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Ask Me
Ask Aria Morse anything, and she must answer with the truth. Yet she rarely understands the cryptic words she‘s compelled to utter. Blessed—or cursed—with the power of an Oracle who cannot decipher her own predictions, she does her best to avoid anyone and everyone.
But Aria can no longer hide when Jade, one of the few girls at school who ever showed her any kindness, disappears. Any time Aria overhears a question about Jade, she inadvertently reveals something new, a clue or hint as to why Jade vanished. But like stray pieces from different puzzles, her words never present a clear picture.
Then there’s Alex, damaged and dangerous, but the first person other than Jade to stand up for her. And Will, who offers a bond that seems impossible for a girl who’s always been alone. Both were involved with Jade. Aria may be the only one who can find out what happened, but the closer she gets to solving the crime, the more she becomes a target. Not everyone wants the truth to come out.
But Aria can no longer hide when Jade, one of the few girls at school who ever showed her any kindness, disappears. Any time Aria overhears a question about Jade, she inadvertently reveals something new, a clue or hint as to why Jade vanished. But like stray pieces from different puzzles, her words never present a clear picture.
Then there’s Alex, damaged and dangerous, but the first person other than Jade to stand up for her. And Will, who offers a bond that seems impossible for a girl who’s always been alone. Both were involved with Jade. Aria may be the only one who can find out what happened, but the closer she gets to solving the crime, the more she becomes a target. Not everyone wants the truth to come out.
304 pages, Hardcover
First published April 8, 2014
16 people are currently reading
1308 people want to read
About the author
Kimberly Pauley
10 books296 followersKIMBERLY PAULEY is the author of the award-winning Sucks to Be Me, which was honored on the YALSA Quick Picks for Reluctant Readers list. The sequel, Still Sucks to Be Me, was listed on the VOYA Best Science Fiction Fantasy List of 2010. Born in California, she has lived everywhere from Florida to Chicago and has now gone international to live in the UK with her husband (a numbers man) and the cutest little boy on any continent (The Max). She wrote Cat Girl’s Day Off because she wanted to share what cats really think with the world. ASK Me, is something different: darker, paranormal YA fantasy. The Accidental Wizard is her first middle grade book and is illustrated by Jason Cockcroft. Visit her online at kimberlypauley.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 146 reviews
April 3, 2014
VERY mixed feelings. There will be a few raves, and a lot of rants.
But my issues in a nutshell:
* Sucky world-building. Come the fuck on. You're supposedly an Oracle, something that is deeply-rooted in mythology, and the only explanation we have of that is from a Grandma and from a book that shows you descended from one of the 10 Sybils? This very book supposedly records the last prophecies you answer? I is disappoint.
* I get that she was the school's social pariah because of her mumbling and anti-social behavior, but a tragedy strikes and now the two most popular guys in school go after her all of a sudden?
... T_T
* A mystery whodunit story whose killer was so fucking obvious from the very start. For someone who's supposedly smart enough to pick up clues and hints, she didn't catch on when it was too evident. /facepalm I can understand if it were from a third point of view, but we're looking at the story using HER perspective (first person) and if we can already guess it from her own thoughts and observations, why can't she? Yeah, fail.
* Seriously? That's the "closure" we get? It's like Half-Bad all over again, where we were made to anticipate so much and the climax turns out to be more anti-climactic than anything else. Ugh.
The good:
* I liked the writing. Internal narration was well written.
* Despite not seeing the obvious, I liked the main character.
* Grandparents = awesome
Full review to come closer to the release date >.>
But my issues in a nutshell:
* Sucky world-building. Come the fuck on. You're supposedly an Oracle, something that is deeply-rooted in mythology, and the only explanation we have of that is from a Grandma and from a book that shows you descended from one of the 10 Sybils? This very book supposedly records the last prophecies you answer? I is disappoint.
* I get that she was the school's social pariah because of her mumbling and anti-social behavior, but a tragedy strikes and now the two most popular guys in school go after her all of a sudden?
... T_T
* A mystery whodunit story whose killer was so fucking obvious from the very start. For someone who's supposedly smart enough to pick up clues and hints, she didn't catch on when it was too evident. /facepalm I can understand if it were from a third point of view, but we're looking at the story using HER perspective (first person) and if we can already guess it from her own thoughts and observations, why can't she? Yeah, fail.
* Seriously? That's the "closure" we get? It's like Half-Bad all over again, where we were made to anticipate so much and the climax turns out to be more anti-climactic than anything else. Ugh.
The good:
* I liked the writing. Internal narration was well written.
* Despite not seeing the obvious, I liked the main character.
* Grandparents = awesome
Full review to come closer to the release date >.>
December 19, 2017
3.5 ⭐️ Ugh. I have such mixed feelings. This book was amazing all the way up to the last page...then I was disappointed. The killer was who I expected it to be which was fine. I was so excited to see how she would get out of trouble. But I was disappointed in the last sentence of the book. I get why the author said what she said. But I feel it could have been a BIT better.
December 5, 2013
I enjoyed this book so much that I didn't eat, sleep, or bathe until I was done. So, while I was disgusting, the book was fantastic. "Ask Me" is a paranormal thriller/murder mystery. It's pretty apparent who the killer is, but the murder mystery is what the lead character Aria Morse is living through as she is forced by fate to answer all questions, all the time in a prophetically, out loud voice...often in verse. And the questions being asked are about a murder. As Aria pieces together the mystery, the reader is experiencing a thriller -- there is a tension between what we know and what Aria knows, and the suspense lies within that gap. I really love how Aria deals with her situation (and how the situation deals with her whenever people asked too large questions...ie about God or the universe). Some of her answers are just so funny, but clever at the same time. I really hope there is another book to follow, though it could be a standalone, given the suggestion at the ending.
July 9, 2016
Enjoyable enough, but it's not a book that will stick with me in the long run. Therefore three stars.
Aria was quite a likable character. She had a very honest voice and just came across as very down to earth and I liked her. I also liked her grandparents, I thought they were really sweet.
So, nice characters. And the writing was pretty cool. Despite that, there were a lot of issues with Ask Me.
Aria's powers, first of all, remained vague and unexplained. There's so many possibilities to her powers but they weren't explored.
Oh my god, there was no mystery to this book. I knew who the killer was almost immediately. And the motive was strange and made no sense (although I guess that could've been the point, that the killer was just insane).
The romance in this book was terrible. I'm sorry, but all Will and Aria talked about was her powers and Jade's death. They had literally nothing in common and then Aria drops the L-word? (That's "love", by the way). Nope. Hell no.
What's with that ending?? It was kinda abrupt and I wish there was some more closure.
Tl;dr version- enjoyable enough, but there was a few issues. Ultimately it's not a book that deeply affected me, but it's good for an hour or two of entertainment.
Aria was quite a likable character. She had a very honest voice and just came across as very down to earth and I liked her. I also liked her grandparents, I thought they were really sweet.
So, nice characters. And the writing was pretty cool. Despite that, there were a lot of issues with Ask Me.
Aria's powers, first of all, remained vague and unexplained. There's so many possibilities to her powers but they weren't explored.
Oh my god, there was no mystery to this book. I knew who the killer was almost immediately. And the motive was strange and made no sense (although I guess that could've been the point, that the killer was just insane).
The romance in this book was terrible. I'm sorry, but all Will and Aria talked about was her powers and Jade's death. They had literally nothing in common and then Aria drops the L-word? (That's "love", by the way). Nope. Hell no.
What's with that ending?? It was kinda abrupt and I wish there was some more closure.
Tl;dr version- enjoyable enough, but there was a few issues. Ultimately it's not a book that deeply affected me, but it's good for an hour or two of entertainment.
April 27, 2014
Crossposted @ The Library Mistress
Ask her anything and she will answer you with the truth and nothing but.The premise of this book piqued my interest because of my history with fortune telling. I learned about my ability to read cards back when I was still in High School, I tried to erased it from memory only to once again do it in College. My friends were amazed by the precision of my prophecies but what baffles me is how I am doing it. Thinking about it now only puzzles me more. I just remember hearing voices from my head telling me what to say. I have no interest in learning more about this ability but reading about a girl who can tell the future is something I'll sign up for anytime.
It runs in the family. Aria's grandmother also had the 'gift' or the curse as how she refers to it but it only lasted for 17 years. Aria is already 17 and had been dying to get rid of the grueling predicament she's in - the gift of the foretelling the future, that is. Not only what is to come but the truth. She is la voce della verità. She is la voix de la vérité. She is the voice of the truth.
Honestly, I have a feeling from the start that I will like this very much. The writing is fluid and the narration is good. Aria is a complex character yet it's so easy to sympathize with her. I said to myself, "Finally, a YA character that isn't stubborn, whiny and annoying," But what happened next was pretty surprising. When the perfect girl Jade went missing, Aria suddenly became the center of attention and affection. Now that the pretty girl is gone, the cute boys gravitated toward Aria.
It had a promising start... why'd it have to take the all too familiar route, I don't know. The culprit seemed too obvious from the start yet Aria herself can't even take a hint. And, surprise surprise! This is in first person narrative! How could she not figure it out when we all know what is happening based from her own thoughts?
Yes, anyone can argue that all the things that happened after the 'Jade incident' helped Aria blossom into a more open and confident being (for Pete's sake! She even used to call herself DIRT! - I let that go because of the great narrative at first though) BUT tell me when and why she became so boy crazy ALSO when did the boys became crazy over her? Totally out of character! There's even a part that suddenly reminded me of Mean Girls. Cady Heron syndrome ALERT!!!
I don't know what made me finish this book. It must be the writers ability to capture her readers through good storytelling, I can't say that though for the storyline.
P.S.
I need closure. Give me 50 pages more.
If I were to receive Aria's gift for the time being so I can give you an honest review, I'd probably say this to you:
Would you recommend this book? Yes, if you like romance and YA, no if you like mysteries and crime.
Do you like Aria? At first. Only.
What do you like most? Awesome grandparents are awesome.
Ask her anything and she will answer you with the truth and nothing but.The premise of this book piqued my interest because of my history with fortune telling. I learned about my ability to read cards back when I was still in High School, I tried to erased it from memory only to once again do it in College. My friends were amazed by the precision of my prophecies but what baffles me is how I am doing it. Thinking about it now only puzzles me more. I just remember hearing voices from my head telling me what to say. I have no interest in learning more about this ability but reading about a girl who can tell the future is something I'll sign up for anytime.
The problem with prophecy is that someone has to actually ask the right question at the right time for me to produce the answer to it.
It runs in the family. Aria's grandmother also had the 'gift' or the curse as how she refers to it but it only lasted for 17 years. Aria is already 17 and had been dying to get rid of the grueling predicament she's in - the gift of the foretelling the future, that is. Not only what is to come but the truth. She is la voce della verità. She is la voix de la vérité. She is the voice of the truth.
I was born in Michigan, in the cold and the snow, but four years here had made me a child of the heat. I did not miss the cold, nor the brittle stares of the girls who had once been my friends, before my gift had turned them against me. Who wants a friend who only speaks the truth?
Honestly, I have a feeling from the start that I will like this very much. The writing is fluid and the narration is good. Aria is a complex character yet it's so easy to sympathize with her. I said to myself, "Finally, a YA character that isn't stubborn, whiny and annoying," But what happened next was pretty surprising. When the perfect girl Jade went missing, Aria suddenly became the center of attention and affection. Now that the pretty girl is gone, the cute boys gravitated toward Aria.
