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After being abandoned by her parents when she was only eight years old, Dessa Ambrose struggles to stay in control of her life and escape her inner demons. Her senior year of high school marks the end of an era, and the day she meets Christopher Calder, a young man who holds the key to her future and the key to her heart, Dessa realizes her life will never be the same.
Not only does Christopher seem to know more about Dessa than she does, but he also doesn't seem to be quite as human as Dessa was led to believe. His eyes emit an unearthly glow when he is near her, and he possesses strength and power beyond any mortal being. He's not human. That much is clear. Here's the catch, though: Dessa isn't human, either.
When the ghosts of her tainted past return with a thirst for vengeance, Dessa must decide what is really worth fighting for. She must choose between saving herself and saving those she cares about. But when the enemy you are fighting is yourself, how are you supposed to win?
Not only does Christopher seem to know more about Dessa than she does, but he also doesn't seem to be quite as human as Dessa was led to believe. His eyes emit an unearthly glow when he is near her, and he possesses strength and power beyond any mortal being. He's not human. That much is clear. Here's the catch, though: Dessa isn't human, either.
When the ghosts of her tainted past return with a thirst for vengeance, Dessa must decide what is really worth fighting for. She must choose between saving herself and saving those she cares about. But when the enemy you are fighting is yourself, how are you supposed to win?
302 pages, Paperback
First published March 1, 2012
3 people are currently reading
1134 people want to read
About the author
Tiana Dalichov
7 books125 followersTiana Dalichov is the author of sci-fi thriller Agenda 46 (Rebellion Rising et al.). She is also the author of "Waltz of a Dying Candle," and is a shamelessly self-proclaimed anime junkie.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
September 19, 2012
Brought to you by OBS reviewer Dawn
It’s difficult to write a review for Poison without giving away the plot. Have you ever heard the song “This Is How A Heartbreaks” by Rob Thomas. In the song he’s having a conversation with himself. In the video, he is being chased around a city. Who is the nameless/faceless person chasing him?
Dessa is an interesting lead character; she is an old soul. She has such wisdom and she’s incredibly self-possessed and self-aware. I grew with her as she learned who she is and what she must do.
The character development is essential because a lot is going on with each character. By the time I was well into the plot, I felt I knew each one of them. Pa, Chris, Ricky, Skylar etc… There were some clues that all was not well but each crumb dropped made me more eager to unravel the story. I needed to know where they came from and why they were here.
There are keepers of fire, wind, light, earth, water, darkness, secrets etc…..Darkness was the most interesting because of the destruction it could cause. In darkness many things can grow –greed, lust, anger, bitterness and if you’re not careful, those things can take over and drive your motives. Darkness can feed on your soul. She has hunters that protect her. All of them were frozen but have been reborn. What will they do this time around?
The plot is intense and I love the visual Dejana Vuletić created with each character and mirrors. Dessa reaches deep within herself to face her personal demons. She vowed to protect her loved ones and was willing to do whatever it takes. She learned to embrace her faults, to accept and love all of herself. That’s a powerful message!
I’m trying to be vague on the details but I want to stress that you should read the book. I loved it; It’s a great read. I’ve added Dejana Vuletić to my “authors I keep track of” list. I MUST read the next installment and you should too!
http://openbooksociety.com/article/po...
It’s difficult to write a review for Poison without giving away the plot. Have you ever heard the song “This Is How A Heartbreaks” by Rob Thomas. In the song he’s having a conversation with himself. In the video, he is being chased around a city. Who is the nameless/faceless person chasing him?
Dessa is an interesting lead character; she is an old soul. She has such wisdom and she’s incredibly self-possessed and self-aware. I grew with her as she learned who she is and what she must do.
The character development is essential because a lot is going on with each character. By the time I was well into the plot, I felt I knew each one of them. Pa, Chris, Ricky, Skylar etc… There were some clues that all was not well but each crumb dropped made me more eager to unravel the story. I needed to know where they came from and why they were here.
There are keepers of fire, wind, light, earth, water, darkness, secrets etc…..Darkness was the most interesting because of the destruction it could cause. In darkness many things can grow –greed, lust, anger, bitterness and if you’re not careful, those things can take over and drive your motives. Darkness can feed on your soul. She has hunters that protect her. All of them were frozen but have been reborn. What will they do this time around?
The plot is intense and I love the visual Dejana Vuletić created with each character and mirrors. Dessa reaches deep within herself to face her personal demons. She vowed to protect her loved ones and was willing to do whatever it takes. She learned to embrace her faults, to accept and love all of herself. That’s a powerful message!
I’m trying to be vague on the details but I want to stress that you should read the book. I loved it; It’s a great read. I’ve added Dejana Vuletić to my “authors I keep track of” list. I MUST read the next installment and you should too!
http://openbooksociety.com/article/po...
August 31, 2012
They say to never judge a book by its cover, but Poison is one of the rare few that is B-E-A-U-T-I-F-U-L inside and out. Yes - that good. Deserving for the word to be spelled out in bold-print.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
The mythology and theory of reincarnation?
Have you utterly captivated.
The Final Battle?
Two words. Gut-Wrenching.
Dessa and Chris?
Had me doing that goofy heart-warming sigh.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Speaking of Chris..
Let's just skip to the one person I've been wanting to write about since picking up the book.. Chris. *blushes* I'm in love my friends. No matter how much Skylar could press my buttons - I could not let her come between me and one of my many 'Character-Love-Affairs'.
Kudos to you Dejana for starting off with a bang! Keep them coming cause I'll definitely be coming back. ;)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
The mythology and theory of reincarnation?
Have you utterly captivated.
The Final Battle?
Two words. Gut-Wrenching.
Dessa and Chris?
Had me doing that goofy heart-warming sigh.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Speaking of Chris..
Let's just skip to the one person I've been wanting to write about since picking up the book.. Chris. *blushes* I'm in love my friends. No matter how much Skylar could press my buttons - I could not let her come between me and one of my many 'Character-Love-Affairs'.
Kudos to you Dejana for starting off with a bang! Keep them coming cause I'll definitely be coming back. ;)
August 14, 2012
The past few days of my life have seriously revolved around this book. Dejana may just be starting out, but "Poison" is the real deal. No paranormal-type book has ever gripped me like this one. Dessa is such an entertaining lead. She feels everything so deeply and makes it impossible not to relate with her. There were a few points during the book when I felt like she was speaking to me personally.
For me, so much of reading is about emotion; What the characters are feeling and doing and, subsequently, what kind of emotion this evokes from the reader. It can be difficult for an author to capture a real, emotional response from an audience, and Dejana has achieved this on so many levels. Ricky cracks me up, Skylar pisses me off unlike any other character I've ever read about, Darkness scares the absolute crap out of me, but then Pa and her adorable mannerisms counter her and put me back at ease, and I'm pretty much just in love with Chris. With as much emotion as these pages hold, it's impossible not to get caught up.
Overall, this is a gripping, emotional, incredible read, and I haven't been this excited for a sequel in a long time.
For me, so much of reading is about emotion; What the characters are feeling and doing and, subsequently, what kind of emotion this evokes from the reader. It can be difficult for an author to capture a real, emotional response from an audience, and Dejana has achieved this on so many levels. Ricky cracks me up, Skylar pisses me off unlike any other character I've ever read about, Darkness scares the absolute crap out of me, but then Pa and her adorable mannerisms counter her and put me back at ease, and I'm pretty much just in love with Chris. With as much emotion as these pages hold, it's impossible not to get caught up.
Overall, this is a gripping, emotional, incredible read, and I haven't been this excited for a sequel in a long time.
December 18, 2012
This story is extremely intense and passionate. I was swept away from the beginning. The character development is crucial to the story. Dessa is an interesting heroine, her emotions captivate every aspect of her life and everything she does revolves around them. Everything that happens to her and everything that goes on strives to move the story along
There were a few parts were the story did not seem to flow as well. There were some graphic parts but they were essential to the path of the characters and the story. Although, overall the story as a whole was extremely emotional and engaging. I am looking very forward to reading the second book in the series.
Note: I won this book from the author.
Also on http://lrjohnson13.blogspot.com/2012/...
There were a few parts were the story did not seem to flow as well. There were some graphic parts but they were essential to the path of the characters and the story. Although, overall the story as a whole was extremely emotional and engaging. I am looking very forward to reading the second book in the series.
Note: I won this book from the author.
Also on http://lrjohnson13.blogspot.com/2012/...
August 5, 2012
Unexpected! This book was not what I expected in the least. Vuletic' weaves a tale that will take you on an often times, hair-raising, adventure that is sure to make you gasp, gape and yell, more than once. I found myself pulled along in a twisting - turning plot that kept me guessing around every turn. The heroine is likeable enough, although Chris and Ricky are my favorites, Skylar even made a comeback towards the end, at least for me. I would totally recommended this book to anyone who is looking for an exciting read into a world that has yet to be delved into. Looking forward to the next installment ;)
June 26, 2017
This book was good that it held my attention until the end. As I read it, a few things seemed to be confusing or rushed. Chris seemed to act weird throughout the whole book, and quite a few things that he did bothered me. I was glad that Dessa was a strong female lead for the most part. Kind of weird how quick they were to accept the paranormal aspect of the book. And how old were they exzactly because all of a sudden she is pregnant, and then a wedding??? I give it 3 1/2 stars, and will be looking for a second book. Quite an accomplishment for a 19 year old writer.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 12, 2012
Very well written. It is seriously a romance novel, thriller, y/a, supernatural, adventure all wrapped into one book. I love the characters (except for Sky)and cannot wait for the next book!
March 5, 2018
https://youtu.be/DsEricNqq_Y
Maybe you're just mad you couldn't get traditionally published, because this is just bad. It reads like it's written by a middle schooler.
The characters are paper-thin, the setting is clunky, the romance is borderline creepy.
So maybe don't blame the "Leftist" YA readers and try to write something that isn't terrible.
Maybe you're just mad you couldn't get traditionally published, because this is just bad. It reads like it's written by a middle schooler.
The characters are paper-thin, the setting is clunky, the romance is borderline creepy.
So maybe don't blame the "Leftist" YA readers and try to write something that isn't terrible.
September 10, 2012
Disclaimer: I was given this book for free by the author in exchange for an honest review. My opinion is in no way swayed by the free book.
I’ll jump right in and offer my opinion of the pros and cons of Poison.
CONS
This story feels like a first draft. The writing is very green and would benefit from a good edit to clip away the extraneous sections and extra/not needed dialogue and to amp up the overall writing.
While I do sometimes enjoy a good “we-fell-in-love-instantly” story, I find the relationship between the main characters happens way too quickly, is way too wonderful, and suffers from too much perfection. Teenage loves are not always so easy, no one is beautiful all the time, and sometimes people have bad days, therefore, disappointing relationship days. Without giving away the story, two of the main characters experience life-changing, huge adult situations, and they act like it’s cool, but no big deal. Even adults think these situations are a big deal, and it’s okay for teenagers to freak out sometimes, too.
Like many YA novels, the parents are absentee characters. This is a plot device. I get it. I’ve used it. It’s okay with me as long as there is a viable reason why there are no parents. This story offers no reason except to haphazardly toss in (maybe three times) that the parents are working. However, the parents never call, never buy groceries, never offer allowances, never leave notes, etc. I find this unacceptable. Even workaholic parents would call a cell phone or text once in awhile. This does allow for the siblings to have a very close bond, which—I feel—is almost creepy. They fall asleep together, sometimes laid on top of each other. They say they love each other a lot. Dessa is exceedingly happy when her brother enters a room, she talks about his beautiful smile, etc. I’m all for loving siblings, but there’s a limit, too. The limit can be passed, and I found a lot of the sibling interaction to be very odd. I wasn’t creeped out, but it was borderline. I have two brothers. I love them very much. We don’t act the way these siblings did, certainly not as 18 year olds or college-age siblings.
There were inconsistencies in the characters. One moment a character might be crying, the next she was a tough girl who wouldn’t take crap from anyone. One male character was egotistical and overly confident, then the next moment, he’s crying in the bathroom wanting his girl to love him. Not normal.
The overall acceptance of past lives, powers, violence, adult-themed situations were way too accepting. Again, it’s okay to have teenagers sufficiently worried by situations that would startle, frighten, totally holy-cow-freak-out anyone. A certain amount of anxiety and fear are normal in supernatural or paranormal circumstances. We’re only human, after all.
PROS
The story really does center on a great, creative idea. It’s imaginative. I think the characters have the potential to be great, especially when they’re polished up, made a bit more real-life, and checked for overflowing, unnatural dialogue.
I like the use of the elements, and their powers are cool.
This is a story with a lot of potential.
~~~~
There is obviously a sequel in the works because the story ends (not abruptly), but the ending does leave the story with unresolved problems. The pace was a bit too fast for relationships and a bit stilted on sections where I felt the characters needed to actually do something other than sleep, eat, or take baths when they should be more freaked out. Most of the action was good and quick enough to keep the story moving. Poison has the potential to be a great story with an interesting, creative plot.
I’ll jump right in and offer my opinion of the pros and cons of Poison.
CONS
This story feels like a first draft. The writing is very green and would benefit from a good edit to clip away the extraneous sections and extra/not needed dialogue and to amp up the overall writing.
While I do sometimes enjoy a good “we-fell-in-love-instantly” story, I find the relationship between the main characters happens way too quickly, is way too wonderful, and suffers from too much perfection. Teenage loves are not always so easy, no one is beautiful all the time, and sometimes people have bad days, therefore, disappointing relationship days. Without giving away the story, two of the main characters experience life-changing, huge adult situations, and they act like it’s cool, but no big deal. Even adults think these situations are a big deal, and it’s okay for teenagers to freak out sometimes, too.
Like many YA novels, the parents are absentee characters. This is a plot device. I get it. I’ve used it. It’s okay with me as long as there is a viable reason why there are no parents. This story offers no reason except to haphazardly toss in (maybe three times) that the parents are working. However, the parents never call, never buy groceries, never offer allowances, never leave notes, etc. I find this unacceptable. Even workaholic parents would call a cell phone or text once in awhile. This does allow for the siblings to have a very close bond, which—I feel—is almost creepy. They fall asleep together, sometimes laid on top of each other. They say they love each other a lot. Dessa is exceedingly happy when her brother enters a room, she talks about his beautiful smile, etc. I’m all for loving siblings, but there’s a limit, too. The limit can be passed, and I found a lot of the sibling interaction to be very odd. I wasn’t creeped out, but it was borderline. I have two brothers. I love them very much. We don’t act the way these siblings did, certainly not as 18 year olds or college-age siblings.
There were inconsistencies in the characters. One moment a character might be crying, the next she was a tough girl who wouldn’t take crap from anyone. One male character was egotistical and overly confident, then the next moment, he’s crying in the bathroom wanting his girl to love him. Not normal.
The overall acceptance of past lives, powers, violence, adult-themed situations were way too accepting. Again, it’s okay to have teenagers sufficiently worried by situations that would startle, frighten, totally holy-cow-freak-out anyone. A certain amount of anxiety and fear are normal in supernatural or paranormal circumstances. We’re only human, after all.
PROS
The story really does center on a great, creative idea. It’s imaginative. I think the characters have the potential to be great, especially when they’re polished up, made a bit more real-life, and checked for overflowing, unnatural dialogue.
I like the use of the elements, and their powers are cool.
This is a story with a lot of potential.
~~~~
There is obviously a sequel in the works because the story ends (not abruptly), but the ending does leave the story with unresolved problems. The pace was a bit too fast for relationships and a bit stilted on sections where I felt the characters needed to actually do something other than sleep, eat, or take baths when they should be more freaked out. Most of the action was good and quick enough to keep the story moving. Poison has the potential to be a great story with an interesting, creative plot.
April 1, 2013
Poison was a refreshing idea. A lot of YA keeps it safe, sticking to the tried-and-tested tropes. Poison creates a whole new mythology. Success will depend on your personal preferences, but it's a bold move that should be applauded - and practiced more in YA and paranormal in general.
But the writing.
I'm not sure how to describe it. It's not merely unpolished. It's like...your first novel. Not the first one you managed to publish. Not the draft you finally managed to make presentable for the agent after slaving over it. The one you scribbled in your super secret notebook sometime in middle to high school.
One of worst examples is a rape scene. It's necessity is debatable; it's necessary to trigger a change in a character, however it happens shortly after an event which should have triggered the change but hasn't. We haven't seen any consequences for character not being changed when she should have been; there is no reason why, in the long run, the character shouldn't have been changed there and then. Except for a minor twist to rise stakes for a few seconds. And the plot is plagued with many similar "twists" that get instantly resolved. But, like I said, writing is what makes the scene problematic. "Feeling the soft texture of my skin" is not the phrase you want to use in a rape scene. Furthermore, due to the blow-by-blow writing style, the scene ended up being detailed and drawn-out - consequently, (unintentionally) graphic. In contrast, usual sex scenes are tasteful and non-explicit, heavy on imagery but poetic rather than purple. I really liked the balance between sensual and romantic there.
Insta-love is taken to another level - you don't even have to add water, just look in the general direction of nearest sink and there it is. That said, boyfriend was a genuinely sweet guy, any stalker-like tendencies vanished once he got the girl, and he's not prone to sudden outbursts of possessiveness and jealousy.
Sadly, for all that our cast of characters is made of mostly nice people, they are far from the brightest. Particularly frustrating is when our heroine makes a damn good point - - but it's treated like she's wrong. It's a damn good idea for a character flaw, but it's not a flaw when the character is in the right. And there are many, many more stupid decisions preceded and followed with emotional outbursts a star of telenovellas would find excessive.
All in all, if you are after some light YA reading, looking for something paranormal that is not vampires/werewolves/angels, sick of "bad boys", and are not very particular about writing, this is a book for you.
I received a copy of this book via Goodreads First Reads.
But the writing.
I'm not sure how to describe it. It's not merely unpolished. It's like...your first novel. Not the first one you managed to publish. Not the draft you finally managed to make presentable for the agent after slaving over it. The one you scribbled in your super secret notebook sometime in middle to high school.
One of worst examples is a rape scene. It's necessity is debatable; it's necessary to trigger a change in a character, however it happens shortly after an event which should have triggered the change but hasn't. We haven't seen any consequences for character not being changed when she should have been; there is no reason why, in the long run, the character shouldn't have been changed there and then. Except for a minor twist to rise stakes for a few seconds. And the plot is plagued with many similar "twists" that get instantly resolved. But, like I said, writing is what makes the scene problematic. "Feeling the soft texture of my skin" is not the phrase you want to use in a rape scene. Furthermore, due to the blow-by-blow writing style, the scene ended up being detailed and drawn-out - consequently, (unintentionally) graphic. In contrast, usual sex scenes are tasteful and non-explicit, heavy on imagery but poetic rather than purple. I really liked the balance between sensual and romantic there.
Insta-love is taken to another level - you don't even have to add water, just look in the general direction of nearest sink and there it is. That said, boyfriend was a genuinely sweet guy, any stalker-like tendencies vanished once he got the girl, and he's not prone to sudden outbursts of possessiveness and jealousy.
Sadly, for all that our cast of characters is made of mostly nice people, they are far from the brightest. Particularly frustrating is when our heroine makes a damn good point - - but it's treated like she's wrong. It's a damn good idea for a character flaw, but it's not a flaw when the character is in the right. And there are many, many more stupid decisions preceded and followed with emotional outbursts a star of telenovellas would find excessive.
All in all, if you are after some light YA reading, looking for something paranormal that is not vampires/werewolves/angels, sick of "bad boys", and are not very particular about writing, this is a book for you.
I received a copy of this book via Goodreads First Reads.
February 4, 2013
Captivating and moving first-person story. Narrator Dessa is a Drum Major in her final year of college. Dessa is apprehensive about leaving the comforts of her Pennsylvania home. She has few close relationships but she is fiercely loyal and has an intense bond with her elder brother Ricky and her grown-up best friend Paola. One feature which marks Dessa out from other teenage girls is her extraordinary golden eyes.
When Dessa bumps into a strange man with disturbing eyes in a cafe she soon forgets him. But when an exciting new guy shows up at the band room - Chris is a drum major too - Dessa has the strange feeling that she already knows him.
The writing is natural. Breathless and elliptic in the style of a peppy college senior. There is a reasonable amount of angst (when strange things happen anxiety is plausible) without overpowering the narrative. It's not easy to cope with hot and cold feelings towards someone who you've only just met with equanimity.
In the acknowledgements the author discloses that some of the fictional characters are adapted from people she knows - writers commonly adapt elements of the familiar in fiction. I appreciate the bold honesty of the acknowledgements and hope the author has no subsequent cause for regret. Perhaps there is a little of Meet my magic friends! about the story - an appealing trope for fans of paranormal romance. There are a few imperfections in the writing, but it's easy to be engrossed by strong characterisation and a dramatic plot.
Some siblings fight spitefully in private but put on a civil face for outsiders. Others are warm like twins. Readers who feel uncomfortable with the intensity of the Dessa-Ricky brother-sister bond depicted may be reassured by the author's disclosure that the person who fictional character Ricky is based on is her non-biological elder brother.
For me, the characters are young and Dessa is about to go away to university - you can't get those times together back. When there isn't a parent available all the time, and a younger sibling admires an elder, it's natural for a guardianship relationship to develop. The needs of a confident self-sufficient young woman may not appear great but under the surface Dessa is anxious and full of doubts - Ricky is someone she can trust to always be there for her.
The author requested reviews in an online forum. I e-mailed a request for a review copy to the author and soon received a PDF e-book.
When Dessa bumps into a strange man with disturbing eyes in a cafe she soon forgets him. But when an exciting new guy shows up at the band room - Chris is a drum major too - Dessa has the strange feeling that she already knows him.
The writing is natural. Breathless and elliptic in the style of a peppy college senior. There is a reasonable amount of angst (when strange things happen anxiety is plausible) without overpowering the narrative. It's not easy to cope with hot and cold feelings towards someone who you've only just met with equanimity.
In the acknowledgements the author discloses that some of the fictional characters are adapted from people she knows - writers commonly adapt elements of the familiar in fiction. I appreciate the bold honesty of the acknowledgements and hope the author has no subsequent cause for regret. Perhaps there is a little of Meet my magic friends! about the story - an appealing trope for fans of paranormal romance. There are a few imperfections in the writing, but it's easy to be engrossed by strong characterisation and a dramatic plot.
Some siblings fight spitefully in private but put on a civil face for outsiders. Others are warm like twins. Readers who feel uncomfortable with the intensity of the Dessa-Ricky brother-sister bond depicted may be reassured by the author's disclosure that the person who fictional character Ricky is based on is her non-biological elder brother.
For me, the characters are young and Dessa is about to go away to university - you can't get those times together back. When there isn't a parent available all the time, and a younger sibling admires an elder, it's natural for a guardianship relationship to develop. The needs of a confident self-sufficient young woman may not appear great but under the surface Dessa is anxious and full of doubts - Ricky is someone she can trust to always be there for her.
The author requested reviews in an online forum. I e-mailed a request for a review copy to the author and soon received a PDF e-book.
September 6, 2015
“Dessa Ambrose – the normal girl-next-door who yearns for her life to attain meaning – meets the strangely alluring Christopher Calder, who holds the secrets of the past and the keys to all the doors Dessa wishes to open. As she spends more time with Chris, Dessa begins to realize that he isn’t human – or at least not a normal one. His mysterious powers leave Dessa questioning the very foundation of the world she grew up in, and when Chris finally opens the door to Dessa’s future, she finds herself reluctant to walk through it.
As a newly Awakened Keeper – a God in the form of a human with the power to control one of the elements of nature—Dessa learns of her affinity for Light, but as she and her friends try to remember everything from their dark pasts, the evil they knew then has followed them to the present. But unfortunately for them, none of them can remember who that evil might be.
With that evil destroying the bonds that hold them so close to one another, wreaking destruction upon the world, and attempting to claim Dessa’s life at every available turn, Dessa realizes that her true destiny can no longer be avoided.
When it all comes down to it, Dessa must either forfeit herself, her power, and her will to live, or she must give up the lives of the entire world – of those she sought to protect. Can she make the ultimate sacrifice? Or is she just as spineless as the enemy believes her to be?”
You have to admit: the premise for this book is pretty intriguing. I mean, the idea of Keepers was pretty genuine compared to what I've seen in this genre. Immediately, I was hooked.
The whole idea of this book and the plot was very refreshing. However, I still found a few problems: the slight insta-love, “mysterious, unexplainable attraction,” the fact that we never see Dessa's parents, only hear about them. Also, I didn't connect with Dessa as well as I would have liked to. And that cliffhanger! Just when everything was coming to a happy ending, life has to take another unexpected turn for these poor characters!
But the humor did make me laugh out loud a few times, and I stayed up late to finish it. In that way, this book fully deserved its stars.
Many thanks to the author, who granted me a copy in exchange for an honest review. I enjoyed it!
September 28, 2012
**3.5 Stars**
I was provided a copy of this book from the author for an honest review.
MY OVERVIEW: Ok, I had a hard time deciding what to rate this book. I really enjoyed the concept of it, and most of the story, but I did have some issues with it. In the end I decided on 3 stars just because of some of the issues i had. (UPDATED to 3.5 stars - see reason below)
PROS: I really liked the background story and the concept. I love how the author took the elements and brought them to life in people. The characters were all really great and well written. I loved Dessa and Pa the best.
CONS: Ok, so I know that all of them have "lived" for a long long time, but I have some issues with things that happened. There were also a few times where the story didn't flow that well, mainly when Dessa and Chris first met. I think one of the biggest problems I had was the kinda graphic rape scene. I don't think it was necessary to the story, and seemed really out of place. (SEE UPDATE)
MY FINAL THOUGHTS: A refreshingly original story. I truly enjoyed the story and I really look forward to the next in the series.
UPDATE: So I just received a message from the author in regards to the rape scene and it was explained further to me. Now, I completely understand why it is in there and it is actually really important to the story. I don't know why I didn't see that when I first read it. But now that it has been pointed out, I see it and completely understand. I even went back and re-read that portion of the book and now see that it is a very important scene that helps Dessa become who she is later in the book. Thank you Dejana for your explanation.
