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Magic. Power. Secrets. Everybody has something to hide.
Zan is a boy with a strange power: the ability to see all of your secrets, past, present, and future … if you’re a girl. Oh, and if you put your finger in his belly button.
With that specific, intimate touch, Zan is able to visit the Secret Town of any girl. There’s just one problem. He never likes what he finds.
When Zan meets Austin, a mysterious girl with long hair and a contagious enthusiasm for life, it doesn’t take long for her curiosity to get the better of her. Zan braces himself to see the worst, but then the unexpected happens.
In his vision, he doesn’t see anything.
How can he be in love with a girl who has no future?
Recommended for: older teens to adults (some mature content)
Book length: approximately 50,000 words or 142 pages
Book 2 in The Paranormal Poke Chronicles, Swarm, is now available.
Zan is a boy with a strange power: the ability to see all of your secrets, past, present, and future … if you’re a girl. Oh, and if you put your finger in his belly button.
With that specific, intimate touch, Zan is able to visit the Secret Town of any girl. There’s just one problem. He never likes what he finds.
When Zan meets Austin, a mysterious girl with long hair and a contagious enthusiasm for life, it doesn’t take long for her curiosity to get the better of her. Zan braces himself to see the worst, but then the unexpected happens.
In his vision, he doesn’t see anything.
How can he be in love with a girl who has no future?
Recommended for: older teens to adults (some mature content)
Book length: approximately 50,000 words or 142 pages
Book 2 in The Paranormal Poke Chronicles, Swarm, is now available.
156 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 23, 2012
9 people are currently reading
212 people want to read
About the author
Dalya Moon
16 books79 followersHello, and thanks for your interest!
For news, please see my web site at www.dalyamoon.com.
For news, please see my web site at www.dalyamoon.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
February 21, 2012
I love YA reads and was excited by this premise. I mean, come on, a fortune telling belly button. Too cool! This is a novella, but it is substantial and I am sure most teens would feel that it was a full novel. I enjoyed this read and will be looking for more of Dayla's works.
I'll tell you some things I liked about this book:
* This story was written from the perspective of the main character, Zan. Yes, it was written from the perspective of a guy. I love this. I find that the YA genre, as a whole, has really grown around a female audience and forgets that guys read, too. That being said, having it from his perspective, in no way alienated me as a female reader.
* This story premise was so unique. I love that the key to his powers was his belly button. Can you just see a geeky dude asking teenage girls to stick their finger in his belly button? What a hoot!
* I just really liked Zan. I felt like he was someone you would want to know. He was compassionate, thoughtful, and yet a total teen at the same time.
* Dalya dealt with some pretty heavy topics in this book head on, but never fell into the "shock value" in your face trap. Because of these topics, I would probably not give this to a very young teen.
* This was a complete story. You could read it from beginning to end and feel the satisfaction of being done. I love reading books in a series, but sometimes you just want the whole story.
* This book had the "I can not put it down" factor.
* I loved the humor in this book. I found myself chuckling as we saw how some things played out, especially things Zan was thinking.
Overall, I found this book to be delightful. If you are looking at it for your teen, you may want to consider that it does have some references to teen sex (although you do not read a lot off details, some violence, a character who is facing a serious illness. I felt these were all dealt with age appropriately. I can not wait to read more by this author.
I'll tell you some things I liked about this book:
* This story was written from the perspective of the main character, Zan. Yes, it was written from the perspective of a guy. I love this. I find that the YA genre, as a whole, has really grown around a female audience and forgets that guys read, too. That being said, having it from his perspective, in no way alienated me as a female reader.
* This story premise was so unique. I love that the key to his powers was his belly button. Can you just see a geeky dude asking teenage girls to stick their finger in his belly button? What a hoot!
* I just really liked Zan. I felt like he was someone you would want to know. He was compassionate, thoughtful, and yet a total teen at the same time.
* Dalya dealt with some pretty heavy topics in this book head on, but never fell into the "shock value" in your face trap. Because of these topics, I would probably not give this to a very young teen.
* This was a complete story. You could read it from beginning to end and feel the satisfaction of being done. I love reading books in a series, but sometimes you just want the whole story.