It had a promising start... why'd it have to take the all too familiar route, I don't know. The culprit seemed too obvious from the start yet Aria herself can't even take a hint. And, surprise surprise! This is in first person narrative! How could she not figure it out when we all know what is happening based from her own thoughts?
I shrugged, a slight apology for intruding where I wasn’t wanted. I had nothing to add, no explanations. I didn’t know what it meant. Who talks to dirt?
Yes, anyone can argue that all the things that happened after the 'Jade incident' helped Aria blossom into a more open and confident being (for Pete's sake! She even used to call herself DIRT! - I let that go because of the great narrative at first though) BUT tell me when and why she became so boy crazy ALSO when did the boys became crazy over her? Totally out of character! There's even a part that suddenly reminded me of Mean Girls. Cady Heron syndrome ALERT!!!
I don't know what made me finish this book. It must be the writers ability to capture her readers through good storytelling, I can't say that though for the storyline.
P.S.
I need closure. Give me 50 pages more.
If I were to receive Aria's gift for the time being so I can give you an honest review, I'd probably say this to you:
Would you recommend this book? Yes, if you like romance and YA, no if you like mysteries and crime.
Do you like Aria? At first. Only.
What do you like most? Awesome grandparents are awesome.
June 3, 2015
Wouldn't it be cool if you could predict the future just by answering a question. That's what happens in this book except it isn't so cool. Aria hates her "gift" with a passion and for good reason. This book does an excellent job of showing just how burdensome telling the truth all the time can be. I hate to hurt people's feelings and as a result I typically don't say what I think. Now that I have thought about it, I would hate to have Aria's problem. Not that I think you should go around lying, but speaking the truth whenever someone asks you a question seems like a nightmare.
Lest the prophecy gift overshadow the mystery, I will say that I figured out who the bad guy was pretty early on. But the mystery was solid and you definitely felt like turning the next page. I got up in the middle of the night just to read this book.
I did feel like Aria's gift was not really explained. I am hoping there will be another book that delves deeper into how and why her family can do this. I would recommend to anyone who likes a great mystery with a little paranormal mixed in.
Lest the prophecy gift overshadow the mystery, I will say that I figured out who the bad guy was pretty early on. But the mystery was solid and you definitely felt like turning the next page. I got up in the middle of the night just to read this book.
I did feel like Aria's gift was not really explained. I am hoping there will be another book that delves deeper into how and why her family can do this. I would recommend to anyone who likes a great mystery with a little paranormal mixed in.
June 1, 2014
"I am the voice, I am the truth.
Ask me, I will speak."
This was a really interesting Oracle theme put into an everyday setting. I liked that this was almost completely contemporary - except for the fact that Aria must answer every question she hears with the truth. Even if that truth is in the form of a poem, a strange gibberish rhyming lines or even lines from books or poems. She can't lie and she can't hold back her answer. She's mastered the art of mumbling to hide it or blocking out the everyday mundane questions with her MP3 player.
And I loved the mystery - and the fun of trying to decipher her prophetic words. I loved the underlying murders and trying to figure out who was friend and who was foe. I was right, I was wrong - but it felt like every chapter I was wondering again and again who it was. This one kept me flying through it and made for a very fast paced, quick read.
Ask me, I will speak."
This was a really interesting Oracle theme put into an everyday setting. I liked that this was almost completely contemporary - except for the fact that Aria must answer every question she hears with the truth. Even if that truth is in the form of a poem, a strange gibberish rhyming lines or even lines from books or poems. She can't lie and she can't hold back her answer. She's mastered the art of mumbling to hide it or blocking out the everyday mundane questions with her MP3 player.
And I loved the mystery - and the fun of trying to decipher her prophetic words. I loved the underlying murders and trying to figure out who was friend and who was foe. I was right, I was wrong - but it felt like every chapter I was wondering again and again who it was. This one kept me flying through it and made for a very fast paced, quick read.
June 10, 2014
As a big fan of the author I was biased, but I think this was a taut page-turner with an interesting concept hopefully setting up future books. The main character was fun, and the prophecies were intriguing especially once the secret was revealed... I felt myself feel dumb when I missed one aspect...
It is true that the killer was telegraphed and there were elements of duh in the ending... I thought of a swerve but it never materialized...
Two suggestions for future titles:
1. Remove the naughty scenes and f-words... Thus would have worked just as well without and they don't add to the book... Your audience also expands...
2. Spend more time on red herrings and not just one... It was obvious who was not the killer... Give us more mystery!
Enjoy and check out Kim's other books!
It is true that the killer was telegraphed and there were elements of duh in the ending... I thought of a swerve but it never materialized...
Two suggestions for future titles:
1. Remove the naughty scenes and f-words... Thus would have worked just as well without and they don't add to the book... Your audience also expands...
2. Spend more time on red herrings and not just one... It was obvious who was not the killer... Give us more mystery!
Enjoy and check out Kim's other books!
February 22, 2023
This book was definitely one of my favorites! I thought it would so predictable but there was a huge plot twist at the end which left staring at wall in shock! I definitely recommend to anyone who likes books with a plot twist.
April 11, 2018
Loved it!! I was really surprised by the ending. The author throws a curveball that you don't expect
April 17, 2014
I’m on a bit of a reading streak when it comes to young adult fantasy that incorporates elements of Greek mythology (Promise of Shadows, Antigoddess, Cruel Beauty). And that’s awesome, because mythology has always been a particular favorite of mine, along with fairy tale retellings. I feel the need to interject here: DON’T STOP READING IF MYTHOLOGY ISN’T YOUR JAM! Kimberly Pauley’s latest release Ask Me is much more than that. It’s a contemporary fantasy that is part thriller, part mystery, part first brush with romance, and wholly absorbing.
Aria Morse can’t help but answer every question she hears with the truth, even if it is sometimes obscured or deeply offensive. She doesn’t have control over what she says, and the deep truths physically drain her. Her ‘condition’ has marked her life ever since age twelve: Aria has lost friends and family, and her prophecies have driven her from Michigan to small-town Florida, where she lives in a small shack with her grandparents. When tragedy strikes her high school, Aria can’t avoid questions, or her truths. Someone is capable of murder, and Aria may be the only one who can tell who, where, and why.
Two word reaction to this book? So good! It’s compulsive reading about a strange girl in a tiny Florida community (that is described to a T, by the way). Aria has come up with coping mechanisms so that her everyday life isn’t constant torture, or at least she’s tried to. The arrival of real danger means Aria must decide who to trust: the town’s golden boy Will, an outsider-turned-popular-jock named Alex, or one of the girls who has always kept her on the outside, Delilah. One question might mean the difference between death and life, and that’s a heavy burden to bear, especially for a teen who can’t interact on any social level, forget normal.
So much of Aria’s life is consumed with avoiding people and their questions that she doesn’t really know how to live – she lets life tow her along and waits for the day when she won’t have the compulsion to spew prophecy any longer. This means that friends and boys are forbidden – until Aria begins to ask her own questions and question her responsibility for her community. This change comes through beautifully in her thoughts, her knee-jerk reactions, the way she responds to crises (both her own and others’). Pauley has written a believable, flawed heroine who can tell anyone else their future but not her own. It’s quite an accomplishment.
My favorite bits in the book were Aria’s interactions with her grandparents (sweet and tart at the same time), her complicated relationship with her ‘gift,’ and the descriptions of Florida life. Of course the prophecies were interesting too, along with the slow unraveling of what they meant, and the ratcheting up of danger and tension as a result. This is no cotton-candy story – there’s violence hidden in Lake Mariah. The only ‘con’ I can think of is that I figured out the mystery before Aria did, but it didn’t affect my enjoyment of the book at all.
In other words, Ask Me is wonderful entertainment. It’s also skillfully constructed, and there’s feeling, tension and mystery in the writing. As I said, so good!
Recommended for: fans of contemporary fantasy and thrillers, those who appreciate a story well-told, and anyone who likes the work of Sarah Rees Brennan, Holly Black, or Rick Yancey.
Aria Morse can’t help but answer every question she hears with the truth, even if it is sometimes obscured or deeply offensive. She doesn’t have control over what she says, and the deep truths physically drain her. Her ‘condition’ has marked her life ever since age twelve: Aria has lost friends and family, and her prophecies have driven her from Michigan to small-town Florida, where she lives in a small shack with her grandparents. When tragedy strikes her high school, Aria can’t avoid questions, or her truths. Someone is capable of murder, and Aria may be the only one who can tell who, where, and why.
Two word reaction to this book? So good! It’s compulsive reading about a strange girl in a tiny Florida community (that is described to a T, by the way). Aria has come up with coping mechanisms so that her everyday life isn’t constant torture, or at least she’s tried to. The arrival of real danger means Aria must decide who to trust: the town’s golden boy Will, an outsider-turned-popular-jock named Alex, or one of the girls who has always kept her on the outside, Delilah. One question might mean the difference between death and life, and that’s a heavy burden to bear, especially for a teen who can’t interact on any social level, forget normal.
So much of Aria’s life is consumed with avoiding people and their questions that she doesn’t really know how to live – she lets life tow her along and waits for the day when she won’t have the compulsion to spew prophecy any longer. This means that friends and boys are forbidden – until Aria begins to ask her own questions and question her responsibility for her community. This change comes through beautifully in her thoughts, her knee-jerk reactions, the way she responds to crises (both her own and others’). Pauley has written a believable, flawed heroine who can tell anyone else their future but not her own. It’s quite an accomplishment.
My favorite bits in the book were Aria’s interactions with her grandparents (sweet and tart at the same time), her complicated relationship with her ‘gift,’ and the descriptions of Florida life. Of course the prophecies were interesting too, along with the slow unraveling of what they meant, and the ratcheting up of danger and tension as a result. This is no cotton-candy story – there’s violence hidden in Lake Mariah. The only ‘con’ I can think of is that I figured out the mystery before Aria did, but it didn’t affect my enjoyment of the book at all.
In other words, Ask Me is wonderful entertainment. It’s also skillfully constructed, and there’s feeling, tension and mystery in the writing. As I said, so good!
Recommended for: fans of contemporary fantasy and thrillers, those who appreciate a story well-told, and anyone who likes the work of Sarah Rees Brennan, Holly Black, or Rick Yancey.
April 22, 2014
(View this review on My Library in the Making.)
Ask Me was a surprising read. I read the blurb before I cracked the book open but somehow, most of the things in it still came at me unexpectedly, and coupled with the thick suspense and mystery, I couldn't read fast enough.
Aria Morse has a unique ability: answers spew out of her mouth for every question that she hears. But because it's an ability she can't control, she views it as a curse that prevents her from being a normal teenager who has friends aside from her grandparents. But one day, a girl's disappearance rocks her quiet town, attracting lots of questions, and this time, her curse may actually prove to be a gift.
What surprised me first was how cryptic Aria's answers were - they were so much like her last name - and they made me laugh even during serious moments. And that's how it is for me when it comes to books or movies: make me laugh and I'm sold.
This book is one of those I'd deem unputdownable. It was very easy to read and I doubt anyone wouldn't be rushing to get to the end, but that doesn't mean it was perfect. Because the story basically revolved around Aria having it, I would've liked to have known earlier on in the story all the technicalities and the history of her ability. It only works when someone else does the asking, so what about during written exams? (I'm guessing it doesn't work then, but it wasn't stated outright!)
Then there was the question of just who the eff was the killer. There were two clear choices, but around halfway through the book I'd already guessed it. And because she's had it for years, you'd think Aria would know how to use her gift effectively. I get that the answers were, more often than not, exasperating, but with a killer on the loose, I'd have gone at it until I at least knew if I were going to be safe or not. I would also count Aria's longing to connect with other people aside from her grandparents as another snag in the story because it, ultimately, only brought her into deeper trouble, but that was natural, was it not? A bit childish and stupid, but all the more realistic.
Compelling and exciting, Ask Me isn't something I'd give to hardcore mystery fans, but for someone like me who's easily entertained, it was more than satisfying. Oh, and music lovers will enjoy this, too, because at the beginning of each chapter are a few lines of lyrics from various songs. I was devastated when I realized I hadn't jotted down the song titles before I passed on the ARC to the next tour participant; thank goodness the author has it on her website.
MY FAVORITE PART was the acrostic poem realization. I got chills.
Ask Me was a surprising read. I read the blurb before I cracked the book open but somehow, most of the things in it still came at me unexpectedly, and coupled with the thick suspense and mystery, I couldn't read fast enough.
Aria Morse has a unique ability: answers spew out of her mouth for every question that she hears. But because it's an ability she can't control, she views it as a curse that prevents her from being a normal teenager who has friends aside from her grandparents. But one day, a girl's disappearance rocks her quiet town, attracting lots of questions, and this time, her curse may actually prove to be a gift.
What surprised me first was how cryptic Aria's answers were - they were so much like her last name - and they made me laugh even during serious moments. And that's how it is for me when it comes to books or movies: make me laugh and I'm sold.
"Have you seen Jade?" Delilah asked me, her bright red fingernails cutting into my elbow.
"Not me, no, not I. Not today, not today, she's gone away." I bit my tongue, hoping there were no more verses. I hated the singsong answers most of all.
This book is one of those I'd deem unputdownable. It was very easy to read and I doubt anyone wouldn't be rushing to get to the end, but that doesn't mean it was perfect. Because the story basically revolved around Aria having it, I would've liked to have known earlier on in the story all the technicalities and the history of her ability. It only works when someone else does the asking, so what about during written exams? (I'm guessing it doesn't work then, but it wasn't stated outright!)
Then there was the question of just who the eff was the killer. There were two clear choices, but around halfway through the book I'd already guessed it. And because she's had it for years, you'd think Aria would know how to use her gift effectively. I get that the answers were, more often than not, exasperating, but with a killer on the loose, I'd have gone at it until I at least knew if I were going to be safe or not. I would also count Aria's longing to connect with other people aside from her grandparents as another snag in the story because it, ultimately, only brought her into deeper trouble, but that was natural, was it not? A bit childish and stupid, but all the more realistic.
Compelling and exciting, Ask Me isn't something I'd give to hardcore mystery fans, but for someone like me who's easily entertained, it was more than satisfying. Oh, and music lovers will enjoy this, too, because at the beginning of each chapter are a few lines of lyrics from various songs. I was devastated when I realized I hadn't jotted down the song titles before I passed on the ARC to the next tour participant; thank goodness the author has it on her website.
MY FAVORITE PART was the acrostic poem realization. I got chills.
March 29, 2014
I'm utterly disappointed in this book. Oracles always make appearances in most mythology books in one way or another, but it's never the main subject. There are very few books out there were they take the center stage, and almost all of them have been failures for me. I'm just not satisfied with them. Ask Me is one of those.
Whenever I see a book about oracles I'm at least expecting some good background history and world building around the history of the oracle, whether it be Greek, Norse, or some other type of prophesying. All we get here is a mention that they are descendant from one of the original 10 Sybils, specifically the Erythraean one and that they leave a book to each new generation. That's pretty much it. That's all that's mentioned and we move on with Aria's life. So much could have been done with that, but instead it was left at that. Superficial.
I was not a fan of Aria. Actually I'm never a fan of anyone just hiding and saying hell with it when she could have done something but was too much of a chicken shit to even think of a way to do it without outing herself. Not to mention how much she sucked at getting answers. Instead of really having a go at it by sitting down with her Gran and just letting her ask questions from every angle, she only ever answered a few, got sick/frustrated and left it at. Most pathetic effort I ever saw.
I get that school was hell for her when she had to answer every single question that she heard, but that does not excuse her when there are murders going on. Put on your big girl panties and get on with it, woman! But no, she always managed to talk her self out of it mostly. Had to be convinced by her Gran every time a simple little tidbit was discovered. The whole thing was beyond frustrating. But not more so than how blind she was to who the murderer was till the last 5% of the book. It was so damn obvious! Ugh!
It was entertaining enough to keep me glued to the pages and kept reading the whole way through, although after the first half I found myself skimming a lot since by then it had lost it's charm long ago. I had been expecting more from a book about oracles and a serial killer, but apparently I was asking for too much.
Whenever I see a book about oracles I'm at least expecting some good background history and world building around the history of the oracle, whether it be Greek, Norse, or some other type of prophesying. All we get here is a mention that they are descendant from one of the original 10 Sybils, specifically the Erythraean one and that they leave a book to each new generation. That's pretty much it. That's all that's mentioned and we move on with Aria's life. So much could have been done with that, but instead it was left at that. Superficial.
I was not a fan of Aria. Actually I'm never a fan of anyone just hiding and saying hell with it when she could have done something but was too much of a chicken shit to even think of a way to do it without outing herself. Not to mention how much she sucked at getting answers. Instead of really having a go at it by sitting down with her Gran and just letting her ask questions from every angle, she only ever answered a few, got sick/frustrated and left it at. Most pathetic effort I ever saw.
I get that school was hell for her when she had to answer every single question that she heard, but that does not excuse her when there are murders going on. Put on your big girl panties and get on with it, woman! But no, she always managed to talk her self out of it mostly. Had to be convinced by her Gran every time a simple little tidbit was discovered. The whole thing was beyond frustrating. But not more so than how blind she was to who the murderer was till the last 5% of the book. It was so damn obvious! Ugh!
It was entertaining enough to keep me glued to the pages and kept reading the whole way through, although after the first half I found myself skimming a lot since by then it had lost it's charm long ago. I had been expecting more from a book about oracles and a serial killer, but apparently I was asking for too much.
January 3, 2014
Ask Me by Kimberly Pauley is a pretty sweet read. The story is about a teenage oracle that is compelled to answer every question she hears with the truth. Of course sometimes the truth isn't as clear as one might hope and after a murder rocks Aria's small town the answers become a matter of life and death.
Mythology is huge at my library, we can't really keep it on the shelves and I think Ask Me might appeal to the same crowd.
There are a few things that keep this book from being a five star read for me...
1. The murderer seemed too obvious for me. (Fine for younger readers, but not for more sophisticated puzzle-solvers.)
2. The bully is called a "bitch." (Making it not as ideal for younger readers.)
3. Aria's inability to utilize her unique talent was frustrating beyond belief.
Nevertheless, I can honestly say this is a solid four star read and I am so thankful for the opportunity to read a free advance copy! Thanks Soho Press! This could be the beginning of an awesome series.
April 14, 2014
Pretty good, though it was too obvious who the killer was going to be. Less from clues left in the book (I only caught a couple, certainly not the big one, and then it was because I was already convinced)but rather because it is a cliche. I liked the concept behind having the tell the truth all the time, but it was annoying that sometimes the answers were very, very straightforward (He's banging Daisy) and other times were all but nonsense...and the only pattern as far as I could tell was when it was convenient to the plot. If it was more dramatic for a truth to be told, then it was plain speaking. If it would give more tension for nonsense, then riddles showed up. It would have been better if it were all one or all the other.
April 14, 2018
I put off reading this book for a while, there was always something else more important I thought. HUGE MISTAKE! I loved this book. A lot.
It is subtle. Aria, the main character is incredibly likable, and the author did a wonderful job at making her "gift" important but not overpowering in the story. She had to answer questions, all questions, and it never got old, annoying, or lame; instead I could not wait to see each answer! This book fantastic. I knew from very early on who the murder was, and that did nothing to ruin the experience of reading this story.
Highly recommended.
It is subtle. Aria, the main character is incredibly likable, and the author did a wonderful job at making her "gift" important but not overpowering in the story. She had to answer questions, all questions, and it never got old, annoying, or lame; instead I could not wait to see each answer! This book fantastic. I knew from very early on who the murder was, and that did nothing to ruin the experience of reading this story.
Highly recommended.
December 30, 2016
Aria was such a complicated character. I loved that she had this huge problem and worked so hard to keep it hidden. She learned to cope as best as she could, and that's hard since she always has to answer questions with the truth-even ones not directed at her. Throw in a murderer, two sexy and mysterious guys with said truth teller, and it's a great book! I really hope there will be more books featuring Aria. Solid five glittery star read for a paranormal romantic suspense that will keep you turning the pages!
February 23, 2016
This was an awesome book!!!
November 25, 2016
K wow, this book was honestly so great! Highly recommend it!
May 3, 2022
Omg the killer was so obvious since page one, but the concept and some of the writing was clever. Overall it was a fun read.
September 7, 2016
YA.... suspense....cute, weird, short kinda rushed, and predictable... could be better.... ;)
June 11, 2017
Aria is a descendant of one of the Greek oracles and as a result she has the ability to prophesize. Her talent comes from truthfully answering questions, any questions. This ability has ruined her family, she now lives with her grandparents, and she is ostracized at school because of her crazy mutterings and blunt answers to questions. A girl from Aria's school goes missing and the police are leading an investigation. Aria begins getting closer to the two boys the girl was dating before she went missing. It is through these connections that Aria is able to use her talents to find out who committed the crime.
I had a great time with this book. I thought it was interesting, it was a fresh concept. I enjoyed the characters and would not have a problem reading another book in the series. The question and answer parameters were not as well defined, because there were several questions posed that Aria did not answer. I was willing to look past that because I was having a great time with the story.
I had a great time with this book. I thought it was interesting, it was a fresh concept. I enjoyed the characters and would not have a problem reading another book in the series. The question and answer parameters were not as well defined, because there were several questions posed that Aria did not answer. I was willing to look past that because I was having a great time with the story.
April 8, 2022
I've been sick and needed something easy to read that didn't require too much thinking. This did the trick but left me with so many questions. This story was a little light on logic. I could see where having this kind of "gift" would be more of a curse when you had to go to high school surrounded by kids asking questions. Still, I think this book needed more details filled in. Also, this girl, Aria, goes from being no one's friend to suddenly having the attention of both of the most popular guys in school and why? I have no idea. Also, a girl from school that was missing was found murdered and a bunch of the students blamed one of the boys she'd been dating. The girl had been with two boys separately during the past few days so why did no one suspect the other guy? Why was Aria so willing to believe one of them and not the other? Then there is the ending which was way too abrupt. This book could have been good if the author had taken a bit more time to round it out.
October 8, 2017
It was an okay book. I saw the title and the description and asked myself "Huh, sounds like an interesting book..." Started reading, finished it in a day, mostly because the fonts are HUGE. Also, it was understandable that the character herself hates her gift, but obviously she could had used it to help people, and I find it hard to believe that people actually don't believe her - since if you ask her 70things about you, she'll answer them correctly, or throw in 70 riddles. who knows. Though, after the first few pages of Will it was apparent who was the killer. SPOILER: It was will. Boo, scary. Last few pages wasn't intense since the reader that it figured out already. Not sure if it is the liter's writing style, since I'm more used to guessing the characters and not having the killer showed right to me. Overall, in my opinion, pretty cool book. Though I wouldn't read it again.
August 25, 2022
I have not read a murder mystery in a long time and I forgot how much fun they are! I loved the spin on this trope. Aria having to speak the truth and decipher the answers was miserable for her but incredibly entertaining for me as a reader.
I think my favorite thing about this story for me was that I wasn't focused on who the killer was. I got that early on. What I enjoyed was Aria's developing relationships in this time of crisis. She (understandably) hasn't talked to anyone outside of her grandparents in any meaningful capacity in YEARS. This girl is seriously lacking in social skills. But not so severely that I'm concerned or it's unbelievable. It perfectly lays out her character and makes her actions all the more believable. Being about to focus on the main character and work through her growth was lovely.
I really enjoyed this book! I'm so glad I found it on audible!
I think my favorite thing about this story for me was that I wasn't focused on who the killer was. I got that early on. What I enjoyed was Aria's developing relationships in this time of crisis. She (understandably) hasn't talked to anyone outside of her grandparents in any meaningful capacity in YEARS. This girl is seriously lacking in social skills. But not so severely that I'm concerned or it's unbelievable. It perfectly lays out her character and makes her actions all the more believable. Being about to focus on the main character and work through her growth was lovely.
I really enjoyed this book! I'm so glad I found it on audible!
October 19, 2021
Before I start the review, I must share a line from the book that actually made me laugh out loud:
"’Let's start over here. Where are you located?’
‘The living room.’ I whacked myself in the forehead. If she'd stop asking questions, this would go a lot faster.
‘Look, I'm at home.’"
- - - - - -
The author really makes you think it’s not Will.
I really wanted to like Will, too. Ugh!
But the answer was there the whole time: the quote or whatever Aria would give whenever she was asked.
I’m glad Aria still has Delilah, and maybe even Alex?
Also, I’m glad that, at the end, it’s just her— no more Oracle. I think the reason she didn’t lose it when she turned 17 like Gran did, was because she was needed to help solve these murders.
"’Let's start over here. Where are you located?’
‘The living room.’ I whacked myself in the forehead. If she'd stop asking questions, this would go a lot faster.
‘Look, I'm at home.’"
- - - - - -
The author really makes you think it’s not Will.
I really wanted to like Will, too. Ugh!
But the answer was there the whole time: the quote or whatever Aria would give whenever she was asked.
I’m glad Aria still has Delilah, and maybe even Alex?
Also, I’m glad that, at the end, it’s just her— no more Oracle. I think the reason she didn’t lose it when she turned 17 like Gran did, was because she was needed to help solve these murders.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 3, 2016
Imagine that you know the answer to any question you overhear. Imagine that you are compelled to give the answer. Imagine that half the time, the answer is in odd riddles that make no sense whatsoever. This is the daily life for Aria Morse, a descendant of Sybil, an Oracle who can only speak truths. Life only gets harder when the only girl who was somewhat nice to her turns up dead, and everyone is desperate to know what happened and who killed her. The problem? None of Aria's answers are clear enough to point to the murderer.
There are many things that I loved and a few things that I hated, which is why this book earned a whopping four stars from me.
The world building could have used some improvement, but it had an interesting basis. As I said in my previous paragraph, Aria is an Oracle who is compelled to answer any question she hears with the truth. I haven't previously read a book that focused on a power such as this one, nor had I read a book (that I can think of right off the top of my head, anyway) in which the MC really, really despises what makes her special. In fact, all of the previous Oracles' gifts started in their early teens, lasted for a few years, and disappeared in their late teens. At seventeen, Aria is dreaming of the day when she wakes up and can be "normal."
The problem arises when Aria finally decides to look into the history of Oracles in the attempt to learn how to control her abilities. Her maternal grandmother was an Oracle when she was a teenager, and had previously offered to teach Aria how to control her abilities but was always turned down. However, it appears that despite the fact that their great ancestor was famous (and, apparently, painted onto the Sistine Chapel by Michelangelo himself), Aria's grandmother can provide only a single book to guide her way. And, apparently, this book has next to no ability to help Aria with her problems.
You would think, given the fact that there are many myths about Oracles (especially Greek ones briefly mentioned in the book) and the fact that the Sybil Aria's family is descended from is really super freaking famous that there would be more history to go on. But I digress.
The somewhat good news is: Aria is a believable character. Aria has been "cursed" with the "family gift" since she was twelve. She was compelled to answer any and all questions with nothing but the truth, and it caused a mountain of family discord and abandonment from her friends. High school is her first public school experience since she moved in with her grandparents, and because of her constant mumbling (answering all the questions she overhears) she's become the school's pariah. Her lack of social graces create a naive character desperate for normality - which some readers view as annoying, but is actually quite truthful to teenagers who feel like they are outcasts. So, in my opinion, Aria's character is extremely realistic.
On a side note, Aria listens to music to drown out any possible questions. And her tastes are circa 2005, heavy on the Fall Out Boy, Death Cab for Cutie, and Boys Like Girls. Ah, I remember those days. And, quite honestly, I still have some of those songs on my playlist (don't judge me.) Do what you will with this information.
Aria's grandparents are totally awesome. And I mean totally. Her grandparents are a picture of a couple in love. Her grandmother is a not-so-great cook who sells jams and fruits at a roadside stand. Her grandfather constantly forgets that he shouldn't ask too many questions, but has a habit of begging Aria for the lottery numbers. They're cute and funny, and unlike many parental figures in YA, they care very much about Aria's safety and whereabouts.
