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Unseen
Life for Jake Paris is stable and ordinary--until a mysterious old woman pays him a visit and he begins to have encounters with unruly children everywhere he goes-children only he can see. When Jake's estranged sister, Holly, finds herself the target of a national serial killer who has chosen her son as his next victim, Jake begins to wonder if there is a connection. Could these children be the ghosts of the killer's victims? As the kidnapper's plan unfolds, Jake uncovers a startling secret about the unseen children that will change his life forever--and Holly discovers just how far she is willing to go to save her son. A riveting story of rescue, restoration, and romance that will leave you thinking long after the last page has been turned.
334 pages, Paperback
First published August 1, 2012
295 people are currently reading
1415 people want to read
About the author
John Michael Hileman
13 books90 followersJohn Michael Hileman is the author of seven novels with over 1 million sales. He is currently working on The Millennium Project Short Reads.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 131 reviews
August 26, 2012
Wow. This book didn't have many reviews...but I decided to try it since the description seemed interesting. I have to say this book is the most misogynistic book I have read in recent memory. There are three main female characters in the book. One is a drug addict , followed by the female serial killer. The last one is a pregnant woman who decides to abort her baby because the dad (her live in boyfriend) has not proposed to her. A stark contrast to the three leading men in the story who are all pretty decent guys, and are all "protective" of these wayward female souls.
The plot goes something like this: Jake is visited one day by an old lady who gives him a cryptic message. He goes on about his day, but notices he seems to be attracting a lot of little kids. Shortly after, he finds out his sister's ( this is the druggie) boy has been abducted. He keeps seeing kids and begins to realize these kids are not visible to other people. Realizes nephew has been kidnapped by serial killer and thinks these kids may be victims of said killer. Realizes this is not the case. Along with sister and best friend, decides killer must be sister's roommate's boyfriend. Realizes they are wrong. Finds out girlfriend is pregnant and getting an abortion. Sees more kids, figures out they are unborn babies. Realizes one of these kids is his unborn daughter. Rushes to stop girlfriend from killing her. Saves the day. Turns out killer is actually the roommate, who kills kids born of unfit mothers because she had a druggie mom, too. These kids should not have to suffer with a bad mom. Then best friend and druggie mom fall in love, and she ditches the pills. Forget rehab, all she needed was a man to wrap his strong arms around her.
The only reason I kept reading was to find out why he saw all of the ghostie kids. But now my brain hurts from all this anti- woman rhetoric. Eeek.
The plot goes something like this: Jake is visited one day by an old lady who gives him a cryptic message. He goes on about his day, but notices he seems to be attracting a lot of little kids. Shortly after, he finds out his sister's ( this is the druggie) boy has been abducted. He keeps seeing kids and begins to realize these kids are not visible to other people. Realizes nephew has been kidnapped by serial killer and thinks these kids may be victims of said killer. Realizes this is not the case. Along with sister and best friend, decides killer must be sister's roommate's boyfriend. Realizes they are wrong. Finds out girlfriend is pregnant and getting an abortion. Sees more kids, figures out they are unborn babies. Realizes one of these kids is his unborn daughter. Rushes to stop girlfriend from killing her. Saves the day. Turns out killer is actually the roommate, who kills kids born of unfit mothers because she had a druggie mom, too. These kids should not have to suffer with a bad mom. Then best friend and druggie mom fall in love, and she ditches the pills. Forget rehab, all she needed was a man to wrap his strong arms around her.
The only reason I kept reading was to find out why he saw all of the ghostie kids. But now my brain hurts from all this anti- woman rhetoric. Eeek.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 27, 2015
This book was free on amazon. I enjoyed it very much. It dealt with abortion, murder, and kidnapping of children. Jake kept seeing pregnant women, and seeing children, he began to think were ghosts. Nobody else could see the children. Jake could talk with the children, and he could feel them. It became a real page turner the last 30% of the book.
I read this book a couple of years ago. I was at the eye specialist, and looking for a book to read on my Kindle, and I started to read this book again. I had forgotten a lot about the book, until I got further into it, and I started to remember things. I got home, and listened to the rest of the book on my text to speech option.
