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The Unseen #1
Eleanor
It was a gamble for Eleanor to rejoin humanity, but she was driven to it. She’d been too successful forgetting. The last vestiges of her family hung by a thread in her transformed brain and drove her to be reckless. Ten years later, Eleanor hides in plain sight. She is an average girl getting average grades in a small Wyoming town: poor but happy, lonely but loved. Her mother, Tabitha, is there for her and that’s all she’s ever needed. But now her mother is sick and David has returned. The only friend she’d ever had, the only other person who knows her secret, is back. And Eleanor again becomes reckless.
Eleanor is a modest girl, unremarkable but extraordinary, young but old, malleable but fixed. She is scared and confused. She is a liar and a thief. Eleanor is not what she appears to be.
Eleanor is a modest girl, unremarkable but extraordinary, young but old, malleable but fixed. She is scared and confused. She is a liar and a thief. Eleanor is not what she appears to be.
280 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2014
27 people are currently reading
478 people want to read
About the author
Johnny Worthen
58 books145 followersJohnny Worthen is an award-winning, best-selling author of books and stories. A Utah Writer of the Year. Trained in modern literary criticism and cultural studies, he writes upmarket multi-genre fiction, symbolized by his love of tie-dye and good words. “I write what I like to read,” he says. “This guarantees me at least one fan.”
Johnny is best known (so far) for his award winning, nationally acclaimed, best-selling young adult novel, ELEANOR, THE UNSEEN. It is a great book and if you haven’t read it, you need to. Johnny’s debut novel, the adult occult thriller, BEATRYSEL along with its companion story DR. STUART’S HEART explores the darker sides of love and Magick.
CELESTE, THE UNSEEN BOOK 2, continues Eleanor’s story as she tries to maintain a life in Jamesford, while distant events and local suspicion conspire to threaten everything. DAVID, THE UNSEEN BOOK 3, sees the powerful transformative conclusion of this awarding series as Eleanor learns her past and builds her future.
Johnny’s entry into mystery with THE BRAND DEMAND won a Silver Quill Award from the League of Utah Writers in the best novel category, while, his genre-bending comedy noire, THE FINGER TRAP, introduces Tony Flaner, a flawed slacker every-man detective who can’t throw a punch but can slay a room with sarcasm.
Johnny's short stories appear in a number of anthologies including the Dark Fiction LITTLE VISIBLE DELIGHT (The Point), Utah Horror, OLD SCRATCH AND OWL HOOTS (Keep Sweet), IT CAME FROM THE GREAT SALT LAKE (May 15th), Utah Fantasy, SECRETS & DOORS (A Thousand Secret Doors), HIDDEN IN PLAIN SIGHT (The Lost Curse of the Witch's Nest) and the limited edition commemorate Salt Lake Comic Con anthology HEROIC: TALES OF THE EXTRAORDINARY (The Grape Whisperer).
Johnny lectures and teaches about writing and life whenever anyone will listen. He edits professionally for Omnium Gatherum, a dark fiction press. He lives in Salt Lake City, Utah with his wife, sons and a cat.
Johnny is best known (so far) for his award winning, nationally acclaimed, best-selling young adult novel, ELEANOR, THE UNSEEN. It is a great book and if you haven’t read it, you need to. Johnny’s debut novel, the adult occult thriller, BEATRYSEL along with its companion story DR. STUART’S HEART explores the darker sides of love and Magick.
CELESTE, THE UNSEEN BOOK 2, continues Eleanor’s story as she tries to maintain a life in Jamesford, while distant events and local suspicion conspire to threaten everything. DAVID, THE UNSEEN BOOK 3, sees the powerful transformative conclusion of this awarding series as Eleanor learns her past and builds her future.
Johnny’s entry into mystery with THE BRAND DEMAND won a Silver Quill Award from the League of Utah Writers in the best novel category, while, his genre-bending comedy noire, THE FINGER TRAP, introduces Tony Flaner, a flawed slacker every-man detective who can’t throw a punch but can slay a room with sarcasm.
Johnny's short stories appear in a number of anthologies including the Dark Fiction LITTLE VISIBLE DELIGHT (The Point), Utah Horror, OLD SCRATCH AND OWL HOOTS (Keep Sweet), IT CAME FROM THE GREAT SALT LAKE (May 15th), Utah Fantasy, SECRETS & DOORS (A Thousand Secret Doors), HIDDEN IN PLAIN SIGHT (The Lost Curse of the Witch's Nest) and the limited edition commemorate Salt Lake Comic Con anthology HEROIC: TALES OF THE EXTRAORDINARY (The Grape Whisperer).
Johnny lectures and teaches about writing and life whenever anyone will listen. He edits professionally for Omnium Gatherum, a dark fiction press. He lives in Salt Lake City, Utah with his wife, sons and a cat.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 86 reviews
August 7, 2021
This is an early book of Johnny’s, and I finally read it after buying it some years ago. Eleanor is a teen girl living in Wyoming with her dying mom. She is painfully shy and awkward and tries to stay invisible because she has a secret. But her former best friend returns to town and she can’t stay hidden when she can help him.
Part of the book is teen angst—painfully relatable. There’s also a paranormal element and danger, and it became a real page-turner. I feel like I’m not describing it well, but it is incredibly suspenseful and a fairly quick read.
Language: Mild
Sexual Content: Implied only
Violence: a couple knife fights
Harm to Animals:
Harm to Children:
Other (Triggers):
Disclaimer: I am acquainted with Johnny, the author.
Part of the book is teen angst—painfully relatable. There’s also a paranormal element and danger, and it became a real page-turner. I feel like I’m not describing it well, but it is incredibly suspenseful and a fairly quick read.
Language: Mild
Sexual Content: Implied only
Violence: a couple knife fights
Harm to Animals:
Harm to Children:
Other (Triggers):
Disclaimer: I am acquainted with Johnny, the author.
July 8, 2014
This book is definitely not what it appears to be, just like it's main character - the author has woven together a mind blowing story about a girl who is learning to cope and live with who she is and accept the good and the bad that happens along the way...
