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Flawed #1
Perfectly Flawed
I thought I was okay.
I mean, I went through my days just fine, pushing toward a goal I could easily achieve. I had friends that loved me, an aunt who adored me, and everything was just okay.
But what I thought was okay and fine, all of that changed.
The nightmares, well, they started again, throwing me into a pit I couldn't climb out of, the people at school were spreading and starting rumors faster than I could hear them myself, and I was remembering...
I was remembering everything.
Well, almost everything. Some things wouldn't come to mind, like why he did it. Why my father killed them, why he tried to kill me? It's not there. Nowhere near my memory.
But I'm determined to find out.
My name is Joey and this is my story.
Joey Archembault is the typical sixteen-year old Junior. She's an overachiever by nature, in her school orchestra, and spends most of her time either doing homework or hanging with the boy next door.
Well, typical wouldn't be the word most would use with her. Freak, psycho, that's more what's heard around the school. She can't help it - it's not her fault her father killed her mother, brother, and sister nine years ago. Oh, and he tried to kill her as well, she has the scars to prove it. Joey tries to move on as best she can. It's easy when she can't remember anything about that night or her life before.
One day, the self-proclaimed heartthrob asks her out. She knows she should tell him no, but when that doesn't work, and he tricks her into a date by serenading her - twice - things go south, she calls her best friend Zephyr to pick her up, and she once again tries to move on. But it triggers something inside her. It unlocks a vault she never knew existed within her and she can't stop the memories or the feelings, nor can she even begin to decipher what happened to her years ago. Soon, the puzzle begins to piece together and she begins to understand what really happened that night and why she's alone. Couple that with a blooming relationship with the boy next door and it's all a recipe for destruction.
I mean, I went through my days just fine, pushing toward a goal I could easily achieve. I had friends that loved me, an aunt who adored me, and everything was just okay.
But what I thought was okay and fine, all of that changed.
The nightmares, well, they started again, throwing me into a pit I couldn't climb out of, the people at school were spreading and starting rumors faster than I could hear them myself, and I was remembering...
I was remembering everything.
Well, almost everything. Some things wouldn't come to mind, like why he did it. Why my father killed them, why he tried to kill me? It's not there. Nowhere near my memory.
But I'm determined to find out.
My name is Joey and this is my story.
Joey Archembault is the typical sixteen-year old Junior. She's an overachiever by nature, in her school orchestra, and spends most of her time either doing homework or hanging with the boy next door.
Well, typical wouldn't be the word most would use with her. Freak, psycho, that's more what's heard around the school. She can't help it - it's not her fault her father killed her mother, brother, and sister nine years ago. Oh, and he tried to kill her as well, she has the scars to prove it. Joey tries to move on as best she can. It's easy when she can't remember anything about that night or her life before.
One day, the self-proclaimed heartthrob asks her out. She knows she should tell him no, but when that doesn't work, and he tricks her into a date by serenading her - twice - things go south, she calls her best friend Zephyr to pick her up, and she once again tries to move on. But it triggers something inside her. It unlocks a vault she never knew existed within her and she can't stop the memories or the feelings, nor can she even begin to decipher what happened to her years ago. Soon, the puzzle begins to piece together and she begins to understand what really happened that night and why she's alone. Couple that with a blooming relationship with the boy next door and it's all a recipe for destruction.
644 pages, ebook
First published November 25, 2013
68 people are currently reading
1470 people want to read
About the author
Nessa Morgan
8 books176 followersNessa Morgan lives in Shoreline, Washington with her family. She classifies herself as a proud nerd and she's usually seen with her nose in a book and her headphones on. Nessa spends most of her time reading, writing, catching an occasional hockey game, and lovingly annoying her friends and family with random trivia and bursts of song.
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July 31, 2015Hi! I'm Nessa, and I'm not exactly reviewing this book (because I'm a bit biased at the moment) but I am hoping that someone decides to read it.
Writing this has helped me through so much in the past year. Writing has been cathartic. I've always wanted to be an author (until my high school counselor tried to discourage me, then I wanted to be a lawyer, but this is a tangent). But writing has been a dream since I intrigued my sixth grade class with a story about a hill in my neighborhood.
All I want to say is if I interest at least one person that I don't know with this novel of mine, I'll be one happy person.
And I am rating it. I have faith in my writing. I also really like my own book.
Writing this has helped me through so much in the past year. Writing has been cathartic. I've always wanted to be an author (until my high school counselor tried to discourage me, then I wanted to be a lawyer, but this is a tangent). But writing has been a dream since I intrigued my sixth grade class with a story about a hill in my neighborhood.
All I want to say is if I interest at least one person that I don't know with this novel of mine, I'll be one happy person.
And I am rating it. I have faith in my writing. I also really like my own book.
June 30, 2014
I've given this book a low rating because there were a number of problems I found when reading this book.
The main problem being that there was too many twists and turn going on; I just felt that the author was trying to fit in loads of different stories into one book.
