Dazzle

Delaney's Gift #1

by Amber Garza

Sixteen-year-old Delaney Scott possesses a special gift. Ever since she was a child she has known about her calling and the duty she’s expected to fulfill.

However, all Delaney wants is to be normal. That’s why she is drawn to Sam. He can offer her the life she’s always desired. Only Sam has secrets of his own.

Secrets that are deadly. Secrets that can change everything.

Genres: Young Adult, Paranormal, Romance, Fantasy, Demons, Paranormal Romance, Young Adult Paranormal

354 pages, Paperback

First published September 17, 2012

About the author

Amber Garza has had a passion for the written word since she was a child making books out of notebook paper and staples. Her hobbies include reading and singing. Coffee and wine are her drinks of choice (not necessarily in that order). She writes while blaring music, and talks about her characters like they're real people. She lives with her husband and two kids in Folsom, California, which is also home to another Amber Garza.

Reviews

[Alexia Purdy · Rating 5 out of 5]

It took me days to come up with a review for this book, it was that amazingly indescribable. I was practically biting my nails to see what was going to happen next. This is one paranormal series you won’t want to miss!

Delaney and Micah are two regular teens, who save people on the side. They can because they're gifted with unique super powers as followers of their leader, the mysterious god-like Zerach. Destined to save their town of Edenly from the savage Sarafites and aiding others in need of help, they meet another of their kind, a young and frightened girl named Ariel. She’s so mysterious she frustrates not only Delaney and Micah, but I sure wanted to ring her neck as well.

As Delaney’s and Micah’s lifelong friendship is threatened by love, of all things, these two fight to stay ahead of the treachery abounding in their town. Delaney finds herself falling for Sam, a longtime crush but is he really what he seems? In this alternate universe, Amber Garza weaves the aspects of this world beautifully, as though even I could live there. It’s full of frightening things hidden from the average person. Will Delaney and Micah be able to save their town and the ones they love? Betrayal and secrets keep them on their toes as the real evil lurks closer than they think. The thrills, chills and romance are fiery!

A definite MUST read and amazing new series! I can’t wait until book 2 is out and book 1 is not even out yet! It will leave you reeling and breathless all at once. Don’t miss this.

I received an ARC copy of this book from the author for an honest review.

[Terri ♥ (aka Mrs. Christian Grey) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick review:

Cover:Okay
Rating: PG-13
Thumbs Up: 4
Overall: A really unique tale
Characters: Good job
Plot: Delany isn’t perfect, hopefully her mistakes won’t cost her life
Page Turner: Yes
Series Cont.? Yes
Recommend: Yes
Book Boyfriend: Sam

SUMMARY (50 words or less)
This is a very unique tale, the world building great. The storyline one that will keep you engaged throughout. Sometimes in books, some characters let you down. Sometimes they really surprise you. This story left on a cliffy, but thank goodness the next book is available.

For a full review and yummy pic, see my blog post at:

http://mybookboyfriend.blogspot.com/2...

[Abi · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really liked the novella, but this one fell a bit short for me.

The characters were alright, but i didn't really love any of them. Delaney kept going on about how she wanted to be normal, which i could understand, but it got annoying. Micah annoyed me even more though, becuase he didn't see where she was coming from at all, and kept telling her that their calling was amazing.

The pacing in this could be a bit slow at times, so it dragged. The story still kept my interest, but i felt a little bored at points because of the slowness.

Overall, an okay read.

[Skyye Breeze · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's a Fantastic & Alluring!!! Once I started reading I couldn't stop I got such an adrenaline rush with every page I read! I definitely recommend this for everyone!

Delaney & Micah have been best friends since birth and they both have special gifts but Delaney has always wanted to be normal like everyone else.. Things start getting complicated between her & Micah as their feelings for each other start changing then enters Sam.. Delaney's classmate.. Sam has always ignored Delaney but suddenly he's giving her the time of day and wants to get close to her... She finds herself falling for him but at the same time questioning everything.. is he only using her? can she trust him or will it be too late? read Dazzle to find out how it all starts and what happens in the end! i know i can't wait for book 2 to find out what's going to happen next!

[Sarah Elizabeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

(Downloaded for free from Amazon.co.uk as part of ‘The YA Readers Little Black Book’)

This was an interesting paranormal story, but I did find it dragged a bit.

Delaney was an okay character, although she was maybe a little too trusting of people at times. I liked Sam, even though he made a costly mistake, but I didn’t really like Micah or Ariel.

The storyline in this was alright, but I did find it dragged a bit. The world-building was a bit confusing, and I didn’t always understand what the characters were going on about.
There was romance, and I did like the relationship between Sam and Delaney, not so much between Micah and Delaney though.

The ending was a massive cliff-hanger. I’m going to borrow the last two books on Kindle Unlimited to find out how it all ends!
6.25 out of 10.

[Vicki · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a quick, easy read about 16 year old Delaney who has a gift, but she has a difficult time seeing it as such. She has saved more than one person because of her super powers.

Then there is Micha who also has super powers. Delaney and Micha are good friends and they both are followers of Zerach. They meet Sam who Delaney in particular likes but distrusts. Their concern is that he is not who he says he is, but perhaps their arch enemy. While they deal with this predicament, they try to save their town from troubles.

There are betrayals, evil, secrets untold, romance so hot, and just a good overall plot.

[Sarah Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

(Source: I won a digital copy of this book. Thanks to author Amber Garza!)
Delaney is special, one of only 10 ‘Ekloge Warriors’ when the coming war arrives, she will be one of the chosen few who will fight for her people.

