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Pictures of You
NOTE: Pictures of You was selected in October as a B.R.A.G. Medallion nominee, which recognizes books that are "well worth a reader's time and money."
A story of a haunting. Of a memory that lingers. Of voices that hide in the shadows.
Living your life on video is fine, as long as you’ve got complete control. But what if one day you wake up and discover videos you didn’t know existed have gone public? That’s what happens to self-professed video geek, Ashes16, whose real-world past begins to haunt her when a strange video pops up on her YouTube account. Others soon follow, bringing back vivid memories of her older brother's grisly death and forcing Ashes to relive over and over again a nightmare scene she witnessed first-hand. Are they messages from her dead brother, asking her to uncover dark family secrets some people want to keep hidden? And what happens when Ashes finally starts to understand the meaning behind the messages? That’s the chilling secret behind Pictures of You.
A story of a haunting. Of a memory that lingers. Of voices that hide in the shadows.
Living your life on video is fine, as long as you’ve got complete control. But what if one day you wake up and discover videos you didn’t know existed have gone public? That’s what happens to self-professed video geek, Ashes16, whose real-world past begins to haunt her when a strange video pops up on her YouTube account. Others soon follow, bringing back vivid memories of her older brother's grisly death and forcing Ashes to relive over and over again a nightmare scene she witnessed first-hand. Are they messages from her dead brother, asking her to uncover dark family secrets some people want to keep hidden? And what happens when Ashes finally starts to understand the meaning behind the messages? That’s the chilling secret behind Pictures of You.
- GenresMystery
155 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 1, 2014
3 people are currently reading
62 people want to read
About the author
T.J. Alexian
2 books24 followersT.J. Alexian lives in Attleboro, Massachusetts in a renovated green Victorian, along with seven ghosts and his long-time (and long-suffering) partner. He also has three kids and one spiritual kid, and their stories and their spirit form the heart and soul of his novel, Pictures of You. He is also the author of the recently-released thriller, Late Night Show.
A profiled author in the Writer's Digest book Writer with a Day Job and an award-winning communications specialist, Pictures of You, Alexian's first novel, was nominated for a BRAG medallion nomination. He also has two more novels in the works: Confessions of a Diva Rotundo and Amelia's Bones.
Pictures of You is a young adult thriller that combines Alexian's love for social media with the macabre. A ghost story for the dispossessed, the novel tells the story of a young girl haunted by events in her past that never seem to die. But more than that, the novel is about being heard, about giving voice to voices that don't fit the norm. Some that lack the courage...and some, that hide in the shadows.
Late Night Show also has a strong social media component: in this case, the use of webcams. The camera may not lie, but sometimes it can trap you in a web of no return. That’s what Kami Corley learns one late night when she connects online with a girl named GoAskAlice--and receives a disturbing plea for help. Without knowing her real name or location, Kami doesn’t know where to turn, but as she uses the few clues she has, she finds herself caught in a deadly trap. Will Kami live or die when she is thrust into the very heart of a secret organization known only as the GKS? Without warning, she becomes the one on the inside looking out—and very well may be the next one chosen to play the deadly midnight game known as the Late Night Show
A profiled author in the Writer's Digest book Writer with a Day Job and an award-winning communications specialist, Pictures of You, Alexian's first novel, was nominated for a BRAG medallion nomination. He also has two more novels in the works: Confessions of a Diva Rotundo and Amelia's Bones.
Pictures of You is a young adult thriller that combines Alexian's love for social media with the macabre. A ghost story for the dispossessed, the novel tells the story of a young girl haunted by events in her past that never seem to die. But more than that, the novel is about being heard, about giving voice to voices that don't fit the norm. Some that lack the courage...and some, that hide in the shadows.
