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Fearless #2
Sam
There's somebody who wants me dead. And he's probably going to succeed. Very soon. There is something I have to do before I go. And there's only one person I want to do it with. Sam. NO RULES. NO LIMITS. NO FEAR.
231 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 1, 1999
31 people are currently reading
1001 people want to read
About the author
Francine Pascal
1,139 books1,849 followersFrancine Paula Pascal was an American author best known for her Sweet Valley series of young adult novels. Sweet Valley High, the backbone of the collection, was made into a television series, which led to several spin-offs, including The Unicorn Club and Sweet Valley University. Although most of these books were published in the 1980s and 1990s, they remained so popular that several titles were re-released decades later.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews
September 6, 2017
Rereading a childhood favourite series after 15 odd years... I'm heading off on holiday, it's allowed! Still love it although I can appreciate the ludicrousness of the plot and characters. Come to think of it I reckon I probably did then too... Guilty pleasures ftw ;)
August 9, 2018
Fearless #2 Review
After slogging through paragraph after paragraph of the second Fearless book, Sam, its still just as bad as the first book. Maybe it's even worse then that.
Basic Plot: CJ is sent to kill Gaia, so Gaia wants to have sex with Sam before dying. That's seriously what this book boils down to.
Now to sum up my irritations with Fearless #2:
1) The plot summary alone is already going to be one of the worst plots in the history of writing. I've seen some of the worst video games like Action 52 with better plots than this.
2) Gaia starts to abstractly show fear several times throughout Sam. I thought this was about aMary Sue girl that can't feel fear?
3)
Just no.
4) The infamous "This is your brain on drugs" ad gets mentioned at some point unironically. I don't know how to feel about that.
5) According to the wise Gaia, it's "Better ugly than a laughingstock." Despite that being ugly can make you a laughingstock alone.
6)
How much more is the narrative going to brush up this brat's ego?
7) I seriously hate how Gaia keeps running away from CJ when she claimed to have many fighting skills and lightning fast reflexes. She could have just beaten him up at the first chance she got. I doubt CJ will win if he only has a gun and a few combat techniques to compensate.
8) Sam is still the most boring character I have to sit and read about.
9)
Not regarding Gaia, this isn't an original thought. Lots of parents think their child is an gift from God. Also I don't know what Tom means by "honor" considering all Gaia has done so far is act like an edgy teenager who's been incredibly rude to lots of people.
10) Instead of Gaia thinking of jumping out the window, she could have just confronted Ella anyway and make up an excuse why she was near the computer.
11) The part where Gaia checks her email at school is confusing. How would she access her email when the school filters (as hated as they are) would likely block her from accessing it? Did Gaia send the email through her school email? Why wasn't she caught sending something obscene by the staff who would have revoked her internet privileges if they knew?
12)
That was the only sentence from Fearless that makes me die laughing every time I read it. If you imagine Tom pining over a girl who's a literal book eater, it's downright hilarious.
Well I found it funny.
13) What is with this book and it's obsession with mentioning that Ed's "reproductive organs" still work? It's disgusting and doesn't need to be mentioned.
14)
Let's see: Asexuals, Aromantics, people that don't find sex important, ect.
15) The sex scene with Sam and Heather was painful to read.
16) If Gaia had never seen anyone having sex before, how did she think it was going to happen if she actually got to fulfill her stupid sex quest?
17) I like how Gaia is angry at Sam and Heather engaging in an act that lots of couples do. Although to be fair, they should have waited longer than 6 months.
18) What does having fear have to do with having parents and a significant other?
19)
Is Fearless trying to tell me being a sociopath is the way of life? What a wholesome life lesson.
20) The reveal of Loki was alright I guess, but I can already tell he's going to be a pathetic villain.
As I already said, this is even worse than the 1st book including the above irritating moments from this book. I still plan to read the whole series regardless as I'm driven by curiosity of what's going to happen next.
I wonder what Book #3 holds in store….?
(Yes I'm aware I made this review after writing the one of the third book, but my computer shut down in the middle of the original version if this)
After slogging through paragraph after paragraph of the second Fearless book, Sam, its still just as bad as the first book. Maybe it's even worse then that.
Basic Plot: CJ is sent to kill Gaia, so Gaia wants to have sex with Sam before dying. That's seriously what this book boils down to.
Now to sum up my irritations with Fearless #2:
1) The plot summary alone is already going to be one of the worst plots in the history of writing. I've seen some of the worst video games like Action 52 with better plots than this.
2) Gaia starts to abstractly show fear several times throughout Sam. I thought this was about a
3)
"Any straight guy with a live pulse and a thimble full of testosterone would want to have sex with Gaia."
Just no.
