First Touch

Dying Thoughts #1

by Joey Paul

First in the Dying Thoughts series


Ever had a secret? Something you can’t tell anyone in case they think you’re crazy.


Tara does – she sees the last moments of people’s lives when she touches something that belongs to them.


Kaolin does – she doesn’t want anyone to know the truth about what happened to her father.


Now they’re both in trouble because secrets never stay quite as secret as we wish they would.

Genres: Young Adult

147 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 25, 2011

About the author

Joey Paul is a multi-award-winning indie author, exploring the young adult genre. She has released twenty-three books in total so far, with one more due out in 2025. Her current works include the "Dying Thoughts" series, which is eight books, the "Lights Out" trilogy, the "Cramping Chronicles" series, the “Invisible” quartet, as well as several standalone novels. She writes across genres, with crime, mystery, paranormal, dystopian and urban fantasy being her usual genres. She is writing her next two books at the moment, having recently finished her last two.

Joey is disabled and a graduate from The Open University with a BA (Hons) in Health & Social Care. When not reading medical textbooks, she enjoys reading crime novels, medical dramas and young adult novels. When she's out and about, she likes doing weekly wheelchair walks occasionally challenging herself for charity. And when she's not doing THAT, she's sleeping! She's 43 and has been writing since she was retired from her job on medical grounds at the age of 19. She plans to write for as long as she has ideas or until someone tells her to stop!

Reviews

[Madalena · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5/5*

Full review/Opinião completa (portuguese & english): http://presa-nas-palavras.blogspot.pt...

(⬇ English & portuguese ⬇)
-
(ENG) I quickly fell in love with this book. I do not know if it was the author's writing (that is great) the idea of the book itself/the way it was explored, or both, but the truth is that I completely loved this book and I'm  hoping to continue the series very soon.
What I liked right from the start is that we have a 15-year-old girl as the main character and she really looks like one. We do not have a character who looks like an adult or has extremely rational and deep thoughts. No, we have a teenager, who gets annoyed with people for everything and nothing and who is always responding in the most ironic tone possible (which made some moments really funny, even the most tense ones). The realism that I felt considering the character age, made me engage even more in the book.
However, while there are truly funny moments, we also have the character's inner struggle over her gift, where she tries to understand what each thing means, what and how she feels when she sees more violent deaths and even the way her life is unfolding (keeping in mind that no one around her, not even the people she trusts more, knows what she sees).
That being the case, and for all the positive points I just numbered earlier, I highly recommend this book and I look forward to read not only the rest of the series, but also other books by the author.

---

(POR) Rapidamente me apaixonei por este livro. Não sei se foi exatamente pela escrita da autora, que é ótima, pela ideia em si do livro e pela forma que foi explorada, ou ambos, mas a verdade é que eu adorei completamente este livro e espero dar continuação muito brevemente à série.
O que gostei logo ao início é que temos uma rapariga de 15 anos como personagem principal e realmente parecesse como uma. Não temos uma personagem que dá aquele ar de adulta ou com pensamentos extremamente racionais e profundos. Não, temos uma adolescente, que se irrita com as pessoas por tudo e por nada e que está sempre a responder no tom mais irónico possível (o que tornou alguns momentos muito engraçados, mesmo os mais tensos). Este realismo que eu senti por parte da personagem tendo em conta a sua idade, fizeram-me envolver ainda mais no livro.
No entanto, e apesar de existirem momentos verdadeiramente engraçados, temos também toda a luta interna da personagem relativamente ao seu dom, onde ela tenta compreender o que cada coisa significa, o que sente quando vê mortes mais violentas e até mesmo a forma como a sua vida se vai desenrolando tendo em atenção que ninguém à sua volta, nem mesmo as pessoas em quem ela mais confia,
Por todos os pontos positivos que acabei de numerar anteriormente, recomendo muito este livro e estou ansiosa por ler não só o resto da série, como outros livros da autora.

[Brenda Perlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dying Thoughts ~ First Touch takes you by the hand and reels you right in. The author writes in a very conversational way. Just like if you were friends with this teenager. This fifteen year-old is as real as they come and it's easy to build an instant connection. This story grabs hold and in an instant you are in the center of it all. I love characters that seem life-like and this one does.

Tara Leverton is not only a likable character but totally relatable too. My younger self would have gravitated to her and this series. There is nothing fancy in the writing which I prefer. This is the kind of book that you won't want to put down until you know how it ends with its clever lines and sarcastic wit. It's like talking on the phone with a close friend where you talk for hours. You don't want to walk away and I didn’t.

