Ridgetop," nor the dozens of Awesome Indies in my Kindle.
Speaking of Kindles, a fun aspect of this book is what Dillon does to Kindles. Fun, because it's only fiction. In real life -- well, read the book, and you'll see what I mean.
March 22, 2012
I've always been fascinated with ghosts and this book is full of them. The lead girl is Akira, who has the "gift" of being able to see and speak with ghosts, regardless of whether they are good or bad. Since she was a young child, she has always tried to hide her gift because most people don't understand what happens. As her gift has raised some questions where she is teaching and doing her research at a California University, she receives an invite for an interview for a company in Florida. Although she is unclear what the job is and what the company specifically does, she decides to go on the interview. She is offered the job and she accepts it, even though she is unclear as to what she's really hired to do. This is where the book really gets interesting. She eventually finds out that part of the reason she was hired, was to help Zane's father connect with his wife, who died from a stroke. Unbeknownst to Akira, the Florida job and company are in a town that is full of people that have all different types of "gifts". Not to mention the family that runs the company all have their own specific "gift", as well. This was a very interesting read. I loved Akira and how she tried to cope with people who were not phased at all by her gift. I loved Zane and how his relationship Akira developed. I loved Dillon, Zane's nephew, who is the first ghost she meets that is bound to the car she is given to initially drive to the interview and then she decides to lease it. I loved the ghosts in the house she rents. There is a scene where Akira seduces Zane by explaining how physics works, which sounds weird, but it's very sexy. Akira has some hurdles to get over to understand she can completely trust and love Zane. Ms. Wynde did a great job at bringing a lot of elements together and tie up some much needed closure for many people. My only complaint is that I would have like a little more background on Akira, as well as, Zane and his family. How can a whole family have some kind of gift? So if I had some more insight on all of them, I would have given 5 stars. I really liked this book a lot and highly recommend it.
February 11, 2017
Really compelling plot and characters. Enjoyed the supernatural elements and the romance.
October 9, 2015
REVIEW: A GIFT OF GHOSTS (TASSAMARA #1) by Sarah Wynde
A lighthearted but not lightweight approach to the existence of ghosts, A GIFT OF GHOSTS spotlights California physics professor Akira Malone, whose single paragraph on spirit energy in a journal article costs her university tenure. An unexpected invitation to a job interview in Florida leads to a new career, a new romance, and a new extended family. At last Akira can apply her ghost-sighting talents among those who acknowledge and appreciate her, and bring some closure to the grieving. First in a series.
A lighthearted but not lightweight approach to the existence of ghosts, A GIFT OF GHOSTS spotlights California physics professor Akira Malone, whose single paragraph on spirit energy in a journal article costs her university tenure. An unexpected invitation to a job interview in Florida leads to a new career, a new romance, and a new extended family. At last Akira can apply her ghost-sighting talents among those who acknowledge and appreciate her, and bring some closure to the grieving. First in a series.
October 16, 2016
This isn't a great book. The MC makes little sense and the love story with her boss is clonky, the sex scene cring-worthy. But I fell in love with Dillon, the ghost boy, hook line and sinker and am actually buying the next in the series because it's about Dillon and his parents. So two stars for the actual story, one for introducing me to Dillon, half for the solid language and another half for providing a fun freebie that has a properly wrapped up ending. Makes four.
April 7, 2013
This had a very unique premise and plot, but the characters disappointed me. They had loose morals that irked me, and the F-word was used a couple times unnecessarily. Otherwise, the idea of the main character being able to see certain ghosts while no one else can was very enthralling. There are different types of ghosts, some benign, others destructive to her and other ghosts.
May 22, 2014
I'm not a big fan of ghost books, but this one really hit the spot. There was something about A Gift of Ghosts that reminded me of The Raven Boys, and the last scene is pure delight. If you're looking for a standalone fantasy with interesting world-building, a sweet romance, and charming characters, this book will definitely float your boat.
October 19, 2018
Bravo! A good fast read! now i am hooked. This was such a great, easy and creative book. i was hooked after the first page.
The characters were easy to fall in love with and follow, along with the story. the author made the mental visions so easy and vivid of the surroundings and the characters actions felt so real.
i would highly recommend this author and this book.
The characters were easy to fall in love with and follow, along with the story. the author made the mental visions so easy and vivid of the surroundings and the characters actions felt so real.
i would highly recommend this author and this book.
May 31, 2014
Loved it
Wonderful paranormal romance. I loved how the heroine was willing to try to understand her gift better and grow as a person. It was great how the whole community was quirky. can't wait to read the rest of the series and learn more about all the family.
Wonderful paranormal romance. I loved how the heroine was willing to try to understand her gift better and grow as a person. It was great how the whole community was quirky. can't wait to read the rest of the series and learn more about all the family.
October 1, 2016
3.5 * Kindle freebie that was surprisingly very enjoyable. And there are ghosts involved at that! I'm not a fan of ghosts but I really liked Dillon (the ghost) and I think I will continue on with the series. Not anytime soon but definitely following the series.
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