* This book had the "I can not put it down" factor.
* I loved the humor in this book. I found myself chuckling as we saw how some things played out, especially things Zan was thinking.
Overall, I found this book to be delightful. If you are looking at it for your teen, you may want to consider that it does have some references to teen sex (although you do not read a lot off details, some violence, a character who is facing a serious illness. I felt these were all dealt with age appropriately. I can not wait to read more by this author.
February 4, 2012
When I pictured Zan, the hero of Dalya Moon's Poke, I got an image of Deb from Napoleon Dynamite, fussing with her Glamour Shots set-up. This made me giggle. When I found out Zan's magical power was that he could see any girl's future by having her stick her finger in his belly button, I giggled some more. The premise is downright absurd, but I think that's why I liked this book so much. Everything that happens is just a bit off-kilter, with the kinds of characters you might not necessarily encounter in real life, but each of whom have their own personality quirks without being *annoyingly* quirky -- if you know what I mean. (I'm STILL mad at the lady from the Chinese tea shop, to be honest, but I'm trying not to give anything away in terms of the plot. Oh, and that Duchovny reference made me swoon, in addition to giggling.)
I loved that this "paranormal romantic comedy" was decidedly NOT like Twilight, that the characters had a lot of paranormality to deal with but still acted like human beings, and that although technically this was a tale of "love at first sight," it came off as believable young love instead of some melodramatic or creepy obsession.
If you still think witches should be evil, that females of all ages should avoid vampires, and that magic comes from the most unlikely of places, you will enjoy this book.
I loved that this "paranormal romantic comedy" was decidedly NOT like Twilight, that the characters had a lot of paranormality to deal with but still acted like human beings, and that although technically this was a tale of "love at first sight," it came off as believable young love instead of some melodramatic or creepy obsession.
If you still think witches should be evil, that females of all ages should avoid vampires, and that magic comes from the most unlikely of places, you will enjoy this book.
September 3, 2022
Zan can tell a girl's future when she pokes him in the belly button. When he meets Austin, he immediately falls in love with her. Zan can't see her future.
While trying to figure out things with Austin, Zen has to avoid an elderly couple who wants his power.
Also try to remember his past, and how it fits into what is happening to him now.
I enjoyed this book, even though the belly button power is a bit weird.
It was interesting, funny, and eventful.
Great read for a teenager. Beware of sexual situations and cuss words.
While trying to figure out things with Austin, Zen has to avoid an elderly couple who wants his power.
Also try to remember his past, and how it fits into what is happening to him now.
I enjoyed this book, even though the belly button power is a bit weird.
It was interesting, funny, and eventful.
Great read for a teenager. Beware of sexual situations and cuss words.
June 20, 2012
Zan (previously titled 'Poke') by Dalya Moon is a 50,000 word novella, which made it a very quick and fun read for me, I don't usually read novellas but I have enjoyed two of Moon's books and really wanted to try this one. And I did enjoy it, really, I just don't think that me and novellas really get along because I loved the storyline in this book and it started well and ended well with few holes to be patched up but I know that I would have enjoyed it much more if it had been stretch out a little more.
What I really liked about Zan is (aside from the awesome name of the main character) that it was a paranormal book that doesn't take itself too seriously, it's a funny book whereas most paranormal romances these days are pretty dark and this was such a welcome change for me because I barely ever get to read these light-hearted reads unless they are contemporary. As well as the funny side of things, a few issues are tackled but these don't get too serious. However as I said above, the book could have been stretched out a little more, though I am looking forward to reading the sequel, eventually.
The pacing was pretty great overall though there were a few parts where it seemed to slow a little bit and for a while I was wondering where the plot was before this novella found it's feet, so stick it out a while before you make up your mind whether you're into this book or not.
Finally, the romance aspect of the book was good. I was never completely invested in the romance but that's because this book isn't overly romance heavy, I mean it is there and does play a big part but it isn't too 'serious' about it. I liked the way that the romance developed as it was unconventional for a YA novel because of the one night stand start and the older woman aspect.
Overall, a pretty fun book that I finished pretty quickly, I liked the genre and how quirky this book but it didn't grab me really.
Overall Topic: C+
What I really liked about Zan is (aside from the awesome name of the main character) that it was a paranormal book that doesn't take itself too seriously, it's a funny book whereas most paranormal romances these days are pretty dark and this was such a welcome change for me because I barely ever get to read these light-hearted reads unless they are contemporary. As well as the funny side of things, a few issues are tackled but these don't get too serious. However as I said above, the book could have been stretched out a little more, though I am looking forward to reading the sequel, eventually.
The pacing was pretty great overall though there were a few parts where it seemed to slow a little bit and for a while I was wondering where the plot was before this novella found it's feet, so stick it out a while before you make up your mind whether you're into this book or not.
Finally, the romance aspect of the book was good. I was never completely invested in the romance but that's because this book isn't overly romance heavy, I mean it is there and does play a big part but it isn't too 'serious' about it. I liked the way that the romance developed as it was unconventional for a YA novel because of the one night stand start and the older woman aspect.
Overall, a pretty fun book that I finished pretty quickly, I liked the genre and how quirky this book but it didn't grab me really.
Overall Topic: C+
August 4, 2013
Zan must have the strangest power in the world. All a girl has to do is poke him in the belly button and he can see into her future, and he never sees anything good. It has put quite the damper on his love life. One night he meets a girl named Austin and things take off, but when she pokes him in the belly nothing happens. Between getting chased by witches and dealing with why Austin doesn't seem to have a future, Zan is in for a very interesting summer.
I have to say Zans power was pretty awesome, and the banter he had with his friends James and Julie had me cracking a smile more then once. But I had a lot of "Oh come on moments" not because it was unbelievable, I mean I am reading fantasy I expect it to be out there, but because of how much he mooned over Austin. I'm used to seeing this in teenage girls in books, and I guess guys could be the same way, but it was really annoying. The saving grace of this book was the internal dialogue he would have with himself, when he wasn't thinking of Austin. That guy was truly funny. Mibs also helped me not want to stop reading. . .it was like someone took my own cat and wrote him in, minus the health problems. I can't tell you how many times I wake up to having a cats butt in my face.
In the end I guess I liked and didn't like this book. There was so many things that where great. . .but the over reaction (in my opinion) of a girl that he doesn't even know really bought it down for me.
Would I recommend this book? Yes and No. Yes because it was a very entertaining read, with a power that I've never heard of before and No because of the entire Austin thing.
http://zephyrbookreviews.blogspot.com/
I have to say Zans power was pretty awesome, and the banter he had with his friends James and Julie had me cracking a smile more then once. But I had a lot of "Oh come on moments" not because it was unbelievable, I mean I am reading fantasy I expect it to be out there, but because of how much he mooned over Austin. I'm used to seeing this in teenage girls in books, and I guess guys could be the same way, but it was really annoying. The saving grace of this book was the internal dialogue he would have with himself, when he wasn't thinking of Austin. That guy was truly funny. Mibs also helped me not want to stop reading. . .it was like someone took my own cat and wrote him in, minus the health problems. I can't tell you how many times I wake up to having a cats butt in my face.
In the end I guess I liked and didn't like this book. There was so many things that where great. . .but the over reaction (in my opinion) of a girl that he doesn't even know really bought it down for me.
Would I recommend this book? Yes and No. Yes because it was a very entertaining read, with a power that I've never heard of before and No because of the entire Austin thing.
http://zephyrbookreviews.blogspot.com/
April 24, 2012
This book is an enjoyable read. I found it a bit odd at first due to the nature of the paranormal activity, but like Moon's book Practice Cake, the story and characters are unique. Her characters are quirky but definitely memorable and often loveable because they have strange tendencies or affectations. There are sections in the book where the descriptions of paranormal activity and out of body experiences teetered on "too out there," but the story managed to find its way back nicely, and those sections failed to bother me too much.
The dialogue between characters is excellent, and I feel the voice of the character is exactly as it should be for the age of the narrator. There were moments when the narrator (who is male) seemed too emotional for a teenager his age, but perhaps that's an unfair assessment. Perhaps some young men are extremely sensitive and emotional. Maybe being in the narrator's head allows the reader to know more about him than we would be allowed to understand about the average male teenager. He was still very believable and likeable.
The storyline moved along very quickly without feeling rushed. I felt satisfied at the ending, and if anyone is looking for an easy, entertaining read, this is definitely a cute book to pick up and enjoy. I will be reading the sequel, Swarm.
The dialogue between characters is excellent, and I feel the voice of the character is exactly as it should be for the age of the narrator. There were moments when the narrator (who is male) seemed too emotional for a teenager his age, but perhaps that's an unfair assessment. Perhaps some young men are extremely sensitive and emotional. Maybe being in the narrator's head allows the reader to know more about him than we would be allowed to understand about the average male teenager. He was still very believable and likeable.
The storyline moved along very quickly without feeling rushed. I felt satisfied at the ending, and if anyone is looking for an easy, entertaining read, this is definitely a cute book to pick up and enjoy. I will be reading the sequel, Swarm.
December 7, 2012
The author explains at the end of the book that this was originally a novella written for a contest in Canada called Three Day Novel Contest. Despite "padding it" and making the story "richer" as she puts it, this story was a disappointment to me. I finished it because I always finish a book even if I don't like it, but it was a struggle! Zan's character is cute and quirky and for the most part likable; however, his INSTANT devotion, nay, obsession with Austin is not believable. Seriously, the majority of Austin's character is described by Zan's thoughts rather than allowing the reader to become acquainted with her through scenes...because she's barely PRESENT in the book! Not having her interaction with Zan to prove her "worthiness" of his love just makes his love seem like fascination with the first girl who slept with him! There were a few parts of the book I really didn't "get" either. Like how he drank some acne-ridding tea and suddenly could astrally project? Wtf? It just seemed like a melange of paranormal crap was thrown together and not adequately explained. Everything was wrapped up real quick too with no true depth. And the backstory about his parents?! Again, WTF?! I'm not positive but I think the author was astrally projecting when she wrote this...no offense. :)
March 18, 2012
This is a very cute novella. Moon has written a piece that many young adults are sure to enjoy, as will many adults. When I first picked up this novella, I wasn’t sure exactly what I thought about a fortune telling bellybutton—bellybuttons gross me out, truth be told—but Moon has written a very intriguing story surrounding this strange fortune telling ability, and Zan was an easily lovable character. He’s kind of a cooky narrator, but he tells it like it is, allowing the reader to rummage around in his mind as he attempts to woo Austin, maintain his best friend status with Julie and James, stay away from two crazy witches intent on stealing his powers, and deal with everyday teenage angst. I really enjoyed the male perspective; male leads seem to be a dying breed among novels these days, and Moon did a superb job capturing Zan and presenting him extremely well. Overall, Moon did a really good job with this novella, and I’m definitely interested to see where the series goes...
To see my full review (3/21/12):
http://bookvacations.wordpress.com/20...
To see my full review (3/21/12):
http://bookvacations.wordpress.com/20...
February 20, 2012
I will admit that going into this one, I was expecting to not really enjoy myself. The whole 'finger in the belly button' thing really turned me off. You know what? If you put aside the silliness of that aspect? This story is really quite entertaining. I found myself really enjoying it.
The characters were all fairly believable and likable. The relationship between Zan and his best friends, James and Julie, was real and a nice change from most YA stories. The love story between Zan and Austin was sweet. It was not really a love at first sight in the true meaning of the sense. Yes, Zan was head over heals and yes they had a rather quick physical connection, but it did not seem forced as a lot of relationships in YA right now.
I found the paranormal aspects of the story to be interesting. I may have been a bit confused at times, but perhaps due to the story being as short as it was(only about 140 pages) there just was not sufficient time to fully develop the storyline enough.
All in all, Poke was an enjoyable read aside from the actual 'Poke' aspect. It was enjoyable enough, that I am interested to see where author Dalya Moon will take the story and these characters.
The characters were all fairly believable and likable. The relationship between Zan and his best friends, James and Julie, was real and a nice change from most YA stories. The love story between Zan and Austin was sweet. It was not really a love at first sight in the true meaning of the sense. Yes, Zan was head over heals and yes they had a rather quick physical connection, but it did not seem forced as a lot of relationships in YA right now.
I found the paranormal aspects of the story to be interesting. I may have been a bit confused at times, but perhaps due to the story being as short as it was(only about 140 pages) there just was not sufficient time to fully develop the storyline enough.
All in all, Poke was an enjoyable read aside from the actual 'Poke' aspect. It was enjoyable enough, that I am interested to see where author Dalya Moon will take the story and these characters.
April 16, 2012
I must admit that I really liked this book. At first I was super intrigued how a power such as a 'psychic belly button' could be written about without it seeming to be a bit silly and I was quite impressed in the end.
This was a very fast paced read and is probably a book that could be finished in a day if you had the time to get through it in one sitting.
It seemed to tick all the right boxes that make a book interesting - death of the lead character Zan's parents when he was really young, a 'gift' passed on from his father to stop him being betrayed by a woman like he was, serious notes surrounding Zan's love for Austin, a girl he has a one night stand with who has an inoperable brain tumour and light-hearted humour surrounding his belly button powers. All this set amongst your typical teenage obsessions and one-track mind mentality.
The author really knows how to create a picture of what she is writing about and there is a dream sequence which decribes a very interesting concept in how our childhood memories are stored in our minds which I thought was very clever.
I definitely found this story to be engaging and a nice quick read to pass the time with.
This was a very fast paced read and is probably a book that could be finished in a day if you had the time to get through it in one sitting.
It seemed to tick all the right boxes that make a book interesting - death of the lead character Zan's parents when he was really young, a 'gift' passed on from his father to stop him being betrayed by a woman like he was, serious notes surrounding Zan's love for Austin, a girl he has a one night stand with who has an inoperable brain tumour and light-hearted humour surrounding his belly button powers. All this set amongst your typical teenage obsessions and one-track mind mentality.
The author really knows how to create a picture of what she is writing about and there is a dream sequence which decribes a very interesting concept in how our childhood memories are stored in our minds which I thought was very clever.
I definitely found this story to be engaging and a nice quick read to pass the time with.
January 3, 2013
Dalya Moon is now in my favorite authors list. She has a great sense of humor and sprinkles it liberally through her books. And Zan was such a wonderful story! My criteria of Fem main characters written by Fem authors was violated but I still found I liked his character and his way of thinking. There is plenty of paranormal wonderfulness to pull me from reality and keep me there. There wasn't a huge romantic-angsty-nastiness as many YA books have. Sure he has found someone wonderful and he loves her, but it doesn't feel like disguised lust. It seems he really cares. And not just for the girl of his dream but of his close friends, the twins James and Julie. Who knew belly buttons could be so fun. Wink!
I received this complimentary Kindle copy from BookRooster dot com. I look forward to reading more by Ms. Moon.
I received this complimentary Kindle copy from BookRooster dot com. I look forward to reading more by Ms. Moon.
February 20, 2012
I love it, love it, love it, love it!
Dalya Moon's books are always fantastic, and this one was not a disappointment. I love the mix of all the things going on here; fantasy, romance and tragedy. It's a perfect young-adult book and I really enjoyed reading it.
In the beginning I thought this book was going to be very weird, just the idea of someone poking in your bellybutton and magical visions come up seemed weird. But when I started reading, I discovered this book was so much more.
Love the characters, the environments and all the feelings.
Great job, Dalya!
Dalya Moon's books are always fantastic, and this one was not a disappointment. I love the mix of all the things going on here; fantasy, romance and tragedy. It's a perfect young-adult book and I really enjoyed reading it.
In the beginning I thought this book was going to be very weird, just the idea of someone poking in your bellybutton and magical visions come up seemed weird. But when I started reading, I discovered this book was so much more.
Love the characters, the environments and all the feelings.
Great job, Dalya!
January 26, 2012
Who would have thought poking someone's belly button could give that person visions??? *pokes own belly button* Hmm, nothing happened. -shrugs-
Another good book from Dalya Moon. It make me giggle, and made me think. I really enjoyed the part with the lady bug. For me, it felt like it sorta jumped around, compared to her other books. Maybe it was just the frame of mind I was in while reading it.