When we first meet Eleanor she is a timid, average, lonely girl who purposefully goes out of her way to remain unseen, to never draw attention to herself, to get by without being noticed. She lives alone with her sick mother, Tabitha, in a small cottage within walking distance of her school, but far away enough from the town to not be noticed. They depend on each other in more ways than one can imagine - Tabitha haves cancer and Eleanor does everything she can to take of her and manages the house, money, food, etc; Eleanor does anything that she has to do in order to keep the social worker at bay so they can live peacefully together, alone. Tabitha is the only mother figure Eleanor has really known and depends on her to help her cope with her feelings, how to handle school and social situations and to keep her calm and feel secure so she won't be the monster that she thinks she is, so she won't run away...
The beginning of Eleanor's story was a little confusing to me. I had started reading the story not knowing much than what is in the summary. There was something strange with Eleanor's demeanor and character, and not until her childhood friend, David, comes back to town triggering underlying emotions which then creates some pivotal moments in Eleanor's quiet life which then leads to her making certain decisions and slipping up and slowly revealing her secrets... Eleanor haves a paranormal ability, one that makes her think that she's a monster; an ability that her biological family had that got them killed many, many years ago. After that revelation, Eleanor's story and demeanor started to make sense and then the book became a page-turner that I read in one night!
As Eleanor continues to struggle with what is right and wrong in order survive and to continue to hide her secret in a small town that is quick to judge and believe rumors, her life is torn apart and she has some really hard and graphic moments to get through. With the help of her mother and David, she barely remains grounded and the monster within her roars to take flight.
This is a book that is best to go into without knowing much. I will not deny that the beginning and parts of the ending are quite confusing, but after finishing and having time to reflect, it is truly one of the best written stories I have read in a long time. I will definitely be looking forward to rereading the beginning of Eleanor's story and continuing on with the trilogy.
An ARC was sent by the publisher for an honest review. All thoughts are my own.
When we first meet Eleanor she is a timid, average, lonely girl who purposefully goes out of her way to remain unseen, to never draw attention to herself, to get by without being noticed. She lives alone with her sick mother, Tabitha, in a small cottage within walking distance of her school, but far away enough from the town to not be noticed. They depend on each other in more ways than one can imagine - Tabitha haves cancer and Eleanor does everything she can to take of her and manages the house, money, food, etc; Eleanor does anything that she has to do in order to keep the social worker at bay so they can live peacefully together, alone. Tabitha is the only mother figure Eleanor has really known and depends on her to help her cope with her feelings, how to handle school and social situations and to keep her calm and feel secure so she won't be the monster that she thinks she is, so she won't run away...
The beginning of Eleanor's story was a little confusing to me. I had started reading the story not knowing much than what is in the summary. There was something strange with Eleanor's demeanor and character, and not until her childhood friend, David, comes back to town triggering underlying emotions which then creates some pivotal moments in Eleanor's quiet life which then leads to her making certain decisions and slipping up and slowly revealing her secrets... Eleanor haves a paranormal ability, one that makes her think that she's a monster; an ability that her biological family had that got them killed many, many years ago. After that revelation, Eleanor's story and demeanor started to make sense and then the book became a page-turner that I read in one night!
As Eleanor continues to struggle with what is right and wrong in order survive and to continue to hide her secret in a small town that is quick to judge and believe rumors, her life is torn apart and she has some really hard and graphic moments to get through. With the help of her mother and David, she barely remains grounded and the monster within her roars to take flight.
This is a book that is best to go into without knowing much. I will not deny that the beginning and parts of the ending are quite confusing, but after finishing and having time to reflect, it is truly one of the best written stories I have read in a long time. I will definitely be looking forward to rereading the beginning of Eleanor's story and continuing on with the trilogy.
An ARC was sent by the publisher for an honest review. All thoughts are my own.
August 9, 2017
This beautifully written story about a young girl who is something more than that caught my imagination. Eleanor has a secret she has to keep hidden from everyone: she's a shapeshifter whose family was murdered for being "witches" when she was young. Staying unnoticed in the small Wyoming town where she lives with her adoptive mother is difficult, and she does her best to maintain a reputation as a shy girl, no one anyone would care about. Except, that is, for David, who is the only one she's ever told her secret to. When David returns to town after years of being away, he wants to pick up their relationship where they left off. But David's attention endangers both of them, and as her mother's cancer progresses, Eleanor is faced with many terrible decisions that threaten her hard-won identity.
Worthen's writing is lovely, and the characterization is very good, with the possible exception of "mean girl" Barbara, who is unimaginatively drawn as a slut. It's hard not to feel for Eleanor, who not only has to fear exposure, but is facing the loss of her mother and the inevitable assignment to a foster family--which will make keeping the secret that much more difficult. I liked how well the community is depicted, with some adults supporting Eleanor and others buying into the gossip that earns her a reputation for being a bad girl. Much of what Eleanor does that is impossible to explain to those who don't know her secret really does make her look bad, and with one exception they all add up to a very tense plot.
I like Worthen's take on skinwalkers, which isn't original--this is not a criticism; it draws on Native American tradition and would be less interesting if he'd tried to change it--but whose ramifications are well thought out. Eleanor must absorb some essence of anyone whose shape she wants to assume, and the transformation is painful and either exo- or endothermic. My one reservation has to do with one of Worthen's choices regarding Eleanor in her altered state: There is some question about who she really is, an unanswered question that I think is actually more effective for being unanswered.
Eleanor's relationship with David is sweet, though it's somewhat unsupported; they love each other (in both a romantic and platonic way) simply because they do. There's an implication that David is himself unique, though whether that's an actual, mystical difference or just because he is who he is, we don't know (book three in the series is David, so maybe we find out). He comes across as a good young man whose concern for Eleanor is often frustrated by her desire to protect herself, and I enjoyed their relationship.
Overall, a solidly enjoyable book, and I look forward to reading the sequel, Celeste. Highly recommended.