Late Night Show also has a strong social media component: in this case, the use of webcams. The camera may not lie, but sometimes it can trap you in a web of no return. That’s what Kami Corley learns one late night when she connects online with a girl named GoAskAlice--and receives a disturbing plea for help. Without knowing her real name or location, Kami doesn’t know where to turn, but as she uses the few clues she has, she finds herself caught in a deadly trap. Will Kami live or die when she is thrust into the very heart of a secret organization known only as the GKS? Without warning, she becomes the one on the inside looking out—and very well may be the next one chosen to play the deadly midnight game known as the Late Night Show
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
May 15, 2018
I thoroughly enjoyed reading Pictures of You. I found it to be a book that grabbed hold of me from the first page until the last, it was a quick read for me as I was keen to know the answers to the many questions posed. A very well written mystery thriller that will appeal to both young adult readers and adult readers alike.
What's the book about?
Living your life on video is fine, as long as you’ve got complete control. But what if one day you wake up and discover videos you didn’t know existed have gone public? That’s what happens to self-professed video geek, Ashes16, whose real-world past begins to haunt her when a strange video pops up on her YouTube account.
Others soon follow, bringing back vivid memories of her older brother's grisly death and forcing Ashes to relive over and over again a nightmare scene she witnessed first-hand. Are they messages from her dead brother, asking her to uncover dark family secrets some people want to keep hidden? And what happens when Ashes finally starts to understand the meaning behind the messages? That’s the chilling secret behind Pictures of You.
My Review:
I requested a copy of this book from the author T.J. Alexian as I really liked the sound of this book. I was not disappointed that I did that. A book that I devoured quickly and found very little fault in whilst reading it.
Ashes (Ashley) lost her brother to an accident a while back, since he has been gone everyone is trying to move on. Ashes likes to post videos of her life and interests to YouTube and one day a video pops up on her account that she did not put there, the mystery and the tension thus begins.
Is Ash receiving messages from beyond the grave? Is her dead brother trying to reach her and tell her something? Just WHO is posting the videos?, because there is more of them, they keep coming. None of it makes sense but Ashes is determined to find out what is going on.
She is a great character, gutsy, flawed, human and very easy to like, she comes across as more mature than her age in this novel, like many who have suffered tragedy in their lives, the death of her brother and the impact on her family has matured her a lot over time. She's determined to find out what these videos mean, even when others don't believe her.
The book uses real world up to date language that both YA and Adults would relate to, it's a modern day novel for certain. A clever plot that plays on the popularity of YouTube to create an excellent thrilling mystery read with a twist.
I could not fault the writing in this book, it flows really well, no stumbling or need to analyse what was going on at all. The author does a good job of keeping the writing fluid for the reader.
I was quickly turning pages wanting to know what Ashes was going to uncover next as secrets from the past start popping up posing even more questions, it kept me hooked in to the story and keen to know what the end outcome was going to be. There is a great tension in this novel as you read, a sense of being on the edge, waiting to see what was going to happen next.
I liked Eric as a character, a young Autistic boy, I think he was well written and represented in this novel and added an extra dimension to the cast of characters, I was glad he got to play a role in the story, I liked that he was written into this book. Very likeable character.
With twists and turns as we watch Ashes on her journey, bits and pieces start to fit together until the final reveal and the answers she is looking for finally come together. I really enjoyed reading this book from start to finish.
4.5 stars from me for this great book, I look forward to reading more of T.J's work in the future. I was glad I requested this book to read and review.
What's the book about?
Living your life on video is fine, as long as you’ve got complete control. But what if one day you wake up and discover videos you didn’t know existed have gone public? That’s what happens to self-professed video geek, Ashes16, whose real-world past begins to haunt her when a strange video pops up on her YouTube account.
Others soon follow, bringing back vivid memories of her older brother's grisly death and forcing Ashes to relive over and over again a nightmare scene she witnessed first-hand. Are they messages from her dead brother, asking her to uncover dark family secrets some people want to keep hidden? And what happens when Ashes finally starts to understand the meaning behind the messages? That’s the chilling secret behind Pictures of You.
My Review:
I requested a copy of this book from the author T.J. Alexian as I really liked the sound of this book. I was not disappointed that I did that. A book that I devoured quickly and found very little fault in whilst reading it.
Ashes (Ashley) lost her brother to an accident a while back, since he has been gone everyone is trying to move on. Ashes likes to post videos of her life and interests to YouTube and one day a video pops up on her account that she did not put there, the mystery and the tension thus begins.
Is Ash receiving messages from beyond the grave? Is her dead brother trying to reach her and tell her something? Just WHO is posting the videos?, because there is more of them, they keep coming. None of it makes sense but Ashes is determined to find out what is going on.
She is a great character, gutsy, flawed, human and very easy to like, she comes across as more mature than her age in this novel, like many who have suffered tragedy in their lives, the death of her brother and the impact on her family has matured her a lot over time. She's determined to find out what these videos mean, even when others don't believe her.
The book uses real world up to date language that both YA and Adults would relate to, it's a modern day novel for certain. A clever plot that plays on the popularity of YouTube to create an excellent thrilling mystery read with a twist.
I could not fault the writing in this book, it flows really well, no stumbling or need to analyse what was going on at all. The author does a good job of keeping the writing fluid for the reader.
I was quickly turning pages wanting to know what Ashes was going to uncover next as secrets from the past start popping up posing even more questions, it kept me hooked in to the story and keen to know what the end outcome was going to be. There is a great tension in this novel as you read, a sense of being on the edge, waiting to see what was going to happen next.
I liked Eric as a character, a young Autistic boy, I think he was well written and represented in this novel and added an extra dimension to the cast of characters, I was glad he got to play a role in the story, I liked that he was written into this book. Very likeable character.
With twists and turns as we watch Ashes on her journey, bits and pieces start to fit together until the final reveal and the answers she is looking for finally come together. I really enjoyed reading this book from start to finish.
4.5 stars from me for this great book, I look forward to reading more of T.J's work in the future. I was glad I requested this book to read and review.
June 10, 2014
Pictures Of You is a great book. I loved all the characters, but especially Ashes. I love the way she was written and at times I almost had to remind myself she's a fictional character. The way she tries to almost become her brother portrays a common form of grief. She doesn't know how to move on, and she needs to keep Daniel close to her. How best to do that? Wear his clothes, take over his hobbies and practically become him. She was called a freak because of what she wore, and is often questioned whether she's a girl or boy. But despite that, she needs her brother so she continues dressing and acting that way.
I just love the way the all of the characters were written. They seemed so real and they all had their own personality. I've read plenty of books where all the characters are pretty much the same, but this isn't one of them.
Also, the suspense was great. Throughout the book you're left constantly wondering "Who's sending the videos? Is it somehow Daniel? What is he trying to show Ashes?" and the suspense in regards to Daniel's death was great too. The whole book is from Ashes' point of view, and she would keep bringing up his death and almost saying what happened but then dropped the thought because it was too painful. So I was left wondering what exactly happened to him in that cellar (and eventually found out but I won't spoil things for you)
The conclusion was really good. It didn't end abruptly, causing a "Okay... well now what?" sensation. It ended beautifully and I love the satisfied feeling I got from it.
Each chapter leaves you wanting more and leaves you more and more curious. This is the kind of book you will definitely read in one sitting!
I just love the way the all of the characters were written. They seemed so real and they all had their own personality. I've read plenty of books where all the characters are pretty much the same, but this isn't one of them.
Also, the suspense was great. Throughout the book you're left constantly wondering "Who's sending the videos? Is it somehow Daniel? What is he trying to show Ashes?" and the suspense in regards to Daniel's death was great too. The whole book is from Ashes' point of view, and she would keep bringing up his death and almost saying what happened but then dropped the thought because it was too painful. So I was left wondering what exactly happened to him in that cellar (and eventually found out but I won't spoil things for you)
The conclusion was really good. It didn't end abruptly, causing a "Okay... well now what?" sensation. It ended beautifully and I love the satisfied feeling I got from it.
Each chapter leaves you wanting more and leaves you more and more curious. This is the kind of book you will definitely read in one sitting!
August 5, 2016
I’m finding it kind of hard to describe TJ Alexian’s novel “Pictures of You”…it’s one of those genre-bending titles that could easily find a home in the YA, Suspense, Mystery or Paranormal sections. To be honest, it’s got a few elements from each of these categories and somehow it all works very nicely together. This book is a thriller that managed to come across as completely believable, while still making me look back over my shoulder!
If you’re a fan of fast-paced suspense, “Pictures of You” is well worth your time. Imagine a James Patterson novel re-written into a PG version with more likeable characters. I usually read more traditional mysteries than this one, but “Pictures of You” was a welcome change of pace. Fair warning, though—if you grab a copy for your bedtime reading, be prepared to leave a light on!
If you’re a fan of fast-paced suspense, “Pictures of You” is well worth your time. Imagine a James Patterson novel re-written into a PG version with more likeable characters. I usually read more traditional mysteries than this one, but “Pictures of You” was a welcome change of pace. Fair warning, though—if you grab a copy for your bedtime reading, be prepared to leave a light on!
May 27, 2014
When I first began reading this novel I wondered if it was for younger readers, but as I was drawn more into the story, realised it was for a wider audience.
Mr Alexian, despite being a mature male (as I found out on Facebook) was able to immerse himself into the mind of a troubled teenage girl and tell us her thoughts. The entire novel is told through her eyes.
It is also told in the present tense, which I’m not a fan of, but this seems to hold up in the case of ‘Pictures of You’.
I write suspense fiction myself, so admire writing which is tight and which moves through the story at the right pace. This novel ticks those boxes. I did, however, spot the bad guy very early on.
As for characters, they are well drawn and believable.
Mr Alexian is a talented writer and I’ll be interested to see what he produces in the future.
Mr Alexian, despite being a mature male (as I found out on Facebook) was able to immerse himself into the mind of a troubled teenage girl and tell us her thoughts. The entire novel is told through her eyes.
It is also told in the present tense, which I’m not a fan of, but this seems to hold up in the case of ‘Pictures of You’.
I write suspense fiction myself, so admire writing which is tight and which moves through the story at the right pace. This novel ticks those boxes. I did, however, spot the bad guy very early on.
As for characters, they are well drawn and believable.
Mr Alexian is a talented writer and I’ll be interested to see what he produces in the future.
May 14, 2014
The synopsis of this book intrigued me and I was eager to receive the book. The book lived up to my hopes - the story grabbed me from the first page. The storyline kept me reading and I really cared what happened to these characters. It was a very satisfying read, and I am very much looking forward to the next book from this author.
September 15, 2014
Review also on www.jolasbookshelf.wordpress.com
"Pictures of You' is a great novel that was hard for me to put down. All the twists, turns, and suspense kept me hooked and I couldn't wait to find out what will happen next. The author did an amazing job describing his story. Can't wait to read more from him!
Thank to T.J. Alexian for sending me an ebook in exchange for an honest review.
"Pictures of You' is a great novel that was hard for me to put down. All the twists, turns, and suspense kept me hooked and I couldn't wait to find out what will happen next. The author did an amazing job describing his story. Can't wait to read more from him!
Thank to T.J. Alexian for sending me an ebook in exchange for an honest review.
February 23, 2019
Slow
This book was very slow for me and I found myself skimming paragraphs then pages just to get somewhere. At the end though it did pick up and I had to find out what happened. There are much better suspense books out there but this one was ok.
This book was very slow for me and I found myself skimming paragraphs then pages just to get somewhere. At the end though it did pick up and I had to find out what happened. There are much better suspense books out there but this one was ok.
October 28, 2014
Pictures of You is a suspense-filled YA read about acceptance, self discovery and grief. Ashes’ life was turned upside down on the day her older brother Daniel died, and everything was ripped away from her. She’s rebuilding her life - at least, she tells herself she is - until her YouTube channel is hijacked, and an old video is posted to her channel. A video filmed by her brother. This sets Ashes on a mission to discover who sent her the clip, after all, there’s no such thing as ghosts...right?
Despite being in her mid-teens, Ashes comes across as being older than her years, due to her brother’s death and the subsequent breakdown of the family unit she was accustomed to, after her mother severed all ties with her step-dad ‘Pops’, and step-brother Eric. Her grief process sees her almost becoming her brother - cutting her hair short, and wearing his clothes, to keep a part of him alive. She’s even taken up his favourite hobby of making videos.
The emotion is portrayed extremely well, and through these ‘pictures of You’, we get to see the girl Ashes was before she lost her brother - part of the self discovery element of the book. Through these films, she also finds acceptance - but not before her life gets thoroughly creepy-weird, at times, making her question her own sanity.
I thoroughly enjoyed Pictures of YOU - it’s extremely well written, and error free (at least, I didn’t find any,) and it kept me on the edge of my seat. I even got a little teary eyed towards the end. My only complaint (and this is from an older reader *cough* pushing thirty *cough* rather than the target market,) is that it felt as though I was deliberately mislead, due to not having some key information about one of the characters.
3.5/5
Reviewed for Bit'N Book Promoters web | facebook | twitter
Despite being in her mid-teens, Ashes comes across as being older than her years, due to her brother’s death and the subsequent breakdown of the family unit she was accustomed to, after her mother severed all ties with her step-dad ‘Pops’, and step-brother Eric. Her grief process sees her almost becoming her brother - cutting her hair short, and wearing his clothes, to keep a part of him alive. She’s even taken up his favourite hobby of making videos.
The emotion is portrayed extremely well, and through these ‘pictures of You’, we get to see the girl Ashes was before she lost her brother - part of the self discovery element of the book. Through these films, she also finds acceptance - but not before her life gets thoroughly creepy-weird, at times, making her question her own sanity.
I thoroughly enjoyed Pictures of YOU - it’s extremely well written, and error free (at least, I didn’t find any,) and it kept me on the edge of my seat. I even got a little teary eyed towards the end. My only complaint (and this is from an older reader *cough* pushing thirty *cough* rather than the target market,) is that it felt as though I was deliberately mislead, due to not having some key information about one of the characters.
3.5/5
Reviewed for Bit'N Book Promoters web | facebook | twitter
May 8, 2014
Author T.J. Alexian's "Pictures of You" is full of suspense, twists and turns, and good, old mystery.
Although I would technically consider it in the young adult/thriller genre, I felt the book had elements of several genres, making it appealing to readers of most interests and ages.
Alexian's writing style is superb and worked so well with a story like this. His description really infused the creepiness of many scenes: the not knowing if someone is there or isn't there, the not knowing whom you can trust.
I thought the storyline was extremely strong -- and well planned out and executed. A strange video pops up on Ashley's (Ashes') YouTube account, which she didn't create. More videos are to follow, revealing secrets about her older brother's death. It is a fun mystery to unravel, although I will say that I figured out/had a strong hunch who the "villain" was fairly early on.
Ashes came off to me as a fairly regular teenager at times -- at other times, I thought she acted a little too childishly. There were also details about her that were repeated a little too frequently: the short hair, the nailbiting, the wearing boy's clothes.
One of my main issues with the book was that I really wasn't invested in Ashes/the main character. I was more interested in how the story was going to play out, but I didn't feel connected to the character who was leading me through everything.
The book is a quick read -- it took me a little less than three hours to finish it. But I felt like things really picked up in the second half. In the first half, it felt like the story was bogged down a little bit with getting all the background information out there. The background information is woven into the story beautifully, but I felt it made the first half of the story not nearly as entertaining as the second half when things picked up.
Overall, "Pictures of You" is wonderfully written and tells an intriguing story. It is definitely worth checking out.
Although I would technically consider it in the young adult/thriller genre, I felt the book had elements of several genres, making it appealing to readers of most interests and ages.
Alexian's writing style is superb and worked so well with a story like this. His description really infused the creepiness of many scenes: the not knowing if someone is there or isn't there, the not knowing whom you can trust.
I thought the storyline was extremely strong -- and well planned out and executed. A strange video pops up on Ashley's (Ashes') YouTube account, which she didn't create. More videos are to follow, revealing secrets about her older brother's death. It is a fun mystery to unravel, although I will say that I figured out/had a strong hunch who the "villain" was fairly early on.
Ashes came off to me as a fairly regular teenager at times -- at other times, I thought she acted a little too childishly. There were also details about her that were repeated a little too frequently: the short hair, the nailbiting, the wearing boy's clothes.
One of my main issues with the book was that I really wasn't invested in Ashes/the main character. I was more interested in how the story was going to play out, but I didn't feel connected to the character who was leading me through everything.
The book is a quick read -- it took me a little less than three hours to finish it. But I felt like things really picked up in the second half. In the first half, it felt like the story was bogged down a little bit with getting all the background information out there. The background information is woven into the story beautifully, but I felt it made the first half of the story not nearly as entertaining as the second half when things picked up.
Overall, "Pictures of You" is wonderfully written and tells an intriguing story. It is definitely worth checking out.
January 11, 2017
(Book received free for review from the author.)
There were a number of elements in Pictures of You shouldn't have worked for me, but they did and I ended up really enjoying the book.
It's told in first person: With rare exception, that never works for me.
The POV is a teenage girl: That alone would have sent me running in the other direction; lately I've read so many painfully bad books with a teenage girl POV.
It has a [big spoiler], and usually that would make me uninterested in a book that is otherwise set in the normal world.
Also, while reading the book, I realized it was something I never read: A book set in the modern, normal world. I can't recall ever reading a fiction book set in our world with just normal, average people in it. I suppose I probably did as a teen or kid, but as an adult? I can't think of one.
So, that's a long list of things that I wouldn't usually like, but TJ Alexian made it work. All the characters, from the POV girl to the more minor ones, were believable as real people, and I was interested in knowing more about them.
The story was a mystery (with lots of other elements as well), and while I don't usually read those, I enjoyed it here. At one point I was sure I knew the ending and I didn't like it, but it turns out I was wrong.
Ashley (the main character) and her family were trying to cope with the loss of Daniel, Ashley's brother. On top of that, videos of Daniel were getting posted to Youtube and emailed to her directly. Who would have such videos? Why would they send them to her anonymously? And leave cryptic little messages from "Daniel"?
I hadn't expected the ending at all, but looking back on it once I was finished, it fit.
Recommended!
There were a number of elements in Pictures of You shouldn't have worked for me, but they did and I ended up really enjoying the book.
It's told in first person: With rare exception, that never works for me.
The POV is a teenage girl: That alone would have sent me running in the other direction; lately I've read so many painfully bad books with a teenage girl POV.
It has a [big spoiler], and usually that would make me uninterested in a book that is otherwise set in the normal world.
Also, while reading the book, I realized it was something I never read: A book set in the modern, normal world. I can't recall ever reading a fiction book set in our world with just normal, average people in it. I suppose I probably did as a teen or kid, but as an adult? I can't think of one.
So, that's a long list of things that I wouldn't usually like, but TJ Alexian made it work. All the characters, from the POV girl to the more minor ones, were believable as real people, and I was interested in knowing more about them.
The story was a mystery (with lots of other elements as well), and while I don't usually read those, I enjoyed it here. At one point I was sure I knew the ending and I didn't like it, but it turns out I was wrong.
Ashley (the main character) and her family were trying to cope with the loss of Daniel, Ashley's brother. On top of that, videos of Daniel were getting posted to Youtube and emailed to her directly. Who would have such videos? Why would they send them to her anonymously? And leave cryptic little messages from "Daniel"?
I hadn't expected the ending at all, but looking back on it once I was finished, it fit.
Recommended!
November 22, 2015
I was on a trip when I selected this book on my kindle to read. I didn't get a chance to see that it was a YA thriller, and I was pleasantly surprised. The main character, Ashes, is a teenager trying to keep her life together after her brother dies. In order to do this, she morphs into her brother: she dresses with his clothes, cuts her hair, and makes movies like he did. Her mother is emotionally unavailable, and her stepfather is out of her life. The author does a great job balancing Ashes as her brother but still being herself on the inside. Her instincts are still appropriate for a teenaged girl. What a fiercely independent young woman!
I liked that this book wasn't too scary and had enough clues for the reader to figure out the next step. The pacing was great. Character development was good. I recommended that my two teenaged daughters read this.
I liked that this book wasn't too scary and had enough clues for the reader to figure out the next step. The pacing was great. Character development was good. I recommended that my two teenaged daughters read this.
July 2, 2014
I'm not exactly a fan of YA books, but I really liked this one. It kept me turning the pages quickly to find out how the story unfolds. There are some obvious clues to this mystery thriller, but the main character, Ashes, is strong-willed and well-written. Having experienced the death of a loved one myself, I can clearly empathize with her character and the author got it right in depicting grief, that monstrous, inescapable pain of trying to move on from the loss, but without forgetting the one who had passed on to another life. It is a fast read, with the story moving tightly to the end. This is perfect for summer reading, despite its dark themes. I look forward to further writings of the author and it would be interesting to expand the book and develop the story further.
January 12, 2015
Ashes is 16, she lives with her mum and dresses like the brother she lost 2 years ago. one day she notices a video she has not made uploaded to her YouTube account. This mysterious video is of her, taken by her late brother at a time when everything in her life was different. As more videos appear Ashes goes on the trail to figure out who is posting these videos and why now?
I loved the way suspense was built up in this thriller, even though Ashes is 16 and struggling with being a teenager and the major life e ent of losing her brother and the fall out from this catastrophe, she is compellingly readable and the narrative, written from her point of view, puts you right there in her shoes.
A very skilfully written suspense thriller that haunts you.
I loved the way suspense was built up in this thriller, even though Ashes is 16 and struggling with being a teenager and the major life e ent of losing her brother and the fall out from this catastrophe, she is compellingly readable and the narrative, written from her point of view, puts you right there in her shoes.
A very skilfully written suspense thriller that haunts you.
May 28, 2014
I just happened upon this little gem on Amazon and thought it sounded interesting, and I'm happy to say that I wasn't disappointed. It was a short read that held my attention until the end. I really enjoyed the main character Ashes. I typically stick to the male POV because I'm not for the girl drama haha, and the author did a nice job of making a relatable YA girl character that didn't drive me crazy! Kudos to HIM by the way :D It's not often you happen upon a male author writing in the female POV, and he did it very well. I'm a female author who writes from the male pov quite often so it was interesting to see it turned around! :D
I'll keep my eyes open for more for this author.
I'll keep my eyes open for more for this author.
August 17, 2014
I feel this book would immediately hook young readers and was pleasantly surprised with the suspense it provides for the older reader. When I say suspense, I mean I had to take a break in places just to breathe. The dialogue is wonderful, especially between adults and teen protagonist, Ash. I love the way Alexian weaves Ash’s name within the story. Very well done T.J. I love mysteries and this one surprisingly didn’t give the “who” away, though the clues were definitely there. Pictures of You, is real page turner for young and older readers alike.
Well edited, I found no grammatical or punctuation errors. Kudo’s to this author.
I recommend this book.
Well edited, I found no grammatical or punctuation errors. Kudo’s to this author.
I recommend this book.
September 30, 2014
This book grabbed me from the first page and didn't disappoint only that it finished too quickly.
The author really detailed the young Ashes journey well. The speech from a teenager perspective was very good and well drawn, the relationship with her friend, Michelle and the crush she had on Paul were well told.
Throughout the story, I changed my mind constantly, on who I thought the culprit might be and why.
The journey felt very lonely and isolated. With the camera messages being uploaded and only Ashes knowing about them it all felt very creepy and I am so glad I don't have a basement!
The author really detailed the young Ashes journey well. The speech from a teenager perspective was very good and well drawn, the relationship with her friend, Michelle and the crush she had on Paul were well told.
Throughout the story, I changed my mind constantly, on who I thought the culprit might be and why.
The journey felt very lonely and isolated. With the camera messages being uploaded and only Ashes knowing about them it all felt very creepy and I am so glad I don't have a basement!
May 13, 2014
This story centers on Ashley and her Mother, Brother Daniel, step dad Pops, and step brother Eric.
Ashley's life changes when her brother Daniel dies in an accident, then her mother leaves and takes her away from her step family.
She makes videos for youtube, but one day a video appears under her name, which was taken by Daniel before he died. More videos arrive turning Ashley's life upside down!
I really liked this book and enjoyed how things played out.
Teens to adults would enjoy it and I would give it 4 stars, really entertaining!
Ashley's life changes when her brother Daniel dies in an accident, then her mother leaves and takes her away from her step family.
She makes videos for youtube, but one day a video appears under her name, which was taken by Daniel before he died. More videos arrive turning Ashley's life upside down!
I really liked this book and enjoyed how things played out.
Teens to adults would enjoy it and I would give it 4 stars, really entertaining!
January 24, 2015
Pictures of You is a mystery/drama novel, which is something that I am keen to read. The characters are well-played. The plot is well-written and make readers stay up late just to finish reading. For me, it was a hard one to put down, not just due to the fact that the mystery makes you wanna keep reading but also because of how short this novel is. I don't recommend you read this book before you sleep at night, because you will stay up late to finish reading (it happened to me). But, did I have any regret? Not even a bit. It's definitely worth every second of my lost bed time.
November 15, 2015
This is a story about finding the truth with the help of an unexpected ally.
After the death of her brother, the break up of her mother and step fathers marriage and being labelled a freak, Ashes16 lives behind the camera now. But even there she's not safe, when videos start popping up from her brother.
Well written and a believable storyline.
After the death of her brother, the break up of her mother and step fathers marriage and being labelled a freak, Ashes16 lives behind the camera now. But even there she's not safe, when videos start popping up from her brother.
Well written and a believable storyline.
July 31, 2014
At first I wasn't sure who I was reading about, but after the third or fourth chapter, I was hooked. I could remember feeling like a 15 year old through Ashley's eyes and understanding how she really felt. Great book and great talent.
March 12, 2015
Are you sure?
Ash has become to look like her brother. Is this normal for a teenage girl - what hidden grief is still there and what truth does she find?
Extremely well written story - every page flowed into the next. Super job TJ Alexian.
Ash has become to look like her brother. Is this normal for a teenage girl - what hidden grief is still there and what truth does she find?
Extremely well written story - every page flowed into the next. Super job TJ Alexian.
June 13, 2015
I didn't like this book much. The writing definitely needed some editing and the style was less than superb. It was really predictable and not suspenseful. Also, I don't know any 16-year old girls who would have the same thought processes as this girl, it just didn't seem all that authentic.
July 4, 2021
Read in one sitting!
Alexian writes dramatic tension like water flows from a spigot. It’s natural and outpouring. This “who done it” leaves you guessing until the very end and supplies the reader with a very satisfying resolution. Excited to read more from this author.
Alexian writes dramatic tension like water flows from a spigot. It’s natural and outpouring. This “who done it” leaves you guessing until the very end and supplies the reader with a very satisfying resolution. Excited to read more from this author.
July 26, 2014
I was hooked from the start. I truly enjoyed the author's writing style and found the story to be a page-turner. Intriguing, interesting, with wonderful twists and turns!
October 9, 2014
Keeps you reading and rooting for Ashes!
October 3, 2014
Addicting and well written. I did figure everything out, so no surprises. At least it's entertaining and a fast read.
October 15, 2014
We are proud to announce that PICTURES OF YOU by T.J. Alexion is a B.R.A.G.Medallion Honoree. This tells a reader that this book is well worth their time and money!
April 19, 2015
Thoroughly enjoyed this story. Alexian's writing style flows from page to page with ease. Characters are genuine.
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