4) The infamous "This is your brain on drugs" ad gets mentioned at some point unironically. I don't know how to feel about that.
5) According to the wise Gaia, it's "Better ugly than a laughingstock." Despite that being ugly can make you a laughingstock alone.
6)
"When she was six years old, her IQ tested so high, she'd been sent to the National Institutes of Health to spend a week with electrodes stuck to her forehead."
How much more is the narrative going to brush up this brat's ego?
7) I seriously hate how Gaia keeps running away from CJ when she claimed to have many fighting skills and lightning fast reflexes. She could have just beaten him up at the first chance she got. I doubt CJ will win if he only has a gun and a few combat techniques to compensate.
8) Sam is still the most boring character I have to sit and read about.
9)
"In the old days, when Gaia was still a child, he'd been purely blown away by her abilities. She was a miracle. His greatest gift. Her brilliance, her beauty, her athleticism, and most of all her God-given sense of astonished him every single hour he spent with her. He couldn't imagine what he had done in this life to deserve such a child."
Not regarding Gaia, this isn't an original thought. Lots of parents think their child is an gift from God. Also I don't know what Tom means by "honor" considering all Gaia has done so far is act like an edgy teenager who's been incredibly rude to lots of people.
10) Instead of Gaia thinking of jumping out the window, she could have just confronted Ella anyway and make up an excuse why she was near the computer.
11) The part where Gaia checks her email at school is confusing. How would she access her email when the school filters (as hated as they are) would likely block her from accessing it? Did Gaia send the email through her school email? Why wasn't she caught sending something obscene by the staff who would have revoked her internet privileges if they knew?
12)
"She was devouring a stack of books the way a starving person would devour a plate of food. He would never forget that image of her."
That was the only sentence from Fearless that makes me die laughing every time I read it. If you imagine Tom pining over a girl who's a literal book eater, it's downright hilarious.
Well I found it funny.
13) What is with this book and it's obsession with mentioning that Ed's "reproductive organs" still work? It's disgusting and doesn't need to be mentioned.
14)
"And it wasn't just sex that he wanted, although face it, what guy could turn that down?"
Let's see: Asexuals, Aromantics, people that don't find sex important, ect.
15) The sex scene with Sam and Heather was painful to read.
16) If Gaia had never seen anyone having sex before, how did she think it was going to happen if she actually got to fulfill her stupid sex quest?
17) I like how Gaia is angry at Sam and Heather engaging in an act that lots of couples do. Although to be fair, they should have waited longer than 6 months.
18) What does having fear have to do with having parents and a significant other?
19)
"Not caring was a person's only real protection."
Is Fearless trying to tell me being a sociopath is the way of life? What a wholesome life lesson.
20) The reveal of Loki was alright I guess, but I can already tell he's going to be a pathetic villain.
As I already said, this is even worse than the 1st book including the above irritating moments from this book. I still plan to read the whole series regardless as I'm driven by curiosity of what's going to happen next.
I wonder what Book #3 holds in store….?
(Yes I'm aware I made this review after writing the one of the third book, but my computer shut down in the middle of the original version if this)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 20, 2012
Gaia is in trouble. Again. CJ is still trying to kill her. He thinks that she killed Marco.
Gaia is now determined to do something before she dies and/or is murdered. She wants to have sex. But there's only one person she wants to do it with, Sam. The only problem, he's with Heather, but in his mind, he knows he wants to be with Gaia. My, what an enlightening book that one shouuld give to a young adult. Note my voice that just drips of sarcasm.
More of Purplycookie’s Reviews @: http://www.goodreads.com/purplycookie
Book Details:
Title Sam (Fearless, #2)
Author Francine Pascal
Reviewed By Purplycookie
Gaia is now determined to do something before she dies and/or is murdered. She wants to have sex. But there's only one person she wants to do it with, Sam. The only problem, he's with Heather, but in his mind, he knows he wants to be with Gaia. My, what an enlightening book that one shouuld give to a young adult. Note my voice that just drips of sarcasm.
More of Purplycookie’s Reviews @: http://www.goodreads.com/purplycookie
Book Details:
Title Sam (Fearless, #2)
Author Francine Pascal
Reviewed By Purplycookie
March 21, 2013
the only reason i read this was bc french is so boring. i regret it. there are a few good things like certain sentences but its so DIRTY. I DONT CARE ABOUT VERY DETAIL OF HER SKIN DURING YOU KNOW WHAT! this book was one of two things 1) it 2) violence. typical lets kill each other and have s-- before we do it!!!!!
March 14, 2012
So I only gave this three stars because I didn't feel like it really delved into a plot until the very end and because I feel that this book is super inappropriate for teen readers. Basically page one until the last few chapters was all about how the main character, Gaia, wanted to lose her virginity before she died. (Some thug targeted her and kept wanting to kill her. The whole run ins with him was kind of ridiculous, yet a tad bit humorous.)
I have to say that the part that surprised me the most was that there was a full on sex scene in it. What? I mean I bought this book in the teen section of the bookstore where several impressionable teens peruse daily. I still can't believe that a book with explicit content would be considered appropriate for our teens? I'm not going to sit here and say that I don't think some teens have sex, etc. or anything like that. What I am going to say is that books are a form of escapism and not all readers, especially the young ones, want to read scenes like that. Stories can be so much more magical with words, they don't need to be chalked full of language and sex to make them interesting.
Anyhow, my main point is that I don't think this book should be in the teen section and I profusely believe that we should have a rating system for books. If movies, music, TV, games, pretty much everything else has to be rated, why not books? Why should I have to worry what my kid is bringing home from the book store, or worse yet the library? I should be able to flip it over and see that this book has moderate violence, sexual content or mild language.
I hate that I can't throw a book down without finishing it and since I got a compilation of all three books in one, I am going to finish up RUN. I just hope it has a little more of the great CIA, girl kick butt story line that was thrown in at the end and less of the girl needing to 'do it' story line.
I have to say that the part that surprised me the most was that there was a full on sex scene in it. What? I mean I bought this book in the teen section of the bookstore where several impressionable teens peruse daily. I still can't believe that a book with explicit content would be considered appropriate for our teens? I'm not going to sit here and say that I don't think some teens have sex, etc. or anything like that. What I am going to say is that books are a form of escapism and not all readers, especially the young ones, want to read scenes like that. Stories can be so much more magical with words, they don't need to be chalked full of language and sex to make them interesting.
Anyhow, my main point is that I don't think this book should be in the teen section and I profusely believe that we should have a rating system for books. If movies, music, TV, games, pretty much everything else has to be rated, why not books? Why should I have to worry what my kid is bringing home from the book store, or worse yet the library? I should be able to flip it over and see that this book has moderate violence, sexual content or mild language.
I hate that I can't throw a book down without finishing it and since I got a compilation of all three books in one, I am going to finish up RUN. I just hope it has a little more of the great CIA, girl kick butt story line that was thrown in at the end and less of the girl needing to 'do it' story line.
January 12, 2014
Accidentally read this book as it was shoved into the same binding as the first and third of this superfluously long and arduous series.
November 7, 2016
it was good
December 5, 2023
It's a fast read, nothing really outstanding for me in this book, I can see why this was compiled into 3 books in one with the first and 3rd book it really didn't have anything to really grab onto. The whole thing of her trying to get rid of her virginity because she thought she was going to get shot and yes I am phrasing it that way because that is exactly how it seemed, well was a bit cringy and even for a teenage targeted book a bit inappropriate but by the same token I can also understand the non thinking of it being that I was once a teenager and probably thought as dumb as Gaia. The little action that occurred was just 🤷 I mean the girl is supposed to have all these badass skills and she can't handle one guy, which by all means is just a bully. Most Bullies once you stand up to them they are done with. The most interesting part to me was the last few minutes of the book.
I'll chalk it up to just a guilty pleasure of liking something fast and cheesy to get through.
I'll chalk it up to just a guilty pleasure of liking something fast and cheesy to get through.
November 25, 2018
This book wasn’t as action packed as the first book. The whole book was mostly emotions. It started with Gaia being a target in the streets of New York so since she is probably going to die she wants to have sex with someone. She’s 17 and wants to feel that closeness just in case anything happens to her. Will it be Sam? Or Ed, the kid in the wheelchair who is clearly in love with her? This book leaves us on a VERY big cliff hanger and I MUST read the third! This book was titled ‘sam’ because it was mostly about him and his feelings towards Gaia. The ending is about him as well because he got captured. I am not too fond of the second book mostly because I was expecting more action. I also do kind of love this book too because of the love story that is forming here. Very good series. It’s good to re read them because there are details that I missed the first time. On to number 3.
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December 22, 2022Did this as a buddy ready with ACOFAE Podcast cohost, ACOFAELaura (https://www.goodreads.com/acofaelaura) and we read books 1 and 2 back to back and discuss it more on ACOFAE Podcast
shorturl.at/vMNU1
If you're looking for the vibe of this book, image it's Autumn in New York. You're the new girl at another new school in a new living situation. You might be nervous. You might even be a little afraid. Not Gaia! Gaia is a lot of things. She's abrasive, dismissive, smart, and aloof. She's also born without a certain gene. A fear gene. Gaia cannot feel fear. That's right. Gaia is Fearless. And it doesn't make anything about her life easy. Her dad? Out of the picture. Her mom too. Just foster care and new schools until Gaia is 18. Oh, and there's a boy. A cute chess playing boy who hangs out in the park who might be along for the ride too. If she can live that long.
shorturl.at/vMNU1
If you're looking for the vibe of this book, image it's Autumn in New York. You're the new girl at another new school in a new living situation. You might be nervous. You might even be a little afraid. Not Gaia! Gaia is a lot of things. She's abrasive, dismissive, smart, and aloof. She's also born without a certain gene. A fear gene. Gaia cannot feel fear. That's right. Gaia is Fearless. And it doesn't make anything about her life easy. Her dad? Out of the picture. Her mom too. Just foster care and new schools until Gaia is 18. Oh, and there's a boy. A cute chess playing boy who hangs out in the park who might be along for the ride too. If she can live that long.
July 11, 2022
Gaia spends the entire book trying to get laid by a guy that is so boring I truly don't understand the hold he has on her. It also introduces the "big bad" of this series. Knowing how utterly batshit and illogical this series gets the longer it goes on, this plot is almost quaint. Still overall enjoyable to revisit this and remember how obsessed I was with this series as a kid.
January 11, 2024
This was wild in both good and bad ways.
I mean, HOW DO YOU CLAIM TO LOVE A GIRL BUT THEN BE CAUGHT BANGING YOUR ACTUAL GF? These old YA books be wilding lmfao
That doesn't feel like love to me. 🤦🏽♀️
It was definitely interesting but I am having a hard time following the multiple threads of plot here.
I mean, HOW DO YOU CLAIM TO LOVE A GIRL BUT THEN BE CAUGHT BANGING YOUR ACTUAL GF? These old YA books be wilding lmfao
That doesn't feel like love to me. 🤦🏽♀️
It was definitely interesting but I am having a hard time following the multiple threads of plot here.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 14, 2023
cute book. like i said in the review for the 1st one, it’s giving early 2000s coming of age/ action. not the best series ever & still a lil cringy, but i’m still gonna read the 3rd one since i’ve already committed to the first 2
February 5, 2021
I loved this book series when I was a teenage girl.
August 17, 2021
it’s for sure worse and probably shld be a 2.5 but here i am!! i can’t believe there are 37 of these
October 6, 2022
It was good I just wished there was more action
January 3, 2023
Short and enticing.
February 14, 2024
It reads a bit like a high speed action movie combined with a chick flick.
March 19, 2017
It was nice to go back down memory lane and revisit Francine Pascal. She always takes me back to my teenage years.
May 17, 2014
Este segundo libro me defraudo por completo...
Accidentalmente compre el primer y el segundo libro de esta saga,es una venta en la feria del libro a muy buen precio, sentía que los ejemplares me llamaban y decían cómprame, cómprame, comence a leer el primero y me sorprendí por la trama, fue impresionante como me cautivo la persecución del libro y los embrollos de ciencia ficción, pero ahora que leo la segunda parte estoy decepcionada, no fue malo,simplemente no supero al primero y ese es el tema que abordare a continuación.
En primera instancia los libros tratan sobre una joven que nacio sin el gen del miedo,fue entrenada desde pequeña en defensa,estrategia, inteligencia y artes marciales, y la joven,Gaia, luego de mudarse a NY siempre esta en problemas.
En este segundo libro,los colegas intentan asesinarla y no lo logran porque la rapidez con la que Gaia actúa es un alto rival para estos. Son múltiples los intentos de homicidio y en los que la protagonista huye, de cierta forma todo eso fue interesante, me fascina la adrenalina y acción pero simultáneamente a este hubo otro factor que impidió la realización de un libro a mi gusto. En síntesis, sabrán no soy fanática del romance y mucho menos de las niñas obsesionadas con un chico, Gaia se comporto diferente y ahí es donde me decepcione completamente.
Sam es el titulo del segundo texto de Francine Pascal,así mismo se llama el chico por el que Gaia esta enamorada, ella acepta el hecho de morir. Sabemos que no tiene el gen del miedo y por eso no le asusta la idea de perder la vida. En este libro observe un rasgo que no me agrado para nada y es que a ella solo le afecta morir virgen,así es; Juro que cuando leí eso en el libro me dieron ganas de estrangularla,en eso se forma un drama y por ende una tragedia para la protagonista que opaca la buena trama, el libro gira en torno a ese ideal que tiene el personaje principal, como ella no ha tenido relaciones no quiere morir solo por esa razón, el solo hecho que este obsesionada por la ausencia sexual me obliga a despreciarla y pienso que la autora pudo reemplazar mas ideas por esto y no estoy de acuerdo con el planteamiento de Francine Pascal, sin embargo yo respeto lo que ella escribió, pero desde mi punto de vista el libro pudo desarrollarse mejor y tener mas hostigamiento si ese tema tan absorto y estúpido no se abordara, Gaia tiene 17 años y me parece que todo llega a su momento y puede esperar, tiene mas problemas grandes y solo piensa en tener sexo, simplemente no me agrado, algo que la autora tuvo que tener en cuenta fue eso, alternar mas ideas.
Accidentalmente compre el primer y el segundo libro de esta saga,es una venta en la feria del libro a muy buen precio, sentía que los ejemplares me llamaban y decían cómprame, cómprame, comence a leer el primero y me sorprendí por la trama, fue impresionante como me cautivo la persecución del libro y los embrollos de ciencia ficción, pero ahora que leo la segunda parte estoy decepcionada, no fue malo,simplemente no supero al primero y ese es el tema que abordare a continuación.
En primera instancia los libros tratan sobre una joven que nacio sin el gen del miedo,fue entrenada desde pequeña en defensa,estrategia, inteligencia y artes marciales, y la joven,Gaia, luego de mudarse a NY siempre esta en problemas.
En este segundo libro,los colegas intentan asesinarla y no lo logran porque la rapidez con la que Gaia actúa es un alto rival para estos. Son múltiples los intentos de homicidio y en los que la protagonista huye, de cierta forma todo eso fue interesante, me fascina la adrenalina y acción pero simultáneamente a este hubo otro factor que impidió la realización de un libro a mi gusto. En síntesis, sabrán no soy fanática del romance y mucho menos de las niñas obsesionadas con un chico, Gaia se comporto diferente y ahí es donde me decepcione completamente.
Sam es el titulo del segundo texto de Francine Pascal,así mismo se llama el chico por el que Gaia esta enamorada, ella acepta el hecho de morir. Sabemos que no tiene el gen del miedo y por eso no le asusta la idea de perder la vida. En este libro observe un rasgo que no me agrado para nada y es que a ella solo le afecta morir virgen,así es; Juro que cuando leí eso en el libro me dieron ganas de estrangularla,en eso se forma un drama y por ende una tragedia para la protagonista que opaca la buena trama, el libro gira en torno a ese ideal que tiene el personaje principal, como ella no ha tenido relaciones no quiere morir solo por esa razón, el solo hecho que este obsesionada por la ausencia sexual me obliga a despreciarla y pienso que la autora pudo reemplazar mas ideas por esto y no estoy de acuerdo con el planteamiento de Francine Pascal, sin embargo yo respeto lo que ella escribió, pero desde mi punto de vista el libro pudo desarrollarse mejor y tener mas hostigamiento si ese tema tan absorto y estúpido no se abordara, Gaia tiene 17 años y me parece que todo llega a su momento y puede esperar, tiene mas problemas grandes y solo piensa en tener sexo, simplemente no me agrado, algo que la autora tuvo que tener en cuenta fue eso, alternar mas ideas.
August 15, 2016
In Jager en Prooi gaat het verhaal van Gaia, het meisje zonder angst, verder. In deel 1, overleven in new york ontmoet de lezer Gaia en de mensen om haar heen. Zo heeft ze geen ouders meer en leeft ze bij pleegouders. Ze wordt verliefd op Sam, maar die heeft al een vriendin. Toevallig de aartsvijand van Gaia, Heather. Ook ontmoet ze Ed, die stiekem wat voelt voor Gaia maar ze worden vrienden. In deel twee blijven de 'meisjes' problemen zich voordoen en Gaia wil graag seks en liefde ervaren voordat ze komt te overlijden. Wat in haar geval dichtbij zou kunnen zijn. Verder komt er een verhaallijn naar voren over mensen die om een onbekende reden iets van Gaia en haar 'superkrachten' willen hebben, maar wat? Dat zal vast in een verder deel aan bod komen.
Ondanks dat deze boeken voor tieners zijn geschreven lezen ze ook als twintiger nog lekker weg. In een dag ben je wel door het verhaal heen. Maar de problemen en het verlangen blijven herkenbaar. Je leeft mee met Gaia en de anderen en ik was benieuwd hoe het verder gaat. Vervelend vind ik het open einde, het voorproefje uit het komende boek op het eind en de langzame start van de grote verhaallijn (zo vermoed ik althans) rondom Gaia en het zal iets met de CIA te maken hebben. Het feit dat het verhaal (wat niet veel verhaal is...) in 6 (?) delen is opgedeeld is voor mij ook niet bevorderend om verder te lezen. Daarnaast zijn de verschillende delen niet gemakkelijk los van elkaar te lezen. Leest lekker tussendoor, maar blijft toch wel degelijk een langzaam lopend, maar wel spannend tienerboek
Ondanks dat deze boeken voor tieners zijn geschreven lezen ze ook als twintiger nog lekker weg. In een dag ben je wel door het verhaal heen. Maar de problemen en het verlangen blijven herkenbaar. Je leeft mee met Gaia en de anderen en ik was benieuwd hoe het verder gaat. Vervelend vind ik het open einde, het voorproefje uit het komende boek op het eind en de langzame start van de grote verhaallijn (zo vermoed ik althans) rondom Gaia en het zal iets met de CIA te maken hebben. Het feit dat het verhaal (wat niet veel verhaal is...) in 6 (?) delen is opgedeeld is voor mij ook niet bevorderend om verder te lezen. Daarnaast zijn de verschillende delen niet gemakkelijk los van elkaar te lezen. Leest lekker tussendoor, maar blijft toch wel degelijk een langzaam lopend, maar wel spannend tienerboek
October 20, 2013
Okay, so, all I was going on when I picked up this trilogy was, "Girl who is genetically incapable of feeling fear," and thought, "Oooh, so much the writer would do with that!"
I did not realize this was the author of the Sweet Valley High books. Didn't realize that until I came to Goodreads to look these books up, even.
Anyway, it seemed like the first book never really got the chance to explore the main idea---that the MC is incapable of feeling fear, and how that came about---but that was okay. Because I could view it as introduction of characters, setting, and such. It was a platform from which a Cool Plot might emerge in the second and third books.
And then I read this book. Which is basically, "MC almost dies and decides she wants to have sex before she dies; whole book is about her attaining that goal with the boy she's picked out."
Boooooo. I mean, I'm not against there being books where the whole plot is about the MC's goal to have sex. But I am against it when the book had so many other things to freakin' explore---not even counting the intrigue around the MC's father.
Just...ludicrous. And leaves me with no desire whatsoever to read the third book. {salutes sarcastically}
(Also, as to the "date read" here on this review; I actually have no idea. I am estimating wildly.)
I did not realize this was the author of the Sweet Valley High books. Didn't realize that until I came to Goodreads to look these books up, even.
Anyway, it seemed like the first book never really got the chance to explore the main idea---that the MC is incapable of feeling fear, and how that came about---but that was okay. Because I could view it as introduction of characters, setting, and such. It was a platform from which a Cool Plot might emerge in the second and third books.
And then I read this book. Which is basically, "MC almost dies and decides she wants to have sex before she dies; whole book is about her attaining that goal with the boy she's picked out."
Boooooo. I mean, I'm not against there being books where the whole plot is about the MC's goal to have sex. But I am against it when the book had so many other things to freakin' explore---not even counting the intrigue around the MC's father.
Just...ludicrous. And leaves me with no desire whatsoever to read the third book. {salutes sarcastically}
(Also, as to the "date read" here on this review; I actually have no idea. I am estimating wildly.)
May 29, 2023
Like the first book there was a ton of action, a whole lot of mysteries and an excessive amount of teenage angst. I'd love to say there were some answers but honestly, I feel like I just have more questions. Or that I'm watching an episode of Bold and the Beautiful.
Really though, this book shouldn't have been called Sam - it should've been called Sex. Because that is pretty much all that was on anyone's mind. There were some good messages about safe sex and some truly terrible ideas about relationships. I rated the fact that both the girls that want to have sex buy their own condoms so they're prepared. I rated that Sam wasn't pressuring anyone into a sexual relationship and was in fact the one having doubts. I hated that he then proceeds to ignore those doubts and go ahead with it all anyway. I wasn't too keen on Gaia planning to sleep with some other girl's boyfriend. I mean yeah, it's his responsibility but it seemed kind of icky. I also didn't love that Heather's planning to Honestly the teen angst was flying high and I was bored. I'm getting too old for this shit.
2.5 stars.
Really though, this book shouldn't have been called Sam - it should've been called Sex. Because that is pretty much all that was on anyone's mind. There were some good messages about safe sex and some truly terrible ideas about relationships. I rated the fact that both the girls that want to have sex buy their own condoms so they're prepared. I rated that Sam wasn't pressuring anyone into a sexual relationship and was in fact the one having doubts. I hated that he then proceeds to ignore those doubts and go ahead with it all anyway. I wasn't too keen on Gaia planning to sleep with some other girl's boyfriend. I mean yeah, it's his responsibility but it seemed kind of icky. I also didn't love that Heather's planning to Honestly the teen angst was flying high and I was bored. I'm getting too old for this shit.
2.5 stars.
May 28, 2014
The journey of 17 year-old Gaia continues in Sam by Francine Pascal. Gaia has found her niche in high school with her one and only friend Ed Fargo. But as soon as this occurs, she discovers that people have been hunting her due to her dad's job as a CIA antiterrorist mastermind. Through Gaia's many near death experiences, she comes to two conclusions: there is more than one group of people who wants her head, and she wants to have sex before she dies. She only wants to have it with Sam, the college boyfriend of the most popular girl at Gaia's high school who happens to have feelings for Gaia. After discovering Sam and his girlfriend in his NYU dorm room, Gaia looses hope for love and the reason for living. In the background, her dad, Thomas Moore, is secretly watching over her and finds something wrong. Therefore he comes to New York City to investigate and protect his daughter. These issues culminate in the longest run in the history of literature and Gaia's run in with her dad. But is it really him?
I would recommend Sam to mature young adults readers who have unrequited crushes and enjoy action books with a recipe that involves romance as well as readers who have read the first of the series.
I would recommend Sam to mature young adults readers who have unrequited crushes and enjoy action books with a recipe that involves romance as well as readers who have read the first of the series.
July 13, 2025
I know I read this book in high school but don't remember it lol. I barely remembered the plot from reading back on July 1st 2017 so this was nice refresher as making my way through hopefully whole series this time.
the book focused on three things Gaia wanting to lose it before she was killed by CJ. CJ trying to kill her at every moment he got and her dad.
Boy was I shocked when her dad had a brother. his dark half he said Loki. Ella Gaia's guardian is working with him. knew she was evil.
Sam got kidnapped at the end after he walked out on his girlfriend Heather. He's definitely stopped blaming Gaia for Heather getting stabbed in book one.
Heather is still and all out Witch for sure she lied to Sam and Ed too. Sie needs be taking down a peg. Being almost killed did nothing to her but make her more vindictive. She claiming how much Ed was her true love yet she dropped him like hot potato just cause her parents said so after he ended up in the wheelchair, shallow much.
I wish that Gaia could have both Sam and Ed. All I can say is I'm tastes have changed. Love me a threesome but of course this is back in 2000 so wouldn't happen. My opinion has changed though. Since back then wanted her with Ed and now want her with both. Guess I figure out who does get with.
the book focused on three things Gaia wanting to lose it before she was killed by CJ. CJ trying to kill her at every moment he got and her dad.
Boy was I shocked when her dad had a brother. his dark half he said Loki. Ella Gaia's guardian is working with him. knew she was evil.
Sam got kidnapped at the end after he walked out on his girlfriend Heather. He's definitely stopped blaming Gaia for Heather getting stabbed in book one.
Heather is still and all out Witch for sure she lied to Sam and Ed too. Sie needs be taking down a peg. Being almost killed did nothing to her but make her more vindictive. She claiming how much Ed was her true love yet she dropped him like hot potato just cause her parents said so after he ended up in the wheelchair, shallow much.
I wish that Gaia could have both Sam and Ed. All I can say is I'm tastes have changed. Love me a threesome but of course this is back in 2000 so wouldn't happen. My opinion has changed though. Since back then wanted her with Ed and now want her with both. Guess I figure out who does get with.
June 24, 2009
I found the sequel to be quite interesting, really. First, almost immediatly, Gaia is threatened to be killed and she makes up two goals that she plans on reaching before her time is up. I feel that the second book was focased almost entirely on these two goals.
First, when the character POV switched to Loki (who I did not know who that was at the time) I got just a little confused. Who was he? What did he want with Gaia? I guess the only thing I did know about him was that he didn't want Gaia killed by something other than his own hands, and that he was connected with Ella. I also found the introduction of Tom Moore to be interesting. The guy had a mysterious past; why had he left Gaia, and what was with his twin, Loki? Haha, the usual evil twin cliche made me chuckle a bit...
I wouldn't say that this series is my favorites, but I do like it. The books are fast and light, which I need in between some serious books, or just for a little break. The only thing I wonder though is what happened to CJ: did he die because he could not kill Gaia?
I'm looking forward to the third book!
Rating:
95/100
First, when the character POV switched to Loki (who I did not know who that was at the time) I got just a little confused. Who was he? What did he want with Gaia? I guess the only thing I did know about him was that he didn't want Gaia killed by something other than his own hands, and that he was connected with Ella. I also found the introduction of Tom Moore to be interesting. The guy had a mysterious past; why had he left Gaia, and what was with his twin, Loki? Haha, the usual evil twin cliche made me chuckle a bit...
I wouldn't say that this series is my favorites, but I do like it. The books are fast and light, which I need in between some serious books, or just for a little break. The only thing I wonder though is what happened to CJ: did he die because he could not kill Gaia?
I'm looking forward to the third book!
Rating:
95/100
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 5, 2012
I just love the Fearless series. Since I now own a Kindle, I am now able to download all the installments, even those hat I never read because they were never published in Germany!
I have a really hard time seeing these really short novels each individually. Unlike many other young adult series, Fearless doesn't really have individual volumes that could (or should) be read alone.
Sam is the second volume of the Fearless series, and revolves, as the title subtly says, about Sam, a cute chess player Gaia Moore, the heroine, happens to like. Unfortunately, Sam happens to be Heather's boyfriend. And Heather doesn't like Gaia much - or even at all.
Even though Gaia is fearless, she is still faced with many difficulties: a gang member blames her for the death of a friend of his and now has only one goal: kill Gaia for revenge.
Just like Fearless, Sam was engaging and funny - even though I have to admit that this being the third time I read the book, I already knew quite a lot of the things that would happen.
I have a really hard time seeing these really short novels each individually. Unlike many other young adult series, Fearless doesn't really have individual volumes that could (or should) be read alone.
Sam is the second volume of the Fearless series, and revolves, as the title subtly says, about Sam, a cute chess player Gaia Moore, the heroine, happens to like. Unfortunately, Sam happens to be Heather's boyfriend. And Heather doesn't like Gaia much - or even at all.
Even though Gaia is fearless, she is still faced with many difficulties: a gang member blames her for the death of a friend of his and now has only one goal: kill Gaia for revenge.
Just like Fearless, Sam was engaging and funny - even though I have to admit that this being the third time I read the book, I already knew quite a lot of the things that would happen.
May 7, 2012
FIRST OFF....THAT SYNOPSIS ABOVE IS NOT FOR THIS BOOK!!!!!
*read OMNIBUS*
what a way to start a story. picks up petty damn close to the ending of the other one. has been outed (to readers only) as a bad guy. she's working for someone who is possibly
Gaia has made up her mind to try and locate her dad; hopefully that will shed some light on the situation that is Gaia's life.
Oh, and she's decided to lose her virginity...nice.
okay, i could have done without this story. i think it should have gotten 2 stars, as it was pretty pointless, except for the last few chapters...perfect set up for the next book.
i feel this book would have done better as a companion novel/novella, like a 1.1 instead of #2.
still a fast paced book, just not sure it should have been it's own book...
*read OMNIBUS*
what a way to start a story. picks up petty damn close to the ending of the other one. has been outed (to readers only) as a bad guy. she's working for someone who is possibly
Gaia has made up her mind to try and locate her dad; hopefully that will shed some light on the situation that is Gaia's life.
Oh, and she's decided to lose her virginity...nice.
okay, i could have done without this story. i think it should have gotten 2 stars, as it was pretty pointless, except for the last few chapters...perfect set up for the next book.
i feel this book would have done better as a companion novel/novella, like a 1.1 instead of #2.
still a fast paced book, just not sure it should have been it's own book...
January 12, 2013
Compared to the first book in the series, Fearless, this book is better by a hundred notches. This book actually showed depth, but not reaching a point where the main character gets whiny and all. I especially loved the chase, how twisted and intertwined the story turned out to be.
Sure, the author could've picked a much more interesting title than 'Sam,' one of the characters in the story, but I believe it fits just right. The book became so intense I felt like I was in a roller coaster aiming for the peak, gaining momentum on the way there. The beginning may have started slow and boring, but continuing will do favors for your imagination, trust me.
This book actually convinced me to continue with the Mortal Instruments series. There may have been prejudice in City of Bones, and I apologize for that. From now on, I vow not to judge series by their first books!
Francine Pascual actually did redeem herself. Now I'm hyped to continue with the series.
Sure, the author could've picked a much more interesting title than 'Sam,' one of the characters in the story, but I believe it fits just right. The book became so intense I felt like I was in a roller coaster aiming for the peak, gaining momentum on the way there. The beginning may have started slow and boring, but continuing will do favors for your imagination, trust me.
This book actually convinced me to continue with the Mortal Instruments series. There may have been prejudice in City of Bones, and I apologize for that. From now on, I vow not to judge series by their first books!
Francine Pascual actually did redeem herself. Now I'm hyped to continue with the series.
November 13, 2014
Fearless by Francine Pascal is a fiction book about an extraordinary girl name Gaia. She was born without the gene that causes fear. Throughout the book, Gaia fights for her life against people who are try to hurt her in order to get retaliation for their friend. The group of people trying to hurt Gaia believe that she murdered their friend. While all of that is going on, Gaia is also having conflict within herself. She accepts the fact that she might be killed, but is disappointed that she hasn’t done a lot of the things she wished to accomplish in her life. I liked this book a lot because I think the themes in the book are easily relatable to teens. I think that like Gaia, teens do feel lonely or disappointed or confused with where their lives are going. Seeing Gaia overcome her struggles is inspiring to others.
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