Delaney has the gift of prophecy, and her best friend Micha has the gift of strength. For years the two have saved people by following Delaney’s visions and using Micha’s strength to help change things. Micha even saved Delaney herself from drowning once.

When Delaney and Micha save a girl called Ariel from drowning when her car goes off a bridge, they discover something important – Ariel is also an Ekloge Warrior. Although Ariel wants nothing to do with Delaney and Micha, circumstances throw them together. Delaney remains wary of Ariel though as she fears that she is hiding something.

There are other things going on in Delaney’s life though. Even though she and Micha are best friends, and they have always believed that they will end up together, Sam, a boy at school that Delaney has always secretly had a crush on, suddenly begins to pay her attention, and Delaney finds herself falling for him.
What is Ariel hiding though? Who were the men who ran her off the bridge? And what will Micha do when he discovers that Delaney has been seeing Sam?


This was an interesting YA paranormal, I thought that the world building could possibly have been improved, but I really liked the thrill of the chase and the mystery surrounding Ariel and Sam.

Delaney was such a sweet girl, and she was so invested in using her gift to help people, even when it made things difficult for her. I was both pleased and worried when she began dating Sam, as although I wanted her to be happy, it was obvious that Sam didn’t have pure intentions when it came to Delaney which was really sad.

I liked Micha, but I thought he was a little selfish wanting to keep Delaney to himself, especially when he then began to show an interest in Ariel, I’m not so sure that this was a love triangle as a love square!
Both Sam and Ariel were new characters in Delaney and Micha’s lives, and both seemed to be hiding things. While we saw things from Sam’s point of view every few chapters, we didn’t see things from Ariel’s view, so what she was up to was a total mystery to the reader.

I did find the world building a little difficult to follow in this book. We were told about the Ekloge warriors, but then didn’t find out any more about the history surrounding these warriors until later on in the book, and even then I was still a little confused. There was some mention of some sort of war between (?)two people called Zerach and Saraf. Zerach won, and Saraf was banished somewhere? Now Saraf’s people can’t enter the town where Delaney lives(?) but Saraf wants to take over the town. The people who live in the town either follow Zerch or Saraf, or don’t have an allegiance (I think!)

There was also a storyline surrounding tattoos – people who support Zerach have a tattoo on their arm showing their allegiance, people who follow Saraf have fire branded on their forehead. Tattoos also appear on people’s skin to show important things in their life – parents, pets, loves etc. Delaney and Micha both have these sort of self-appearing tattoos, although Sam didn’t, I’m not 100% sure if the tattoos only came to people who supported Zerach? Really not sure! I think more information was needed with regards to the world building to make things a bit clearer possibly!

I did find the mystery surrounding the Ekloge Warriors to be very gripping, and I can’t wait to discover if Delaney and Micha find more of these special warriors in the next instalment!

I did find the paranormal aspect of the story a little difficult to believe in places. The story read very much like a contemporary romance, but then these strange paranormal aspects came in that didn’t 100% fit in with the story, I’m hoping that this will improve in the next instalment though, as things smooth out a bit.

The ending was slightly maddening I’m afraid – we’re left with a major cliff-hanger! I really want to know what happens next so I will be keeping an eye out for the next instalment, which I think the author said she would send me when it releases!!
Overall; a good start to a new YA paranormal series, with an intriguing ‘love square’ to boot!
7 out of 10.

[Jacquie Talento · Rating 5 out of 5]

Delaney is gifted with dreams that help her change fate for those in it. She’s a member of the Ekloge Warriors and a follower of Zerach. The Sarafites, followers of Saraf are their enemy and they don’t play nice. But when Sam wants to be a member of this elite group, he will do anything to become one of them even if it includes putting someone else’s life in danger. But something changes in him and he’s not sure that is the route he wants to take but is it too late for him to change his mind?
Micah is interested in finding the rest of the members of his group. He and Delaney have known each other for what seems like forever and he feels more than just a friendship for her and she doesn’t want a part of that. She just wants to have a normal life like kids her own age but because of her ability that isn’t likely going to happen. She feels an interest in Sam that allows her to want to get to know him. Now with finding Ariel who also has a gift, there is an interest between her and Micah that doesn’t comfort Delaney.
With the Sarafites trying to take control and steal away the abilities of the Zerachs, what cost will everyone have to face?
I like how the author did each chapter as the point of view of each character. She’s a new author to me and I as well like the way the characters grow with us. This story is very well written and I would recommend it to everyone. But talk about leaving you on the edge of your seat, she did it to me so I know I will be getting the next book in the series.

[Tammy Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dazzle is one book that took me by complete surprise. I was completely taken over by this story. I immediately started having reactions to the characters: Delaney is so strong willed and independent; then there is Micah, who comes off as kind of jerk. But I get where he is coming from as he just wants to protect Delaney and everyone else that he loves. Sam, well he was the character you love to hate, yet I discovered I had a soft spot for the guy. The story itself is just amazing; I could not put this book down. As I sat reading Dazzle, the story just came alive for me as if I had been transported into it. I can honestly say that Amber Garza has a way with words as she totally swept me up into the story. I am an avid reader and often find myself lost in a book as I travel its pages, and Dazzle is one book that I would gladly get lost in again and again. I am eagerly awaiting book two in this series!

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn't put Dazzle down, and when I finally had to once it was finished, I honestly wanted to pick it back up and start again! I'm a sucker for a great love triangle, and Dazzle does not disappoint. While Delaney's relationship with her best friend Micah is ideal in so many ways, I just couldn't help but cheer for bad-boy Sam. I'm so torn, and I love that Garza's characters are developed so well that I felt equally attached to both. The story had me turning the pages faster and faster, and the ending left me intrigued and excited for the second book in the series. Garza's storyline is incredibly unique and will pull you right into their world from the very beginning. Dazzle is an absolute must read!

[Theresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Delaney and Micah have special powers that could essentially help save their world some day. In order to make sure they are safe they are sheltered their whole life from other people. Then one day Micah meets Ariel and Delaney meets Sam. Will Sam and Ariel hurt Delaney and Micah or help them? Who will Delaney ultimately stand beside? Will she even live?

This book was hard to put down! I wanted to see what was going to happen next! Every page was a new twist in the story of Delaney and Micah right down to the secret of their powers. This was a fast-paced page turner and the main characters were so well developed I could actually picture them in my mind's eye!

Looking forward to the second in the series!

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I Receive this book from the author, finally i read it last night, and I could not put it down had to know what happen next, Mich and Delaney isn't just normal teenagers they have special powers, they help people when there in danger, Delaney just wont's to be a normal teenager and not have a special power, but finally she accepts it and who she is, Delaney falls for the bad guy, and mich isn't to happy about it, but delaney is falling in love with him. If you haven't read this book you need to you its in awesome book, and the author is amazing, can't wait to read the second book

[Krys · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a book that I was able to download for free during one of my "Ohhh Amazon freebie hoarder sprees". As I'm sure you know as a reader yourself, sometimes even when the premise is good, you still get burned by the book. However... this was NOT the case for Dazzle.

There are a lot of things that the premise leaves out; the God-like ruler of Edenly called Zerach, the tattoos the mysteriously appear on his followers (of which Delaney is one), the threat of war with the Sarafites which looms ever closer, the fact that Delaney isn't the only one with a "special gift", and the most engaging fact of all, that underneath everything... the characters in this book are just kids. They are sixteen years old, and have already seen and done things that most would never dream of. And few things in their life are of their own choosing.

Because the premise leaves so much out, I feel it is only fair that I do something I rarely do, and that is provide you with my own "account" or "summary" of the story.

Basically, Micah and Delaney have grown up together, are are now best friends. She has the gift of premonition, and he has super-human strength. Together, they use their gifts to help others, all the while Delaney longs to be normal, while Micah seems to embrace his gift and is actively looking for others like them (it is said there are 10). The book begins with them rescuing a girl named Ariel, who was once like them, but has lost the use of her powers. At first Ariel wants nothing to do with either of them, but eventually, circumstances force them into forming an unlikely bond.

Delaney is weary of Ariel, convinced that she is hiding something from them, however Michah's feelings for her complicate matters as he also has feelings for Delaney.. who may or may not be sneaking around with a boy that is only using her to gain what he wants himself, for a time anyway.

Of course, I'm not able to capture everything the way Ms. Garaza does, but that should just entice you to enter her world for yourself. I found myself completely drawn in by her works. I could not only picture the characters and their locations, but I felt that I knew them. The author did a wonderful job with giving the whole town a back-story in the form of "the first war" and the legends surrounding the people that now inhabit it. I admired the fact that she not only acknowledged the Ekloge Warriors in one part of the book, but she also made their "legend" an open fact for the "evil" side of the story as well.

There were many surprises to be found, as well as some character growth, but everything felt real to me. The surprises flowed as part of the story (and in fact added to the story), while the character growth seemed completely plausible to me.

Dazzle does bounce around between three different main characters (Delaney, Micah and Sam), but it was done in such a way that I was never left wondering just whose POV I was experiencing. The characters were all different, well developed without coming across as "perfect", and I found myself actually caring about them. It seemed as though all of the major players had a secret, and that made me wonder.. what was their leader Zerach hiding? What about the Sarafite leader? It seems to me that they would both have secrets from the "first war" that they did not want coming to light, and I hope that they become more evolved in the next book.

Full of twists and turns, and (at least for me) unanswered questions like who will Dalaney ultimately choose, how close is this war to becoming a reality & who is the traitor the legend speaks about, Dazzle kept me on the edge of my seat eager to learn what happens next.

I will warn you that the ending of Book #1 does end on a major cliffhanger, but I felt that it was befitting the story. I have already gotten my copy of Book #2 in this series entitled Glimmer, and I can't wait to delve into that and find out what happens next!

[Alivia Anders · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: 3.5/5.0 stars

I must admit right off the bat, I haven't read any of Amber's books prior to DAZZLE. Now, I know I'm going to have to give her other series a definite read, and hold my breath for the second in this series to show up.

DAZZLE stared off with one heck of a bang. When you first read DAZZLE, you're essentially tossed headfirst into the middle of Delaney and Micah, the two main characters of this book, saving a girl from a rather untimely death. But what looks like a simple save-the-damsel plan bursts into smoke when it's revealed the damsel, Ariel, is just like Delaney and Micah; she's one of the gifted.

Two factions divide this book; those who follow Zerach, and those who are Sarafites. Zerach and his followers are essentially the Gryffindors in this series; good-hearted, brave, and strong. To compliment them in the worst way, the Sarafites are the Slytherins of the series; dark, twisted, and looking for power and domination. Delaney, Micah, and Ariel are all members of Zerach's army, where as a few secondary characters make up the current fold of the Sarafites. Amber crafted a nice tug-and-pull with this half sub-plot, half main-plot, weaving it in and out of the whole story.