Worthen's writing is lovely, and the characterization is very good, with the possible exception of "mean girl" Barbara, who is unimaginatively drawn as a slut. It's hard not to feel for Eleanor, who not only has to fear exposure, but is facing the loss of her mother and the inevitable assignment to a foster family--which will make keeping the secret that much more difficult. I liked how well the community is depicted, with some adults supporting Eleanor and others buying into the gossip that earns her a reputation for being a bad girl. Much of what Eleanor does that is impossible to explain to those who don't know her secret really does make her look bad, and with one exception they all add up to a very tense plot.
I like Worthen's take on skinwalkers, which isn't original--this is not a criticism; it draws on Native American tradition and would be less interesting if he'd tried to change it--but whose ramifications are well thought out. Eleanor must absorb some essence of anyone whose shape she wants to assume, and the transformation is painful and either exo- or endothermic. My one reservation has to do with one of Worthen's choices regarding Eleanor in her altered state: There is some question about who she really is, an unanswered question that I think is actually more effective for being unanswered.
Eleanor's relationship with David is sweet, though it's somewhat unsupported; they love each other (in both a romantic and platonic way) simply because they do. There's an implication that David is himself unique, though whether that's an actual, mystical difference or just because he is who he is, we don't know (book three in the series is David, so maybe we find out). He comes across as a good young man whose concern for Eleanor is often frustrated by her desire to protect herself, and I enjoyed their relationship.
Overall, a solidly enjoyable book, and I look forward to reading the sequel, Celeste. Highly recommended.
September 20, 2014
Book Review: Eleanor (Book 1 of The Unseen) — by Johnny Worthen
Wow! I picked up this book and couldn’t put it down. It was amazing.
For ten years Eleanor has hidden what she is by blending into the crowd, never doing anything outstandingly better or noticeably worse. But now her beloved adopted mother’s cancer is worse, and the smell of death fills their house. The social worker is just waiting for an excuse to send her mother into a care facility and Eleanor into foster care. And then her old best friend, David, moves back to their little Wyoming town, and he still feels the same way about her, even though he remembers her secret. His friendship and encouragement give her the courage to speak out. But now Eleanor can’t hide in the shadows anymore, and as the bullies of the school focus on both her and David, she must fight harder than ever to hide the monster within.
Eleanor is a flawed being with the instincts and senses of a wild animal, but the heart and mind of a teenage girl who loves and yearns to be loved. The bullying from teachers and classmates, plus the peer pressure, gossip, and racism found in high school are portrayed in grim realism. Even though Eleanor considers herself a monster, she is much more humane than those around her. Her devotion to her adopted mother, her protective love for David, and her basic goodness force her to stay, to face her problems, and to trust, even though every instinct tells her to flee.
Johnny Worthen has created a tense drama that has you caring for Eleanor, hoping against hope that somehow things will work out for her. The writing is excellent. The tension begins on the first page and never quits. The characters are vividly drawn, and the setting is easily visualized. This YA paranormal/horror is intense. It’s easily the best book I’ve read in a long time. Thank you, Johnny, for a spectacularly good read!
Wow! I picked up this book and couldn’t put it down. It was amazing.
For ten years Eleanor has hidden what she is by blending into the crowd, never doing anything outstandingly better or noticeably worse. But now her beloved adopted mother’s cancer is worse, and the smell of death fills their house. The social worker is just waiting for an excuse to send her mother into a care facility and Eleanor into foster care. And then her old best friend, David, moves back to their little Wyoming town, and he still feels the same way about her, even though he remembers her secret. His friendship and encouragement give her the courage to speak out. But now Eleanor can’t hide in the shadows anymore, and as the bullies of the school focus on both her and David, she must fight harder than ever to hide the monster within.
Eleanor is a flawed being with the instincts and senses of a wild animal, but the heart and mind of a teenage girl who loves and yearns to be loved. The bullying from teachers and classmates, plus the peer pressure, gossip, and racism found in high school are portrayed in grim realism. Even though Eleanor considers herself a monster, she is much more humane than those around her. Her devotion to her adopted mother, her protective love for David, and her basic goodness force her to stay, to face her problems, and to trust, even though every instinct tells her to flee.
Johnny Worthen has created a tense drama that has you caring for Eleanor, hoping against hope that somehow things will work out for her. The writing is excellent. The tension begins on the first page and never quits. The characters are vividly drawn, and the setting is easily visualized. This YA paranormal/horror is intense. It’s easily the best book I’ve read in a long time. Thank you, Johnny, for a spectacularly good read!
July 11, 2014
Review Courtesy All Things Urban Fantasy
Ever since I finished ELEANOR I’ve been trying to figure out a single word to describe it. I still can’t. I was drawn by the ethereal beauty of the cover and then pulled further in by the summary. Then I started reading and spent half the time enjoying the story and the other half trying to figure it out. There’s a lot to figure out, too.
In less capable hands, Eleanor herself would have been a difficult character to like. She doesn’t have much of a sense of humor, she’s very happy to be unnoticed and actually works very hard to stay that way. But as we learn about Eleanor, through her own thoughts as well as her relationships with David and her mother, Tabitha, she became so much more. My heart broke for her several times as she struggled against her own assumptions, about herself and others, and tried to find the best solution to problems no one should have to face.
The story itself is so much more than the misfit girl and the boy from her past. A cliché in any other telling, ELEANOR is far from it. Yes, the mean girls are there, so are the other misfits. The adults are at turns sympathetic and the sinister. And all the characters manage their roles without becoming caricatures. I held my breath as things in Eleanor’s life came to a head and decisions had to be made, and I’m content with the resolution. It’s not a sweet and sappy love story, though there are romantic elements to it – and has a lovely level of creepy scary to it, just enough to keep the reader guessing.
I would call ELEANOR a “good kind of weird” and definitely worth a read. I was thrilled to find out that there are more planned in Eleanor’s world and I can’t wait to return to it.
Ever since I finished ELEANOR I’ve been trying to figure out a single word to describe it. I still can’t. I was drawn by the ethereal beauty of the cover and then pulled further in by the summary. Then I started reading and spent half the time enjoying the story and the other half trying to figure it out. There’s a lot to figure out, too.