I was provided a copy of this book from the author for an honest review.
MY OVERVIEW: Ok, I had a hard time deciding what to rate this book. I really enjoyed the concept of it, and most of the story, but I did have some issues with it. In the end I decided on 3 stars just because of some of the issues i had. (UPDATED to 3.5 stars - see reason below)
PROS: I really liked the background story and the concept. I love how the author took the elements and brought them to life in people. The characters were all really great and well written. I loved Dessa and Pa the best.
CONS: Ok, so I know that all of them have "lived" for a long long time, but I have some issues with things that happened. There were also a few times where the story didn't flow that well, mainly when Dessa and Chris first met. I think one of the biggest problems I had was the kinda graphic rape scene. I don't think it was necessary to the story, and seemed really out of place. (SEE UPDATE)
MY FINAL THOUGHTS: A refreshingly original story. I truly enjoyed the story and I really look forward to the next in the series.
UPDATE: So I just received a message from the author in regards to the rape scene and it was explained further to me. Now, I completely understand why it is in there and it is actually really important to the story. I don't know why I didn't see that when I first read it. But now that it has been pointed out, I see it and completely understand. I even went back and re-read that portion of the book and now see that it is a very important scene that helps Dessa become who she is later in the book. Thank you Dejana for your explanation.
November 4, 2012
Dejana Vuletic's "Poison" is a smash success on three levels: as a love story, as a fantasy-adventure, and as a look at the life and dreams of a seventeen-year-old girl in Hopewell, Pennsylvania.
The early scenes are engrossing in their details. We feel Dessa's boredom when she's working at a pizzeria on a slow day, and her marching band's nervous excitement as they prepare for a big football game. Mostly everyone will remember having a teacher like Ms. Altera, the band director -- let's just say she's not great at hiding her stress.
Other characters are equally well-drawn. Ricky's the older brother with whom Dessa has a touching, cliché-free relationship. Paola, often in need of a little guidance, is Dessa's best friend and the girl next door for whom Ricky pines. Then there's Paola's intriguing fiancé Skylar: brooding, arrogant and potentially dangerous.
It's Chris, the new kid and Dessa's eventual love interest, who really gets the story rolling. He arrives in town with an air of magic and a head full of secrets. To say more, though, might spoil some of the surprises -- and "Poison" has many surprises. For example, I tried to guess who the mysterious antagonist was -- at one point, I thought it might be Ms. Altera -- and I didn't come close to figuring it out. But the identity of the villain, and what happens to this person, feel exactly right.
Young adults will adore the romance in "Poison." But you don't have to be a fan of YA fiction or the romance genre -- I rarely read either kind of book -- to find yourself unable to put down Dejana's impressive, exciting debut novel.
The early scenes are engrossing in their details. We feel Dessa's boredom when she's working at a pizzeria on a slow day, and her marching band's nervous excitement as they prepare for a big football game. Mostly everyone will remember having a teacher like Ms. Altera, the band director -- let's just say she's not great at hiding her stress.
Other characters are equally well-drawn. Ricky's the older brother with whom Dessa has a touching, cliché-free relationship. Paola, often in need of a little guidance, is Dessa's best friend and the girl next door for whom Ricky pines. Then there's Paola's intriguing fiancé Skylar: brooding, arrogant and potentially dangerous.
It's Chris, the new kid and Dessa's eventual love interest, who really gets the story rolling. He arrives in town with an air of magic and a head full of secrets. To say more, though, might spoil some of the surprises -- and "Poison" has many surprises. For example, I tried to guess who the mysterious antagonist was -- at one point, I thought it might be Ms. Altera -- and I didn't come close to figuring it out. But the identity of the villain, and what happens to this person, feel exactly right.
Young adults will adore the romance in "Poison." But you don't have to be a fan of YA fiction or the romance genre -- I rarely read either kind of book -- to find yourself unable to put down Dejana's impressive, exciting debut novel.
October 26, 2012
As said here it is hard to say something about this wonderful book without giving it the plot, but i'll try my best and tell you that it is a story about love, friendship and true knowledge about ourselfs. It is a journey you take along with the characters so richly described.
I fell in love with Dessa, Chris, Pa, Ricky and even Skylar. Each of them with different relations toward one another and yet so bonded by affection. Full of surprises, suspense and breath-taking moments is what this book is all about. I loved how the story was conducted and how it is fresh and full of new ideas.
Saying a little bit about the writing itself, it's amazing how this book captures you on the first two pages! You'll find yourself reading and never wanting to stop! You can see clearly what is happening in the book just as if it was passing right it front of you, like in a movie.
During my readings I particularly get annoyed with a lot of books and I have to say that not even in one phrase of it i found myself bored.
Can't wait to read Possession!!!
I fell in love with Dessa, Chris, Pa, Ricky and even Skylar. Each of them with different relations toward one another and yet so bonded by affection. Full of surprises, suspense and breath-taking moments is what this book is all about. I loved how the story was conducted and how it is fresh and full of new ideas.
Saying a little bit about the writing itself, it's amazing how this book captures you on the first two pages! You'll find yourself reading and never wanting to stop! You can see clearly what is happening in the book just as if it was passing right it front of you, like in a movie.
During my readings I particularly get annoyed with a lot of books and I have to say that not even in one phrase of it i found myself bored.
Can't wait to read Possession!!!
November 19, 2012
Poison was a fantastic read. The author had a fantastic way of using foreshadowing that you would have never noticed before your reread it. It's a book I have read plenty of times and never tire of. The details are so well crafted that you feel as if you are really in the story and watching it unveil before your very eyes. Can not wait to get a sneak peak of the second compilation.
While I know the author personally and have read her work in the past(Some even with myself), this by far was her best work, and I'm sure it can only get better.
I not only bought this for my Kindle Fire, but I have a paperback copy too!
Great read!!!
While I know the author personally and have read her work in the past(Some even with myself), this by far was her best work, and I'm sure it can only get better.
I not only bought this for my Kindle Fire, but I have a paperback copy too!
Great read!!!
August 25, 2012
This novel was awesome! I loved the mythology that Dejana created for this series! The premise is so interesting and I can't wait to sea what Dejana does with this in the next books!
My favorite character was definitely Chris! He was so sexy and mysterious, and he cares so much for Dessa! I loved Dessa, too, obviously. She was a strong female lead who knew what she wanted. I loved that chemistry between Dessa and the other characters, too.
The plot was suspenseful and kept me reading until midnight! Can't wait til the sequel comes out!!
My favorite character was definitely Chris! He was so sexy and mysterious, and he cares so much for Dessa! I loved Dessa, too, obviously. She was a strong female lead who knew what she wanted. I loved that chemistry between Dessa and the other characters, too.
The plot was suspenseful and kept me reading until midnight! Can't wait til the sequel comes out!!
October 24, 2012
I loved this book. Poison totally captured my attention. I enjoyed every aspect of it. Dejana Vuletic's style of writing was absolutely wonderful. She made this story jumped right off the pages from the very start and it didn't ever stop. For me to be able to to this review properly I would have to give away the plot and I can not ruin the book for anyone else. I can tell you that Poison is more than worth reading it is worth owning. I look forward to future writings by Dejana Vuletic.
June 4, 2012
The novel Poison was phenomenal! I was mesmerized by the characters and couldn't wait to keep reading to find out their fate. Not being much of a reader it held my interest and peaked my curiosity from the beginning. I can't wait until the sequel arrives. Very well written with such a fantastic flair of the author's imagination. Well worth the read!!!
March 4, 2014
This book is an amazing book! A paranormal romance with beautiful flow in both plot and dialogue, Dejana Vuletic is an author to watch! Her characters jump off the page and into your heart and mind, leaving you wondering what's going to happen next!
March 17, 2013
Review to come.
July 7, 2014
Good start to the trilogy! Readers can really connect to the characters struggle between the light and dark sides in each and every one of us.
May 16, 2012
This book is fabulous! Such great description and imagination! I can't wait for the sequal!
March 3, 2018
The author is a white supremacist and not fit to engage in discourse with civilized people.
December 5, 2012
The book entises you from the first chapter, it has emotions on all levels, and the suspense, intrigues you even more.
I loved this book from the word go, and would encourage all to give it a go.
The emotions of a 17 year old, beyond your wildest imagination.
I loved this book from the word go, and would encourage all to give it a go.
The emotions of a 17 year old, beyond your wildest imagination.
December 23, 2022
Excellent book!!!
September 1, 2012
Awesome book! Enjoyed it so much! I am not an avid reader, but this book has me sold! Can't wait til the sequel!!
February 14, 2013
OH MY GOD
BEST BOOK EVER
BEST BOOK EVER
January 30, 2014
I loved the book!!!!
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April 24, 2012march 1
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