Through-out the series, we get to see multiple points of view from both Micah, Delaney, and Sam, the boy who acts as both Delaney's weakness and strength. Delaney is a conflicted, headstrong kind of girl. Gifted with the ability to see visions of the future in sporadic bursts, she keeps almost everyone at arm's length, unable to tell anyone of her gift, but aching to be free of her confined space. That's where Sam, the troubled, dark teenager steps in. Early on we see that Sam is out for a new life, one that would free him from his jerk of a father, one that would earn him recognition. So what does he do? He makes a pretty stupid plan, and promises to give Delaney over to the Sarafites in exchange for becoming one of them.

But his plan falls to the side as he fall in love with Delaney, and as she ultimately falls in love with him too. Their love can never be, as Sam isn't one of the gifted. Still, she tests the waters, going against all she knows to pursue a love she believes could be the real deal. Add in a mix of possible betrayal, some serious battle scenes, and you have one punch of a story.

My only real gripe with the whole thing was character POV and voice. I'm not big on the 1st person type of story, and when it's multiple POVs for a first person tale, it can be hard to keep up with who you're reading. That's not to say the story isn't good, it definitely is different than what's on the market right now, and in a fresh and exciting way I am curious to learn what happens next. My only hope is that the next book has a little better way to tell who you're reading when you switch to a different person; different mannerisms, different phrasing, something.

If you haven't grabbed your copy of DAZZLE yet, now is your chance, especially if you have a Kindle! DAZZLE is only 0.99 on Amazon right now, and I grabbed a copy for my Mom before I had even finished the book, because some parts in it left me totally in awe of Amber's storytelling. Make sure you get this, don't miss it.

[Tiffany · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this for a blog tour and to see the full post with the playlist you can click HERE

4.5 STARS :D

Delaney is just a sixteen year old girl that just wants to do what she wants for once in her life. All her life she has been sheltered b/c she is a Ekloge Warrior, that has a special gift. They were made to one day to fight the Sarafites in war when they try to take over Edenly. Delaney doesn’t want to be a part of any of it. She just wants to be a normal teenage girl, but she knows she can’t. Until she starts talking to Sam, but does Sam have another agenda on his mind or does he really like Delaney. She was always told it was dangerous to get involved with someone that is not a follower, but Delaney is tired of it all and doesn’t care. What Delaney doesn’t know is that she is about to find out how dangerous it is to let your guard down.

OMG dude this book was the bomb!!!!! There is no other word for it. Once I started reading, I couldn’t put it down. All of the characters were very well developed and everything was believable. And to top all that awesome off, they also have gifts. How freaking cool is that?!?! I really didn’t want it to end and I kept looking and hoping that I had a lot more pages left. LOL When it finally ended. My first response was NO NO NO NO, How can you do this to me. That ending just left me wanting more. I need to know what happens, like I need oxygen to breathe, that’s how good it was. Before this book, I was in a rut, but Dazzle pulled me right out of it. :D I highly recommend you read this book.

Delaney was a delightful character. She just wanted to be to live her life being normal. Sure, I would like a gift, but everything comes with a price. She has a big responsibility on her shoulders. I like to think that me and her would be great friends, even though she’s not supposed to talk to other people. I still try and befriend her. Overall, she was a very likable character.

Micah was a bit of a…..IDK. I don’t really know how I feel about him. Yes, I like him and I think he is a really good friend for Delaney, but he is just indecisive…kinda like me LOL He doesn’t know what he really wants, except to find the others like him. Once he sees Delaney with someone else, he gets all jealous, even though he is with someone else and continues to see her. I mean really, come on!!!

Sam was a little bit rough on the edges. He had the whole bad boy persona going in the beginning and then you find out that he is a big softy underneath. He just thought he had to act like that b/c he thought everyone expected it of him b.c of his dad. I don’t really know when I started to fall for him. It could have been a lot of different times. And then there were times, where I didn’t know what to think. Who am I kidding, I totally love the bad boys. LOL

[Sara Bree High · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dazzle (Delaney’s Gift #1)
Amber Garza
Reviewed by S. Bree High YATR

Once I started reading this book, I really did not want to put it down. I got involved in the storyline. It managed to hold my interest and I found myself sneaking a page or two here and there at work! LOL! I thought that the book was a quick read, or maybe it was just that I really got that involved. I tend to do that. Don’t judge! Ha-ha!

Delaney is your average teenager...NOT! I could not even hold a straight face while typing that. She is not anything average at all. Delaney is a teenager but she just happens to be an Ekloge warrior.
Most of the people in her town of Edenly are followers of Zerach. Delaney is a warrior for Zerach. She does not have many friends, since once her “gift “presented itself, her parents were worried that people would find out. Her best friend is Micah. Micah just happens to be a warrior too and he and Delaney are a team. (In a sense) Delaney and Micah’s gifts allow them to help people and save them.
They are out one night due to a tip off from Delaney’s gift and they meet Ariel. Now by meet I mean save. They meet her and realize she is like them. She is a warrior too, she has the markings. Delaney does not trust her and could be for a good reason. Is Ariel keeping secrets? What does she know that she is not telling them? (Personally I want to knock her up the side of the head a few times! LOL)
The markings are an interesting concept. They have markings like tattoos that appear on their skin. Marks show on their necks and the tattoos tell a story of sorts. Delaney and Micah share some of the same tattoos.
Now of course you realize the issues that can arise from being BFF with your good looking sidekick. Yes you know it. We have a few past kisses and things get real hairy when a bad boy names Sam comes into the picture. Little do they know Sam has an agenda, he wants in with the Sarafites. What would Sam do to get what he wants and in the end can he do what is right? Hmmm--- NOT TELLING!!! How do the Sarafites play into this? NOT TELLING!!! Oh you see where I am going with this huh, read the book.
(I do love a bad boy though, always and found myself rooting for Sam. Just saying )
How will this all play out who knows? I loved the suspense of the story, it was fast paced and full of action. The ending left me intrigued and I cannot wait to know what happens. Can they save the town? How does Edenly fair and what happens? Amber Garza created a story that I felt was unique and refreshing. I think everyone who likes a good paranormal twist and turn, and a budding love story…well you get the picture. Again go buy the book!
Read it, love it and review it!

[Penelope Bartotto · Rating 5 out of 5]

Put on your sunglasses kids because this book is bright and shining star waiting to go supernova on us. Garza, brings together a wonderful concept in this YA(Young Adult) Thriller, with a grace that is not often found these days. What makes this book a fresh idea, is that it is not trying to be part of the "gang" of Young Adult Genre series that currently exist, it is a unique idea presented with aplomb. This is not filled with vampires, werewolves, or set in a utopian/dystopian society, it is also not a "trilogy", another trend in YA Fiction. The trends are getting to be a bit old hat, and thus I love a breeze to refresh the senses and Dazzle is definitely a fresh breeze and bright star.
A story is built, while an idea blooms in the mind of an author, the idea must be taken and molded into something more than a spark. Crafting that story takes a level of talent that not everyone has, though some people do not get the clue that they don't have that talent. I am here to say that Amber Garza is "dazzling" as bright as the sun with her talent.
Take two teenagers who have known each other since before they were born technically, mix in the fact that there is something very special about both of them, that they must never share with others. Now, mix in the romance factor, we all know how that can cause confusion and emotions that lead people to make decisions that could be all wrong, or very right. Slip in a pair of characters, that bring mystery and questions to light, and sprinkle in a bit of parental control. Here you have a story, but what makes this a good story is the smooth way that Garza weaves it all together into a naill biting tail, that has one of those cliffhanger endings. Curses!!!! Actually not at all, because it just leaves you waiting for more...
and I am happy to say that there is more to come.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

You can find this review and others on my blog: http://simple-books.blogspot.com

I've read the authors other books (Prowl trilogy) and I was super excited when I found out she'd written another book!

I have to say, I like this book better than the Prowl series. To me, it was more exciting. I really liked this idea of the 10 warriors who would protect and save the city. Plus, I really liked the romance in this book!

I really didn't like Sam. Even though he did the right thing in the end, I still do not like him. I like Micah better. I really liked the idea of Micah and Delaney together and I still hope they do end up together, but we won't find out until the next book! And while we're talking about people, I didn't like Ariel either. I like her name though! It's just, I didn't like that she had those secrets. I mean, I know it was a really big secret, but it just bothered me. Plus, she was getting closer and closer to Micah too.

I also liked that the author put in two separate 'groups' that were 'fighting' each other. The Zerach and the Sarafites. It's kind of your typical, I want power! I'm jealous of you so I'll try to fight you! But it works out.

And I just have to say, I had suspicions that Ariel's father was on of them, but I had no idea he was actually that guy!

Overall, I really liked it! It was great! I can't wait to read the second book! I don't think I can wait to find out what happens? When does it come out? Agh! 4.5 Stars!

*I got this book because I was in the book blitz!

[Merisha28 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I bought this book.
Dazzle by Amber Garza
I have to say I'm thoroughly impressed. This is the first book I have ever read by this author. The books have components of romance, betrayal, trust, religious undertones, a bit of thrills in their, and mystery. I'm left feeling what the heck will happen now, especially after the cliffhanger at the ending. This is one of the best YA Christian reads that I have read. This is going into my favorites section on my kindle shelf. I just love the characters and how they grow and develop through the novel. The writing is great and story flowed real well. It is a easy read that I had a hard time putting down. I have to say I love Delaney and Sam. They are my favorite characters! I love how the book shows you multiple view points while reading and you understand what the character is thinking and feeling.

Delaney and Micah have been friends since birth and they are special. They are Eklodge Warriors for Zerach. They were made to save their people from the Sarafites. Delaney and Micah are in high school dealing with normal high school things, while guarding their secret from the world. If it fell into the wrong hands, it would spell disaster to the warriors. Delaney only wants to be normal and is immediately drawn to Sam. Sam has secrets of his own, will they prove deadly? I give this book an outstanding 5 star review!!! <3 it and can't wait for the next in the series.

[Candy Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dazzle is a fresh new twist on teens with supernatural powers. Author Amber Garza creates a world unlike we have seen in any YA books recently. Delaney and Micah live in the city of Edenly protected by Zerach, but not everyone in Edenly follows Zerach. Some chose not to follow anyone yet, Zerach allows them to still live there. They aren’t really a threat unless they succumb to the ways of the Sarafites. The Sarafites aren’t allowed in Edenly,so no worries, right? Well there is a legend about Ekloge Warriors that say one day there will be another war against the Sarafites, but no one knows when it will accur. So those ten train until they day they are called to fight to protect their people. Could it be sooner than they think? Could it be possible that the ground work is being laid down by the Sarafites to invoke a war?
Delaney is suspicious when Micah and she meet Ariel one night. Ariel becomes part of their lives but she may be holding on to a dangerous secret. Meanwhile Sam finally convinces Delaney to date him. As their relationship heats up and both realize they may be falling for each other, Sam also holds a dangerous secret. Can Delanely and Micah find the truth before it is too late? Will their new found relationships survive?

[Krystal Marlein · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC by the author for an honest review.
I LOVED this story!! I felt it was very original and well put together. The thing I love most about reading is discovering new books, authors and original plot lines. This book definitely had originality. I loved how the author wrote it. Chapter by chapter you are told the story thru 3 of the main characters, Delaney, her best friend Micah, and Sam, the forbidden fruit.
Delaney and Micah have a secret and thru this secret the 2 are linked and their lifelong friendship was built. While Micah loves it, Delaney is the opposite and wants nothing more then to be normal. Sam, to Delaney, is normal. But Sam has a secret. A secret that could get Delaney hurt or killed.
This book is packed full of suspense and intrigue. Amber takes you on a ride that will keep you guessing all the way. I can't wait to get my hands on book number 2!!! If you like young adult paranormal and are looking for a refreshingly original boom to read, this is it!! Keep your eyes open because its due out October 2012!

[Adele Symonds · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! what a fantastic first book in a series, I want to read the the next book straight away. The plot has so much further that it can go, this is more than just a setting of the scenne as some other 1st in series books tend to be. There is a clear plot and some very strong character's.
I love Delaney, faults and all and really like the way in which Sam's character changes due to falling in love. Micah is a very strong character who has an angry streak that I don't particularly like but it suits him and his situation.
The Plot - The Ekloge Warriors are specially gifted people (a minority of 10) who work for the Zerach, most of the people of Edenly are followers of Zerac but some chose not to pledge allegiance to anybody. The enemy are the Sarafites who are beginning to infiltrate the town again.
There are 3 love interest pairings and a couple of nice twists.
A war is inevitable to but when will it happen and will all the Ekloge Warriors be ready.
I give this book a definite 5 stars.

[Tia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Before I Read The Novel:
The description makes it look very exciting for a fiction novel. Also mysterious, hence why I am going to read it.

In The Novel:


Side comments: (as I'm reading the novel)
- Micah is kind of an ass. He is suppose to be BFF's with Delaney and he has rolled her under a bus because of Ariel. It saddens me.
- Sam is fucking up big time.
- Micah needs to get his feelings together and stop playing one girl off the other.

In The Novel:
I really liked the novel and have to be honest, it was great. When I first started reading it, I wasn't too sure where it was going or if I was truly going to like it. It's a bit pre teen/teen in some areas but still great.

SUCKAGE!:
Micah. 'nuff said!

[Lourie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Even though the 1st two 3rds of this book drove me nuts I still rated it a 4.

First I read Glimmer which is the short teaser for this book and I truly like the characters. However getting into the book the author drove me nuts. Her main characters fall in love but with different people yet experience the same things. The girl can’t trust the boy and the boy can’t quit trust the girl. It was just too much.

Then I hit page 199, and bam she got me.

Of course there is the obligatory cliff hanger but if you can get through the ½ half it is well worth it.

Yes I will be getting the next book “Shatter (Delaney’s Gift)”

[Ramsha · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was surprisingly very good!! I was sitting on the edge of my seat wanting to know what happened next. It had a lot of twists and turns which meant I couldn't predict what happened next!! Awesome!i also liked how it was written in three different P.O.Vs

[Cassie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review later;) i have a lot to say about this book, got it for free on amazon kindle. Go check it out!

[Becca · Rating 3 out of 5]

So, its gonna be a solid three. I wanted to love this i really did but the best i can do is like it. There were a lot of things that might just be personal...well that is stupid reasoning isn't it? This is all personal but lets say personal views on the type of genre, and i will explain later but i first and foremost, song time! Solider's Poem by Muse describes how i think two of our MCs feel about their situations, and their lovvveee.

Kay so first quick thoughts, I don't think it was a bad book but there were too many things that personally i couldn't overlook and it made reading this a bit uncomfortable? No, i will get to the reasonings later in the plot i don't want to sway you my way right this minute because i think that it is a good book, i enjoyed it for the most part. The pacing is a little slow. I guess one of my biggest issues is it wasn't what i thought/expected it to be, and i read bits and pieces of other people's reviews so i pretty much jumped in with fragmented thoughts/ideas already forming which is a big no-no i know but hear me out.

So plot: Well okay followers of Zerach are supposed to be like the good guys i guess, but i had a hard time believing this because all i kept getting was this super cult vibe like no one business. And honestly it took me until more than half way through the book to realize that the "World" we were set in, was not ours but either a different time, or parallel world kind of thing, because really there is no mention of God or any other type of religion besides Zerach's, Sarafites, or neither, and am not a religious person so i don't really care but i couldn't get out of the mind set of this being "cult" like, or even dystopia feel and I didn't want to believe, and i still honestly don't believe that Zerach's is a good thing. There i said it. So :p. So with that out there, i said before that the pacing is okay, well its kinda slow and there is this build up and you know its coming, and finally action starts ahappenin' and you know what Amber Garza does? She cliffhangers this. And usually i don't do the ending until later but yeah i was just a little pissed, by a little i mean a lot but it might also been because i was about to head into a three hour long class when i finished this and i couldn't move on. Super cliffhanger = not cool yo! Anyways the second one is out so i guess its okay. I will talk about my feelings on that later though. Right now for the plot wise, someone in their review mentioned how Best friend Micah develops his own obsession and i thought it was going to be Delaney and i thought he'd be all super stalker and creepy, no i was disappointed. I want to mention that there were parts that totally sneaked up on me and i didn't even see them coming, some of the mysteries i just didn't catch but now that i think about it their were clues...it was tricky though and i like when books trick me

Oh dear god i guess now is when i deal with the "love triangle" really its a square and its annoying as hell. I am sorry to say it but Delaney moved down in my liking points because of this love square. One of the main reasons i have always hated Bella Swan from Twilight - yup i am going there - is that she openly admits all of the fucking time that she loves both of the boys and she doesn't want to let one go and keep the other, she wants both, she is a selfish bitch. Yeah i feel very strongly about this. Anyways I don't care when girls try to work through their problems but when they get with the guy they choose they are with the guy they choose, but Delaney fences it a lot. Okay i get it Micah has always been there but before you always say how is like your brother, then when you start dating another guy suddenly you COULD feel more for him? NO. I AM SORRY BUT NO. And Micah, don't even get me started on you! JESUS CHRIST. Sorry but this little love thing almost made me want to rip my own hair out. But in the end Delaney redeems herself, well sort of, well she does, then something happens but you don't get to know that.

Characters: (PS this is in the POVs of Delaney, Micah, and Sam)

Delaney: She is not really what i was expecting as well, she seems more girly girl than i thought she would be, she seems like she should be on top of the world but she is excluded, and only friends with Micah because that is the way its suppose to be. She wants a normal life, and she craves to be like everyone else. She is suppose to be compassionate and sometimes she is, but when we meet Ariel step back whoa what the hell she is a mega bitch. I was taken back by her flat out rudeness to her, like all of the time. And this is something i just couldn't overlook in her character either, i understood her want to protect her family and that includes Micah but seriously in the state that Ariel is in you would think there would be more compassion even if you don't trust the girl. When she isn't interacting with Ariel though i really like her.

Sam: Man i can tell right away that he is a good guy even though he is suppose to be a "bad" boy. I can see his desperation and what is why he does some of things that he does. But i really liked Sam and i enjoyed going through moments with him. So Sam was probably my favoritest characters and i like him because he is well rounded. He is real and i can understand and relate to him. Also Sam is super smart, like kid caught things that i didn't and i thought he was an idiot, for reals.

Micah: Like i said before his whole love square thing bothered the hell out of me. We know though his feelings on Delaney, but he does make plays for Ariel, and then things start to really seem to go one way but he is just ugh, i can't im sorry i will just get mad. i like that he is a loyal friend, but he has a bit of a tempter and i don't like his blind faith in Zerach's plan and all that but again that is because i can't get over the cult like feeling i get from the guy, i just can't i don't know why but i don't trust the system and i don't trust Zerach even when he painted in a good light.


Okay so that thing about the second book: Well quite honestly i was reading the sample...yup during class, and i just don't know how i feel about this series yet. I want to know what happens i really do but at the same time i am wondering if i will just be annoyed with the same problems, and there is something HUGE but again i can't talk about it, but the first definitely will make you want to read the second even if you are on the fence about the first. Thats for sure but whether i will go on? I am not sure. I think so...


So if you don't totally hate me for this review because you loved this book with a passion and you think all my ideas suck well that is too bad, and makes me a little sad... But if you didn't decide that i am a horrible person and you want to see other books that i loved, hated, or were on the fence about you can check out my blogy-blog thingy where i do other reviews on indie authors, and what nots and my friend does too! so come over and check us out! http://theviolethourbookreviews.wordp...

[Megan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dazzle was a very unique YA paranormal/fantasy romance. The premise was unlike anything I’ve really come across.

Delaney had a special power, along with her best friend, Micah, who grew up with her all of her life. Both of them used their powers to save others when possible. Their lives were quite sheltered and they’ve only really hung out with each other, which was an agreement sort of forced upon them by their parents. Their parents were followers of Zerach, along with most of the members of their town of Edenly. Followers of Zerach were marked with tattoos on their skin which manifested on their own, all representing important moments in the person’s life. Their enemies were Sarafites, who were marked with a tattoo on their forehead of flame. Some members of Edenly were followers of neither. Delaney’s parents seemed to encourage her to stick to Micah because of their abilities, but they also trusted other followers of Zerach. Micah had the gift of strength and felt pretty content with his life. He searched for more people who possessed power because he knew there were 10 altogether. Delaney, on the other hand, felt extremely suffocated by her life. She longed to have no limits and be able to choose her destiny. The book was written from the points of view of Delaney, Micah, and Sam and I thought it was interesting being able to get inside their heads and view the story from different angles.

When I first started reading, I was under the impression the book was set in the real world (or something quite similar) and had people with special powers. The mention of followers of Zerach kind of threw me for a little bit as I discovered the setting was not like the real world at all and had its own history. The world in Dazzle was certainly unique, but I felt like there needed to be more world building in order for me to really understand the lives of Delaney and Micah. After awhile, I understood more as the history of the town was given throughout the story, but those details should have been provided sooner. I found the history/legends interesting and I loved the idea of the tattoos appearing on their own.

Sam was a major character in the book. He wasn’t a follower of Zerach, but Delaney was drawn to him anyway. He was jaded and cynical and wanted nothing to do with Zerach and felt stifled because he was rarely able to decide anything in his life. His feelings were much like Delaney’s in that regard and connected both of them. I really liked his character, despite the fact that he aligned himself with the “bad guys” early on. I knew he would change along the way. I felt like his purpose was predictable, but I enjoyed his character nonetheless.

Ariel’s presence added a ton of conflict to the story. Micah and Delaney had such a predictable routine going on and while she felt stifled by her life, nothing happened yet to really change anything. Once Ariel showed up as one of them, things really started to change for various reasons. I liked Ariel, but I sided with Delaney on the issue of her trustworthiness.

I enjoyed Dazzle quite a bit and devoured it quickly. I loved seeing Delaney and Sam slowly fall for each other and watching the conflict around them grow. I didn’t care for Micah much and I disliked his point of view the most, but I understood him and what he stood for. I loved the way that Micah and Sam represented two ways of life for Delaney. I loved the romance, legend, fantasy, betrayals, secrets, and strength of the story and all of those qualities made it a wonderful read.

I thought the world building could have been a lot better because even though I “get” the way the world is, I’m still just a little weirded out about the whole “followers of Zerach” thing and what that even really means and why things are the way they are in this strange town. I really needed more from the book in that area. Also, some parts of the story were incredibly predictable. Some of the dialogue and interactions felt weird and unnatural to me in certain areas. Those were my only issues with the book.

Overall, I liked Dazzle and I’ll probably continue the rest of the series now that I’m invested in the characters and because of the way it ended. I would recommend it as a unique and refreshing addition to the paranormal YA genre with just enough romance to keep me interested, with awesome action and underlying themes.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love me a book that deals with super powers. And the characters in Dazzle certainly had some cool powers, but there was also a really unique twist. Kind of a paranormal almost dystopian twist in the book. There are two kind of mysterious groups that exist in this world. One “good” and one “bad”(I’m just calling them that for simplicity). If you follow the good one then these tattoos appear on your arms to mark the significant events in your life. It is also a way of signifying who is a follower and who isn’t. The “bad” group is not allowed within the confines of the town, and their followers are marked on their forehead with a brand of fire.

Dazzle follows Delaney and Micah, both of whom have super powers. Micah is super strong and Delaney has visions of things that will happen in the near future. Early on they rescue a girl that also has powers, named Ariel based on one of Delaney’s visions. I thought it was kind of strange that Ariel was the first person Micah and Delaney met that also had powers. People with powers are followers of the good ruler and they are meant to be his warriors if the bad guys rise up. They also have to keep their identities a secret.

Then insert Sam into the story. He wants to become one of the bad guys so he can escape the town and leave his dad. He suspects that Delaney has powers so he tries to get closer to her to find out. I really enjoyed seeing the gradual shift in the way Sam views Delaney. At first, he can’t stand her. And that feeling lasts for a while, which I thought was pretty realistic. He didn’t just wake up one day and decide that he likes her all of a sudden. It was slow and happened over the course of the whole book. I thought it was really well done. I had no problem believing in the depth of their emotions for each other by the end of the book.

Delaney is such a likable girl. She just wanted to be normal. She wanted to have more friends than just Micah, and she wanted to focus on normal things instead of training and keeping her secret all the time. I felt her pain. And while I liked Micah, he got on my nerves sometimes. How dare he not believe Delaney ALL THE TIME. Seriously, she is your best and only friend dude! She has been there for you YOUR WHOLE LIFE. I just didn’t think he was a good friend to her all the time. I really felt for her when she went to Micah and shared her thoughts and theories with him and he just shot her down because he was a silly teenage boy. As you can see, I am slightly team Delaney. I just think she is a cool girl.

There are also plenty of action and twists to keep me entertained with Dazzle. I finished it in one reading because I just couldn’t put it down. There is a cliffhanger ending, and it certainly left me wanting to read more. I don’t know who I felt worse for- Delaney or Sam? Fans of paranormal superpower books need to check out Dazzle and the whole Delaney’s Gift series. I think you will really enjoy it! The romance aspect is great, as is the action and suspenseful plot. This book is an example of multiple plot elements working together in a great way.

[Tracey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Being an Ekloge Warrior is the most important thing in the world to me. It's what sets me apart. It's my purpose in life.

Delaney and Micah have been best friends all their lives. Graced with special gifts, they are each one of only ten Ekloge Warriors who are followers of Zerach and they have a duty to protect the people of Edenly. Not only from the general day to day things but also from the evil of the Sarafites. Whilst Micah relishes the life that is mapped out for him, Delaney would love nothing more than to be able to make her life's decisions for herself. And nobody must ever know about their gifts!! It's during a rescue mission that they save Ariel, who also happens to be an Ekloge warrior just like them. Ariel is mysterious and both Delaney and Micah cant help but feel that she is keeping secrets from them. But despite that Micah can't help but be drawn to her.

Delaney has always had an interest in classmate Sam, but suddenly Sam is showing an interest in Delaney. The more time that they spend together, the more Delaney likes him. But he is not a follower of Zerach and if her parents found out they would forbid their growing romance. So they sneak around and grab small snatches of time together whenever they can. But Delaney questions Sam's sudden interest in her when he has always been anything but responsive to her. Are his intentions what he says they are and is he being completely honest with Delaney?

Told from the point of view of Delaney, Micah and Sam, it allows us as the reader to get a greater insight into the characters and the story. All three characters were very different. Delaney is very strong, but she has self doubts just like every other teen. Micah is loyal and caring, but he can also be fairly set in his opinions, but as the story progresses we get to understand that side of him more. And then there is Sam. Gorgeous, deep and multi layered. He was the character that had me most in knots. Bad boy turns good. Or does he? I felt sorry for him. I liked him. I loved him. I begged him to do certain things and then I pleaded with him not to do others. He was the character who for me went through the most growth.

My fingers touch her face, trace her lips, and trail down to her neck. I pull her to me and crush my lips to hers, tasting her, drinking from her as if I have to in order to survive. Her kiss, her touch revives me.

I absolutely loved Dazzle!! Amber Garza has written a fantastic story!!! She writes in a way that you are engrossed in the story. I loved the romance. I loved the suspense. I loved the twists. And then there was that cliffhanger!!! No, no, NO!!!! Thankfully book two, Shatter has already been released so i'm off to buy that now.... But while I'm doing that, you should definitely go and immerse yourself in Dazzle!!