The mystery wasn't half bad. Basically, there are two main suspects: Will and Alex, both boys who, at one point in time, had a romantic relationship with Jade, the first victim. Both boys suspect the other, and the rest of the school picks sides of who they think is innocent and who is the murderer. Due to this, it's pretty heavily suggested that one of these boys is the murderer, but quite honestly, I wasn't 100% sure of the murderer's identity myself until the big reveal. So while the mystery was quickly narrowed into two prime suspects, there's still an uncertainty pretty late into the novel. (Of course this is all my own opinion, and I'm starting to think that I'm really bad at figuring out mysteries. So.)
The romance was... okay? At first you think there's going to be a love triangle. Both Will and Alex warn Aria away from the other. Will starts hanging out with Aria at lunch after he's been abandoned by the other students, and Alex stands up to her bullies for her in the one class that they share. However, a love triangle never develops (we dodged a bullet there.)
I will say this: Aria is extremely naive when it comes to love. It fits in with her sheltered, loser-ish character, but her openness to one of the guy's advances - and quick admission of her love - might be the most disappointing things in this relatively short novel.
In short, this is a book that I would recommend. If you like supernatural YA mysteries, this a book that you can get through in a day or so. It's quick and easy, and interesting enough that you'll find yourself hooked.
There are many things that I loved and a few things that I hated, which is why this book earned a whopping four stars from me.
The world building could have used some improvement, but it had an interesting basis. As I said in my previous paragraph, Aria is an Oracle who is compelled to answer any question she hears with the truth. I haven't previously read a book that focused on a power such as this one, nor had I read a book (that I can think of right off the top of my head, anyway) in which the MC really, really despises what makes her special. In fact, all of the previous Oracles' gifts started in their early teens, lasted for a few years, and disappeared in their late teens. At seventeen, Aria is dreaming of the day when she wakes up and can be "normal."
The problem arises when Aria finally decides to look into the history of Oracles in the attempt to learn how to control her abilities. Her maternal grandmother was an Oracle when she was a teenager, and had previously offered to teach Aria how to control her abilities but was always turned down. However, it appears that despite the fact that their great ancestor was famous (and, apparently, painted onto the Sistine Chapel by Michelangelo himself), Aria's grandmother can provide only a single book to guide her way. And, apparently, this book has next to no ability to help Aria with her problems.
You would think, given the fact that there are many myths about Oracles (especially Greek ones briefly mentioned in the book) and the fact that the Sybil Aria's family is descended from is really super freaking famous that there would be more history to go on. But I digress.
The somewhat good news is: Aria is a believable character. Aria has been "cursed" with the "family gift" since she was twelve. She was compelled to answer any and all questions with nothing but the truth, and it caused a mountain of family discord and abandonment from her friends. High school is her first public school experience since she moved in with her grandparents, and because of her constant mumbling (answering all the questions she overhears) she's become the school's pariah. Her lack of social graces create a naive character desperate for normality - which some readers view as annoying, but is actually quite truthful to teenagers who feel like they are outcasts. So, in my opinion, Aria's character is extremely realistic.
On a side note, Aria listens to music to drown out any possible questions. And her tastes are circa 2005, heavy on the Fall Out Boy, Death Cab for Cutie, and Boys Like Girls. Ah, I remember those days. And, quite honestly, I still have some of those songs on my playlist (don't judge me.) Do what you will with this information.
Aria's grandparents are totally awesome. And I mean totally. Her grandparents are a picture of a couple in love. Her grandmother is a not-so-great cook who sells jams and fruits at a roadside stand. Her grandfather constantly forgets that he shouldn't ask too many questions, but has a habit of begging Aria for the lottery numbers. They're cute and funny, and unlike many parental figures in YA, they care very much about Aria's safety and whereabouts.
The mystery wasn't half bad. Basically, there are two main suspects: Will and Alex, both boys who, at one point in time, had a romantic relationship with Jade, the first victim. Both boys suspect the other, and the rest of the school picks sides of who they think is innocent and who is the murderer. Due to this, it's pretty heavily suggested that one of these boys is the murderer, but quite honestly, I wasn't 100% sure of the murderer's identity myself until the big reveal. So while the mystery was quickly narrowed into two prime suspects, there's still an uncertainty pretty late into the novel. (Of course this is all my own opinion, and I'm starting to think that I'm really bad at figuring out mysteries. So.)
The romance was... okay? At first you think there's going to be a love triangle. Both Will and Alex warn Aria away from the other. Will starts hanging out with Aria at lunch after he's been abandoned by the other students, and Alex stands up to her bullies for her in the one class that they share. However, a love triangle never develops (we dodged a bullet there.)
I will say this: Aria is extremely naive when it comes to love. It fits in with her sheltered, loser-ish character, but her openness to one of the guy's advances - and quick admission of her love - might be the most disappointing things in this relatively short novel.
In short, this is a book that I would recommend. If you like supernatural YA mysteries, this a book that you can get through in a day or so. It's quick and easy, and interesting enough that you'll find yourself hooked.
May 14, 2021
A fairly quick read. It was pretty good, I enjoyed the story but it didn't get very deep into character development, however, it makes for a good beach read or rainy weekend mystery. It felt more aimed at an audience much younger than myself, perhaps it was a young adult novel. But it was still worth my time. Pretty good.
May 28, 2017
This book was amazing! So many different clues, and the beginning chapter was a great addition! It really got the reader wondering who ran over the man. The complete plot twist in the end was so unexpected! This book was amazing!!!
October 16, 2017
Aria is unable to tell lies. In fact, she needs to tell the truth whenever anyone asks a question. Aria cannot understand the cryptic words coming out of her mouth. When one of her classmates disappears, Aria uses her gift to find out what happened.
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