What do you think?
Rate this book
Amber
How do you live by the rules if you don’t know what they are?
Amber’s lost her memory. She doesn’t even know her real name. The only clues to her identity are a beautiful amber necklace and a broken mobile phone. She’s determined to learn the truth about her past life, and the secrets she’s hiding, but how many rules will she break along the way?
Amber’s lost her memory. She doesn’t even know her real name. The only clues to her identity are a beautiful amber necklace and a broken mobile phone. She’s determined to learn the truth about her past life, and the secrets she’s hiding, but how many rules will she break along the way?
304 pages, Paperback
First published September 11, 2013
7 people are currently reading
95 people want to read
About the author
Julie Sykes
1 book1 followerLibrarian Note: There is more than one author by this name in the Goodreads database.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
August 19, 2016
I have absolutely no idea where to start with my review of this book.
Unfortunately, I find myself unable to give this book more than 2 stars overall. It wasn't just the grammatical errors that made it hard for me to maneuverer my way through many pages, but also how unrefined the plot seems to me.
My main concern with this book was about how Sykes has tried to place "Amber" in a time-frame of staying with her foster parents for two weeks. This is all well and good, until the author tries to awkwardly fit in mention of how much time has passed. Sure- some people are almost superhuman in the amount they can get done within a few hours, yet there are many phrases in this book that seem out of place. For example, how Amber talks about getting into her "daily routine of stretching" yet by the mention of a date later on, it shows that she had only done this once at that point. This may seem highly critical and picky, but the lexical choice of "daily" suggests this had been repeated over many days. This is also just one specific example, and the discombobulation of time is a regular occurrence over the book, suggesting not much thought had gone into it.
Furthermore, there are many scenes in this book that have no relevance to the plot and are just a time-waster, that I feel are there to fill up more pages. For some people, I understand that extra scenes to get to know a character more are interesting, however there are better ways to get to know the characters through going straight through the plot, instead of reading about their
conversations over breakfast everyday.
I gave this book 2 stars as the idea of it has the potential to be so much more, however, I think that it could have been improved greatly if more time and effort had gone into smoothing out the bumps in the plot, as well as making the scenes move into each other more fluidly.
Unfortunately, I find myself unable to give this book more than 2 stars overall. It wasn't just the grammatical errors that made it hard for me to maneuverer my way through many pages, but also how unrefined the plot seems to me.
My main concern with this book was about how Sykes has tried to place "Amber" in a time-frame of staying with her foster parents for two weeks. This is all well and good, until the author tries to awkwardly fit in mention of how much time has passed. Sure- some people are almost superhuman in the amount they can get done within a few hours, yet there are many phrases in this book that seem out of place. For example, how Amber talks about getting into her "daily routine of stretching" yet by the mention of a date later on, it shows that she had only done this once at that point. This may seem highly critical and picky, but the lexical choice of "daily" suggests this had been repeated over many days. This is also just one specific example, and the discombobulation of time is a regular occurrence over the book, suggesting not much thought had gone into it.
Furthermore, there are many scenes in this book that have no relevance to the plot and are just a time-waster, that I feel are there to fill up more pages. For some people, I understand that extra scenes to get to know a character more are interesting, however there are better ways to get to know the characters through going straight through the plot, instead of reading about their
conversations over breakfast everyday.
I gave this book 2 stars as the idea of it has the potential to be so much more, however, I think that it could have been improved greatly if more time and effort had gone into smoothing out the bumps in the plot, as well as making the scenes move into each other more fluidly.
November 29, 2017
Really enjoyed this book and I just had to finish it in one sitting.
July 3, 2024
Amber is an intriguing novel that combines elements of romance, fantasy and mystery. The protagonist, Amber, has lost her memory and only has an amber necklace and a broken cell phone as clues to her identity. As you search for answers, you face challenges and hidden secrets.
December 9, 2019
It was very good in the beginning but seemed to have a very silly ending.
