Melancholia

Duality #1

by Elle Casey

Malcolm's had a problem for as long as he can remember. No matter where he goes or what he does, he leaves misery in his wake. Sadness and negativity are his constant companions, influencing others around him until they cannot bear to live.

But then Rae shows up in his life, and everything changes. Darkness cleaves to light. Anger yields to joy. The question is whether she'll be his salvation or his destruction.

Content Warning: Sexual situations, foul language, and general smartassery.

Euphoria (Duality Series, Book 2) is the next book in the series.

Genres: Paranormal, Romance, Fantasy, Young Adult, Paranormal Romance, Fiction, Contemporary

360 pages, ebook

First published April 29, 2013

About the author

Elle Casey, a former attorney and teacher, is a NEW YORK TIMES and USA TODAY bestselling American author who lives in France with her husband, the youngest of her three kids, and several horses, dogs, and cats. She has written more than 40 novels in less than 5 years and likes to say she offers fiction in several flavors. These flavors include romance, science fiction, urban fantasy, action adventure, suspense, and paranormal.

BOOKS BY ELLE CASEY
 (by genre):

ROMANCE 

By Degrees

Rebel Wheels (3-book series)
Just One Night (romantic serial)
Just One Week
Love in New York (3-book series)
Shine Not Burn (2-book series), also available as an Audiobook
Bourbon Street Boys (3-book series), also available as an Audiobook
Desperate Measures
Mismatched

ROMANTIC SUSPENSE 

All the Glory: How Jason Bradley Went from Hero to Zero in Ten Seconds Flat
Don’t Make Me Beautiful
Wrecked (2-book series), Book 1 also available as an Audiobook


 CONTEMPORARY URBAN FANTASY

 

War of the Fae (10-book series)
*Book 1, The Changelings, is a free ebook at most retailers*
Ten Things You Should Know About Dragons (short story, The Dragon Chronicles)
My Vampire Summer

Aces High



 SCIENCE FICTION
 

Drifters’ Alliance (3-book series +)
Winner Takes All (short story prequel to Drifters’ Alliance, Dark Beyond the Stars Anthology)
The Ivory Tower (short story standalone, Beyond the Stars: A Planet Too Far. A Space Opera Anthology)


 DYSTOPIAN

 

Apocalypsis (4-book series) *Book 1, Kahayatle, is a FREE ebook at most retailers*


 PARANORMAL
 

Duality (2-book series)
Monkey Business (short story)
Dreampath (short story, The Telepath Chronicles)
Pocket Full of Sunshine (short story & screenplay)

A personal note from Elle ...
If you've enjoyed any of my books, please take a moment to leave a review on the site where you bought the book, here on Goodreads, or on any book blogs you participate in, and tell your friends! I love interacting with my readers, so if you feel like shooting the breeze or talking about books or your family or pets, please visit me. You can find me at:
www.ElleCasey.com
www.Facebook.com/ellecaseytheauthor
www.Twitter.com/ellecasey
www.Instagram.com/Ellecaseyauthor

Want to get an email when my next book is released?
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Reviews

[Lisa Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have learned to expect the unexpected when it comes to Elle Casey's work, and that is exactly what I get, each and every time. I have no idea how she does it, how she creates this magic that breathes through the pages of everything she publishes, but she does it with such an expert hand that I am only glad she does so with such consistency.Melancholia: Duality #1 is a new series by Casey that once again dives into intriguing territory.

Have you ever wondered why some people seem to ooze with positivity and happiness, why they seem to attract people in droves and spread those good feelings about them like a viral epidemic. You know these people, you like to be around them, they make you feel good. Similarly, most of us know people that are total 'downers'. They seem to spread negative energy wherever they go, and their negative attitudes are equally contagious. But what if there is something more to the story than just a glass 'half-full' or 'half-empty' attitude?

That is the question that seems to have inspired this most wonderful new series by Elle Casey. First we meet 'Malcolm', an almost 18 year-old who is just counting the days until he can run away from a life he has deemed nothing but misery. He doesn't understand why he attracts the notice of others, or why he has the effect on them that he does, he just knows that he needs to get away from people. His life has been a series of tragedies, and he is waiting for his 18th birthday so that he can run far away. In the mean-time, he hides himself in school washrooms to escape his groupie 'like' hangers-on.

When a new girl arrives at Malcolm's school, he notices a peculiar shift in mood in the students around him. Suddenly things are lightening up, and this new girl 'Rae' seems immune to Malcolm's curse. Malcolm, for the first time in his life, wonders if he can actually be happy. At the same time, Rae is battling a similar affliction, and her switching schools is not mere coincidence. Rae is running away from people that are trying to get too close.

When Rae meets Jasmine [Jazzy Butts], and for the first time believes she can have a real friendship with another person, she is drawn into a friendship with her neighbor 'Kootch' and by extension, his friend Malcolm. Rae and Malcolm find an almost instant chemistry, and Kootch and Jasmine are absolutely hilarious. It is a surprise to no-one that Elle Casey has crafted another group of absolutely lovable characters from the jump, you can't help but feel you know these characters, they are so well flashed out and so perfectly flawed and flawless.

Just as we are settling in, laughing, and getting to know this group, we are also aware that there is someone trying to get at Rae, and that her safety is in jeopardy. And that's where the story begins to spin out of control and fast, and in classic Elle Casey form, that's where the cliff hanger comes. Simultaneously thrilling and frustrating, you will be dying for more before you even reach the last page of this first volume.

Bottom Line: I highly recommend this fabulous new Young Adult series by Elle Casey. Melancholia: Duality #1 is a most promising start to yet another promised and delivered upon series by Casey, perhaps the most brilliant Young Adult, Sci-Fi and Fantasy writer of our time.

**This review is based on an Advanced Review copy received from the author. The honest opinions and comments expressed are my own and are in no way influenced by Goodreads, The Publisher, or the Author.**

[Meg]

Melancholia
OR
Teh Sads and Teh Glads

I don't actually know how I feel about this book. Part of me thinks the book and its entire premise is dumb. Yet, I read the whole thing and I can't even say that I was having a terrible time reading it. There were a few places, especially when chapters repeated action only from a different view point, where things bogged down for me and I put the story away several times before finishing. I came back to it, however, and don't hate myself for having finished it.

The thing that really makes the book work is the secondaries and the fact that they're written as fantastically teenage. Their dialogue feels very real and very natural. They act like teenagers, but the whole plot doesn't lean on being young and inexperienced as the primary character flaws that drive action forward. I hate when YA books give their character the flaw of being young and dumb. I mean, yes, teenagers do dumb things and it is realistic to write that. But when a dramatic plot is structured around a dumb teenage issue or the whole thing could be resolved if they just called the police, it drives me up the wall. This isn't the case here. The characters both feel like teenagers but don't rely on that for plot.

I doubt I'll pick up the second book because I still find the very premise of this book rather dumb and hate 'fated couples' stories with a passion. Still, the author worked very well within the bounds of the premise setup without breaking their world and characters and I have to respect that.

[Terri Baldwin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so different than any books of Elle's I've read before, but it's still Elle! I loved it! The characters were amazing (as usual) and their banter had me laughing SO hard through most of this book! Jazzy was by far my favorite character... who knew a "neutral" could be so awesome? Rae and Malcom were remarkably wonderful, considering their "gifts" (curses?). I just wanted to hug them both! I think I'd be a miserable rainbow, but hey... maybe they'd feel better! I'm not sure I'd be nearly as well adjusted as they were! They still had their fair share of teen angst and were written as such so accurately. I often wonder if Elle hides out in high schools listening to the interaction, because she is always so spot on! Kootch was hysterical, his and Jazzy's conversations had me belly laughing and at the same time, I wanted to knock both of their heads together for not seeing the chemistry that was between them!

Speaking of chemistry... the chemistry teacher Holder and his lackey Derek were ultra creepy. Not only was their behavior creepy, Holder had a comb over. Gross AND creepy! I'm very interested to see exactly why they are after Rae, and what their game is! All in all, I loved this book. It's unique, witty, scary at all the right places, romantic without being sappy, and had a cliffhanger ending! You all know how much I love those...seriously, I do!

[Rosemary · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have been looking forward to the release of this book, and as usual, Elle Casey did not disappoint.

Malcolm is a ward of the state and has moved from foster home to foster home many times during his life because of what he is. He is darkness, and darkness follows him, and anyone who comes into contact with him is affected by it. Until he meets Rae.

Rae is Malcolm's polar opposite. Anyone she comes into contact with is drawn to her, which becomes addictive to the person affected, which in turn becomes a serious problem for Rae when they begin to fixate on her.

As we have come to expect from Elle Casey, Malcolm and Rae have a great supporting cast - no one can create vivid and interesting characters the way Elle can and you will love the wonderfully wacky characters she introduces us to.

This is a great book and I look forward to book 2 in the series, it is going to be interesting to see where they go from here.

[Nikki · Rating 4 out of 5]

Exciting! 4.5

As always, you think you have an Elle Casey Novel figured out, but then she takes you on a wild ride with much more going on than you realize. Then you finish the book. And in true Elle Casey fashion, she leaves you hanging...wanting more!! Don't you just love it?!?! LOL.

Elle Casey novels pull me in, and I can't put them down until I finish. OK, I take some breaks. But with Duality, I read pretty much straight though. I stayed up late reading, as I do with her novels. I love her writing style, she keeps me turning pages!

This is not just a teen high school story. There is more to the draw Rae and Malcolm feel for each other. A little paranormal action? Yes!
Jasmine, Rae's friend, is great! I think she is my favorite character in this story.

I don't want to give away too much...I want you to check it out, I think you'll enjoy it. Just remember, there is more going on than you think.

[K.M. Galvin · Rating 5 out of 5]

So much awesome. I swear each book is more addictive than the last. I might have a problem. Elle Casey I AM A RAINBOW!!!!! WAAHH!!! (book inside joke-go read so you can get it!) Anyhoo, it was amazing of course and I am already dying for the next one and I finished it not five minutes ago.

[Sally herbert · Rating 1 out of 5]

very very slow

[Carol Darling · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not meets girl with a twist.

Teen and up will enjoy this boy meets girl book. A boy who can't get close to anyone for fear they will kill themself, meets a girl who created happiness in most people. Very few are immune. Good plot cliffhanger ending, must read next book now.

[Jamie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really don't know how Elle Casey does it time and time again. Usually during an authors career they'll write at least one book or story that just isn't as good or as fun as their other works but not Elle, this is the 16th book of hers that I've read and each and every single book she has put out is freaking amazing. A lot of her books have one big thing in common: every single page is fun to read. There's never a dull moment and the pace is always perfect.

Duality: Vol 1, Melancholia is probably one of the most original stories I've read. There's always certain themes in a lot of books that you see over and over again but I can honestly say I've never read anything quite like this. Malcolm and Rae are also unique individuals. Malcolm was born? with the unfortunate ability of negatively influencing those around him. People who are depressed and who like to live in the dark seek him out, almost stalking him and too much of Malcolm can send them over the edge of despair while Rae has the opposite problem. She makes everyone around her happy, too happy and those around her especially the "Rainbows" quickly become addicted to her and will do anything to get closer to her whether she likes it or not. Neither one of them can get too close to anyone, have friends or be normal. At least they never have been able to before but they're about to run into one another changing everything they always thought may or may not be possible.

You can't help but feel for both characters. It's sad that they can't be normal or allow anyone close to them which is something that everyone can relate to. Who hasn't felt alone and different at one time or another? But it's not all frowns, there's plenty of the good stuff too. Conspiracy theories, action, attempted kidnappings, a little romance all wrapped up in a refreshing unique story. What's not to love? Malcolm's new friend Kootch is a blast and will have you laughing with every scene he's in and Jasmine is just plain awesome, she's rebellious yet a good person and her interactions with Kootch are pretty insane. There's just something about Elle Casey's writing that is not only addictive but refreshing and fun. Kudos to her for coming up with such an original and unique story.

[Between the Bind · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy. Flipping. Moly. Elle Casey has yet again astounded me with her amazing writing, characterization, and unique view on the paranormal. I completed the 360 pages of Duality in about 5 hours - never putting it down, completely entranced.

Duality is told from both Malcolm and Rae's points-of-view, taking turns chapter by chapter which, typically, I'm not a fan of, but Elle completed it seamlessly, allowing readers to follow easily and me unable to imagine Duality told any other way.

Malcolm and Rae are both equally lovable, battling their opposite curses while trying to simply make it through their senior year of high school. I easily felt sympathy for these two unique and lonely souls, drawn to each other but used to hiding between classes in bathrooms to avoid run-ins with Rainbows and Miserables. Yet together, things seem to be changing...

Malcolm doesn't know what it is about Rae that draws him in, but he does know that when she's around, he just feels...better. And strangely protective. Rae is more than excited to meet someone who isn't completely drawn to her - if only he didn't react with such intense distain...and wasn't so understatedly badboy sexy.

Finding her first friend in the hilariously outspoken (and Neutral) Jasmine, Rae is finally able to do things she's never done before, like text someone who isn't her overprotective and obsessed parents, while Malcolm sees a lightness in acquaintance Kootch that allows him to finally let his guard down, if only slightly. Circumstances, and a mutual friendship with Kootch and Jasmine, drive these two together time and time again, but will they be able to discover what they can mean to each other before it's too late?

Battling highly strung emotions, kidnappers, and horrific pasts, while maintaining a hilariously uplifting and laugh-out-loud quality that only Elle Casey can combine, Duality is a series that I cannot WAIT to finish. Yet again, Elle has me feigning for more and counting down the month of May until the next release in the Melancholia series. 5+ stars, well deserved.

[Editing Services by Cynthia Shepp · Rating 5 out of 5]

Duality switches back and forth between the point of view of Malcolm and Rae. The two are as different as night and day but both want the same thing—a normal life. Malcolm is known as a ghost in his school, the boy that never talks to anyone or participates in anything. Something about him brings misery to people in a way that causes harm. And then Rae comes into his school as a new girl and everything changes. Rae is different too, but not like him. She has had just a hard of life as he has though. Coming into the new school, she is shocked to make a few friends in Kootch and Jasmine and to be so drawn to Malcolm. Full of Miserables, Rainbows, and Neutrals (Got you wondering now, huh?), Duality is a book that will have you turning the pages as quickly as you can, alternating between laughter and tears and back again.

Elle shocked even me, a die-hard Elle fan girl, with this book. It was so unlike her others, but kept with her same style. I loved Malcolm, Rae, Kootch, and Jasmine. Malcolm instantly hit the book crush equation and Kootch had me rolling on the floor laughing. He was so funny. Rae was unlike any of Elle’s other heroine’s and yet she was exactly what the book needed. Jasmine reminded me of someone and I definitely liked her vibe. The high school antics and even the unbelievable situations seemed believable. I believe that Elle hit a home run with this book and that this is one that nobody wants to miss. It was so original, refreshing, and funny—while at the same time tugging at your heartstrings and having you aching inside for them all. Don’t miss this one! I give Duality 5 STARS and would give it so much more if I could.

[Stephanie Clifton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this book and can't wait for the next instalment in this new series. Since finishing the book I have had the plot and characters living in my head and I can't wait to find out what will happen next.

Duality has been written from a dual (!!) point of view, with both Malcolm and Rae taking turns to narrate. Sometimes there is an overlap giving the reader two versions of the events, in some books I've found this particular literary device annoying, however it works very well in this book as both lead characters are equally important.

One of Elle Casey's particular strengths as a writer is her characterisation and this is demonstrated in this book. All the characters in the book are interesting and have tantalising back stories (which I hope we will hear more about in the next books of the series). Of especial note is Jasmine, she had many funny lines in the book. The baddies of the story were also very well drawn and, although I guessed who the student villain was almost immediately, this did not affect my enjoyment. I loved the way Elle Casey describes them as acting out of character (dum dum duuummmm). I looking forward to hearing more about the main villainous person and who / what they are.

I would thoroughly recommend this book, it stays in your mind when you finish it and leaves you wanting to read the next in the series. What more could you ask for. If you have read anything else by Elle Casey, you will not be disappointed, this is one of her best. If you haven't tried Elle Casey before, what are you waiting for, buy this book!

[Ter Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

So When I finish my last book. Every day after that I happened to open a book read a chapter and sigh with disappointment. Not cause they were horrible books, cause NONE were holding my attention. I couldn’t find anything that made me forget I was sitting in a tub full of cold water. Then last night that happened. I was once again bored watching all the males in my house play their video games. So I went upstairs to draw a bath. Look through my to read list on my Kindle. This Supernatural Six Boxed Set, just stood out to me. So fingers crossed, I started the very first book in the set.

Before I knew it Malcolm, Rae, Jazzy Butts, and Kootch had my attention. I was hooked and didn’t want to let go. Sadly I did have to get out of the tub before my lips turned blue. As soon as I was out making sure people were fed, since I was in the tub longer than I planned on… oops! I toss everyone in bed and dove into mine with Duality Vol 1 in my hand.

Then I came to a point where a non-word was uttered., and discussed. That I was laughing so hard. I had tears running down my face, No sound was coming out of my mouth. Unless you count the odd clicking sound coming from the back of my throat. (Think Mimic) Took a bit for me to breath again. My Poor children woke up thinking I had finally lost it.

[Wendy Schuster · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am a huge Elle Casey fan and I will read anything she writes the minute it is available and this book is no exception. It's a bit slow to start and not her normal speed but it's necessary so that you understand what happens later in the book. I have to admit I still don't understand everything (which I think is intentional!) but I can't wait to read more.

Malcom is a ghost in school and avoids people as much as possible. Whenever he spends too much time around any one person they go to a dark place. Some go into a deep depression and try to get away. Others feed on the darkness. It makes a miserable life for Malcom. Until Rae walks in. She's the literal opposite of Malcom, light where he is dark.

This isn't Elle's normal work. It's very dark at times, more so than her other books. Don't get me wrong, there is still the sparkling humor at times that we have all come to love, but overall it's a painful read at times. If you have ever felt unwanted for who you really are then you will identify with these characters.

I don't want to give away too much of the plot because it really is worth reading. This is probably one of the most original story lines I've ever read and I can't wait to see where Elle takes it.

[Patricia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy cow, what a great book! Elle Casey became one of my favorite authors after I read the War of the Fae series. I was reluctant to read this one simply because I just didn't understand overview. However, since I've read over 400 books in the past 3 years I know better than to make my decision based on the description. This book was interesting and had such great character development that I was really drawn in. There are 4 characters that are present throughout the book and they were really written beautifully and complimented each other so well that I felt like I was right there with them. And don't get me started on the LOL dialogue between Jasmine and Kooch. Friggin' hilarious. But this book also had a serious side and a fair amount of "edge of your seat" action. I kept telling myself that I'd read 2 more chapters and then go to bed....at 3 am I finished the book and almost dropped my Kindle in haste to download the second book.
This was a very different sort of paranormal fiction scenario for me, but I found that I really loved it. It was put together beautifully and flowed easily from one scene to the next. Do not pass this book by!

[Elaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

YOU HAVE GOT TO READ THIS!!! OMG, when I got to the last page, I wanted to throw my phone. I was NOT ready for this book to end. I love Malcolm and his dark side, but I hate he has to live alone with it. Kootch being around Malcolm may not have been the happiest person around, but he didn't seem all that bad. In walks Rae and she is a Rae of sunshine in every use of the word with her Rainbows that literally feed off her light side. She even has to push off her parents with threats and has moved around so much that she has never made friends. She meets with Jazmine Butts (Kootch's next door neighbor) who is not affected by her or Malcolm. The four together actually can get along and almost become normal for the first time for Malcolm and Rae, something they have never experienced in their lives. The playful banter between Jazzy and Kootch is enough to keep the comical side to the story, but the story is still painful to know that people wanted to take away the good light. I only hope the next book will be coming out, say next week. This was an awesome book!!!

[✿ℎazℯℓ - thℯ ℛock Cℎick ℱairy✿ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good start of a YA series.


Imagine meeting your polar opposite.


That'll be pretty weird eh? Weird and yet... awesome.


Malcolm, the bringer of dark feelings is so miserable because he just can't make other people happy. He makes people sad, lonely, miserable, sorrowful and finally suicidal. Rae, on the other hand, is the bringer of light feelings. Even though she makes everybody happy, she's also miserable because these people become so happy with her that eventually, they get high on it.. they obsess about it and eventually smother her. She can even manipulate people with all of her happy sunshine. Both characters are stubborn since they both can't believe that there's a person who's like them, or in this case, the opposite of them. Both characters showed great possibility of maturing in the next book. They both keep to themselves in this one. I hope to see more of them in action for the next book.

I like the uniqueness of the story. It's also fun and exciting with all the mysteries and weird stuff going on. I think it will only get better on the next book. ;D

[Book Junky Girls · Rating 4 out of 5]

Malcolm has to keep people at arms length because if they get too close bad things happen. It's not some sort of joke just the simple truth, people get depressed around him and if they hang out around him too long it gets really bad.

Rae has the same problem just a little different. She makes people happy, physo happy, and they get addicted to her so much so that shes had to move 8 times in just 5 years. Her first day at her new school however is turning out different from every other time.

This book is all about what happens in one day where things for both Malcolm and Rae are different from every other day they've ever had. They get a chance to see what normal could be like, but before they get too comfortable trouble brews and they realize it'll take allot for them to be able to be together and enjoy their freedom. This is the for of the two part series and it is mostly a lead up to the big action that'll probably take place in book 2.

This review is part of our review for book bundle Supernatural Six.

[Cat · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alright first off I'd like to say that not a lot happens in this book. In fact, I think it pretty much all takes place within 24 hours. That said, a lot of ground is covered on a personal level for the two main characters of the book, Malcolm and Rae.

The pacing is somewhere between decent and quick and the characters are as realistic as possible. They're quite entertaining too. The author does a great job of using humor to lighten up some of the situations. There were a lot of references I didn't really get (very Rae-ish of me, I guess) but my husband knew them all so it worked out for me. Google also had all the answers, if you don't have easy access to a guy.

Lots of mystery, mainly the who's and why's and how's but very intriguing! Can't wait to read #2!

[Reanna Hanley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cliffhangers how I hate thee, at least the next book is out already, Melancholia had a very interesting premise despite being a little predictable for lack of a better word. I understood from the beginning the direction the story was going but it was definitely interesting seeing how these characters got there.

Malcolm has always been surrounded by darkness, and Rae has pretty much been a literal "Ray" of sunshine. Opposites attract right, when they find themselves in the same school it's apparent they have no affect on one another the question is can they deal with their previous experiences enough to make way for new possibilities. I enjoyed the characters and the banter in this book, it definitely reminded me of high school.

[Amy Jerome · Rating 5 out of 5]

Malcolm thinks he is the only on like him in this world. Then there is Rae, who is convinced she is completely unique. They are both right; they are originals and yet very much the same. Apart they are destructive to those around them, but together they create a balance so complete everyone can live normal lives. Then there are those that seem to want Rae for their own purposes. Can Rae, Malcolm, Jasmine and Kootch find out how to stop them before it's too late? Elle Casey has done it again with Duality. The concept is original, the characters are fun and the story is fast paced. Even the supporting characters are great, Jazzy Butts, hahaha. Get it, read it, you won't regret it!

[Jacqueline's Reads]

I'm an Elle fan, so I got to add this to the list!



Malcolm's had a problem for as long as he can remember. No matter where he goes or what he does, he leaves misery in his wake. Sadness and negativity are his constant companions, influencing others around him until they cannot bear to live.

But then Rae shows up in his life, and everything changes. Darkness cleaves to light. Anger yields to joy. The question is whether she'll be his salvation or his destruction.

DUALITY is a 2-book Young Adult/New Adult Paranormal Romance.

[Brittany Knight]

Malcolm is an agent of darkness, every where he goes he brings misery to the people he comes in contact with. He stays alone in the shadows trying desperately to protect the people around him from himself, but they just don't understand that they need to leave him alone. Rachel is his opposite, she brings joy to those around her, but that joy becomes a drug they can't live without.The two meet and discover that they can live normal lives, without fear of hurting others, if they stay together. There brief joy is ruined when they have to go on the run from a mysterious group of people who want Rachel's ability for themselves.

[Krys · Rating 4 out of 5]

Moody, intense and original, Melancholia is a roller coaster ride. Elle Casey did not disappoint in the humor department that's for sure. Her characters perfectly balanced each other out, no pun intended! The witticism of the support characters coupled with the main characters' up and down mood swings was enough to give me whiplash! Though Casey was 'on point' with the characters' personalities, development still left much to be desired. The characters backstories lacked depth so it took me a while to connect with them.

I loved the concept of the story however. I found it creative but more development would have been really enjoyable.

[KareB · Rating 5 out of 5]

OK, now this is Elle! This one only took a day to read. I couldn't put it down because once again I was invested in the characters. Even though I know that Elle's characters are strong and survivors I NEEDED to be sure that they ended up OK. Like I always say, Elle is the master at character development. I hope Elle chooses to make this a three book series rather than two. I just can't imagine having enough of these characters in two books, especially since they only last a day with me. I loved the story line, unique and worthy of some major attention!

[Korie Cox · Rating 5 out of 5]

Have I mentioned before that I absolutely love Elle Casey's writing style? Just the right amount of comedy, happiness, heart-pumping action, sadness, and loss. Melancholia was no exception to this.

Malcolm was such a dark and disturbed main character, but rather than turn me off, it totally pulled me in. I loved the dynamic between him and Rae (his polar opposite female counterpart). Such a fun and interesting story, made comical with the addition of Kootch and Jazzy Butts.

Can't wait for Euphoria!

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really like everything Elle writes and this book is no different. I did find it a little slow but can't really imagine how it would have worked otherwise. It did keep me drawn in and entertained. I also can't wait to see what happens next. I just read another book that switched back and forth between the characters narrating and it is a neat concept that is only confusing when you're too excited or tired to notice it switched back. Overall a good read and I would recommend it along with everything else Elle writes.
(Maybe I'm a little spoiled over some of her funnier and sassier works).

[Kyra Dunst · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was by turns extremely sad and very funny. The two main characters, Rae and Malcolm have opposing problems that have left them in isolation even in a crowd. They meet by chance when Rae starts at Malcolm's school, but both are afraid to let anyone close because of their secrets. When things get weird, they have to break free with the help of some friends. I loved the originality of this story and how well everything was written. I picked up this book in a package with Supernatural Six.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

I always find it difficult to start a new series because I fall so in love with another series that I don't want to leave it behind to start something new. Especially those as well written as Elle Casey's. So, I was hesitant to begin this series but, as usual, Elle knocked my socks off once again! I stayed up till 3am, until I finished, because I couldn't put this down. I love how original, unique, and downright hilarious her writing is. *toast* To another masterpiece, Ms. Casey! LOVED it! <3

[K.A. Black · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am really enjoying this storyline very original. I am currently reading book two, but I had to stop reading the paranormal six series to get the next book, though this maybe a brilliant marketing tool to combine 6 authors in one box set. I am not sure I love paying 4.99 for a second book of a series. My only complaint for this book is that I felt much of the book could have been told from only one perspective rather than repeating the same event twice. It became filler to me.