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Nirvana #1
Jaded
After sixteen-year-old Jade discovers her late grandmother was poisoned, she’s devastated yet determined to find the killer commune member and their motive.
With help from her mysterious friend Tyrian, and Peaches, the commune leader’s sweet daughter; Jade unearths dark secrets that involve her mother’s affair, her maternal grandparent’s abandonment, and a plethora of murders. To make matters worse, someone is hell bent on ending Jade’s mission for the truth.
Jade can’t continue conforming to an evil society and yet she fears the Outside is just as corrupt. If she resolves to flee and is caught, the punishment is banishment to the slave cabins… and blinding.
With help from her mysterious friend Tyrian, and Peaches, the commune leader’s sweet daughter; Jade unearths dark secrets that involve her mother’s affair, her maternal grandparent’s abandonment, and a plethora of murders. To make matters worse, someone is hell bent on ending Jade’s mission for the truth.
Jade can’t continue conforming to an evil society and yet she fears the Outside is just as corrupt. If she resolves to flee and is caught, the punishment is banishment to the slave cabins… and blinding.
- GenresYoung AdultDystopia
507 pages, Unknown Binding
First published January 1, 2013
1 person is currently reading
79 people want to read
About the author
Kristy Feltenberger Gillespie
5 books57 followersKristy Feltenberger Gillespie lives in Warrenton, Virginia with her husband and daughter. Gillespie is a middle school librarian, blogger, short story and Young Adult novel writer.
Check out my blog at: kfgillespie.com
Check out my blog at: kfgillespie.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
May 24, 2014
I’ve not read much young adult fiction and if JADED is any indication of the quality of that genre, it’s clear I have been seriously missing out. It was a delightful book and a quick read. I finished it on plane flights to Spain and back to the US.
JADED is the story of a 16-year-old girl who has grown up in a commune in Virginia where everything in her life is monitored and controlled—including her eye color. Children in Nirvana undergo surgery on their eyes to change the color to one of three options. As adults, they must make “life path” decisions and again change their eye color and be assigned new names to match.
At a point in her life when she is beginning to question the control the leaders of the commune have over her life and her family, her world is shattered by the death of her grandmother, which sets in motion a chain of events that could alter the course of her destiny. Her grandmother has left a hidden diary and Jade must decide if she’s willing to risk the possible chaos that could result from revealing the secrets that lie within it.
JADED is full of plot twists and turns—and of engaging, believable characters who beckon you into the story to live it with them. I thoroughly enjoyed the book and would recommend it to anyone searching for an entertaining read.
JADED is the story of a 16-year-old girl who has grown up in a commune in Virginia where everything in her life is monitored and controlled—including her eye color. Children in Nirvana undergo surgery on their eyes to change the color to one of three options. As adults, they must make “life path” decisions and again change their eye color and be assigned new names to match.
At a point in her life when she is beginning to question the control the leaders of the commune have over her life and her family, her world is shattered by the death of her grandmother, which sets in motion a chain of events that could alter the course of her destiny. Her grandmother has left a hidden diary and Jade must decide if she’s willing to risk the possible chaos that could result from revealing the secrets that lie within it.
JADED is full of plot twists and turns—and of engaging, believable characters who beckon you into the story to live it with them. I thoroughly enjoyed the book and would recommend it to anyone searching for an entertaining read.
March 29, 2014
Jaded, the first in a new dystopian YA series, is a real gem.
Jade lives in a commune which functions on a very strict set of rules – here, eye colour is invariably linked with career paths, spouses, names and other aspects of everyday life. And eye surgery sounds like a very scary procedure.
To make matters worse, Jade is faced with a tough choice – take a dangerous risk and uncover the grim truth that lies just under the surface of her community, or go on pretending that everything is fine. But of course the latter would be impossible, and some things cannot be ignored once you know them.
I love novels where the mystery just unfolds around you, and you have to keep reading because you simply must know what happens next. The mystery that unfolds through-out the book is very enthralling and the twist at the end really threw me for a loop. It was so unexpected and well executed that I had to sit back and process for a bit – and usually I’m pretty good at predicting plot twists.
Now, about Jade: I really, really like her as a character – she is strong, extremely loyal, believable and relatable. Like any teenager, her relationship with her parents is somewhat complex, but she knows that she loves them. And she is smart and capable. I also really enjoyed her relationship with her grandmother, Ruby: you could really feel the bond between them. I also loved her relationship with Ty who, far from being distant or brooding or difficult (as per the recent genre trend), is supportive, warm and there for her when she needs him. You can really see that he’s her best friend too, and you can see exactly why - it’s no wonder she falls in love with him.
When it comes to world-building, the novel is carefully thought-out and intricate. The details, like the eye procedure, complex rules, and the things that have to be imported from the outside, do a great job of making the setting seem completely real.
Oh and the cover is just gorgeous.
So I would say if you love clever, well written YA, don’t miss out on this one.
March 11, 2014
I get really excited when I find a writer who really knows how to tell a story. Kristy Feltenberger Gillespie could have turned the phonebook into a narrative and I would have lapped it up page by page. I am delighted to say that Jaded is a serious page-turner, a well told story with fully formed characters and an intriguing plot that sets up what promises to be a fascinating series.
Gillespie takes puts a huge twist on the tidal wave of (mostly boring) dystopian fiction that the YA world is dominated by right now, taking the idea of totalitarianism, surveillance and control and bundling it into a claustrophobic commune with shocking ways of life and little contact with our modern day existence. It was so well conceived and realistic that I felt as though Nirvana could really exist out there somewhere.
