Through Indigo's Eyes

by Tara Taylor, Lorna Schultz Nicholson

“I was always going to be on the outside because I saw visions, visions that came true. And I’d been seeing them since I was little. When they first started, I was naïve enough to think that everyone around me also saw and heard things. I didn’t know that other people weren’t like me.”        More than anything else, Indigo Russell longs to fit in. And if she can’t accomplish that, then she’ll settle for fading into the background, which she’s managed to do rather well over the last couple of years. To most of Ridgemont High, she’s just another teenager walking the halls, doodling in her notebook during class, never raising her hand. An average student. That’s what she’d like you to think.        But Indie isn’t average; she’s different. She has visions, visions that allow her to see into the future and back again. Only her family and best friend, Lacey, know about them. But when she sees Lacey’s boyfriend with another girl, Indie has to decide whether to trust her instincts or her friends. As she grows closer with John, an enigmatic loner who recently transferred to her school, the visions intensify, threatening not only to alter the lives of others, but also to expose her well-kept secret.

Genres: Fantasy

260 pages, Paperback

First published June 28, 2012

About the author

Tara Taylor is an internationally renowned intuitive counselor, spiritual teacher, motivational speaker and HayHouse author. She has been featured internationally in newspapers, radio and television, and has helped many people through her workshops, seminars, and public speaking on understanding the ego and intuition. Tara is one of the contributing authors to the Amazon bestseller, Manifesting Success: The Ultimate Guide to Creating the Life of Your Dreams and co-author of HayHouse Publishing’s first YA Series Through Indigo’s Eyes www.tarataylor.ca www.throughindigoseyes.com. You can also follow Tara on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/Ta...

Reviews

[Wren]

Dnf @ 22%.


I thought this book seemed interesting and it takes place in Canada so I wanted to give it a try. Unfortunately it is not for me. I don't really like any of the characters. Indigo is all woe is me, oh I'm soooo different! And she hesitates to tell Lacey about the vision where her boyfriend cheats on her. Why would you hesitate to tell your friend? That's kind of important information. I found that this made Indigo a pretty bad friend. Then when she finally does tell Lacey, Lacey is super rude about it and acts super immature. So there goes my liking Lacey! Then there's Indigo's crush, John, who is just soooo different from everyone else. And philosophical, and mysterious, and so non conforming, according to Indigo. There's nothing wrong with being I guess "different" or "alternative" but that doesn't make you special or better than other people, and John and Indigo definitely give off the vibe that they think they're superior somehow.



I generally am able to read books with characters I don't particularly like, if I find them well written and the story interesting. But honestly I think Indigo is a bit stuck up, and I'm just really bored.


I will say though, the authors have some things going for them. They are great at describing scenery. I also think they're pretty good at creating flowing, natural dialogue. However I tend to really lean towards needing great or interesting characters in my stories so that's where this fell short for me.


I think people who prefer slower paced books would like this. If you like characters who are "different" from the crowd you may also enjoy this.

[Giselle · Rating 3 out of 5]

A finished copy was provided by the publisher for review.

There’s always the character that wants to be different, that wants to be normal. Indigo is no different. Her parents named her after a colour. She has visions of the near future and sees ghostly visions. The secret is safe with her best friend Lacey. But when the vision she sees is Lacey’s boyfriend Burke cheating on her, she has to decide what to do.

The usual social pressures that any teen goes through are met through Indigo’s eyes. (See what I did there?) You know what mean when I say usual: drinking, partying, smoking, friendship, defying parents, rebellion, suicide, and sex. It’s all in here with a romance that I felt was unneeded.

As characters go, I wasn’t particularly find of Indie. In a way I thought she turned into a complete flake. I didn’t like how she dropped her friends for her boyfriend. I didn’t like how she whined about her problems and didn’t do a damn thing. There was also the lovesick teenager bit which I usually enjoy if the characters are likable, but in this case, they annoyed me to no end. Sure some girl’s lives revolve around their boyfriend, but when you start giving up your own hobbies and interests to make time for him, then there’s something wrong in that relationship.

I despised John’s character. He’s completely condescending and controlling. And if I were Indie I would punch him in the face. The things he did aggravated me so much. I just wanted to yell at her and say he’s not good enough for you! Stop giving him your time! I really don’t understand why some girls are willing to stay in love with a person like that.

So much teenage angst, it was bursting at the seams. I just wished there was more development of Indie’s powers. There was hardly any answers questioned. I was getting tired of the thoughts talking to her and guiding her that I officially thought it was her conscious speaking.

Character Development
Hardly any development until the very end which was unfortunate.

Pacing
Slow but steady. I did want to keep reading to find out if Indie was going to dirge right or wrong thing.

Cover & Design
Beautiful but doesn’t match the story inside.

Plot
Very little plot, and very little story to keep you going. I grew bored quickly.

Beautiful writing, likable characters, but the plot left me bored.

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a teenager I was always the odd one out at school - the poetry writing, flute playing sensitive type in a school full of rugby playing hard heads. It's many years since I read a young adult book but this one brought everything back. Vividly! Okay, the main characters are nothing like I was, but that sense of being an outsider, albeit for a different reason is so powerfully conveyed. And you know the strange thing? When I ask others about their high school years, so many people tell me they felt like outsiders too - even when they were trying to seem like one of the gang.

This book is beautifully written, licks along at a nice pace, and really holds your interest. The special abilities of Indigo are dealt with in a compelling but totally natural way - begging all sorts of questions about our own abilities to 'see' in the same way. I also loved the ending which caught me by surprise.

My only regret about the book is that it wasn't published many years ago! A wonderful read!

[Weirdo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Its an awesome book. I was really fascinated by this book. I dont think many people read but its a must read.

[Cc · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very deep and full of emotion. Good text style in a coming of age story. Cut short at the end, but excellent read

[Evie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Through Indigo's Eyes was an absolutely wonderful read. Offering a very realistic look at the world of psychic abilities and the way they affect one girl's life, it's an intelligent, moving, thoroughly absorbing and utterly unforgettable story that will tug at your heart and maybe even bring tears to your eyes. A poignant tale that touches on some very important issues, such as bullying, cheating, trust, fitting-in, alcoholism and abuse. Come, see the world through Indigo's eyes...

On the surface, Indigo Russell is just an average teenager. She doesn't stand out in a crowd. She's a decent student who prefers to lay low and not draw too much attention to herself. There's nothing special about her. Well, other than the fact that she is psychic. Except for her family and best friend, Lacey, no one knows about Indigo's visions of the future. Afraid to be misunderstood, judged or simply called a freak, she keeps it all a secret and tries her best to blend in. When in one of her visions Indie sees her best friend's boyfriend cheat on her, she doesn't know how to handle the situation. Should she tell Lacey? Is this the right thing to do? On top of that, Indie's visions become more and more frequent when she meets John. And they show her things she never wanted to see. Things that will torment her and affect her life and future in many ways.

All the characters in this book were very interesting to read about. I liked Indigo from the get-go and found myself relating to her in many ways. She's a likeable character. Vulnerable, sensitive to other people's needs and feelings, quiet, caring and thoughtful, she's a very complex heroine who has some pretty tough decisions to make. She struggles with her psychic ability - in both physical and emotional way. Her thoughts and feelings are the primary focus of the story and they are explored in-depth, with amazing sensitivity and accuracy. There were moments when I felt slightly frustrated with some of her decisions and actions, but at the same time I always understood what motivated them and that's what made this book for me. Other characters - especially Lacey and John - are well-drawn, too. Reading about the dynamics of Indigo and Lacey's friendship was fascinating and emotionally affecting. The bond between them was very strong, they genuinely cared about each other, trusted and supported one another every step of the way. Their story really moved me.

Lorna Schultz Nicholson's writing was nothing short of excellent. Reading this book was such a pleasant experience, I honestly wish I had time to sit down and read it all over again. The story flow was effortless and the pacing was nice. All the dialogues, as well as Indigo's inner monologues, were convincing, vivid (but not too angsty) and realistic. To be honest, I didn't know what to expect when I picked this book up. I definitely was not prepared to be totally and utterly blown away by it. Within minutes, I was fully immersed in the plot and frantically turning pages. I did not want this book to end (insert: deep sigh) and felt sad when I hit the back cover. It was such a phenomenal reading experience and one that I will remember for a long time!

I highly recommend getting yourself a copy of this book. You won't regret it. It's an intelligent, insightful and very enjoyable read full of riveting emotions and interesting observations about life, love, family, friendship and one's identity. After reading a digital galley of this amazing book, I went straight to Amazon to order a physical copy - it was THAT good and I knew I will want to re-read it at least once in the future. Don't hesitate to pick it up. You'll be surprised at how much you'll love it!

[Tiffany Holme · Rating 5 out of 5]

I seriously adore this book! When I requested it and got approved I basically did an uncontrollable happy dance. May be a bit extreme for a book that I hadn't read yet but did you read that description?! I have to admit that the plot wasn't super fast but it more than made up for it with interesting characters and a story that you just wont forget!

The fact that the book starts with Indigo going into one of her "trances," is a good glimpse into what the book will be like. The shut down is what happens before she sees something. Most people don't know this about her and just think she's a little off. She does have a best friend and aspires to have a boyfriend and a "normal" life. This is interrupted by a horrid vision of her bff's boyfriend with another girl. Doesn't seem like that big of deal but when you're a teen and believe that the boy is your world, that little bit can blow everything up. Add a guy that seems to bring the vision out in her and the story blows up.

Indigo was such an easy character to love. I think that there was a little something in her that everyone could either relate to or simply feel for. She was your typical teen (minus the vision and seeing dead people). She wanted to have a boyfriend, hang out with her best friend and get away when she graduated. She wasn't a complete outcast but it's not like she was miss popular either. I think the fact that she wasn't perfect and all the basic struggles that she had that made her a little more appealing, a little more easy to relate to. The things that made her more realistic and even more vivid was her mistakes. Her needs and wants were always quite in the right priority order but she figured it out as she went. She gained many things but had to loose some to realize what she had really gained.

Her best friend drove me nuts at times and her other friends were okay when they were around. The problem with all of them was that they just let Indigo drift in and out. I enjoyed that they were so accepting of her and her ways but in another sense I wanted them to straighten her out. Being high school though I do understand that sometimes it just happens. Lacey though was a little less forgivable for me. She was part of the learning process but for her to just forget Indigo because of what she told her made my jaw drop. Especially since she was made out to be such a supporter of what Indigo could do.

There is so much growing up in this one. I mean the lessons, the living, the learning. There were times that the decisions that were being made just drove me but they were ones that many of us make. What is being a teen without learning the hard way? John was one of these things. He absolutely drove me through the roof. I had a few WTF moments and a few where I thought "where do you get off?" Once I learned to breath through it and remember that it is the spectrum of characters that gave this story more depth I calmed a bit. John did come with a lesson though and not an easy one but in the end I really think that he was needed more than I realized and I can appreciate that.

My excitement for this one paid off. Though I wasn't really sure what to expect I can tell you I did get more than I figured I would. The writing was wonderful and the pacing kept me interested the entire book. This is one of the one sitting type reads for me! I look forward to learning more about Indigo's powers in the next book and seeing more of everyone now that things have started to settle. Though I am sure new things will come up. I would seriously recommend picking up a copy of this book!! It is totally and completely worth it!

[Shelby · Rating 4 out of 5]

”I was always going to be on the outside because I saw visions, visions that came true. And I’d been seeing them since I was little. When they first started, I was naive enough to think that everyone around me also saw and heard things. I didn’t know that other people weren’t like me.”

More than anything else, Indigo Russell longs to fit in. And if she can’t accomplish that, then she’ll settle for fading into the background, which she’s managed to do rather well over the last couple of years. To most of Ridgemont High, she’s just another teenager walking the halls, doodling in her notebook during class, never raising her hand. An average student. That’s what she’d like you to think.

But Indie isn’t average; she’s different. She has visions; visions that allow her to see into the future and back again. Only her family and best friend, Lacey, know about them. But when she sees Lacey’s boyfriend with another girl, Indie has to decide whether to trust her instincts or her friends. As she grows closer with John, an enigmatic loner who recently transferred to her school, the visions intensify, threatening not only to alter the lives of others, but also to expose her well‐kept secret.


I really, REALLY enjoyed this book. It immerses you into Indigo’s mind, thoughts and world. A world that many of us will never fully experience. Tara and Lorna mix true-to-life experiences with an engaging story of fiction.

Indigo Russell appears to be your average, all-Canadian teenager, and by all accounts she is, with the exception that she has psychic/intuitive abilities. She is more adapt to see (clairvoyance) and hear (clairaudience) but also is able to feel (clairsentience) and know (claircognizance). One of the wonderful aspects of this book is even if this is your first experience reading about these abilities, it’s written in an entertaining and relatable way. You don’t have to be a “believer” or have a vast knowledge of what it all means. You are taken on a journey of a young teenagers struggles through high school, friendships, first-love and the overwhelming feelings that all teenagers go through.



What I LOVED:

-Everyone can relate to the characters and their emotions. I felt as if her friends were my friends and the boys were guys I hung around with in high school and crushed over.

-There is a depth to the story that revolves around more than Indigo and her abilities. Cheating, alcoholism and abuse and the trials and tribulations of just trying to “fit-in” are all apart of the story. Who hasn’t been touched by, or known someone in their teenage years, that struggled with or were affected by these issues? The story is written in a way that it doesn’t “bring you down” but it points out the real-life issues that many kids struggle with today.

-Perhaps I’m biased on this point, but I LOVED that the setting was in Ottawa, Canada. References to places I have been and the “slang” in the characters speech are “purely Canadian.” I loved recognizing bits of myself in the story.



After reading this novel, I’m excited to read the next book in the series and see where Indigo’s abilities take her next as they grow stronger. I wonder how it will affect her life, those around her and how she will learn to embrace them.

After reading Through Indigo’s Eyes, I want to work on honing my own abilities, to become stronger in using my intuitive gifts in my life and figure out if I’m a “feeler”, “seeer”, “hearer” or a “knower.”

http://www.shelbydouglas.com

[Marcos Tavares · Rating 4 out of 5]

Indigo Russel, ou Indie, é uma garota como todas as outras: vai todos os dias à escola, term perspectivas de futuro e adora conversar com sua amigas. Porém ela esconde um segredo: desde pequena tem visões sobre o que vai acontecer com pessoas próximas, como amigos e família. Ela nunca consegue enxergar o seu próprio futuro, mas acaba por descobrir o que acontecerá com eles e não consegue evitar quando é algo ruim. Ela nunca gostou de ter esse dom, sempre o escondendo de todos e tentando viver uma vida normal. Apenas sua família e sua melhor amiga Lacey sabem sobre isso.

O tempo todo Indie tentou se encaixar, sempre tentou ser comum, não se destacar, ser uma mediana. Sua vida começa a virar de cabeça pra baixo quando ela tem uma visão em que o namorado de Lacey está beijando outra garota. Ela então fica dividia entre confiar no seu dom ou em esconder esse segredo da amiga, que não lhe dá brechas para dizer o que aconteceu. Ao mesmo tempo, um novo garoto surge no colégio, transferido de outra cidade. Ao se aproximar de John, Indie tem seu dom intensificado e tem cada vez mais visões reveladoras sobre aqueles que a cercam. Mas isso tem um custo e ela ficará cada vez mais próximo de seu maior medo: revelar a todos que é uma vidente.

O Segredo de Indie é um infantojuvenil com toques de new adult e com alto grau de sobrenatural. Há um segundo livro publicado lá fora com a mesma protagonista, Becoming Indie, que ainda não tem tradução para o Brasil. Nele acompanharemos a jornada de Indie em busca de solucionar conflitos adolescentes amplificados por seu dom sobrenatural de ter visões sobre o futuro.

A leitura desse livro é muito satisfatória. É uma história leve com narrativa focada nos diálogos e no conteúdo das cenas. Eu gostei bastante da protagonista. Seus conflitos internos são fortes e transcendem ao leitor. A relação dela com Lacey e a maneira como ela é abalada com a sua visão foi um plot muito bem trabalhado. Também gostei da formação romântica dela com John. A maneira como ela fica presa entre se aproximar dele ou revelar o seu dom é muito interessante.

Não há grandes reviravoltas ou grandes novidades no enredo, mas o livro não se propõe a isso. A narrativa é ágil, em primeira pessoa, com alguns saltos temporais delimitados no texto. Recomendo não começar a leitura com grandes expectativas ou esperando um enredo épico e recheado de surpresas. É uma história simples, que alcança o seu objetivo e passa a sua mensagem.

site: http://www.capaetitulo.com.br/2015/04...

[Candace · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very powerful read for me. I felt a true connection with Indigo and even though I was frustrated with her at times, I really felt like I understood her. I'm not like Indigo, but I have some similarity's and it was enough for me to understand her and have that connection. And while this isn't a real fast paced book I found it extremely difficult to put down. I could have sat and read through the entire thing in one sitting because I was so compelled to keep reading.

Indigo has some strong abilities. Not only does she have visions but she senses things and hears things as well as sees and speaks with ghosts. I'm sensitive, but my ability is nothing like Indigo's. But it's enough that I understood her and the issues she has with telling people.

I liked that Indigo was normal. She's not popular but she's not unpopular. She is best friends with one of the most popular girls in school though. And it's this friendship that really tugged at my heart. Lacey has always been her friend who knew and believed in her ability. But when Indigo has to tell her something important she decides not to trust her. She made me very angry with this behavior. It just seemed so wrong. But Indigo was such a good friend she just let it go and waited. In the meantime she gets to know John. John was a fairly complex character as he has some stuff about him that isn't so perfect, but yet he's not a bad guy either. I liked how real their relationship was and how the complications played out. It felt right to me. It is how so many relationships really are and it shows that you need to make sure you find what is really best for yourself. Maybe it's not what you think it is. And while there are issues between John and Indigo there's not a lot of angst. And I liked this. Some girls just way overreact and make a big deal out of everything and Indigo wasn't like that.

I really enjoyed this book and I think it's one that many can connect with. I think there are more out there with ability's, even if they are subtle, and this book will actually help you pick up on things that you likely never even noticed before. Personally I never understood why I feel such strong emotions when I'm in public and I think I may understand it a bit more now. I most definitely am looking forward to the next book!

You can find this review and others like it on my blog at http://www.candacesbookblog.com

[Nafiza · Rating 2 out of 5]

While the writing in the novel could use a lot more work, I felt that the story it narrated was substantial. I am very particular about the technical aspects of the writing in a novel so I immediately felt that the novel could do with a lot more showing than the telling it did. The characterizations were weak and Indigo, when we meet her is a brat with, seemingly, no irredeemable qualities. She is abrasive as a character and her interactions with people cast her in a poor light.

Indigo has entitlement issues and while it is fairly obvious that her characterization is intentional to create a definite arc of her growth throughout the novel, there is a danger that many readers will be too turned off by her to continue to want reading. However, while the style and the writing are definitely weak points of the novel, I do think that the story has value.

Indigo’s fascination with the new boy (surprise surprise) and her trouble with her friend – what responsibility does knowing what’s going to happen to her friend give her? – are both interesting aspects of the novel. While the fascination with the new boy is in no way new ground, how it plays out and the culmination that particular arc gets is rather different. The novel seeks to educate girls about valuing themselves and their own persons over any perceived romantic entanglements. It teaches self-respect and that’s substantial stuff, guys.

I thought the ending was rather surprising, in a good way. I just wish that the writing in the earlier part of the novel had been worked on a bit more. And the book does veer too close sometimes into didactic territory but it does have a strong point to it.

[Smguille · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is ideal for anyone who has ever felt different or out of place. The main character is the kind of person we all wish we could be...or if nothing else have as a fried. In a world where being different isn't always encouraged, and where so many people feel bullied, its wonderful to have a stong female protagonist.

Beyond the main character, this book offers a vision into my world of mystery, but not just fantasy. No unrealistic sexy vampires or wizards, just a regular person any one of us could know. Reminds us that there is more out there than we acknowledge on a daily basis.

Although I don't have kids, I have now purchased a copy of this for all the teenagers in my life. Inspiring, intriguing and full of a rare blend of compassion, kindness and a brief shimmer and suttle hint of romance.

Cannot wait for the next in the series.

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a page turner! I fell in love with the main character, Indigo, and am completely fascinated with her intuitive gifts she is learning (albeit begrudgingly) to embrace. Great plot line with mystery, romance, teen angst along with general human themes that we all resonate with (fitting in, learning to love yourself, discovering your life's purpose).

Highly recommend to anyone who loves the YA genre, along with anyone interested in understanding the paranormal. A very fun read!

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

3/4 of the way through, and I just can't stop reading. I absolutely recommend this book to all! It's a great read and full of teenage experience's even I can relate to. Well done and well written. Kudos to the azmazing author.

Thanks for sharing!

[Lin Schussler-Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Couldn't put it down. Don't read a lot of fiction these days, but I loved this sweet story. It's main character is a high school girl, and I guess the fact that I have a high school girl made it so real for me.

[Pixie · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. Entertaining and a page-turner. :)
Don't miss out on the blog tour with a guest post from the authors coming November 21st on The Bookaholic

Full review coming soon as well!

<3
Pixie

[Nancyv · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved being inside the head of Indigo, experiencing her intuition from the inside out.