In less capable hands, Eleanor herself would have been a difficult character to like. She doesn’t have much of a sense of humor, she’s very happy to be unnoticed and actually works very hard to stay that way. But as we learn about Eleanor, through her own thoughts as well as her relationships with David and her mother, Tabitha, she became so much more. My heart broke for her several times as she struggled against her own assumptions, about herself and others, and tried to find the best solution to problems no one should have to face.
The story itself is so much more than the misfit girl and the boy from her past. A cliché in any other telling, ELEANOR is far from it. Yes, the mean girls are there, so are the other misfits. The adults are at turns sympathetic and the sinister. And all the characters manage their roles without becoming caricatures. I held my breath as things in Eleanor’s life came to a head and decisions had to be made, and I’m content with the resolution. It’s not a sweet and sappy love story, though there are romantic elements to it – and has a lovely level of creepy scary to it, just enough to keep the reader guessing.
I would call ELEANOR a “good kind of weird” and definitely worth a read. I was thrilled to find out that there are more planned in Eleanor’s world and I can’t wait to return to it.
August 23, 2015
I can not get enough of Eleanor!
Without giving any spoilers let me say that this girl is beautifully complex and I want to be her when I grow up! (I'm not kidding, as a teenager I would daydream about being like this girl.)
Johnny Worthen is accurately descriptive with many details. From small town life to the secretive behaviors of wild animals. Those were details that immersed me deeper into the story. Every character had a depth to them that made them relatable. I even shed a few tears.
I would place this in the YA category, but don't let that fool you about the intelligence of the story, there is plenty of adult, real-life discussion to be had. I felt the ended was wrapped up just a little too tidily, but that's better than being left hanging.
I am looking forward to Celeste, book two.
Without giving any spoilers let me say that this girl is beautifully complex and I want to be her when I grow up! (I'm not kidding, as a teenager I would daydream about being like this girl.)
Johnny Worthen is accurately descriptive with many details. From small town life to the secretive behaviors of wild animals. Those were details that immersed me deeper into the story. Every character had a depth to them that made them relatable. I even shed a few tears.
I would place this in the YA category, but don't let that fool you about the intelligence of the story, there is plenty of adult, real-life discussion to be had. I felt the ended was wrapped up just a little too tidily, but that's better than being left hanging.
I am looking forward to Celeste, book two.
April 12, 2014
The Basics:
This is a tough one to describe without giving too much away, so bear with me. Eleanor is trying to slip through life unnoticed. Apart from her less earthly reasons, she and her terminally ill mother, and only confidante, are on public assistance, terrified of being separated by social services. As her mother's condition deteriorates and David, the only friend Eleanor has ever had, returns to town, she has to decide whether to open up and build a real life, or run away as she always has.
The Downside:
Um... let's see... well, David is the boyfriend every girl should dream of, and his patience with Eleanor is incredibly sweet, but just for the sake of giving him a bit more credit as someone in love rather than someone possibly addicted to abuse, she could be a bit less horrible to him at a few points when she’s less consciously trying to drive him away. And when Eleanor really starts to use what she is, maybe the chain of events could have been a little simpler. One plan gone awry fewer. Maybe.
This section was hard to fill. It's a really, really good book.
The Upside:
Eleanor. The book and the character. It's pretty much all upside. The character of Eleanor is written with the depth and absence of condescension I always hope for in female leads but so rarely find, even from female authors. She loves deeply but is more than her love. She’s heroic yet vulnerable. The nature of what she is (which I shall not spoil) seamlessly influences the way she thinks and sees the world, making her distinctive and memorable.
Eleanor isn't all that's vividly realized, either. For example, there's a part in which two characters in the same place at the same time are referred to by the same name for reasons I can't go into without spoilers. There are hardly any extra words used to specify which one is meant in each instance, and yet the whole sequence is far less confusing than this sentence describing it, because everything is so crisply described and the characters so identifiable by more than name or appearance.
The magic is well integrated into the world, without taking over the whole story. The quite grounded drama surrounding the viciousness of the rumor mill, especially its treatment of girls, is cutting, insightful, and painfully relatable. The romance, rocky as Eleanor's struggle makes it, has a beautiful earnestness to it, and no matter how twisting and turning the final act, I was very sorry to see it end.
(This review and others originally posted on www.fjrtitchenell.weebly.com)
This is a tough one to describe without giving too much away, so bear with me. Eleanor is trying to slip through life unnoticed. Apart from her less earthly reasons, she and her terminally ill mother, and only confidante, are on public assistance, terrified of being separated by social services. As her mother's condition deteriorates and David, the only friend Eleanor has ever had, returns to town, she has to decide whether to open up and build a real life, or run away as she always has.
The Downside:
Um... let's see... well, David is the boyfriend every girl should dream of, and his patience with Eleanor is incredibly sweet, but just for the sake of giving him a bit more credit as someone in love rather than someone possibly addicted to abuse, she could be a bit less horrible to him at a few points when she’s less consciously trying to drive him away. And when Eleanor really starts to use what she is, maybe the chain of events could have been a little simpler. One plan gone awry fewer. Maybe.
This section was hard to fill. It's a really, really good book.
The Upside:
Eleanor. The book and the character. It's pretty much all upside. The character of Eleanor is written with the depth and absence of condescension I always hope for in female leads but so rarely find, even from female authors. She loves deeply but is more than her love. She’s heroic yet vulnerable. The nature of what she is (which I shall not spoil) seamlessly influences the way she thinks and sees the world, making her distinctive and memorable.
Eleanor isn't all that's vividly realized, either. For example, there's a part in which two characters in the same place at the same time are referred to by the same name for reasons I can't go into without spoilers. There are hardly any extra words used to specify which one is meant in each instance, and yet the whole sequence is far less confusing than this sentence describing it, because everything is so crisply described and the characters so identifiable by more than name or appearance.
