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Cheating Death
Lysandra Brooks remembers everything about the day she almost drowned alongside her grandma, especially the set of mysterious eyes she saw at the bottom of the lake. Ever since then, she's been seeing strange things when she is near water—things that aren't really there. Because of it, Lysandra has the tendency to avoid anything that isn't on dry land. On her last day of high school, however, the biggest party of the year is set to take place at a fellow senior's lakeside mansion. Despite her fears, Lysandra decides to prove to her friends and herself that she can handle it.
But after a horrific night of drinking and drama that leaves Lysandra feeling lonely and confused, she nearly drowns for a second time, only to be saved by the new guy in town. From that moment on, Lysandra's world is forever changed by mind blowing secrets, including a revelation that something sinister is after her soul.
But after a horrific night of drinking and drama that leaves Lysandra feeling lonely and confused, she nearly drowns for a second time, only to be saved by the new guy in town. From that moment on, Lysandra's world is forever changed by mind blowing secrets, including a revelation that something sinister is after her soul.
- GenresYoung AdultParanormal
352 pages, Paperback
First published March 1, 2013
3 people are currently reading
541 people want to read
About the author
Jen Naumann
9 books186 followersJen Naumann grew up in southern Minnesota as an addict of such flicks as Indiana Jones and The Goonies until she discovered John Hughes, and spent her high school days locked away writing love stories with a sci-fi twist. Married to a farmer in southern Minnesota, she tries to follow the madness of her four active children while balancing an imagination that never shuts down.
As the author of CHEATING DEATH, SHYMERS, AND PARANORMAL KEEPERS, she writes stories with strong female leads who have a good sense of humor and tend to fall in love despite their better judgment. Also writing steamy adult romance under pen name Jennifer Ann (http://www.goodreads.com/authorjennif...). For more on Jen visit her website www.JenNaumann.net.
As the author of CHEATING DEATH, SHYMERS, AND PARANORMAL KEEPERS, she writes stories with strong female leads who have a good sense of humor and tend to fall in love despite their better judgment. Also writing steamy adult romance under pen name Jennifer Ann (http://www.goodreads.com/authorjennif...). For more on Jen visit her website www.JenNaumann.net.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
February 12, 2014
What a waste of time. This book had no point whatsoever.
April 19, 2013
The beginning of this book sucked me in with a creepy hook, but it was the ending that made me love it. This is a very different story from the usual YA’s I like to read. It’s about something deeper and more real than what paranormal romances tend to deal with. I completely understand why Mrs. Naumann decided to make this NA, because while it starts out with the main character graduating high school it ends up dealing with some adult issues.
When Lysandra runs away with Aydin you sort of expect this story to go a certain way, and I loved that it completely veered off in a different direction. I feel like this book took a moment to look at some of the things that are often romanticized in YA and NA paranormal romances and give an honest and real perspective on them. Cheating Death is about growing up and learning to deal with life changing events in a responsible way; and, it makes some serious comments about teen drinking, suicide, rape, and second chances.
There seems to be a formula that paranormal themed books follow these days. Basically it comes out as human girl meets supernatural boy and against all odds they find a way to be together regardless of the consequences, even if that means the human girl has to give up everything in her life including friends, family and even her very humanity. Naumann completely breaks free of this trend and puts out a very different message with Cheating Death. She looks at how selfish these choices can be and how they affect all of the people in Lysandra’s life. This may be a paranormal book, but at its core it’s about something very real. This book isn’t about the undying love a girl has for a boy; it’s about life and the choices we make.
Lysandra has been a bit of a follower all of her life. She’s a little lost - as I think many people are at eighteen, wondering what she wants to do with the rest of her life. But, she has to grow up incredibly fast. One moment she’s a kid and the next she’s dealing with adult problems, and you really feel her loss over that middle part of her life. Her young adult years vanish. The way she deals with everything that happens to her is this downward spiral of events that tear her apart, and build her into a stronger person at the same time.
I loved Lysandra. She felt really real to me and I could understand her love/hate relationships with her friends. One thing that annoyed me a little with her, however, was that after she woke up in a stranger’s bed after a party that she couldn’t remember, she didn’t even wonder if maybe she’d been taken advantage of. Other people had to point this out to her. But, looking at her personality and the overall concept of the book I think that was just part of her immaturity in that stage of her life. She’s hard on herself because she doesn’t know who she is yet. And she blames herself for what happened because in her journey to discover who she is she makes mistakes and takes risks that aren’t true to who she is.
The ending of this book was incredible. It wrapped everything up nicely and in an unexpected way. You really see Lysandra’s growth in those final chapters. When she first realizes that she was meant to die, but didn’t, she doesn’t fully understand what this means or care about how it affects her friends, family and the entire world. Even when her very existence causes the deaths of innocent people she’s too selfish not to even consider that she’s not supposed to be there. The end of this book really brings it all together and shows how Lysandra has learned to be not only self-less but a well-rounded person.
For more reviews by Lauryn April go to http://laurynapril.blogspot.com
When Lysandra runs away with Aydin you sort of expect this story to go a certain way, and I loved that it completely veered off in a different direction. I feel like this book took a moment to look at some of the things that are often romanticized in YA and NA paranormal romances and give an honest and real perspective on them. Cheating Death is about growing up and learning to deal with life changing events in a responsible way; and, it makes some serious comments about teen drinking, suicide, rape, and second chances.
There seems to be a formula that paranormal themed books follow these days. Basically it comes out as human girl meets supernatural boy and against all odds they find a way to be together regardless of the consequences, even if that means the human girl has to give up everything in her life including friends, family and even her very humanity. Naumann completely breaks free of this trend and puts out a very different message with Cheating Death. She looks at how selfish these choices can be and how they affect all of the people in Lysandra’s life. This may be a paranormal book, but at its core it’s about something very real. This book isn’t about the undying love a girl has for a boy; it’s about life and the choices we make.
Lysandra has been a bit of a follower all of her life. She’s a little lost - as I think many people are at eighteen, wondering what she wants to do with the rest of her life. But, she has to grow up incredibly fast. One moment she’s a kid and the next she’s dealing with adult problems, and you really feel her loss over that middle part of her life. Her young adult years vanish. The way she deals with everything that happens to her is this downward spiral of events that tear her apart, and build her into a stronger person at the same time.
I loved Lysandra. She felt really real to me and I could understand her love/hate relationships with her friends. One thing that annoyed me a little with her, however, was that after she woke up in a stranger’s bed after a party that she couldn’t remember, she didn’t even wonder if maybe she’d been taken advantage of. Other people had to point this out to her. But, looking at her personality and the overall concept of the book I think that was just part of her immaturity in that stage of her life. She’s hard on herself because she doesn’t know who she is yet. And she blames herself for what happened because in her journey to discover who she is she makes mistakes and takes risks that aren’t true to who she is.
The ending of this book was incredible. It wrapped everything up nicely and in an unexpected way. You really see Lysandra’s growth in those final chapters. When she first realizes that she was meant to die, but didn’t, she doesn’t fully understand what this means or care about how it affects her friends, family and the entire world. Even when her very existence causes the deaths of innocent people she’s too selfish not to even consider that she’s not supposed to be there. The end of this book really brings it all together and shows how Lysandra has learned to be not only self-less but a well-rounded person.
For more reviews by Lauryn April go to http://laurynapril.blogspot.com
June 14, 2013
I originally picked this book because I wanted to try and expand my horizons. I don't typically read fantasy/paranormal type books because I have a very hard time wrapping my head around the "realness" of them. I was not disappointed in this book at all.
Cheating Death, while mostly paranormal, did not make me want to roll my eyes like most paranormal/YA books do.
Lysandra is your "typical" high school senior. She has a group of friends, who like most high school kids, tend to be selfish and are all about the drinking, partying and well, just being a teenager. The difference with Lysandra is that she is not just a "typical" high school student. She has avoided death once, and is still haunted by that. Lysandra's life is turned around the night of the big senior party, which coincidentally is at a house on a lake.
What happens from that point on in the book is not for me to tell you about. I know, I know, it's a review, you want to know about the book, but honestly, Jen Naumann takes you for a brilliant ride. There are so many moments in this book where I thought I knew where things were going, and then BAM, my thoughts were way off.
I love the relationship between Lys and all of the collectors in this book (I promise, that word will make sense when you read the book). Selah, Lilith, Aydin....the relationship that Lysandra has with all of them is the one thing that really draws me into this book. The transformation that Lysandra makes as the book goes on is just very real.
While I did enjoy the book, it was the last chapter that really sealed the deal for me. Jen Naumann really tied everything up with a nice, pretty bow that makes me happy...and really, isn't that what we all want in a good book?
Cheating Death, while mostly paranormal, did not make me want to roll my eyes like most paranormal/YA books do.
Lysandra is your "typical" high school senior. She has a group of friends, who like most high school kids, tend to be selfish and are all about the drinking, partying and well, just being a teenager. The difference with Lysandra is that she is not just a "typical" high school student. She has avoided death once, and is still haunted by that. Lysandra's life is turned around the night of the big senior party, which coincidentally is at a house on a lake.
What happens from that point on in the book is not for me to tell you about. I know, I know, it's a review, you want to know about the book, but honestly, Jen Naumann takes you for a brilliant ride. There are so many moments in this book where I thought I knew where things were going, and then BAM, my thoughts were way off.
I love the relationship between Lys and all of the collectors in this book (I promise, that word will make sense when you read the book). Selah, Lilith, Aydin....the relationship that Lysandra has with all of them is the one thing that really draws me into this book. The transformation that Lysandra makes as the book goes on is just very real.
While I did enjoy the book, it was the last chapter that really sealed the deal for me. Jen Naumann really tied everything up with a nice, pretty bow that makes me happy...and really, isn't that what we all want in a good book?
July 5, 2013
Wow!! This book completely blew my mind. Lysandra has always knew there was something different about her since she almost drowned with her grandmother. However, when Ayden shows up as the new student and turns her world upside down, she finds out the world is a lot different than she ever knew it to be. After hiding out for nine months and learning what life was truly about she finds happiness. Not necessarily with the one she truly wants to be with but it's enough. The drama that unfolds in this story has become reality in so many lives no and days that I find it comforting that someone can turn the awareness in to a book that would stand out to those that are in the age group. I still find the book entertaining with all the twists and turns along with the paranormal aspect of it. I hope readers will be able to pull the true meaning I got from the story. I absolutely loved it, I would love to see a sequel from Jen Naumann although I dont know how it would go with the way this one ended. I can't wait to read other work by this author as well. I was captivated right from beginning to end.
June 18, 2013
This book taught me a lot. Yeah it's paranormal, but it has a lot of life lessons that every teenager should learn. Forgiveness, courage, strength, love.. Sometimes the main character seriously pissed my off with her stupidity, but how can you learn a log lesson without doing something completely stupid?
I do love this book, and I'm so glad I got to read this.!
I do love this book, and I'm so glad I got to read this.!
May 1, 2013
Cheating Death by Jen Naumann
Series: Stand Alone
Genre: Contemporary, Paranormal
Age Group: Young Adult
Release Date: April 9, 2013
Print Length: 370 pages
Format: Kindle
Source: Purchased
Review Date: April 30, 2013
Overall Rating: 4 stars
Sensuality Rating: Mild (YA)
★★★★
Spooky, Unique, Emotional, Bittersweet…
This book had my emotions all over the place. But at the turning of the last page the overwhelming feeling was bittersweet. This was a YA book with a heroine that acts like a real teenager, unlike the teenagers in many YA books that have the emotional intelligence of a forty year old.
Lysandra is an average girl, in an average town, doing average (although risky) teenage stuff. She reminds me a lot of myself during my teenage rebellious years. She is naïve, superficial, and impulsive; think back to when you were teenager and you can most likely relate (if you’re being honest with yourself).
She meets Aydin on her last day of her senior year in high school. He is a new kid, a recent arrival to her high school. As Lysandra’s decisions lead to horrible consequences he is there to help her out of the darkness. But he is hiding a lot. Aydin is a mystery, and when Lysandra finds out who he really is her world is turned upside-down. She is faced with adult decisions for the first time in her life. She is also forced into a supernatural world she knew nothing about. Will she survive through all this? You may be surprised…
I thought I knew where the story was going so many times and was shocked each time I was wrong. This story has its supernatural elements, but above all it is a story about a young girl dealing with difficult circumstances and growing from them. The end is bittersweet. I was hoping for something different, but I also like to be surprised. And I was definitely surprised.
Warning: this book contains underage drinking and (non-graphic) non-consensual sex/rape.
StacyHgg
Books Unhinged
bit.ly/BooksUnhinged
Series: Stand Alone
Genre: Contemporary, Paranormal
Age Group: Young Adult
Release Date: April 9, 2013
Print Length: 370 pages
Format: Kindle
Source: Purchased
Review Date: April 30, 2013
Overall Rating: 4 stars
Sensuality Rating: Mild (YA)
★★★★
Spooky, Unique, Emotional, Bittersweet…
This book had my emotions all over the place. But at the turning of the last page the overwhelming feeling was bittersweet. This was a YA book with a heroine that acts like a real teenager, unlike the teenagers in many YA books that have the emotional intelligence of a forty year old.
Lysandra is an average girl, in an average town, doing average (although risky) teenage stuff. She reminds me a lot of myself during my teenage rebellious years. She is naïve, superficial, and impulsive; think back to when you were teenager and you can most likely relate (if you’re being honest with yourself).
She meets Aydin on her last day of her senior year in high school. He is a new kid, a recent arrival to her high school. As Lysandra’s decisions lead to horrible consequences he is there to help her out of the darkness. But he is hiding a lot. Aydin is a mystery, and when Lysandra finds out who he really is her world is turned upside-down. She is faced with adult decisions for the first time in her life. She is also forced into a supernatural world she knew nothing about. Will she survive through all this? You may be surprised…
I thought I knew where the story was going so many times and was shocked each time I was wrong. This story has its supernatural elements, but above all it is a story about a young girl dealing with difficult circumstances and growing from them. The end is bittersweet. I was hoping for something different, but I also like to be surprised. And I was definitely surprised.
Warning: this book contains underage drinking and (non-graphic) non-consensual sex/rape.
StacyHgg
Books Unhinged
bit.ly/BooksUnhinged
May 11, 2015
Not sure where to start with this one. I found this by browsing Amazon books similar to others that I had already read. This one caught my eye because it has an interesting cover and the description was intriguing. I was excited to learn more about the mysterious near death experiences and strange eyes at the bottom of the lake. I was really disappointed and had to struggle to get through the book as early as the first chapter. The tone of the book is that of someone who published independently and I wasn't sure what happened when this one went through editing. (I am not bashing indie books, there are other indie authors that I LOVE) Poor writing language aside, the plot itself was a letdown for me. It dragged and then got borderline bizarre. I won't post spoilers in case you guys still decide to read it, but lets just say it takes an insane turn and ends up somewhere that is a little intense for the YA book scene. I couldn't get attached to the characters, nor could I bring myself to care what happened. I forced myself to finish it in hopes that my mind would change, but sadly I was just glad when it was over. I feel like a snot for being so blunt, but I have to post an honest review and thats what I thought. If you are a diehard paranormal fan this might do it for you, but I just couldn't get into it.
June 4, 2013
When I started reading this book, I thought I had it all figured out. Paranormal romance, girl has hidden gift, hot unearthly boy shows up to help, they battle some big bad etc, etc. Well, I was so surprised at how it all went down! I can tell you I never saw any of it coming. I cried my way through the final 25% of the book.
Lysandra goes on a major self discovery journey and gets it right. The love story here isn't your average YA formula. She realizes she has to start with herself before she goes forward. Once she does, her life falls into place.
Sorry if this review is vague. I'm trying not to spoil the story!
The only detail that bothered me was the one involving a heinous act against Lysandra. I felt she deserved justice. She should not have shouldered the blame. That should never happen.
Still, any book that creates a strong enough emotion toward the MC is a winner for me. I truly felt for Lysandra. I cared about her journey. I wanted her to be ok.
Another great read by Jenn Naumann!
Lysandra goes on a major self discovery journey and gets it right. The love story here isn't your average YA formula. She realizes she has to start with herself before she goes forward. Once she does, her life falls into place.
Sorry if this review is vague. I'm trying not to spoil the story!
The only detail that bothered me was the one involving a heinous act against Lysandra. I felt she deserved justice. She should not have shouldered the blame. That should never happen.
Still, any book that creates a strong enough emotion toward the MC is a winner for me. I truly felt for Lysandra. I cared about her journey. I wanted her to be ok.
Another great read by Jenn Naumann!
December 31, 2014
This is my favorite Jen Naumann book and I can still say that after reading several more that she's written since. I think the biggest reason this is my favorite is because it pulls no punches, she tells it like it is nowadays. Listen to me, I sound so OLD, and I'm only 31! I sincerely believe that every high school girl out there needs to read this book, as this is most definitely something that could happen to each and every one of them (well, ok, not the paranormal stuff, but the whole drinking, rape, pregnant scenario). If you have never read a Jen Naumann book, this one's a good place to start in my opinion, although all of her books are amazingly good. **SPOILER ALERT HERE** For the record, I would like a sequel to this one, that maybe tells you who the father of the baby is. *hint, hint*
April 8, 2013
What a wonderful read! I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of this book. I loved it from the start. Lysandra went through some difficult things and had some very tough decisions to make. There were twists and turns I didn’t see coming. This was the first Jen Naumann book I’ve read, but it certainly won’t be the last.
April 23, 2013
I truly enjoyed this book! Paranormal is not my usual genre to read and I was worried I wouldn't enjoy that aspect of the book. The way Jen weaved it in was very natural. I also love when a book pulls me in to its emotions. I was actively feeling the character's emotions through the whole book! Loved it! Great Job!
Want to read
August 10, 2016Check out the Official Cheating Death Book Trailer
April 13, 2013
Review to come. In the mean time, good book, so check it out!
October 9, 2013
Great read with relatable teenager experiences.. Check out www.jmbookdiaries.com for the full review
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews