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Foresight #2
Ashes
Scarlett barely escaped with her life the last time she ran in to The Venari; but she refuses to spend her days looking over her shoulder.
Determined to be normal, she heads to Europe, only to learn that her wish to blend in is simply not meant to be. With Jake delayed in Salem, Scarlett is vulnerable and forced to rely on new found friends, The Collective; a band of people with gifts like her own.
When her desire to bring an end to her torment leads her to the dark underbelly of Paris, she discovers what The Venari plan for her is not death, but in fact much worse.
Scarlett realises to help herself and everyone else, she must surrender to the persecutors of thousands of witches before her; those desperate to lay claim to the powers she possesses.
Determined to be normal, she heads to Europe, only to learn that her wish to blend in is simply not meant to be. With Jake delayed in Salem, Scarlett is vulnerable and forced to rely on new found friends, The Collective; a band of people with gifts like her own.
When her desire to bring an end to her torment leads her to the dark underbelly of Paris, she discovers what The Venari plan for her is not death, but in fact much worse.
Scarlett realises to help herself and everyone else, she must surrender to the persecutors of thousands of witches before her; those desperate to lay claim to the powers she possesses.
290 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 6, 2013
About the author
Amy Keen
5 books38 followersThis is me. I write and read as much as possible. I am a huge YA fiction fan and I turned that love into a trilogy of my very own. Embers is my first novel and Book One in The Foresight Series. If you like some dark history, suspense, a touch of the supernatural and paranormal, then they might just be for you.
If you know of any great YA reads that I haven't read, please share!
If you know of any great YA reads that I haven't read, please share!
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
May 5, 2013
Ashes by Amy Keen
Rating 4****
This book was provided by the author in exchange for honest literary review.
Scarlett had just escaped from the itches of the Venari and now it seems that life is looking up. Her and Jake are more in love than ever. Things never seem to stay on the bright side for long in Scarlett's world.
Scarlett's vacation to Paris turns out to be any thing but a happy getaway. The Venari is at their old tricks again and it seems that this time she has walked right into their traps. The question is will she escape with her life this time. It seems Scarlett is the answer to a prophecy set forth many years ago. To the gifted lot known as The Collective she is seen as a savior of their kind. To the Venari she is the enemy. No matter how much either side wants her, no one can yell her what her potential is, or what her true powers may end up being.
This time there is more than her and Jake involved. She has a diverse group of associates all who claim that th3y are there to protect her and help her cause. There is a rat in the ranks though and everyone may not be the friend that they claim to be.
This book is a great blend of romance, suspense and mystery. The plot is fast paced and has several twists and turns. This book is a secong in the series, and I do believe that it is most beneficial to read these in order.
You can't help but root for Scarlett and Jake. Their love is so sweet and endearing. I liked how the author really showed Jake's frustration at needing help in order to keep Scarlett safe. That simple little detail made Jake so real and genuine. These Venari people are seriously some twisted individuals. The things they put Scarlett through is down right scary.
I did enjoy this book and look forward to the next in the series. I can't wait to see the full extent of Scarlett's powers once they all manifest. Also, there is a nasty cliff at the end that I most definitely did not see coming, so I can't wait to see what's gonna happpen next.
Rating 4****
This book was provided by the author in exchange for honest literary review.
Scarlett had just escaped from the itches of the Venari and now it seems that life is looking up. Her and Jake are more in love than ever. Things never seem to stay on the bright side for long in Scarlett's world.
Scarlett's vacation to Paris turns out to be any thing but a happy getaway. The Venari is at their old tricks again and it seems that this time she has walked right into their traps. The question is will she escape with her life this time. It seems Scarlett is the answer to a prophecy set forth many years ago. To the gifted lot known as The Collective she is seen as a savior of their kind. To the Venari she is the enemy. No matter how much either side wants her, no one can yell her what her potential is, or what her true powers may end up being.
This time there is more than her and Jake involved. She has a diverse group of associates all who claim that th3y are there to protect her and help her cause. There is a rat in the ranks though and everyone may not be the friend that they claim to be.
This book is a great blend of romance, suspense and mystery. The plot is fast paced and has several twists and turns. This book is a secong in the series, and I do believe that it is most beneficial to read these in order.
You can't help but root for Scarlett and Jake. Their love is so sweet and endearing. I liked how the author really showed Jake's frustration at needing help in order to keep Scarlett safe. That simple little detail made Jake so real and genuine. These Venari people are seriously some twisted individuals. The things they put Scarlett through is down right scary.
I did enjoy this book and look forward to the next in the series. I can't wait to see the full extent of Scarlett's powers once they all manifest. Also, there is a nasty cliff at the end that I most definitely did not see coming, so I can't wait to see what's gonna happpen next.
June 12, 2013
This book series just went from "Pretty good" to "WOWIE!" I mean, yikes. I am completely impressed with Ms. Keen! As usual, I'm really honest about my first thoughts, especially when they're upheaved and proven to have been wrong. I wrongly went in to this second book feeling that it might be quite repetitive... just a lot of repeat activity with a different setting.
Wrong wrong wrong!
Not only did Ms. Keen create an even more incredible plot by adding a new entourage of characters (who are actually all very present and not just place holders or NPC space fillers) who are there to add mischief, assistance, and richness to Jake and Scarlett's story she creates a multi-level storm of secrets that are uncovered slowly enough, but with enough consistence, to really keep you reading.
This one was a page turner.
This book isn't just a Jake and Scarlett party, there are now more characters to question the loyalty of, and even more shenanigans to wonder about.
Ms. Keen has also transported the reader into a richer setting filled with culturally exciting descriptions and locations to add a bit of spice to a story that may have lost its appeal (sadly) in a suburban Salem setting again.
The end of this one had me sighing. Why? Because I'm going to have to WAIT for the next one?! What the heck?! I don't want to wait! I was just given all of this juicy new information, all of this revelation that has me going "WTH?!" And now I've got to... have PATIENCE?!
As my rating will show you... I'm in to this book. EMBERS lured me in, got me interested but kept me complacent enough to be completely flabbergasted by the second FORESIGHT installment.
Awesome mystery, awesome suspense, great romance and love story (still a bit obsessive, but Ms. Keen finds ways to make that kind of okay), and now some rivalry, perhaps?
All YA paranormal mystery/suspense readers are going to WANT to read this one.
I highly recommend.
GO GO GO! READ IT!
(Seriously Ms. Keen... when is the next one coming out? I'm freakin' out over here.)
Wrong wrong wrong!
Not only did Ms. Keen create an even more incredible plot by adding a new entourage of characters (who are actually all very present and not just place holders or NPC space fillers) who are there to add mischief, assistance, and richness to Jake and Scarlett's story she creates a multi-level storm of secrets that are uncovered slowly enough, but with enough consistence, to really keep you reading.
This one was a page turner.
This book isn't just a Jake and Scarlett party, there are now more characters to question the loyalty of, and even more shenanigans to wonder about.
Ms. Keen has also transported the reader into a richer setting filled with culturally exciting descriptions and locations to add a bit of spice to a story that may have lost its appeal (sadly) in a suburban Salem setting again.
The end of this one had me sighing. Why? Because I'm going to have to WAIT for the next one?! What the heck?! I don't want to wait! I was just given all of this juicy new information, all of this revelation that has me going "WTH?!" And now I've got to... have PATIENCE?!
As my rating will show you... I'm in to this book. EMBERS lured me in, got me interested but kept me complacent enough to be completely flabbergasted by the second FORESIGHT installment.
Awesome mystery, awesome suspense, great romance and love story (still a bit obsessive, but Ms. Keen finds ways to make that kind of okay), and now some rivalry, perhaps?
All YA paranormal mystery/suspense readers are going to WANT to read this one.
I highly recommend.
GO GO GO! READ IT!
(Seriously Ms. Keen... when is the next one coming out? I'm freakin' out over here.)
May 31, 2013
Ashes, the exciting, spellbinding sequel to Embers, is a pulse-pounding, heart stopping thrill ride. While initially I was thrown off by the setting change, from Salem to France, I quickly saw the parallels between the new and old world. And the setting, much like the new characters and conflicts, broaden Scarlett’s world and our vision. We get to see more of the mysterious people, like Scarlett, who have been hunted for centuries for their inherent powers. Paris is explored above and below with horrifying pictures reminiscent of “The Cask of Amontillado.”
Enjoyable to me was seeing Scarlett and Jake’s relationship progress, strain and twist against the challenges they face at first apart, then together. Conversely, her “relationship” with Elias was intriguing, at times frustrating and eventually compelling. Once he got over his emo phase, at least. Like Scarlett, I’m very curious to peel apart his layers.
What I liked best in this book was seeing Scarlett come into her own. She grows so much as a character from the beginning of Embers and to this point, it’s almost hard to believe she’s the same girl. She doesn’t just sit around and let people handle the tough stuff for her, but takes after trouble with slightly martyr like tendencies. Another thing about the characters that I appreciate is that they talk, for the most part, like real people. They get frustrated and don’t finish their sentences sometimes, or their thoughts. And again, I enjoyed Scarlett’s perspective shifting from thought to words, much as we do in real life.
So many twists and turns in this high speed chase of a novel, my mind is still spinning with the final revelation. I would like to report that I expected that twist, but I was completely blindsided and expecting things to end on a tense, but lovey-dovey note. Thankfully, as Ms. Keen has already proven, Ashes dares to revel in its darkness, with the promise of more to tantalize.
Enjoyable to me was seeing Scarlett and Jake’s relationship progress, strain and twist against the challenges they face at first apart, then together. Conversely, her “relationship” with Elias was intriguing, at times frustrating and eventually compelling. Once he got over his emo phase, at least. Like Scarlett, I’m very curious to peel apart his layers.
What I liked best in this book was seeing Scarlett come into her own. She grows so much as a character from the beginning of Embers and to this point, it’s almost hard to believe she’s the same girl. She doesn’t just sit around and let people handle the tough stuff for her, but takes after trouble with slightly martyr like tendencies. Another thing about the characters that I appreciate is that they talk, for the most part, like real people. They get frustrated and don’t finish their sentences sometimes, or their thoughts. And again, I enjoyed Scarlett’s perspective shifting from thought to words, much as we do in real life.
So many twists and turns in this high speed chase of a novel, my mind is still spinning with the final revelation. I would like to report that I expected that twist, but I was completely blindsided and expecting things to end on a tense, but lovey-dovey note. Thankfully, as Ms. Keen has already proven, Ashes dares to revel in its darkness, with the promise of more to tantalize.
April 18, 2013
Lean forward in anticipation …..
Yes, Ashes is one of those rare books where you find yourself subconsciously leaning forward as you go in suspense and anticipation. A fantastic read.
The characters are brilliantly written and develop further from the first book “Embers” making you feel even closer to them and their plight. There are more scenes and settings in Ashes as Scarlett travels to Europe and throughout the book they are described superbly allowing the reader to clearly picture every place and every development in the plot.
Ashes introduces new characters into the Foresight Series and they are brought to life exceptionally well, you feel like you are in the room with them as the story plays out showing there is a gem of a story teller at work here.
Superbly written characters, a wonderful story and I was unable to put it down. I really can’t wait for the next instalment.
If there is one book you HAVE to read this year, it’s this one.
Yes, Ashes is one of those rare books where you find yourself subconsciously leaning forward as you go in suspense and anticipation. A fantastic read.
The characters are brilliantly written and develop further from the first book “Embers” making you feel even closer to them and their plight. There are more scenes and settings in Ashes as Scarlett travels to Europe and throughout the book they are described superbly allowing the reader to clearly picture every place and every development in the plot.
Ashes introduces new characters into the Foresight Series and they are brought to life exceptionally well, you feel like you are in the room with them as the story plays out showing there is a gem of a story teller at work here.
Superbly written characters, a wonderful story and I was unable to put it down. I really can’t wait for the next instalment.
If there is one book you HAVE to read this year, it’s this one.
June 13, 2013
wow
This second installment, I couldn't put down, it really drew me in.
The new setting and new characters really added to it. Good twist at the end which I didn't see coming, but how can u end a book like that, I thought my kindle had frozen.....ahhhhhhhh
The next installment needs to hurry up, coz reading another book now is gonna be hard work.
Embers was good and started things off but this book really took it to another level.
Recommend
This second installment, I couldn't put down, it really drew me in.
The new setting and new characters really added to it. Good twist at the end which I didn't see coming, but how can u end a book like that, I thought my kindle had frozen.....ahhhhhhhh
The next installment needs to hurry up, coz reading another book now is gonna be hard work.
Embers was good and started things off but this book really took it to another level.
Recommend
April 17, 2013
my review will appear here but not until after my day on the ashes book tour: june 12th
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews