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Zenith Cycles #1
Under Zenith
It was the most important day of her life, and for 21-year-old Isla Edison, graduating from college with a useless degree in vocal performance was all part of her master plan. Dying in a car accident only hours later wasn't part of that plan. Yet there she was, standing over her own lifeless body and panicking about ruining the truck her parents had bought as a graduation present. Talk about a bad way to repay them. If coming to terms with the hereafter wasn't enough to deal with, Isla suddenly finds herself stuck with Hayden, a gorgeous Brit with a bad attitude and a penchant for throwing her off cliffs to keep her in line. Worst of all, Hayden is her Guide, and until she completes six impossible and totally random tasks to reach her mysterious Destination, she's stuck with him. Isla's major problem, though, is that she doesn't know what reaching her Destination actually entails, and soon the mystery surrounding her new afterlife seems more ominous than any purgatory she could possibly imagine. Now Isla must decide if she'll trust her dark and brooding Guide despite his "bad boy" act, or if she'll risk failing her tasks and facing the unknown alone.
320 pages, Paperback
First published February 9, 2014
249 people want to read
About the author
Shannen Crane Camp
15 books253 followersShannen Crane Camp was born and raised in Southern California, where she developed a love of reading, writing, and anything having to do with film. After high school, she moved to Utah to attend Brigham Young University, where she received a degree in Media Arts and found herself a husband in fellow California native Josh Camp. The two now live in Utah with their miniature schnauzer Hemingway. Shannen's true love is Young Adult Fiction though she often dabbles in New Adult, Paranormal, and Mystery. She takes any opportunity to include her love of film and video games in her writing and you might just find a nerdy Easter Egg or two hidden in her works.
Shannen loves to hear from readers, so feel free to contact her at Shannencbooks@hotmail.com or visit her website for more information: http://shannencbooks.blogspot.com
Shannen loves to hear from readers, so feel free to contact her at Shannencbooks@hotmail.com or visit her website for more information: http://shannencbooks.blogspot.com
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
May 6, 2015
3.5 stars
If it weren’t for my co-blogger Karolina buying me a copy of Under Zenith for my birthday, I probably never would’ve picked it up. It didn’t sound enticing enough. Having said that, I’m glad I was proven wrong – I actually really liked the story and I thought it was very entertaining. Not something you put down easily.
When 21-year-old Isla Edison receives a car from her parents as a graduation present, she doesn’t expect to wreck the thing in an accident twenty minutes later. What she expects even less is being thrown into a between-world, a sort of Purgatory, where she has to perform multiple tasks in order to reach her Destination. What is her Destination? No idea. Even less helpful is her moody Guide Hayden; armed with a sexy British accent, he seems likeable at first, but he’ll quickly make her think otherwise. Hayden doesn’t know anything other than the fact that he is her Guide and has to help her finish these tasks, but he has a bit of an unorthodox approach.
I thought the premise was very original; it wasn’t something I had read before. Each task signified a different skill: agility, memory, things like that. While I didn’t always see the logic behind each task, it was still entertaining to get through. They’re very unusual situations, to say the least, and it was interesting to see what the author was going to do with those.
In the beginning, Isla chooses to rely on her Guide for help, asking him a lot of questions, but she quickly realises that’s a big mistake. Hayden is a grumpy and snarky man, whose sarcastic responses are meant to make Isla feel dumb. Sure, he might have a sexy accent, and he might look good, but he’s very unpleasant to be around, and he’ll make sure Isla knows that he finds her just as unpleasant. Honestly, their banter back and forth was divine – no pun intended. It added some comic relief to an otherwise heavy topic. They were really great together, and it was nice to see them slowly warming up to each other.
Isla was a good main character. She wasn’t the most exciting or the most badass, but I liked that she wasn’t a pushover. She didn’t let herself be fazed by Hayden’s snark and kept asking all her questions. I’d have a lot of questions too if I suddenly died and found myself in the afterlife, and it must be frustrating not to get any answers. It was also interesting to see how she dealt with the idea of death. I smiled when she didn’t worry so much about dying – she felt more guilty about wrecking the car and giving her parents more things to pay for. It was obvious that she cared a lot about her family, which was really cute. And while she complained about the arduous tasks, she did them anyway, and I admire her for that.
Under Zenith became a little more personal for me when Isla mentioned her Dutch roots. I especially loved her mentioning stroopwafels - they are the best, and if you've never eaten stroopwafels, you need to.
I’m not sure how I feel about the ending. It was ingenious, no doubt. To say I didn’t see it coming is an understatement. We get an explanation for all the weird tasks. However, I think I would’ve liked it better if I was also pretty bummed about
I really enjoyed reading Under Zenith. Pick it up if you want something a little more unusual. See if you can resist unlikeable Hayden with his undoubtable charm. Think about if you would be able to pass all the tests. And can you predict the ending?
If it weren’t for my co-blogger Karolina buying me a copy of Under Zenith for my birthday, I probably never would’ve picked it up. It didn’t sound enticing enough. Having said that, I’m glad I was proven wrong – I actually really liked the story and I thought it was very entertaining. Not something you put down easily.
When 21-year-old Isla Edison receives a car from her parents as a graduation present, she doesn’t expect to wreck the thing in an accident twenty minutes later. What she expects even less is being thrown into a between-world, a sort of Purgatory, where she has to perform multiple tasks in order to reach her Destination. What is her Destination? No idea. Even less helpful is her moody Guide Hayden; armed with a sexy British accent, he seems likeable at first, but he’ll quickly make her think otherwise. Hayden doesn’t know anything other than the fact that he is her Guide and has to help her finish these tasks, but he has a bit of an unorthodox approach.
I thought the premise was very original; it wasn’t something I had read before. Each task signified a different skill: agility, memory, things like that. While I didn’t always see the logic behind each task, it was still entertaining to get through. They’re very unusual situations, to say the least, and it was interesting to see what the author was going to do with those.
In the beginning, Isla chooses to rely on her Guide for help, asking him a lot of questions, but she quickly realises that’s a big mistake. Hayden is a grumpy and snarky man, whose sarcastic responses are meant to make Isla feel dumb. Sure, he might have a sexy accent, and he might look good, but he’s very unpleasant to be around, and he’ll make sure Isla knows that he finds her just as unpleasant. Honestly, their banter back and forth was divine – no pun intended. It added some comic relief to an otherwise heavy topic. They were really great together, and it was nice to see them slowly warming up to each other.
Isla was a good main character. She wasn’t the most exciting or the most badass, but I liked that she wasn’t a pushover. She didn’t let herself be fazed by Hayden’s snark and kept asking all her questions. I’d have a lot of questions too if I suddenly died and found myself in the afterlife, and it must be frustrating not to get any answers. It was also interesting to see how she dealt with the idea of death. I smiled when she didn’t worry so much about dying – she felt more guilty about wrecking the car and giving her parents more things to pay for. It was obvious that she cared a lot about her family, which was really cute. And while she complained about the arduous tasks, she did them anyway, and I admire her for that.
Under Zenith became a little more personal for me when Isla mentioned her Dutch roots. I especially loved her mentioning stroopwafels - they are the best, and if you've never eaten stroopwafels, you need to.
I’m not sure how I feel about the ending. It was ingenious, no doubt. To say I didn’t see it coming is an understatement. We get an explanation for all the weird tasks. However, I think I would’ve liked it better if I was also pretty bummed about
I really enjoyed reading Under Zenith. Pick it up if you want something a little more unusual. See if you can resist unlikeable Hayden with his undoubtable charm. Think about if you would be able to pass all the tests. And can you predict the ending?
October 31, 2014
I absolutely love a book that I can close with a squee and my only thought is, "WOW!" This was one of those books! I loved how creative and fresh it was--such a unique story.
Isla has no idea what's going on, yet she's determined to make it to her Destination. She repeatedly asks Hayden for help, yet it's up to her to complete her tasks on her own. I loved Isla's ingenuity and ability to think calmly and rationally. I was rooting for her, not only in her tasks, but in figuring out the unknown.
Hayden was also a mystery and I enjoyed seeing him soften--just a little--from his bad boy toughness. His gruffness was a perfect contrast to Isla's personality.
I loved the way the ending unfolded--I didn't see it coming, yet I loved it! I don't want to give too much away, but this really was an original, entertaining book, one that I would recommend.
Content: a few perilous moments, but no language, no detailed intimate scenes (aside from kissing), and no extreme violence.
Isla has no idea what's going on, yet she's determined to make it to her Destination. She repeatedly asks Hayden for help, yet it's up to her to complete her tasks on her own. I loved Isla's ingenuity and ability to think calmly and rationally. I was rooting for her, not only in her tasks, but in figuring out the unknown.
Hayden was also a mystery and I enjoyed seeing him soften--just a little--from his bad boy toughness. His gruffness was a perfect contrast to Isla's personality.
I loved the way the ending unfolded--I didn't see it coming, yet I loved it! I don't want to give too much away, but this really was an original, entertaining book, one that I would recommend.
Content: a few perilous moments, but no language, no detailed intimate scenes (aside from kissing), and no extreme violence.
August 1, 2021
Bookshelf Reflections
Rating: ★★★★(★)
I fought with myself for a long time trying to decide whether I would give this book a five or a four star review. You see, I don't give out five star reviews very easily. A book has to truly be spectacular in order to receive one of those from me. Which means it doesn't only have to be well written and have an amazing plot, but also contribute to pleasing my more... philosophical side let's say.
Was Under Zenith brilliant? Yes, it was. But was it enough to satisfy all my above-mentioned needs? Almost, but not quite. It sure had potential. Yet in light of how beautiful and interesting the plot was I decided I might just as well break my rule and go ahead and give it 5 stars.
So what is it I liked about this book so much? I'd have to say it was its originality. It wasn't the most exciting read. Honestly, the obstacles Isla had to pass in order to reach her destination were somewhat dubious to say the least. But the whole concept of her having to fight through those scenarios in order to be able to reach her unknown final destination, whilst all the time having to put her faith in a rude, self-assured stranger and dealing with her own death was very intriguing. Especially since Hayden wasn't very forthcoming and you found yourself wondering about where Isla is supposed to be going and fearing her destination just as much as she was.
The banter between Isla and Hayden was to die for. He was rude, sure, but I couldn't stop myself from grinning at whatever he did. The stunt where he pushed her off the cliff? I was so not expecting that one, but loved him all the more after he did it. Twice. (In retrospect I'm not sure whether it was the wisest thing to do, especially since, you know, she could have "died" again, but hey, I still loved it.)
I also really liked that Isla wasn't your typical YA pushover heroine. She had her own opinion, was her own person, and wasn't afraid to show it. She didn't lose her personality or her edge during her journey and she sure as hell didn't grow dependant on Hayden. That is probably one of the facts I liked most. How Isla stayed independent till the very end of her journey, how she knew that whatever she was facing she had to do so herself, even though she was complaining to Hayden about him not helping her. She was capable of doing everything herself and didn't need Hayden's protection, which was a real breath of fresh air.
On another note, I did not expect Shannen Crane Camp to take the plot where she did. I guess there were a few hints here and there about what her final destination was, but even those clues were so well placed in the whole story that it was firstly hard to make them out and secondly... who would have thought? I'm not going to elaborate more on this part, especially since I'm afraid I might spoil it, but I'm going to say as much: I was mind-blown. And I loved it.
Heck, whom am I kidding? I loved every minute of reading this book! Sure, I think the philosophical aspect of her journey could have been elaborated a bit more, give us something more to think about, have Isla ponder her fears instead of just pushing them aside, but after finishing the book I realized this was just not necessary. It is such a beautifully written story all on its own that it simply doesn't need anything else to make it worth reading. You don't need to have Isla's thoughts and fears written out, simply because you feel her fears yourself whilst reading. You truly do go on this journey with her and are left wondering about the sense of all this just as much as she is.
I just wish we would have gotten a bit more of Isla and Hayden. I was really really sad to see her journey come to an end, even though I knew it was necessary and I knew she deserved it. Whilst reading it I was really disappointed that she would have to leave Hayden behind. Then again at the time I didn't expect her destination to be what it was at the end. (You go Shannen!)
This being said I could truly not be happier about the fact that there is going to be a sequel to this book. I hope it is still going to be about Isla and Hayden as I would really love me some more of them. I mean, just imagine the possibilities!
I know I am totally fangirling by now, so I am going to leave it at this. For those of you who don't know, Shannen Crane Camp has her own blog, which you can find here. I would definitely check it out as she posts a lot of interesting things regarding her books and creative process.
One last thing before I leave you to it, though: Isn't the cover to die for?
Rating: ★★★★(★)
I fought with myself for a long time trying to decide whether I would give this book a five or a four star review. You see, I don't give out five star reviews very easily. A book has to truly be spectacular in order to receive one of those from me. Which means it doesn't only have to be well written and have an amazing plot, but also contribute to pleasing my more... philosophical side let's say.
Was Under Zenith brilliant? Yes, it was. But was it enough to satisfy all my above-mentioned needs? Almost, but not quite. It sure had potential. Yet in light of how beautiful and interesting the plot was I decided I might just as well break my rule and go ahead and give it 5 stars.
So what is it I liked about this book so much? I'd have to say it was its originality. It wasn't the most exciting read. Honestly, the obstacles Isla had to pass in order to reach her destination were somewhat dubious to say the least. But the whole concept of her having to fight through those scenarios in order to be able to reach her unknown final destination, whilst all the time having to put her faith in a rude, self-assured stranger and dealing with her own death was very intriguing. Especially since Hayden wasn't very forthcoming and you found yourself wondering about where Isla is supposed to be going and fearing her destination just as much as she was.
The banter between Isla and Hayden was to die for. He was rude, sure, but I couldn't stop myself from grinning at whatever he did. The stunt where he pushed her off the cliff? I was so not expecting that one, but loved him all the more after he did it. Twice. (In retrospect I'm not sure whether it was the wisest thing to do, especially since, you know, she could have "died" again, but hey, I still loved it.)
I also really liked that Isla wasn't your typical YA pushover heroine. She had her own opinion, was her own person, and wasn't afraid to show it. She didn't lose her personality or her edge during her journey and she sure as hell didn't grow dependant on Hayden. That is probably one of the facts I liked most. How Isla stayed independent till the very end of her journey, how she knew that whatever she was facing she had to do so herself, even though she was complaining to Hayden about him not helping her. She was capable of doing everything herself and didn't need Hayden's protection, which was a real breath of fresh air.
On another note, I did not expect Shannen Crane Camp to take the plot where she did. I guess there were a few hints here and there about what her final destination was, but even those clues were so well placed in the whole story that it was firstly hard to make them out and secondly... who would have thought? I'm not going to elaborate more on this part, especially since I'm afraid I might spoil it, but I'm going to say as much: I was mind-blown. And I loved it.
Heck, whom am I kidding? I loved every minute of reading this book! Sure, I think the philosophical aspect of her journey could have been elaborated a bit more, give us something more to think about, have Isla ponder her fears instead of just pushing them aside, but after finishing the book I realized this was just not necessary. It is such a beautifully written story all on its own that it simply doesn't need anything else to make it worth reading. You don't need to have Isla's thoughts and fears written out, simply because you feel her fears yourself whilst reading. You truly do go on this journey with her and are left wondering about the sense of all this just as much as she is.
I just wish we would have gotten a bit more of Isla and Hayden. I was really really sad to see her journey come to an end, even though I knew it was necessary and I knew she deserved it. Whilst reading it I was really disappointed that she would have to leave Hayden behind. Then again at the time I didn't expect her destination to be what it was at the end. (You go Shannen!)
This being said I could truly not be happier about the fact that there is going to be a sequel to this book. I hope it is still going to be about Isla and Hayden as I would really love me some more of them. I mean, just imagine the possibilities!
I know I am totally fangirling by now, so I am going to leave it at this. For those of you who don't know, Shannen Crane Camp has her own blog, which you can find here. I would definitely check it out as she posts a lot of interesting things regarding her books and creative process.
One last thing before I leave you to it, though: Isn't the cover to die for?
February 19, 2014
Ohmigosh, I loved this book! Imagine this scene. You have just graduated college and gone out to celebrate with your family and best friend. After the meal, you parents present you with a new truck! What a great day, right? You drive off, and on your way to where you are going next, you swerve to avoid hitting a dog in the road. Next thing you know, you're feeling really sluggish, and not at all like yourself. Then you find out there is a reason for that.
And Isla thought college was tough. She hasn't seen nuthin' yet. I have not read many books written in the first person and found Isla's voice very refreshing. As she transitions to her new state of being, Isla holds on to some of her live human female concerns about her looks, her family, her life. Enter Hayden, tall, dark, and British. And perfect foil for Isla, as Hayden is her 'guide' though this antechamber to the afterlife.
I especially liked the thought that the setting came out of Isla's mind and memories. How often in our lives are situations in which we find ourselves (good or bad) of our own making?
I had to force myself to go to sleep the night I started reading this book, because I did not want to stop reading. To top everything off, I just checked on Amazon (not that I'm stumping for them), the Kindle price is only $2.99 (for now). If you have three dollars and are looking for a great read, you need look no further.
And Isla thought college was tough. She hasn't seen nuthin' yet. I have not read many books written in the first person and found Isla's voice very refreshing. As she transitions to her new state of being, Isla holds on to some of her live human female concerns about her looks, her family, her life. Enter Hayden, tall, dark, and British. And perfect foil for Isla, as Hayden is her 'guide' though this antechamber to the afterlife.
I especially liked the thought that the setting came out of Isla's mind and memories. How often in our lives are situations in which we find ourselves (good or bad) of our own making?
I had to force myself to go to sleep the night I started reading this book, because I did not want to stop reading. To top everything off, I just checked on Amazon (not that I'm stumping for them), the Kindle price is only $2.99 (for now). If you have three dollars and are looking for a great read, you need look no further.
February 6, 2014
Under Zenith was simply a fantastic read! It’s the mysterious story of what happens to Isla after a horrible car accident while her “Guide” Hayden helps her get to her “Destination” by completing a series of tasks. The mystery and ambiguity of what is happening is frustrating in the BEST of ways and makes you care infinitely for these characters immediately. The story goes by in a blink since it's just so fast paced and action packed (also because I couldn't put it down!). I feel like this sometimes takes away from character development, but that has in no way happened here. You fall in love with Isla's Southern charm and feisty nature and Hayden is such a stinken jerk, but watching him unfold and learning about him was such a treat. Oh and I also loved the setting, the “tasks” are a literal gauntlet that Isla is forced though, and I don’t want to spoil anything, but they all take place in very different very cool places- it was definitely a visual delight!
I loved this book, I loved Isla and Hayden and watching them interact, I loved trying to figure out everything going on, I loved the “Southern-ness,” and I loved just how dynamic this read was. Pick Under Zenith up, you won’t regret it!
I loved this book, I loved Isla and Hayden and watching them interact, I loved trying to figure out everything going on, I loved the “Southern-ness,” and I loved just how dynamic this read was. Pick Under Zenith up, you won’t regret it!
February 25, 2014
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When I first read the blurb or Under Zenith, I imagined it would be similar to If I Stay or Before I Fall. It may share some similarities, but they're few and far between. I enjoyed all three of them nearly equally, but for different reasons. While Under Zenith didn't have the emotional pull of If I Stay, it had something special in its own right. I've never read a book quite like it. It held my attention from start to finish and felt like a giant puzzle I was trying to put together. Both Isla and Hayden were great characters. I felt bad for Isla. She was so lost, so very confused. Yet, her first thoughts after realizing she was dead were not ones of pity. She was concerned about what her death would mean for the ones she loved. Hayden made a great Guide for her. He was difficult to get a read on, but once all the pieces fell together... holy crap.
Under Zenith was a super quick, unique and intriguing read. It's hard to categorize this story, too. It begins as though it's a contemporary, but quickly veers off into the more fantasy or sci fi realm. There's a bit of romance with a super-swoony British boy with a big attitude, quite a bit of dramatic, action-filled tests by the heroine and ultimately a big twist that definitely took me completely by surprise. That was my favorite part of the book; the moment it ALL made sense and all the smaller and somewhat unexplained pieces fell into place. I only wish it had been a bit longer. As far as I know, this is a standalone, but I found myself wanting more of the story when I was finished.
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. All quotes come from the review copy and might not be present in the final version.
"It was a hard, dry pill to swallow that all of those sappy love songs had been right all along. You never know what you had until it was gone. Just like you never really knew how to feel alive until you were already dead. At least, I didn't really know what living was until I had died."
When I first read the blurb or Under Zenith, I imagined it would be similar to If I Stay or Before I Fall. It may share some similarities, but they're few and far between. I enjoyed all three of them nearly equally, but for different reasons. While Under Zenith didn't have the emotional pull of If I Stay, it had something special in its own right. I've never read a book quite like it. It held my attention from start to finish and felt like a giant puzzle I was trying to put together. Both Isla and Hayden were great characters. I felt bad for Isla. She was so lost, so very confused. Yet, her first thoughts after realizing she was dead were not ones of pity. She was concerned about what her death would mean for the ones she loved. Hayden made a great Guide for her. He was difficult to get a read on, but once all the pieces fell together... holy crap.
Under Zenith was a super quick, unique and intriguing read. It's hard to categorize this story, too. It begins as though it's a contemporary, but quickly veers off into the more fantasy or sci fi realm. There's a bit of romance with a super-swoony British boy with a big attitude, quite a bit of dramatic, action-filled tests by the heroine and ultimately a big twist that definitely took me completely by surprise. That was my favorite part of the book; the moment it ALL made sense and all the smaller and somewhat unexplained pieces fell into place. I only wish it had been a bit longer. As far as I know, this is a standalone, but I found myself wanting more of the story when I was finished.
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. All quotes come from the review copy and might not be present in the final version.
February 12, 2014
No compensation was given or taken to alter this review.
Isla has just graduated college and has been surprised with a brand new truck. When she crashes it that same night, she wakes to find herself lying on the forest floor in front of her body. Yes, in front of her body. That's when Isla begins to suspect that she just might be dead.
This makes me laugh but much like Hayden, I got pretty annoyed with Isla sometimes. Half that time I was on her side, then the other half I was like, "just get over yourself." I know, I know. She just died right? That said, Isla's reaction was understandable. It was mostly just how much she complained about the same thing over and over again. But what makes me laugh is that Hayden got frustrated about the same thing, which brought a nice balance.
I didn't like Hayden at first. He was a jerk from the beginning. But, like Isla, I came around. He started softening but even when he was "softer," he was still tough! Gosh darn it, he down right lied to her. I was honestly hoping Isla would punch at some point. (Specifically after he lied to her. *cough* islands *cough Her punching or slapping him would have been hilarious or... very bad.)
The story was cute and entertaining. I don't read a lot of new adult novels but this pretty good. The novel is actually surprisingly light, which isn't a bad thing. It just wasn't what I had expected. I did kind of see the ending coming but Hayden gave me ALL THE FEELS. He made me smile. He's so nice.
Under Zenith is a light book that is great for mixing things up. Quite honestly, the more I think about this book, the more I like it.
Isla has just graduated college and has been surprised with a brand new truck. When she crashes it that same night, she wakes to find herself lying on the forest floor in front of her body. Yes, in front of her body. That's when Isla begins to suspect that she just might be dead.
This makes me laugh but much like Hayden, I got pretty annoyed with Isla sometimes. Half that time I was on her side, then the other half I was like, "just get over yourself." I know, I know. She just died right? That said, Isla's reaction was understandable. It was mostly just how much she complained about the same thing over and over again. But what makes me laugh is that Hayden got frustrated about the same thing, which brought a nice balance.
I didn't like Hayden at first. He was a jerk from the beginning. But, like Isla, I came around. He started softening but even when he was "softer," he was still tough! Gosh darn it, he down right lied to her. I was honestly hoping Isla would punch at some point. (Specifically after he lied to her. *cough* islands *cough Her punching or slapping him would have been hilarious or... very bad.)
The story was cute and entertaining. I don't read a lot of new adult novels but this pretty good. The novel is actually surprisingly light, which isn't a bad thing. It just wasn't what I had expected. I did kind of see the ending coming but Hayden gave me ALL THE FEELS. He made me smile. He's so nice.
Under Zenith is a light book that is great for mixing things up. Quite honestly, the more I think about this book, the more I like it.
September 13, 2014
This standalone novel from Shannen Crane Camp is a beautiful, depressing and humorous take on life, death, love, family and all the nitty gritty details. Things lost in your memory, science, belief in the afterlife. Follow Isla as Hayden, her handsome British Guide navigates her through a series of gruelling tasks in order to reach her final destination.
It was completely different from what I had expected, but I was enchanted, pulled into this well crafted novel! And keep guessing which is always a plus in my world. Congratulations Shannen! Definitely worth five stars!
It was completely different from what I had expected, but I was enchanted, pulled into this well crafted novel! And keep guessing which is always a plus in my world. Congratulations Shannen! Definitely worth five stars!
February 20, 2014
My favorite part of this book was reading about the dynamic between Haydin and Isla. Such an enjoyable book!
November 16, 2016
Okay.... mind blown! The book was just...WOW! At first, I thought It'd be boring but then....I just couldn't not stop reading the next line. It's been so long since I read a book which left me feeling happy and content. The writing style was not at all boring. I enjoyed reading each and every word in this book.
I truly wish there was a sequel to this story. Though I think the ending was just right.
The main character, Isla, thinks she's dead and stuck in the limbo. The only company she has is of a good looking, attractive Haden with a British accent. He's supposed to be her 'guide' to lead her to her 'destination'. Their relationship was somewhat fascinating as it grew and evolved throughout the book. This story is filled with suspense, mystery, and a hint of romance. Not to mention courage.
I'd really recommend this book to young readers who have an open mind and would appreciate the simplicity of this story.
I truly wish there was a sequel to this story. Though I think the ending was just right.
The main character, Isla, thinks she's dead and stuck in the limbo. The only company she has is of a good looking, attractive Haden with a British accent. He's supposed to be her 'guide' to lead her to her 'destination'. Their relationship was somewhat fascinating as it grew and evolved throughout the book. This story is filled with suspense, mystery, and a hint of romance. Not to mention courage.
I'd really recommend this book to young readers who have an open mind and would appreciate the simplicity of this story.
January 18, 2016
This is one of those book that I just wanted to read in one go, but since I have to limit my reading time to the time I spent in the train, I couldn't. However, if I had the time, I would. The only thing that I find a bit of a bummer is the length of the story, for me, it could have continued for another 100/200 pages. Some parts of the tests seemed a bit short to me, and could have been worked out a bit more. And maybe it is just me, but I found the being in a coma part a bit predictable, I saw it coming. This doesn't spoil the book for me, though, and I would certainly recommend it to others!
February 5, 2014
Yeah, I don't really like this one. It was a bit boring and overall really strange. Maybe I expected too much? Probably. I should stop doing that.
So Isla is standing over her maybe-dead body, watching the people from the hospital talk about her. And they constantly say 'did you call her daddy?', which is weird for me. Grown-ups don't say that about the father of someone else. It sounds like something creepy to be honest. Like a very old guy she had a relationship with or something. And the conversations in this book were just... awkward.
I'm sorry, I didn't like it, I wish I did.
So Isla is standing over her maybe-dead body, watching the people from the hospital talk about her. And they constantly say 'did you call her daddy?', which is weird for me. Grown-ups don't say that about the father of someone else. It sounds like something creepy to be honest. Like a very old guy she had a relationship with or something. And the conversations in this book were just... awkward.
I'm sorry, I didn't like it, I wish I did.
September 14, 2014
3.5. The beginning of the book was a little weird for me...just with the back and forth between Isla and Hayden and how it felt was just a tad unsatisfying. Though it did actually make more sense at the end of the book. I like the idea of this book, of what was actually being accomplished through the entirety of it, pretty cool. I must confess that I also wish there was just a little more at the end but overall it was a good and unique read.
September 22, 2014
I loved this book Shannen. Very creative. I liked Hayden a lot. I think I sorta figured out how it might end when Isla tells Hayden about the river story. By then, I couldn't wait to finish to see if I was right. Great read!
January 30, 2014
Review to come
4.5 Stars
Content: Clean
4.5 Stars
Content: Clean
March 16, 2014
Good and original storyline although did feel it good have been a little longer...ideally I would have liked an epilogue of some kind. Otherwise good solid read!
March 17, 2015
Start ok but went kind of down hill from there. Skipping through most of the book, was a bit boring and the buildup was disappointing.
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