The magic is well integrated into the world, without taking over the whole story. The quite grounded drama surrounding the viciousness of the rumor mill, especially its treatment of girls, is cutting, insightful, and painfully relatable. The romance, rocky as Eleanor's struggle makes it, has a beautiful earnestness to it, and no matter how twisting and turning the final act, I was very sorry to see it end.
(This review and others originally posted on www.fjrtitchenell.weebly.com)
May 20, 2014
You could argue that all teenage girls are self-centered survivalist monsters at heart, at times unlovable, wholly malleable, and subject to the whims of the adults around them.
But in Eleanor’s case these typical teen traits are a little more literal.
Eleanor the Unseen is the first in a trilogy by Johnny Worthen that explores love in many forms: redemptive, passionate, maternal, transformative, first, true, self, and sacrificial. It’s a theme repeated in metaphor and action both gentle and terrifying. Johnny has a knack for drawing the reader into his world like a warm bath. Just don’t get too comfortable. And for heaven’s sake, don’t close your eyes.
On the surface, Eleanor is a YA horror novel about a monster that flies under the radar masquerading as a shy Wyoming teen growing up in a small town on the edge of an Indian reservation. The town itself is a character with all its stifling contradictions playing a part in Eleanor’s decisions as the plot progresses. David, a military kid, was Eleanor’s best childhood friend who knew all her secrets and her heart—until he moved. In their sophomore year, David returns, and Eleanor can no longer hide behind her hair.
Despite its premise, Eleanor is a literary work that builds gradually. It echoes other great works including Grendel, I Heard the Owl Call My Name, and even To Kill a Mockingbird. But don’t let that fool you. There are some horrific scenes in the story that showcase how very alien—and therefore human—the monster is. But rawer than the monster’s survivalist thoughts and actions is Tabitha’s debilitating cancer. Tabitha, Eleanor’s foster mother, races against time to prepare her daughter for life without her. At the heart of the book is their symbiotic redemptive love, a love so strong that it has the power to work miracles.
But don’t forget. Eleanor the Unseen is a horror story, too.
For me, the most realized characters in the story were Eleanor and Tabitha, which sometimes made other key characters like David seem a little underdeveloped in comparison. I also felt that the ending was rushed given the previous pace of the book, but I think I understand why: Johnny wants to hurry the reader past the clearing of the first course to the next tasty morsel in a lazy Sunday brunch. I spent a morning reading Eleanor in one delicious gulp; yes, it’s that good.
But in Eleanor’s case these typical teen traits are a little more literal.
Eleanor the Unseen is the first in a trilogy by Johnny Worthen that explores love in many forms: redemptive, passionate, maternal, transformative, first, true, self, and sacrificial. It’s a theme repeated in metaphor and action both gentle and terrifying. Johnny has a knack for drawing the reader into his world like a warm bath. Just don’t get too comfortable. And for heaven’s sake, don’t close your eyes.
On the surface, Eleanor is a YA horror novel about a monster that flies under the radar masquerading as a shy Wyoming teen growing up in a small town on the edge of an Indian reservation. The town itself is a character with all its stifling contradictions playing a part in Eleanor’s decisions as the plot progresses. David, a military kid, was Eleanor’s best childhood friend who knew all her secrets and her heart—until he moved. In their sophomore year, David returns, and Eleanor can no longer hide behind her hair.
Despite its premise, Eleanor is a literary work that builds gradually. It echoes other great works including Grendel, I Heard the Owl Call My Name, and even To Kill a Mockingbird. But don’t let that fool you. There are some horrific scenes in the story that showcase how very alien—and therefore human—the monster is. But rawer than the monster’s survivalist thoughts and actions is Tabitha’s debilitating cancer. Tabitha, Eleanor’s foster mother, races against time to prepare her daughter for life without her. At the heart of the book is their symbiotic redemptive love, a love so strong that it has the power to work miracles.
But don’t forget. Eleanor the Unseen is a horror story, too.
For me, the most realized characters in the story were Eleanor and Tabitha, which sometimes made other key characters like David seem a little underdeveloped in comparison. I also felt that the ending was rushed given the previous pace of the book, but I think I understand why: Johnny wants to hurry the reader past the clearing of the first course to the next tasty morsel in a lazy Sunday brunch. I spent a morning reading Eleanor in one delicious gulp; yes, it’s that good.
May 18, 2014
Eleanor is the story of a girl who is not what she appears. You think you know her story, or at least the biggest piece of it, from the opening scenes – scenes that are so well written they pulled me in and had me thinking about the hinted mystery immediately. But as it unfolds, you learn that what you think you know might only be the surface of what is really at the heart of Eleanor – a smart, feisty girl trying to hide in plain sight. She knows little about her true nature and what she does know she loathes. This book masterfully captures the feel of growing up in a small town where everyone knows everyone and they all think they know what the real stories are. It is also a great story of the bond between mother and daughter and between trusted friends. It is a unique paranormal coming of age story from the mind of a fantastic storyteller.
If you love a good mystery, are a sucker for the paranormal, like to ask yourself “what if” questions, and in general like reading well-written books then this one is for you. It is an entertaining story for any age that doesn’t limit itself to adult readers. I would let my daughter read this one and so should you. It releases this July!
If you love a good mystery, are a sucker for the paranormal, like to ask yourself “what if” questions, and in general like reading well-written books then this one is for you. It is an entertaining story for any age that doesn’t limit itself to adult readers. I would let my daughter read this one and so should you. It releases this July!
September 8, 2014
It took me a while to get around to reading this book. I know the author from high school and downloaded it on my Kindle to support him, but I must admit that I haven't always loved books written by people I know, so I didn't get around to reading it till I was stuck waiting in a doctor's office with nothing to read and pulled it up on my phone. I was hooked instantly!
I was engrossed with the "secret" that was hinted at but wasn't obvious till later in the book. I loved Eleanor and her relationships and her desire to be ignored (title is actually Eleanor: The Unseen). I didn't know how the ending would work since Tabitha was obviously dying and there was no place for Eleanor to go. I can't wait to read the next two books!