SPOILERS AHEAD
At the beginning she seemed moody and sullen and acts like she has no friends, then at school she's joking around at lunch with her friends? Okay.. I let that one slide. Then the most popular guy in school takes an interest and gets her attention with all this unrealistic scenarios. No 16/17 year old boy would do that. That's another thing, I felt that the characters ages didn't suit their personalities or lifestyle, parties etc.
Then he suddenly gets drunk and tries to rape her. I didn't exactly get the shock factor that was the aim, (especially the fact he's 16/17 or whatever), it was more along the lines of the eye rolling factor.
So then she starts dating the guy next door, Zephyr, who I loved. Can't really name a flaw with him. Not one that comes to mind anyway.
Then she enters a singing competition which I found didn't fit in with her personality of trying to deflect attention.
Then with the before and now peace. Again, didn't quite fit. And she was justifying it helping her get into college. She's a straight A, overachiever who is graduating a year early. Yeah, I can see why a college would turn her down unless she has a bit of fame to go with it.
And then the psycho granny.
The abusive dad. (I'm guessing murdering her family just wasn't enough?)
And then the other guy trying to rape her at a house party (yeah because that's a smart move) because the popular girl made a bet with him right from the beginning so shed get a good story and ruin her "reputation".
Breaking up with Zephyr, which yeah, I get why she would feel dirty and used but there's just one thing after another with this story. It was getting annoying by the end of it with everything just going off.
Honestly, it wasn't a bad book if it just stuck to the storyline. I just felt that the book was inconsistent and it didn't have an answers to why all these things were happening. There were also parts of the story that got forgotten about like breaking into her psychiatrists place to get her file? I don't know whether that's in the next book but I don't think I'll be finding that out anytime soon.. Also the spelling mistakes were beginning to be a joke. Proof read people!
The main problem being that there was too many twists and turn going on; I just felt that the author was trying to fit in loads of different stories into one book.
SPOILERS AHEAD
At the beginning she seemed moody and sullen and acts like she has no friends, then at school she's joking around at lunch with her friends? Okay.. I let that one slide. Then the most popular guy in school takes an interest and gets her attention with all this unrealistic scenarios. No 16/17 year old boy would do that. That's another thing, I felt that the characters ages didn't suit their personalities or lifestyle, parties etc.
Then he suddenly gets drunk and tries to rape her. I didn't exactly get the shock factor that was the aim, (especially the fact he's 16/17 or whatever), it was more along the lines of the eye rolling factor.
So then she starts dating the guy next door, Zephyr, who I loved. Can't really name a flaw with him. Not one that comes to mind anyway.
Then she enters a singing competition which I found didn't fit in with her personality of trying to deflect attention.
Then with the before and now peace. Again, didn't quite fit. And she was justifying it helping her get into college. She's a straight A, overachiever who is graduating a year early. Yeah, I can see why a college would turn her down unless she has a bit of fame to go with it.
And then the psycho granny.
The abusive dad. (I'm guessing murdering her family just wasn't enough?)
And then the other guy trying to rape her at a house party (yeah because that's a smart move) because the popular girl made a bet with him right from the beginning so shed get a good story and ruin her "reputation".
Breaking up with Zephyr, which yeah, I get why she would feel dirty and used but there's just one thing after another with this story. It was getting annoying by the end of it with everything just going off.
Honestly, it wasn't a bad book if it just stuck to the storyline. I just felt that the book was inconsistent and it didn't have an answers to why all these things were happening. There were also parts of the story that got forgotten about like breaking into her psychiatrists place to get her file? I don't know whether that's in the next book but I don't think I'll be finding that out anytime soon.. Also the spelling mistakes were beginning to be a joke. Proof read people!
February 17, 2014
There is so much a man could say about this masterpiece, but I will not go on a long rant about how much I wish I could talk to Joey, just sit down with her and explain other peoples strength and adaptability, I mean Zeph could handle every thought, experience and grief if she'd just let him try. BTW, I hate the ending Nessa, not for the reason you think, but I wont spoil anything.
Now I will only wait and wait to read the rest of Joey's life and hope to God she gets better, I feel like someone should just protect her.
Now I will only wait and wait to read the rest of Joey's life and hope to God she gets better, I feel like someone should just protect her.
July 9, 2014
I suppose it's healthy to be reminded every now and then quite how appalling literature can be. I'm just wondering how Harry Potter was turned down by 20-odd publishers, yet this steaming pile found its way onto the iBook store. (For free. Thank goodness.)
This calls for a full scale rant.
So meet your main character. Her name is Joey (which I always thought was a boys name, but hey, let's roll with it). Her family were murdered by her father when she was young, apparently making her a social outcast so poor ickle Joey won't stop complaining that she ain't got no friends. Oh wait. Except that one. Oh and that one. Oh yeah and him. And her now you mention it.
So anyone want to know the names of said friends?
Harley. Okay, uncommon but I've heard it before.
Jamie. Relatively normal.
Kensington. The British one. Kensington? Seriously? I'm British and I HAVE NEVER IN MY LIFE MET SOMEONE CALLED KENSINGTON. The English aren't really the type who name their kids after places. They sort of, you know, work out whether their name will give them grief in later life, and whether people will take them seriously, and whether it's easy to respond to. Not 'Hey! I know! I want her to be rich! Let's call her Kensington so she can live their when she's older and laugh at the irony! Now let's go down the pub." I'm pretty sure the author just decided that she wanted a British-sounding name and threw a dart blindfold at a map of London.
And Zephyr. How am I meant to take someone seriously when they're called Zephyr? Yes he's half Greek, but his sister managed to get away with Jamie. But let's just stick with the Greekness rather than the 'irresponsible parents who wanted to give their kid a weird, wonderful, utterly ridiculous name.'
Oh, and there is also a love interest called Ryder.
WHY DOES NO ONE IN THIS BOOK HAVE A NORMAL NAME? I WAS GETTING CRAVINGS FOR SOMEONE CALLED JOHN OR EMILY OR ANYTHING REMOTELY AVERAGE.
But maybe that's just me.
So anyway, Joey has to go and see a psychiatrist because it was decided by the court. You know, to help her.
But know, she doesn't tell the woman who is paid to help her, because...
Well I'm not entirely sure. But she has creepy nightmares and stuff and so goes to see the psychiatrist, but tells her nothing about it, so she can't be helped.
And so, surprise surprise, Joey (one of the most whiny characters I have ever met)continues to complain about creepy nightmares.
Joey is also incredibly boring, and thanks to the homodiegetic narration, this made the book so incredibly boring that I scarcely managed a quarter of it before I gave up.
Among the dull characters were many plenty girls, who were almost all bitchy, self centred, vain and boy-obsessed.
Jamie is a generic female character in this book.
Please excuse me while I go and bang my head against a wall and cry at the insistence of writers to proudly maintain every 'female airhead' stereotype.
And our goddamnawful main character isn't much better. She accepts a date with Ryder - who she doesn't like. And she complains mahooosive amounts about 'having' to go on this date.
I'm sorry. No. You do have a choice. You are not obligated to go out with anyone, whether they sing to you or not. You don't have to conform to any stereotype about girls having to obey guys.
And even though she dreads this date, she puts in a HELL OF A LOT of effort into getting ready. Hmmmm.
I gave up on this one shortly after this point. This was mainly due to the non-existent plot and pages and pages of tedium and absolutely mind-numbingly dull descriptions (she honestly felt the need to describe how she made her bed.)The monotony of the book was the main reason why I gave up, but I won't pretend the absolutely appalling main character didn't affect my decision.
Apologies to all those who love this book.
But it is utterly shit.
This calls for a full scale rant.
So meet your main character. Her name is Joey (which I always thought was a boys name, but hey, let's roll with it). Her family were murdered by her father when she was young, apparently making her a social outcast so poor ickle Joey won't stop complaining that she ain't got no friends. Oh wait. Except that one. Oh and that one. Oh yeah and him. And her now you mention it.
So anyone want to know the names of said friends?
Harley. Okay, uncommon but I've heard it before.
Jamie. Relatively normal.
Kensington. The British one. Kensington? Seriously? I'm British and I HAVE NEVER IN MY LIFE MET SOMEONE CALLED KENSINGTON. The English aren't really the type who name their kids after places. They sort of, you know, work out whether their name will give them grief in later life, and whether people will take them seriously, and whether it's easy to respond to. Not 'Hey! I know! I want her to be rich! Let's call her Kensington so she can live their when she's older and laugh at the irony! Now let's go down the pub." I'm pretty sure the author just decided that she wanted a British-sounding name and threw a dart blindfold at a map of London.
And Zephyr. How am I meant to take someone seriously when they're called Zephyr? Yes he's half Greek, but his sister managed to get away with Jamie. But let's just stick with the Greekness rather than the 'irresponsible parents who wanted to give their kid a weird, wonderful, utterly ridiculous name.'
Oh, and there is also a love interest called Ryder.
WHY DOES NO ONE IN THIS BOOK HAVE A NORMAL NAME? I WAS GETTING CRAVINGS FOR SOMEONE CALLED JOHN OR EMILY OR ANYTHING REMOTELY AVERAGE.
But maybe that's just me.
So anyway, Joey has to go and see a psychiatrist because it was decided by the court. You know, to help her.
But know, she doesn't tell the woman who is paid to help her, because...
Well I'm not entirely sure. But she has creepy nightmares and stuff and so goes to see the psychiatrist, but tells her nothing about it, so she can't be helped.
And so, surprise surprise, Joey (one of the most whiny characters I have ever met)continues to complain about creepy nightmares.
Joey is also incredibly boring, and thanks to the homodiegetic narration, this made the book so incredibly boring that I scarcely managed a quarter of it before I gave up.
There were no remotely interesting characters.
There was no plot.
This is one of those books for Which I genuinely have to sit down and ponder why it was written.
Among the dull characters were many plenty girls, who were almost all bitchy, self centred, vain and boy-obsessed.
Jamie is a generic female character in this book.
'Jamie won't ruin her lip-gloss, but she'll still apply the pink glossy coat when she's finished eating.'
'Jamie is one of those girls who glides around school on a perfect fluffy cloud with her boyfriend attached to her arm'
'Jamie was oblivious to the unusual situation, her mind only on her beloved Marcus.'
Please excuse me while I go and bang my head against a wall and cry at the insistence of writers to proudly maintain every 'female airhead' stereotype.
And our goddamnawful main character isn't much better. She accepts a date with Ryder - who she doesn't like. And she complains mahooosive amounts about 'having' to go on this date.
'If I had my choice, my first date would be with someone I could at least tolerate.'
I'm sorry. No. You do have a choice. You are not obligated to go out with anyone, whether they sing to you or not. You don't have to conform to any stereotype about girls having to obey guys.
And even though she dreads this date, she puts in a HELL OF A LOT of effort into getting ready. Hmmmm.
I gave up on this one shortly after this point. This was mainly due to the non-existent plot and pages and pages of tedium and absolutely mind-numbingly dull descriptions (she honestly felt the need to describe how she made her bed.)The monotony of the book was the main reason why I gave up, but I won't pretend the absolutely appalling main character didn't affect my decision.
Apologies to all those who love this book.
But it is utterly shit.
April 29, 2014
This book took me 8 days?! That's how painful of a read this was for me... I've read plenty of books that have left me completely pissed... but this one takes the cake!! So since I seem to be the only one who hasn't enjoyed this book I'll explain why. For starters I'm not one who cares about the grammar and flaws. Yes, there was a lot but I wouldn't rate a book badly based of that. I'm horrible with that junk anyways. First thing I started hating about this book was the whole Ryder and Joey thing. It eventually makes sense in the end but the author does leave you wondering through the next 200 pages.... Next was the no telling z or her aunt anything that's going on!!! We get it your damaged but omg. There is plenty other stuff I'm sure in could complain about but now I can't remember.. haha. Oh, and why is she meeting a counselor if the lady doesn't even help her! Joey herself even doesn't understand why she sees her. DUMB!!! So lastly, her father. The whole story we wondered what happened 8 years ago and wondered what the dreams and everything were about. The author completely dragged this book on and on with pointless mumbo jumbo!! I'm sure the second book will be a lot better considering it'll finally give you answers. Well, then again maybe not. Who knows with this author. Complete disappointment in this book. Should be a one star but I actually liked where the book was going in the final chapter. lol. All in all.. no I don't recommend this book.
February 8, 2014
This book was heavy, but I liked it. I'm hanging for the second one because I really believe she should let Zephyr in more. That poor boy...
I hate to point out things I don't like because as a writer myself I know how heartbreaking that can be but I have to because this is how we learn.
There was a heap of edit mistakes, all minor, things like "don't take that town with me." Or missing words I got the gist of the sentence but it still doesn't look great and distracts me from reading the story without too much effort.
She was so introverted but some things just didn't make sense like the idol competition, attending parties with Ryder and letting the camera follow her around for a week.
The chapters were HUGE! Way too long. And at times Joey would tell us what other characters were thinking or how they looked even if she wasn't looking at them, that doesn't make sense in first person.
Having said all that, I still really enjoyed it. I finished it all in 2 days and am absolutely hanging for the next installment. Please tell me there's a happy ending!
I hate to point out things I don't like because as a writer myself I know how heartbreaking that can be but I have to because this is how we learn.
There was a heap of edit mistakes, all minor, things like "don't take that town with me." Or missing words I got the gist of the sentence but it still doesn't look great and distracts me from reading the story without too much effort.
She was so introverted but some things just didn't make sense like the idol competition, attending parties with Ryder and letting the camera follow her around for a week.
The chapters were HUGE! Way too long. And at times Joey would tell us what other characters were thinking or how they looked even if she wasn't looking at them, that doesn't make sense in first person.
Having said all that, I still really enjoyed it. I finished it all in 2 days and am absolutely hanging for the next installment. Please tell me there's a happy ending!
February 8, 2014
story line not bad but the spelling and grammar mistakes make me want to cry :'(
June 9, 2014
This book has a really good storyline, but the grammar & spelling really let it down ..
September 12, 2019
What if you were the daughter of a murderer? What if your dad went totally psycho and brutally murdered your mom, your siblings, and left you to die with 20 stab wounds? Yeah, you'd be a freak alright.
Joey is used to being the talk of the school. In fact, she takes it in cynical stride.
So is this a story about relishing your imperfections rather than conform to the monotonous standards of popular culture?
This seemed like an interesting story, but it seriously lags with endless rambles and drains the reader with mindless banalities.
Joey is not really an interesting character to begin with. All she does is whine about death and being different. In fact, most of the time she dreams of death (drowning, suffocating, being buried) and this is probably because she should've ended up that way when her dad went postal.
The only thing that was even remotely interesting was the therapy session and even that totally bombed out.
Joey is used to being the talk of the school. In fact, she takes it in cynical stride.
So is this a story about relishing your imperfections rather than conform to the monotonous standards of popular culture?
This seemed like an interesting story, but it seriously lags with endless rambles and drains the reader with mindless banalities.
Joey is not really an interesting character to begin with. All she does is whine about death and being different. In fact, most of the time she dreams of death (drowning, suffocating, being buried) and this is probably because she should've ended up that way when her dad went postal.
The only thing that was even remotely interesting was the therapy session and even that totally bombed out.
January 2, 2019
This book would have deserved 5 stars if just somebody would have proofread it! Sadly there were just one too many faults..
This book made me feel so many emotions, and luckily not only bad ones (which is also actually a sign that its a reeeeally good book). I definitely wanna read the second one.
This book made me feel so many emotions, and luckily not only bad ones (which is also actually a sign that its a reeeeally good book). I definitely wanna read the second one.
May 26, 2025
I personally hated this book. I'm bummed that I actually read the whole thing. That's time I won't get back. And, it's the start of a series that I won't be reading. As for content, there's language, there's sexuality, there's abuse. All in all, I don't recommend it.
July 19, 2017
It was ok
October 22, 2017
It was good enough. Like the concept in the story, but was very irritated by the grammatical errors and the horrible ending.
September 30, 2024
3.75 stars. It was an interesting read I couldn’t put it down
April 27, 2017
First line: "The dark, seemingly hollow world sucks me into its vortex almost instantly."
What to say? I really enjoyed this book, and it would have been all the more enjoyable and quicker to read if there hadn't been so many punctuation and grammar errors. So many missing words, and thoughts placed in the wrong place or just not flowing with the story. I would be reading and reading, and all of a sudden we were onto some different tangent with little warning and you had to kind of figure out "is this a flashback?" or is it something else? It was really annoying and frustrating cause it wasted a lot of my time trying to figure everything out. Honestly, I could go on and on about how many errors I saw and how it made reading this novel such a struggle, that if I had not liked the topic and was intrigued to learn more, I would have left this book to the side at the very beginning.
On to the plot now! What an intricate and tragically woven storyline! Every twist and turn there was more and more mystery and new information about the evils of her past. I loved it. I was always in shock of the next horrifying thing that the author shone some light onto.
All of that being said, the main character made me want to punch something, anything, because she was just so frustrating. She felt she had to bear all her troubles by herself, because if she were to tell her aunt or her best friend they would somehow look at her differently. I WAS SO ANNOYED, like let these people in to what you're going through for the love of God they just want to help you. I felt like every 5-10 pages it was "I feel this way, but I can't tell them...but I need to. I can, but no wait, I can't". I get that she had a traumatic life experience, or several, but there's a point to which you can begin to trust others and know that they can help you, especially when they are offering themselves to you at every twist and turn. Rant over.
I may or may not read the next book following this one... I'll definitely have to take a break from this author for a bit though for her lack of proofreading or editing.
What to say? I really enjoyed this book, and it would have been all the more enjoyable and quicker to read if there hadn't been so many punctuation and grammar errors. So many missing words, and thoughts placed in the wrong place or just not flowing with the story. I would be reading and reading, and all of a sudden we were onto some different tangent with little warning and you had to kind of figure out "is this a flashback?" or is it something else? It was really annoying and frustrating cause it wasted a lot of my time trying to figure everything out. Honestly, I could go on and on about how many errors I saw and how it made reading this novel such a struggle, that if I had not liked the topic and was intrigued to learn more, I would have left this book to the side at the very beginning.
On to the plot now! What an intricate and tragically woven storyline! Every twist and turn there was more and more mystery and new information about the evils of her past. I loved it. I was always in shock of the next horrifying thing that the author shone some light onto.
All of that being said, the main character made me want to punch something, anything, because she was just so frustrating. She felt she had to bear all her troubles by herself, because if she were to tell her aunt or her best friend they would somehow look at her differently. I WAS SO ANNOYED, like let these people in to what you're going through for the love of God they just want to help you. I felt like every 5-10 pages it was "I feel this way, but I can't tell them...but I need to. I can, but no wait, I can't". I get that she had a traumatic life experience, or several, but there's a point to which you can begin to trust others and know that they can help you, especially when they are offering themselves to you at every twist and turn. Rant over.
I may or may not read the next book following this one... I'll definitely have to take a break from this author for a bit though for her lack of proofreading or editing.
January 19, 2015
If I am 100% honest, I got this book free on my IPad, due to somehow forgetting to take a book to Wales with me, so I wasn't expecting much, yet I was pleasantly surprised. The book was engaging with multiple twists in the book that stopped me from getting bored or distracted.
Although I personally didn't connect with Joey, mainly due to not going through what she has, I easily found her a likable and to some extent a realistic character who has a very harsh and difficult life. Personally my favourite character is her auntie as she was just so loving and funny, two needs for a good, likable character.
Don't get me wrong I did really enjoy the book and i've even recommended it to my friend but there are some elements that just don't work. Without spoiling it she goes from being a shy nobody to kinda popular and taking part of a singing competition which doesn't really add up in my mind but hey thats just a minor flaw.
The book mentions a lot of serious topics such as domestic abuse, rape and murder which at times makes you want to just cry for Joey and other times stop reading and think 'really?' It's not a hard read but there are defiantly moments that caused me to stop and think and other times close the book as I was reading it at 1-am and did want to sleep and not stay up with nightmares. Yet now that i've told you that these elements are in the book I think it makes it an easier read.
I don't want to give any spoilers as this is a review to encourage you to read it but in summery the characters, I found, can be easily recognized within my friendship group or just people in my school with obviously a few cases that this doesn't fit (luckily), and although I don't believe some of the activities that take place would happen in many 16/17 year old lives, I guess thats the whole point of the book, to show how dramatic and flawed her life is.
Overall I give it a 4/5 and I will and have recommended it to a friend as well as probably read the sequel.
Read more on my blog - http://lottiemeg.blogspot.co.uk/
Although I personally didn't connect with Joey, mainly due to not going through what she has, I easily found her a likable and to some extent a realistic character who has a very harsh and difficult life. Personally my favourite character is her auntie as she was just so loving and funny, two needs for a good, likable character.
Don't get me wrong I did really enjoy the book and i've even recommended it to my friend but there are some elements that just don't work. Without spoiling it she goes from being a shy nobody to kinda popular and taking part of a singing competition which doesn't really add up in my mind but hey thats just a minor flaw.
The book mentions a lot of serious topics such as domestic abuse, rape and murder which at times makes you want to just cry for Joey and other times stop reading and think 'really?' It's not a hard read but there are defiantly moments that caused me to stop and think and other times close the book as I was reading it at 1-am and did want to sleep and not stay up with nightmares. Yet now that i've told you that these elements are in the book I think it makes it an easier read.
I don't want to give any spoilers as this is a review to encourage you to read it but in summery the characters, I found, can be easily recognized within my friendship group or just people in my school with obviously a few cases that this doesn't fit (luckily), and although I don't believe some of the activities that take place would happen in many 16/17 year old lives, I guess thats the whole point of the book, to show how dramatic and flawed her life is.
Overall I give it a 4/5 and I will and have recommended it to a friend as well as probably read the sequel.
Read more on my blog - http://lottiemeg.blogspot.co.uk/
July 16, 2014
Wow... I am confused to say the least at how this book has gotten so many great reviews. I don't even know where to begin! How about the terrible, indecisive, manipulative, egocentric, idiotic main character!
So Joey (a girl...) had her mother and siblings murdered by her father. She doesn't remember anything about what happened but she survived. She went to live with her aunt who she treats like total shit. She rants and complains about how she has no friends but hey, there's Harley, Jamie, Zephyr, Kennie, Avery, (another silly unusual name I will not even type.). Anyways,,, she's apparently the school freak for what!? And regardless of what happened to her before she gives everyone a reason to believe she is with her unneeded rude comments and her annoying sarcasm. It's not because I didn't get it but it don't understand why it was necessary! She went out on a date with somebody she doesn't even like and says it's because "she doesn't have a choice." Excuse me?! No one can force you to do anything you don't want to do! And the whole thing with trying to make Zephyr a total sweetheart jealous is just ridiculous and childish.
I have never written a review but this book gave me a migraine...
Joey is mean and very unintelligent if you ask me. She may be graduating early but in who's kind does it make sense to shit off from everyone and act like a total bitch but not tell anyone why!? Stop complaining if you're not gonna do anything about your problems. And freaking out at Zephyr and then dumping him instead of facing her bloody issues and responsibilities?!
I don't understand. Never have I ever hated a book before but I guess there's a times for everything.
Bottom line, there are just too many issues with this book (sorry I only told you about Joey).. Smh
So Joey (a girl...) had her mother and siblings murdered by her father. She doesn't remember anything about what happened but she survived. She went to live with her aunt who she treats like total shit. She rants and complains about how she has no friends but hey, there's Harley, Jamie, Zephyr, Kennie, Avery, (another silly unusual name I will not even type.). Anyways,,, she's apparently the school freak for what!? And regardless of what happened to her before she gives everyone a reason to believe she is with her unneeded rude comments and her annoying sarcasm. It's not because I didn't get it but it don't understand why it was necessary! She went out on a date with somebody she doesn't even like and says it's because "she doesn't have a choice." Excuse me?! No one can force you to do anything you don't want to do! And the whole thing with trying to make Zephyr a total sweetheart jealous is just ridiculous and childish.
I have never written a review but this book gave me a migraine...
Joey is mean and very unintelligent if you ask me. She may be graduating early but in who's kind does it make sense to shit off from everyone and act like a total bitch but not tell anyone why!? Stop complaining if you're not gonna do anything about your problems. And freaking out at Zephyr and then dumping him instead of facing her bloody issues and responsibilities?!
I don't understand. Never have I ever hated a book before but I guess there's a times for everything.
Bottom line, there are just too many issues with this book (sorry I only told you about Joey).. Smh
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 3, 2014
I gave this book 4 stars but really it should have been more like 3.75 stars. Unfortunately there is no option for 3.5 stars so I went with 4 as 3 would have been way too harsh.
I really really liked this book, it was amazing and I loved reading it. I thought that the many lot twists made the story very interesting and always made you feel on edge, it kept me hooked even though some people out there say it made the book tiresome and long-winded. I liked seeing the relationship build between Zephyr and Joey, adding Rider to the mix certainly made the story very interesting.
As much as I liked this book I realised that there was a couple faults with the book, one of them I know was apparent because other people who have also read the book said the same thing. The grammar in the book wasn't the best, it's not as if the errors made the sentences unreadable but all the same there was quite a few mistakes hidden within the pages of the book. In some places the words are missing but you can still get the gist of what is being said where as other mistakes are simply misspelt words. Furthermore some of the situations are very unrealistic, like...
I really really liked this book, it was amazing and I loved reading it. I thought that the many lot twists made the story very interesting and always made you feel on edge, it kept me hooked even though some people out there say it made the book tiresome and long-winded. I liked seeing the relationship build between Zephyr and Joey, adding Rider to the mix certainly made the story very interesting.
As much as I liked this book I realised that there was a couple faults with the book, one of them I know was apparent because other people who have also read the book said the same thing. The grammar in the book wasn't the best, it's not as if the errors made the sentences unreadable but all the same there was quite a few mistakes hidden within the pages of the book. In some places the words are missing but you can still get the gist of what is being said where as other mistakes are simply misspelt words. Furthermore some of the situations are very unrealistic, like...
April 27, 2014
I don't write a lot of reviews for the simple reason that I truly suck at them. But I have to make an exception with this book. I found it in the free books on my kindle and I'm so glad I did. This is one of the best books that I have ever read. Yes, it's about a teenager like so many other books out there, and being that I'm a 48 year old woman, it's a rather annoying trait of so many writers. There aren't too many books about the over thirty crorwd, unless you read Maive Binchy, which btw, is one of my favs. But Nessa has shown true craftsmanship in constructing her character, Joey. Joey is the girl next door with some very deep, deep horrors in her past. This is story about her journey to find herself and heal while learning how truly deep the horrors of her past have gone. I, myself, can't wait to read the next book. This one I will willingly go to the bookstore to buy. I might even buy this one to start a collection of Nessa's future books. I pray that she continues writing. She is a truly gifted writer. Congratulations to her on a brilliant piece of literature. MUST READ!
June 19, 2014
I would give 4.5 stars.. The book was really good. Something different and nice.. The plot was superb... The way it was written was another awesome thing.. I liked the characters very much.. I liked the main character, Joey, very much.. She was confident, sassy, sweet and brave.. Zephyr was the other character I liked.. His love, sweetness, care, protectiveness, cockiness and THAT awesome friendship.... I liked him a lot.. Other characters were also set nicely.. :)
I enjoyed reading the book.. The suspense, thrill, romance, friendship all was packed inside the book.. I loved how the writer let slip the past of the story piece by piece offering anticipation to the readers.. But the I was really disappointed with the ending.. This is not how I expect to end after the loooong reading.. Usually I don't like the second sequel but I am really looking forward to read the second book..
Overall the book was nice and sweet and makes you feel that you are a character in the book, experiencing the whole thing... Really nice book..
I enjoyed reading the book.. The suspense, thrill, romance, friendship all was packed inside the book.. I loved how the writer let slip the past of the story piece by piece offering anticipation to the readers.. But the I was really disappointed with the ending.. This is not how I expect to end after the loooong reading.. Usually I don't like the second sequel but I am really looking forward to read the second book..
Overall the book was nice and sweet and makes you feel that you are a character in the book, experiencing the whole thing... Really nice book..
August 10, 2015
Apart from not really enjoying the story itself, the vast amount of grammatical errors really bothered me.
I wish I had the ability to overlook the mistakes because we all make them, (myself included) but I feel that if you're going to release a book, even a free one, you could least make sure that it's proof read.
I felt as if the intention was for the reader to relate to the main character but I could not connect with her at all. The more I read, the more I grew to dislike her.
I would like to point out that I related to certain instances that occurred in the book but I felt as if they were badly put together and that the main character did not do these things any justice. She just came across as whiny and irritating.
I didn't hate it, but I didn't enjoy it enough to even be tempted to read any further in to the series.
I wish I had the ability to overlook the mistakes because we all make them, (myself included) but I feel that if you're going to release a book, even a free one, you could least make sure that it's proof read.
I felt as if the intention was for the reader to relate to the main character but I could not connect with her at all. The more I read, the more I grew to dislike her.
I would like to point out that I related to certain instances that occurred in the book but I felt as if they were badly put together and that the main character did not do these things any justice. She just came across as whiny and irritating.
I didn't hate it, but I didn't enjoy it enough to even be tempted to read any further in to the series.
January 15, 2016
This is the second time I'm reading this book, but why not? I usually tend to re-read books when they're my favorites, so that's a good sign. I came across this on ibooks on my phone. It was free, and I thought, "You know what, I'll give it a shot". and boy I'm glad I did. I absolutely love this book. Nessa Morgan can write. When I read this book, I can't stop. I feel despair when the character does, anger when she's angry, etc. Joey's character portrays someone strong, brave, but not perfect! I love how this book isn't only dramatic, tragic, but also funny, and has a beautiful love story.
My favorite quotes:
"If you want me to battle your demons, I will fight until I can’t fight anymore, because that’s what you do for the person you love". --Zephyr to Joey
"Perfectly flawed,” he responds, proud. “But we’re all flawed, that’s what makes us human"... --Zephyr to Joey
My favorite quotes:
"If you want me to battle your demons, I will fight until I can’t fight anymore, because that’s what you do for the person you love". --Zephyr to Joey
"Perfectly flawed,” he responds, proud. “But we’re all flawed, that’s what makes us human"... --Zephyr to Joey
June 3, 2017
I really wanted to like this book more than I did. It had a good premise, but it just didn't come together like I had hoped for. For starters I really had a hard time connecting with the main character, she complained about no friends, being bullied and treated badly for being a survivor of her family being murdered by her father, but yet she had friends and for the life of me I couldn't understand why she would be bullied for being a victim of a crime in another state under another name. Her personality seemed to fluctuate wildly and it wasn't necessarily through personal growth throughout the story. As a matter of fact I was left feeling like nothing got resolved in this book and I came away feeling like the end of the story was right back at the beginning.
April 21, 2014
My immediate thoughts: I want to read the second book. The grammar mistakes were noticeable and there were many, but I was able to overlook them most of the time to stay in the story. This is an interesting book. The plot has been done, but this was different enough to keep me reading. My only big critique is that it is such a slow moving book! Things just inch along at a snails pace with so much day-to-day info that isn't needed and doesn't add to the plot. At the end I'm left with a lot of questions, but if feel like not much happened. Definitely reading the second book to find out what happens next.
April 23, 2014
I do love this book. I wanted to give it 5 stars at first, but gave 4 because it felt kind of rushed in the last few chapters. I couldn't catch the emotions of characters. It didn't make me cry or laugh out loud. Maybe it's because of reading too much - skipping from one book to another.
But this book was more than great and I can't wait to start Beautifully Ruined!
Oooooh, and about Zephyr. His name. In Latvian it means something like marshmallow so at first it was really funny.
But that doesn't change the fact that the book is AWESOME!
But this book was more than great and I can't wait to start Beautifully Ruined!
Oooooh, and about Zephyr. His name. In Latvian it means something like marshmallow so at first it was really funny.
But that doesn't change the fact that the book is AWESOME!
April 19, 2014
Amazingly wonderful!!! A very well written novel. Strong emotions with a story full of some twisted content. I can relate very well to lots of the feelings in this book. The main character Joey, seriously hit home for me. I have already recommend this book to all my friends, after onlt reading the first chapters. I knew this was going to be a great book, but it was so much more!!! Very talented author. This is a serious book, but I also laughed my ass off at the inner dialog. Any book that can make me laugh, cry and scream with frustration at the end is phenomenal!!!!!!
March 7, 2015
Pockets of brilliance
The plot grabbed me and I was determined to finish the book despite the many, um, flaws. There were pockets brilliance in the writing. Alas, there were also contradictions, spelling and punctuation errors, and some weak dialogue that disappointed me. Sometimes the writer's voice was strong and commanding. At other times it was very adolescent, trying too hard to be clever. I applaud the creativity and planning. I hope for more skilled editing in the future.
The plot grabbed me and I was determined to finish the book despite the many, um, flaws. There were pockets brilliance in the writing. Alas, there were also contradictions, spelling and punctuation errors, and some weak dialogue that disappointed me. Sometimes the writer's voice was strong and commanding. At other times it was very adolescent, trying too hard to be clever. I applaud the creativity and planning. I hope for more skilled editing in the future.
May 29, 2016
Initially I really loved where this book was going. I definitely liked the dark mysterious theme and trying to work out what the heck happened to her. I didn't really feel much of a connection with main character and that was bringing me down. Sometimes i felt like there was a lot of unnecessary information being shared which was the difficult part for me. On the plus though, the authors words were poetic and I was baited enough to finish. Although i wont read the next book, In my opinion it was definitely not as bad as some of the reviews suggested!! But thats just me.
September 17, 2023
The beginning of the story felt a bit disconnected from the hectic second act (Idol, dreams, senior project, relationships...ect) but it still kept me engaged. The banter and character building was fun, but there were some parts where I felt like the conversations served no purpose to the story. There were also some irregularities in details throughout. Despite the critiques, I found myself relating to some of the more difficult emotions and struggles of Joey. This lead me to start reading the sequel immediately!
August 12, 2016
I decided to give it a try when it appeared on top of the list on iBooks.
Easy-read with a good story about seventeen year old Joey, a murder-survivor, brought up by her aunt Hilary (one of my favourite characters). It is about finding the truth and discovering herself, while experiencing her high school ups and downs... The downside is that there were too many grammar mistakes. However, extra points for the creativity and engaging style of writing.
Easy-read with a good story about seventeen year old Joey, a murder-survivor, brought up by her aunt Hilary (one of my favourite characters). It is about finding the truth and discovering herself, while experiencing her high school ups and downs... The downside is that there were too many grammar mistakes. However, extra points for the creativity and engaging style of writing.
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