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Transformed
Thirteen-year-old Jessica Davis’ dull and average life ends abruptly when a vivid dream turns shockingly real, exposing dangerous family secrets. Flung into a world of shape-shifters, Jessica must begin training on a remote South Pacific Island. At first, homesickness seems her primary concern as she forges new friendships in this lush, tropical paradise. Yet her situation quickly deteriorates when she finds herself despised by a vengeful classmate and haunted with frightening visions of the guy she loves. While confronting these challenges, Jessica grows to realize her true potential, eventually discovering that not only has her physical appearance transformed…but also her soul.
267 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 8, 2011
7 people want to read
About the author
Debbie Kump
14 books12 followersAfter graduating from Cornell University with degrees in Biology and Education, Debbie Kump taught middle and high school science in Maui, Seattle, and the Twin Cities and worked as a marine naturalist aboard a whale watch/snorkel cruise. Debbie lives in Minnesota with her husband, two sons, and three Siberian huskies. She especially enjoys writing early each morning; coaching youth soccer, hockey, lacrosse, and baseball; and dogsledding her kids to school. For more information, please visit her website: http://sites.google.com/site/debbieku...
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
April 10, 2013
Brought to you by OBS reviewer Dawn
*Beware of possible Spoilers*
Jess hasn’t had it easy thus far. Her father has died; she has known grief and difficulty. She dreams she is an eagle, free to fly. At first I thought her dreams were an escape from reality, but they’re much more. After waking up she notices some physical changes. First, she doesn’t need glasses any longer (as someone who has worn glasses since 7th grade, I would LOVE IT! if that happened to me.) I loved how Jess’ ability to shape-shift was revealed. It is an inherited genetic condition.
Once Jess shape-shifts, not of her free-will, the story picks up pace. She ends up escorted to Pokapu Island for training. There she meets others like her including Shredder. Jess is different than the others, more if you will, but no one realizes the extent.
Jess’ journey to Pokapu Island is beautifully descriptive. I felt as if I were flying over those area as well. She also has her first experience with eating, as an eagle, and it’s pretty darn funny.
I had difficulty connecting with Jess initially. She seemed incredulous about everything. Her inner dialogue went something like this:
“This can’t be happening, can it?” And then it did happen. It got a bit old, her denial or the new reality. Just when I thought all was lost, she shows some spunk. Her inner smart-ass jumped out and she wouldn’t take crap from anyone. Jess matured! It was great. Krump did well with character development.
There are a lot of layers to the story. Jess deals with difficult lessons. She has to struggle to develop control. It’s not an easy road and it’s made more difficult by certain people on the Island. Jess handles herself pretty well considering. I think Sanford’s faith in Jess is a bit misplaced at this point. I think she needs to grow up a lot more to be able to handle future challenges.
I loved the save the planet theme. It’s refreshing for a group of young adults to care about their impact on the world. They devote their lives to helping others.
Transformed is great for young adults. Krump addresses bullying, being different, loss and much more throughout the story. I think Transformed would be a great book club book. There’s so much to discuss.
http://openbooksociety.com/article/tr...
*Beware of possible Spoilers*
Jess hasn’t had it easy thus far. Her father has died; she has known grief and difficulty. She dreams she is an eagle, free to fly. At first I thought her dreams were an escape from reality, but they’re much more. After waking up she notices some physical changes. First, she doesn’t need glasses any longer (as someone who has worn glasses since 7th grade, I would LOVE IT! if that happened to me.) I loved how Jess’ ability to shape-shift was revealed. It is an inherited genetic condition.
Once Jess shape-shifts, not of her free-will, the story picks up pace. She ends up escorted to Pokapu Island for training. There she meets others like her including Shredder. Jess is different than the others, more if you will, but no one realizes the extent.
Jess’ journey to Pokapu Island is beautifully descriptive. I felt as if I were flying over those area as well. She also has her first experience with eating, as an eagle, and it’s pretty darn funny.
I had difficulty connecting with Jess initially. She seemed incredulous about everything. Her inner dialogue went something like this:
“This can’t be happening, can it?” And then it did happen. It got a bit old, her denial or the new reality. Just when I thought all was lost, she shows some spunk. Her inner smart-ass jumped out and she wouldn’t take crap from anyone. Jess matured! It was great. Krump did well with character development.
There are a lot of layers to the story. Jess deals with difficult lessons. She has to struggle to develop control. It’s not an easy road and it’s made more difficult by certain people on the Island. Jess handles herself pretty well considering. I think Sanford’s faith in Jess is a bit misplaced at this point. I think she needs to grow up a lot more to be able to handle future challenges.
I loved the save the planet theme. It’s refreshing for a group of young adults to care about their impact on the world. They devote their lives to helping others.
Transformed is great for young adults. Krump addresses bullying, being different, loss and much more throughout the story. I think Transformed would be a great book club book. There’s so much to discuss.
http://openbooksociety.com/article/tr...
February 9, 2013
Transformed by Debbie Kump
4.5 Stars
Transformed tells the story of Jessica Davis, a 13 year old girl who suddenly finds herself thrown into a world she had only believed existed in stories. One morning she wakes up with perfect eyesight and her body full of feathers and she is totally confused by the whole situation. Her mum soon explains to her that this is a genetic trait and she should be proud that it has been passed down to her, the only thing left for her to do now is move away to a special school where she will learn how to control her new shape-shifting abilities.
I really enjoyed this story, it was well written and edited, the plot was steadily paced and gripping, it does however lack individuality, there are many similar stories on the market at the moment. The target audience is the 10-14 age range and I feel this book is ideal for that group.
As I am not the intended audience it is not a book I would have chosen for myself, it lacks the ‘edge’ that I, as an adult enjoy to read, but I have no doubt that my teenage daughters will find the book to be a worthwhile and fulfilling read.
I really wanted to rate this book 5 stars because it was perfect for the intended audience, but the story is not unique therefore I have reduced it by .5 as per my usual rating system.
Copy supplied for review
4.5 Stars
Transformed tells the story of Jessica Davis, a 13 year old girl who suddenly finds herself thrown into a world she had only believed existed in stories. One morning she wakes up with perfect eyesight and her body full of feathers and she is totally confused by the whole situation. Her mum soon explains to her that this is a genetic trait and she should be proud that it has been passed down to her, the only thing left for her to do now is move away to a special school where she will learn how to control her new shape-shifting abilities.
I really enjoyed this story, it was well written and edited, the plot was steadily paced and gripping, it does however lack individuality, there are many similar stories on the market at the moment. The target audience is the 10-14 age range and I feel this book is ideal for that group.
As I am not the intended audience it is not a book I would have chosen for myself, it lacks the ‘edge’ that I, as an adult enjoy to read, but I have no doubt that my teenage daughters will find the book to be a worthwhile and fulfilling read.
I really wanted to rate this book 5 stars because it was perfect for the intended audience, but the story is not unique therefore I have reduced it by .5 as per my usual rating system.
Copy supplied for review
September 2, 2014
I liked the characters in this story. I thought Jessica's voice was great because it added humor and helped the reader get to know her better. I liked that this book tackled some hard issues: bullying, being different, dealing with your past, and standing up for yourself. I liked the growth that the reader sees in Jessica as the story progresses. I thought the kissing was a little much for thirteen-year-olds. The thirteen-year-olds I know still think the boys have cooties, and definitely wouldn't be kissing them. There is some fighting violence in the book, and the death of a main character. There isn't any "intimacy,' but there is some kissing. There aren't any swear words, but Jessica does use the Lord's name, which is offensive to some people. I would recommend it for 5th graders and up. You may read my full review on my book blog: www.the-readathon.blogspot.com.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews