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Locked #1
Locked
When eighteen-year-old Irene Adler meets her new neighbor, the gorgeous, brilliant, and arrogant Sherlock Holmes, she never expects him to be the one to make her feel like life is worth living again. Ever since her sister's death, she's been addicted to risk-taking as a way to deal with her depression, and Sherlock quickly becomes the biggest risk she's ever taken.
Locked is the story of a broken girl and the genius who gives her life back to her. It's the story of a witty asshole who's never known love, and the girl who shows him what love means. It's the story of an unexpected connection, two people who save each other, and the importance of seeing the goodness underneath.
*Based on the Sherlock Holmes series by Arthur Conan Doyle.
**Book 1 in the Locked series.
Locked is the story of a broken girl and the genius who gives her life back to her. It's the story of a witty asshole who's never known love, and the girl who shows him what love means. It's the story of an unexpected connection, two people who save each other, and the importance of seeing the goodness underneath.
*Based on the Sherlock Holmes series by Arthur Conan Doyle.
**Book 1 in the Locked series.
219 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 8, 2014
5 people are currently reading
1129 people want to read
About the author
Eva Morgan
14 books237 followersEva Morgan is a twenty-something author who loves to read and write when she probably should be doing other things. Her new release, a modern-day Sherlock Holmes retelling (in high school!) called LOCKED, will be out February 10, 2014.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 146 reviews
October 15, 2020
I cried.
Locked broke me.
Because I got to the end of the book and I swear to fucking God there was a tear rolling down my cheek.
Eva Morgan, you are going to have to be my saviour.
There is nothing I can say about this book that is negative. The ending ripped my soul out. Irene ripped my heart out. And Sherlock Holmes made me cry.
Maybe its because its 3:21am right now and I'm running on 4 hours sleep over the last 48 hours. Maybe Eva Morgan is a genie. Or maybe Sherlock stole my breath away.
I'm going to physically die and wither away into dark matter if there's no sequel.
The characterization of this novel is flawless. It couldn't have been done better. The plot didn't even have to exist, it was that good. If anything, the plot was a little ordinary but Morgan managed to capture the essence of the Sherlock created by BBC and embody it within an eighteen year old guy, who in turn takes over the entire novel and makes you completely forget about trivial things like plot. Then there's Irene, who was the epitome of every girl who has ever experienced a loss and has finally found a reason to not let it define her. But then she was broken all over again.
The beauty of it all is that you get to break along with her.
Some stories take a little piece of your soul and change you. This one is such a keeper because of that single reason. I haven't felt such genuine emotion evoked from a book like this in a very long time.
I'm at a loss for words.
But Ms. Morgan, I salute you. This book was love in every facet imaginable, with all the dark and crushing bits that we hate to hunger for.
I can honestly say the wait for a sequel will be a worthy one.
-x-
Re-read: June 2020: it’s been six years and this story still haunts me
- still hating myself for crying at the ending
- still fucking devastated that this story has no sequel (I said the wait would be a worthy one but here I am, the epitome of a broken Irene at the end of this novel because I feel hollow at the concept that this is it for this series, this is all it will ever amount to be and I will still be here, alone and without the knowledge of how this could’ve ended because I am forever the unrequited)
- still 5 stars, because this will never not be a 5 star read for me even though the angst, the fragility that is my soul every time I finish this book, and the yearning is real...
Locked broke me.
Because I got to the end of the book and I swear to fucking God there was a tear rolling down my cheek.
Eva Morgan, you are going to have to be my saviour.
There is nothing I can say about this book that is negative. The ending ripped my soul out. Irene ripped my heart out. And Sherlock Holmes made me cry.
Maybe its because its 3:21am right now and I'm running on 4 hours sleep over the last 48 hours. Maybe Eva Morgan is a genie. Or maybe Sherlock stole my breath away.
I'm going to physically die and wither away into dark matter if there's no sequel.
The characterization of this novel is flawless. It couldn't have been done better. The plot didn't even have to exist, it was that good. If anything, the plot was a little ordinary but Morgan managed to capture the essence of the Sherlock created by BBC and embody it within an eighteen year old guy, who in turn takes over the entire novel and makes you completely forget about trivial things like plot. Then there's Irene, who was the epitome of every girl who has ever experienced a loss and has finally found a reason to not let it define her. But then she was broken all over again.
The beauty of it all is that you get to break along with her.
Some stories take a little piece of your soul and change you. This one is such a keeper because of that single reason. I haven't felt such genuine emotion evoked from a book like this in a very long time.
I'm at a loss for words.
But Ms. Morgan, I salute you. This book was love in every facet imaginable, with all the dark and crushing bits that we hate to hunger for.
I can honestly say the wait for a sequel will be a worthy one.
-x-
Re-read: June 2020: it’s been six years and this story still haunts me
- still hating myself for crying at the ending
- still fucking devastated that this story has no sequel (I said the wait would be a worthy one but here I am, the epitome of a broken Irene at the end of this novel because I feel hollow at the concept that this is it for this series, this is all it will ever amount to be and I will still be here, alone and without the knowledge of how this could’ve ended because I am forever the unrequited)
- still 5 stars, because this will never not be a 5 star read for me even though the angst, the fragility that is my soul every time I finish this book, and the yearning is real...
February 29, 2016
“Sherlock and high school are like… oil and water, to borrow a cliché. Like a wolf in a cage made out of feathers. Do you see what I’m saying?”
”I’ve been kind of lost since you opened your mouth actually.”
This was an okay story, but I have big problems with that ending.
Irene was a fairly normal character, while Sherlock was half funny and half annoying. He really did grow on me as the book went along though, and he said the funniest things at times.
The storyline in this was about Irene and Sherlock becoming friends, and then more than friends, as well as a bit of a murder mystery going on at their school, with everyone believing that Sherlock was the murderer! I did find some parts of this quite humorous, and I thought that Irene and Sherlock were pretty cute together, but the pace was a little bit slow.
My problems with the ending are multiple though!
6 out of 10
February 10, 2014
LOCKED is now available! Review it on Amazon before April 10th to enter to win a Kindle Fire.
Here's the playlist, chapter by chapter:
Chapter 1: Wake Me Up by Avicii
Chapter 2: Hot N Cold by Katy Perry
Chapter 3: The Monster (ft Rihanna) by Eminem
Chapter 4: I Am Not A Robot by Marina and the Diamonds
Chapter 5: Oh No! by Marina and the Diamonds
Chapter 6: Best Day of My Life by American Authors
Chapter 7: Radioactive by Imagine Dragons
Chapter 8: Hold On by Colbie Caillat
Chapter 9: Say Something by A Great Big World & Christina Aguilera
Chapter 10: Burn by Ellie Goulding
Chapter 11: Love Don’t Die by The Fray
Chapter 12: Brave by Sarah Bareilles
Chapter 13: Human by Christina Perri
Chapter 14: Growing Old is Getting Old by Silversun Pickups
Chapter 15: Let Her Go by Passenger
Here's the playlist, chapter by chapter:
Chapter 1: Wake Me Up by Avicii
Chapter 2: Hot N Cold by Katy Perry
Chapter 3: The Monster (ft Rihanna) by Eminem
Chapter 4: I Am Not A Robot by Marina and the Diamonds
Chapter 5: Oh No! by Marina and the Diamonds
Chapter 6: Best Day of My Life by American Authors
Chapter 7: Radioactive by Imagine Dragons
Chapter 8: Hold On by Colbie Caillat
Chapter 9: Say Something by A Great Big World & Christina Aguilera
Chapter 10: Burn by Ellie Goulding
Chapter 11: Love Don’t Die by The Fray
Chapter 12: Brave by Sarah Bareilles
Chapter 13: Human by Christina Perri
Chapter 14: Growing Old is Getting Old by Silversun Pickups
Chapter 15: Let Her Go by Passenger
March 4, 2014
4.5 Stars
Sherrrrrrrlooooooooockkkkkkkkkkkkkkkk!
Need I say more? If that's not enough to convince you, I don't what is!
Ok, ok, fine, let me try and convince you then...Have you watched BBC Sherlock? No? Then what the hell are you doing reading this?! Go watch it right now! Come back already? Excellent, let's proceed then.
Ms. Morgan does such an awesome job at catching the essence of Sherlock and then putting him in a high school setting. It was brilliant.
This is the story of a modern day Sherlock and Irene. Irene is a very troubled girl. She was in the car when her sister died and she didn't come out of it whole. So what happens when her mom makes her welcome the new neighbors by bringing over a casserole? Sherlock does what he does best and throws in her face the death of her sister not 2mins after opening the door.
Irene's reaction? Throw the casserole at Sherlock's face :D And this was most of their interactions throughout the book. Irene was a strange but great mix between Molly and Watson. Watching Sherlock trying to make sense of this strange girl, and Irene trying to cope with such an intense young man. It was perfect.
The whole book had me laughing out loud, sighing in contentment, and breaking my heat at others. Especially the ending! But it was all so worth it!