Jake kept seeing pregnant woman, and untended children. He didn't know if he was losing his mind, or if the children were ghosts. His nephew Gabe had been kidnapped, and Jake was trying to help his sister. Jake lost his job, and his girl friend thought she could help out, with the acting job she was offered. She was pregnant, and didn't want to make Jake feel he had to marry her, just because she was pregnant.
The kidnapper, and murderer was a surprise to me. I had not remembered who it was from my first reading.
I read this book a couple of years ago. I was at the eye specialist, and looking for a book to read on my Kindle, and I started to read this book again. I had forgotten a lot about the book, until I got further into it, and I started to remember things. I got home, and listened to the rest of the book on my text to speech option.
Jake kept seeing pregnant woman, and untended children. He didn't know if he was losing his mind, or if the children were ghosts. His nephew Gabe had been kidnapped, and Jake was trying to help his sister. Jake lost his job, and his girl friend thought she could help out, with the acting job she was offered. She was pregnant, and didn't want to make Jake feel he had to marry her, just because she was pregnant.
The kidnapper, and murderer was a surprise to me. I had not remembered who it was from my first reading.
January 15, 2019
Wonderfully Pro-Life plot with kidnapping, murder, betrayal and love, hope with a side of craziness. I loved the plot and characters (except the baddies). Highly recommend for the religious, mystery and romance lovers. 💕
October 15, 2014
A compelling and thought provoking suspense thriller! The characters of Jake and his sister Holly were fully fleshed out and easy to connect with and the story was simply a page-turner.
October 1, 2016
Don't review books. But this turned into pro-life propaganda disguised as a thriller. Couldn't finish it.
January 15, 2019
At the moment I'm reading another book, but my mind keeps wandering back, comparing it to Unseen. Unfortunately, there is no comparison. Current book: slow, dull and often makes me want to say, "Just get on with it already!". Unseen: fast paced, mysterious, anticipating what's next. Unseen, just like Hileman's Messages, immediately sucked me in, made me want more and I didn't want to put it down.
Because of certain children (and an old lady) who only he can see, Jake begins a few days of what seems unbelievable, but continues to play out in his life, eventually helping him understand what he's supposed to learn, to do and to change. These bizarre ghostlike child-sightings eventually affect the lives of a number of folks in Jake's path, and to a great degree, Jake himself.
There is a spiritual edge to the book that is both subtle yet poignant, allowing you to hear truth without it being overbearing or offensive. In fact, it's downright lovely.
To be honest, I finished Unseen, closed it, picked it back up again the next day and read it again (which, by the way, I can count on two fingers as many times as I've ever done that). I wanted to become better acquainted with the characters, to pick up things I missed the first time. With Unseen, I wanted more and enjoyed it just as much the second time around.
Loved this book, and highly recommend it!
Because of certain children (and an old lady) who only he can see, Jake begins a few days of what seems unbelievable, but continues to play out in his life, eventually helping him understand what he's supposed to learn, to do and to change. These bizarre ghostlike child-sightings eventually affect the lives of a number of folks in Jake's path, and to a great degree, Jake himself.
There is a spiritual edge to the book that is both subtle yet poignant, allowing you to hear truth without it being overbearing or offensive. In fact, it's downright lovely.
To be honest, I finished Unseen, closed it, picked it back up again the next day and read it again (which, by the way, I can count on two fingers as many times as I've ever done that). I wanted to become better acquainted with the characters, to pick up things I missed the first time. With Unseen, I wanted more and enjoyed it just as much the second time around.
Loved this book, and highly recommend it!
August 24, 2012
This book had me at hello... seriously. This gripping little thriller was everything I expected from John Michael Hileman and more.
Jake, a young man who has just lost his job, begins seeing ghost children on the same day that his young nephew goes missing. For most of the story he believes that the children are somehow connected to his nephews kidnapping however to the delight of the readers there are two distinct stories developing. This book is action packed and demonstrates a very, very important lesson.
Suddenly you are transported into a world of unborn babies and you realize the depth of the truth about abortion. This pro-life thriller is an excellent read and I highly recommend it.
Jake, a young man who has just lost his job, begins seeing ghost children on the same day that his young nephew goes missing. For most of the story he believes that the children are somehow connected to his nephews kidnapping however to the delight of the readers there are two distinct stories developing. This book is action packed and demonstrates a very, very important lesson.
Suddenly you are transported into a world of unborn babies and you realize the depth of the truth about abortion. This pro-life thriller is an excellent read and I highly recommend it.
May 16, 2013
I have to admit that I was a little skeptical as I started reading this book. I had read John Michael Hileman’s book “Messages” some time ago and somehow at the beginning it seemed to follow the same pattern. So I told myself to just keep reading since I had already started. I’m so glad I did.
The book is very different than “Messages” and their only similarity is that it’s a book you will not be able to put down.
Trying as always not to spoil the book for you, I will try to describe the context. This is the story of a man whose nephew has been abducted by a serial killer. All of the sudden the man starts seeing what he thinks are ghost of children. At the beginning he thought these ghosts were there to give him clues to find his nephew, but that was far from the truth.
The book is very different than “Messages” and their only similarity is that it’s a book you will not be able to put down.
Trying as always not to spoil the book for you, I will try to describe the context. This is the story of a man whose nephew has been abducted by a serial killer. All of the sudden the man starts seeing what he thinks are ghost of children. At the beginning he thought these ghosts were there to give him clues to find his nephew, but that was far from the truth.
September 22, 2012
I was hooked by the end of the first paragraph, and was not disappointed. The characters were well-written, thought out, and clearly life-like in their overall appearance.
The children of the novel were the highlight, if only because of the ending. I laughed and cried at all the right moments.
My only issue with the novel is that there seemed to be a bit more going on with the children than the author described. I would love to read a sequel and learn more about all the character backstories.
Overall, well done. Highly recommended to anyone who enjoys a great supernatural thriller.
The children of the novel were the highlight, if only because of the ending. I laughed and cried at all the right moments.
My only issue with the novel is that there seemed to be a bit more going on with the children than the author described. I would love to read a sequel and learn more about all the character backstories.
Overall, well done. Highly recommended to anyone who enjoys a great supernatural thriller.
April 9, 2015
This is a fascinating read with twists and turns at every corner. The main character is haunted by his past, having had a mother who was addicted to drugs. His sister is now following in their mother's footsteps. Jake runs away from his problems instead of facing them head on. Some strange things start to happen that force Jake to take a stand and face the demons that plague him.
This is the first book I have read by this talented author. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and look forward to more entertaining books by creative author, John Michael Hillerman.
This is the first book I have read by this talented author. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and look forward to more entertaining books by creative author, John Michael Hillerman.
March 3, 2015
Such a beautiful book!
This is my second book by John Michael Hileman and I'm going to look up more after this review. He is such a talented author. This book is so beautifully written, the characters are relatable, you feel compassion, awe, you will feel your eyes well up, and it is definitely not a predictable storyline. I've been bored by books that I can tell what will happen 5 chapters(or more) a head, and his books are satisfying in this department. He's topped on my favorite author list, and I've read thousands of books. Great job, John!
This is my second book by John Michael Hileman and I'm going to look up more after this review. He is such a talented author. This book is so beautifully written, the characters are relatable, you feel compassion, awe, you will feel your eyes well up, and it is definitely not a predictable storyline. I've been bored by books that I can tell what will happen 5 chapters(or more) a head, and his books are satisfying in this department. He's topped on my favorite author list, and I've read thousands of books. Great job, John!
October 10, 2020
A good story
I really enjoyed this book. Plot twists, love, and excitement abound in this story. A good clean story suitable for teens and up.
I really enjoyed this book. Plot twists, love, and excitement abound in this story. A good clean story suitable for teens and up.
December 29, 2017
I want to start out with this: I am a sophomore in college who has not written a review of a book since I was assigned to in my freshman year of high school. That being said, I am here for one reason: this book has way too many good reviews. This book was so awful I am still thinking about it two weeks later- yes, THAT'S how bad a taste it left in my mouth.