I was engrossed with the "secret" that was hinted at but wasn't obvious till later in the book. I loved Eleanor and her relationships and her desire to be ignored (title is actually Eleanor: The Unseen). I didn't know how the ending would work since Tabitha was obviously dying and there was no place for Eleanor to go. I can't wait to read the next two books!
September 14, 2014
David Venn loves her as she is. But she knows that she is a monster.
That is Eleanor’s biggest problem. Though she has plenty of other problems. Like high school — where she does her best to be the unseen Eleanor, always in the background, because it’s safer that way. Because if anyone finds out that she’s really a skinwalker — a shapeshifter — she’ll have to run away to survive. That’s what she did before, when the Navajo came to kill her parents, and she hid for fifty years in the form of a coyote.
But Eleano’rs biggest problem, other than being a monster, is the fact that her adoptive mother Tabitha is dying of cancer, which makes the social worker want to put her in a foster home. She doesn’t want to leave Tabitha. She wants to live a normal life, like a normal girl.
This is one of the most original takes on shapeshifter legends I’ve seen in YA fantasy, based upon Indian legends about skinwalkers — witches who can take another person’s shape, kill them, and then take their place in society. It’s also a very carefully crafted narrative, with two characters — Eleanor, and David Venn — who really come to life. This is one of a few books I’ve read this that goes down on my long term favorites list, along with Cruel Beauty. I got a copy out from the library along with a big stack of other new adult and YA fantasy. Then I read it out loud to my wife, because I thought she would love it (and she did). Then I ordered a copy for myself, which I don’t usually do when I can get a book from my local library.
Just one nitpicky point. Jolly Fish Press should really have hired a better proofreader. This book looks like it was proofread by somebody who thought that running a spell-check was good enough, and that caused me a series of low-level irritations. Pallet where there should have been palette. Homonym pairs like to/two confused a couple of times. Missing words, or extra words, or misplaced words, here and there. One place where they didn’t remember to use lay instead of laid (though I’ve seen books from big houses miss that point). It wasn’t frequent enough to ruin the experience of reading the book, but if there’s any way for them to at least fix the e-book, and any future print runs, I’d say they should make the investment. This is a book that ought to be more widely known than it is.
FYI, this and many other book reviews can also be found on my blog.
June 20, 2019
I was curious about this book because of the whole “rejoin humanity” bit and “Eleanor is not what she appears to be.” Immediately, I thought, great, this girl’s got some deep dark secret, count me in. It’s a little hard to talk about the book without giving away the story, but I will try not to spoil anything.
Eleanor is an odd, strange girl and she does her best not to stand out or get noticed. She’s smarter than everyone, brilliant even, and pretty athletic, but she can’t allow herself to excel in anything because she’s got to remain average lest she pops up on people’s radar. Actually, she’s already on people’s radar but as an outcast and people generally don’t like her and that’s saying it nicely. Everyone, that is, except her mother Tabitha and David, her childhood friend who moved back to town. When David moves back to town and starts hanging out with Eleanor again, her life takes an interesting turn.
The book is essentially a coming-of-age story of sorts. It’s about being yourself and accepting yourself. It’s about young love. It’s about family, too, to some extent. It’s about Eleanor experiencing life as a teenage girl who is actually more than just a girl. The character of Eleanor is based on a Native American legend and it is this “true identity” of Eleanor that is at the center of the story.
I liked the book though I was more interested in the legend than in the “young adult” story. I liked the author’s take on the legend and I would’ve liked to see more about it in the novel. I just realized though that this is the first book in some sort of series, so I guess – or hope – the next books delve deeper into the legend. It is such a fascinating premise.
I received a review copy of this book at no cost and with no obligations. All opinions expressed here are my own.
This review appeared on the blog: http://www.whiteskyproject.com/2014/0...
Eleanor is an odd, strange girl and she does her best not to stand out or get noticed. She’s smarter than everyone, brilliant even, and pretty athletic, but she can’t allow herself to excel in anything because she’s got to remain average lest she pops up on people’s radar. Actually, she’s already on people’s radar but as an outcast and people generally don’t like her and that’s saying it nicely. Everyone, that is, except her mother Tabitha and David, her childhood friend who moved back to town. When David moves back to town and starts hanging out with Eleanor again, her life takes an interesting turn.
The book is essentially a coming-of-age story of sorts. It’s about being yourself and accepting yourself. It’s about young love. It’s about family, too, to some extent. It’s about Eleanor experiencing life as a teenage girl who is actually more than just a girl. The character of Eleanor is based on a Native American legend and it is this “true identity” of Eleanor that is at the center of the story.
I liked the book though I was more interested in the legend than in the “young adult” story. I liked the author’s take on the legend and I would’ve liked to see more about it in the novel. I just realized though that this is the first book in some sort of series, so I guess – or hope – the next books delve deeper into the legend. It is such a fascinating premise.
I received a review copy of this book at no cost and with no obligations. All opinions expressed here are my own.
This review appeared on the blog: http://www.whiteskyproject.com/2014/0...
September 30, 2014
“She was known by everyone, liked by some, and loved by two.”
Definitely mysterious and captivating, I definitely got drawn into this one. Eleanor is a unique individual and the author did a great job in slowing revealing all the particulars. It’s a big mystery throughout the story with bits and pieces revealed throughout the characters and the flashbacks. I thought I had it solved only to realize that it was a combination of a couple things I was thinking about. Living with her mother Tabitha, these two females hide the secret that pertains to Eleanor. When David returns back to the area after all these years, something stirs inside Eleanor. A lot of time has passed, eight grade levels to be exact, she still remembers the love that they had for one another. Now in tenth grade, Eleanor starts to tutor David; the friendship is off the ground again. It’s a happy reunion with just the two of them alone and things are moving forward, David’s not embarrassed to be around Eleanor even with the rumors of her past. Her classmates think she is a witch or something of that nature because of an incident that happened in the past. It’s small town living with so much gossip and lies surrounding many facets of individual’s lives that the truth is buried somewhere. Many people just conform to survive but what about the few who refuse? The author’s dialogue and the word choice create this atmosphere; you could feel the tension and hostility between the characters. It was the backstabbing, the turn-of-a-switch that these characters would transform just because of one issue, changing their attitude. It annoyed me. Looking inside Eleanor’s house, you would find comfort and love, yet her mother is dying from cancer but she remains strong and supportive. Eleanor’s life, it’s changing and she’s worried about the next step.
Definitely mysterious and captivating, I definitely got drawn into this one. Eleanor is a unique individual and the author did a great job in slowing revealing all the particulars. It’s a big mystery throughout the story with bits and pieces revealed throughout the characters and the flashbacks. I thought I had it solved only to realize that it was a combination of a couple things I was thinking about. Living with her mother Tabitha, these two females hide the secret that pertains to Eleanor. When David returns back to the area after all these years, something stirs inside Eleanor. A lot of time has passed, eight grade levels to be exact, she still remembers the love that they had for one another. Now in tenth grade, Eleanor starts to tutor David; the friendship is off the ground again. It’s a happy reunion with just the two of them alone and things are moving forward, David’s not embarrassed to be around Eleanor even with the rumors of her past. Her classmates think she is a witch or something of that nature because of an incident that happened in the past. It’s small town living with so much gossip and lies surrounding many facets of individual’s lives that the truth is buried somewhere. Many people just conform to survive but what about the few who refuse? The author’s dialogue and the word choice create this atmosphere; you could feel the tension and hostility between the characters. It was the backstabbing, the turn-of-a-switch that these characters would transform just because of one issue, changing their attitude. It annoyed me. Looking inside Eleanor’s house, you would find comfort and love, yet her mother is dying from cancer but she remains strong and supportive. Eleanor’s life, it’s changing and she’s worried about the next step.
January 1, 2016
While the story was compelling, the writing and characters were painful. The writing itself seemed forced and contrite and incredibly judgmental. I get that Midge was chubby - mentioning once would have sufficed, but every time this girl would get brought up, Johnny Worthen wanted to shove it down our throats that she was bigger. Literally. Every single time. The main character was a whiny brat, too. I sympathized with her at first because I, too, am painfully shy. But I also realize that sometimes, you have to give your name to the bank teller, sometimes you have to speak to the cashier, and sometimes, a teacher might call on you. They don't have it out for you, they just expect you to function as normally as everyone else does in society. Eleanor didn't seem to grasp that.
As for the supernatural nature of the story, I felt like it didn't add all that much. You've already got a very interesting plot - a girl gets adopted by a woman who is very, very sick. The girl has a troubled past and gets herself into bad situations at school and in the town. You don't need the girl to have any sort of power - you already have a story, why buy into the paranormal romance genre?
Overall, I felt like the novel was contrite. I hated the stereotypes, I hated Eleanor, and I hated how judgmental Mr. Worthen sounded (Oh, you're chubby? Let's bring it up constantly. Oh, you have big breasts? Let's make that a major part of the plot line. STOP THE BODY SHAMING).
As for the supernatural nature of the story, I felt like it didn't add all that much. You've already got a very interesting plot - a girl gets adopted by a woman who is very, very sick. The girl has a troubled past and gets herself into bad situations at school and in the town. You don't need the girl to have any sort of power - you already have a story, why buy into the paranormal romance genre?
Overall, I felt like the novel was contrite. I hated the stereotypes, I hated Eleanor, and I hated how judgmental Mr. Worthen sounded (Oh, you're chubby? Let's bring it up constantly. Oh, you have big breasts? Let's make that a major part of the plot line. STOP THE BODY SHAMING).
August 17, 2014
I came. I read. I grew bored at 5%. I pushed on. I returned after 20%.
Boring, boring book. It didn't even have a stupid love triangle to make things interesting. It was just about Eleanor, who apparently can do everything much better than anyone else, in her daily life of doing subpar high school work.
That's all.
You get the whiny edge of Eleanor that comes through very well. She considers it harassment that she has to give her name to the bank teller in order for her to check her account. Truly. This child has suffered greatly. It's not like EVERYONE ELSE IN AMERICA has done the same every time they go to the bank. The world is truly just out to get Eleanor.
Oh, and it has that lovely edge of racism to it to ripen the flavor. The author makes certain that Eleanor tells us of that the 'Noble Savages' view of Indians is wrong. This is indeed true. No arguing there. It would've been okay if the author hadn't decided to through the equally mythical 'Warring Savages' card out. It's a bit ironic. The 'Noble Savages' myth was first used to get people away from the 'Warring Savages' myth. LOL.
I shouldn't hold my breath on seeing Indians portrayed as ... GASP! humans!
Boring, boring book. It didn't even have a stupid love triangle to make things interesting. It was just about Eleanor, who apparently can do everything much better than anyone else, in her daily life of doing subpar high school work.
That's all.
You get the whiny edge of Eleanor that comes through very well. She considers it harassment that she has to give her name to the bank teller in order for her to check her account. Truly. This child has suffered greatly. It's not like EVERYONE ELSE IN AMERICA has done the same every time they go to the bank. The world is truly just out to get Eleanor.
Oh, and it has that lovely edge of racism to it to ripen the flavor. The author makes certain that Eleanor tells us of that the 'Noble Savages' view of Indians is wrong. This is indeed true. No arguing there. It would've been okay if the author hadn't decided to through the equally mythical 'Warring Savages' card out. It's a bit ironic. The 'Noble Savages' myth was first used to get people away from the 'Warring Savages' myth. LOL.
I shouldn't hold my breath on seeing Indians portrayed as ... GASP! humans!
September 3, 2014
Eleanor did something I thought a book could not do for me again. You see as a Brit I am thoroughly, heartily sick of American high schools as a setting. The dumb reliance on the jock/geek/cheerleader schtick, the predictable, dull, cliché-gagging soporific wankfest of endless high school proms, football games, rehashes of The Breakfast Club... let me just stop it there. Or, to be fair, Eleanor stopped it for me. And, to my amazement, here is an original, new voice which treats the subject of the High School experience in America with originality, sensitivity and insight. JW's characters are superb creations. Eleanor and her mom feel like real people to an amazing degree. The claustrophobic atmosphere of small towns and their brutal addictions to gossip and old testament 'judgementalism' is superbly done, a character in itself. And then there is the supernatural twist... which appears as natural and unforced as the rest of the narrative. Great little book this, a true page turner!
June 10, 2015
I have heard rave reviews about this book and about the author himself, so I decided to give it a go. I spent the first 1/3 or so confused as to what was really going on. I had my suspicions and theories but it was hard to understand what was really happening to Eleanor and who/what she was. I'm so glad that snippets were given here and there, but once a full explanation was given I found myself thoroughly enjoying the story. I wish that explanation had been given much sooner.
In all, it was a quick and enjoyable read with interesting and likable characters. I especially loved Tabitha, with her strength, resolve, and wisdom.
I have mentioned my aversion to series books in the past and I was assured that even though this is Book One of a series, it has a satisfying resolution where I wouldn't feel compelled to keep reading just to wrap things up. It was a correct assessment. I'm thoroughly satisfied.
Good job, Johnny. You lived up to the hype.
In all, it was a quick and enjoyable read with interesting and likable characters. I especially loved Tabitha, with her strength, resolve, and wisdom.
I have mentioned my aversion to series books in the past and I was assured that even though this is Book One of a series, it has a satisfying resolution where I wouldn't feel compelled to keep reading just to wrap things up. It was a correct assessment. I'm thoroughly satisfied.
Good job, Johnny. You lived up to the hype.
January 3, 2016
A beautiful modern tale of transformation centered on what makes us most human: our weakness, our passion, our attachment to those we love. Johnny Worthen will give you thrills, chills and tears as you read about a creature so like yourself that you can hardly believe she is a being called a monster. Beautiful. Cathartic. Transcendent. This is beyond a mere novel, though you'll read it straight through. Be prepared to think differently about life as you see it through eyes of Eleanor.
December 10, 2014
Eleanor is a passionately told tale of an outsider girl with a secret. Worthen does a masterful job of balancing the horror with a realistic depiction of teenage concerns. Recommend!
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March 12, 2014Review to be posted on the Paranormal Romance Guild website
June 8, 2024
Darn those books I can’t put down that cause me to get nothing done and lose sleep.
This one is the story of two people taking care of each other: a misfit teenage girl and a mother dying of cancer. Eleanor does all of the cooking, cleaning, shopping, and bill paying while tenderly nursing her mother. Tabitha, who actually is a nurse, defends her daughter from busybody social workers, hostile teachers, and cruel small town gossip while urging her to enjoy normal teen experiences. Those normal teen experiences are introduced when David, Eleanor’s childhood playmate and only ever real friend, moves back to town after 7 years. He knows she is different and wants to understand. She knows she is different and wants to hide.
Shapeshifters or skinwalkers are usually monsters in horror stories (except for in the Twilight series where they are portrayed in a benign but superficial way. This book explores the complicated psychology of a shape shifter trying to be human.
This one is the story of two people taking care of each other: a misfit teenage girl and a mother dying of cancer. Eleanor does all of the cooking, cleaning, shopping, and bill paying while tenderly nursing her mother. Tabitha, who actually is a nurse, defends her daughter from busybody social workers, hostile teachers, and cruel small town gossip while urging her to enjoy normal teen experiences. Those normal teen experiences are introduced when David, Eleanor’s childhood playmate and only ever real friend, moves back to town after 7 years. He knows she is different and wants to understand. She knows she is different and wants to hide.
Shapeshifters or skinwalkers are usually monsters in horror stories (except for in the Twilight series where they are portrayed in a benign but superficial way. This book explores the complicated psychology of a shape shifter trying to be human.
January 1, 2019
I can't remember the last time a book has caused me such distress. I read the entire book with a clenched jaw and stiff shoulders. I told myself to keep reading because honestly, I was bored. Eleanor made me angry. She's supposedly 60 years old yet her "mother" ( who is younger) is constantly giving her advice. I mean I understand that the author was trying to develop a complex character with a diverse outlook on life however, I found myself being more and more confused as I read the book. I tried to read the book through the author's eyes because I wanted to understand why the plot was structured the way it was. Was it to explore Eleanor's character? Display her animalistic instincts? The answer is none of the above because the plot was completely and utterly useless. I was extremely bored and just when I started to see potential in the story I was gravely disappointed.
June 14, 2022
Loved this story enough to get the 2nd book, but author needs to do more editing. It is edited, but there are some errors in sentence structure, auto correction or repeating words that the authors choice word processor and spellchecker didn't catch. The same mistakes are found in books 2 and 3, but I was able to overlook them because the story was so great. Would be 5 stars if professionally edited
September 22, 2024
I love the legend woven in the reality, and all the mystery around it. What would a "monster" do if it were trying to live a "normal" life? How would you explain normal things to it? Friendship? Romance? Trust? Betrayal? It was interesting to read about all of this, plus tack on the poor "monster" is a teenager! So good.
September 14, 2018
I actually loved this book, read it in one sitting! I’m so tired of dragons and zombies and vampires so this book was quite refreshing with a new breed of magical creature. The twist and turns and morals dilemmas were just right to make it a deep thought provoking fantasy ride
May 23, 2017
1 star (abandoned) + 1 star (great premise) = 2 STARS
June 16, 2017
A cool story idea, but the execution was lacking. It moved so slow & left the reader in the dark a lot
October 7, 2018
I really enjoyed this - random selection for me, but I was intrigued the whole way through.
August 30, 2019
Such a fun and eerie book, I had a hard time putting it down and can't wait to get the next book.
May 1, 2022
Loved this book!
Really different take on skinwalker mythology, especially with the inclusion of learned morals. Extremely well written. Looking forward to the next one!
Really different take on skinwalker mythology, especially with the inclusion of learned morals. Extremely well written. Looking forward to the next one!
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