I devoured this book in a day. What a pleasurable escape. You would think a storyline about a lonely young girl whose mother died and was seeing visions that were more like nightmares would be depressing but this gifted author has a way of making everything she touches heart warming, entertaining and oddly enough, funny. Some of the comical lines had me laughing out loud. So clever and yet so down to earth. Loved every bit of this adventurous mystery.

"This is why I liked my life before Kaolin - apart from the fact that I was happy in the knowledge that my mum had died from cancer and the occasional 'vision' to disturb my peace and quiet. Apart from all that, I didn't have to worry about other people. The only goal in my life was to get through school with minimum psychological damage. Then Kaolin came into my life and suddenly everything was turned upside down."

[K.J. Simmill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tara Leverton didn't ask for this unusual gift but it started just after her mother died. Tara had been six when cancer had claimed her mother, or at least that was what she had been led to believe. The visions, however, told a different story. She was fifteen now and had learnt these episodes were brought on by contact with second-hand objects, and she often awoke from the seizure they induced to hear the reassurance that an ambulance was on its way. But there was  nothing reassuring about an ambulance, being on a gurney people had died on, or in a  bed in a ward where people had met often violent or tragic ends. For six months she had managed to keep it under control, adjust her life to avoid triggers,  and then Kaolin came into her life. It was a simple mistake, but one that was a catalyst for all that would follow.

This was a gripping read. It is written in a first person narrative style perfectly suited to the internal monologue of a fifteen year old. It possesses a steady pace and is packed with intrigue. From the moment I started reading  I knew I'd be having a late night, I'd planned to read just a few chapters, but I simply couldn't stop . I certainly look forward to reading more of Tara's adventures in the future.

[Jan Raymond · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dying Thoughts is a young adult mystery at its heart, but Joey Paul has made it so much more. It is a funny and entertaining story of young Tara’s ‘gift’, though she doesn’t consider it one. The first person narrative is neatly done and takes us on this journey in a sixteen year old’s shoes remarkably well. Tara’s introspective conversations are witty and does not grate (I’ve found that if not done well, it can ruin a book for you. It has ruined quite a few books for me.) But Joey has done a great job. Tara herself is very endearing and her relationship with her father seems very real. The mystery itself serves as a backdrop to Tara’s journey of self discovery, but is suspenseful and keeps you turning pages.

I think this book serves as a great introduction to Tara’s gift and how she realizes that she could be in a position to help people. I see there are more books about Tara Leverton’s adventures. I look forward to reading them. Five stars, Joey Paul!

[Carissa Lynch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dying Thoughts is the first book in a series, and I'm excited to read more. This is the story of Tara, who after the death of her mother started having "visions". Basically she can see people's deaths. Can you imagine?

Despite her self- deprecating views of herself, Tara is funny and clever, and has a firm grip on her "gift" (if you can call it that).

And then a new girl moves to town - Kaolin. Kaolin also has felt the loss of a parent, and after a startling vision, Tara and Kaolin begin an investigation and friendship that will change their lives forever.

This was a great book. Easy to read but heartfelt, mysterious, and engaging at every turn. It had a unique storyline and a main character you just can't help wanting to connect with. I think I liked Tara more than she liked herself, but I found her sarcasm and self criticism endearing.

Excellent story, great writing, and a series that can appeal to both adults and teens. I'm eager to see what happens next in the series!!

[Elizabeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

*I received this book for free for my review*

Okay. The back story of the "gift" was also insanely fascinating. So the plot line of this book is actually pretty engaging. The main character and her development? Frustrating to say the least. It really bothered me how the main character was so against communication with anyone. She wanted to do her own thing regardless of the consequences to those around her. No friends? No issue. She doesn't need them anyway. Not doing homework? No biggie. She will just manipulate her Dad and get away with it.
The other issue I had with the book was how the writing felt stunted at times. There were some grammatical and wording issues. Nothing too bothersome but prevalent enough to notice.
Overall it was an okay read, definitely worth it if you like teenage angst and super cool storylines.

[Jana Petken · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Tara, the young 16 years old girl who goes through the death of her mother and then has visions and a new gift to deal with. She is strong and likable. She held my attention and I read this novel in one sitting because of this. The writing is very personable and intimate. It is also witty in parts and a many great lines. The mystery and suspense were also in the mix and I believe this will be a great book for Y/A and adults alike. I don't think we have heard the last from Tara...I hope not, for she has many adventures still to come.

Five stars here for a great story and storyteller.

[Mary Yarde · Rating 5 out of 5]

For years Tara thought there was something wrong with her. But she kept that thought to herself because if she told anyone the truth, they would say that she was mad. For Tara has visions. Visions of death.

I discovered Joey Paul, Dying Thoughts series not so long ago and I loved it, so I was really looking forward to reading book one of the series. Just as I have come to expect from Joey Paul, Dying Thoughts — First Touch did not disappoint. The story was intriguing and full of drama. Tara is a protagonist that you can really get behind, and her story of discovery was truly heart-wrenching.

I Highly recommend this author and this series.

[Fiona · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this YA adventure. This author is able to write from a teenager’s perspective with great authenticity. Tara, the main character is so well portrayed and easy to relate to. Full of doubts and self-depreciating dry humour, although she would hate me saying it, she is very lovable. Socially awkward with her closest relationship being with her duvet she is perfectly drawn to appeal to younger readers.
The story line is intriguing and fresh. The writing is word perfect with a lovely even pace. I’m looking forward to reading the rest of the series.

[Angela Dawn · Rating 3 out of 5]

A teen with the ability to see how people died just by touching something of theirs... how intriguing! Such an interesting idea for a plot and I had big hopes however I found myself growing a bit bored halfway through. I liked reading Tara's internal dialogue but sometimes it seemed like too much. The climax of the story was a little lacking. Overall, an interesting read.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this.Thought the storyline was good. Only criticism is the grammar,quite a few mistakes but didn't affect the story (just me being over critical).Will be reading more from this author :-)

[Jenny (ofproseandspells) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dying Thoughts - First Touch is the first book in the Dying Thoughts series written by Joey Paul. This is about a girl with an extraordinary ability to see the last moments of people's lives before they die. However, this only happens when she touches something that belonged to those people.

The author did a great job writing this book. She genuinely portrayed a growing fifteen-year-old girl who deals with school and homework, making friends, and her love-hate relationship with her father. Although the subject and some themes of this book are a little dark, Joey finds a way to make them lighter, funny, and entertaining.


Aside from its unique storyline, what I like best about this book is the first person point of view narration style. The plot is told by Tara Leverton, the main protagonist, which allows the readers to get to know more of Tara's train of thoughts. The internal monologue is pure of sassiness and sarcastic remarks which builds a quick connection to readers. It is an easy read with a mysterious element in each turn.

Tara Leverton is such a relatable character. I love her! How I wish my fifteen-year-old self were able to meet her! I love how a totally-socially-awkward-Tara develops a real friendship when she meets Kaolin. I would like to give her a hug for that, even I know she would not like it.


Overall, this is a great book. It is appealing and engaging to both teens and young at hearts. I am looking forward to the rest of the series.

I give this book 5 stars!

Thank you so much, Joey Paul, for sending me a copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Debbie McQueen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dying Thoughts follows Tara, a 15 year old girl, who gets visions of the moment that people die when she touches objects that belonged to someone, or where the death occured. She just wishes to be a normal teenager, but even without her "gift", that is unlikely since her father is a famous musician. Tara keeps to herself, not just because she doesn't want anyone to know about her, but also because people usually use her to try to get to her dad. A new girl, Kaolin, comes to school, and she doesn't seem to care about Tara's father, and has recently experienced a big loss in her life. Tara learns more about her own mother's death, as well as Kaolin's father. She also learns more about her gift. Can she learn to live with it, can she trust anyone with her secret, and can she even use her gift to help?
I really enjoyed this book. It reminded me of Odd Thomas, by Dean Koontz, although much lighter. I don't usually care much for the whole "I see dead people" thing. Previously, Odd Thomas was the one exception to that, but now I would definitely add Dying Thoughts to that list. The story felt very believable, the characters were realistic, it was a light, despite the visions of death, easy read. There wasn't the normal teen dating drama, no love triangles, no "why won't this guy notice me". It was just a teenage girl figuring out how to deal with life, school, homework, and the "gift" of seeing the final moments when people die. I will definitely recommend this book, and I am looking forward to reading the rest of the series.

[Angie Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

**I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my fair and honest review.**

“Dying Thoughts - First Touch” is the first book in the Dying Wish Series by Joey Paul. It is the story of young Tara, whose mother has died of cancer. Shortly after her mom’s death, at age 6, Tara begins having visions, and soon she can see the death of those whose belongings she comes in contact with. As a 15-year old who has been having visions for nine years, Tara has a firm grasp on her gift and doesn’t let it get the best of her. Then Tara meets Kaolin, a girl her age whose father has recently passed away. In that one chance encounter, Tara has a vision that alters both their lives forever.

Though this book is written for a YA crowd, I absolutely loved it. Tara’s character is witty and fun and I very much enjoyed seeing the world through her eyes. She is an extremely likeable character and a perfect narrator for the reader’s journey through the events in the books. Her visions are intriguing and mysterious at times, making the book a really fast-paced read that is highly enjoyable. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series!

[Ellie Midwood · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading Dying Thoughts – Fourth Week, I just had to know how everything started. So I picked up the first book in the series, and it certainly didn’t disappoint! The author’s voice, sometimes funny, sometimes sarcastic, sometimes self-doubting, is very recognizable and once again I found myself very attached to the main character, Tara, a fifteen year old teenager with psychic abilities.
Tara is an incredibly likeable character, despite calling herself a ‘social retard,’ who ‘understands people as much as ancient Arabic.’ However, when a new girl, Kaolin, moves into her town and sits with her at the table, Tara has no idea how much her life will change. Each girl lost a parent, and it seems like the circumstances of their deaths don’t really coincide with the official versions the girls were given. They start their own investigation…
Brilliantly written, funny, engaging and keeping you on edge from the first page to the last one, “Dying Thoughts: First Touch” is a real page turner! I’ll leave you with this because I have to read book two now;)

[Allen Werner · Rating 5 out of 5]

I first came across author Joey Paul's YA crime sleuth Tara Leverton in book five, Dying Thoughts - Fifth Secret. I was so impressed by that book, I looked forward to reading the first book in the series. It did not disappoint. For a YA book, it is clever and witty, maintaining an engaging pace throughout. It was interesting to watch as Tara's "gift" emerges and she has to confront years of lies her father told her while enduring hospitalizations that delivered no answer. The main character is likable, in that she is honest (for the most part), brassy, feisty and independent. She has a difficult time maintaining close relationships, so it was fun to watch her evolve, let down her guard and make friends with Kaolin. Of course, the direction things turn to draw them even nearer is not pleasant but no spoilers here. Anyone who loves a good YA crime book needs to read this. I look forward to reading the other books in the series now.

[C.N. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the voice in this story. It was of a very realistic and rebellious teenager with a unique problem. She can channel the death of a person just by touching something belonging to them or something they have touched. This gift causes a loss of consciousness when it manifests, leading to her being secretive about it and also contributing to her lack of friends, something exacerbated by girls hero worship over her widowed and retired pop star dad.

All changes when a new girl arrives at the school; someone who isn't chasing the pop star and who has also lost a parent. What happens next is thrilling. I hope there is a sequel coming soon.

[Ellie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overall a very satisfying and quick read.
I liked the characters, they are round and well developed. Tara and Kaolin are amiable girls that after getting used to Tara's constant complaining about having to do homework, become very likable.
The plot itself was surprisingly interesting and intriguing. Usually, I am not a big fan of crime, but this is the perfect match for me. Not too bloody, funny, interesting cases that need some wit and insight to be solved.
The ending was very satisfying as well and I cannot wait to continue with the sequels.

[E.J. Bennett · Rating 4 out of 5]

A mystery with a hint of paranormal!

Right from the beginning the flow and the way the writing is worded shows it is intended for the younger readers and from a young POV.
This story is about Tara a 15 year old girl who as a physic power.
A great read with a good story line. I would definitely recommend.

[E.M. McIntyre · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun first book in the Dying Thoughts series. The characters were believable and the internal thought of Tara was realistic. I especially liked her relationship with Kaolin and the reader is able to see some growth in Tara's character by the end of the story. This is definitely a series I'd like to continue. Thumbs up for this quick and engaging read.

[Apurba Ganguly · Rating 4 out of 5]

First and foremost, I convey my sincere gratitude to the author for giving me the opportunity to review this book, as well as her unmatched patience and cooperation towards the composition of the review.

Dying Thoughts - First Touch is the first in the series, consisting of six books, which explores the trials and tribulations of the protagonist Tara, "gifted" with the ability of seeing the last moments of people's lives. The book is in the first-person narrative, and definitely matches the mindset of any other fifteen-year-old. I can assure you that this is a light read which will surely stay with you for quite sometime.

Writing first-person narratives from the perspective of adults is not easy, but that of a teenager is more difficult. The transitional stage (between childhood and adulthood) witnessed in the mental and the physical growths of an individual is brilliantly captured in the narration itself. Moreover, I loved the interactive style of the narration; the author, in the guise of fifteen-year-old Tara, often comes into a dialogue with the reader with multiple rhetorical questions. Also, I appreciate how the author has been able to hold on to the first-person narrative for over two hundred pages; I have read the works of quite a number of authors who go astray from the narrative. The characterisation is equally great. Considering the length of the book, it is quite surprising to discover that the author is successful in creating characters which are concrete enough. Tara and Kaolin can be viewed as the two sides of the same coin; though they are different from one another, they eventually realise how important they are to each other's lives. The third reason why I liked reading Dying Thoughts - First Touch is the fact that the book brings out numerous psychological truths, which are very much relevant to the thought-process of any early adolescent. The daily struggles of Tara, her dilemmas, her flaws, her opinions about life, Kaolin's thoughts...some of them would seem cent per cent relatable to any teenager living in any part of the globe.

The only glitch in Dying Thoughts - First Touch was how hastily the climactic scene had to wrap up. Though the author seemed very much loyal to the type of narrative she had chosen, I felt that a little more detailing of the climax would have made it an even greater book.

The isolation of a teenager, either from her parents or peers, is depressing; and it becomes unbearable when such individuals get the taste of true companionship. These psychological issues, which are rampant in all generations, require a lot of mental and spiritual support. We often tend to forget these minute issues, eventually remaining ignorant to the fact that these youngsters often feel tormented or impulsive from the inside. This communication gap between two immediate generations is addressed accurately by the author. I am elated to have come across such a book, and I wish the author all the best for her future endeavours.

[Apurba Ganguly · Rating 4 out of 5]

First and foremost, I convey my sincere gratitude to the author for giving me the opportunity to review this book, as well as her unmatched patience and cooperation towards the composition of the review.

Dying Thoughts - First Touch is the first in the series, consisting of six books, which explores the trials and tribulations of the protagonist Tara, "gifted" with the ability of seeing the last moments of people's lives. The book is in the first-person narrative, and definitely matches the mindset of any other fifteen-year-old. I can assure you that this is a light read which will surely stay with you for quite sometime.

Writing first-person narratives from the perspective of adults is not easy, but that of a teenager is more difficult. The transitional stage (between childhood and adulthood) witnessed in the mental and the physical growths of an individual is brilliantly captured in the narration itself. Moreover, I loved the interactive style of the narration; the author, in the guise of fifteen-year-old Tara, often comes into a dialogue with the reader with multiple rhetorical questions. Also, I appreciate how the author has been able to hold on to the first-person narrative for over two hundred pages; I have read the works of quite a number of authors who go astray from the narrative. The characterisation is equally great. Considering the length of the book, it is quite surprising to discover that the author is successful in creating characters which are concrete enough. Tara and Kaolin can be viewed as the two sides of the same coin; though they are different from one another, they eventually realise how important they are to each other's lives. The third reason why I liked reading Dying Thoughts - First Touch is the fact that the book brings out numerous psychological truths, which are very much relevant to the thought-process of any early adolescent. The daily struggles of Tara, her dilemmas, her flaws, her opinions about life, Kaolin's thoughts...some of them would seem cent per cent relatable to any teenager living in any part of the globe.

The only glitch in Dying Thoughts - First Touch was how hastily the climactic scene had to wrap up. Though the author seemed very much loyal to the type of narrative she had chosen, I felt that a little more detailing of the climax would have made it an even greater book.

The isolation of a teenager, either from her parents or peers, is depressing; and it becomes unbearable when such individuals get the taste of true companionship. These psychological issues, which are rampant in all generations, require a lot of mental and spiritual support. We often tend to forget these minute issues, eventually remaining ignorant to the fact that these youngsters often feel tormented or impulsive from the inside. This communication gap between two immediate generations is addressed accurately by the author. I am elated to have come across such a book, and I wish the author all the best for her future endeavours.

[Gayatri Saikia | per_fictionist · Rating 3 out of 5]

Joey Paul takes us in a journey with Tara, who can see the last moment's of dead people just by touching something that belong to them in her series "Dying Thoughts".



Book : Dying Thoughts : First Touch.

Author : Joey Paul.

Genre : YA Contemporary.

Pages : 221

Publisher : Bug Books by Createspace.

Blurb : Ever had a secret? Something you can't tell anyone in case they think you're crazy.

Tara does - she sees the last moments of people's lives when she touches something that belongs to them.

Kaolin does - she does not want anyone to know the truth about what happened to her father.

Now they're both in trouble because secrets never stay quite as secret as we wish they would.



My review : At first I would like to thank the author for sending me a copy of this book for review.

Now starting with my view, I am greatly pleased with how the author has tied up the book with her simple English. Although the author doesn't use "hard to understand" words yet the sentences are properly bound and wouldn't bore you. Readers of all age groups can pick up this light read.

As for the characters, I feel that the author has done justice to most of them like the protagonist Tara and her friend Kaolin(although I would have loved to know more about her past i.e before becoming friends with Tara). Also, I would have really appreciated if there was sufficient knowledge regarding the death of Tara's mother.

The only thing I didn't like was the monologue sentences or the parts where the person was thinking was not easily identifiable.

The concept of the book was what drew me more and I couldn't keep it down until I finished it in one sitting.

Highly recommended for people who are in a reading slump. This book might just be your rescuer. Also, for readers of age group 12-16, this book is just written for you.

[Dal Cecil Runo · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wish I've had this book as a teen

Something I love about Joey's books is that she knows how to sound like a teen without sugarcoating a story. There is a lot of realism, no matter how fantastical the paranormal aspects may be. There is beauty in the supposed simplicity of the narrator's language. YA is not my go-to age category, but I can enjoy it when it's sincere.

Why 5 stars?
1. Did I put the book down?
No I didn't, and I listened to the ebook with a robotic voice reading it for me. It has to be good if I can't put down an ebook.

2. What about the characters?
I love Tara, and her Dad, and everyone in this story. They feel real. No need to say more.

What about the structure?
Good pacing, not a predictable structure. Joey knows how to do her mystery, and do it well.

4. The writing?
It is about a teen, it sounds like a teen, and it wasn't jarring, again, I'm listening with a robot screen reader.

5. Subjective points
Yes. If I say all the stuff I love about this novel I'd be dropping spoilers and I don't want to. So, yes.

[Bruce Polkinghorne · Rating 5 out of 5]

The most enjoyable aspect of this book is the language. The story is written from the perspective of a 15 year old girl. The language she uses , and the thoughts going through her head, are all expressed in a way that reminds you what it was like to be that age. She is silly, obsessive, self centered and rebellious, exactly what you would expect of a girl at that age. The story has a paranormal aspect, but its not a rip off of all the paranormal genre that are currently popular. We are not talking ghosts, werewolves and zombies. Her paranormal ability is as much a hindrance as a help, and the book is about the struggles of growing up more than her abilities and how they affect her. Most importantly, the book will make you smile as she acts and thinks with all the contradictions and lack of logic that are such a part of a child of that age.

[C.A. King · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read a later book in the series first - oops! I'm going back and rectifying that now! This is a great young adult series from the point of view of a 15 year old who sees death happen! I'd write more but I'm already starting book 2!

[Joey Paul · Rating 5 out of 5]

4 STAR REVIEW FROM READERS' FAVORTIE

Reviewed by Shrabastee Chakraborty for Readers' Favorite

Dying Thoughts - First Touch is a young adult paranormal novel by Joey Paul. Tara Leverton has a psychic gift, a trait she inherited from her mother. Touching any object belonging to a dead person enables her to witness the dying moments of the owner. These visions are unsettling, especially since picking up her mother’s possessions means watching her being stabbed to death. Tara cannot fathom why she would visualize this when her father has always maintained that her mother had died from cancer? One day, Tara touches a locket that belonged to her new friend Kaolin’s deceased father. Despite Kaolin’s claims that her father had also died from cancer, Tara sees a shooting episode. How will Tara solve this mystery, especially when everyone refuses to believe in her psychic abilities?

Dying Thoughts - First Touch is the first installment of the Dying Thoughts series and marks the beginning of a new and exciting adventure. Joey Paul gives the narrative a slightly convoluted, rambling tone, which reflects a teenager’s thoughts perfectly. When Tara feels betrayed by her father holding back the truth, it further showcases her immaturity. On the other hand, Tara’s excessive attachment to her bed and reluctance to complete her homework make the account hilarious. I was amazed when despite her general aloofness and the status of a social outcast, she tries her utmost to help Kaolin, her first-ever friend. There are a few loose threads, something I am sure the later books will explain. All in all, this was a fast and enjoyable read.