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Freak
Being a lower-class human born into a world where vampires rule sucks. No matter how hard Juniper Rayne tries to fit in, she's labeled a freak. When her dad signs the family up to take part in a reality television show, Juniper hopes that it'll give her the edge she needs to shed her freak label. Unfortunately for Juniper, vampires aren't that accepting. She decides to take control of her life and become a vampire hunter, instead of continuing to live in her own personal hell any longer. She will regain control or die trying.
176 pages, Paperback
First published June 5, 2012
528 people want to read
About the author
E.K. Henry
1 book11 followersE.K. Henry has always had a passion for books ever since she can remember. She has grown up spending countless nights being swept away by her favorite books into the wee hours of the night. She lives with her son and husband in Tennessee.
E.K. Henry loves to receive fan mail, takes requests for review copies and interviews through her email listed below.
To inquire about speaking events use email below as well.
Website – www.ekhenry.com
Twitter - @ek_henry
Email – ek_henry@yahoo.com
E.K. Henry loves to receive fan mail, takes requests for review copies and interviews through her email listed below.
To inquire about speaking events use email below as well.
Website – www.ekhenry.com
Twitter - @ek_henry
Email – ek_henry@yahoo.com
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
July 11, 2012
Holy.
Shiz.
Was I reading the right book? I'm not entirely sure, to tell you the truth, because after seeing all those four- and five-star reviews, I was certain that Freak was no ordinary vampire novel. I was sure that this book would be different.
Guess what?
It proved me right. It was different. Not in a good way. For one, the writing was bad. Many of the necessary commas were missing from sentences, and sometimes, there were commas put in unnecessary places (totally annoyed the heck out of me). There were also a LOT of both grammatical and spelling mistakes in the book, which made reading it excruciatingly tedious. I honestly wish that that was all that was bad about the writing, because Freak was already becoming a seriously strenuous read. Unfortunately for me, that wasn't all. I found the author's writing to be quite childish. Of course, there were a few cuss words, but those felt forced-in, as though the author was just adding them in to make the book sound more YA-like.
Authors, let me just give you this small piece of advice: You do not need swear words to make a book fit into the young adult genre. Sure, sometimes a few cuss words here and there IS necessary, but don't add it in if it's just because you want to make the characters seem more grown up. Because. It. Won't. Work. Sometimes, it even makes them sound stupid!
Another thing that really bugged me was how poorly developed the characters were. Rouge, Trip, Brandon, Specs, and even Juniper herself were like pieces of flat cardboard. They were unreal, just words on a page with no meaning at all. I suppose the dialogue has to be partly blamed for this, because whatever came out of the characters' mouths sounded monotonous and without any feeling. NOTHING was revealed about them at all. Brandon was slightly better, but that was because Juniper happened to have a crush on him.
Which turned into something called lust THREE days later.
Before I knew it, they were kissing and cuddling like they'd known each other since forever. And I'm like, Did the vampires drink too much blood from you this fucking time, Juniper?
Naturally, I hardly knew anything about this Brandon dude, other than that fact that he was a vampire.
And that brings me to my next character: Juniper herself. I don't know what to think about her. I honestly don't. She's a very confusing character, and I'm sure the author never meant for her to turn out that way. She's trying to be tough by killing other vampires for bullying her, fine, I understand that, but how about making her vampire hunts and kills seem real for once? Being tough doesn't suit her. It just makes her sound over dramatic with her over-the-top emotions.
What I also don't understand is why the vampires in her school think of her as a freak and bully her and everything, yet they leave her other friends (obviously human) alone? I mean, you've got three 'freaks' attending your school. Why just single one out when she never did anything to you (I'm assuming Juniper never did anything to the vampire race, but it was not clear in the book)?
I really hate being so negative about a book. I wish the world building was better (there were hardly any descriptions at all), the action scenes more clearly written (they were rushed through and thoroughly confusing), the characters more three-dimensional and the dialogue more realistic, but really. There was only one thing I really liked about this book at the end, when mostly everything about how the vampire race came about was revealed. I felt that it added a really good twist to the overall overused, Twilight-esque plot.
Maybe I'm just being fussy (I've been known to be really fussy when it comes to books), but overall, Freak just wasn't my kind of book. I know the other Goodreads users found it to be good and even great, but I just couldn't enjoy this. I couldn't connect with anything at all. So why even write a review, you may ask? I felt that I should at least tell the author my thoughts about her book, since she so graciously sent me a copy of Freak along with some signed swag (they look really awesome).
1 1/2 stars.
Want more reviews? Check out my blog!
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Shiz.
Was I reading the right book? I'm not entirely sure, to tell you the truth, because after seeing all those four- and five-star reviews, I was certain that Freak was no ordinary vampire novel. I was sure that this book would be different.
Guess what?
It proved me right. It was different. Not in a good way. For one, the writing was bad. Many of the necessary commas were missing from sentences, and sometimes, there were commas put in unnecessary places (totally annoyed the heck out of me). There were also a LOT of both grammatical and spelling mistakes in the book, which made reading it excruciatingly tedious. I honestly wish that that was all that was bad about the writing, because Freak was already becoming a seriously strenuous read. Unfortunately for me, that wasn't all. I found the author's writing to be quite childish. Of course, there were a few cuss words, but those felt forced-in, as though the author was just adding them in to make the book sound more YA-like.
Authors, let me just give you this small piece of advice: You do not need swear words to make a book fit into the young adult genre. Sure, sometimes a few cuss words here and there IS necessary, but don't add it in if it's just because you want to make the characters seem more grown up. Because. It. Won't. Work. Sometimes, it even makes them sound stupid!
Another thing that really bugged me was how poorly developed the characters were. Rouge, Trip, Brandon, Specs, and even Juniper herself were like pieces of flat cardboard. They were unreal, just words on a page with no meaning at all. I suppose the dialogue has to be partly blamed for this, because whatever came out of the characters' mouths sounded monotonous and without any feeling. NOTHING was revealed about them at all. Brandon was slightly better, but that was because Juniper happened to have a crush on him.
Which turned into something called lust THREE days later.
Before I knew it, they were kissing and cuddling like they'd known each other since forever. And I'm like, Did the vampires drink too much blood from you this fucking time, Juniper?
Naturally, I hardly knew anything about this Brandon dude, other than that fact that he was a vampire.
And that brings me to my next character: Juniper herself. I don't know what to think about her. I honestly don't. She's a very confusing character, and I'm sure the author never meant for her to turn out that way. She's trying to be tough by killing other vampires for bullying her, fine, I understand that, but how about making her vampire hunts and kills seem real for once? Being tough doesn't suit her. It just makes her sound over dramatic with her over-the-top emotions.
What I also don't understand is why the vampires in her school think of her as a freak and bully her and everything, yet they leave her other friends (obviously human) alone? I mean, you've got three 'freaks' attending your school. Why just single one out when she never did anything to you (I'm assuming Juniper never did anything to the vampire race, but it was not clear in the book)?
I really hate being so negative about a book. I wish the world building was better (there were hardly any descriptions at all), the action scenes more clearly written (they were rushed through and thoroughly confusing), the characters more three-dimensional and the dialogue more realistic, but really. There was only one thing I really liked about this book at the end, when mostly everything about how the vampire race came about was revealed. I felt that it added a really good twist to the overall overused, Twilight-esque plot.
Maybe I'm just being fussy (I've been known to be really fussy when it comes to books), but overall, Freak just wasn't my kind of book. I know the other Goodreads users found it to be good and even great, but I just couldn't enjoy this. I couldn't connect with anything at all. So why even write a review, you may ask? I felt that I should at least tell the author my thoughts about her book, since she so graciously sent me a copy of Freak along with some signed swag (they look really awesome).
1 1/2 stars.
Want more reviews? Check out my blog!
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July 31, 2012
~So,I won this book from the giveaway, and I am glad that I did, because this book is absolutely breath taking.
This book was awesome and really good, I love the way that it was written and the twist and turns that occurred. In the beginning I had a harder time getting into it, but I soon realized that I wasn't able to put the book down. The book definitely made me gasp a lot, the choices Juniper has to go through, I wouldn't even be able to choose. None the less, live day in her shoes. I loved this book, though the ending seems like a cliff hanger, and the choice she made would be one that I could never make. Juniper has guts, bravery, and is definitely strong.
This book was awesome and really good, I love the way that it was written and the twist and turns that occurred. In the beginning I had a harder time getting into it, but I soon realized that I wasn't able to put the book down. The book definitely made me gasp a lot, the choices Juniper has to go through, I wouldn't even be able to choose. None the less, live day in her shoes. I loved this book, though the ending seems like a cliff hanger, and the choice she made would be one that I could never make. Juniper has guts, bravery, and is definitely strong.
July 12, 2012
ACTUAL RATING: 3.5 stars :D
Vampire books may or may not be in style anymore, but I can tell you one thing for sure. E.K. Henry has managed to take the usual vampire storyline and twist it into something different and fun. Freak, though it did have it's faults, was a light and enjoyable read.
When this book was brought to my attention, I was most intrigued about the television show Juniper and her family were going to be starring in. I wanted to see how it was possible E.K. Henry could base her plotline around a reality television show being in a world full of blood-thirsty vampires. It was definitely unique! I felt so sorry for Juniper having to put up with cameras constantly crowding around her all day, everyday. Plus, it was already bad enough that the vampires at her school hated her because she was human. Never mind a human with her own TV show!
Despite all this, Juniper stayed strong. I admired how she always tried to hold her head high, even though she stood no chance against the super-fast, super-mean blood suckers! Especially that horrible, Sheila! She was like your usual bully times a million! I also liked Juniper's snarky, sarcastic side. Another character worthy of a mention is Rouge (one of the vampire slayers). For some reason she reminded me of Raven out of Delirium. She was blunt, logical and a fighter. Juniper's love interest, Brandon, I wasn't all too keen on, but I didn't mind him that much. I actually liked another male character (named Trip) better. I definitely thought Juniper and Trip would have made a better couple. I liked him instantly and was a little disappointed when nothing happened between them.
The main faults I found were more with the writing. In my opinion, I thought there was too much crying from the characters. I know that sounds a little heartless, but I didn't think Juniper, for one, should have cried as much as she did. I also thought there was too much of the word "whatever" used and the way she would practically go in a huff and storm into her room. I know that's usually what happens when a teenager gets mad, but I thought it was just a bit too forced at times. It got a tad irritating. There was also quite a lot of errors in this book (grammatical and spelling) but I don't judge a book by the way it's edited.
Overall, Freak was quite an enjoyable read. It had an unusual and fun storyline to it and it was a really light, short stand-a-lone read that I finished in one sitting. I feel like it's a book you'd go to if you wanted something easy-going. Sort-of like a rainy day read. So yeah, Freak might not be the most amazing book in the world, but it's still worthy of a look!
Vampire books may or may not be in style anymore, but I can tell you one thing for sure. E.K. Henry has managed to take the usual vampire storyline and twist it into something different and fun. Freak, though it did have it's faults, was a light and enjoyable read.
When this book was brought to my attention, I was most intrigued about the television show Juniper and her family were going to be starring in. I wanted to see how it was possible E.K. Henry could base her plotline around a reality television show being in a world full of blood-thirsty vampires. It was definitely unique! I felt so sorry for Juniper having to put up with cameras constantly crowding around her all day, everyday. Plus, it was already bad enough that the vampires at her school hated her because she was human. Never mind a human with her own TV show!
Despite all this, Juniper stayed strong. I admired how she always tried to hold her head high, even though she stood no chance against the super-fast, super-mean blood suckers! Especially that horrible, Sheila! She was like your usual bully times a million! I also liked Juniper's snarky, sarcastic side. Another character worthy of a mention is Rouge (one of the vampire slayers). For some reason she reminded me of Raven out of Delirium. She was blunt, logical and a fighter. Juniper's love interest, Brandon, I wasn't all too keen on, but I didn't mind him that much. I actually liked another male character (named Trip) better. I definitely thought Juniper and Trip would have made a better couple. I liked him instantly and was a little disappointed when nothing happened between them.
The main faults I found were more with the writing. In my opinion, I thought there was too much crying from the characters. I know that sounds a little heartless, but I didn't think Juniper, for one, should have cried as much as she did. I also thought there was too much of the word "whatever" used and the way she would practically go in a huff and storm into her room. I know that's usually what happens when a teenager gets mad, but I thought it was just a bit too forced at times. It got a tad irritating. There was also quite a lot of errors in this book (grammatical and spelling) but I don't judge a book by the way it's edited.
Overall, Freak was quite an enjoyable read. It had an unusual and fun storyline to it and it was a really light, short stand-a-lone read that I finished in one sitting. I feel like it's a book you'd go to if you wanted something easy-going. Sort-of like a rainy day read. So yeah, Freak might not be the most amazing book in the world, but it's still worthy of a look!
August 5, 2012
Juniper isn't ordinary, or maybe it's everyone around her that's a little odd. Nevertheless, when her life is twisted into a TV reality by the vampires who govern the town, she is labeled as a freak. Soon everyone around her starts to change. They act like they aren't themselves. but Juniper's biggest problem is how to get her life back. The answer comes to her when a group of vampire killers approaches her. Does Juniper has what it takes to take control of her life? Can she face the consequences after the acts she will take?
Freak contains the secret formula any book would love to have! Quality over quantity. The characters couldn't possibly become more enjoyable. They had the qualities that made me hate them and love them at times, the same ones that made me root for my favorite characters! The main character was focused on a lot, and from the beginning it felt like I already knew her. She was stubborn but passionate, determined and faithful, and you could always count on her.
The plot contained many strong points. It was very action packed and had a mystery side, where you had to look for clues and try to put the puzzle pieces together. I enjoyed the idea of vampires ruling the society and humans were the "freaks." At times I found myself thinking that the events were predictable, nevertheless it was still enjoyable to read.
The book seemed to work with emotions a lot. Instead of using descriptive techniques the author tried to go for a more emotional technique in itself was quite effective. It was also a major plot driver and as the novel progressed it became even more important. Some examples:
I really am happy for him. I’m sure that he hates being a blood donor as much as I think I will one day, but I still don’t think that the show is going to be good for me or my health when the vamps at school find out.
A warm breeze tickles my face as I walk to the bus stop. A smile forms on my lips. Today is gonna be a good day.
While E.K. Henry did a marvelous job with her characters, she could have made it better by showing more characters. The antagonists were left out until the end. Maybe a antagonist Point of view would have been pleasant. I understand that forestalling the discovery of the villain was crucial in the plot, as a reader I enjoy seeing different sides of a story.
Freak contains the secret formula any book would love to have! Quality over quantity. The characters couldn't possibly become more enjoyable. They had the qualities that made me hate them and love them at times, the same ones that made me root for my favorite characters! The main character was focused on a lot, and from the beginning it felt like I already knew her. She was stubborn but passionate, determined and faithful, and you could always count on her.
The plot contained many strong points. It was very action packed and had a mystery side, where you had to look for clues and try to put the puzzle pieces together. I enjoyed the idea of vampires ruling the society and humans were the "freaks." At times I found myself thinking that the events were predictable, nevertheless it was still enjoyable to read.
The book seemed to work with emotions a lot. Instead of using descriptive techniques the author tried to go for a more emotional technique in itself was quite effective. It was also a major plot driver and as the novel progressed it became even more important. Some examples:
I really am happy for him. I’m sure that he hates being a blood donor as much as I think I will one day, but I still don’t think that the show is going to be good for me or my health when the vamps at school find out.
A warm breeze tickles my face as I walk to the bus stop. A smile forms on my lips. Today is gonna be a good day.
While E.K. Henry did a marvelous job with her characters, she could have made it better by showing more characters. The antagonists were left out until the end. Maybe a antagonist Point of view would have been pleasant. I understand that forestalling the discovery of the villain was crucial in the plot, as a reader I enjoy seeing different sides of a story.
June 25, 2012
Beneath the moon and Stars review
This book is incredibly intense. I'm not even joking I was screaming then walking around my house freaking out. Then I had to explain why I was freaking out to my family so they could know that I was still sane. This book is like the most amazing roller coaster. At first I wasn't sure about it but I ended up loving it with all my heart.
Juniper annoyed me in the beginning. She seemed very bratty and annoying. She grew on me. I ended up liking her character a lot. I like how she was always standing up for herself. I love Brandon. I like his personality and his protectiveness over Juniper. I also like how he didn't take any crap from anyone. Their relationship was a little insta love but I have never minded insta love. I know a lot of people don't like it but I like all kinds of love. Once Brandon came into the story I liked it the story more and I started reading very fast. Brandon and Juniper are a perfect couple and are the reason I loved this so much.
The TV show didn't really make a lot of sense to me. It was a good way to get the story going and it was important but I think the story would have been just as amazing without it. I really liked how it was more humans against vampires. That's different than most vampire books. As I said earlier this book is very exciting. The plot is fast and there is lots of twists. It was impossible for me to put down once I started it. Overall I really enjoyed this book. In extremely happy I got the chance to read it and I highly recommend.
This book is incredibly intense. I'm not even joking I was screaming then walking around my house freaking out. Then I had to explain why I was freaking out to my family so they could know that I was still sane. This book is like the most amazing roller coaster. At first I wasn't sure about it but I ended up loving it with all my heart.
Juniper annoyed me in the beginning. She seemed very bratty and annoying. She grew on me. I ended up liking her character a lot. I like how she was always standing up for herself. I love Brandon. I like his personality and his protectiveness over Juniper. I also like how he didn't take any crap from anyone. Their relationship was a little insta love but I have never minded insta love. I know a lot of people don't like it but I like all kinds of love. Once Brandon came into the story I liked it the story more and I started reading very fast. Brandon and Juniper are a perfect couple and are the reason I loved this so much.
The TV show didn't really make a lot of sense to me. It was a good way to get the story going and it was important but I think the story would have been just as amazing without it. I really liked how it was more humans against vampires. That's different than most vampire books. As I said earlier this book is very exciting. The plot is fast and there is lots of twists. It was impossible for me to put down once I started it. Overall I really enjoyed this book. In extremely happy I got the chance to read it and I highly recommend.
July 12, 2012
Background: Juniper is a human in a world run by vampires, and like all other humans lives on rations and in poverty while the bloodsuckers have everything. To stay human in her world condemns you as a Freak. Juniper suddenly finds out that her parents have signed up the family to particiapte on a television show chronicling the daily lives of humans for the vampires.Mom and Dad think this is a GREAT idea, dad gets out of having to be a blood donor, the job for all non-vampires, and their home and meals get re-vamped (lol no pun intended) by the vampire producer.
Review: This seems like this would be a great book, the plot looks so good and it is very entertaining. My biggest problem was the character development, it wsa a little lacking. Juniper the main character is a teenage girl who bitches and moans and that seems to be about it, but we don't really get a sense of why she is acting like that, other than the fact that she doesn't want her life televised. She is a cool character but only has two settings, complain and yell/ freak out....not much more. The other characters were the same, a lot left to the imagination, and not in a good way.
The plot made up for the lack of character develpment when Juniper starts to break out of her home to try to be a vampire hunter, and the action picks up so you can overlook the characters a little.
I think that if you are into vampire books you should give this one a try, maybe it is just me...the premise is good and the violence is fun.
Review: This seems like this would be a great book, the plot looks so good and it is very entertaining. My biggest problem was the character development, it wsa a little lacking. Juniper the main character is a teenage girl who bitches and moans and that seems to be about it, but we don't really get a sense of why she is acting like that, other than the fact that she doesn't want her life televised. She is a cool character but only has two settings, complain and yell/ freak out....not much more. The other characters were the same, a lot left to the imagination, and not in a good way.
The plot made up for the lack of character develpment when Juniper starts to break out of her home to try to be a vampire hunter, and the action picks up so you can overlook the characters a little.
I think that if you are into vampire books you should give this one a try, maybe it is just me...the premise is good and the violence is fun.
September 6, 2012
I love the cover and sounds great cant wait to read it...
August 20, 2012
looks and sounds awesome...
August 24, 2012
I thought this was a good book by a new young author. it put a good twist on the vampire genre. if you like vampire books I think you will enjoy this one. can't wait to read the next one.
June 27, 2012
Freak was a fun, quick read that I think calls most to vampire fans. Me, I'm not so huge on the blood-suckers, but I gotta say, I enjoyed Freak while I was reading.
Picture a world in which vampires reign--and humans are all considered "freaks". One freak--in other words, a human--named Juniper finds out that her parents have signed on to be stars of a new 'freak' reality-TV show, in which humans are the entertainment for vampires. Soon thereafter, Juniper realizes that her parents and even all her human friends are starting to change, mostly in the limelight. They're different. Her parents come off as power-hungry at times, even though, as humans, they're the lowest of the low.
Juniper gets an idea...She's going to become a vampire killer in order to bring some karma back into the game.
Alright. The synopsis is done, now I shall record my thoughts.
I liked Juniper to a certain point. The only thing I found annoying was that, even after she had killed some vamps, she kept getting fed on, beat up, and passing out (dude. That can't be good for your head). I kinda figured that once she learned to kick some ass that no one would ever feed on her again. So I was a little peeved that every twenty pages or so, she was being snacked on like a bag of Fritos.
The other characters in the book were completely unmemorable. I found the book a little lacking in character descriptions, but I found that Juniper's friends were okay enough. Her one friend though--so totally saw that coming. It was a shame that Juniper didn't, for I like my heroines to be at least a little bit smart.
I also disliked how the main character all but picked up a sword and started hacking heads off. I hear (from my many crime TV-shows, no vampires allowed, mind you) that cutting off the head on a human is very difficult, because the spine and shit gets in the way. (And I missed the blood-spatter. I guess vampires don't have much blood, but I think the fight scenes would have drawn my attention more if there was some arterial spray.) However, I realized that these are vamps, so maybe they are spineless (ha-ha, just kidding. Lots of the vamps featured are some real sickos).
The plot was good, the characters were likeable enough, but the ending was a serious cliffhanger (is there more books? It says 'The end' on the flyleaf at the end, but maybe it's just 'the end' of this book? IDK.), but Freak was an enjoyable read.
I recommend this most to fans of vampire books, and maybe fans of The Hunger Games, because the whole human-TV theme was kinda reminiscent of THG.
Picture a world in which vampires reign--and humans are all considered "freaks". One freak--in other words, a human--named Juniper finds out that her parents have signed on to be stars of a new 'freak' reality-TV show, in which humans are the entertainment for vampires. Soon thereafter, Juniper realizes that her parents and even all her human friends are starting to change, mostly in the limelight. They're different. Her parents come off as power-hungry at times, even though, as humans, they're the lowest of the low.
Juniper gets an idea...She's going to become a vampire killer in order to bring some karma back into the game.
Alright. The synopsis is done, now I shall record my thoughts.
I liked Juniper to a certain point. The only thing I found annoying was that, even after she had killed some vamps, she kept getting fed on, beat up, and passing out (dude. That can't be good for your head). I kinda figured that once she learned to kick some ass that no one would ever feed on her again. So I was a little peeved that every twenty pages or so, she was being snacked on like a bag of Fritos.
The other characters in the book were completely unmemorable. I found the book a little lacking in character descriptions, but I found that Juniper's friends were okay enough. Her one friend though--so totally saw that coming. It was a shame that Juniper didn't, for I like my heroines to be at least a little bit smart.
I also disliked how the main character all but picked up a sword and started hacking heads off. I hear (from my many crime TV-shows, no vampires allowed, mind you) that cutting off the head on a human is very difficult, because the spine and shit gets in the way. (And I missed the blood-spatter. I guess vampires don't have much blood, but I think the fight scenes would have drawn my attention more if there was some arterial spray.) However, I realized that these are vamps, so maybe they are spineless (ha-ha, just kidding. Lots of the vamps featured are some real sickos).
The plot was good, the characters were likeable enough, but the ending was a serious cliffhanger (is there more books? It says 'The end' on the flyleaf at the end, but maybe it's just 'the end' of this book? IDK.), but Freak was an enjoyable read.
I recommend this most to fans of vampire books, and maybe fans of The Hunger Games, because the whole human-TV theme was kinda reminiscent of THG.
June 2, 2015
Where to start? I normally don't write a review unless I absolutely loved a book because I don't want to waste my time if it was mediocre. However, since I won this ebook in a giveaway, I felt it was only right to write a response.
To be honest, I almost didn't finish reading it. The horrific gramatical errors were so distracting, I could hardley concentrate on the story. Seriously, it seemed as if the author didn't even proofread it after she wrote it. (And I am not trying to be disrespectful.)
I thought the concept of the novel was cool. The idea had so many possibilities, but the final product fell short. "FREAK" just didn't do it for me, and it didn't get interesting until three-fourths of the way through when we meet Brandon, a.k.a. the only nice/cute vampire. Who obviously is the love interest for Juniper. It seems that was really the only reason he was written in, so he could end up with the main character.
The other characters just straight up annoyed me. Juniper's parents were like brainwashed wannabees that made me want to pull my hair out. I hate when parents don't act like parents. Then there was Juniper's "best friend" Abi. Not going to spoil the story, but if any of my friends pulled that crap on me we wouldn't be friends anymore.
There were times when the dialogue was just awkward. Kind of like the author was trying to put some sarcasm or something into the conversations but it just didn't work. Like when Juniper meets the hunter group and the guy, Trip, calls her a kid and she playfully hits him. Then another hunter girl tells them to stop playing "grab-ass". I couldn't help but think it seemed force. Maybe she was trying to throw in some of that sexual tension that YA novels are so famous for, idk? What I do know is that there was not even a conversation between Trip and Juniper to spark anything and the other girl just wound up looking naive and childish.
I wanted to like this book, but I ended up thinking it was just okay. I think that if the concept stayed the same but some other things were changed it would be awesome. Also, the book ends on a cliffhanger. I don't know if that means there will be another but I hope it is better. I will probably read it just to see.
To be honest, I almost didn't finish reading it. The horrific gramatical errors were so distracting, I could hardley concentrate on the story. Seriously, it seemed as if the author didn't even proofread it after she wrote it. (And I am not trying to be disrespectful.)
I thought the concept of the novel was cool. The idea had so many possibilities, but the final product fell short. "FREAK" just didn't do it for me, and it didn't get interesting until three-fourths of the way through when we meet Brandon, a.k.a. the only nice/cute vampire. Who obviously is the love interest for Juniper. It seems that was really the only reason he was written in, so he could end up with the main character.
The other characters just straight up annoyed me. Juniper's parents were like brainwashed wannabees that made me want to pull my hair out. I hate when parents don't act like parents. Then there was Juniper's "best friend" Abi. Not going to spoil the story, but if any of my friends pulled that crap on me we wouldn't be friends anymore.
There were times when the dialogue was just awkward. Kind of like the author was trying to put some sarcasm or something into the conversations but it just didn't work. Like when Juniper meets the hunter group and the guy, Trip, calls her a kid and she playfully hits him. Then another hunter girl tells them to stop playing "grab-ass". I couldn't help but think it seemed force. Maybe she was trying to throw in some of that sexual tension that YA novels are so famous for, idk? What I do know is that there was not even a conversation between Trip and Juniper to spark anything and the other girl just wound up looking naive and childish.
I wanted to like this book, but I ended up thinking it was just okay. I think that if the concept stayed the same but some other things were changed it would be awesome. Also, the book ends on a cliffhanger. I don't know if that means there will be another but I hope it is better. I will probably read it just to see.
June 11, 2012
I was given an ebook copy of this from the author about a week and a half ago. The description sounded like something I would totally read. (If you've looked at my shelves before, you'd see that I have quite a few books that kind of fit this feel.)
However, I was more than a little disappointed with the story. For starters, I couldn't really connect with the characters. Juniper had all the same sort of reactions I feel I would have if I were in her place, but I just couldn't find a reason to like her. Or her friends. Or her family.
Secondly, the writing felt like it was trying too hard to make it fit a category instead of telling a story. Things would feel rushed or odd details would be thrown in where they didn't really seem to belong. The writing style itself was too...fast-paced? Boom-boom-boom. If you know what I mean by that. By the second half of the book, I realized I needed to keep track of the timeline because it seemed too fast. In fact, Juniper declares her love for another character after knowing him for approximately 3 days. And not just "hey, you're cute, I think I may love you." No, this was more Romeo-and-Juliet "I love you so much I'm willing to lay down my life for you." A little disturbing.
I loved the concept. I truly do. Some things were done well, and I don't want to leave that out. From about 60%-80%, I was pretty well grabbed into the story. I wouldn't call it suspenseful, but there were things happening and characters introduced that you knew nothing about, no idea whether they were good or not. That was interesting, trying to work out which side they were on.
So while it had its moments, for the most part I found this book to be missing its mark.
However, I was more than a little disappointed with the story. For starters, I couldn't really connect with the characters. Juniper had all the same sort of reactions I feel I would have if I were in her place, but I just couldn't find a reason to like her. Or her friends. Or her family.
Secondly, the writing felt like it was trying too hard to make it fit a category instead of telling a story. Things would feel rushed or odd details would be thrown in where they didn't really seem to belong. The writing style itself was too...fast-paced? Boom-boom-boom. If you know what I mean by that. By the second half of the book, I realized I needed to keep track of the timeline because it seemed too fast. In fact, Juniper declares her love for another character after knowing him for approximately 3 days. And not just "hey, you're cute, I think I may love you." No, this was more Romeo-and-Juliet "I love you so much I'm willing to lay down my life for you." A little disturbing.
I loved the concept. I truly do. Some things were done well, and I don't want to leave that out. From about 60%-80%, I was pretty well grabbed into the story. I wouldn't call it suspenseful, but there were things happening and characters introduced that you knew nothing about, no idea whether they were good or not. That was interesting, trying to work out which side they were on.
So while it had its moments, for the most part I found this book to be missing its mark.
March 20, 2013
This book was really fun! The characters are easy to relate to and have varied personalities. I got really involved in their story. I like the flip-flop of the vampire/human roles. It gives a fresh approach to whole idea. The setting is creative and the descriptions paint a great picture. There are a handful of typos but they aren’t enough to distract from the overall reading of the story. I got to the end and wanted more! I can’t wait to read what happens next!
Want to read
September 7, 2012I was VERY bummed (best word) to learn that this giveaway has ended!!!!... It was DEF at the top of my list of must reads!!!!... now I'll just have to wait... a lil longer till my kids are settled in school... Once again... BUMMER!!!
Ohhhh Kayyyyy!!!!... just saw there is still time on Goodreads and of course i JUMPED allover it!!!!
Now, all i can do is cross my fingers!!!!
Ohhhh Kayyyyy!!!!... just saw there is still time on Goodreads and of course i JUMPED allover it!!!!
Now, all i can do is cross my fingers!!!!
August 1, 2012
Vampires :) I really enjoyed this book.
April 4, 2013
loved it. especially the part where juniper falls in love and the twist at the end
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