To start: the author hates women. There is not a single woman in the ENTIRE book that has any redeeming qualities. Literally. Not a single one. The main character is (Jake Paris) written to be and "ordinary" guy but seems to only have one actual flaw, while his girlfriend is written as always on the verge of tears, either happy or sad, self-centered, whiny, and to top it all off, almost aborts a baby because her boyfriend hasn't proposed to her. Then there is his mother, a drug addict with a revolving door of boyfriends who doesn't care for her children, and then his sister who grows up just like her despite the fact that Jake doesn't have any residual negative qualities as a result of his childhood. Holly, Jake's sister, is continually described as "weak." There is a point where Jake spends a few pages thinking about how she just needs a "strong man" to help her kick the drugs and that his best friend, Dan, would be suitable. This was almost physically painful for me to read.
My second major complaint: the author had an agenda. A man who bursts into an abortion office yelling at his girlfriend (who he refuses to propose to, by the way) that she "can't kill their child" is someone I would not want to know in real life, and yet all of the characters take this lightly? Also, the serial killer plot tied into it in a very weird- but agenda advancing- way. The killer murdered those kids in what was essentially portrayed as super-late-term abortion. This is crazy inaccurate and honestly insulting to any woman who may have had a late-term abortion. Actually, this whole book would have been painful to read for any woman who has had an abortion. Since it is not obvious early on that that's what this book is really about, I feel as though these women are being tricked into reading something they do not want to read. I will also say this: I am sure it is somewhat obvious by reading my review that I am pro-choice. I will entertain and respect differing opinions, however, they must be informed. This book was written by someone who has seemingly never met a woman in his whole life and is horribly deficient of an understanding of what it means to get an abortion.
My third and final issue is that, what was up with those kids he saw everywhere? I get that the point was for him to "save" his unborn daughter from being aborted, but I would've appreciated an explanation on how that happened. It was weird and out of place. Also, how could it be that the WHOLE thing is about him seeing unborn children, but at the end he realizes he saw a dead woman too? Just the one? That doesn't make any sense and is terribly inconsistent. REALLY threw a wrench in the whole thing for me.
All in all, I truly regret having read this book. I would not recommend it to anyone and I also lament that I have put too many spoilers in this review, because I have prevented it from reaching my target audience, those who have not yet read the book.
To start: the author hates women. There is not a single woman in the ENTIRE book that has any redeeming qualities. Literally. Not a single one. The main character is (Jake Paris) written to be and "ordinary" guy but seems to only have one actual flaw, while his girlfriend is written as always on the verge of tears, either happy or sad, self-centered, whiny, and to top it all off, almost aborts a baby because her boyfriend hasn't proposed to her. Then there is his mother, a drug addict with a revolving door of boyfriends who doesn't care for her children, and then his sister who grows up just like her despite the fact that Jake doesn't have any residual negative qualities as a result of his childhood. Holly, Jake's sister, is continually described as "weak." There is a point where Jake spends a few pages thinking about how she just needs a "strong man" to help her kick the drugs and that his best friend, Dan, would be suitable. This was almost physically painful for me to read.
My second major complaint: the author had an agenda. A man who bursts into an abortion office yelling at his girlfriend (who he refuses to propose to, by the way) that she "can't kill their child" is someone I would not want to know in real life, and yet all of the characters take this lightly? Also, the serial killer plot tied into it in a very weird- but agenda advancing- way. The killer murdered those kids in what was essentially portrayed as super-late-term abortion. This is crazy inaccurate and honestly insulting to any woman who may have had a late-term abortion. Actually, this whole book would have been painful to read for any woman who has had an abortion. Since it is not obvious early on that that's what this book is really about, I feel as though these women are being tricked into reading something they do not want to read. I will also say this: I am sure it is somewhat obvious by reading my review that I am pro-choice. I will entertain and respect differing opinions, however, they must be informed. This book was written by someone who has seemingly never met a woman in his whole life and is horribly deficient of an understanding of what it means to get an abortion.
My third and final issue is that, what was up with those kids he saw everywhere? I get that the point was for him to "save" his unborn daughter from being aborted, but I would've appreciated an explanation on how that happened. It was weird and out of place. Also, how could it be that the WHOLE thing is about him seeing unborn children, but at the end he realizes he saw a dead woman too? Just the one? That doesn't make any sense and is terribly inconsistent. REALLY threw a wrench in the whole thing for me.
All in all, I truly regret having read this book. I would not recommend it to anyone and I also lament that I have put too many spoilers in this review, because I have prevented it from reaching my target audience, those who have not yet read the book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 21, 2018
Another one to add to my favorites.
I got this ebook for free on Amazon from a recommendation through Bookbubs a while ago. I am so glad I finally decided to read it....Creative, chilling, graphic, and unpredictable. I've caught myself holding my breath.
What would you do if all of a sudden you start to see children no one else can see?... Jake finds out his nephew has been taken by a serial killer. Are the children only he can see there to help him save his nephew?
It may not be for everyone, as it focuses on abortion and murder. As for me, it had me wondering. Definitely a page turner.
I got this ebook for free on Amazon from a recommendation through Bookbubs a while ago. I am so glad I finally decided to read it....Creative, chilling, graphic, and unpredictable. I've caught myself holding my breath.
What would you do if all of a sudden you start to see children no one else can see?... Jake finds out his nephew has been taken by a serial killer. Are the children only he can see there to help him save his nephew?
It may not be for everyone, as it focuses on abortion and murder. As for me, it had me wondering. Definitely a page turner.
August 23, 2012
I don't even know where to begin with this story. I picked it up as a free read and it sounded intriguing. What I didn't expect was to be dragged in so deeply and so quickly. My heart was racing, and I was racking my brain to figure out who this psychotic killer was.
Tie in the odd "ghost children" and it was mind boggling.
Some of the kids stories I figured out once the link was understand. Aiyanna through me completley until just before it was revealed. Loved that some cases were clear and some left you thinking. What a freaking twist.
Masterful storytelling!
Tie in the odd "ghost children" and it was mind boggling.
Some of the kids stories I figured out once the link was understand. Aiyanna through me completley until just before it was revealed. Loved that some cases were clear and some left you thinking. What a freaking twist.
Masterful storytelling!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 16, 2013
What a great book! Loved it, loved it, loved it!! Its so unpredictable!!
The story focuses around Jake who's nephew is abducted by serial killer and at the same time he starts to encounter children that only he can see. He believes these children are sent to help him find his nephew but there is also another twist as you read further.
I couldn't help but continue to read this book to see what was going to happen next; if I could, I would have read it all day and night!
I highly recommend this book!
The story focuses around Jake who's nephew is abducted by serial killer and at the same time he starts to encounter children that only he can see. He believes these children are sent to help him find his nephew but there is also another twist as you read further.
I couldn't help but continue to read this book to see what was going to happen next; if I could, I would have read it all day and night!
I highly recommend this book!
February 7, 2016
Jake is getting ready to leave for work when an old lady knocks at his door. She hands him a rose and warns him not to let the flower die. There is a child killer in the city so Jake is surprised to see a child by himself as he leaves his apartment. Then he starts seeing and communicating with children that no one else sees, even at his office. Then he gets a call that his nephew has been taken by the killer. Do these "unseen" children have a connection to his missing nephew.
This is a good book, lots of mystery.
This is a good book, lots of mystery.
January 18, 2015
Wish I could rate this book higher than 5 stars
Wow....I've finished the book but can't stop thinking about the characters or story line. This book will stay with me a very long time. This is not just a fun ghost story. The plot is excellent and just about the time you think you know what's going on things change! Suspenseful, edge of your seat stuff, yet will touch your heart. Thank you John Michael Hileman....I will be looking for more of your books.
Wow....I've finished the book but can't stop thinking about the characters or story line. This book will stay with me a very long time. This is not just a fun ghost story. The plot is excellent and just about the time you think you know what's going on things change! Suspenseful, edge of your seat stuff, yet will touch your heart. Thank you John Michael Hileman....I will be looking for more of your books.
August 1, 2014
Amazing story.
I don't have adequate words...I couldn't put this down. This is a must read for anyone who loves mysteries and who believes in love, God and life. The journey the characters took came to life for me. I gave it 5 stars and if more were available I would have given more. This author is fabulous.
I don't have adequate words...I couldn't put this down. This is a must read for anyone who loves mysteries and who believes in love, God and life. The journey the characters took came to life for me. I gave it 5 stars and if more were available I would have given more. This author is fabulous.
October 1, 2015
Wrenching and not what you think
If you dislike books with a pro-life message...read this one anyway, because it has a lot to say about mothers and children and second chances. No matter what your views on the subject, this is a genuinely haunting yarn with unforgettable and sympathetic characters.
If you dislike books with a pro-life message...read this one anyway, because it has a lot to say about mothers and children and second chances. No matter what your views on the subject, this is a genuinely haunting yarn with unforgettable and sympathetic characters.
August 8, 2018
Absolutely wonderful!
I will never forget this story. It is now a part of me, as no other fictional book has ever been, as it takes a premise from my own imaginings and gives it life. I will recommend it to everyone, but especially to those who are expecting a baby. It will, as I have said, stay with me always.
I will never forget this story. It is now a part of me, as no other fictional book has ever been, as it takes a premise from my own imaginings and gives it life. I will recommend it to everyone, but especially to those who are expecting a baby. It will, as I have said, stay with me always.
March 29, 2013
I loved this book! It was completely different than what I thought it would be and a great perspective! So much more than just a mystery with a twist! Love love love. I wish there were more books like this out there.
May 11, 2014
Surprisingly good
Surprisingly good
liked this book a lot. wasn't sure at first as the description didn't seem too interesting. since it was so good I read it very quickly.
Surprisingly good
liked this book a lot. wasn't sure at first as the description didn't seem too interesting. since it was so good I read it very quickly.
February 21, 2015
Really good!
Started this book last night. It grabbed me right from the start and never let couldn't put it down. Excellent. One of those you can't put down yet you don't want it to end.
Started this book last night. It grabbed me right from the start and never let couldn't put it down. Excellent. One of those you can't put down yet you don't want it to end.
July 26, 2015
Great story couldn't put down
Loved this book . It had everything needed to keep me on the edge of my seat. It is definitely a good book that I will recommend to others. I will be reading more from this author.
Loved this book . It had everything needed to keep me on the edge of my seat. It is definitely a good book that I will recommend to others. I will be reading more from this author.
September 27, 2015
Another winner!!!
LOL Talk about a twist! This book is full of them. Again God rules our lives by sending us his own precious angels.. I can't say anything without giving too much away.
LOL Talk about a twist! This book is full of them. Again God rules our lives by sending us his own precious angels.. I can't say anything without giving too much away.
September 27, 2015
Wow! What a perspective!
Truly a book that should be read by all. If it makes just one person stop and examine their choices than it will be well worth the time and effort it took to put this story to print.
Truly a book that should be read by all. If it makes just one person stop and examine their choices than it will be well worth the time and effort it took to put this story to print.
January 17, 2016
ABSOLUTELY POSITIVELY FABULOUS.
I loved this book ten stars worth. What a uniquely different story that was an easy read and flowed seamlessly. Loved the characters, especially the children.. This book should be on everyone's must read list.
I loved this book ten stars worth. What a uniquely different story that was an easy read and flowed seamlessly. Loved the characters, especially the children.. This book should be on everyone's must read list.
February 26, 2018
A touching story of a brother and sister raised by a drug-addicted single mother. Each of the siblings have heart wrenching adventures that are cleverly interwoven. Great read from beginning to end!
October 18, 2018
i did not expect this book to be so good, i could not put it down. The author had me on my toes i wanted to know what was happening next. I never expected the twists . great read and will recommend it to my friends.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 131 reviews