Another good book from Dalya Moon. It make me giggle, and made me think. I really enjoyed the part with the lady bug. For me, it felt like it sorta jumped around, compared to her other books. Maybe it was just the frame of mind I was in while reading it.
April 2, 2012
A quirky young adult/ paranormal/ romance story. I enjoyed the premise and liked all the characters but sometimes found it a bit hokey. Plus for some reason I was grossed out by the whole belly button thing. I would not be volunteering to stick my finger into someones belly button, thats for sure. I did like the book as an adult but would definetly say its for the older teen due to refences to drinking and sex.
January 3, 2013
2.5 stars I will probably come back and more fully review this one later. At the moment some of the vegan/ vegetarian Commentary is bugging me more than it should.
According to the book there is no such thing as fake chicken, vegans adore fake bacon, red meat makes you stronger and soy hot dogs taste just like real ones. 3/4 of these things are just flat out untrue and the bacon statement is up for debate.
I'll have more to say on the story/ writing when this is done irking me so much.
According to the book there is no such thing as fake chicken, vegans adore fake bacon, red meat makes you stronger and soy hot dogs taste just like real ones. 3/4 of these things are just flat out untrue and the bacon statement is up for debate.
I'll have more to say on the story/ writing when this is done irking me so much.
August 1, 2012
Zan is a teenage boy with a talent for discovering any girls secret. If he asks a girl to poke her finger into his navel, he gets a psychic trip to Secret Town. i started laughing when I read the description of this book and didn't stop. This book is a definite must read. I won this from LibraryThing.
April 16, 2012
What a strange little book...
I liked it but boy was it weird!! I think my favourite character was Austin because of what she was going through & how she coped with it.
I haven't got a clue what was going through the author's mind when she thought of using the belly button as a paranormal means but it kind of worked!
I liked it but boy was it weird!! I think my favourite character was Austin because of what she was going through & how she coped with it.
I haven't got a clue what was going through the author's mind when she thought of using the belly button as a paranormal means but it kind of worked!
May 9, 2012
Zan is not your everyday teenage boy. He has a secret power. When a girl put her finger in his belly button, he sees snippets of her future. At a party held by his best friends he meets a girl who's future he can't see. From there things get more interesting as he battles evil and fights for the girl he loves. Really unusual but enjoyable reading!
March 14, 2014
I loved this book so much that after I read it and the sequel, I emailed the author right away to join her mailing list. This is the story of Zan and the special power that he has, and how he learns to control it. Of course you will have to read the book to find out what that power is, and what is going on in his life. I can tell you, it is a unique story that is fun and supernatural.
February 3, 2012
Hilarious young adult paranormal book!
Zan can see the future with one poke from a girl in his belly button! If that doesn't grab your attention, then the characters will!
I devoured this novel as fast as I could. I definitely recommend this read to all readers, not just YA's!
Zan can see the future with one poke from a girl in his belly button! If that doesn't grab your attention, then the characters will!
I devoured this novel as fast as I could. I definitely recommend this read to all readers, not just YA's!
July 9, 2012
I really enjoyed this quite surprisingly as it is not my usual type of book. Geared to a much younger reader and seen through the eyes of a boy it had some really interesting and unique details. A very exciting paranormal/fantasy adventure. Really engages the reader.
Want to read
January 16, 2012This book has great if simplistic cover art.
February 11, 2012
Review pending
March 21, 2012
Not quite as laugh-out-loud funny as her previous novels, but still a lot of fun with a serious side.
June 22, 2012
Enjoyed it. Looking forward to the next one.
May 8, 2012
Poke is a great book. You get lost in the world of Zan and his crazy belly button. James and Julie are perfect buddies. Can't wait to read the net book in series. A must read.
June 12, 2012
I think i would describe this story as a light-hearted paranormal comedy. It was a quick, enjoyable read and I laughed out loud a few times. Refreshing!
May 31, 2012
I'm glad this book was free. It was okay, but the belly button thing was really strange and uncomfortable.
May 13, 2014
Although an interesting plot, this book failed to grip me. This was a free book I had read on my Kindle app on my phone.
November 18, 2014
Nice to read something from a guy's perspective for a change, and interesting twist on an ability. Definitely want to know more about the antagonists.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews