[Where Silence Gathers] (By: Kelsey Sutton) [published: July, 2014]

Some Quiet Place #2

by Kelsey Sutton

In this companion novel to the critically acclaimed Some Quiet Place, Alex must choose between Revenge and Forgiveness.

Seventeen-year-old Alexandra Tate sits outside Nate Foster's house, clutching a gun. After serving ten years for the drunk driving accident that killed Alex's family, Nate has been released from prison. Every night, Alex waits out of sight, building up the courage to exact her own justice. There's just one problem: Forgiveness. Alex has been able to see personified Emotions for as long as she can remember, and Revenge is her best friend. But when Forgiveness suddenly appears, he offers Alex a choice--getting even or moving on. It's impossible to decide when Revenge whispers in one ear . . . and Forgiveness whispers in the other.

Genres: Young Adult, Fantasy, Paranormal, Romance, Magic, Thriller, Paranormal Romance

Paperback

First published July 8, 2014

About the author

Kelsey Sutton is the award-winning author of Some Quiet Place, The Lonely Ones, and Smoke and Key. Her work has received a Kirkus Star, an IndieFab Award, an IPPY, and has been translated into multiple languages.

She lives in Minnesota, where she works in the tech industry by day. By night she writes in a cozy apartment overrun by books, with floor-to-ceiling windows, a rotating cast of bird feeders, and her sweet foster-fail dogs never far from her side.

Reviews

[Kira Simion · Rating 5 out of 5]

So this wasn't actually a five star book but it wasn't a four star. I can't give it 4.5 stars so I'll just keep it at five.

I really really liked these characters because of the cool bizarre idea that the MC can see personified emotions. I absolutely love that!

So I began to hold my breath with hope and yes! I had good hopes and the book delivered.

While many may see this as just a YA novel, I do not. If someone killed your family, you'd want revenge, right? Well this MC does. Revenge befriends her but when she's about to kill the guy, Nate Foster, she hesitates and so the emotion Forgiveness shows up. He begins to befriend her as well.

While many may see this as just a love story and a paranormal love triangle, I see this as the strength of revenge holding on while you have to find strength in letting go.

You have choices in life and those choices can and do make you.

That is why I really liked this story.

I will be sure to read more by this author (hopefully soon).

[gio · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5/2.75

I never though I'd be writing a negative review for this book. I loved Some quiet place and I was so excited to read this companion novel. Yet, I'm disappointed...the reason I'm going to give it 2.75 is that Sutton can write. I really liked her writing style in Some quiet place and in Where silence gathers it is the only element I could truly appreciate. Other than the lack of romance, something that the summary doesn't point out (really dear summary? Not only there isn't a love triangle, there isn't even actual romance.)

The plot didn't capture me this time. I loved that eerie atmosphere in Some quiet place but here the actual mystery was too predictable. This time those heavy themes seemed forced, like there was something missing all the time. Alex was always angry, so so angry, but never I felt like I could empathize with her. Where's her sorrow? She didn't feel like a truly complex and developed character until the end and that isn't enough for me. A girl who's angry at the man that killed her family: realistic. But how is it possible that she feels almost only anger? Grief, sorrow, despair but even joy. It is possible to feel happy sometimes even in the hardest situations. And guys, I'm eighteen and I can tell you that. Sure, I've never had this kind of experience, I've been lucky enough in my life, but even in the darkest hours you can find a light. You have to look for it. And Alex didn't. It took her all the book and...I don't know, it felt too...comfortable.

I didn't like that Where silence gathers tried to explain why some people can see Emotions. It took something from the story, even more so since the explanation was too clichè.

I missed Fear. I missed the description of the Emotions. I missed that original, unique vibe, that vibrant colors, the atmosphere, that made me love Some quiet place.

[Amber Hart · Rating 5 out of 5]

Like SOME QUIET PLACE, WHERE SILENCE GATHERS is a gorgeously written tale of personified emotions. Revenge or forgiveness? That's the decision Alex Tate has to make after tragedy strikes her family. Once again, the author hooks you with her beautiful writing...and with her complex, stunning characters.

[Alyssa · Rating 3 out of 5]

***Review posted on The Eater of Books! blog***

Where Silence Gathers by Kelsey Sutton
Book Two of the Some Quiet Place series
Publisher: Flux Books
Publication Date: July 8, 2014
Rating: 2 stars
Source: eARC from NetGalley

Summary (from Goodreads):

Seventeen-year-old Alexandra Tate sits outside Nate Foster's house, clutching a gun. After serving ten years for the drunk driving accident that killed Alex's family, Nate has been released from prison. Every night, Alex waits out of sight, building up the courage to exact her own justice. There's just one problem: Forgiveness.

Alex has been able to see personified Emotions for as long as she can remember, and Revenge is her best friend. But when Forgiveness suddenly appears, he offers Alex a choice—getting even or moving on. It's impossible to decide when Revenge whispers in one ear . . . and Forgiveness whispers in the other.

What I Liked:

If you've been following me since last year, you'd know that I LOVED Some Quiet Place, the first novel in this companion series. There was something so beautiful and haunting about the novel. Sutton tackled many issues besides a paranormal story with some romance. There was a spark and flair to that book - which were missing in this book, unfortunately. Maybe I couldn't connect to the story as well. Let's explore.

Alex is grieving the loss of her parents and her younger brother - they all died in an accident six years ago. When the man who killed them in the car accident is let out of jail, Alex is hellbent on revenge. Revenge, her constant friend, is all for it. But then Forgiveness appears for the first time, and Alex is no longer sure of what she wants.

Alex's story is incredibly difficult, and sad. She is so determined to get revenge, to seek out vengeance, to destroy Nate Foster. She totally loses sight of herself and her future. Alex stops going to school, stops trying to be a good friend, stops trying to be a good adoptive daughter... she gives up on everything, except getting rid of Nate Foster. And trying to figure out if she's going crazy. Things start to unravel, involving her father. Secrets from the past that she might not want to know surface.

I can't say that I liked Alex (see the next section), or connected with her, or her story. I didn't really connect with Revenge either, or Forgiveness. I really felt for Missy and Saul, Alex's uncle and aunt. I was interested in knowing who was following Alex and why, and who was the real villain in the story. So I had a mild interest in the plot (but see the next section). There were a lot of things that I didn't like, in this book.

What I Did Not Like:

Again, I had a mild interest in the plot. Honestly, this book was a bit difficult for me to read and finish. I have to be honest - I was bored. I didn't really care about Alex, or her sob story of a life. I know that sounds awful, because she was still in her grieving stages or whatever, but I was not pleased with her behavior. But one thing at a time.

The plot and Alex's crazies are tied together. This book is really all about Alex and her revenge. I did not enjoy this plot. I didn't care much about Alex wanting to kill Nate Foster - it's so obvious from page one that she won't do it, at all, ever. It seems like this whole book is her harping on and on about wanting to get revenge, and throwing temper tantrums when she can't do it, and having pity parties left and right. Pathetic.

What's more pathetic is her behavior. I understand that she was going through grief, even though it's been six years... yes, death does get easier with time. But for Alex, to me, it seems like the deaths were recent. The author made the deaths seem recent, and that the deaths were affecting Alex very freshly. That made no sense to me. Their deaths occurred years ago. Her feelings shouldn't be SO fresh, so precise, towards the death. I don't know how to explain what I'm trying to say - trust me, it won't make sense to you either, once you read it.

Anyway, Alex is really pathetic. She keeps making the same mistakes over and over, hurting the same people over and over with her actions and words - and the sad thing? SHE KNOWS IT. She feels Guilt and Regret in like, every scene, yet SHE KEEPS DOING THOSE THINGS OVER AND OVER. Seriously?! Do you learn at all?! From cover to cover, it's like she's two years old and does not learn the first, second, third, or tenth time. I hate how fake she is - she acknowledges that she hurts someone like her friend Briana, but keeps hurting her, maybe even in different ways. What a complete and utter b****.

Moving on to connecting with characters and the story in general. Yeah, I could not connect to Alex. I was very detached from her and her story. I couldn't feel for her, I couldn't like her (she's NOT someone I would get along with in real life), I couldn't like her (sob) story. I didn't connect well with Revenge or Forgiveness as well. I LOVED Fear in Some Quiet Place. I felt like he was very well-rounded and fleshed out in that book, with lots of page-time. In this book, I feel like I didn't know Revenge at all - or Forgiveness. So I didn't care about either of them.

The romance - there is a love triangle, of a sort. Ew. Ick. Yuck. No. I liked Revenge more from the beginning, because he's the "bad" emotion, of the two, and the "bad' ones are HOT. But honestly, I could care less which one Alex liked more. And the romance is kind of bland, anyway. It doesn't feel THERE, in my opinion. And the ending, in terms of the romance, is weird. Whatever.

I didn't really follow the story well, in terms of the father's past and who was following Alex and whatnot. It's all connected, but I was like, meh, the whole time. In Some Quiet Place, I was dying to know what was wrong with Elizabeth. In this book? I didn't really care what was "wrong" with Alex, or what her father had to do with anything. Meh meh meh.

I'm so disappointed in this book. It was nothing like the first book, in a bad way. It didn't have the spellbinding quality that sucked me into the first book. The romance didn't leave me breathless. I didn't care about any of the characters, or the story. How sad!

Would I Recommend It:

If you read Some Quiet Place, you should definitely read this one. I read and LOVED the first book - it was one of my favorite books of 2013, earning a rare 5 stars from me. This book might be a bit of a letdown for you as well, if you also really loved the first book. Or it might not be, who knows. Just be warned.

Rating:

2.5 stars -> rounded down to 2 stars. This book didn't have the magic and spark that Some Quiet Place had, unfortunately. It was disappointing, really, but I'm still glad I read it.

[Jessi (Novel Heartbeat) · Rating 3 out of 5]

I totally didn’t realize this going in, but this book is a companion novel to Some Quiet Place, not a sequel. I was disappointed to say the least, and sadly, I feel like maybe that could have affected my overall judgement of this book.

My first issue? I wanted Fear. I loved Fear in the first book. Actually, he was what made that book for me! If you didn’t already know, I gave Some Quiet Place 4.5 heartbeats. While he had a few small cameos in this one, there was basically little to no parts with him in it. I’m not basing my opinion of the second book off of that (because that wouldn’t be fair), but I really do think that Fear was 90% of what made me love the first so much. Whatever the case, the sequel lacked the magic that the first book had.

My main problem with this was that I didn’t like our main character, Alex. She was selfish and impulsive, and did idiotic and reckless things with no thought to how it would affect the people around her. There were times when I wanted to throttle her! I felt bad for her aunt and uncle for the way she treated them. Actually, I didn’t particularly like any of the characters. I was really hoping to love Revenge, but it just never happened.

I didn’t care about the relationships, either. There was a love triangle in there, and almost instalove (instalust?) with Forgiveness. While I understand the appeal that he has, and that Alex’s attraction to him was kind of a double meaning, it still annoyed me. I thought at some point I would start to feel something for one of the Choices, but again, it never happened. I never chose a side and I didn’t care who Alex chose, either. I think I was disappointed because neither Revenge nor Forgiveness ever stood out like Fear had. Terrible, isn’t it? I kept expecting to fall in love with one of them.

The second major flaw that this book had: It was forgettable. It didn’t leave an impression on me, and within days I’m already I’m forgetting details of the story.

What I did love, though, which was what struck me about the first book, were the Emotions and Choices as people. How awesome is that?! It was always interesting to see how each Emotion would be interpreted in physical form. I also liked the mystery aspect of the story with all the experiments and secrets! That was what kept me going when I wasn’t otherwise invested in the story.

Favorite quote:
“The most painful emotions are better than none at all. Ironically, we make you human.”

OVERALL ASSESSMENT
Plot: 3.5/5
Premise: 5/5
Writing style: 4/5
Originality: 5/5
Characters: 2.5/5
Pace: 4/5
Feels: 1.5/5
Cover: 4/5

[Adriana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reseña en español: http://luminous-words.blogspot.com.es...

* I received this free eARC from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

Do I need to remind you how much I adored Some Quiet Place? REALLY? Read it, you bastards, it's pure perfection.

Where Silence Gathers is a stand-alone book although it's set in the same world as Some Quiet Place, with the same personified emotions-otherworldy creatures able to shred your heart with their mere touch. But despite the fact that both protagonists are able to see them, they're pretty different: while Elizabeth doesn't feel anything, Alex feels too much. Since the drunk driving accident that killed her family she's overwhelmed by all the emotions, all these feelings so contradictory and intense they're tearing her apart from the inside.

Though I didn't love this novel as much as I did with Some Quiet Place, I wasn't at all disappointed: the plot was so damn original, the writing style is even better than before -more poetic, more intense, more melancholic...- and all the characters were just perfect. Kelsey Sutton develops every character with depth and care, expressing all the pain and happiness that comes with simply being alive.

Alex grows tormented by one of the most difficult choices: Revenge or Forgiveness, and she's a breathtakingly realistic character: she's proud, stubborn and clumsy but is also broken, overwhelmed by all the sadness and rage and she thinks she doesn't deserve any good thing in this world. It's impossible to not feel identified with her and all the pain she doesn't know how to endure. How to live when just breathing hurts too much? On the other hand, if you guys think there's a future love triangle between Alex, Revenge and Forgiveness, you will be pretty disappointed.

Some parts were a little slow-paced or repetitive specially when Alex went into this mournful and self-destructive behavior -although it's understandable if we consider that she has to kill a man, the one to blame for the death of her parents- but that didn't stop me from devouring this mind-blowing book: the plot was always spinning, surprising me at every moment.

Overall, although Where Silence Gathers is not as perfect as Some Quiet Place, it is a unique and beautifully written book and follows that amazing atmosphere that already captivated me in Some Quiet Place. A novel with complex characters, with thousands of lights and shadows that will steal your heart. Please, you MUST read this author, she's amazing and promising and you will not regret it.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I need to start with a disclaimer that I was a huge fan of Some Quiet Place, so my reading experience of this book was all about whether it lived up to that stunning debut. Does it succeed? On many levels, yes it does... and in some ways it's an even better novel. It doesn't have the same emotional intensity and epic scope of Some Quiet Place, and I think that makes it a four star rather than a five star read for me. But it's structurally tighter and the themes are developed with more complexity and sophistication. While SQP was very much ABOUT the paranormal, this book could be read as an allegorical exploration of grief, relationships and internal conflict. On an intellectual level I appreciated it more.

So let's talk about the romance.... or lack thereof. The author's decision to ditch the epic romance focus of her first novel was audacious and refreshing in this era of formulaic YA literature. Yes, Alex's passion for both her 'Choices' reeks of Instalove... but isn't that the whole point? Alex believes she has a star-crossed love for Revenge but of course it's mainly a reflection of her own grief and obsession. Forgiveness even points it out to her in the end - Lust and Longing have been hanging out with them, but where's Love? And yet there is nevertheless a strangely caring and intense relationship between Alex and both Revenge and Forgiveness. I loved the way their relationship is developed despite the fact that it's not the eternal, predestined love we expect from Paranormal Romance.

The only gripe I have is that there are a couple of interventions by Emotions/Choices which smack of Deus Ex Machina and detract from the otherwise gritty realism of the events.

Overall this is a great read. The author incorporates elements from her first book but does something completely new with them and creates a novel that comfortably stands on its own.

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Where Silence Gathers!!! I just love these books. Seriously. if you haven't read it yet. You should.
There's also Some Quiet Place which is the first book. Both of them can be read without needed to read the other. They are both in the same world, but in different places with different characters.
 
I loved the first one a bit more but this book is still a strong 4.5 star read for me.
 
The book is about Alexandra Tate, who can see emotions, in human form. Her best friend is Revenge. She lost her family in a car accident and now that the other driver is out of prison, she wants revenge. But then one day, Forgiveness shows up and she has to make a choice.
 
It took me a bit to get into, I'm not gonna lie but as soon as I was in, it was the most amazing ride ever.
 
Kelsey Sutton has a way with words. I loved her writing in the first book, and I love it in this one. There are so many quotes that I highlighted because in one way or the other they spoke to me. The characters are written so great, with so many layers. Not just Alex, but all the side characters. I loved Briana's (she's one of Alex's friends) storyline. So sad and beautiful.
 
Loved the relationships in the book. Alex and her uncle and aunt. Her friendship with the boy who lives next door, who's parents are always fighting. Her friendship with Georgie and Briana, that they got frustrated with her but never gave up on her.
 
And then we have the mystery of it all. The voice she keeps hearing. The memories she has of her father. All the questions that come up. I LOVED IT
 

[Amanda Thai · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars.
Forgiveness or Revenge?

With puppets of personified emotions, Kelsey Sutton delivers her creative twist on the devil and the angel on your shoulder. In essence, Where Silence Gathers is the messy story of a girl’s insanity facing grief and making the choices that lead us to redemption.

I love titles that are significant to the story. Together, the titles of Kelsey Sutton’s two books make a beautiful, lyrical phrase:
Some quiet place where silence gathers.
Some Quiet Place referred to escape.
Where Silence Gathers refers to the time before a choice.

In Some Quiet Place, Elizabeth Caldwell couldn’t feel the touch of the other plane.
Alexandra Tate feels it all too well.
Six years ago at age twelve, she lost her parents and younger brother to a drunk-driving accident. Full of unconquered grief, Alex has since befriended (and fallen for) Revenge and waited for the moment she can bring the driver, Nate Foster to justice. Until Forgiveness appears and Alex has a difficult choice before her: moving on or getting even.
Broken by her loss, Alex is angry, cynical and bitter. We open the book to see her drunk on a bridge, talking to the best friend only she can see. She’s been so fixated on exacting vengeance that when she sees another option in Forgiveness, she is thrown off balance. Like anyone facing a life-changing choice, she is scared of letting go, of being free, of unfamiliar futures and unfamiliar feelings. Alex’s anger and impulsiveness made it hard for me to connect to her, but she drove the story passionately and strongly.

Kelsey Sutton’s personified Emotions, Elements and Choices are a stunningly original concept that deepens and betters our understanding of the elements of human nature. Providing both an exciting story and symbolic depth, they are timeless. She has identified the unique characteristics and complex effects of the emotions and turned them into solid and understandable characters—a process that feels strangely natural. Their diversely applicable and distinguishable natures give them unseen personalities, ones that we then adopt as our own in the moment we feel those emotions. They are what make us human. It feels only right that they too are “human.” Though I have a tendency to take things too literally, I am still able to see, analyse and love the deeper meanings of being human because of Kelsey Sutton’s genius idea. The whole beauty is in its literalism.

You know what I don’t quite grasp though? If Emotions drive a car or hold up a book, other people can’t see them. So does it look like the car is driving itself? Like the book is floating in mid-air?

Revenge and Forgiveness, the two main Emotions, aren’t actually Emotions at all. They’re Choices.

Revenge has been Alex’s best friend since the accident. With red hair, green eyes and scissor-sharp features, he is heat, impulse, passion and coiled-tight tension. Throughout the book he changes his outfits out of vanity, reflecting how the act of revenge is usually concerned with image or reputation and is quick, fleeting and untameable. It is sneakily manipulative; twisting your morals into believing that what was once wrong is now acceptable. Revenge’s scent is of chocolate, representing the phrase “revenge is sweet.” He is intoxicating, rich, dark and complex, tempting in his instant and short-lived release from grief. We exact revenge to ensure that we won’t be alone in our pain. This is reflective of how Revenge has always been around in Alex’s life post-accident, which would’ve otherwise been very lonely. In such torturous times, you are so desperate for others to understand and be on the same level as you, even if it results in being enemies. Vengeance gives you a semblance of power and control over your bleak situations. It allows you to forget who you are. But it is only temporary. Eventually, you’ll look down, you’ll face the guilt, and you’ll fall.

Forgiveness is quite the opposite: gentle, relaxed and undemanding. Unlike Revenge’s rapidly changing outfits, Forgiveness remains in the same white T-shirt for the whole novel, representing the selflessness and constancy in the act of forgiving. His scent is minty: fresh and simple, like a clean slate. He envies humans and their ability to change and become something more than what they were born as. It fits so perfectly because that’s what forgiveness does. It opens the door to a future where you can be more than what is expected of you, be the bigger, better person. Alex begins averse to Forgiveness and his alluring quiet. As she slowly falls for him and his ideas, she grows as a person and sees the prudence and redemption he offers. He is tempting in his hard-earned, enriching freedom.

The selling point of this romance is its symbolism. It may feel like you are reading an imaginative tale of a broken girl and a love triangle, but really, you are learning about the struggle of choice, the tendencies of forgiveness and revenge, and life versus death.

Contrast is one of those elements that I love in both books and photography. And hence, I knew this love triangle of opposites would kill me. Revenge and Forgiveness are two opposites, vying for Alex’s choice. Unlike Emotions, who can touch us freely because we feel involuntarily, Choices are something we decide and hence Revenge and Forgiveness can’t touch Alex until she has chosen. This distance created a build-up of intensity and edge-of-the-seat passion, especially with Revenge. It was hot. The attic scenes? I died at “Kiss me.” And I must add, his dancing abilities (or lack thereof) were adorable. My feelings towards the love interests seemed to mimic Alex’s, thanks to the strength of her character and the well-thought out plot. I started off lusting for Revenge and slowly began to see the beauty in Forgiveness. I loved how he read to Alex.
It’s a lot harder to forgive than to get revenge, which is why Alex befriended Revenge much quicker than Forgiveness. One is easily won but short-lived. The other is difficult to accept but everlasting.

I know some people will be irritated by the end of this novel.
I for one, am glad she didn’t end up with either of them. But I know I my friends had read it, they would’ve cursed.
I look at this, among many things, differently. It isn’t so much a love triangle as a lust triangle. Love never appears when she’s with either of them, only Lust and Longing. Love is a long-term commitment. Though our choices can change the course of our life and are the potters of our clay personalities, we will eventually move on and make other choices. Alex can’t be in love with either of them because circumstances will change. She won’t always choose Revenge or always choose Forgiveness. This made me see them less as characters and more as plot paths with rich personality. I loved them for their importance to the story, what they stood for, and what they taught me about choice. Their characters were just the icing on the cake.

I very nearly cried at Revenge’s goodbye. He lies to Alex and tricks her all because he can’t bear to let her go. And why should he? It’s not in his job description; it’s in Forgiveness’s. It’s in Revenge’s nature to hold on and fight. This bittersweet goodbye where he told her to live her life and fall in love really touched me.

The way this novel covered life and death reminded me of Gayle Forman’s If I Stay. Living is harder than death, though it may appear the reverse. Life is the most difficult mountain to conquer, especially when surrounded by the ghost of a family like both Mia (If I Stay) and Alex are. Death is the easy way out. Not just for Alex, but also for Nate. For him, death would be Alex’s revenge, and life Alex’s forgiveness. He begged her to stop the pain and regret, to let him die and forget. But she chose to let him live, which I guess was a bit of revenge in its own way. He still has to live with their faces haunting him.

Fear, Elizabeth’s love interest from Some Quiet Place, makes many returns in Where Silence Gathers. Simply having him there let me compare and analyse Revenge and Forgiveness, letting me shape a stronger opinion. Where Revenge is passionate, tense and determined, Fear is cold and careful, a consuming thrill. He appears in such random moments, injecting a dose of humour into the dark story. He is a reminder of something sweet and uncomplicated. Because compared to Revenge and Forgiveness, he is simple.

Alex’s family and friends showcase how we push people away in our grief. I loved Angus with his tapping language and empty jars. Briana was a realistic and subtle portrayal of a lesbian girl, carefully slotted into the story to depict our changing society. The supporting cast is rich and full of back story.

Sutton crafts an intricate story by opening many mysterious subplots alongside Alex’s choice. Because all the mysteries are still loose threads in the middle of the book, the plot appears to be wishy washy and irrelevant when it really it isn’t. While in Some Quiet Place, the mystery’s conclusion was mind-bending and dramatic, the reveals in Where Silence Gathers are lot less satisfying. A sci-fi twist is thrown in with Alex’s father developing a serum to remove the Sight: the ability to see creatures from the other plane. But, thinking symbolically, it makes sense that the conclusion is more gradual than instant because the change before a choice, especially one as big as Alex’s, doesn’t happen overnight.

I wish I could write as beautifully as Kelsey Sutton. With a paintbrush of elegant prose she binds me with her intuitive depth. There weren’t as many notable quotes this time, but I still loved her style. It has adapted slightly to match her new protagonist. Elizabeth was cold, distant and contemplative; Alex brings anger, grief, confusion and bitter strength.

Some Quiet Place was better to me, only because I related to the protagonist and plot more. Where Silence Gathers is an angry, dark and emotionally haunting novel that I will constantly return to for its literal approach to the idea of choice. Though more broken and bitter, Kelsey Sutton’s companion novel is, like her debut, ultimately beautiful and bittersweet.

[Carien · Rating 5 out of 5]

I fell in love with Some Quiet Place so had to get my trotters on this book, which is not so much the sequel as a companion novel.

And this book is just as beautiful. I was engrossed in the story from the start. Sutton has a beautiful writing style that helps set the atmosphere of this story.

I really could understand how Alex can't let go of her grief, and her hate for the man who she hold responsible for the death of her family. When Forgiveness shows up Alex is forced to look closer at her own feelings and even to look into her past.

The story is not only about choosing revenge or forgiveness. It's about how you deal with life in total, with friends and family, and it's about Alex discovering why she is different and how that has shaped her life.

I've had a hard time concentrating on reading lately, but once I started on this book I was so eager to find out what choice Alex would make, what secrets she would uncover, that I finished this book in a day. You bet this one goes on my keeper shelves, right next to its companion.

[Dark Faerie Tales · Rating 3 out of 5]

Review courtesy of Dark Faerie Tales

Quick & Dirty: Very unique story with a heartfelt message. Unfortunately, it really dragged in parts, but overall it was still a good read!

Opening Sentence: Revenge finds me just as I finish my uncle’s bottle of rum.

The Review:

Alexandra Tate is 17 years old and her life was torn apart 5 years ago when a drunk driver killed her entire family. She has never been able to forgive the man that destroyed her life and now he has been released from prison. Alex has a strange ability where she can see emotions. Each emotion is a being that looks human but really isn’t. She’s never met anyone else that can see them like she can, but all humans are affected by their touch. For the last five years Alex’s best friend has been Revenge. He has been her constant companion and now all these years later she has more than friendly feelings for him.

Now with her family’s killer out of prison Alex is ready to avenge her family and Revenge is right beside her. But before she can go through with her plan, Forgiveness shows up and cause’s Alex to hesitate. Forgiveness offers Alex a choice: take her revenge or finally let go and move on with her life. Alex is torn between the two beautiful emotions and has no idea what she is going to do.

Alex was a very interesting character to get to know. She is so emotionally torn up inside she has no idea what she is suppose to do. She is actually a really good person and deep down she wants to do the right thing, but she has so much anger bottled up inside her for all these years that it’s hard to just let go. Watching Alex try to work through her issues was interesting and it helped me to develop a fast connection with her. Her story was heartbreaking but in a way very realistic. There are a lot of people that have had to deal with the exact same emotions Alex is going through and I liked that you could learn real life experiences from Alex’s story. She was a great character that showed amazing strength in an impossible situation.

Where Silence Gathers is a very unique story that has a wonderful message. It is a coming of age story that is full of emotion, heartache, and a little bit of romance. The only thing that I didn’t like about this book was that it moved really slow for me at certain points. The beginning started out great and really intrigued me, but by about 25% in I started to get board. It wasn’t that the story wasn’t interesting; it just didn’t progress very fast. I felt like some parts could have easily been left out and it would have actually been a much better read for me. But the story did keep me interested enough that I did want to see what happened, I just wish it would have been paced better. Sutton’s writing is very descriptive and she has really unique ideas. I am interested to see what she comes out with next. This is actually more of a companion novel to the first book and can easily be read as a standalone. I would recommend you give this series a try if you are looking for a unique and interesting young adult paranormal read.

Notable Scene:

For some reason, I choose this moment to imagine that empty bottle I left on the bridge. It rolls across the gritty surface, clinking over the rocks and dirt. Then it falls. It makes the smallest of sounds when it hits the water, and all its pain and toil is behind it. The water carries the bottle down the mountain, to new and different places. I could do that, couldn’t I? Float away and never look back? Just … move on?

Something flickers out of the corner of my eye.

No, not something. Someone. He’s too far away to make out the details of his face, standing in the shadow of a pine tree. All I see is a white t-shirt. “Who is that?” I ask

Revenge, not taking my eyes off the newcomer.

Oddly enough, Revenge’s jaw is clenched. “No one,” he growls. “Alex—”

“Don’t.” I’m still staring at the stranger. He stays where he is, and somehow I know he’s one of them, just like I always do. It’s the way they move, I think. Eventually I tear my gaze away from him and focus on the gun. It’s so light, so small. Strange that something this insignificant could cause such damage. I glance at Nate Foster again. He’s listening to the woman speak. His wife.

I could do it. I could walk up to that window and shatter their lives the same way he shattered mine. I could.

Instead, I walk away

FTC Advisory: Flux provided me with a copy of Where Silence Gathers. No goody bags, sponsorships, “material connections,” or bribes were exchanged for my review.

[starryeyedjen · Rating 4 out of 5]

An advance copy of this novel was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. However, this review is for the audiobook version of the title, which I procured from my local library.

This review can also be found at The Starry-Eyed Revue.

Where Silence Gathers is a companion novel to Some Quiet Place , a novel a thoroughly enjoyed reading last year. And I was glad that although Fear -- and a few of the other personified emotions we met in the last story -- made a few brief cameo appearances in this follow-up novel, this book largely held a completely new cast of characters, all with their own macabre story to tell.

The second novel from Kelsey Sutton is no less melancholy than the first, but for many reasons, this one left me feeling bereft in comparison to the previous book. In this story, Alex is grieving -- has been grieving for years -- over the loss of her family at the hands of a drunk driver who has just been released from prison. Her best friend Revenge is right there with her, ready to help her exact her vengeance on the man who took everything from her. Until she is given another Choice: Forgiveness. While Alex believes herself to be in love with Revenge, she can't deny the pull she feels toward the enigmatic Forgiveness.

Whereas Some Quiet Place made it difficult to connect with the unfeeling, somewhat emotionally stunted Elizabeth, it's almost impossible not to despair with Alex as she explores her own grief and the Choices presented to her. The focus in the first book was on the Emotions and their paranormal aspect, but in this companion, everything revolves around Alex's desire to avenge her family's deaths and the Choices that attempt to influence her one way or the other.

That synopsis smacks of a love triangle, but there is a distinct lack of romance in this novel when you get to the thick of things. There's definitely a connection between Revenge and Alex and even one between Alex and Forgiveness, but to act on any of these feelings is basically forbidden. First and foremost, a Choice needs to be made, emotional connection or not.

I originally received a copy of this book for review from the publisher, but I didn't get to it before the release date, so I opted to borrow a copy of the audiobook from my library. This narrator was new to me, but I think she did a great job of bringing Alex's terrible sadness to the surface of the story. Alex tried to put a brave front up for her friends, but Jorjeana Marie brought a certain vulnerability to the character that I might not have had I read the text of the story myself. I think it helped me to connect to the character when others seem not to have.

I was a huge fan of the author's debut, and this sophomore entry is no less evocative. The sorrowful intensity so palpable in the first book simply manifests itself in a completely different way in this story, much to my delight. Though I would have loved to read more about Fear and the other Emotions, I very much enjoyed this exploration into Alex's grief and the Choice she has to make in order to overcome it.

GIF it to me straight:

Lots of feels in this book...mostly the depressing kind.

[Kimberly]

Let's be clear. I loved Some Quiet Place, the author's debut. It was heavy, lyrical, meaningful and beautifully written. So I was more than excited to get my hands on the companion novel Where Silence Gathers. Yes, my expectations may have been high. While I didn't expect the same emotional pull I had fallen hard for in the first book, I did hope for a story that held my interest and tugged at my heart.
Sadly, I didn't have that reaction.

Alexandra is suffering. Her parents and little brother are dead, killed in a car accident that she walked away from. Living with her aunt and uncle, she's on a mission of destruction. She wants to kill the man who took her family. Revenge, her best friend and love interest, sits next to her every night, watching from afar the man that stole her family. Suddenly, someone else is there too- Forgiveness.

And now Alexandra isn't sure who she wants to choose.

There's a lot of good stuff about this book. I like Alex's constant struggle with Revenge and Forgiveness. I like how different they are, yet alike. And while Alexandra's heart belong to Revenge, it's unclear until the end what that really means. What he really means to her and what she really means to him. Great commentary on destructive and dark relationships, caught up in emotions and rollercoasters we can't understand, how suffering can kill the survivors and those who love them.

But there was something lacking in the plot that I just didn't believe. I"m not going to get too far into it, but somehow, Alexandra's family is involved in seeing these Emotions, Elements and Choices. While in the first book, it becomes very clear why that girl can see the other realm and is very natural answer, in this companion book, it becomes more of a scientific plot point, making room for other books in the series. Honestly, I'm not sure how I feel about it. I loved the first book so much, it was damn near perfect. And though I love returning to the world, I wish this second book was done differently and it makes me a little suspicious of future books in the series if they follow this storyline. (Nurturing this trait to see the other realm in people and what effects it has on the victims.)

While Revenge is interesting, there wasn't any deep chemistry between him and Alexandra. And in fact, Forgiveness the other choice fighting for a chance, falls flat. I don't have a very good grasp on either of them. I feel like we're told there's this triangle, but I don't see the triangle. In fact, there's so much going on with Alexandra, from her revenge plot to all the side characters and their challenges, it's hard to focus on the main storyline.

And let me say flat out that I had a hard time liking Alexandra. She's obviously suffering, wrapped up in her own hell. I get that. But there's not a lot to her besides that. I didn't'' get a good sense of the girl she was before this happened. Or the girl she would turn out to be when it was all over. Perhaps this was intentional. A commentary on how these types of occurrences an eat people from the inside out, leaving a shell of a human being. I'm not sure but either way, it didn't work.

I had high expectations for this one, so maybe it's my fault. I was sadly uninterested in Alexandra's struggles or the numerous plot lines regarding the mines, her little boy neighbor, her father's past.

[Karissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book in the Some Quiet Place series. It deals with a completely different main character/story then the first book did and pretty much stands alone. I enjoyed it, although not quite as much as the first book in the series.

The first book in this series dealt with a girl who couldn't feel emotion and was constantly followed around by Fear. In this book a different teen, Alexandra, is consumed by the need for Revenge against the man who killed her family and was just released from prison. Throughout the book Alexandra is pulled between the two characters Revenge and Forgiveness. She is also struggling to unravel the truth about her family's death and the mystery that surrounded that night. There are secrets in her family she didn't know about.

As with the first book the most creative (and unbelievable) aspect of the story is the idea that emotions/concepts/choices live on a different plane of existence and only certain special people can see them. So just like the heroine of the first book, Alexandra can see Guilt, Fear, Joy, Revenge, Forgiveness, etc as actually people who stand next to the humans who have these emotions.

If you can get past the unbelievable concept of emotions running around as people and being able to be everywhere at once, it's a pretty cool idea. Alexandra also spends a lot of time talking to the Emotions/Choices and I thought it was a bit unrealistic that no one ever stops her and asks who she is talking to, because no one else can see these people but her. This problem is mentioned once or twice but wasn't really dealt with well.

There was a heavier paranormal element to this book than in the previous one. Alexandra is trying to figure out the “why” of how she sees these emotions and this ties into her family’s death.

There is also a lot of discussion about grief over the death loved ones and about how to forgive those who caused that grief. As might be expected revenge vs forgiveness is a huge element in the story.

Alexandra is not the most likable character, she hates with a vengeance and is mean to the people around her (although Guilt visits her regularly). She is however a fairly realistic character. I enjoyed watching her struggle to make the right choices and fight through her emotional turmoil.

I also enjoyed that this whole theory of an alternate plane where emotions/concepts/choices exist as people was explored a lot more in this book. We actually get an explanation for why people like Alexandra can see into this alternate reality.

Overall this was an engaging and fast-paced read that I enjoyed. I love the concept of another plane where emotions exist as people, I also loved that we got more explanation around all of that. It was engaging to watch Alexandra struggle to choose between Forgiveness and Revenge and watch her unravel the mystery of her past. Recommended to those who are interested in a different type of paranormal young adult read.

[Dani · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ok, wow. I had high expectations after reading Some Quiet Place. And you know what? This was even better. If you're wondering: I didn't read it in three days because I didn't want this to end at all.

I'll try not to compare both books but it's hard. Because especially the fact that the two girls, Elizabeth and Alex, are so different makes the two books so interesting.

But let's stay with Where Silence Gathers. Alex is one of the most believable characters I've ever come across in all these years. She makes mistakes, a lot of them. She makes stupid decisions, even more. But all the time I've accompanied her, I always understood. I wonder why Compassion did not constantly touch my shoulder while reading because I so know what she feels. I know the darkness that eats you up inside and puts ice around your heart. The abyss without a bottom and you fall, fall, no ending in sight, no one to stop you and no light to bring you Hope.

Kelsey's books are unique and not just because of the personified Emotions. The worlds the characters live in are no happy places, no lovely towns or cities. There is no joy, there is no fairy tale happy ending. What I hate about so many books is the stupid perfection in them, the only problem in them the dramatic love story. Kelsey brought us towns that are almost abandoned, living on industries that died long ago and all the citizens struggle with every day tasks, earning a living, being able to enjoy life once in a while.

The people around the main characters are exactly that: People. They have flaws, they scream, they are violent, they get terminally sick, they are attracted to the same gender. Nobody of them is perfect and that's wonderful. In this book it's Briana who has the most of my respect, for being herself in all the wars she has to fight, always comprehending, never complaining.

I had troubles with Revenge from the beginning. He's so full of fire that I had problems relating to him. Forgiveness on the other hand is so much like the sea that I instantly fell in love with him. What an aura this guy has...

I loved reading this book, from the very first page to the very last. The dark mood kept me inside the world, captured me and brought so many different Emotions to my home. Truely amazing. Thank you even more for this book, Kelsey

[Angie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I received an ARC through NetGalley.

Where Silence Gathers could be renamed to Where Sleep Gathers. I found this book sooo boring! I actually did fall asleep while reading it. I am not joking. I was reading, next thing I know my puppy is snoring in my ear and I have pillowcase lines on my face. It's not all bad, but I generally didn't care for it. I was also kind of annoyed at first that it was a companion to Some Quiet Place rather than a sequel. Elizabeth and Fear's story didn't feel done to me, but I thought maybe they'd make an appearance in Alex's tale. Nope.

In Where Silence Gathers we meet Alex and her constant companion, Revenge. Just like Elizabeth, Alex can see Emotions and Elements, although they can touch her. However, Choices also make an appearance in this installment, and I actually quite liked this aspect. Alex's family was killed by a drunk driver, and she cannot let go. She stalks the man, watching, and plotting his end. She believes Revenge is her best friend, since he's always with her. Forgiveness also makes a few appearances, as Alex wavers in her decision. This was really the only part of the story I liked, everything else was boring.

Another plot was introduced, a kind of mystery. Alex finds a flash drive in her father's clothes, and spends some time trying to guess the password. When she does, she finds all kinds of strange files involving scientific research. Then there's something about kidnapped kids, and lying doctors, and I don't even know. I think that's when I fell asleep. This mystery just did not hold my attention at all. It detracted from the revenge story, and I wanted to get back to that. When it finally did, I really liked that resolution.

Where Silence Gathers simply didn't do it for me. I loved the addition of Choices, and how Alex wavered between Revenge and Forgiveness. There is a romance, but I didn't believe it at all. It had a great foundation and the potential to rip my heart out, but it didn't. In short, great ideas, boring execution.

Read more of my reviews at Pinkindle Reads & Reviews.

[A Book Vacation · Rating 4 out of 5]

To see my full review:

http://abookvacation.com/2014/07/15/r...

This novel is a companion to Some Quiet Place; a standalone that is set in the same world, but with different characters. Whereas Some Quiet Place focuses on Elizabeth, a young woman unable to feel emotion, and her relationship with Fear, Where Silence Gathers brings us new characters and emotions in that of Alex, Revenge, and Forgiveness.

Alex is a fairly complex character and I enjoyed getting to know her. I can’t imagine how I would react should my family be decimated by a drunk driver, and I certainly don’t know how I’d react should said drunk driver be released from prison, only to come back to town as a constant reminder of what I lost. Alex struggles, and I found her struggle to be an extremely real one. While I’d like to say that I wouldn’t act like her, that I wouldn’t allow my family’s death to consume my life, I feel like that’s a lie, and I’d most likely be in the same boat as Alex.

With Revenge as a constant companion, Alex has many choices to make—and some of them are quite horrible, but as she grows throughout the novel, I liked how she began to connect with Forgiveness and begins to come back into herself—the girl she was before the death of her family.

I wasn’t expecting the final truth about Revenge and Forgiveness—I was surprised, but in retrospect, I don’t think I should have been; it only makes perfect sense. There is an added element of mystery to this novel as well as Alex learns about information she found on her father’s flash drive, and I enjoyed this aspect of the story as well, though I preferred that of the emotions and their constant companionship of Alex. I just find it so cool to think that emotions are invisible entities that constantly appear and interact with us, without our knowing.

Overall, this series is a unique, interesting read. If you’re looking for something different, I highly suggest picking it up.

[Tanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

What to say about this book that would give it justice.

It was an ... emotional read. The main character, Alex Tate, goes through so much in this book, the good, the bad and the ugly. Although the good only starts happening near the end, it is Worth reading the whole novel to get to that part.

I've read other peoples' reviews, here on Amazon and also Goodreads. Most of the reviewers stated they did not like Alex, that she was difficult to like, to feel empathy for. I understand why people would think that. Because Alex is human. Like we all are. She makes mistakes, appears to be stubborn and selfish and incapable of caring. We all know people like her. The thing is, when we read, we don't want to be reminded of reality. We don't want to recognise ourselves in the characters we read about. Alex was very real in everything she did. And thought. And in her reactions to everything happening to her.

Kelsey Sutton built up her story and character perfectly. The ending was perfect. All the loose ends were taken care of, wrapped up and tied in a pretty bow. But more importantly, in a very believable bow, one we could see for ourselves, unlike the perfect fairy-tale endings we might be accustomed to reading.

Where Silence Gathers, companion novel to Some Quiet Place didn't have the ethereal quality that it's predecessor had: it was darker, harsher and more emotional, but it was a great read, one I would gladly read again, especially knowing how well it ends.

Thanks for another great novel, Kelsey Sutton.

[Paige Kinnaird · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading hundreds of books, it is refreshing to read a novel in which the author takes a refreshing new look at a common theme. Kelsey Sutton transports the reader into the mind of the main character as she struggles with a common conflict humans experience but seldom discuss, the conflict between revenge and forgiveness. Alexandra Tate must decide whether she will seek revenge for her family's death or forgive the man responsible. More importantly, however, she must decide if she will forgive herself for surviving the accident.

The manner in which the author personifies Emotions and Choices allows the reader the clearly connect with the characters as they traverse life. Creatively providing these beings with character traits and significant characteristics shows their power and lingering qualities as they impact Alex and those around her.

This is one title which will be recommended to my students as they traverse the field of young adult literature. Even with the science fiction feel to the Choices and Emotions, the conflicts Alex faces are ones which one readers can connect with.

[Gemma F. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm glad I picked up that blue Poetry hardcover book 'The Lonely Ones' at a bookstore which introduced me to Kelsey Sutton's stories! I was so hooked on this companion sequel. Alexandra's character made me feel many emotions from Revenge to Fear and Pity for her. Both Kelsey Suttons books have their own unique stories and am looking forward to reading more of her books!

[Louisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh, such a great book, loved it, it was just as good as Some Quite Place! Also, loved the Choices, and yeah, I kinda hope for a 3rd companion novel!!!

[mar · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

[Briana]

I've got some seriously high hopes for the cover of this one.

[William L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I want to cry.

[Amalie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I went into this book with high expectations because of the first one, and I was NOT disappointed. What is it about these books that makes them so heartbreakingly fantastic? Maybe it's the fact that Alex's experiences with hopelessness feel so familiar that it hurts, or maybe because you really don't know who she's going to choose to become in the end. This book is angry, melancholy, and absolutely gorgeous.

[Juliette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ho letto Some Quiet Place l'estate scorsa, e ricordo perfettamente come mi abbia colpita sin dalla prima pagina e di come si sia rivelato una delle migliori letture dell'anno. Anche adesso, a distanza di mesi, questo libro occupa un posto speciale nel mio cuore, e ritornare nel mondo delle Emozioni e degli Spiriti creati dalla Sutton, anche se con una storia diversa, è stato a dir poco meraviglioso.
Ho amato Where Silence Gathers proprio come ho amato Some Quiet Place. Ho amato la storia di vendetta e perdono di Alex, ho amato il modo cosi originale in cui la Sutton ha trattato un tema cosi comune, ho amato il fatto che ci abbia permesso di dare uno sguardo più approfondito al mondo delle Emozioni, ho amato il finale dolce amaro e la speranza che le sue ultime nostalgiche pagine trasmette.

Sono le cose più terrificanti e meravigliose, le scelte. Non ci definiscono...ci rivelano. Chi siamo, chi siamo stati, chi diventeremo. Tutto ciò che possiamo fare è cercare di prendere quelle giuste.

Alexandra Tate vive con i suoi zii a Franklin, Washington, sin da quando la sua famiglia è morta in un tragico incidente d'auto di cui lei è stata l'unica sopravvissuta.
All'apparenza Alex sembra una normale adolescente, ma nasconde a tutti un segreto. Alex è in grado di vedere il piano delle Emozioni, che assumono forma umana e influenzano le persone con un tocco. Solitamente le Emozioni si materializzano e scompaiono in pochi minuti, ma c'è una creatura proveniente dall'altro Piano che è rimasta al fianco di Alex per anni, sin dall'incidente, Revenge, la Vendetta. Revenge ha sempre aspettato pazientemente che Alex fosse pronta per sceglierlo e per vendicarsi di ciò che Nate Foster, l'uomo alla guida della macchina che ha ucciso la sua famiglia, le ha fatto.
Ora che Nate è uscito di prigione, Alex può finalmente attuare la sua vendetta. Ma Forgiveness, Perdono, entra improvvisamente nella vita di Alex, e le offre la possibilità di perdonare Nate e andare avanti con la propria vita. Ma perdonare non è cosi semplice, non quando Alex deve innanzitutto perdonare se stessa per esser sopravvissuta all'incidente.
Divisa tra due realtà, Alex deve scegliere se vendicarsi o ricostruirsi una vita, prima che qualcun altro scelga per lei.

Anche se è senza speranza, e rischioso, o semplicemente stupido, amiamo in ogni caso. Perché è ciò che l'amore è. Scegliamo di darlo, specialmente quando non dovremmo.

Ho apprezzato molto il fatto che la Sutton, con questa companion novel al suo libro precedente, ci abbia fatto vedere il piano delle Emozioni da una prospettiva completamente diversa e nuova rispetto a Some Quiet Place, e che ci abbia permesso di conoscere meglio queste creature cosi affascinanti che, alla fine, si dimostrano essere più umane di quanto ci si possa aspettare.
Mi sembra impossibile analizzare i personaggi senza paragonarli a quelli di Some Quiet Place. Se da un lato essi sono estremamente diversi tra loro, dall'altro in Alexandra o in Revenge ho visto alcuni echi di Elizabeth e Fear e altri elementi che mi hanno ricordato la loro storia.

Alexandra è una ragazza spezzata. Con l'incidente infatti non ha perso solo la sua famiglia, ma una parte di se stessa è morta insieme ai suoi genitori e con il suo fratellino, e da allora non è più la stessa. Il vuoto che l'incidente le ha lasciato è stato colmato in parte da Revenge, che è stato sempre al suo fianco tanto da diventare il suo migliore amico, e dalla sua promessa di vendetta.
Negli anni Alex si è avvicinata sempre di più alla creatura della vendetta, e ha lasciato che entrambi dimenticassero chi è veramente Revenge e ciò che deve fare. Ora che Nate Foster è uscito di prigione, la realtà è piombata improvvisamente su Alex, che deve accettare il fatto che Revenge non potrà mai essere ciò che lei desidera e che deve prepararsi a lasciarlo andare.

Continuo a guardare, e mi domando perché spingiamo le persone via da noi. In realtà ci sono mille ragioni, ma penso che la più grande-la più importante-è che se non lo facciamo, loro si avvicinano. E allora riescono a vedere.

Revenge porta nel mondo umano vendetta, sofferenza e chaos da secoli, e non si è pentito nemmeno una volta di ciò che ha fatto in passato. Fino a quando non incontra Alex.
Alex lo rende quasi umano, e con lei Revenge non può fare a meno di chiedersi cosa sarebbe successo se le cose fossero diverse. Se lui fosse stato diverso.
Forgiveness ha invece rivestito un ruolo molto più marginale di quanto mi aspettassi, e il triangolo che pensavo avrebbe preso forma non è mai arrivato.

La scrittura è come in Some Quiet Place semplicemente magnifica, le parole della Sutton si uniscono tra loro in perfetta armonia e sembrano quasi prendere vita sulla carta, anche se la copia da me letta è una semplice ARC (quindi la copia finale che uscirà a luglio potrebbe subire qualche variazione).

[Phoebe Jeziel · Rating 2 out of 5]

-Rated a 1.5-

I want to make this very clear: I really enjoyed Some Quiet Place. This book and I (mainly Alex and I) were just not a good mesh.

Beware of spoilers.

I hate to say it, but I was seriously disappointed in this book.

Some Quiet Place was different and beautiful, and even poetic. I was really impressed how the writing and the character made me feel her pain when she didn’t feel anything herself. There was such a balance in the first book with the way the main character felt nothing yet at the same time yearning to feel without herself knowing it.

This book was about choices and in this case, Alex having to decide whether to forgive or take her revenge and self-destruct. And she was a a character that feels everything, very unlike our main protagonist (whose name is escaping me unfortunately at the moment) in Some Quiet Place.

I did not like Alex. Like… At all.

And it wasn’t an immediate dislike or anything. It was something that steadily grew over time. The thing is, we’re supposed to sympathize and feel for her. We’re supposed to feel her pain and understand (to an extent) what she’s going through. And I just didn't connect with her.

The thing is, Alex is in constant grief and constant agony. But the thing is, I didn’t sympathize with her. I didn’t feel for her. I was indifferent. And then Alex would go around hurting the people that loved her. And then she would have the biggest pity party for herself. It was all about Alex. And it’s not like she thought she was the center of the world or anything. She would remember that other people that problems of their own, and then she would go back to feeling guilty and sorry for herself. And that wasn’t even my biggest problem with her.

Alex knew what she was doing. She’d feel terrible about it. And she would keep doing it.

It’d be one thing if her character didn’t care or did it on purpose, but Alex said she cared. And yet she didn’t do shit to change anything- which was the most frustrating thing in the entire world and that alone made me not enjoy the book.

Her relationships with Forgiveness and Revenge were also strange and I don’t think I really preferred one or the other. What I do know is that both relationships were incredibly unsatisfying.

Don’t get me wrong, I seriously appreciate when a book’s plot isn’t all about the romance- which this one was definitely not. But I was expecting something a bit like in Some Quiet Place. A resolution, at least. What we got felt open and inconclusive and it just didn’t sit right with me.

The entire time Alex is all about Revenge. It’s not exactly healthy, but I expected more from Revenge than the betrayal that he gave her along with him admitting his feelings the way he did. And Alex focuses so much of her feelings on him that it was startling and almost strange to see those crucial fleeting moments (after she made her choice) spent with Forgiveness. We see her pull to Forgiveness throughout the book and while I like him fine, choosing to kiss him and sharing that intimate moment with him before he and Revenge disappeared forever seemed almost wrong. I think if the relationship between Alex and Forgiveness was built up more in the book, or if we didn’t see her completely resent her feelings for him throughout the entire book, those intimate moments would have been more believable.

And I don’t mind sad endings, sometimes I even prefer them. But the idea of Forgiveness and Revenge disappearing forever- one being her best friend since she was a child- the way they did seemed (as I believe I mentioned earlier) so unsatisfying and inconclusive. Which is such a shame because I really enjoy this idea of feelings being personified and having the ability to fall in love and feel as human as the rest of us.

These issues were a huge problem for me, so I’m not going to touch and discuss anything else because I feel like there isn’t too much more to say on the rest of the book (which could be read as a good or bad thing I suppose). The plot is what kept me going, but once a character frustrates me it’s so hard for me to enjoy the book, which like I (again) mentioned earlier, is such a shame because this is such a great concept.

I will say that if you enjoyed the first book, to give this one a shot because who knows. You might just love this one as much as you did the first one.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

My Thoughts:

I originally picked this one up, because I LOVED Some Quiet Place! These two stories are honestly the strangest and most mind blowing books ever!

I assumed this book would take place right where Some Quiet Place ended, but I was wrong. While there were a lot of the similar elements in Where Silence Gathers, and we even got to hear a few snippets of Fear and Elizabeth, it was a completely different perspective.

Instead of following Elizabeth and Fear, Where Silence Gathers follows the perspective of Alexandra; she's a high school senior, living with her aunt and uncle, and still dealing with the loss of her parents and younger brother. Like Elizabeth, Alexandra can see the emotions and elements, but unlike Elizabeth, Alexandra can also feel them.

After the car accident that killed her entire family, years ago, Alexandra's life hasn't being going all that well. She's not really interested in school, she doesn't have any plans for after senior year, and when she isn't spending time with her two best friends, she's usually lost in her own thoughts.

Alexandra has seen Revenge since she was young, since the day that her family passed away. Since the day the intoxicated driver crashed into their car, and killed everything that was ever important to her. He first claimed to be her friend, but over the years their relationship has changed and becoming really strange and dynamic. Alexandra isn't sure sometimes if he really is her friend, or is just trying to do his job; make her seek revenge.

When Alexandra discovers that the drunk driver was released from prison, she can't help herself and head to his house. To see who he is, what he looks like, and what he's feeling.

She soon discovers that he is a sad man, filled with regret. But Alexandra struggles with the decision of choosing Revenge or Forgiveness....she spends most of the book considering her options.

Final Verdict:

My final verdict on Where Silence Gathers is that even though it wasn't the story I was expecting with the characters I was hoping for, I still LOVED it. I think even more than I would have if the story continued with Elizabeth and Fear. Why? Because I was given the same elements in the same world, but just from a different perspective.

To be honest, now that I think about it, I don't know how Kelsey Sutton could have continued the story between Elizabeth and Fear.

Again, the characters in Where the Silence Gather, were strange, interesting and had depth. Alexander wasn't shallow, and was really grieving the loss of her family, even years later. I liked that! I liked that it wasn't just something that happened and she moved on. I liked seeing her deal with tough situations, like the drunk driver being released from prison, and the struggle with her education and future.

While there seems to be a love triangle throughout the last half of the book or so, it's really not. Alexander is introduced to another emotion, that she just can't shake off; Forgiveness. There isn't too much romance in this story, simply because it's impossible...(you'll have to read the book to know why!)

Overall, Where the Silence Gathers was an amazing installment in the series. Kelsey Sutton has created the weirdest concept, and I couldn't get enough. Even after reading both of these books, I still can't wrap my mind around it.

Have you picked up Where the Silence Gathers? What did you think? Seeing emotions! CRAZY!

[Soma Rostam · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read Kelsey Sutton's first debut book, Some Quiet Place almost a year ago and it was PERFECTION. Who would have thought that she could even top her first novel all over again? I surely didn't.
Alexandra Tate lost her family to a car accident that she survived. And she knows who was in the other car. Now that he's out of prison, she sits in front of his house with a gun in her hand but she can't decide. Not when she can see Emotions and Choices. Not when Revenge is telling her to pull the trigger and Forgiveness telling her to move on. Not when she's falling in love, with both of them. Not when someone is trying to kill her and her remaining family.
I absolutely adore Kelsey Sutton's writing style. It's indescribable, it fills you up, it pulls you in, it makes you feel like you know everything about these characters. Every single feeling. Every single secret. She has this captivating kind of writing that every author takes a decade, at least, to master. But she just HAS it, it's a gift and she excels at it.
As with the first book, I am still in awe of the creative road that Kelsey has taken. The ability to see Emotions is, by far, the most imaginative thing i have read about. And I have only found it in Kelsey's books. I don't know if any other author has written anything about it, but it's a unique subject, for sure. And Kelsey has put so much work into it, to differentiate between all the emotions and how Alexandra sees them.
The characters take the main stage in Kelsey's books. First, we have Alexandra Tate which is the opposite of our previous heroine in her first book. The previous one could see Emotions but she could feel NOTHING. But Alexandra sees the Emotions and she feels everything. And it was refreshing. I fell in love with Alexandra, and all she was going through. It was so sad to see her grow up in such a way, still, she grows amazingly.
Then, there's Revenge and Forgiveness. The two Choices that Alexandra has to decide. I loved the twist that was associated with them both, but i am not gonna spoil it. So you have to read it to find out. Revenge and Forgiveness are swoon-worthy. I loved Revenge, he had this magnetic pull in him and he cared about Alexandra, he has been with her in her whole life and the sexual tension between them was delicious. Forgiveness is like the calm to Revenge's wild. He is amazing and sweet and caring. These are Emotions, you're not supposed to fall in love with creatures like them, but you do, just like Alexandra does.
The cast of secondary characters are also unique and add a lot to the story. One other thing that I LOVED was the appearance of Fear in this novel. he was one of the main characters in the previous one and I really liked seeing glimpses of him here and there. The ending caught me off guard, I was totally not expecting it. But I loved it all the same. I cannot go on and on saying all the great things this novel made me experience. But I can say this: Reading Kelsey Sutton's books is a MUST. If you think you truly love paranormal and romance genres but you still haven't read her books, then please reconsider. You won't be disappointed, I promise.

[Valy P. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Recensione qui: http://sparklefrombooks.blogspot.it/2...
Si tratta del secondo e ultimo capitolo della serie iniziata con “Some Quiet Place”, ma, anche se nei due romanzi è presente lo stesso elemento fantastico, con le personificazioni delle Emozioni e degli Elementi, possiamo tranquillamente dire che siano due libri indipendenti l’uno dall’altro. Storie e personaggi principali sono infatti completamente diverse. Lo stile di questa autrice è bellissimo, riesce a rapirmi anche con una sola frase. La Sutton, poi, possiede la rarissima capacità di riuscire a plasmare con grande naturalezza un intero mondo fantastico all’interno di un reale, come quello in cui tutti noi viviamo. Il confine tra i due “universi” appare estremamente labile, impalpabile, portando così il lettore a chiedersi dove finisca la realtà e dove inizi la fantasia. Uno dei punti forti dell’intero romanzo è infatti la parte fantastica, delineata in maniera estremamente originale. Trovo l’idea di rendere le Emozioni come esseri reali, concreti e dalle fattezze umane, davvero geniale. Un po’ come per le personificazioni della mitologia greca. Essi vivono intorno a noi, comparendo ogni volta che li evochiamo, ma solo pochissimi hanno il privilegio, o la condanna, di vederli nella loro forma corporea e interagire con loro. Una di queste persone dotate della Vista è proprio Alex, la protagonista. Una ragazza di diciassette anni che vive con gli zii e che è tormentata dal ricordo della sua famiglia, scomparsa sei anni prima in un tragico incidente stradale. Padre, madre e fratellino di quattro anni, tutti morti in una sola notte a causa di automobilista ubriaco. Colui che in pochi istanti ha spezzato per sempre anche la vita di Alex, la quale da allora non fa che oscillare tra la disperazione, il tormento e un senso di profonda vuoto allo stomaco che da quella notte la fa sentire incompleta, vuota, sbagliata. Come se anche la sua vita avesse dovuto concludersi quella notte insieme a quelle dei suoi cari. Tutto ciò che la spinge ad andare avanti, giorno dopo giorno, è il desiderio di vendetta che da allora cova nel cuore. Vendetta, l’Emozione nella sua forma corporea, è da anni però anche il suo migliore amico. L’unica presenza costante e sicura nella sua vita fin da quando qualcosa nel suo cuore si è spezzato per sempre. Questo finché non compare anche Perdono, che un semplice sguardo riesce a farla vacillare. “Where Silence Gathers” narra di una storia cupa, cruda. Di crescita e di evoluzione. Un insegnamento sulle difficoltà della vita e sulle prove che essa ci mette di fronte. La morte è facile. È la vita ad essere difficile, con tutti i suoi dolori, rimpianti, perdite, paure ed incertezze. Ma è solo attraverso questo difficile percorso che possiamo anche raggiungere l’amore e la speranza. La speranza in un futuro migliore.