Read
April 14, 2020Good story
Read
January 10, 2024camp
March 12, 2024
Read this when I was like 12 or something and liked it, liked how she didn’t end up with that guy
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 10, 2014
Amber. Where do I even begin?
With the cover's compliments? I don't want to say too much, but I loved how it tied in with the book very well, it's one of the most stunning covers and the font 'Amber' is written in is perfect; it somehow managed to capture the disjointedness she felt, how there were loose ends of the tapestry that was her, unravelling. What had it looked like when ravelled?
We join Amber on her journey to discover that... Also, she discover her musical talent (which I think is lovely! At one point I was sat there wondering what the love song would sound like). She meets Dan and yes, it's insta-attraction; but there is a reason why she was so attracted to him which we find out later and meant that I actually appreciated why that had happened.
There was lots of things like that with this book- eventually it makes sense. I knew one of the major points of the book and it just kept being hinted at, by different characters, which in a way was foreshadowing some of you may have picked up upon. If you want to guess it before its revealed, just look up for things characters repeatedly say to Amber, and mainly as a joke!
You'd think it'd be a fundamental thing, in a mystery, that you should be in the dark (about the events) to enjoy it. But it actually wasn't... It's not like I knew everything, but I knew quite a good deal and I still managed to enjoy this and there were moments where I was pleasantly a little surprised. Luckily not enough to fall off my chair, or anything as likely to end in bruising.
This book is so different from normal paranormal romance, I can't tell you why exactly... One thing that I love (because I'm the sociological type) is one of the themes, just the fact that yes, humans are relatively stupid about caring for our planet. I can't wait to see this developed (if there is a next book, there so should be). Amber has decided its an important issue, so NOW we need to see her do something about it. Before we go over the tipping point on global destruction. But yes, there's a lot of sociology.
This is definitely a good read with good characters (who save you from flying netballs), good guys (who are very good at sailing), good nurses (sweetie!), bad guys (you had it coming to you, gonna banish you!)
With the cover's compliments? I don't want to say too much, but I loved how it tied in with the book very well, it's one of the most stunning covers and the font 'Amber' is written in is perfect; it somehow managed to capture the disjointedness she felt, how there were loose ends of the tapestry that was her, unravelling. What had it looked like when ravelled?
We join Amber on her journey to discover that... Also, she discover her musical talent (which I think is lovely! At one point I was sat there wondering what the love song would sound like). She meets Dan and yes, it's insta-attraction; but there is a reason why she was so attracted to him which we find out later and meant that I actually appreciated why that had happened.
There was lots of things like that with this book- eventually it makes sense. I knew one of the major points of the book and it just kept being hinted at, by different characters, which in a way was foreshadowing some of you may have picked up upon. If you want to guess it before its revealed, just look up for things characters repeatedly say to Amber, and mainly as a joke!
You'd think it'd be a fundamental thing, in a mystery, that you should be in the dark (about the events) to enjoy it. But it actually wasn't... It's not like I knew everything, but I knew quite a good deal and I still managed to enjoy this and there were moments where I was pleasantly a little surprised. Luckily not enough to fall off my chair, or anything as likely to end in bruising.
This book is so different from normal paranormal romance, I can't tell you why exactly... One thing that I love (because I'm the sociological type) is one of the themes, just the fact that yes, humans are relatively stupid about caring for our planet. I can't wait to see this developed (if there is a next book, there so should be). Amber has decided its an important issue, so NOW we need to see her do something about it. Before we go over the tipping point on global destruction. But yes, there's a lot of sociology.
This is definitely a good read with good characters (who save you from flying netballs), good guys (who are very good at sailing), good nurses (sweetie!), bad guys (you had it coming to you, gonna banish you!)
January 1, 2014
In all honesty, I didn't really know what to expect from Amber. The synopsis left a lot to the imagination and I'd never heard or read of the author previously - so, opening it, all I was hoping for was a nice, enjoyable read, and that's exactly what I got.
I believe this is Julie Sykes first novel for older readers and, I've got to say, I hope she delves into the YA genre more. I really enjoyed Amber. After the amount of heavy dystopian books I'd been swimming in, it was a nice change. I adored that it was a standalone - the storyline wasn't majorly complex because there was no need to set up any sub-plots for further books in a series. Of course there was mystery - that's a guarantee when you have a main character with amnesia! - but most is resolved, we aren't left with frustrating loose ends! It was definetly a refreshing read and just what I needed at the time.
I got along well with the main character, Amber. She was neither annoying nor whiny but, rather, intriguing. She's quite the mystery and you are just constantly waiting to see if she'll remember something, anything throughout the course of the novel. I did like her though. She was smart and realistic. As nice as Dan - another prominent character - was, toward the end of the book, I started finding him more and more irritating and, well, getting in the way. I think only people who've read the book will get that last sentence, sorry! ;3
Anyway. To conclude, Amber is the perfect novel for a light, rainy day read. It's not overly complicated and introduces us to a nice bunch of characters that make it all that little more enjoyable. I'm going to round it up to four stars because, though I didn't dislike anything about it, it didn't blow me away. I recommend it to readers who enjoy light mystery and have lately found themselves drowning in heavy, complex books. I applaud Sykes for bringing out her first Young Adult novel and hope she does it again! :)
I believe this is Julie Sykes first novel for older readers and, I've got to say, I hope she delves into the YA genre more. I really enjoyed Amber. After the amount of heavy dystopian books I'd been swimming in, it was a nice change. I adored that it was a standalone - the storyline wasn't majorly complex because there was no need to set up any sub-plots for further books in a series. Of course there was mystery - that's a guarantee when you have a main character with amnesia! - but most is resolved, we aren't left with frustrating loose ends! It was definetly a refreshing read and just what I needed at the time.
I got along well with the main character, Amber. She was neither annoying nor whiny but, rather, intriguing. She's quite the mystery and you are just constantly waiting to see if she'll remember something, anything throughout the course of the novel. I did like her though. She was smart and realistic. As nice as Dan - another prominent character - was, toward the end of the book, I started finding him more and more irritating and, well, getting in the way. I think only people who've read the book will get that last sentence, sorry! ;3
Anyway. To conclude, Amber is the perfect novel for a light, rainy day read. It's not overly complicated and introduces us to a nice bunch of characters that make it all that little more enjoyable. I'm going to round it up to four stars because, though I didn't dislike anything about it, it didn't blow me away. I recommend it to readers who enjoy light mystery and have lately found themselves drowning in heavy, complex books. I applaud Sykes for bringing out her first Young Adult novel and hope she does it again! :)
April 22, 2014
I saw a review for this online that said it was absolutely fantastic, and I will admit that I had looked at it a couple of times in the library and was curious so I decided to take the plunge and bring it home to read.
With the day off on Easter Monday and nothing really planned I got up and picked up my book straight away. About 3 hours later I had finished it with time to spare before lunch.
The book starts with a girl waking up in hospital with no memory of who she is or where she came from. I liked this because it puts you in her shoes - we discover things about her at the same time as she does, giving us a connection to the character. With only an Amber necklace to identify her she decides to name herself Amber.
I really enjoyed this book, I really wanted to know who Amber was and what happened to her, she is naturally likeable and makes you want to discover more about her. The first half of the story sets her up as a character and what could be a whole new life for her, but you know it is building to something big, and a choice for Amber too, stick with the new life or embrace her old life again.
I will admit, when you discover who Amber is I rolled my eyes, did they have to go down that root. *Spoiler - I mean 'Aliens', are so overdone. * But I kept reading and I am glad I did because it's actually done in a fresh and exciting way and I found myself really enjoying it. I was actually sad when it was finished, I came to really like the characters, not just Amber but the others around her and I wanted to stay in that world a bit longer.
If you want a compelling read then this is definitely worth picking up.
With the day off on Easter Monday and nothing really planned I got up and picked up my book straight away. About 3 hours later I had finished it with time to spare before lunch.