As usual I found that my favourite characters were some of the minor ones (Ivory, Rust and True), but surprisingly for me I sincerely related to Jade, the lead heroine and found her love interest Ty to be sweet and sincere. I don't go in for gushy romantic moments and there was none of that rubbish in Jaded: Gillespie has created something far more important and far more real for her characters to experience.
Overall this was an excellent read. If I had the second book in this series I would be starting it right now. As it is I will have to wait patiently for Hunted and imagine all the possibilities for Jade along the way. A definite recommended read for everyone I know.
Gillespie takes puts a huge twist on the tidal wave of (mostly boring) dystopian fiction that the YA world is dominated by right now, taking the idea of totalitarianism, surveillance and control and bundling it into a claustrophobic commune with shocking ways of life and little contact with our modern day existence. It was so well conceived and realistic that I felt as though Nirvana could really exist out there somewhere.
As usual I found that my favourite characters were some of the minor ones (Ivory, Rust and True), but surprisingly for me I sincerely related to Jade, the lead heroine and found her love interest Ty to be sweet and sincere. I don't go in for gushy romantic moments and there was none of that rubbish in Jaded: Gillespie has created something far more important and far more real for her characters to experience.
Overall this was an excellent read. If I had the second book in this series I would be starting it right now. As it is I will have to wait patiently for Hunted and imagine all the possibilities for Jade along the way. A definite recommended read for everyone I know.
March 31, 2014
I purchased this book on the recommendation of a friend who is a talented author herself. Really enjoyed this unique book and the way the background was revealed bit by bit. I look forward to seeing how the story continues to unfold.
April 7, 2014
Jaded (Nirvana Series 1) by Kristy Feltenberger Gillespie follows the life of sixteen-year-old Jade, who lives in a secluded commune in Virginia called Nirvana, as she approaches maturity and the responsibilities and choices that accompany it. In her community, when she turns seventeen, she must make several life-altering decisions. Jade must decide what ‘life path’ she will pursue. Or, there is a third option – one more daring, more dangerous, more desperate. Jade’s choice is made difficult because she is an only child. Parents can only retire once their children decide to take over their ‘life path’. With only one child, only one parent can retire. Will Jade choose the ‘life path’ of her mother, Jonquil, the teacher, or that of her father, Royal, the wine maker? Or, will she choose the third option?
Only children born ‘outside’ retain their original eye color. Jade’s cousin, adopted from ‘outside’ Nirvana, has gray eyes; he’s called Slate. Children born in Nirvana undergo an ocular surgery to change their eye color to one of three temporary options: green, orange, purple. Jade is given green eyes. Her best friend, Tyrian (Ty), received purple eyes. Adults in Nirvana receive one of three eye colors: red, blue, yellow. They are assigned new names to match their eye color. With Jade’s ‘life path’ decision and acceptance into adulthood will come her final surgical eye procedure. Unless she chooses option three, and the consequences that accompany that choice.
While this unfolds, there is a mystery brewing. Jade’s grandmother dies under unusual circumstances. Before her death, she gives Jade her secret journal, where she has documented some of the strange things going on in Nirvana. Secrets that the commune leaders would not want to get out. Secrets that her own family would not want told. Nirvana is full of secrets. What will Jade discover? What will she do about it? What really happened to her grandmother? What happens if Jade chooses the third option? What happened to the others who chose option three?
There is a coming-of-age love story as well between Jade and Ty that is sweetly developed and emotionally rewarding.
Jaded (Nirvana Series 1) is told in the present tense as so many Young Adult dystopian novels are these days. Not my favorite method, but I got used to it. The author, Kristy, has the storytelling gene. She weaves a fantasy and makes you want to read it. She makes you want to find out where she will take you. I read this story in two sittings, and found it both intriguing and satisfying. The plot was original; I totally believed in the existence of Nirvana. The characters were compelling; as in life, no one is as they seem on the surface.
I recommend Jaded for anyone, young or old or in between, who wants to read a well-crafted dystopian novel with heart and soul. I give it 3 1/2 stars.
Only children born ‘outside’ retain their original eye color. Jade’s cousin, adopted from ‘outside’ Nirvana, has gray eyes; he’s called Slate. Children born in Nirvana undergo an ocular surgery to change their eye color to one of three temporary options: green, orange, purple. Jade is given green eyes. Her best friend, Tyrian (Ty), received purple eyes. Adults in Nirvana receive one of three eye colors: red, blue, yellow. They are assigned new names to match their eye color. With Jade’s ‘life path’ decision and acceptance into adulthood will come her final surgical eye procedure. Unless she chooses option three, and the consequences that accompany that choice.
While this unfolds, there is a mystery brewing. Jade’s grandmother dies under unusual circumstances. Before her death, she gives Jade her secret journal, where she has documented some of the strange things going on in Nirvana. Secrets that the commune leaders would not want to get out. Secrets that her own family would not want told. Nirvana is full of secrets. What will Jade discover? What will she do about it? What really happened to her grandmother? What happens if Jade chooses the third option? What happened to the others who chose option three?
There is a coming-of-age love story as well between Jade and Ty that is sweetly developed and emotionally rewarding.
Jaded (Nirvana Series 1) is told in the present tense as so many Young Adult dystopian novels are these days. Not my favorite method, but I got used to it. The author, Kristy, has the storytelling gene. She weaves a fantasy and makes you want to read it. She makes you want to find out where she will take you. I read this story in two sittings, and found it both intriguing and satisfying. The plot was original; I totally believed in the existence of Nirvana. The characters were compelling; as in life, no one is as they seem on the surface.
I recommend Jaded for anyone, young or old or in between, who wants to read a well-crafted dystopian novel with heart and soul. I give it 3 1/2 stars.
March 26, 2014
I instantly fell a kinship to the main character Jade. A sixteen year old girl on the brink of adulthood and the many decisions that one faces at that age. Feelings of friendship that are developing into strong feelings of love. Loyalty to her family yet her wings feel the need to spread and grow. The need to follow the rules of society yet rebel against rules that seem stringent or wrong. (Didn't we all feel like that?)
These and more are the conflicts that face Jade as she sits by her grandmother's deathbed and holds her hand as she readies to pass on. Yet things are very different in Jade's Nirvana where children are given special ocular surgeries and then forced to repeat the surgery when they turn 17 years old.
The author has a lyrical style to her writing and the story sails along as the reader imagines the quaint scenery of Nirvana or the glorious mansion that is their leaders home and meeting place. When Jade's grandmother passes and leaves her a diary with the secrets of Nirvana in it the story really takes off. Jade is forced to learn difficult and frightening secrets about her home and family. Will she stay and face the mandatory ocular surgery that decides her life path or will she try to run and leave all she knows behind?
This reader is looking forward to the second in the Nirvana series to find out the fate of Jade and her entire family.
March 18, 2014
Jaded, follows the adventures of a girl, Jade, who lives in the mysterious commune of Nirvana and is the first book in the Nirvana Series.
Everything about Jade's life is monitored, down to the food she eats, and she's at a point in her life, when she begins to question the control the commune and its leaders have over her and her family.
Born and raised in the closed community, the world Jade knew is turned upside down by a chain of events, kick started by the death of her grandmother, Ruby.
Are they protected from the outside, or part of a sinister cult? What life path will Jade chose, and does she have the courage to follow her heart?
The book sets the scene for what I'm sure will be a thrilling series. Well written, with excellent pace; the story is gripping, and left me eager for the next instalment.
Everything about Jade's life is monitored, down to the food she eats, and she's at a point in her life, when she begins to question the control the commune and its leaders have over her and her family.
Born and raised in the closed community, the world Jade knew is turned upside down by a chain of events, kick started by the death of her grandmother, Ruby.
Are they protected from the outside, or part of a sinister cult? What life path will Jade chose, and does she have the courage to follow her heart?
The book sets the scene for what I'm sure will be a thrilling series. Well written, with excellent pace; the story is gripping, and left me eager for the next instalment.
March 16, 2014
Living in a closed out society seems highly unlikely in today's uber-connected world, but not totally impossible. Jade knows nothing about the commune she grew up in, the family she calls her own, or the "outside" world she's not allowed to visit. But when her grandmother dies, lies start to unearth and the foundations of her life begin to shake. Jaded is full of lies, secrets, scandals, and family betrayal. A love story brews in the midst, but it's really not about that.
I have to admit the story started a bit slow for me, but the momentum picked up by the halfway mark and I could not stop reading. Who will die? Who will lie? Who is going to survive?
I have to admit the story started a bit slow for me, but the momentum picked up by the halfway mark and I could not stop reading. Who will die? Who will lie? Who is going to survive?
February 18, 2014
“Kristy I loved it and I want to know more. I knew the premise from talking to you but loved seeing it come alive with your writing in this book.” – Sharon McGregor
March 30, 2014
I found the story so riveting that I was disappointed when it ended and was left hungry for more. Can’t wait for the sequel! Excellent read!
April 22, 2014
Jaded is ultimately the story of a girl figuring out who she is and what she wants from life, but with the added twist of growing up in a secluded commune, where some seriously dodgy things are happening and she’s facing the overwhelming pressure to choose her ‘life path’, a choice that cannot be changed once it’s made.
In Nirvana, a person can only retire when their child chooses to follow in their career path, so the main character Jade, must decide before her next birthday which life path she wants, or take the third choice which is to leave her family and everything she’s known and try to escape to the Outside. The punishment if she gets caught is her sight.
So firstly, the things I didn’t like/struggled with:
1) There needs to be a certain willingness to accept the basic premise of the book, which is, I have to admit a little unlikely. The commune is completely cut off from the outside world and has been for a significant length of time. Which in the modern day is hard to imagine. But it also meant that I struggled to figure out exactly what technology they did and didn’t have.
2) I never did figure out exactly the significance of eye colour in the commune. I wonder if this is going to come in the next book, but it left me feeling a little unsatisfied. It could be as simple as a means to control the people, but I felt it had to have more than that, and it was the question I was most asking myself throughout the book and it was never answered.
In fact if I had any problem with this book it was that – not enough questions were answered. There was a big reveal when Jade finishes reading her grandmother’s diary, but the reader never finds out what. It is just mentioned as ‘a lot of horrific things’ or similar rather than any details. I think it might just be because this is a series and therefore some secrets have to be kept for the later books, but it did leave me just a little frustrated at the end of the book.
However those issues aside, I really did enjoy this book, for a number of reasons.
Jade is an interesting character with a lot of good qualities. I particularly liked that even when she starts considering leaving the commune she does worry about leaving her family behind when in a lot of YA books the MC runs off with barely a thought for their parents.
The romance is done very well. It really is. There is none of the insta-love so prevalent in a lot of YA books. Instead it’s a really nice, sweet development between two characters who’ve known each other for a long time. Ty, the male lead, is sweet and loyal with just enough protectiveness without being over bearing.
The overall plot and story are really interesting, the characters are very well developed for the most part and I feel there’s much more to all of them than meets the eye, and I honestly am looking forward to reading the next book. Hopefully I’ll get all the answers I need!
I’d recommend this to anyone who love YA but wants something a little different to the usual tropes and clichés. The mystery/thriller element really made this stand out for me.
I would give this just under 4 Stars. It wasn’t quite a 4 for me, but not low enough to be a 3.
In Nirvana, a person can only retire when their child chooses to follow in their career path, so the main character Jade, must decide before her next birthday which life path she wants, or take the third choice which is to leave her family and everything she’s known and try to escape to the Outside. The punishment if she gets caught is her sight.
So firstly, the things I didn’t like/struggled with:
1) There needs to be a certain willingness to accept the basic premise of the book, which is, I have to admit a little unlikely. The commune is completely cut off from the outside world and has been for a significant length of time. Which in the modern day is hard to imagine. But it also meant that I struggled to figure out exactly what technology they did and didn’t have.
2) I never did figure out exactly the significance of eye colour in the commune. I wonder if this is going to come in the next book, but it left me feeling a little unsatisfied. It could be as simple as a means to control the people, but I felt it had to have more than that, and it was the question I was most asking myself throughout the book and it was never answered.
In fact if I had any problem with this book it was that – not enough questions were answered. There was a big reveal when Jade finishes reading her grandmother’s diary, but the reader never finds out what. It is just mentioned as ‘a lot of horrific things’ or similar rather than any details. I think it might just be because this is a series and therefore some secrets have to be kept for the later books, but it did leave me just a little frustrated at the end of the book.
However those issues aside, I really did enjoy this book, for a number of reasons.
Jade is an interesting character with a lot of good qualities. I particularly liked that even when she starts considering leaving the commune she does worry about leaving her family behind when in a lot of YA books the MC runs off with barely a thought for their parents.
The romance is done very well. It really is. There is none of the insta-love so prevalent in a lot of YA books. Instead it’s a really nice, sweet development between two characters who’ve known each other for a long time. Ty, the male lead, is sweet and loyal with just enough protectiveness without being over bearing.
The overall plot and story are really interesting, the characters are very well developed for the most part and I feel there’s much more to all of them than meets the eye, and I honestly am looking forward to reading the next book. Hopefully I’ll get all the answers I need!
I’d recommend this to anyone who love YA but wants something a little different to the usual tropes and clichés. The mystery/thriller element really made this stand out for me.
I would give this just under 4 Stars. It wasn’t quite a 4 for me, but not low enough to be a 3.
March 30, 2014
Jaded, the first in a new dystopian YA series, is a real gem.
Jade lives in a commune which functions on a very strict set of rules – here, eye colour is invariably linked with career paths, spouses, names and other aspects of everyday life. And eye surgery sounds like a very scary procedure.
To make matters worse, Jade is faced with a tough choice – take a dangerous risk and uncover the grim truth that lies just under the surface of her community, or go on pretending that everything is fine. But of course the latter would be impossible, and some things cannot be ignored once you know them.
I love novels where the mystery just unfolds around you, and you have to keep reading because you simply must know what happens next. The mystery that unfolds through-out the book is very enthralling and the twist at the end really threw me for a loop. It was so unexpected and well executed that I had to sit back and process for a bit – and usually I’m pretty good at predicting plot twists.
Now, about Jade: I really, really like her as a character – she is strong, extremely loyal, believable and relatable. Like any teenager, her relationship with her parents is somewhat complex, but she knows that she loves them. And she is smart and capable. I also really enjoyed her relationship with her grandmother, Ruby: you could really feel the bond between them. I also loved her relationship with Ty who, far from being distant or brooding or difficult (as per the recent genre trend), is supportive, warm and there for her when she needs him. You can really see that he’s her best friend too, and you can see exactly why - it’s no wonder she falls in love with him.
When it comes to world-building, the novel is carefully thought-out and intricate. The details, like the eye procedure, complex rules, and the things that have to be imported from the outside, do a great job of making the setting seem completely real.
Oh and the cover is just gorgeous.
So I would say if you love clever, well written YA, don’t miss out on this one.
Jade lives in a commune which functions on a very strict set of rules – here, eye colour is invariably linked with career paths, spouses, names and other aspects of everyday life. And eye surgery sounds like a very scary procedure.
To make matters worse, Jade is faced with a tough choice – take a dangerous risk and uncover the grim truth that lies just under the surface of her community, or go on pretending that everything is fine. But of course the latter would be impossible, and some things cannot be ignored once you know them.
I love novels where the mystery just unfolds around you, and you have to keep reading because you simply must know what happens next. The mystery that unfolds through-out the book is very enthralling and the twist at the end really threw me for a loop. It was so unexpected and well executed that I had to sit back and process for a bit – and usually I’m pretty good at predicting plot twists.
Now, about Jade: I really, really like her as a character – she is strong, extremely loyal, believable and relatable. Like any teenager, her relationship with her parents is somewhat complex, but she knows that she loves them. And she is smart and capable. I also really enjoyed her relationship with her grandmother, Ruby: you could really feel the bond between them. I also loved her relationship with Ty who, far from being distant or brooding or difficult (as per the recent genre trend), is supportive, warm and there for her when she needs him. You can really see that he’s her best friend too, and you can see exactly why - it’s no wonder she falls in love with him.
When it comes to world-building, the novel is carefully thought-out and intricate. The details, like the eye procedure, complex rules, and the things that have to be imported from the outside, do a great job of making the setting seem completely real.
Oh and the cover is just gorgeous.
So I would say if you love clever, well written YA, don’t miss out on this one.
January 13, 2015
Jade is almost 17 years old and will soon be choosing her life path, either following in her mother’s career as a teacher or her father’s as a wine maker. At that time she will undergo an eye surgery to change the colour of her eyes to indicate her life path choice. This is the rule of the commune in which she lives.
When her grandmother, with whom she is very close, dies, and secretly gives her a journal telling her to tell no one about it, but read it, she does and realizes she has two choices, stay in this commune and follow the rules that chafe at her, or risk trying to escape where failing means blinding. But a successful escape would bring the possibility of bringing Outside authorities in to stop the evil practices going on in her commune.
Jaded is a fast-paced dystopian novel that grabs your attention from the first page and doesn’t let go until the final word on the last page and still leaves you wanting for more. This novel is full of plot twists and turns that will keep you guessing. I didn’t want to put it down.
The author does an excellent job of creating characters worth caring about. Their sorrow will touch you and their love for one another will touch you. The romance between Jade and Ty is clean romance, so no need to worry for your younger teen audience.
This book has something for mystery, suspense, romance, dystopian, young adult, adult readers alike. It definitely goes into my favourites category! I gave it a rating of 5 stars out of 5!
Thank you to the author for providing a copy of the book in exchange for a fair and honest review. A positive opinion was not required. All thoughts are my own.
This review was published on my blog Shelf Full of Books http://kathrynsshelffullofbooks.blogs...
When her grandmother, with whom she is very close, dies, and secretly gives her a journal telling her to tell no one about it, but read it, she does and realizes she has two choices, stay in this commune and follow the rules that chafe at her, or risk trying to escape where failing means blinding. But a successful escape would bring the possibility of bringing Outside authorities in to stop the evil practices going on in her commune.
Jaded is a fast-paced dystopian novel that grabs your attention from the first page and doesn’t let go until the final word on the last page and still leaves you wanting for more. This novel is full of plot twists and turns that will keep you guessing. I didn’t want to put it down.
The author does an excellent job of creating characters worth caring about. Their sorrow will touch you and their love for one another will touch you. The romance between Jade and Ty is clean romance, so no need to worry for your younger teen audience.
This book has something for mystery, suspense, romance, dystopian, young adult, adult readers alike. It definitely goes into my favourites category! I gave it a rating of 5 stars out of 5!
Thank you to the author for providing a copy of the book in exchange for a fair and honest review. A positive opinion was not required. All thoughts are my own.
This review was published on my blog Shelf Full of Books http://kathrynsshelffullofbooks.blogs...
May 21, 2015
This book brings all its history into the pages at a perfect pace. It follows our lead on her journey into adult hood. She is faced with countless life decisions. It reminds me a lot of high school in that sense. Your forced into this new staged of life and have to make life-altering choices. Then be prepared for all that come with it.
Jade is a very well developed character even when she’s unsure of who she is. I think that’s what allows many people to connect with her. I remember being that age and becoming lost in the possibilities of the world. It’s a phase filled with certainty, hope, courage and trust. All of this and more are evident in this great book.
Jade lives in a very controlled environment, which I thought, made the story more interesting. In the commune she lives in with her family, it seems almost cult like. This isn’t something I’ve found in YA fantasy and it gave this book a unique attribute. I even wondered if I should be wary of the leaders or not. It adds a great bit of suspense as you read on.
Another neat addition to this book is the surgery and eye color changing. It’s a rule of her commune. When I first came across that, I found it a strange but interesting thing. I knew I had to keep reading to understand what it meant. It adds to the events that follow a personal death in Jade’s family.
This book – which I apologize for not posting my review sooner is amazing. I defiantly think more people should read it. It captures many real moments and turns those into something wonderful. It also offers so much from secrets, betrayal to love and growth within the characters. From the first few pages, your kick started into its world. If you haven’t picked up this book yet, Jaded is well worth a try.
Congratulations on such a fantastic book, Kelly! I look forward to the future of your series.
Jade is a very well developed character even when she’s unsure of who she is. I think that’s what allows many people to connect with her. I remember being that age and becoming lost in the possibilities of the world. It’s a phase filled with certainty, hope, courage and trust. All of this and more are evident in this great book.
Jade lives in a very controlled environment, which I thought, made the story more interesting. In the commune she lives in with her family, it seems almost cult like. This isn’t something I’ve found in YA fantasy and it gave this book a unique attribute. I even wondered if I should be wary of the leaders or not. It adds a great bit of suspense as you read on.
Another neat addition to this book is the surgery and eye color changing. It’s a rule of her commune. When I first came across that, I found it a strange but interesting thing. I knew I had to keep reading to understand what it meant. It adds to the events that follow a personal death in Jade’s family.
This book – which I apologize for not posting my review sooner is amazing. I defiantly think more people should read it. It captures many real moments and turns those into something wonderful. It also offers so much from secrets, betrayal to love and growth within the characters. From the first few pages, your kick started into its world. If you haven’t picked up this book yet, Jaded is well worth a try.
Congratulations on such a fantastic book, Kelly! I look forward to the future of your series.
February 18, 2016
Actual rating–3.5
Jaded is a story about sixteen year old Jade who lives a community called Nirvana. In Nirvana, people are classified by their color. Once a child turns seventeen, they choose the life path of one of their parents and get an eye surgery to reflect their decision. Right before Jade's grandmother dies, she gives Jade her diary which exposes the dark secrets of some of Nirvana's citizens. The rest of the book basically focuses on developing that plot.
This novel is a combination of several genres: mystery, thriller, dystopian, and YA. I liked how the author continually sets up clues surrounding Nirvana's secrets. Just when you think you're one step closer to finding out the truth, she throws another curve ball. For me, the characters of Jade, Ty, and Peaches were all very likable; I hate reading about despicable protagonists.
One thing I would've like to have seen was more history about Nirvana –where and why is was founded. Nirvana also borders 'The Outside'. Other than slightly dated technology and eye surgery, Nirvana doesn't seem that different from the Outside. That part didn't make much sense to me, because why then have a separate community. I hope the author expands on this in the next few books.
I recommend this book mostly for middle grade and YA. It's a quick, clean, and enjoyable read.
Jaded is a story about sixteen year old Jade who lives a community called Nirvana. In Nirvana, people are classified by their color. Once a child turns seventeen, they choose the life path of one of their parents and get an eye surgery to reflect their decision. Right before Jade's grandmother dies, she gives Jade her diary which exposes the dark secrets of some of Nirvana's citizens. The rest of the book basically focuses on developing that plot.
This novel is a combination of several genres: mystery, thriller, dystopian, and YA. I liked how the author continually sets up clues surrounding Nirvana's secrets. Just when you think you're one step closer to finding out the truth, she throws another curve ball. For me, the characters of Jade, Ty, and Peaches were all very likable; I hate reading about despicable protagonists.
One thing I would've like to have seen was more history about Nirvana –where and why is was founded. Nirvana also borders 'The Outside'. Other than slightly dated technology and eye surgery, Nirvana doesn't seem that different from the Outside. That part didn't make much sense to me, because why then have a separate community. I hope the author expands on this in the next few books.
I recommend this book mostly for middle grade and YA. It's a quick, clean, and enjoyable read.
March 21, 2014
Disclaimer: I received an e-copy in exchange for an honest review.
Jade lives in Nirvana, a commune in Virginia where people are categorized by their eye colors. She and her best friend, Ty, have heard tales of the Outside, but to try to escape means harsh punishment. However, Jade soon learns some very interesting and quite disturbing facts about Nirvana, and she and Ty must make a decision: Stay in their strange little town, knowing what they now know, or daring to make a run for it to the world outside their walls?
I absolutely LOVED this story! It's so original, and it grabs you from the very start. Being from Virginia myself, it was interesting to think of a place like this just right around the corner, as I've been to a couple communes in the state. Their way of life is so intriguing, but the secrets that Jade and Ty uncover make for a great read. This book has it all: mystery, thrills, romance, science, coming-of-age, heartache, etc. There's something for everyone to enjoy, and I will definitely be on pins and needles for the rest of the series. Great job!
5 stars
Jade lives in Nirvana, a commune in Virginia where people are categorized by their eye colors. She and her best friend, Ty, have heard tales of the Outside, but to try to escape means harsh punishment. However, Jade soon learns some very interesting and quite disturbing facts about Nirvana, and she and Ty must make a decision: Stay in their strange little town, knowing what they now know, or daring to make a run for it to the world outside their walls?
I absolutely LOVED this story! It's so original, and it grabs you from the very start. Being from Virginia myself, it was interesting to think of a place like this just right around the corner, as I've been to a couple communes in the state. Their way of life is so intriguing, but the secrets that Jade and Ty uncover make for a great read. This book has it all: mystery, thrills, romance, science, coming-of-age, heartache, etc. There's something for everyone to enjoy, and I will definitely be on pins and needles for the rest of the series. Great job!
5 stars
June 20, 2014
I have read a lot of YA, and I hate to make a terrible pun here, but I have become quite jaded. So, when I crossed this book, I didn't expect to love it.
I was wrong.
This is one of the most original concepts I have seen in a long while and I was not only pleasantly surprised by how good it is, but also impressed by the imagination of the author that stood out so clearly in her writing.
The eye colour elements of this book are so interesting I never would have thought about the course of someone's future being decided by such a choice and that ended up being one my very favourite things about this story.
For a YA book, this is really a complex story with many underlying themes. The main character is well planned and thought through carefully. She is a strong character with a lot of good qualities and it is easy to get to know her, which made me feel closer to the story.
If you have not read this book yet you are doing yourself a disservice. Take a chance on it I am certain you will be happy you did.
Recommended.
I was wrong.
This is one of the most original concepts I have seen in a long while and I was not only pleasantly surprised by how good it is, but also impressed by the imagination of the author that stood out so clearly in her writing.
The eye colour elements of this book are so interesting I never would have thought about the course of someone's future being decided by such a choice and that ended up being one my very favourite things about this story.
For a YA book, this is really a complex story with many underlying themes. The main character is well planned and thought through carefully. She is a strong character with a lot of good qualities and it is easy to get to know her, which made me feel closer to the story.
If you have not read this book yet you are doing yourself a disservice. Take a chance on it I am certain you will be happy you did.
Recommended.
February 19, 2014
Jade must decide what is right in Kristy Feltenberger Gillespie's Jaded. The dystopian-like yet unique setting pulled me into the story. I wanted to know the secret behind the eye surgeries and the strange community. Jade is a strong character, and I love how she was torn between doing what was right and what her community expected of her. Her connection with Ty definitely gave the story some sweet romance. The mystery was well-laid out. Although it wasn’t a surprise what was going on, I still have questions about the world Jade lived in. Although I wasn't always 100% connected with the characters all the time, I must admit I was easily hooked on the story and what would happen next. By the end, I was left craving for book two. I recommend Jaded by Kristy Feltenberger Gillespie to people who are looking for a new take on a dystopian world.
April 2, 2014
I love this book!
The plot is intriguing, full of lies, secrets, scandals, and drama. The action is fast-paced with many plot twists.
The topic of the dystopian commune based on the eye colors is original, the reader can feel the claustrophobic control over the lives of its inhabitants. The contrast between the commune and the outside world is wonderfully depicted.
All the characters are realistic and three-dimensional. Jade, the protagonist, is a normal teenager, a good daughter and she follows the rule of the commune. But at the same time she feels that something is wrong in her life, and she decides to search for the truth. I found her reactions real and her feelings for her best friends Ty and Peaches deep and mature.
The author's style is fluent and vivid, definitely making this book a page-turner.
The plot is intriguing, full of lies, secrets, scandals, and drama. The action is fast-paced with many plot twists.
The topic of the dystopian commune based on the eye colors is original, the reader can feel the claustrophobic control over the lives of its inhabitants. The contrast between the commune and the outside world is wonderfully depicted.
All the characters are realistic and three-dimensional. Jade, the protagonist, is a normal teenager, a good daughter and she follows the rule of the commune. But at the same time she feels that something is wrong in her life, and she decides to search for the truth. I found her reactions real and her feelings for her best friends Ty and Peaches deep and mature.
The author's style is fluent and vivid, definitely making this book a page-turner.
May 13, 2014
I received a copy of Jaded from the author in return for an honest interview.
When I read the synopsis for Jaded I was immediately interested and more than a little intrigued. Novels about alternate societies are fast becoming one of my favourite genres, as I'm fascinated by ideas that different authors have.
This is family drama with a capital D! Secrets and lies, love and death abound in this fast-paced first instalment of the Nirvana series. There are twists and turns aplenty, intrigue, deceit and maybe even murder. This really held my interest throughout and filled with likeable, well written characters and an unusual premise.
I'd be very interested to read the next instalment in the series, as what Kristy Feltenberger Gillespie has created here is fantastic.
When I read the synopsis for Jaded I was immediately interested and more than a little intrigued. Novels about alternate societies are fast becoming one of my favourite genres, as I'm fascinated by ideas that different authors have.
This is family drama with a capital D! Secrets and lies, love and death abound in this fast-paced first instalment of the Nirvana series. There are twists and turns aplenty, intrigue, deceit and maybe even murder. This really held my interest throughout and filled with likeable, well written characters and an unusual premise.
I'd be very interested to read the next instalment in the series, as what Kristy Feltenberger Gillespie has created here is fantastic.
May 6, 2014
I read Jaded when it was on swoon reads and loved it so much that I bought it as soon as it became available on kindle, and then I bought it on paperback.
Jaded is a great dystopian because it's totally different than what I expected. Gillespie really hits home with originality. (In a dystopian? I know. Ridiculous idea- but she does.) The eye colors, all of Samsara, the struggle to figure out her future: I loved all of it. The fine details about wines, the school kids, the struggle, it was great truly.
I happily told all my friends about this book, and can't wait for more from the author.
Jaded is a great dystopian because it's totally different than what I expected. Gillespie really hits home with originality. (In a dystopian? I know. Ridiculous idea- but she does.) The eye colors, all of Samsara, the struggle to figure out her future: I loved all of it. The fine details about wines, the school kids, the struggle, it was great truly.
I happily told all my friends about this book, and can't wait for more from the author.
February 19, 2014
Kristy, I was surprised to have been so captured by the plot. I never thought I’d have time to read this past work week with evening duty, exams, grades due, and a bad cold to add to it. So, it says it all that I just had to keep turning the pages until the end. Can’t wait to read the sequel! Perfect for young adults and lovely for seasoned readers as well! I’m glad you’re realizing your dream as an author, and it’s well deserved!
May 28, 2014
Jaded features a young girl called Jade who lives in a commune with her family. After her grandmother dies, she learns some disturbing secrets about Nirvana. Beneath the benevolent surface lies a dark history. Jade must try to escape before it is too late.
The book was suspenseful and with plenty of mystery to keep you guessing. The main character was someone you could relate to and root for. Great for teens and up.
The book was suspenseful and with plenty of mystery to keep you guessing. The main character was someone you could relate to and root for. Great for teens and up.
September 12, 2016
JADED is a great book. It is exciting and full of drama. Not just for Young Adults. Anyone would enjoy reading this new offering.
March 30, 2014
I found the story so riveting that I was disappointed when it ended and was left hungry for more. Can’t wait for the sequel! Excellent read!
November 16, 2020
This is so easy to read, because it’s just so simple. There is no pizzazz. The characters are flat, the pacing is disjointed, and the dystopian concept with eye color just doesn’t make much sense. Also, there are way too many characters and none of them are fleshed out. All three books in this series cost me like $3, so maybe I’ll give the other two a chance at some later date, but for now I’d like to step away from this world.
October 5, 2019
Very much enjoyed book #1. Easy to follow and create characters and the setting in my mind. Great job!
February 21, 2026
So good!!
October 1, 2014
I really enjoyed reading this book. It is easy to read and flows beautifully. The more I read the more I became intrigued with the book’s title and the use of colours. Our hero is Jade who on her seventeenth birthday will choose her eye colour and thus her name and profession. What an interesting idea.
Jade is a gift photographer. She uses Polaroids to capture important moments throughout the book. I liked the idea of instantly capturing a thing of beauty on film that could be treasured long after it had expired – Jade’s grandmother’s flowers, for example.
The book is set in a commune named Nirvana. This is a complicated place where each member is subject to a medical check-up each week which seems to be more about making sure that the young women don’t put on weight. As the lovely Peach states, why can’t she be chubby and happy? Perhaps, an important message for all girls.
The book begins with a heart rendering description of Jade’s feelings regarding her grandmother Ruby’s imminent passing. There’s a reference to Jade’s fragility as she says she feels like a chocolate rabbit that crumbles when it is bitten into. It is beautifully written and leaves the reader wanting more. Ruby encourages Jade to read her diary. It is full of secrets about the less-than-perfect Nirvana. Jade reads the diary but has to be careful. If she’s caught she faces the ultimate punishment which is being blinded.
The story entwines a lot of other issues young people face – career choices, partners, lovers, family ties and much more. These sorts of issues that will resonate with a teen reader.
As I mentioned earlier the use of colours to present the character’s eyes, names and professions is intriguing. It reminded me of the way we classify people’s characters using arbitrary things such as clothing, class and social status in the real world.
This is a well written book that will certainly appeal to teens and parents alike. I highly recommend it.
This book is available as a print copy or an eBook. Please click on the link below or the images for more information.
For more book reviews go to: http://www.susandayauthor.com
Jade is a gift photographer. She uses Polaroids to capture important moments throughout the book. I liked the idea of instantly capturing a thing of beauty on film that could be treasured long after it had expired – Jade’s grandmother’s flowers, for example.
The book is set in a commune named Nirvana. This is a complicated place where each member is subject to a medical check-up each week which seems to be more about making sure that the young women don’t put on weight. As the lovely Peach states, why can’t she be chubby and happy? Perhaps, an important message for all girls.
The book begins with a heart rendering description of Jade’s feelings regarding her grandmother Ruby’s imminent passing. There’s a reference to Jade’s fragility as she says she feels like a chocolate rabbit that crumbles when it is bitten into. It is beautifully written and leaves the reader wanting more. Ruby encourages Jade to read her diary. It is full of secrets about the less-than-perfect Nirvana. Jade reads the diary but has to be careful. If she’s caught she faces the ultimate punishment which is being blinded.
The story entwines a lot of other issues young people face – career choices, partners, lovers, family ties and much more. These sorts of issues that will resonate with a teen reader.
As I mentioned earlier the use of colours to present the character’s eyes, names and professions is intriguing. It reminded me of the way we classify people’s characters using arbitrary things such as clothing, class and social status in the real world.
This is a well written book that will certainly appeal to teens and parents alike. I highly recommend it.
This book is available as a print copy or an eBook. Please click on the link below or the images for more information.
For more book reviews go to: http://www.susandayauthor.com
November 29, 2014
“Jaded” is a one of those YA novels which come along once in a while that has a wonderful blend of items which makes it appealing to a wider audience.
The book tells the story of a young girl, Jade, who lives in a highly restrictive dystopian commune environment where the color of one’s eyes determines everything. While the community’s ophthalmology knowledge exceeds the world on the Outside, the same level of technology is almost non-existing when it comes many other areas of life.
Jade is now of the age where she needs to make vital decisions concerning the rest of her life.
Jade’s eyes, and everyone else’s, have been closed to the reality of the community they all live in. It’s only when her Grandmother Ruby gives her the forbidden diary she’s written that Jade begins to discover the shocking secrets which abound in the society she’s living in, secrets which include her parents past. Jade is aided in her quest for the truth by two individuals about her own age, Tyrian [Ty to his friends] and Peaches [daughter of the commune’s leader].
Jade continuously runs the risk of being caught and being sent to a slave cabin or even worse being blinded. To makes matters worse someone unknown to her is determined to stop Jade in her pursuit to find the truth of what’s really behind the commune’s very existence. The red herrings and twists the story contains make this book a real page turner and one which is hard to put down. My only regret is not having bought the paperback but I couldn’t resist paying only 99 cents for the KINDLE edition for the book.
Given what I’ve written for my review in the above, I feel it deserves the 4 STARS I’m giving. Hopefully, I’ll be able to get to read the rest of the author’s planned installments for this series.
Robin Leigh Morgan is the author of “I Kissed a Ghost,” a MG/YA Paranormal Romance novel; as well as the author of the soon to be released “Micro Fiction – An Anthology.”
The book tells the story of a young girl, Jade, who lives in a highly restrictive dystopian commune environment where the color of one’s eyes determines everything. While the community’s ophthalmology knowledge exceeds the world on the Outside, the same level of technology is almost non-existing when it comes many other areas of life.
Jade is now of the age where she needs to make vital decisions concerning the rest of her life.
Jade’s eyes, and everyone else’s, have been closed to the reality of the community they all live in. It’s only when her Grandmother Ruby gives her the forbidden diary she’s written that Jade begins to discover the shocking secrets which abound in the society she’s living in, secrets which include her parents past. Jade is aided in her quest for the truth by two individuals about her own age, Tyrian [Ty to his friends] and Peaches [daughter of the commune’s leader].
Jade continuously runs the risk of being caught and being sent to a slave cabin or even worse being blinded. To makes matters worse someone unknown to her is determined to stop Jade in her pursuit to find the truth of what’s really behind the commune’s very existence. The red herrings and twists the story contains make this book a real page turner and one which is hard to put down. My only regret is not having bought the paperback but I couldn’t resist paying only 99 cents for the KINDLE edition for the book.
Given what I’ve written for my review in the above, I feel it deserves the 4 STARS I’m giving. Hopefully, I’ll be able to get to read the rest of the author’s planned installments for this series.
Robin Leigh Morgan is the author of “I Kissed a Ghost,” a MG/YA Paranormal Romance novel; as well as the author of the soon to be released “Micro Fiction – An Anthology.”
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