I would have liked a bit more mystery to the murder plot, but I was just having so much fun with Sherlock and Irene I couldn't be bothered with it for too long. Mycroft was a tad creepier here than he is in the show. We don't even know what his job is, only that he is basically never at home, and every time he talked with Irene he gave me the creeps, but you could still that he did actually care for Sherlock. We also get a very tiny glimpse of Moriarty and I can't wait for the next book!!
Here is a small scene between Sherlock and Irene in classroom.
Sherrrrrrrlooooooooockkkkkkkkkkkkkkkk!
Need I say more? If that's not enough to convince you, I don't what is!
Ok, ok, fine, let me try and convince you then...Have you watched BBC Sherlock? No? Then what the hell are you doing reading this?! Go watch it right now! Come back already? Excellent, let's proceed then.
Ms. Morgan does such an awesome job at catching the essence of Sherlock and then putting him in a high school setting. It was brilliant.
This is the story of a modern day Sherlock and Irene. Irene is a very troubled girl. She was in the car when her sister died and she didn't come out of it whole. So what happens when her mom makes her welcome the new neighbors by bringing over a casserole? Sherlock does what he does best and throws in her face the death of her sister not 2mins after opening the door.
Irene's reaction? Throw the casserole at Sherlock's face :D And this was most of their interactions throughout the book. Irene was a strange but great mix between Molly and Watson. Watching Sherlock trying to make sense of this strange girl, and Irene trying to cope with such an intense young man. It was perfect.
The whole book had me laughing out loud, sighing in contentment, and breaking my heat at others. Especially the ending! But it was all so worth it!
I would have liked a bit more mystery to the murder plot, but I was just having so much fun with Sherlock and Irene I couldn't be bothered with it for too long. Mycroft was a tad creepier here than he is in the show. We don't even know what his job is, only that he is basically never at home, and every time he talked with Irene he gave me the creeps, but you could still that he did actually care for Sherlock. We also get a very tiny glimpse of Moriarty and I can't wait for the next book!!
Here is a small scene between Sherlock and Irene in classroom.
“It’s not working out between us, Irene,” he says loudly. “I’m afraid I’m dumping you.”
And he sits back down.
As if I’d let him off that easy.
I stand up, the sound of my chair scraping back nearly deafening in the silence. “Like hell you’re breaking up with me, Sherlock Holmes.”
I take my seat again.
“Um…perhaps if we could save this for later…” whispers a petrified Mrs. Fields, frozen with her marker halfway to the whiteboard.
The classroom is a dead quiet sea of stares.
Sherlock is glowering at me. I smile back sweetly and he gets up again. “It’s not you, it’s me,” he says.
Did he read a handbook on how to break with someone? Probably. What a dork. I get up again too. “It’s not either. It’s both of us. Which is still a thing, because we’re not breaking up.”
“Personal matters…are for outside the classroom,” Mrs. Fields squeaks. Nobody listens to her. I think the classroom is about to combust.
Sherlock narrows his eyes. “I’m gay.”
Breaking out the big guns, then. I volley back: “Not according to last night, you’re not.”
One terrified giggle escapes someone in the front row.
“Stop it, Irene,” he says under his breath, turning up his death glare as high as it will go.
I grin. I’m winning. Today, I don’t mind the stares. They’re for a good cause. “What about yesterday, when you said you couldn’t live without me?”
“Irene,” he hisses.
“And the day before that, when you said you wanted to get marr—”
“Point made,” he growls, throwing himself back into his chair like he’s hoping it’ll break.
“That’s what I thought,” I say, smiling widely. “Babycakes.”
And I take my seat.
March 8, 2014
I was pretty comfortable giving LOCKED a solid 4 stars, but then Eva Morgan made me do this:
And then this:
So now I’m all:
And then this:
So now I’m all:
I mean, wow. You’ve got balls, Eva Morgan. Balls. And for that, I’m going to give you 4.5 stars all day long and round up to 5 stars for reviewing purposes. Because I like some grit in my story, even if it makes me want to stalk you down and yell at you for a while.
LOCKED has all the things you may have loved from the old Sherlock Holmes stories. I have to admit, my knowledge of Sherlock Holmes is primarily from the television show, ELEMENTARY, rather than the original stories by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. LOCKED revolves around Sherlock Holmes and his neighbor Irene Adler and is told from Irene’s perspective. Other notable appearances from the original version include Mycroft Holmes, Sherlock’s older brother, and James Moriarty, Sherlock’s archenemy.
When Irene meets Sherlock, she is in a dark place. Her only goal is to convince her mother she is coping, though she’s actually battling significant depression after losing her sister a year earlier. So when her new neighbor is the brutally honest, blunt, and socially inept Sherlock, she quickly determines she will enjoy watching his assured demise at the local high school. Before long though, the one person she couldn’t stand is the one person who sees and accepts the real her, darkness and all.
I loved Sherlock’s observations at the beginning of each chapter. The story is told from Irene’s point of view and as such we observe Sherlock’s brilliance as he reveals things to Irene, whether it’s figuring out who is cheating on who or how he figured something out that no one else would have caught. But at the beginning of each chapter, we also get to see a brief glimpse into Sherlock’s cluelessness when it comes to understanding emotions and feelings. The reader gets to see what impacted Sherlock the most during the chapter by an opening quote Sherlock writes down that he heard from Irene. We then get to see the progress of his (quite hilarious) investigation on why Irene doesn’t seem to despise him the way the rest of the world does. The combination allowed me to fall in love with Irene and Sherlock simultaneously.
As brilliant as Sherlock is, it is very easy for him to grow bored. So when a student at their school gets murdered, there is no stopping Sherlock from investigating who the murderer might be. I actually thought some of the investigation into the murder could have been cut out and this was probably the only thing pushing me towards a 4 star rating. However when things picked up again, they really picked up. My absolute favorite part of the story was the depth of the two main characters and the uniqueness of their personalities, in particular Sherlock’s. He never ceased to amaze me.
Anyone who enjoys young adult fiction and certainly anyone who has a fondness for the unique personality that is Sherlock Holmes should stop what they are reading and start LOCKED immediately! You can thank me later.
**Copy provided by the author/publisher for an honest review.
**Reviewed by preppea on I ♥ Bookie Nookie Reviews.
LOCKED has all the things you may have loved from the old Sherlock Holmes stories. I have to admit, my knowledge of Sherlock Holmes is primarily from the television show, ELEMENTARY, rather than the original stories by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. LOCKED revolves around Sherlock Holmes and his neighbor Irene Adler and is told from Irene’s perspective. Other notable appearances from the original version include Mycroft Holmes, Sherlock’s older brother, and James Moriarty, Sherlock’s archenemy.
When Irene meets Sherlock, she is in a dark place. Her only goal is to convince her mother she is coping, though she’s actually battling significant depression after losing her sister a year earlier. So when her new neighbor is the brutally honest, blunt, and socially inept Sherlock, she quickly determines she will enjoy watching his assured demise at the local high school. Before long though, the one person she couldn’t stand is the one person who sees and accepts the real her, darkness and all.
I loved Sherlock’s observations at the beginning of each chapter. The story is told from Irene’s point of view and as such we observe Sherlock’s brilliance as he reveals things to Irene, whether it’s figuring out who is cheating on who or how he figured something out that no one else would have caught. But at the beginning of each chapter, we also get to see a brief glimpse into Sherlock’s cluelessness when it comes to understanding emotions and feelings. The reader gets to see what impacted Sherlock the most during the chapter by an opening quote Sherlock writes down that he heard from Irene. We then get to see the progress of his (quite hilarious) investigation on why Irene doesn’t seem to despise him the way the rest of the world does. The combination allowed me to fall in love with Irene and Sherlock simultaneously.
Was right. Death wish. Subconscious or conscious, not sure. Today: drove highly erratically, but subject agreed to get back in car.
Also interesting: has passed point by which most people either stop speaking to me or attempt to cause me bodily harm. Doesn’t need to respond when I speak. Why does she respond? Pities me? Childhood reinforcement to respond when spoken to? Will investigate.
Sherlock makes a tragic face. I kick him under the table.
“What?” he whispers. “I’m appealing to her motherly instinct by widening my eyes to evoke the aesthetic of an infant and projecting an aura of vulnerability so that she’ll feel obligated to take me in.”
“It’s mostly just creepy,” I whisper back.
“I can hear you both, you know,” says Mom.
We freeze.
“She must have inherited those traits from you, as well as her large earlobes.”
I whip out my phone. She’s self-conscious about the earlobes.
He glances down at the phone screen and looks up again. “And by large I mean absolutely miniscule. I would need a microscope to see those. Truly tiny.”
“I told you he’s not in love with me.”
“I don’t understand that either.”
“Why not?”
“Well, I don’t see how anyone could not be in love with you.”
“…Hey, I know—if you’re serious about this date thing, we’ll make it for both our birthdays.”
“If you’re meaning we do things each of us wants to do, I’ve been fancying a trip to the morgue to collect data on—“
“No.”
As brilliant as Sherlock is, it is very easy for him to grow bored. So when a student at their school gets murdered, there is no stopping Sherlock from investigating who the murderer might be. I actually thought some of the investigation into the murder could have been cut out and this was probably the only thing pushing me towards a 4 star rating. However when things picked up again, they really picked up. My absolute favorite part of the story was the depth of the two main characters and the uniqueness of their personalities, in particular Sherlock’s. He never ceased to amaze me.
Anyone who enjoys young adult fiction and certainly anyone who has a fondness for the unique personality that is Sherlock Holmes should stop what they are reading and start LOCKED immediately! You can thank me later.
**Copy provided by the author/publisher for an honest review.
**Reviewed by preppea on I ♥ Bookie Nookie Reviews.
January 19, 2015
READ IT
READ IT
READ IT
I'm too lazy to write a real review so...
When i read the sypnosis
When i met Sherlock yes, he's name is Sherlock Holmes
When Irene and Sherlock where together
At the last chapter
When i was looking for the publication date of the second book and found nothing.
All i wanted to do
READ IT
READ IT
I'm too lazy to write a real review so...
When i read the sypnosis
When i met Sherlock yes, he's name is Sherlock Holmes
When Irene and Sherlock where together
At the last chapter
When i was looking for the publication date of the second book and found nothing.
All i wanted to do
February 17, 2014
There are simply no words to describe how amazing this book was...I mean..Holy Mountain Mama it was BEAUTIFUL, Sherlock in the book reminded me so much of Sherlock in the BBC television show (which I'm OBSESSED with lol) and the main girls name may have been Irene, but she screamed Molly Hooper, either way I absolutely loved her, she's witty, smart, AND wins Sherlock over. I mean he listens to what she says (just like in the show) I love their relationship so much. But I have to warn you....you will go through overwhelming emotional trauma, ranging from: constant uncontrollable grinning and/or giggling like a schoolgirl, anger/slight annoyance (but the good kind), and profuse cussing, crying, and denial (basically all the stages if grief) followed by intense desire for the next book which I might die having to wait longer then a day for. Can anyone tell I just finished it and its like 2 in the morning lol. So anyways read this book...it will make ur life amazing, it will also become ur favorite book. And Bravo to Eva Morgan, she is officially my hero ;-) I now bid u all goodnight.
May 19, 2015
I loved the writing, the characters, the story ... all of it. I guess I'm one of the few people who has never seen the BBC Sherlock series, because I didn't know until later that this is fan fiction of the BBC Sherlock series. I honestly think the character names could have been changed and this story would have stood quite well on its own.
August 12, 2016
“Um…sorry.” I always apologize to people when I have no idea what to say. Safest thing to do.
“Apology accepted.”
He has a British accent. The girls at Aspen High will lose their minds.
“Wait, no,” I say. “I mean, I wasn’t actually apologizing for anything.”
“I assumed you were apologizing in advance for boring me with the standard introductions, which I would actually prefer to get over with, so: I’m Sherlock Holmes, you’re someone whose last name is Adler, going by the surname on your mailbox. No, I don’t find it a particularly lovely neighborhood. No, you’re not invited inside for tea. Goodbye.”
And the door slams.”
As you can see, teen Sherlock is quite a character. He's blunt, sarcastic, he has no filter and he could even be called rude. But he's always straight to the point. Irene became his object of interest after she told him he was wrong in one aspect of his observation of her.... Sherlock's never wrong.
“What the hell are you doing here?”
“Following you,” comes the voice from behind the chimney. “I got the insomnia wrong. I’m never wrong. Had to find out what it really was.”
Chimney? Yes they were on the roof for one of Irene's “Ares” missions. Irene got notes addressed to her alter ego “Ares”. In those notes people asked for help with their problems, help to solve their mysteries. Helping them was a tool for Irene to help herself, to keep her awake, to keep stressful and hurtful memories at bay.
Sherlock decided that sticking around Irene would give his genius brain something to do, as everything else in the small town was already categorized as boring. He had figured it would only be a matter of time before he got bored with Irene too, but she wasn't what he expected at all.
“Sorry. That was supposed to have gone better.”
“Things can’t always go the way we expect.” He smiles for the first time. It changes his whole face. “You were supposed to be boring.
Sherlock's brother, Mycroft, was his legal guardian, apparently the two of them had scared their parents away. Some parents. When Mycroft left town for business he asked Irene to keep an eye on Sherlock. But she wanted to stay as far away from him and his genius brain as possible at first. But with every minute she spend with him she came to tolerate him and eventually came to understand and care for him. And she surprised him once again.
When one of her “Ares” missions lead to her public humiliation. She and Sherlock went to investigate who did it and what was the motivation behind the act was. But the road to solving this mystery was riddled with traps and blood.....
I loved this story and these characters, I needed a change from the fluff and smut and this provided me this escape. Sherlock and Irene obviously stole the show but I'd like to talk about Mycroft first.
I just couldn't fathom Sherlock's brother, even finishing the book I'm not sure what to think of him. On a certain level he seemed to genuinely care for Sherlock but at other times I wonder what his true motives were for the decisions he made. Still liked his humor though.
You two really have hit it off, haven’t you?”
I squint. Finding meaning in the rich pile of Mycroft’s words is like digging through molasses. “Are you…trying to imply…?”
“It was a joke. Sherlock doesn’t hit it off with anyone. He’s far more likely to get hit.”
Irene intrigued Sherlock, he just couldn't get a full grasp of her character so he analyzed everything she did, he even tested her. She was a mystery he needed to solve. This allowed him to be the only one who truly saw her and her demons. But they're not friends in his book...even though everything about the way they interacted and did together said otherwise.
“I’ll give you something else to know about me,” he says curtly. “I don’t do friendship.”
Ouch. “You sound like a fashionista saying you don’t do green, or something.”
“You come up with the strangest comparisons.”
“I have to find some way to bug you.”
“Congratulations on your success.
I really liked how Irene didn't back down and gave as good as she got. But no matter his attitude or what he said, she trusted him. But Sherlock wasn't convinced, he was well aware what kind of effect he had on people, and he couldn't help but wonder how long Irene would be able to tolerate him.
“How much longer will this last?
Estimate: Not long. Days at most. Something will happen to break through her loyalty. I’ll do something to ruin it.”
But he never did, not in Irene's eyes. She was always on his side even when everyone else was not. And in time she managed to make him feel human.
You’ve made me different, Irene. You’ve made me…” He furrows his brow as if he is still confused by the concept. “Human.”
“No, Sherlock.” I can’t help it. I reach up and touch his face. And for a brief second, it’s like everyone else fades out and we’re alone. “You were always human.
But maybe that was a mistake....
“Humans are so fragile. I shouldn’t have made you human. You should have stayed ice.
Ice melts.
Metal, then. Diamond.
Something as indestructible as you always said you were.”
There were some grammar mishaps here and there, like misplaced words and missing words in a couple of sentences. They're noticeable but not hindering in my opinion. I mean it didn't distract me from the content of the story. I personally found this to be an excellent representation of Sherlock, one I found myself thoroughly enjoying while reading this book. At the end I think I was actually reading faster just because I couldn't believe what had happened, their story just couldn't end like that. Then it hit me that this was only the first book in the series, I will be waiting (im)patiently for the next book. I would recommend reading this one if you're a Sherlock fan and like sarcastic bantering. But for those who don't like cliffhangers, you might want to wait till the next books are released. I hope this one comes out in print, cause I need this one on my real bookshelf as well.
“Apology accepted.”
He has a British accent. The girls at Aspen High will lose their minds.
“Wait, no,” I say. “I mean, I wasn’t actually apologizing for anything.”
“I assumed you were apologizing in advance for boring me with the standard introductions, which I would actually prefer to get over with, so: I’m Sherlock Holmes, you’re someone whose last name is Adler, going by the surname on your mailbox. No, I don’t find it a particularly lovely neighborhood. No, you’re not invited inside for tea. Goodbye.”
And the door slams.”
As you can see, teen Sherlock is quite a character. He's blunt, sarcastic, he has no filter and he could even be called rude. But he's always straight to the point. Irene became his object of interest after she told him he was wrong in one aspect of his observation of her.... Sherlock's never wrong.
“What the hell are you doing here?”
“Following you,” comes the voice from behind the chimney. “I got the insomnia wrong. I’m never wrong. Had to find out what it really was.”
Chimney? Yes they were on the roof for one of Irene's “Ares” missions. Irene got notes addressed to her alter ego “Ares”. In those notes people asked for help with their problems, help to solve their mysteries. Helping them was a tool for Irene to help herself, to keep her awake, to keep stressful and hurtful memories at bay.
Sherlock decided that sticking around Irene would give his genius brain something to do, as everything else in the small town was already categorized as boring. He had figured it would only be a matter of time before he got bored with Irene too, but she wasn't what he expected at all.
“Sorry. That was supposed to have gone better.”
“Things can’t always go the way we expect.” He smiles for the first time. It changes his whole face. “You were supposed to be boring.
Sherlock's brother, Mycroft, was his legal guardian, apparently the two of them had scared their parents away. Some parents. When Mycroft left town for business he asked Irene to keep an eye on Sherlock. But she wanted to stay as far away from him and his genius brain as possible at first. But with every minute she spend with him she came to tolerate him and eventually came to understand and care for him. And she surprised him once again.
When one of her “Ares” missions lead to her public humiliation. She and Sherlock went to investigate who did it and what was the motivation behind the act was. But the road to solving this mystery was riddled with traps and blood.....
I loved this story and these characters, I needed a change from the fluff and smut and this provided me this escape. Sherlock and Irene obviously stole the show but I'd like to talk about Mycroft first.
I just couldn't fathom Sherlock's brother, even finishing the book I'm not sure what to think of him. On a certain level he seemed to genuinely care for Sherlock but at other times I wonder what his true motives were for the decisions he made. Still liked his humor though.
You two really have hit it off, haven’t you?”
I squint. Finding meaning in the rich pile of Mycroft’s words is like digging through molasses. “Are you…trying to imply…?”
“It was a joke. Sherlock doesn’t hit it off with anyone. He’s far more likely to get hit.”
Irene intrigued Sherlock, he just couldn't get a full grasp of her character so he analyzed everything she did, he even tested her. She was a mystery he needed to solve. This allowed him to be the only one who truly saw her and her demons. But they're not friends in his book...even though everything about the way they interacted and did together said otherwise.
“I’ll give you something else to know about me,” he says curtly. “I don’t do friendship.”
Ouch. “You sound like a fashionista saying you don’t do green, or something.”
“You come up with the strangest comparisons.”
“I have to find some way to bug you.”
“Congratulations on your success.
I really liked how Irene didn't back down and gave as good as she got. But no matter his attitude or what he said, she trusted him. But Sherlock wasn't convinced, he was well aware what kind of effect he had on people, and he couldn't help but wonder how long Irene would be able to tolerate him.
“How much longer will this last?
Estimate: Not long. Days at most. Something will happen to break through her loyalty. I’ll do something to ruin it.”
But he never did, not in Irene's eyes. She was always on his side even when everyone else was not. And in time she managed to make him feel human.
You’ve made me different, Irene. You’ve made me…” He furrows his brow as if he is still confused by the concept. “Human.”
“No, Sherlock.” I can’t help it. I reach up and touch his face. And for a brief second, it’s like everyone else fades out and we’re alone. “You were always human.
But maybe that was a mistake....
“Humans are so fragile. I shouldn’t have made you human. You should have stayed ice.
Ice melts.
Metal, then. Diamond.
Something as indestructible as you always said you were.”
There were some grammar mishaps here and there, like misplaced words and missing words in a couple of sentences. They're noticeable but not hindering in my opinion. I mean it didn't distract me from the content of the story. I personally found this to be an excellent representation of Sherlock, one I found myself thoroughly enjoying while reading this book. At the end I think I was actually reading faster just because I couldn't believe what had happened, their story just couldn't end like that. Then it hit me that this was only the first book in the series, I will be waiting (im)patiently for the next book. I would recommend reading this one if you're a Sherlock fan and like sarcastic bantering. But for those who don't like cliffhangers, you might want to wait till the next books are released. I hope this one comes out in print, cause I need this one on my real bookshelf as well.
August 5, 2016
Locked is pretty much based on the popular BBC TV series, Sherlock, but with a YA spin to it. The premise caught my eye, but the author really needs to go back to the drawing board with this one. There are many editing errors such as lowercase words for names, and the biggest offense is gender nouns goof. An example of this is when Sherlock it talking about Irene, the heroine while she is in the same room, Sherlock says "he" when she means "she", as in Irene. This happened more than once and had me doing a double take. There's also way too much telling and not enough showing. A good editor could have fixed these problems, but it's apparent there was no editing, or the editor used did a sloppy job.
The writing is one big convoluted mess. What I thought would be a murder mystery investigation about the death of Irene's sister becomes this Beverly Hill 90210 type of plot where Irene is treated as an outcast and Sherlock latches on to her for no reason. I guess she's supposed to be his Watson? Also out of nowhere, Irene is known as Ares, a secret advice columnist of some sort where her fellow students write to her to help fix their problems. At one point she ends up half naked in some boy's room to prove he's cheating on his girlfriend. The so-called girlfriend, who didn't reach out to Irene (an imposter did), sends her half naked pictures to everyone in the school and on social media. Now Irene and Sherlock must find out wants revenge against Irene for no real reason that is explained.
The author tries to make Sherlock like Benedict Cumberbatch's portrayal of Sherlock, but it fails on paper. Sherlock comes across as way too robotic and spouts nonsense that makes you scratch your head more as you read. He's annoying and not at all seductive or admirable.
Big reading fail here. Should have never been published as is.
Found out after I read Locked that it's Sherlock Holmes P2P fan fiction regarding the first 2 chapters: https://www.fanfiction.net/s/10098753....
More at Booklikes: http://katiebabs.booklikes.com/post/8...
The writing is one big convoluted mess. What I thought would be a murder mystery investigation about the death of Irene's sister becomes this Beverly Hill 90210 type of plot where Irene is treated as an outcast and Sherlock latches on to her for no reason. I guess she's supposed to be his Watson? Also out of nowhere, Irene is known as Ares, a secret advice columnist of some sort where her fellow students write to her to help fix their problems. At one point she ends up half naked in some boy's room to prove he's cheating on his girlfriend. The so-called girlfriend, who didn't reach out to Irene (an imposter did), sends her half naked pictures to everyone in the school and on social media. Now Irene and Sherlock must find out wants revenge against Irene for no real reason that is explained.
The author tries to make Sherlock like Benedict Cumberbatch's portrayal of Sherlock, but it fails on paper. Sherlock comes across as way too robotic and spouts nonsense that makes you scratch your head more as you read. He's annoying and not at all seductive or admirable.
Big reading fail here. Should have never been published as is.
Found out after I read Locked that it's Sherlock Holmes P2P fan fiction regarding the first 2 chapters: https://www.fanfiction.net/s/10098753....
More at Booklikes: http://katiebabs.booklikes.com/post/8...
February 28, 2014
In many ways I loved this book. The character and appearance of Sherlock Holmes at 19 was spot on. Meeting "the woman," Irene Adler when she was 18 could explain a lot. Irene was a much nicer person then but one who was suicidally depressed over the accidental death of her older sister - blaming herself. Their meeting and how their relationship developed kept me interested and entertained. Mycroft was his usual spidery self, spinning webs and spreading venom. And there was a small mystery which was secondary to the developing relationship for most of the book. There are twists and surprises, though. I had the younger version of Sherlock, Benedict Cumberbatch (is that right?) in my head. He could play this part & look as described! No idea what Irene would look like. Anyway, I hope we will more of these delightful books!
So, why not 5 stars? The horrible, awful, unbelievably bad proofing. I can handle some errors but this was ridiculous. It did detract from what could have been a great read!
So, why not 5 stars? The horrible, awful, unbelievably bad proofing. I can handle some errors but this was ridiculous. It did detract from what could have been a great read!
May 16, 2018
this is basically the teenlock sherlock/reader fanfic that 2012 would have fangirled about but modern me still enjoyed.
(let's be honest, I still love bbc sherlock, I'm just not completely irrational about it lol)
(let's be honest, I still love bbc sherlock, I'm just not completely irrational about it lol)
May 24, 2014
I didn’t know I was in a mood for a book like this till I read it. Locked is everything I like in a book wrapped in a pretty cover. It is short, like finish it in a single sitting short (which I did, lying on bed till morning 6 am btw), humorous (I cracked up a number of times. I haven’t in ages, reading all these depressing fantasy rebellion series), with a captivating writing style (as I said, finished it in a single sitting), and lovely if a little over-the-top-but-believable storyline. And then there are the characters. Characters that I can relate to. Characters that make me want to hit them in the head and then apologize for being aggressive. Characters that make me cry till I feel like I’m definitely dying because I can’t breathe (or maybe not enough sleep just makes me emotional. I never know the difference). Characters that make this book hard to put down.
Locked is a story about a young Sherlock Holmes meeting Irene, a depressed girl who piques his interest by proving his deductions wrong in their first meeting (He believes he’s never wrong and likes to prove it). Think of him as a Sheldon Cooper who smokes and annoys people by unraveling their secrets in seconds (but he does it with a sexy British accent). He is constantly moving to new places with his brother (whom I like to call “My-crotch” instead of Mycroft) because of his “unconventional” personality. It is a story about two people who don’t fit in with the rest of the world but with each other alone. It is a story with whimsical quips and adorable bantering that you’ll love till it becomes really sad and shocking. It is a story that when it ends, leaves you bereft of all happiness you felt, astounds you with the turn of events and overwhelms you with the rollercoaster of emotions you’re put in. It is a story you don’t know you need to read till you read it.
Believe me; I’m still reeling with the whiplash the last few chapters gave me. I can keep ranting for hours discussing the last few chapters. Hell, I can make this whole review about the last few chapters and tell you what’s wrong and clichéd about it but at the same time give you reasons for why I love it while still debating if I’m furious, pissed, elated, unsurprised, shocked or just damn sleepy.
Okay, here come the spoilers. Do not read ahead or you’ll be mad at yourself for reading it. Even hate yourself a little. Not even kidding.
First off, I still am a little mad at Irene for doing whatMycrotch Mycroft asked her to do. I mean, I get it. I really do. She was scared and she had a right to be scared of getting too attached to Sherlock because he is dangerous and unpredictable. Also she was masochistic, so I get why she would punish herself by pushing him away, but I still don’t like it. She didn’t go back to him on her own terms. She started talking to him again only when Mycrotch Mycroft asked her to, and it gets me all riled up again.
Anyway, the other thing nagging me like an annoying fly circling around my head is the role Ethan played here. I’ve read and seen enough on obsession to know that Ethan’s fixation with Carol and then Irene is nothing but an expected mania. His infatuation leading to delusion and murder should make sense to me but I don’t understand why it doesn’t. I want it to not shadow everything I liked about the book but his actions and what they led to make me feel like the author just wanted to rip off a too drastic ending to continue the series. On one hand, I’m happy that there is going to be more of Sherlock and Irene but on the other hand, I’m too bloody pissed off to appreciate it. (Well, the unrevealed release date for the sequel isn’t comforting either.)
Lastly, I just want to shake and scream at Sherlock while bitch-slapping him for being so stubborn and daft and ridiculous and moronic and lovable and adorable and cocky and brilliant and UGH! You stupid piece of shit, why would you do that to ME?! And to Irene too!?
*tries to calm down*
So..the second book better be interesting. I’m nervous and giddy about it at the same time. I hope it doesn’t succumb to the second book syndrome and doesn’t become a drag. I hope I still love the characters as fiercely as I do right now. I hopeMycrotch Mycroft is able to persuade Sherlock or offer him a proposition or whatever. *sigh* I’m hoping I didn’t hope for too much.
All in all, 4 stars for me.
Locked is a story about a young Sherlock Holmes meeting Irene, a depressed girl who piques his interest by proving his deductions wrong in their first meeting (He believes he’s never wrong and likes to prove it). Think of him as a Sheldon Cooper who smokes and annoys people by unraveling their secrets in seconds (but he does it with a sexy British accent). He is constantly moving to new places with his brother (whom I like to call “My-crotch” instead of Mycroft) because of his “unconventional” personality. It is a story about two people who don’t fit in with the rest of the world but with each other alone. It is a story with whimsical quips and adorable bantering that you’ll love till it becomes really sad and shocking. It is a story that when it ends, leaves you bereft of all happiness you felt, astounds you with the turn of events and overwhelms you with the rollercoaster of emotions you’re put in. It is a story you don’t know you need to read till you read it.
Believe me; I’m still reeling with the whiplash the last few chapters gave me. I can keep ranting for hours discussing the last few chapters. Hell, I can make this whole review about the last few chapters and tell you what’s wrong and clichéd about it but at the same time give you reasons for why I love it while still debating if I’m furious, pissed, elated, unsurprised, shocked or just damn sleepy.
Okay, here come the spoilers. Do not read ahead or you’ll be mad at yourself for reading it. Even hate yourself a little. Not even kidding.
First off, I still am a little mad at Irene for doing what
Anyway, the other thing nagging me like an annoying fly circling around my head is the role Ethan played here. I’ve read and seen enough on obsession to know that Ethan’s fixation with Carol and then Irene is nothing but an expected mania. His infatuation leading to delusion and murder should make sense to me but I don’t understand why it doesn’t. I want it to not shadow everything I liked about the book but his actions and what they led to make me feel like the author just wanted to rip off a too drastic ending to continue the series. On one hand, I’m happy that there is going to be more of Sherlock and Irene but on the other hand, I’m too bloody pissed off to appreciate it. (Well, the unrevealed release date for the sequel isn’t comforting either.)
Lastly, I just want to shake and scream at Sherlock while bitch-slapping him for being so stubborn and daft and ridiculous and moronic and lovable and adorable and cocky and brilliant and UGH! You stupid piece of shit, why would you do that to ME?! And to Irene too!?
*tries to calm down*
So..the second book better be interesting. I’m nervous and giddy about it at the same time. I hope it doesn’t succumb to the second book syndrome and doesn’t become a drag. I hope I still love the characters as fiercely as I do right now. I hope
All in all, 4 stars for me.
December 26, 2015
4.5 stars
This is not really a review, just some thoughts on the book.
I'd seen this book appearing several times on my GR feed but didn't pay attention to the title and the blurb until recently, after I watched the third season's last episode of BBC's Sherlock a few weeks ago and have been almost crawling the walls ever since because now we'll probably have to endure another 2-year wait for the next episodes.
Anyway, on to the book. This is, hands down, one of the best, awesome-sauce stories I read this year. I loved it!
It made me laugh so hard (or want to, because I spent the last two days studying, and the last two nights reading it), and when Sherlock opened his mouth, and he and Irene bantered, I probably looked like a retarded seal, gasping and clapping.
And the ending, oh the ending, oh the feels. I bawled my eyes out because of the ending.
At first I wasn't sure if this was going to have a sequel, but given two little hints, it looks there'll be one and it's going to be awesome. Two words: Moriarty and Reichenbach.
I have one little complaint, though, which may sound petty, but I don't think it is. This book lacks a good line editing and formatting. I noticed several typos that made me do a double take, for example:
"[...] I unhooked himself [...]" (Irene reminiscing)
"[...] pretend to be my girlfriend?" (said by Irene to Sherlock)
"[...] AB negative. Universal receiver" (the universal receiver is AB positive)
That's the reason I gave it 4.5 stars. So, with proper editing and formatting, Locked would be amazingly perfect, in my humble opinion.
Looking eagerly forward to the sequel. :)
This is not really a review, just some thoughts on the book.
I'd seen this book appearing several times on my GR feed but didn't pay attention to the title and the blurb until recently, after I watched the third season's last episode of BBC's Sherlock a few weeks ago and have been almost crawling the walls ever since because now we'll probably have to endure another 2-year wait for the next episodes.
Anyway, on to the book. This is, hands down, one of the best, awesome-sauce stories I read this year. I loved it!
It made me laugh so hard (or want to, because I spent the last two days studying, and the last two nights reading it), and when Sherlock opened his mouth, and he and Irene bantered, I probably looked like a retarded seal, gasping and clapping.
And the ending, oh the ending, oh the feels. I bawled my eyes out because of the ending.
At first I wasn't sure if this was going to have a sequel, but given two little hints, it looks there'll be one and it's going to be awesome. Two words: Moriarty and Reichenbach.
I have one little complaint, though, which may sound petty, but I don't think it is. This book lacks a good line editing and formatting. I noticed several typos that made me do a double take, for example:
"[...] I unhooked himself [...]" (Irene reminiscing)
"[...] pretend to be my girlfriend?" (said by Irene to Sherlock)
"[...] AB negative. Universal receiver" (the universal receiver is AB positive)
That's the reason I gave it 4.5 stars. So, with proper editing and formatting, Locked would be amazingly perfect, in my humble opinion.
Looking eagerly forward to the sequel. :)
December 29, 2014
¿Sherlock Holmes adolescente, y en el siglo XXI?
Sherlock Holmes es un personaje arrogante por naturaleza, así que la idea de un Sherlock adolescente me parecía aterradora. Es es algo que podría haber salido mal, muy mal. En cambio me encontré con una historia fresca, divertida, romántica y con un toque de misterio.
Sherlock, por supuesto, es arrogante, pero en grados tolerables y sólo respecto a su inteligencia. Así que nada de síndrome de Daemon aquí. (Daemon-soy-lo-máximo-y-todos-me-aman de la serie Obsidian)
Además, también: CERO INSTA-LOVE.
Su relación con Irene comienza como un simple misterio. No la entiende y por eso comienza a pasar tiempo con ella. Porque Sherlock Holmes tiene que entenderlo todo. A partir de allí comienza a formarse una amistad y es sólo con el tiempo que surge un interés romántico.
Cabe destacar que esta historia esta basada en las historias originales de Sherlock Holmes escritas por Conan Doyle. Por lo que nos encontramos también a Mycroft y, al final, un breve vistazo de Moriarty, el eterno archi-enemigo de Sherlock. Eso si, nada de Watson.
El final es, aunque no completamente inesperado, sí sorprendente. Y aunque sabía la verdad, aún así llore una que otra lagrimita.
Sherlock Holmes es un personaje arrogante por naturaleza, así que la idea de un Sherlock adolescente me parecía aterradora. Es es algo que podría haber salido mal, muy mal. En cambio me encontré con una historia fresca, divertida, romántica y con un toque de misterio.
Sherlock, por supuesto, es arrogante, pero en grados tolerables y sólo respecto a su inteligencia. Así que nada de síndrome de Daemon aquí. (Daemon-soy-lo-máximo-y-todos-me-aman de la serie Obsidian)
Además, también: CERO INSTA-LOVE.
Su relación con Irene comienza como un simple misterio. No la entiende y por eso comienza a pasar tiempo con ella. Porque Sherlock Holmes tiene que entenderlo todo. A partir de allí comienza a formarse una amistad y es sólo con el tiempo que surge un interés romántico.
Cabe destacar que esta historia esta basada en las historias originales de Sherlock Holmes escritas por Conan Doyle. Por lo que nos encontramos también a Mycroft y, al final, un breve vistazo de Moriarty, el eterno archi-enemigo de Sherlock. Eso si, nada de Watson.
El final es, aunque no completamente inesperado, sí sorprendente. Y aunque sabía la verdad, aún así llore una que otra lagrimita.
February 28, 2014
OMG where do I start this book is about a young Sherlock Holmes and Irene Adler but in this day and age from the moment they met there was chemistry and intrigue Sherlock had me in fits of laughter at is factual comments literally about everything for example : Irene "now let me set some ground rules : Sherlock " does the ground have rules now" lol so funny and annoying but he's so lovable and clever and awkward and hot and his brain is sooooo brilliant it shines brighter than the sun takes over the world so yeah I love him and Irene sweet beautiful Irene I adored her even when evil people set out to humiliate and hurt her she still stuck up for them didn't want revenge and saved people cause she's a beautiful selfless human being special girl for sure then ending had me bawling like a baby I seriously sent the author a selfie of me after I finished this epic wonderful book I need the next book in this amazing series and Eva I'm begging you please don't make me wait to long def a FAN 4 LIFE!!!!!
February 21, 2014
Eva Morgan’s novel Locked is simply amazing. I am the pragmatic reader: I close every book in the house by 1:00am, never skip class for “just one more page,” and never, ever cry.
Eva Morgan made me stay up to 5:00am.
Eva Morgan made me miss every class.
Eva Morgan made me weep, openly, sobbing and loud.
The plot is simple: Sherlock Holmes is plucked from Victorian London and dropped in the most terrifying context of all: high school. From there, he meets Irene Adler; from there, they go detecting. The novel is exquisitely written. My copy is thoroughly highlighted; clever lines abound. The story flows well, and catches you so far up its tide that there is no prayer of sleep until the last page has been turned and the last tear has been shed.
There are a great many things I could say about the plot, but this isn't the kind of book that should be spoiled.
Instead, let me leave you with this: keep a box of tissues handy.
Eva Morgan made me stay up to 5:00am.
Eva Morgan made me miss every class.
Eva Morgan made me weep, openly, sobbing and loud.
The plot is simple: Sherlock Holmes is plucked from Victorian London and dropped in the most terrifying context of all: high school. From there, he meets Irene Adler; from there, they go detecting. The novel is exquisitely written. My copy is thoroughly highlighted; clever lines abound. The story flows well, and catches you so far up its tide that there is no prayer of sleep until the last page has been turned and the last tear has been shed.
There are a great many things I could say about the plot, but this isn't the kind of book that should be spoiled.
Instead, let me leave you with this: keep a box of tissues handy.
July 15, 2023
~4.5 stars~
Oh stunning ❤
LOVED the characters and their developments within themselves and one another.
The ending? Broke my heart.
Next book needed!!!
Oh stunning ❤
LOVED the characters and their developments within themselves and one another.
The ending? Broke my heart.
Next book needed!!!
February 19, 2014
Wow. Before I start, I just want to say that I picked this book up out of utter chance, and it blew me away. This is one of the best books I've ever read.
Locked is about Sherlock and Irene, two literary characters that have been magically transformed by Eva Morgan. To be honest, I've never read the Arthur Conan Doyle books or seen the TV show, but you don't need to to enjoy this book. Sherlock is the hot-as-hell, full-of-himself, too-smart-for-his-own-good loner boy who moves in next door to Irene Adler, a girl suffering from heartbreak after her sister's death. Sherlock quickly realizes there's more to Irene that meets the eye, and despite the fact that he's cold and callous to everyone, Irene starts a relationship with him that takes many beautiful and unexpected twists and turns, and ultimately changes them both more than they could ever have expected.
Sherlock is the best part of the book. I know a lot of people think the character of Sherlock Holmes is sexy, but I never picked up on it until I read this book. Damn, that boy is delicious. But Irene deserves a medal for putting up with him! He insults people constantly and has an extreme lack of a filter. It turns out he's a genius who observes everything, and he can't be bothered to spare people's feelings. But it turns out, even though he's icy and cruel towards everyone, it's really because he's just never had love in his life. Girls find him attractive but have never been able to handle his personality. He thinks the fact that he's smart is the only good thing about him. Even when Irene is obviously the perfect match for him, the little snippets from his perspective make it so obvious how deeply he believes that someone like her could never love someone like him. Poor Sherlock. I just wanted to hug him and tell him that Irene truly loved him for who he was...even though he probably would just make some rude comment. But I would still want to make out with him. Without a doubt.
“I believe you were thanking me for saving your life.” Sherlock is leaning on the door frame, dragging on a newly-lit cigarette.
At first, Sherlock treats Irene like an experiment, to see how long it takes before he drives her away, since he's always driven everyone away before. Also at first, Irene just seems to see Sherlock as a distraction from her depression. But their relationship rapidly develops into something truly touching, and it's clear that they're the only two people who could ever fit together like that. They need each other so much. At certain parts, I actually cried my eyes out. This is coming from a woman who almost never cries. I was stunned by how much this book affected me, and looking at other reviews, I'm not the only one.
“Well, I don’t see how anyone could not be in love with you.”
"What did you say?” I whisper.
The book is so centered on their relationship. I think there's only one or two scenes that don't include Sherlock and Irene together. Their interactions are hilarious, as we see how Irene is the only one who isn't intimidated by Sherlock, and she knows how to handle them perfectly. And Sherlock's flawless mix of wittiness and sexy smirking comments had me rolling on the floor. Eva Morgan knows how to do humor.
"You better not have brought me here to get sentimental about the moon."
This isn't just a love story. This is the story of two people who are the only ones for each other. I haven't been able to stop thinking about this book ever since I finished it. I almost didn't buy it because I'm usually not a big reader of murder mysteries, and the blurb made it sound like one. I would actually advise the author to change the blurb to make it clear that the murder mystery isn't a huge part - it doesn't even begin until halfway through the book, even though I did like that part of it. There was a great twist at the end that I never guessed. I'm a stay at home mommy who scared her poor daughter when her mom jumped up from the couch and started yelling about the ending. ;]
I'm deeply surprised that there aren't more people gushing about LOCKED. It did only come out a few days ago, I suppose, but this is one of those books that you stumble upon out of complete randomness and it changes your life forever. If you take a chance on one book this year, let this one be it. It is so worth it. I can't wait to see this book make it big.
Sequel now please, Miss Morgan! :]
Locked is about Sherlock and Irene, two literary characters that have been magically transformed by Eva Morgan. To be honest, I've never read the Arthur Conan Doyle books or seen the TV show, but you don't need to to enjoy this book. Sherlock is the hot-as-hell, full-of-himself, too-smart-for-his-own-good loner boy who moves in next door to Irene Adler, a girl suffering from heartbreak after her sister's death. Sherlock quickly realizes there's more to Irene that meets the eye, and despite the fact that he's cold and callous to everyone, Irene starts a relationship with him that takes many beautiful and unexpected twists and turns, and ultimately changes them both more than they could ever have expected.
Sherlock is the best part of the book. I know a lot of people think the character of Sherlock Holmes is sexy, but I never picked up on it until I read this book. Damn, that boy is delicious. But Irene deserves a medal for putting up with him! He insults people constantly and has an extreme lack of a filter. It turns out he's a genius who observes everything, and he can't be bothered to spare people's feelings. But it turns out, even though he's icy and cruel towards everyone, it's really because he's just never had love in his life. Girls find him attractive but have never been able to handle his personality. He thinks the fact that he's smart is the only good thing about him. Even when Irene is obviously the perfect match for him, the little snippets from his perspective make it so obvious how deeply he believes that someone like her could never love someone like him. Poor Sherlock. I just wanted to hug him and tell him that Irene truly loved him for who he was...even though he probably would just make some rude comment. But I would still want to make out with him. Without a doubt.
“I believe you were thanking me for saving your life.” Sherlock is leaning on the door frame, dragging on a newly-lit cigarette.
At first, Sherlock treats Irene like an experiment, to see how long it takes before he drives her away, since he's always driven everyone away before. Also at first, Irene just seems to see Sherlock as a distraction from her depression. But their relationship rapidly develops into something truly touching, and it's clear that they're the only two people who could ever fit together like that. They need each other so much. At certain parts, I actually cried my eyes out. This is coming from a woman who almost never cries. I was stunned by how much this book affected me, and looking at other reviews, I'm not the only one.
“Well, I don’t see how anyone could not be in love with you.”
"What did you say?” I whisper.
The book is so centered on their relationship. I think there's only one or two scenes that don't include Sherlock and Irene together. Their interactions are hilarious, as we see how Irene is the only one who isn't intimidated by Sherlock, and she knows how to handle them perfectly. And Sherlock's flawless mix of wittiness and sexy smirking comments had me rolling on the floor. Eva Morgan knows how to do humor.
"You better not have brought me here to get sentimental about the moon."
This isn't just a love story. This is the story of two people who are the only ones for each other. I haven't been able to stop thinking about this book ever since I finished it. I almost didn't buy it because I'm usually not a big reader of murder mysteries, and the blurb made it sound like one. I would actually advise the author to change the blurb to make it clear that the murder mystery isn't a huge part - it doesn't even begin until halfway through the book, even though I did like that part of it. There was a great twist at the end that I never guessed. I'm a stay at home mommy who scared her poor daughter when her mom jumped up from the couch and started yelling about the ending. ;]
I'm deeply surprised that there aren't more people gushing about LOCKED. It did only come out a few days ago, I suppose, but this is one of those books that you stumble upon out of complete randomness and it changes your life forever. If you take a chance on one book this year, let this one be it. It is so worth it. I can't wait to see this book make it big.
Sequel now please, Miss Morgan! :]
February 22, 2014
I need to regroup my thoughts for this book, I mean five stars is just isn't enough, seriously is that good. I've always enjoyed reading, some might say obsession I think it's healthy addiction. That been said, I take refuge in new worlds, characters and situations books offer me, and Locked has touched every emotion a human can have. Wonder, anger, love, sadness, complete utter heartbreak, amazement, illusion, humor and the list goes on. I was drawn to this book because I would be getting reacquainted with one of my favorite (I'm sure am not the only one) characters, Sherlock Holmes. Who doesn't find it extremely sexy an intelligent (genius he would say) , sarcastic, and infuriating man? Obviously the " holy mother of balls" shockingly attractive, helps add up to the hot factor. Nonetheless he is not your typical swoon-drooling male, but so much more. There is so much I would love to say about Sherlock, but my next favorite character needs the spotlight, Irene Adler. She is such a brave and strong woman, the things she's gone through although to the outside has made her an outcast in reality has just toughened her up, she's very smart, off the charts loyal and a good person at heart. Although there isn't much emphasis on her looks, you can tell right away she's beautiful.
Like I said, I find it difficult expressing all my feelings and thoughts this book has inspired, the plot is surprising and a page turner, the dialog between the characters is entertaining and endearing, and the love that they share is like I've said before completely utterly heartbreaking, I've never cried so much for a book, the tears just kept flowing with me not even noticing, and now a think I have a love/hate admiration for Eva Morgan, creating such a wonderful story and making me wait who knows when until the next book is out, and the ending? Oh God, I was overjoyed and totally pissed at the same time, and again, just makes waiting for the next book in the series so much worse. Read the book, future readers, the wait, the laughter and the tears are completely worth it. Eva Morgan is writer to watch out for, excellent author. And in the meantime, I will be re watching every Sherlock Holmes, movie, series and most probably reading this wonderful book again.
Like I said, I find it difficult expressing all my feelings and thoughts this book has inspired, the plot is surprising and a page turner, the dialog between the characters is entertaining and endearing, and the love that they share is like I've said before completely utterly heartbreaking, I've never cried so much for a book, the tears just kept flowing with me not even noticing, and now a think I have a love/hate admiration for Eva Morgan, creating such a wonderful story and making me wait who knows when until the next book is out, and the ending? Oh God, I was overjoyed and totally pissed at the same time, and again, just makes waiting for the next book in the series so much worse. Read the book, future readers, the wait, the laughter and the tears are completely worth it. Eva Morgan is writer to watch out for, excellent author. And in the meantime, I will be re watching every Sherlock Holmes, movie, series and most probably reading this wonderful book again.
June 12, 2014
BLOODY HELL! This one took me by surprise with that freaking ending. I love it! This is a YA spin on Sherlock Holmes in a high school setting. And it involves the other protagonist Irene Adler. If Sherlock was a young teenage boy in the present day, I imagine he will be like this. I am familiar with the infamous character that he was based on and i think this Sherlock might be based on the BBC series Sherlock version.
I enjoyed every banter young Sherlock and Irene ever exchanged and how brilliant yet dense Sherlock can be in the matters of the heart. I was left quite devastated towards the end of the book, but i hope there is a sequel to this book coz this one just felt unresolved no matter what Sherlock decided in the end in the best interest of Irene.
I really like the writing style of the author and she made this two characters relatable and endearing. There are scenes here especially at around 90% that kind of gutted me coz i could just imagine young Sherlock breaking down like that for the first time and I was crying ugly and i don't care. If it was giving me that kind of feels then i consider this one a stellar read.
I enjoyed every banter young Sherlock and Irene ever exchanged and how brilliant yet dense Sherlock can be in the matters of the heart. I was left quite devastated towards the end of the book, but i hope there is a sequel to this book coz this one just felt unresolved no matter what Sherlock decided in the end in the best interest of Irene.
I really like the writing style of the author and she made this two characters relatable and endearing. There are scenes here especially at around 90% that kind of gutted me coz i could just imagine young Sherlock breaking down like that for the first time and I was crying ugly and i don't care. If it was giving me that kind of feels then i consider this one a stellar read.
April 17, 2018
Second read through Aug. 2017 - *sighs* will we ever get a second book???
First read through 2015-
Omg the ending!!!!! I need the next book now!
Update: okay I've calmed down a bit. It's about 4 in the morning and I bought this about around 10pm and thought I would just read a couple of chapters before going to bed. Well that obviously didn't go as planned.
Eva Morgan did an excellent job of this "retelling" of Sherlock Holmes. It was so believable, the characterization of teenage Sherlock. And Irene was such a great strong character. It was great seeing how their relationship develop.
Locked was a fun read and I already impatiently waiting to read the next installment in the series.
First read through 2015-
Omg the ending!!!!! I need the next book now!
Update: okay I've calmed down a bit. It's about 4 in the morning and I bought this about around 10pm and thought I would just read a couple of chapters before going to bed. Well that obviously didn't go as planned.
Eva Morgan did an excellent job of this "retelling" of Sherlock Holmes. It was so believable, the characterization of teenage Sherlock. And Irene was such a great strong character. It was great seeing how their relationship develop.
Locked was a fun read and I already impatiently waiting to read the next installment in the series.
February 13, 2014
I love LOVED this book.
Yes, there were some editing issues, and usually that makes me so mad that I can't concentrate on what I'm reading, but here, bloody hell, I didn't EVEN CARE.
I'm hoping I got this right, but I really hope Eva Morgan (the author) watches BBC's Sherlock, because this is exactly how I pictured him as a teenager - lonely, and uncomprehending of that loneliness. Clinical in his assessment of himself and friendships.
Bloody, bloody hell. I loved it.
I really loved Irene. Truly.
She's funny and charismatic, and unlike the show or the original works, I really got her (genius IQ aside).
BUT THE ENDING.... WHERE IS BOOK 2?
No... seriously... where is book 2?
Yes, there were some editing issues, and usually that makes me so mad that I can't concentrate on what I'm reading, but here, bloody hell, I didn't EVEN CARE.
I'm hoping I got this right, but I really hope Eva Morgan (the author) watches BBC's Sherlock, because this is exactly how I pictured him as a teenager - lonely, and uncomprehending of that loneliness. Clinical in his assessment of himself and friendships.
Bloody, bloody hell. I loved it.
I really loved Irene. Truly.
She's funny and charismatic, and unlike the show or the original works, I really got her (genius IQ aside).
BUT THE ENDING.... WHERE IS BOOK 2?
No... seriously... where is book 2?
April 3, 2017
I think I just got emotionally blackmailed.
I have no idea what to rate this book.
Morgan ripped out my heart then shoved it back in my chest.
I have this shirt that says,. I don't wear it too much. I'm wearing it tomorrow. Maybe.
I cried. A lot.
Morgan doesn't seem to care for the mental and physical welfare of her readers...
At this moment, otherwise, I am at a loss for words. Like I said, emotionally blackmailed.
May write more later. If able to function.
Bye.
I have no idea what to rate this book.
Morgan ripped out my heart then shoved it back in my chest.
I have this shirt that says,. I don't wear it too much. I'm wearing it tomorrow. Maybe.
I cried. A lot.
Morgan doesn't seem to care for the mental and physical welfare of her readers...
At this moment, otherwise, I am at a loss for words. Like I said, emotionally blackmailed.
May write more later. If able to function.
Bye.
December 22, 2014
Me when I finished Locked...
I enjoyed it very much! can't wait for the sequel.
oh and Serlock ..
I enjoyed it very much! can't wait for the sequel.
oh and Serlock ..
December 10, 2014
Bloody worst ending ever.
September 13, 2014
“Great. Apparently it's my fate to be frequently alone with Sherlock Holmes. Fate has it out for me…”
Ever since Irene Adler’s sister died, she’s been just going through the motions. Going to school, going home, and at night, sneaking out to solve problems for her fellow students under the alias Ares.
And then Sherlock Holmes moves into the house next to hers.
Sherlock is… different. Ok, he’s a know-it-all, obnoxious, socially-impaired lunatic who gets bored far too easily and gets into fights far too often (though, really, what does he expect when he goes around pointing out everyone’s secrets and talking smack about their mothers?).
He’s also Irene’s first friend since her sister died.
Before long, he’s become her partner in crime – or, more truthfully, partner is solving crimes.
He also saves her. He makes her feel alive again, makes her care again, deeply. He protects her.
But then Sherlock is found standing over the body of a classmate – a classmate who hurt Irene. The whole school is certain he’s the killer.
Now, it’s Irene’s turn to protect Sherlock, all the while trying to solve the case – before the killer comes back to take it all away, to take away the boy who saved her…
I am a major Sherlock Holmes addict. So much so that I really ought to go to SA (Sherlockaholist Anonymous) meetings – Hello, my name is Megan and I am a Sherlockaholic – I am Sherlocked. Seriously though, I've read the books, watched loads of the movies (old and the new ones with Robert Downey Jr – those are my favourites!) and, of course, watched Sherlock and even Elementary (it's my between-Sherlock-series hit). Therefore, when Eva Morgan offered this book to me, I jumped on the chance to review it. And, even though I had two books for my English Lit that really needed reading, I couldn't resist opening Locked up on my Kindle. And damn if I wasn't hooked from that very first chapter! So hooked, in fact, that I was still reading well into the wee hours. I think it was like five am when I finally finished the book – in one sitting, I might add – and finally managed to calm myself down enough to get some sleep. Ok, I didn’t calm down. I was still crying. I just kinda passed out. And my brain was still totally Locked-obsessed when I woke up. Yup, guys. Seriously that freaking good.
Ok, I’m gonna start with my favourite thing about this book: Sherlock... I've always adored how utterly terrible he is at social interactions. He's a freaking genius, but he's also an utter sociopath – especially in Sherlock, much of which I believe this book is based on. And Locked brought me my favourite version of Sherlock Holmes in a teenager's body, with a teenager's attitude and Sherlock's terrifying intelligence. The combination was brilliant, hilarious and utterly hot. He was also so broken and vulnerable, in his own obnoxious way. And he has been added to my list of Top Five Book Boyfriends. Yup, he's made Top Five. I've always loved Sherlock's various incarnations but Eva's? The best by far. I mean, how can one read this quote and not totally fall in love with Sherlock:
“How much longer will this last?
“Estimate: Not long. Days at most. Something will happen to break through her loyalty. I'll do something to ruin it.
“I always do something.”
I loved Irene too – how she could hold her own against Sherlock's insanity, her sense of humour. She was a brilliant foil to his mildly-crazy ways, but she was a great character in her own rights and I loved her.
But I've got to say, what really made the book was the relationship between the two of them. They had this connection, this bond, that was hilarious, beautiful, insane, touching and impossible to resist. I loved the two of them together, even more than I loved them apart.
And this book... Sherlock... it totally broke my heart. I mean, seriously. I was an absolute bloody wreck by the end, sobbing my eyes out. I'm not kidding. I was literally pleading with the book for I don't even know how many pages: 'Please, no. Please... Just no, please...' I may have forced myself back awake at 5am to finish it. I couldn't leave it where I left it. So thank you, Eva, for completely wrecking me! I’m crossing literally everything hoping that there’s a second book – and soon!
Oh, the writing was amazing as well. Most of it was written by Irene, but there were these little bits, these notes, that were written by Sherlock. Sometimes his notes were funny, sometimes confusing and sometimes they were heartbreaking. I really loved Sherlock’s bits – but Irene was an amazing narrator. I’m just a bit Sherlocked – especially on Locked’s Sherlock. Sorry: I’m totally biased!
So if you haven’t gathered, I adored Locked. I only rarely get the time to read self-published books now, but I am so glad I made time for Locked. It’s actually one of the best things I’ve read this year – and I want all Sherlock fans to go buy it! Even if this is, kind of selfishly, because I want a sequel really really soon!
So Sherlock fans: go, read Locked. Come back and gush. I swear to God, you will not be disappointed. There are just… no words for how good this book was and no end to how much I could gush over it. I just loved it so much! And I need a sequel – please Eva!
Ever since Irene Adler’s sister died, she’s been just going through the motions. Going to school, going home, and at night, sneaking out to solve problems for her fellow students under the alias Ares.
And then Sherlock Holmes moves into the house next to hers.
Sherlock is… different. Ok, he’s a know-it-all, obnoxious, socially-impaired lunatic who gets bored far too easily and gets into fights far too often (though, really, what does he expect when he goes around pointing out everyone’s secrets and talking smack about their mothers?).
He’s also Irene’s first friend since her sister died.
Before long, he’s become her partner in crime – or, more truthfully, partner is solving crimes.
He also saves her. He makes her feel alive again, makes her care again, deeply. He protects her.
But then Sherlock is found standing over the body of a classmate – a classmate who hurt Irene. The whole school is certain he’s the killer.
Now, it’s Irene’s turn to protect Sherlock, all the while trying to solve the case – before the killer comes back to take it all away, to take away the boy who saved her…
I am a major Sherlock Holmes addict. So much so that I really ought to go to SA (Sherlockaholist Anonymous) meetings – Hello, my name is Megan and I am a Sherlockaholic – I am Sherlocked. Seriously though, I've read the books, watched loads of the movies (old and the new ones with Robert Downey Jr – those are my favourites!) and, of course, watched Sherlock and even Elementary (it's my between-Sherlock-series hit). Therefore, when Eva Morgan offered this book to me, I jumped on the chance to review it. And, even though I had two books for my English Lit that really needed reading, I couldn't resist opening Locked up on my Kindle. And damn if I wasn't hooked from that very first chapter! So hooked, in fact, that I was still reading well into the wee hours. I think it was like five am when I finally finished the book – in one sitting, I might add – and finally managed to calm myself down enough to get some sleep. Ok, I didn’t calm down. I was still crying. I just kinda passed out. And my brain was still totally Locked-obsessed when I woke up. Yup, guys. Seriously that freaking good.
Ok, I’m gonna start with my favourite thing about this book: Sherlock... I've always adored how utterly terrible he is at social interactions. He's a freaking genius, but he's also an utter sociopath – especially in Sherlock, much of which I believe this book is based on. And Locked brought me my favourite version of Sherlock Holmes in a teenager's body, with a teenager's attitude and Sherlock's terrifying intelligence. The combination was brilliant, hilarious and utterly hot. He was also so broken and vulnerable, in his own obnoxious way. And he has been added to my list of Top Five Book Boyfriends. Yup, he's made Top Five. I've always loved Sherlock's various incarnations but Eva's? The best by far. I mean, how can one read this quote and not totally fall in love with Sherlock:
“How much longer will this last?
“Estimate: Not long. Days at most. Something will happen to break through her loyalty. I'll do something to ruin it.
“I always do something.”
I loved Irene too – how she could hold her own against Sherlock's insanity, her sense of humour. She was a brilliant foil to his mildly-crazy ways, but she was a great character in her own rights and I loved her.
But I've got to say, what really made the book was the relationship between the two of them. They had this connection, this bond, that was hilarious, beautiful, insane, touching and impossible to resist. I loved the two of them together, even more than I loved them apart.
And this book... Sherlock... it totally broke my heart. I mean, seriously. I was an absolute bloody wreck by the end, sobbing my eyes out. I'm not kidding. I was literally pleading with the book for I don't even know how many pages: 'Please, no. Please... Just no, please...' I may have forced myself back awake at 5am to finish it. I couldn't leave it where I left it. So thank you, Eva, for completely wrecking me! I’m crossing literally everything hoping that there’s a second book – and soon!
Oh, the writing was amazing as well. Most of it was written by Irene, but there were these little bits, these notes, that were written by Sherlock. Sometimes his notes were funny, sometimes confusing and sometimes they were heartbreaking. I really loved Sherlock’s bits – but Irene was an amazing narrator. I’m just a bit Sherlocked – especially on Locked’s Sherlock. Sorry: I’m totally biased!
So if you haven’t gathered, I adored Locked. I only rarely get the time to read self-published books now, but I am so glad I made time for Locked. It’s actually one of the best things I’ve read this year – and I want all Sherlock fans to go buy it! Even if this is, kind of selfishly, because I want a sequel really really soon!
So Sherlock fans: go, read Locked. Come back and gush. I swear to God, you will not be disappointed. There are just… no words for how good this book was and no end to how much I could gush over it. I just loved it so much! And I need a sequel – please Eva!
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August 9, 2017I don't know what to think of this book.
What do you think Benedict?
What do you think Benedict?
January 5, 2019
You can read my full review here
March 17, 2017
An incredibly well-written retelling of one of the most overdone stories of all time. As a Sherlock Holmes fan, I'm always wary of retellings, but can never find it in me to resist reading or watching them. This has definitely been one of my favorites. While containing some typos, this book still managed to amaze me. I fell in love with the author's way of story-telling, and mourned when I finally reached the dreaded last page. The wait for book two (which there better had be) may just be the death of me. I'm thoroughly addicted.
5/5
5/5
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