The book starts with a girl waking up in hospital with no memory of who she is or where she came from. I liked this because it puts you in her shoes - we discover things about her at the same time as she does, giving us a connection to the character. With only an Amber necklace to identify her she decides to name herself Amber.
I really enjoyed this book, I really wanted to know who Amber was and what happened to her, she is naturally likeable and makes you want to discover more about her. The first half of the story sets her up as a character and what could be a whole new life for her, but you know it is building to something big, and a choice for Amber too, stick with the new life or embrace her old life again.
I will admit, when you discover who Amber is I rolled my eyes, did they have to go down that root. *Spoiler - I mean 'Aliens', are so overdone. * But I kept reading and I am glad I did because it's actually done in a fresh and exciting way and I found myself really enjoying it. I was actually sad when it was finished, I came to really like the characters, not just Amber but the others around her and I wanted to stay in that world a bit longer.
If you want a compelling read then this is definitely worth picking up.
March 15, 2017
I thought that this was a good book but it's execution could have been a little better. I liked the characters, they were very real. The reveal when it came was pretty much expected though I liked the world-building that followed even if it was a lot of information in one go. I liked the importance of music to Amber and how it was the first true thing she remembered. The memory loss was definitely well written and I liked that there were things Amber remembered that didn't quite fit.
I did think Holly's re-introduction to the story later was a bit unbelievable. When talking to Mia about who else was expected Holly's name never came up, just Erin and some boy, so for her to show up and attend seemed odd particularly as no musical talent was mentioned.
Overall an interesting book that I'd like to see followed up with a sequel, Amber's world sounds fascinating and I'd like to learn more about it and see if she can get her peers to see things her way.
I did think Holly's re-introduction to the story later was a bit unbelievable. When talking to Mia about who else was expected Holly's name never came up, just Erin and some boy, so for her to show up and attend seemed odd particularly as no musical talent was mentioned.
Overall an interesting book that I'd like to see followed up with a sequel, Amber's world sounds fascinating and I'd like to learn more about it and see if she can get her peers to see things her way.
September 8, 2016
Great beginning, really had me hooked. I didn't really like the ending though. I wanted more information on Marn, and just generally more. It was too rushed. Too much information at once. Amber/Amara getting her memories back should have had more dramatics. I feel that the amber necklace should have been referenced more, not just once or twice. The plot was good, but the ending was too rushed, and I want more information in the end, perhaps a small insight on her life back would be nice. Other than that, this was a great read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 17, 2015
3.5 stars.
Pretty good book, reminded me a little of The Host. Although it did take a little while to get properly in the story and I did find myself a little bored in the first half, the story does eventually take a completely different route which overall made it enjoyable. Just wish I had got to know Marn a bit better. :-)
Pretty good book, reminded me a little of The Host. Although it did take a little while to get properly in the story and I did find myself a little bored in the first half, the story does eventually take a completely different route which overall made it enjoyable. Just wish I had got to know Marn a bit better. :-)
October 4, 2013
3.5 stars! :)
July 29, 2014
I enjoyed re-experiencing the world through he eyes of a character who had lost her memories and did not even know what sort of person she was. A great voyage of self discovery.
Read
September 18, 2014AMAZING!!!!
The plot changes almost as often as you turn a page! The Novel is just that well written it's as if you are there hovering above them!!!!
The plot changes almost as often as you turn a page! The Novel is just that well written it's as if you are there hovering above them!!!!
December 28, 2014
A great book, keeps you intrigued, I was always wanting to know what would happen next. So gripping, fantastic!!
May 1, 2015
An idea that I'm pretty sure comes from little-tested waters. It was well written and I enjoyed it. Overall a pretty good read.
January 13, 2016
Loved this book! It was a refreshing read but took me long to finish! Really liked it, would love to read more material from this author.
October 24, 2015
Amazing book by Julie Sykes!I would have rated it 5 stars, however few grammatical errors put it down to 4. But anyways, I really LOVED it!
October 30, 2016
amazing book
May 15, 2014
great until there was the plot twist
May 26, 2016
good book about aliens and how she loses her memory then needs to find out who she is
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews