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Cycles #1
Cycles
When Renee discovers that her neighbor, Dr. Dawson, has bags of his dead daughter’s frozen blood stored in his basement, she decides it’s up to her to uncover the doctor’s mysterious past. What she learns, however, is not what she expects. Now she and her friend Sam Miller are on the run, hiding from scientists who want to use what the two teenagers know to change human life forever.
260 pages, Paperback
First published December 15, 2011
126 people are currently reading
1707 people want to read
About the author
Lois D. Brown
24 books77 followersLois Brown’s love of all things fantastical began at an early age when her five older brothers made her watch television shows such as “Dr. Who” and “Lost in Space.” (Yes, the originals.) Her passion for science fiction continued when, at age 12, she spent an entire summer buying “Star Wars: Return of the Jedi” collector cards. She used her babysitting money earned over an entire year to get a full set. Now she likes to write her own books that spark the imagination. Her first novel, CYCLES, was a top 5 finalist of The Kindle Book Review’s “Best Indie Books of 2012.” She has recently appeared on televisions shows such as "Montezuma's Treasure" aired on the History Channel 2 in connection with her latest release, ROBBED OF SOUL
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 90 reviews
May 6, 2012
After an accident, thirteen-year-old Renee Beaumont needs a blood transfusion, which shouldn't be a big deal, but it turns out her blood is unique. Her neighbor Dr. Dawson fortunately has some blood that he claims is hers that the doctors can use to save her life, but Renee can't remember ever giving him her blood. When she and her best friend Sam investigate, they discover a cache of blood in Dr. Dawson's lab that's all labelled with his dead daughter's name. What does it mean that Renee's blood matches his daughter's?
This novel seemed uneven and juvenile at the beginning until I realized the characters were only thirteen! Action, suspense, and mystery propel the story, along with supernatural and mystical elements. Many readers will enjoy the native American (Ohone indian) spiritual elements as well. The evil villains, especially the woman, make the story seem a tad melodramatic, but overall this novel works well as a middle grade read, not YA, as it is labelled. Recommended for ages 10 & up.
This novel seemed uneven and juvenile at the beginning until I realized the characters were only thirteen! Action, suspense, and mystery propel the story, along with supernatural and mystical elements. Many readers will enjoy the native American (Ohone indian) spiritual elements as well. The evil villains, especially the woman, make the story seem a tad melodramatic, but overall this novel works well as a middle grade read, not YA, as it is labelled. Recommended for ages 10 & up.
February 29, 2012
The plot was amazing! So unique but with a hint of familiarity. I was attracted to it immediately! And I, myself, is a guesser. By that I mean I would guess with the characters, trying to figure out what is the mystery. I just kept on flipping pages. I can't believe that I didn't read the book when I first got it.
Though the characters are fairly young-ish. But they are very sophisticated and mature, but this made it a little unrealistic. :/ They are 13 after all. But often this fact was forgotten due to the fact that the story was so intense! I mean it kind of reminded me of Kathy Reich's Virals/Seizure books. It was a mystery with teens. I enjoyed reading this book a lot.
I love the mystery, contemporary, and paranormal aspects of the book. This was an fantastic read!! I would recommend it to everyone!
Though the characters are fairly young-ish. But they are very sophisticated and mature, but this made it a little unrealistic. :/ They are 13 after all. But often this fact was forgotten due to the fact that the story was so intense! I mean it kind of reminded me of Kathy Reich's Virals/Seizure books. It was a mystery with teens. I enjoyed reading this book a lot.
I love the mystery, contemporary, and paranormal aspects of the book. This was an fantastic read!! I would recommend it to everyone!
August 12, 2015
It is summer 2015. I needed to make a run to Costco and picked up cheap lunch with my four children, ages seven and under. It was crowded and we shared one of the odd tables with Lois Brown! She was so kind and engaging with my kids. I had just finished The Queen's Thief series by Megan Whalen Turner and Mrs. Brown's daughter looked the perfect age to love it (plus The Lioness series by Pierce), so we started talking about books and she mentioned that she is an author. What a pleasant surprise! I noted the title and downloaded her three books when I got home. It was lovely to meet you, Lois!
Cycles is the story of a girl named Renee who is 13.5 and has her life change very quickly when she is in an accident after trying to save her neighbor's rare, living horse (after a horse epidemic that killed almost all others) from thieves. She loses a lot of blood, requiring a transfusion. However, her blood is odd and they do not have a match. Her neighbor, Dr. Dawson, tells the hospital staff that he has some of her blood stored (because of a science experiment that he helped her with, but this is a lie), and they use it to save her life.
The plot was interesting. Inventive, different, refreshing. The facts she shared about various things she based the story on read too formal for the rest of the writing style: for example, when she shares about the pressure needed to break an arm, or about the details of the eclipse cycle. It certainly moved at a quick pace and I stayed up later to read it, so it IS compelling.
I liked that she had different races than all white. Thank you. She labels and describes and equalizes, which I like. She didn't give too many descriptors of Alex Massri's hired arm other than he had tattoos, a low IQ, his name was Duane and Sam calls him a Gorilla. She does not come out and give him a race. HOWEVER, Duane actually means dark or black. So, I found it highly offensive that she used a gorilla as the descriptor. It is racist. Whether intended or not, I am surprised no one caught this, or that the author had this blind spot. Additionally when she describe Massri she says she is beautiful, then says she has a Barbie sculpted body. Barbie is a completely unattainable ideal. No thanks. Girls already have enough media hurled at them about what they "should" look like. Some of the phrases used in the book (Sam: didn't know why Renee was so irritable, but it was probably some girl thing he didn't want to know about. Sam: now he was surrounded by two silly, superstitious females. Gamma Didi: they don't want to talk to an old woman like me. ) were sexist and ageist which I have no tolerance for, ESPECIALLY from a female writer!
On the one hand, I get it. Sam and Renee are outcasts, not very cool, etc, and maybe teenagers will relate to that. A lot of the school interactions were what any parent hopes school is not like, episodes of bullying for Sam, they were just awful.
The two descriptions of birth are somewhat at odds. First you have Helen having a baby alone, but her mother was a midwife, but also her mother died and she was only in town because of the funeral, I guess they were estranged, and her husband wasn't with her because he hated her mother (nice). Then you have Renee's father relating that her mother was unconscious for her birth and thinks it is the best way to have a baby. Both descriptions make birth something to fear. I think that is lazy writing because that is universally what is written in fiction about having a baby. So, that part was not original and was, again, something that I really despise seeing from a female author.
So, should you read it? yes. Resoundingly. I am being more specific than I usually am in reviews because, let's be honest, I have a newborn and have the downtime to give a solid review. I think it could have certainly benefitted from a good editor and I applaud Brown's obvious imaginative weaving of a story. I look forward to reading the other two books and will continue as she evolves and matures as a writer. I am glad I read it. Writing a book is a huge accomplishment!
Cycles is the story of a girl named Renee who is 13.5 and has her life change very quickly when she is in an accident after trying to save her neighbor's rare, living horse (after a horse epidemic that killed almost all others) from thieves. She loses a lot of blood, requiring a transfusion. However, her blood is odd and they do not have a match. Her neighbor, Dr. Dawson, tells the hospital staff that he has some of her blood stored (because of a science experiment that he helped her with, but this is a lie), and they use it to save her life.
The plot was interesting. Inventive, different, refreshing. The facts she shared about various things she based the story on read too formal for the rest of the writing style: for example, when she shares about the pressure needed to break an arm, or about the details of the eclipse cycle. It certainly moved at a quick pace and I stayed up later to read it, so it IS compelling.
I liked that she had different races than all white. Thank you. She labels and describes and equalizes, which I like. She didn't give too many descriptors of Alex Massri's hired arm other than he had tattoos, a low IQ, his name was Duane and Sam calls him a Gorilla. She does not come out and give him a race. HOWEVER, Duane actually means dark or black. So, I found it highly offensive that she used a gorilla as the descriptor. It is racist. Whether intended or not, I am surprised no one caught this, or that the author had this blind spot. Additionally when she describe Massri she says she is beautiful, then says she has a Barbie sculpted body. Barbie is a completely unattainable ideal. No thanks. Girls already have enough media hurled at them about what they "should" look like. Some of the phrases used in the book (Sam: didn't know why Renee was so irritable, but it was probably some girl thing he didn't want to know about. Sam: now he was surrounded by two silly, superstitious females. Gamma Didi: they don't want to talk to an old woman like me. ) were sexist and ageist which I have no tolerance for, ESPECIALLY from a female writer!
On the one hand, I get it. Sam and Renee are outcasts, not very cool, etc, and maybe teenagers will relate to that. A lot of the school interactions were what any parent hopes school is not like, episodes of bullying for Sam, they were just awful.
The two descriptions of birth are somewhat at odds. First you have Helen having a baby alone, but her mother was a midwife, but also her mother died and she was only in town because of the funeral, I guess they were estranged, and her husband wasn't with her because he hated her mother (nice). Then you have Renee's father relating that her mother was unconscious for her birth and thinks it is the best way to have a baby. Both descriptions make birth something to fear. I think that is lazy writing because that is universally what is written in fiction about having a baby. So, that part was not original and was, again, something that I really despise seeing from a female author.
So, should you read it? yes. Resoundingly. I am being more specific than I usually am in reviews because, let's be honest, I have a newborn and have the downtime to give a solid review. I think it could have certainly benefitted from a good editor and I applaud Brown's obvious imaginative weaving of a story. I look forward to reading the other two books and will continue as she evolves and matures as a writer. I am glad I read it. Writing a book is a huge accomplishment!
January 2, 2012
I always tread cautiously when my blog (Bookworm Blather) attracts requests for book reviews. I see a wide range of talent and professionalism, but Cycles, by Lois D. Brown, I am pleased to say, rates among the best stories I’ve received.
Within, an accident leaves13-year-old Renee Beaumont’s life completely shaken. Not only does she narrowly escape death, but doctors in the hospital identify abnormalities in her blood. Abnormalities that lead to questions concerning her parentage. Abnormalities that may be linked to an increasing number of dizzy spells and memories that cannot possibly be her own. Abnormalities that prompt the sudden interest of individuals who do not have Renee’s best interest at heart. Abnormalities that push Renee, along with her best friend Sam, on a wild ride of discovery that lands them smack in the center of a most peculiar blending of science and legend.
I have lots of good things to say about the story’s mechanics. Intrigue begins right away. The opening chapters create a host of questions that are skillfully unraveled throughout the remainder of the story. A deadly horse epidemic, Renee’s habit of drawing spirals, Sam’s father’s death, solar eclipses - all these details come back around to tuck nicely into the story later on. The plot is original, engaging and creative. There is a measure of predictability, but I think the kids for whom the book is intended (12-16) will enjoy figuring out the clues artfully planted along the way. And in all fairness, there were elements I didn’t foresee.
As to Ms. Brown’s writing, it’s very nice. There are moments it doesn’t read as smoothly as a title with a whole publishing team behind it, but I was very pleased with the overall effect. She creates some wonderfully descriptive word pictures, often in tandem with bright humor. For example, “Dawson cleared his throat again. He was either allergic to the hospital’s disinfectant spray, or he was nervous.” The title, too, is wonderfully metaphorical and clever.
The characters, as is often the case with contemporary teen fiction, feel a bit cliche. Rich girl with parents that ignore her. Geeky guy with a crush on a cheerleader. But they are given quirks that make them feel realistic and warmth that wins a reader over. Gamma Didi, on the other hand, is hugely original. An old Indian woman with gentle wisdom, odd habits, tribal memories, and modern intelligence, she’s the perfect counterpoint to the teens. Indeed, she’s the character that jumped off the page and became my favorite.
I would rate this book easily appropriate for kids 10 and older. Romance is kept sweet and innocent, language is perfectly clean. There is some violence at the end, but it isn’t graphic or overwhelming. There is an element of spiritualism – souls of the departed watching out for the living and the mention of a seance – but it’s very background, and a bit of mysticism is necessary for the story’s magical elements. Ms. Brown nicely blends legend with science.
I enjoyed Cycles a great deal, and I’m happily putting out my recommendation. Besides, with a 2.99 price tag, you can’t afford to pass it up!
Within, an accident leaves13-year-old Renee Beaumont’s life completely shaken. Not only does she narrowly escape death, but doctors in the hospital identify abnormalities in her blood. Abnormalities that lead to questions concerning her parentage. Abnormalities that may be linked to an increasing number of dizzy spells and memories that cannot possibly be her own. Abnormalities that prompt the sudden interest of individuals who do not have Renee’s best interest at heart. Abnormalities that push Renee, along with her best friend Sam, on a wild ride of discovery that lands them smack in the center of a most peculiar blending of science and legend.
I have lots of good things to say about the story’s mechanics. Intrigue begins right away. The opening chapters create a host of questions that are skillfully unraveled throughout the remainder of the story. A deadly horse epidemic, Renee’s habit of drawing spirals, Sam’s father’s death, solar eclipses - all these details come back around to tuck nicely into the story later on. The plot is original, engaging and creative. There is a measure of predictability, but I think the kids for whom the book is intended (12-16) will enjoy figuring out the clues artfully planted along the way. And in all fairness, there were elements I didn’t foresee.
As to Ms. Brown’s writing, it’s very nice. There are moments it doesn’t read as smoothly as a title with a whole publishing team behind it, but I was very pleased with the overall effect. She creates some wonderfully descriptive word pictures, often in tandem with bright humor. For example, “Dawson cleared his throat again. He was either allergic to the hospital’s disinfectant spray, or he was nervous.” The title, too, is wonderfully metaphorical and clever.
The characters, as is often the case with contemporary teen fiction, feel a bit cliche. Rich girl with parents that ignore her. Geeky guy with a crush on a cheerleader. But they are given quirks that make them feel realistic and warmth that wins a reader over. Gamma Didi, on the other hand, is hugely original. An old Indian woman with gentle wisdom, odd habits, tribal memories, and modern intelligence, she’s the perfect counterpoint to the teens. Indeed, she’s the character that jumped off the page and became my favorite.
I would rate this book easily appropriate for kids 10 and older. Romance is kept sweet and innocent, language is perfectly clean. There is some violence at the end, but it isn’t graphic or overwhelming. There is an element of spiritualism – souls of the departed watching out for the living and the mention of a seance – but it’s very background, and a bit of mysticism is necessary for the story’s magical elements. Ms. Brown nicely blends legend with science.
I enjoyed Cycles a great deal, and I’m happily putting out my recommendation. Besides, with a 2.99 price tag, you can’t afford to pass it up!
June 26, 2012
The author of Cycles, Lois Brown, sent my other blog, Teen Text Talk, her book to review. There was a contest for however many reviews she received by a certain date. There was no way that I was going to get this book read in such a short amount of time, so I didn't bother with the contest, but told her that when I got to the book I'd give it an honest review. A month later, on my birthday no less, I read it in one sitting...seriously, it's that entertaining.
Renee Beaumont is a typical 13 year-old girl, she loves horses, her best friend who is an older boy science genius, Sam, and her neighbor, Dr. Dawson, a man who let's her come over whenever she wants and who takes care of her when her rich overly busy parents aren't around, which is a lot. One day Renee gallops away trying to save the doctor's prized horse from thieves, the horse trips and down goes Renee on a rock. At the hospital they can't figure out what is wrong, she's losing loads of blood, but they can't find out her blood-type. In walks her neighbor to save the day, he has some of her blood saved from a time he helped her with a science fair project...the only thing is this is all a lie and things only get weirder for Renee and her Sam as they try to find out the truth.
At first, this book seemed a bit confusing, it intersperses Renee stories with that of an older woman who is telling the story of her daughter's disappearance through diary entries. I spent the first 40 or so pages trying to figure out what exactly was going on, which I think will compel curious readers forward. And, although I know a bit about science and love science fiction, I did not see where this book was going. I'm guessing it's because this book begins so easily and subtly. The ending, WOW, so looking forward to the 2nd book!
Frankly, I need someone else to read this book so I can talk about it with them. I've never read a book like this before.
Renee Beaumont is a typical 13 year-old girl, she loves horses, her best friend who is an older boy science genius, Sam, and her neighbor, Dr. Dawson, a man who let's her come over whenever she wants and who takes care of her when her rich overly busy parents aren't around, which is a lot. One day Renee gallops away trying to save the doctor's prized horse from thieves, the horse trips and down goes Renee on a rock. At the hospital they can't figure out what is wrong, she's losing loads of blood, but they can't find out her blood-type. In walks her neighbor to save the day, he has some of her blood saved from a time he helped her with a science fair project...the only thing is this is all a lie and things only get weirder for Renee and her Sam as they try to find out the truth.
At first, this book seemed a bit confusing, it intersperses Renee stories with that of an older woman who is telling the story of her daughter's disappearance through diary entries. I spent the first 40 or so pages trying to figure out what exactly was going on, which I think will compel curious readers forward. And, although I know a bit about science and love science fiction, I did not see where this book was going. I'm guessing it's because this book begins so easily and subtly. The ending, WOW, so looking forward to the 2nd book!
Frankly, I need someone else to read this book so I can talk about it with them. I've never read a book like this before.
February 18, 2012
This book was addicting, to say the least. The beginning might be a bit misleading, 13/14 year old best friends, one with a love of horses and the other with a love of books and knowledge. But this book definitely surprised me and exceeded my expectations! This book is a mix of mystery, contemporary, and paranormal, which is a mix i'm starting to really warm up to!
The novel opened up with Renee getting into an accident and losing a large percentage of her blood, therefore a blood transfusion is needed. However, her blood does not match any other blood type, even some of the rare ones. When her neighbor, Dr.Dawson tells the hospital he has some of her blood stored in his house from a science fair project.. a project that Renee has never participated in. This begins the detective work of Renee and her best friend Sam. Renee and Sam seemed mature for their age, at times i would forget they're only 13 and 14, I was so engrossed in the story and following the duo during their search and attempted house break ins and science jargon, specifically about solar eclipses.
The climax of the story happened towards the end, and let me just say that I did NOT expect it at all! throughout the book you get a glimpse of journal entries of a woman accused of murdering her daughter in the 1960s. You have no idea how this is related to the story and whatever you will have in mind? yea it won't be that. Pleasantly surprised with the ending, though a tiny bit predictable, but the story ends with the beginning of a new mystery, which is what I will definitely be looking forward two in the second installment of Cycles by Lois D. Brown!
The novel opened up with Renee getting into an accident and losing a large percentage of her blood, therefore a blood transfusion is needed. However, her blood does not match any other blood type, even some of the rare ones. When her neighbor, Dr.Dawson tells the hospital he has some of her blood stored in his house from a science fair project.. a project that Renee has never participated in. This begins the detective work of Renee and her best friend Sam. Renee and Sam seemed mature for their age, at times i would forget they're only 13 and 14, I was so engrossed in the story and following the duo during their search and attempted house break ins and science jargon, specifically about solar eclipses.
The climax of the story happened towards the end, and let me just say that I did NOT expect it at all! throughout the book you get a glimpse of journal entries of a woman accused of murdering her daughter in the 1960s. You have no idea how this is related to the story and whatever you will have in mind? yea it won't be that. Pleasantly surprised with the ending, though a tiny bit predictable, but the story ends with the beginning of a new mystery, which is what I will definitely be looking forward two in the second installment of Cycles by Lois D. Brown!
July 5, 2017
I've enjoyed the mysteries I've read by this author, so thought I would try this YA paranormal. I did find some punctuation and wrong word errors that could have been cleaned up with editing. I also thought some plot points were awkward and unlikely. However, the story was interesting, and I didn't find the story as laden with teen angst as many for the genre. An exception to that is Sam's "love" interest and the gum swapping scene. I found his infatuation to be implausible and that scene particular silly and even gross. Even though I did like the characters of Renee and Sam, I'm not sure I feel compelled to read the next in the series. Which reminds me, in the time since I downloaded this book a couple of months ago, the cover and title have changed. The title for this one is now "The Saros Curse" (previously "Cycles") and the next is now "The Dead Chasm" (previously "Spaces").
February 29, 2012
One word to describe this book-Beautiful. Beautiful writing, beautiful plot, and beautiful characters! Cycles is very different from my normal read. It has that Sci Fi type of aspect to it, but it is very much a mystery read. The writing in this book is exquisite! It made me immersed in the world Brown created, and her writing captivated me. I really felt I was right there along with Sam and Renee trying to figure out the mysteries of Renee's past! Throughout the book there are these journal entries written by a woman named Helen and the whole time I was trying to figure out how that related to Renee. I loved how it wasn't until very close to the end that I found out what was really going on. Brown always gave me enough information to keep me interested but not enough to where I got bored because I had figured it out! She also created wonderfully complex characters in Renee and Sam. They were the social outcastes, but they had each other which was enough. There might be a hint of romance in there too. Overall I really loved this book, and I will definitely be looking out for Spaces, the sequel to Cycles!
February 18, 2015
YA Sci Fi Some YA can be enjoyed at any age. This book, alas, is not one of them. Shockingly simplistic writing, as if it were out of a high school creative writing assignment.
In addition, the author seems to be writing about things that she has no first hand experience of. For example, Renee, at 5'2", sat upon a stool to groom her neighbor's horse. I am 5'4" and have owned many horses. Even the shortest required me to stand on tiptoes to brush its back. If I had sat upon a stool, I would have been brushing underbellies. Then she describes her brushing as being a scrolled circle. Anyone who has spent anytime brushing a horse knows that you brush along the hair, not against it, especially on underbellies! Unless your horse took a mud bath earlier in the day.
Similarly, the hospital scenes are written as if the author has never been in a hospital room. Having been bucked off plenty of times, I've spent a good deal of time in hospital rooms. The foot of the beds always face into the rooms, no way that Sam could have hidden at the foot of her bed.
I gave up at a third of the way in. The book was free, but not worth the frustration.
In addition, the author seems to be writing about things that she has no first hand experience of. For example, Renee, at 5'2", sat upon a stool to groom her neighbor's horse. I am 5'4" and have owned many horses. Even the shortest required me to stand on tiptoes to brush its back. If I had sat upon a stool, I would have been brushing underbellies. Then she describes her brushing as being a scrolled circle. Anyone who has spent anytime brushing a horse knows that you brush along the hair, not against it, especially on underbellies! Unless your horse took a mud bath earlier in the day.
Similarly, the hospital scenes are written as if the author has never been in a hospital room. Having been bucked off plenty of times, I've spent a good deal of time in hospital rooms. The foot of the beds always face into the rooms, no way that Sam could have hidden at the foot of her bed.
I gave up at a third of the way in. The book was free, but not worth the frustration.
March 10, 2015
The premise of this book is seriously cool. I just don't know if this story is the right story to present the idea. The overall plot was fine, but the execution was... Just okay.
Recommended for readers ages 10-16
Pros:
-Premise, as stated above
-Characters. The characterization was a bit inconsistent or lacking, but there are some very interesting people within this book. Ms. Frazier reminded me so much of my junior high English teacher!
-Quick, easy, appropriate read. Very well suited for older children/teens
Cons:
-Over-simplified style and juvenile dialogue
-No suspense! I was waiting for it to get scary but it never did. I mean, just from the synopsis about the kids finding blood in Dr. Dawson's basement, sounds like it could be a thriller, right? Well, I regret to say that I was a bit underwhelmed
Recommended for readers ages 10-16
Pros:
-Premise, as stated above
-Characters. The characterization was a bit inconsistent or lacking, but there are some very interesting people within this book. Ms. Frazier reminded me so much of my junior high English teacher!
-Quick, easy, appropriate read. Very well suited for older children/teens
Cons:
-Over-simplified style and juvenile dialogue
-No suspense! I was waiting for it to get scary but it never did. I mean, just from the synopsis about the kids finding blood in Dr. Dawson's basement, sounds like it could be a thriller, right? Well, I regret to say that I was a bit underwhelmed
June 5, 2015
The concept was fascinating, the storyline was interesting, the quality of writing was more than just a bit better than some of the other books I've read recently...I just couldn't get into it as much as I would have liked. It may be that it just didn't strike my fancy or that there was too much going on around me to really give it a fair fighting chance. I honestly don't know. What I do know that is that I probably will never read it again and will almost certainly never purchase the sequel. Is that to say the book was bad? No...I'm simply saying it wasn't for me. It will certainly go on my list of books to recommend to my friend's 13-year-old.
August 5, 2016
The writing in this novel was beautiful.
The story moved slow for me in the beginning but once they find out that Renee Beaumont's blood is different, the story takes off from there.
The book has paranormal and mystery elements that I enjoyed. However, this novel read as either a middle grade/ YA novel, which are the types of novels I don't read as much. Still, I remained hooked until the end.
The story moved slow for me in the beginning but once they find out that Renee Beaumont's blood is different, the story takes off from there.
The book has paranormal and mystery elements that I enjoyed. However, this novel read as either a middle grade/ YA novel, which are the types of novels I don't read as much. Still, I remained hooked until the end.
September 3, 2018
Fun fantastic read!
I thought it was interesting, a disease that forces you to rebirth. It’s quite scary thought. Similar to passed lives. This was a quite interesting theory for a story.
I thought it was interesting, a disease that forces you to rebirth. It’s quite scary thought. Similar to passed lives. This was a quite interesting theory for a story.
February 7, 2017
Cracking read
This book is well written, fast pasted with a imaginative storyline a great mix of folklore and science. I managed to read in two days
This book is well written, fast pasted with a imaginative storyline a great mix of folklore and science. I managed to read in two days
November 11, 2017
Fascinating. I'll never think of an eclipse the same way again.
September 26, 2019
3.5. Enjoyed the unique storyline.
October 16, 2022
Thought this book was engaging and felt like a breath of fresh air! Unique ideas and solid plot!
September 1, 2024
The characters were interesting enough and plot was ok bu I felt the delivery was a bit messy
January 31, 2016
This books was very interesting. Although in the beginning it was a little boring. This book is about a girl named Renee who keeps getting dizzy spells and sees things that she knows she didn't do(visions). Her and her best friend,Sam,go to a college teacher,Dr.Dawson. He knows what's going on because Renee is a Cycler,when it's every 13 years Renee cycles back to a baby. Sam and Renee have to go back to camp but as they are driving they notice they are being followed. They know it's trouble about Renee so Renee makes a plan, she tells sam to go stand in line and cross their names off the list while she makes a distraction. The person stuff she chooses to make a distraction with is the girl she doesn't like,Jessica,and is also Sam's crush. So when he figures out that she used her he got mad at Renee and they started fighting so she ran somewhere and Sam went to Gamma's house to tell her what happened. While Sam is Gamma's house Renee has found a list at Dr.Dawson's house and want to find the people and address on it, Renee calls a cab and shows him the address he takes her there and she walks up to the desk and asks the lady is she could talk to a woman named Helen. The lady takes her to Helen's room and Helen kept calling her by her daughter's name. Helen was about to tell her about cyclers but she said "Come back tomorrow if you want to hear the rest of the story“. The next day at Gamma's house she tells Sam to go and look for some more information about Renne's sickness. So Sam goes to another college teacher and he has files all about Sam and he tells Sam about why Renee is acting that way because she is a cycler and she would cycle tomorrow. Back at the elderly home where Renee is she goes back that day and figures out that Helen died in her sleep that night but she has left her her diary. As Renee reads it she finds out that she is a cycler and that Helen is her real mom,so Renee calls the professor that Sam is with (not knowing Sam is there) she tells the professor everything she learned and the professor tells her to come see him right now. When they finish discussing everything they learned, the professor kidnaps Renee and Sam can't do anything because the professor has a gun put on him. Sam races over to Gamma's house and tells her what happened Gamma says that he needs to go to sleep and in the morning she will tell him what to do. Meanwhile the professor takes Renee and introduces her to another bad person named Alex. Alex wants to keep Renee whenever she changes back to a baby. Alex sends her to this basement that locks from the outside door with no other exit,Renee finds Dr.Dawson in there and he explains that he was her dad before her parents now were. At that moment Alex walks in and tells Dr.Dawson to get up because they were leaving and Dr.Dawson said he wasn't leaving without Renee so they were forced to take her where they were going. When they got there(Where Renee was born) the sun was setting. When Sam woke up Gamma told him he had to get a gps and find his way to the address where Renee was born. He left got a gps and got the horse from Dr.Dawson's house and he rode there,by the time he got there is was only about 30 minutes until Renee cycles back to a baby. Everybody saw Sam ride in on the horse and Alex sent her body guard to go shoot him but at that same time Renee saw a Zebra scorpion and she picked it up (it stung her) and as the bodygurad was walking by and threw it at him he got stung in the back and he shot the horse instead and the horse fell over and broke Sam's leg. Then everything went crazy, Dr.Dawson was forced to help the professor he stopped and ran to Renee ,once he saw the bodyguard was down, and put her un the exact spot she was born but while he was running with her Alex shot him twice and he died. In the morning the police and everybody's family came and there was no sign of Dr.Dawson but the bodyguard was dead and Alex and the professor got put in jail.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 18, 2015
I tend not to expect too much from freebie books, but Cycles turned out to be a pretty stellar middle grade/younger YA thriller. Yep, a thriller. Not too frightening for the kids, but still gripping enough to keep me reading "just one more chapter". The writing is great - age appropriate and intelligent with great characterisation and very few errors. There's something unassumingly accomplished about it.
"No one hung clothes outside to dry, except Gamma. She said it made them smell better, claiming that the dryer left a burnt scent on her undies, which, for Sam, was altogether too much information."
Just that phrase "which, for Sam, was altogether too much information."... it's only a throwaway line, a quiet joke and yet, it's just right. You don't often see this writing skill in YA these days, free or not.
The plot is rather left field. I wondered if Renee was a clone, but that didn't seem quite right. I theorised endlessly about what the great secret centred around her would be. Sam theorised too.
'“Personally,” Sam continued, “I’ve gone from thinking you’re the offspring of aliens to hoping you’re a relative of someone famous, like Stephen Hawking.” He cleared his throat.“Now that would be cool.”'
Neither of us was anywhere near right. I don't think anyone could be. If anyone did guess the mystery before we heard about tell me! I'll be impressed.
The real stars of Cycles, though, were the characters. Gamma was my personal favourite. She might be Sam's grandmother but she ain't dead yet folks! She's part Native American and a little bit shaman with belief in all kinds of things outside the norm, but she's also very grounded and sensible. An ever-present source of good advice and better witticisms. Then we have Sam - Renee's best friend. Sam is a regular mine of information, who "could figure out just about anything, except how to be popular." He's also a source of some pretty profound moments (well, for Middle Grade, anyway) in the story, especially when the topic of his (deceased) dad comes up.
"Before his dad died, he’d told Sam to be strong, but he couldn’t do it. He was just a kid." Being strong is hard, as is making the right decisions when you're only a kid in an adult world and sometimes Sam makes mistakes but ultimately he's always on Renee's side. I don't blame him. It'd be pretty hard not to like Renee when she uses complaints like "The incessant worrywart!"* and is the type of person who "never got emotional unless someone tried to hurt an animal, and then she got all psycho angry."
Would I recommend Cycles?
“Why I’ll be a skinned raccoon in Sunday’s soup. You’re right."**
I'll definitely be looking out for the next one. I read the fast few chapters as included at the end of Cycles and Renee is Darth Vader. Sounds flipping hilarious!
*I might have to quote that.
**Okay, okay. That phrase doesn't really fit in the review, but come on, who can resist such a quote?
January 15, 2012
I was lucky enough to receive an e-book copy from the author. I loved the summary right away: it's short, interested me from the first line, and ended in a way that guaranteed I was going to read it.
What I Liked:
This book totally blew my expectations out of the water.
I have read a lot of YA books, and within those books, a good portion were paranormal. I have read every kind of plot line, from vampires to werewolves, from fairies to half-bloods. Also, I've become insanely good at guessing between which paranormal branch a story is written about. (Flighty thoughts? Fairy. Unexplained animal damage and missing memory? Werewolf.) I think after a certain number of books, it's easy to assume you're going to be able to predict what's going to happen.
Cycles was different; I had no idea what was going on. I didn't have a single prediction for what was going to be uncovered in the end. There was all these unexplained problems and none of my old plot lines helped because this book totally traveled off the beaten path.
This was the first book I'd read in a long, long time when I didn't automatically know whether a character was to be trusted or not. It was really cool to be along for the mystery, just like the characters, instead of being like an outsider, knowing what was going to happen and just waiting to get there.
Sam, Renee's friend, was quirky, and I liked how he wasn't immune to pretty girls. Some books have the main guy character totally and completely hung up over the main girl character, and it's not really realistic. There's little flashbacks throughout the book to pages from a journal belonging to a Helen. I really liked the entries; they added to the mystery and created one more piece to the puzzle to fit together.
What I Didn't Like:
I would've liked to have seen more detail to the writing: descriptions of places visited and of the character's appearances. That being said, I also understand that the target audience for Cycles is 12-15 year olds, so I think the more brief kind-of style probably fits it better than a novel that's always going into detail. That's just a personal preference of mine.
Another thing I would've like to see was a cameo from one of Sam's siblings; I've read very few books where a main character has a sibling, much less multiple. (Or seven, in Sam's case.) I think you can tell a lot about a character by the way they interact with their siblings. And since there's eight kids altogether, I would think a scene at Sam's house with all of them has the potential to be very interesting.
The Bottom Line:
I definitely enjoyed this book: get it! I'll be looking out for the sequel. I can't wait to see what happens next in the series.
What I Liked:
This book totally blew my expectations out of the water.
I have read a lot of YA books, and within those books, a good portion were paranormal. I have read every kind of plot line, from vampires to werewolves, from fairies to half-bloods. Also, I've become insanely good at guessing between which paranormal branch a story is written about. (Flighty thoughts? Fairy. Unexplained animal damage and missing memory? Werewolf.) I think after a certain number of books, it's easy to assume you're going to be able to predict what's going to happen.
Cycles was different; I had no idea what was going on. I didn't have a single prediction for what was going to be uncovered in the end. There was all these unexplained problems and none of my old plot lines helped because this book totally traveled off the beaten path.
This was the first book I'd read in a long, long time when I didn't automatically know whether a character was to be trusted or not. It was really cool to be along for the mystery, just like the characters, instead of being like an outsider, knowing what was going to happen and just waiting to get there.
Sam, Renee's friend, was quirky, and I liked how he wasn't immune to pretty girls. Some books have the main guy character totally and completely hung up over the main girl character, and it's not really realistic. There's little flashbacks throughout the book to pages from a journal belonging to a Helen. I really liked the entries; they added to the mystery and created one more piece to the puzzle to fit together.
What I Didn't Like:
I would've liked to have seen more detail to the writing: descriptions of places visited and of the character's appearances. That being said, I also understand that the target audience for Cycles is 12-15 year olds, so I think the more brief kind-of style probably fits it better than a novel that's always going into detail. That's just a personal preference of mine.
Another thing I would've like to see was a cameo from one of Sam's siblings; I've read very few books where a main character has a sibling, much less multiple. (Or seven, in Sam's case.) I think you can tell a lot about a character by the way they interact with their siblings. And since there's eight kids altogether, I would think a scene at Sam's house with all of them has the potential to be very interesting.
The Bottom Line:
I definitely enjoyed this book: get it! I'll be looking out for the sequel. I can't wait to see what happens next in the series.
April 8, 2012
I recieved an e-copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I must admit I have had this for a couple of months, I am so far behind with my review books it's unreal, I just don't seem to have time to sit down with my laptop and read (excuses, excuses I know) and actually once I sat down and read this I got through it very quickly, took me just over 2 hours to read.
Renee gets on very well with her neighbor Dr Dawson, but other people say he is weird, odd and shouldn't be trusted. When Renee has an accident she finds out that Dawson has bags of blood stored in his cellar, her best friend Sam and her decide to find out whose blood it is and why he has got it. But the secrets she find changes her life forever, and things are about to get much worse.
To be honest when I was asked to review this I did have hesitation, I am a bit of a wimp and don't do well with blood, this sounded a bit like a thriller, but I kept going back to the email and couldn't make myself delete it, so in the end I replied with a yes. For some reason I was drawn to this book, and I'm glad I accepted it.
It isn't scary at all, there is plenty of mystery and some fantastic bad guys and some nail biting moments, but that's all part of what makes it such a gripping story.
It's also refreshing to see something that has a bit of mystery and edging on sci-fi/paranormal without having to mention wolves/vampires/dragons etc. You don't get many like that any more and I liked having a change, this is more about scientific discoveries and ancient legends.
Renee comes to life on the page, I got a real feel of life from her, I could see where she was coming from and I started to like her. Sam, her best friend, is a bit of a nerd, would rather read than kick a football, to be honest - my type of guy. He has moments where he is really insensitive and a bit dim, but he has a good heart and I liked him as a sort of unlikely hero.
There are a lot of possibilities as to who is the bad guy in this book and I had plenty of theories and guesses but I was surprised by who it was, I mean that character was on my villain list but not near the top, they kept wavering on and off my radar.
The book is well written and flows really well. I literally sat down last night thinking I would read 50/60 pages before switching off my computer and going to be, but I ended up reading 160 pages and I only put it off then as it was 12.30 at night and my eyes were hurting from staring at the screen so late. I then finished it first thing this morning.
Overall a great story of suspense and intrigue, well worth a read.
I must admit I have had this for a couple of months, I am so far behind with my review books it's unreal, I just don't seem to have time to sit down with my laptop and read (excuses, excuses I know) and actually once I sat down and read this I got through it very quickly, took me just over 2 hours to read.
Renee gets on very well with her neighbor Dr Dawson, but other people say he is weird, odd and shouldn't be trusted. When Renee has an accident she finds out that Dawson has bags of blood stored in his cellar, her best friend Sam and her decide to find out whose blood it is and why he has got it. But the secrets she find changes her life forever, and things are about to get much worse.
To be honest when I was asked to review this I did have hesitation, I am a bit of a wimp and don't do well with blood, this sounded a bit like a thriller, but I kept going back to the email and couldn't make myself delete it, so in the end I replied with a yes. For some reason I was drawn to this book, and I'm glad I accepted it.
It isn't scary at all, there is plenty of mystery and some fantastic bad guys and some nail biting moments, but that's all part of what makes it such a gripping story.
It's also refreshing to see something that has a bit of mystery and edging on sci-fi/paranormal without having to mention wolves/vampires/dragons etc. You don't get many like that any more and I liked having a change, this is more about scientific discoveries and ancient legends.
Renee comes to life on the page, I got a real feel of life from her, I could see where she was coming from and I started to like her. Sam, her best friend, is a bit of a nerd, would rather read than kick a football, to be honest - my type of guy. He has moments where he is really insensitive and a bit dim, but he has a good heart and I liked him as a sort of unlikely hero.
There are a lot of possibilities as to who is the bad guy in this book and I had plenty of theories and guesses but I was surprised by who it was, I mean that character was on my villain list but not near the top, they kept wavering on and off my radar.
The book is well written and flows really well. I literally sat down last night thinking I would read 50/60 pages before switching off my computer and going to be, but I ended up reading 160 pages and I only put it off then as it was 12.30 at night and my eyes were hurting from staring at the screen so late. I then finished it first thing this morning.
Overall a great story of suspense and intrigue, well worth a read.
April 17, 2012
To see this review and other like it check out my site, Urban Fantasy Reviews at www.ufreviews.com
I am sure I have said it about a million times now, but YA books are not my favorite type of book on the planet. But lately this view of mine has been challenged. I have had the opportunity to read a lot of really quality YA books, with writing that has seriously impressed me. I personally love it when a YA author uses language that doesn't talk down to people just because their young, I think it makes a younger person learn and it makes the book more enjoyable for adults. Thankfully this book is one of the YA books I have enjoyed.
I think one of the things I enjoyed the most about this novel was the pacing of it. You get brought into the novel very quickly and the situations introduced make it so much easier to get into the book and to care about the characters. I think a dramatic beginning in a book makes the reader want to read more, they want to find out what happened, why it happened, and how the character is going to respond. This was done really well in this book. Renee, the main character was in an accident in the beginning of the novel that required her to have a blood transfusion. That starts the plot off for Renee and the rest of the characters.
The book had a bit of a mystery element to it, with Renee and Sam (her best friend) trying to figure out why her neighbor had some of her blood (the same blood used to save her after her accident). I think the mystery element works exceptionally well in this book, especially if I were a younger reader. Any book that makes a person think or try to figure out what is going on/what is going to happen next is a book I like.
I spent most of the time with this novel wondering what was going to happen next, and trying to piece the puzzle together in my own head. I was glad that when I thought I had things figured out or created my own theory to the situation a curve ball would make me rethink things.
I also thought the characters were really well done. Renee and Sam are easy to like, easy to pull for, and in general identify with them. I do think that maybe they would have been older judging by their maturity throughout the book, but other than that I thought they were both good characters.
I have to say once more I liked this YA book, and I would recommend it for anyone who enjoys reading YA, or anyone who wants a little bit of a non-conventional mystery to sink their teeth into. It was really a fun read.
I am sure I have said it about a million times now, but YA books are not my favorite type of book on the planet. But lately this view of mine has been challenged. I have had the opportunity to read a lot of really quality YA books, with writing that has seriously impressed me. I personally love it when a YA author uses language that doesn't talk down to people just because their young, I think it makes a younger person learn and it makes the book more enjoyable for adults. Thankfully this book is one of the YA books I have enjoyed.
I think one of the things I enjoyed the most about this novel was the pacing of it. You get brought into the novel very quickly and the situations introduced make it so much easier to get into the book and to care about the characters. I think a dramatic beginning in a book makes the reader want to read more, they want to find out what happened, why it happened, and how the character is going to respond. This was done really well in this book. Renee, the main character was in an accident in the beginning of the novel that required her to have a blood transfusion. That starts the plot off for Renee and the rest of the characters.
The book had a bit of a mystery element to it, with Renee and Sam (her best friend) trying to figure out why her neighbor had some of her blood (the same blood used to save her after her accident). I think the mystery element works exceptionally well in this book, especially if I were a younger reader. Any book that makes a person think or try to figure out what is going on/what is going to happen next is a book I like.
I spent most of the time with this novel wondering what was going to happen next, and trying to piece the puzzle together in my own head. I was glad that when I thought I had things figured out or created my own theory to the situation a curve ball would make me rethink things.
I also thought the characters were really well done. Renee and Sam are easy to like, easy to pull for, and in general identify with them. I do think that maybe they would have been older judging by their maturity throughout the book, but other than that I thought they were both good characters.
I have to say once more I liked this YA book, and I would recommend it for anyone who enjoys reading YA, or anyone who wants a little bit of a non-conventional mystery to sink their teeth into. It was really a fun read.
December 4, 2013
Cycles is the story of Renee, a 13-year-old girl who, after a fall from a horse, discovers that there is something strange about her and everyone around her is keeping secrets. Renee and best friend Sam decide to do some investigating of their own, only they don't realize just how deep the deceptions go. I hadn't heard of Cycles until I was fortunate enough to receive a review request by the author. As soon as I read the synopsis, I knew I was interested.
Cycles is told from three character's points of view: Renee, Sam, and someone named Helen that we aren't introduced to right away. The majority of the book alternates chapters between Renee and Sam while only on a few occasions do we have insight to Helen's thoughts through journal entries. I always enjoy books that have more than one character telling the story. I always connect with the characters more if I am able to hear directly from each of them. This also gives us the opportunity to see what is going on in two places at once when Renee and Sam aren't together.
You know within the first few pages that this is going to be a page turner. Right away we are thrown into the action and wondering just who the enemy is. I had a very hard time putting this down and even when I had to I was still going over it in my head trying to think of what was going to happen next. I thought I had it figured out a few times but I was wrong. There is nothing I love more than being wrong when it comes to books. So many times I can see where a story is going and with Cycles I was happily surprised.
The writing was solid and the idea completely original and new. Sadly, I think a lot of books are too focused on what is "in" these days and are starting to repeat themselves. I have yet to come across another book like Cycles. I would have liked to see more interaction between Renee and her parents and even Sam and his family, but thankfully this is the beginning of a series and I have high hopes for the next book. While Cycles may not be a very long book , about 200 pages, it is definitely not lacking. I recommend this to all YA fans and to everyone else who is looking for a fresh, new kind of story.
Cycles is told from three character's points of view: Renee, Sam, and someone named Helen that we aren't introduced to right away. The majority of the book alternates chapters between Renee and Sam while only on a few occasions do we have insight to Helen's thoughts through journal entries. I always enjoy books that have more than one character telling the story. I always connect with the characters more if I am able to hear directly from each of them. This also gives us the opportunity to see what is going on in two places at once when Renee and Sam aren't together.
You know within the first few pages that this is going to be a page turner. Right away we are thrown into the action and wondering just who the enemy is. I had a very hard time putting this down and even when I had to I was still going over it in my head trying to think of what was going to happen next. I thought I had it figured out a few times but I was wrong. There is nothing I love more than being wrong when it comes to books. So many times I can see where a story is going and with Cycles I was happily surprised.
The writing was solid and the idea completely original and new. Sadly, I think a lot of books are too focused on what is "in" these days and are starting to repeat themselves. I have yet to come across another book like Cycles. I would have liked to see more interaction between Renee and her parents and even Sam and his family, but thankfully this is the beginning of a series and I have high hopes for the next book. While Cycles may not be a very long book , about 200 pages, it is definitely not lacking. I recommend this to all YA fans and to everyone else who is looking for a fresh, new kind of story.
February 27, 2012
From the first page, CYCLES is blasting with action and suspense. It never stops or slows down until the end. Lois has written a very unique and intriguing read that many will love and enjoy. As you learn to know Renee and not only what she has came from, but about to go through, you can't help but soften your heart towards her.
It all started when Dr. Dawson needed to go out of town, leaving Renee tending to his horse and to lock up when she was through. Obviously, Dr. Dawson felt the need to protect his things well, because he had a very high powered security system installed for his numerous trips away. However, nobody seemed to ever know where he went. No sooner than he left, Renee heard people creeping around and talking about busting in. Ah, with a little smart thinking, Renee hopped on the back of Dr. Dawson's prized horse and timed it just right. As the doors broke open, she charged at them. It's when she fell off the horse that put her in critical condition.
Apparently, (and this is very, very odd I might add) Renee needed a blood transfusion. When her blood type was tested, it came back with very odd results. No one had ever seen anything like this before. She was going to die if she didn't get this blood but there was none to give. Suddenly, Dr. Dawson walks in, takes over and demands someone go to his house and bring the blood from his basement. He had taken it from her awhile back. Kept it there. Sounds creepy right? Hey, it saved her life!
Once fully recovered, Renee started realizing that things weren't adding up. Too many run arounds, too many secrets, too many hidden truths. She wanted answers. It became obvious that everyone around her, including her parents and her doctor, where keeping secrets. Secrets about her. Unfortunately, it was way more than she had bargained for.
It all started when Dr. Dawson needed to go out of town, leaving Renee tending to his horse and to lock up when she was through. Obviously, Dr. Dawson felt the need to protect his things well, because he had a very high powered security system installed for his numerous trips away. However, nobody seemed to ever know where he went. No sooner than he left, Renee heard people creeping around and talking about busting in. Ah, with a little smart thinking, Renee hopped on the back of Dr. Dawson's prized horse and timed it just right. As the doors broke open, she charged at them. It's when she fell off the horse that put her in critical condition.
Apparently, (and this is very, very odd I might add) Renee needed a blood transfusion. When her blood type was tested, it came back with very odd results. No one had ever seen anything like this before. She was going to die if she didn't get this blood but there was none to give. Suddenly, Dr. Dawson walks in, takes over and demands someone go to his house and bring the blood from his basement. He had taken it from her awhile back. Kept it there. Sounds creepy right? Hey, it saved her life!
Once fully recovered, Renee started realizing that things weren't adding up. Too many run arounds, too many secrets, too many hidden truths. She wanted answers. It became obvious that everyone around her, including her parents and her doctor, where keeping secrets. Secrets about her. Unfortunately, it was way more than she had bargained for.
March 9, 2012
Title: Cycles
Author: Lois D. Brown
Number of Pages: 198
Date of Release: December 15th, 2011
Summary From Goodreads:
She remembers things that never happened.
She's a stranger in her own home.
She always knew she was different.
She just didn't know why.
Until now.
Renee Beaumont is about to die . . . again.
Review: With a beautiful cover and an intriguing summary, Cycles drew me in immediately. It wasn’t just one thing that made me enjoy reading Brown’s writing it was a combination and I loved and appreciated that. Cycles is a unique tale that will have you on the edge of your seat!
Renee as a character is incredibly likable and I really loved trying to uncover her past right alongside of her. The incident in which she loses a lot of blood and needs a transfusion had me frightened for her even though it was the beginning of the book. Lois D. Brown crafted her as a sincere and mature 13 year old that anyone could relate to. Sam was a bit confusing, I loved how he didn’t instantly fall head over heels for Renee but found his attraction leading him to the popular girl at school. The relationship between Sam and Renee is endearing and only slightly tinged with romantic sprinkles.
The plot was fast paced and when I hit the ending I did not see it coming at all. I mean WOW I am still reeling from what you did Brown!! The journal entries from the 1960’s from a women named Helen who I will not tell you about were genius. It added another layer of suspense and another layer to the plot. I would definitely recommend this book it is fast paced short read that will instantly grab your attention!!
Author: Lois D. Brown
Number of Pages: 198
Date of Release: December 15th, 2011
Summary From Goodreads:
She remembers things that never happened.
She's a stranger in her own home.
She always knew she was different.
She just didn't know why.
Until now.
Renee Beaumont is about to die . . . again.
Review: With a beautiful cover and an intriguing summary, Cycles drew me in immediately. It wasn’t just one thing that made me enjoy reading Brown’s writing it was a combination and I loved and appreciated that. Cycles is a unique tale that will have you on the edge of your seat!
Renee as a character is incredibly likable and I really loved trying to uncover her past right alongside of her. The incident in which she loses a lot of blood and needs a transfusion had me frightened for her even though it was the beginning of the book. Lois D. Brown crafted her as a sincere and mature 13 year old that anyone could relate to. Sam was a bit confusing, I loved how he didn’t instantly fall head over heels for Renee but found his attraction leading him to the popular girl at school. The relationship between Sam and Renee is endearing and only slightly tinged with romantic sprinkles.
The plot was fast paced and when I hit the ending I did not see it coming at all. I mean WOW I am still reeling from what you did Brown!! The journal entries from the 1960’s from a women named Helen who I will not tell you about were genius. It added another layer of suspense and another layer to the plot. I would definitely recommend this book it is fast paced short read that will instantly grab your attention!!
June 9, 2012
This book was addicting, to say the least. The beginning might be a bit misleading, 13/14 year old best friends, one with a love of horses and the other with a love of books and knowledge. But this book definitely surprised me and exceeded my expectations! This book is a mix of mystery, contemporary, and paranormal, which is a mix i'm starting to really warm up to!
The novel opened up with Renee getting into an accident and losing a large percentage of her blood, therefore a blood transfusion is needed. However, her blood does not match any other blood type, even some of the rare ones. When her neighbor, Dr.Dawson tells the hospital he has some of her blood stored in his house from a science fair project.. a project that Renee has never participated in. This begins the detective work of Renee and her best friend Sam. Renee and Sam seemed mature for their age, at times i would forget they're only 13 and 14, I was so engrossed in the story and following the duo during their search and attempted house break ins and science jargon, specifically about solar eclipses.
The climax of the story happened towards the end, and let me just say that I did NOT expect it at all! throughout the book you get a glimpse of journal entries of a woman accused of murdering her daughter in the 1960s. You have no idea how this is related to the story and whatever you will have in mind? yea it won't be that. Pleasantly surprised with the ending, though a tiny bit predictable, but the story ends with the beginning of a new mystery, which is what I will definitely be looking forward two in the second installment of Cycles by Lois D. Brown!
The novel opened up with Renee getting into an accident and losing a large percentage of her blood, therefore a blood transfusion is needed. However, her blood does not match any other blood type, even some of the rare ones. When her neighbor, Dr.Dawson tells the hospital he has some of her blood stored in his house from a science fair project.. a project that Renee has never participated in. This begins the detective work of Renee and her best friend Sam. Renee and Sam seemed mature for their age, at times i would forget they're only 13 and 14, I was so engrossed in the story and following the duo during their search and attempted house break ins and science jargon, specifically about solar eclipses.
The climax of the story happened towards the end, and let me just say that I did NOT expect it at all! throughout the book you get a glimpse of journal entries of a woman accused of murdering her daughter in the 1960s. You have no idea how this is related to the story and whatever you will have in mind? yea it won't be that. Pleasantly surprised with the ending, though a tiny bit predictable, but the story ends with the beginning of a new mystery, which is what I will definitely be looking forward two in the second installment of Cycles by Lois D. Brown!
April 9, 2012
Cycles by Lois D. Brown
★★★★☆
Renee was just a normal girl, until she was left to watch her neighbor’s horse, Mercury. She had never ridden a horse before, until people broke into the barn to steal the horse. When she put the saddle on to ride Mercury, she noticed that it had a spiral on it, which tended to be her signature doodle. During her escape with Mercury she took a tumble and blacked out. When Renee woke up in the hospital she learned that her blood type didn’t match any known blood type, which lead to the discovery that the people she believed to be her parents were not. Renee searched for answers as she began to remember things from another life.
Cycles was an interesting read. I really enjoyed the concept, it was different and a new one to me. I’m not sure if there are other books along the same lines but for me this was anew idea and I really liked it. I found it original and fresh. I enjoy when I find new stories instead of reading about the same idea used over and over again.
The author did a good job with writing an interesting Young Adult novel that grabbed me and I’m sure will grab other readers as well. The author will be releasing the sequel Spaces sometime this year and I look forward to reading the it to find out what happens next with Renee.
This book was provided to me from the author for review, thank you for a great new read.
★★★★☆
Renee was just a normal girl, until she was left to watch her neighbor’s horse, Mercury. She had never ridden a horse before, until people broke into the barn to steal the horse. When she put the saddle on to ride Mercury, she noticed that it had a spiral on it, which tended to be her signature doodle. During her escape with Mercury she took a tumble and blacked out. When Renee woke up in the hospital she learned that her blood type didn’t match any known blood type, which lead to the discovery that the people she believed to be her parents were not. Renee searched for answers as she began to remember things from another life.
Cycles was an interesting read. I really enjoyed the concept, it was different and a new one to me. I’m not sure if there are other books along the same lines but for me this was anew idea and I really liked it. I found it original and fresh. I enjoy when I find new stories instead of reading about the same idea used over and over again.
The author did a good job with writing an interesting Young Adult novel that grabbed me and I’m sure will grab other readers as well. The author will be releasing the sequel Spaces sometime this year and I look forward to reading the it to find out what happens next with Renee.
This book was provided to me from the author for review, thank you for a great new read.
March 19, 2012
Originally posted on ReadingDiva's Blog
I just finished reading Cycles by Lois D. Brown and the concept of the book is unique, interesting and one that will keep you turning pages. This book has an interesting plot. Regardless of how good of a reader you think you are you will not be able to guess the end.
The plot though a bit disturbing is also fascinating. I can’t help but compare this story to The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button. I enjoy this book because of the different aspects that come to form what makes this story unique. It has a bit of everything, the paranormal keeps it interesting, the science behind it makes it fascinating and the mystery of an ancient tribe (The Ohlone) brings it all together.
The characters are young but they aren’t overwhelmingly childish. Mrs. Brown did a great job developing her characters. Renee & Sam are mature for their age but not overwhelmingly so. The story, as well as the characters is quite enjoyable. As the story develops so do the characters. Their fear, they needs as well as they wants is extraordinarily explored.
Lois D. Brown created a compelling story that shows the harsh reality of human nature and our need to conquer the unknown. A nice story intended for Young Adults.
I just finished reading Cycles by Lois D. Brown and the concept of the book is unique, interesting and one that will keep you turning pages. This book has an interesting plot. Regardless of how good of a reader you think you are you will not be able to guess the end.
The plot though a bit disturbing is also fascinating. I can’t help but compare this story to The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button. I enjoy this book because of the different aspects that come to form what makes this story unique. It has a bit of everything, the paranormal keeps it interesting, the science behind it makes it fascinating and the mystery of an ancient tribe (The Ohlone) brings it all together.
The characters are young but they aren’t overwhelmingly childish. Mrs. Brown did a great job developing her characters. Renee & Sam are mature for their age but not overwhelmingly so. The story, as well as the characters is quite enjoyable. As the story develops so do the characters. Their fear, they needs as well as they wants is extraordinarily explored.
Lois D. Brown created a compelling story that shows the harsh reality of human nature and our need to conquer the unknown. A nice story intended for Young Adults.
April 24, 2015
Spoiler involved in the review
Summery:
When Renee discovers that her neighbor, Dr. Dawson, has bags of his dead daughter's frozen blood stored in his basement, she decides it's up to her to uncover the doctor's mysterious past. What she learns, however, is not what she expects. Now she and her friend Sam Miller are on the run, hiding from scientists who want to use what the two teenagers know to change human life forever.
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For me a few things I didn't like was that A) In the first chapter you see that he took Renee's blood before she could see Mercury (the horse) and later we hear that it is Rachel's blood. BAM. It made me think right away it was the same person.
I do like Sam and Renee's relationship in this book but it's like damn.. just get together already! Like she sleeps with a picture of them under her pillow. He needs to forget about Jessica and she does too. Both keep holding back. stoppppppppppppppppppp. ughhh
But this was a really nice read. Good grammar. Very interesting. I'm not too keen on Science books but this was nice and quite easy to follow. It could be boring at parts.
I also didn't like that we don't know what happened to Dr. Dawson. Also we find out about Helen Eves and I believe Mark Eves... In the next book would she end up meeting Mark if he was still alive? I'd like to read the next book(s).
Summery:
When Renee discovers that her neighbor, Dr. Dawson, has bags of his dead daughter's frozen blood stored in his basement, she decides it's up to her to uncover the doctor's mysterious past. What she learns, however, is not what she expects. Now she and her friend Sam Miller are on the run, hiding from scientists who want to use what the two teenagers know to change human life forever.
--------------------
For me a few things I didn't like was that A) In the first chapter you see that he took Renee's blood before she could see Mercury (the horse) and later we hear that it is Rachel's blood. BAM. It made me think right away it was the same person.
I do like Sam and Renee's relationship in this book but it's like damn.. just get together already! Like she sleeps with a picture of them under her pillow. He needs to forget about Jessica and she does too. Both keep holding back. stoppppppppppppppppppp. ughhh
But this was a really nice read. Good grammar. Very interesting. I'm not too keen on Science books but this was nice and quite easy to follow. It could be boring at parts.
I also didn't like that we don't know what happened to Dr. Dawson. Also we find out about Helen Eves and I believe Mark Eves... In the next book would she end up meeting Mark if he was still alive? I'd like to read the next book(s).
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