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Inconsequential: not important or significant.
Synonyms: insignificant, unimportant, nonessential, irrelevant
In the world of genetic mutation, Gypsy’s talent of knowing a person’s age of death is considered a failure. Her peers, the other Cavies, have powers that range from curdling a blood still in the vein to being able to overhear a conversation taking place three miles away, but when they’re taken from the sanctuary where they grew up and forced into the real world, Gypsy, with her all-but-invisible gift, is the one with the advantage.
The only one who’s safe, if the world finds out what they can do.
When the Cavies are attacked and inoculated with an unidentified virus, that illusion is shattered. Whatever was attached to the virus causes their abilities to change. Grow. In some cases, to escape their control.
Gypsy dreamed of normal high school, normal friends, a normal life, for years. Instead, the Cavies are sucked under a sea of government intrigue, weaponized genetic mutation, and crushing secrets that will reframe everything they’ve ever been told about how their "talents" came to be in the first place.
When they find out one of their own has been appropriated by the government, mistreated and forced to run dangerous missions, their desire for information becomes a pressing need. With only a series of guesses about their origins, the path to the truth becomes quickly littered with friends, enemies, and in the end, the Cavies ability to trust anyone at all.
Synonyms: insignificant, unimportant, nonessential, irrelevant
In the world of genetic mutation, Gypsy’s talent of knowing a person’s age of death is considered a failure. Her peers, the other Cavies, have powers that range from curdling a blood still in the vein to being able to overhear a conversation taking place three miles away, but when they’re taken from the sanctuary where they grew up and forced into the real world, Gypsy, with her all-but-invisible gift, is the one with the advantage.
The only one who’s safe, if the world finds out what they can do.
When the Cavies are attacked and inoculated with an unidentified virus, that illusion is shattered. Whatever was attached to the virus causes their abilities to change. Grow. In some cases, to escape their control.
Gypsy dreamed of normal high school, normal friends, a normal life, for years. Instead, the Cavies are sucked under a sea of government intrigue, weaponized genetic mutation, and crushing secrets that will reframe everything they’ve ever been told about how their "talents" came to be in the first place.
When they find out one of their own has been appropriated by the government, mistreated and forced to run dangerous missions, their desire for information becomes a pressing need. With only a series of guesses about their origins, the path to the truth becomes quickly littered with friends, enemies, and in the end, the Cavies ability to trust anyone at all.
376 pages, Paperback
First published May 7, 2014
24 people are currently reading
1433 people want to read
About the author
Trisha Leigh
13 books519 followersTrisha Leigh is a product of the Midwest, which means it’s pop, not soda, garage sales, not tag sales, and you guys as opposed to y’all. Most of the time. She’s been writing seriously for five years now, and has published 4 young adult novels and 4 new adult novels (under her pen name Lyla Payne). Her favorite things, in no particular order, include: reading, Game of Thrones, Hershey’s kisses, reading, her dogs (Yoda and Jilly), summer, movies, reading, Jude Law, coffee, and rewatching WB series from the 90’s-00’s.
Her family is made up of farmers and/or almost rock stars from Iowa, people who numerous, loud, full of love, and the kind of people that make the world better. Trisha tries her best to honor them, and the lessons they’ve taught, through characters and stories—made up, of course, but true enough in their way.
Trisha is the author of THE LAST YEAR series and the WHITMAN UNIVERSITY books. She’s represented by Kathleen Rushall at Marsal Lyon Literary Agency.
Her family is made up of farmers and/or almost rock stars from Iowa, people who numerous, loud, full of love, and the kind of people that make the world better. Trisha tries her best to honor them, and the lessons they’ve taught, through characters and stories—made up, of course, but true enough in their way.
Trisha is the author of THE LAST YEAR series and the WHITMAN UNIVERSITY books. She’s represented by Kathleen Rushall at Marsal Lyon Literary Agency.
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February 27, 2020
May 13th 2014 - Available Now!!
Amazon.com: http://www.amazon.com/Gypsy-Cavy-File...
Amazon.co.uk: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Gypsy-Cavy-Fi...
B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/gypsy...
AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I just got a copy of
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Review:
(Source: I received a digital copy of this book for free on a read-to-review basis. Thanks to author Trisha Leigh.)
17-year-old Gypsy lives with a group of other kids who are collectively called Cavies. Each has a genetic mutation that gives them a special talent, although Gypsy’s is thought of as ‘Inconsequential’ – knowing what age someone is going to die doesn’t seem all that great compared to the ability to teleport, turn invisible, or kill someone just by thinking about it.
But then Gypsy’s home is raided by police, and she finds herself in the real world living with her biological father, no longer surrounded by the only family she has ever known.
Can Gypsy learn to live with her ability in the real world? And are the Cavies safe without the guidance and supervision they had at their former home?
Having loved Trisha Leigh’s ‘The Last Year’ series I was ecstatic to get my hands on a copy of Gypsy early, and was crossing fingers, toes, and anything else available that this would be just as good, and success! I totally was!
I really liked Gypsy, she couldn’t replace Althea in my heart, but she made a place all of her own. I loved her quiet strength and her loyalty, the way she cared about those close to her, and put time into helping them to the best of her ability. I loved how she found ways to do things important without having what everybody else classified as a useful power, and tried to adapt to new situations the best she could.
The storyline in this was quite slow paced, but it was so good! I loved the little twists and turns, and the detail in the story, and liked that it was able to surprise me! The tension and anticipation were done well, and I wanted desperately to find out what was going on!
I loved the sci-fi angle to this, as well as the family feeling of the group of cavies, which sort of reminded me of the camaraderie of ‘The Secret Circle’, and this author’s style of writing certainly holds magic for me. If I had one negative point though it would be that I found it a little difficult to keep track of who had what special power at times, even with the nick-names!
There was some romance, and even the hint of a love triangle, but the romance wasn’t the main storyline, and Gypsy obviously had somewhat of a problem in that area because of her pesky little skill of knowing what age someone is going to die. Obviously not the first thing you want to know about a potential boyfriend – especially if the number turns out to be bad. I couldn’t help but keep wishing that a certain person would kiss her though, even knowing what that would mean.
The ending to this was pretty good, although we were left lacking a lot of answers, and with a bit of a cliff-hanger. I really can’t wait to find out what happens to Gypsy and the rest of the cavies next! The sequel to this is definitely going to be one of my most anticipated new releases this year!
Overall; brilliant fantasy/paranormal/sci-fi YA novel, read it!
9 out of 10.
Amazon.com: http://www.amazon.com/Gypsy-Cavy-File...
Amazon.co.uk: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Gypsy-Cavy-Fi...
B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/gypsy...
AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I just got a copy of
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Review:
(Source: I received a digital copy of this book for free on a read-to-review basis. Thanks to author Trisha Leigh.)
17-year-old Gypsy lives with a group of other kids who are collectively called Cavies. Each has a genetic mutation that gives them a special talent, although Gypsy’s is thought of as ‘Inconsequential’ – knowing what age someone is going to die doesn’t seem all that great compared to the ability to teleport, turn invisible, or kill someone just by thinking about it.
But then Gypsy’s home is raided by police, and she finds herself in the real world living with her biological father, no longer surrounded by the only family she has ever known.
Can Gypsy learn to live with her ability in the real world? And are the Cavies safe without the guidance and supervision they had at their former home?
Having loved Trisha Leigh’s ‘The Last Year’ series I was ecstatic to get my hands on a copy of Gypsy early, and was crossing fingers, toes, and anything else available that this would be just as good, and success! I totally was!
I really liked Gypsy, she couldn’t replace Althea in my heart, but she made a place all of her own. I loved her quiet strength and her loyalty, the way she cared about those close to her, and put time into helping them to the best of her ability. I loved how she found ways to do things important without having what everybody else classified as a useful power, and tried to adapt to new situations the best she could.
The storyline in this was quite slow paced, but it was so good! I loved the little twists and turns, and the detail in the story, and liked that it was able to surprise me! The tension and anticipation were done well, and I wanted desperately to find out what was going on!
I loved the sci-fi angle to this, as well as the family feeling of the group of cavies, which sort of reminded me of the camaraderie of ‘The Secret Circle’, and this author’s style of writing certainly holds magic for me. If I had one negative point though it would be that I found it a little difficult to keep track of who had what special power at times, even with the nick-names!
There was some romance, and even the hint of a love triangle, but the romance wasn’t the main storyline, and Gypsy obviously had somewhat of a problem in that area because of her pesky little skill of knowing what age someone is going to die. Obviously not the first thing you want to know about a potential boyfriend – especially if the number turns out to be bad. I couldn’t help but keep wishing that a certain person would kiss her though, even knowing what that would mean.
The ending to this was pretty good, although we were left lacking a lot of answers, and with a bit of a cliff-hanger. I really can’t wait to find out what happens to Gypsy and the rest of the cavies next! The sequel to this is definitely going to be one of my most anticipated new releases this year!
Overall; brilliant fantasy/paranormal/sci-fi YA novel, read it!
9 out of 10.
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April 15, 2014Hey, guys!!
I have ARCs of GYPSY ready for review if any of you bloggers are interested! Please follow the link!
GYPSY is a YA scifi that's a little bit X-MEN, a smidge of ALIAS, and a smattering of contemp YA. I hope you'll love it!
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/c...
I have ARCs of GYPSY ready for review if any of you bloggers are interested! Please follow the link!
GYPSY is a YA scifi that's a little bit X-MEN, a smidge of ALIAS, and a smattering of contemp YA. I hope you'll love it!
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/c...
January 20, 2016
https://celebrityreaders.wordpress.co...
This book seems to be many layed and internally based. There’s not a lot of action in the beginning. It very spy novelly. Like subterfuge. I kinda dig the main character gypsy, she has an emotional maturity about her that’s above and beyond what a normal teenager would have. I attribute that to her lack of social interaction and outside influences from growing up on Darley. The closeness they all share is admirable given their circumstances. It really stuck out for me in this book. No matter what obstacles they faced they were still together. I have friends like that so I can relate to it and identify with it.
Gypsy seems to have the one that’s least useful, everybody else has the ability to harm or defend themselves. But gypsy’s power isn’t defensive or offensive, which she struggles with because she feels as though she isn’t contributing to the group as a whole.
I don’t like Jude. I think he is a cookie cutter boy who doesn’t have as many layers as Gypsy and doesn’t fit in with how her personality is. He seems to be really completely normal, where as Dane has something special about him that they have in common and they can relate to and bond over. I like him more. I like Mole too but I feel like Mole’s attraction to Gypsy is more due to proximity than to true attraction. They are very close. I don’t even know if it’s a physical attraction but almost as if he doesn’t want to be replaced, like he feels threatened as her best friend that others can see the awesomeness that Gypsy has.
She juggles with being two people, Gypsy and Norah. Fitting in with her new friends once she is rescued and remaining faithful to her old friends that she grew up with and so close too. This is an interesting internal conflict to me. How do you reconcile growing as a person and branching out but also remaining faithful to your past?
Favorite quote:
The words gather in the air, surround my feet, and settle next to me on the bed, a steaming stew of letters and sentences. I’m afraid if I slurp them all down they’ll never rearrange into the proper order, never make sense, so I sit among my own story, afraid to touch. Afraid to move.
This book seems to be many layed and internally based. There’s not a lot of action in the beginning. It very spy novelly. Like subterfuge. I kinda dig the main character gypsy, she has an emotional maturity about her that’s above and beyond what a normal teenager would have. I attribute that to her lack of social interaction and outside influences from growing up on Darley. The closeness they all share is admirable given their circumstances. It really stuck out for me in this book. No matter what obstacles they faced they were still together. I have friends like that so I can relate to it and identify with it.
Gypsy seems to have the one that’s least useful, everybody else has the ability to harm or defend themselves. But gypsy’s power isn’t defensive or offensive, which she struggles with because she feels as though she isn’t contributing to the group as a whole.
I don’t like Jude. I think he is a cookie cutter boy who doesn’t have as many layers as Gypsy and doesn’t fit in with how her personality is. He seems to be really completely normal, where as Dane has something special about him that they have in common and they can relate to and bond over. I like him more. I like Mole too but I feel like Mole’s attraction to Gypsy is more due to proximity than to true attraction. They are very close. I don’t even know if it’s a physical attraction but almost as if he doesn’t want to be replaced, like he feels threatened as her best friend that others can see the awesomeness that Gypsy has.
She juggles with being two people, Gypsy and Norah. Fitting in with her new friends once she is rescued and remaining faithful to her old friends that she grew up with and so close too. This is an interesting internal conflict to me. How do you reconcile growing as a person and branching out but also remaining faithful to your past?
Favorite quote:
The words gather in the air, surround my feet, and settle next to me on the bed, a steaming stew of letters and sentences. I’m afraid if I slurp them all down they’ll never rearrange into the proper order, never make sense, so I sit among my own story, afraid to touch. Afraid to move.
August 30, 2014
*Review copy provided by author via Xpresso Book Tours in exchange for an honest review*
"They spend their days wishing they were more powerful, more different. I spend mine daydreaming about what life would be like had I never come here."
You may think books like this will probably be set in the dystopian world. If you believe that this book is—you're wrong. This is a contemporary read with paranormal aspects and inquiries inside. It's a paranormal contemporary romance, nothing more or less. And while I was surprised at the fact of that, I enjoyed this even more for being unique and rare.
Trisha Leigh is an amazing author. *gushes* Gypsy is the first book I've read of hers, and it certainly won't be the last. It was rich, lush and everything I was looking for in a good paranormal sci-fi adventure. There are serious thrills and plot twists that will leave you going mad. And it all begins with the Cavies... and a seriously messed up adoption.
Gypsy has a talent—a talent of knowing the age of when someone is going to die. Sure, it has its perks, but Gypsy usually sees it as a worthless ability that really won't do anything. She's grown up with her kind—the other Cavies, in a sanctuary that she's been in for a long period of her life. One day, all of her kind at the moment are brought into the real world, where Gypsy, really known as Norah, meets her father for the first time in her life. She finds out that her mother is dead, and the reason why Gypsy was sent to the sanctuary was because her mother was secretly pregnant and her parents didn't want her mother to keep Gypsy. For time she thinks her life is becoming normal, things get even crazier, when the government begins to unlock secrets about her kind.
That's basically the largest message of the book. Who can Gypsy trust when her life is spinning out of control? I guess the only people can be her kind. Her dad? Uh, no. Jude? No way. Her new friends? Absolutely not. But everyone makes mistakes at times, and things get screwed up. That's just the way life comes and goes. And at the same time, this book had that mentality inside of it. I loved the idea, but it wasn't as strong as I imagined it'd be. Sure, the author took it to different lengths, but I wish that it would've went somewhere bigger. Hopefully we'll get to see that in the sequel.
The plot was very well drawn together. It was thick, and didn't leave me with any questions, except obviously at the end where that huge plot twist/cliffhanger came up. I was squealing with joy to get the sequel! And that, my friends, really shows that the author, Trisha Leigh, is a fantastic writer because I'm everything BUT disappointed.
Gypsy/Norah was a strong protagonist, but I wish that we'd get more out of her. She wasn't as confident and independent as I wish she'd be. Protagonists in a book like this need to be the kick-butt superhero that you dream about at night. She needs to give everything her all and stun us readers for handling everything so smoothly. The whole time, I felt like the book was tipping with her unconfined personality.
At the same time, I really liked the romance. It didn't play a huge role in the book, which wasn't wanted for me, and at the same time, both Jude and Gypsy had a beautiful character relationship and friendship unlike many others. So, cheers to them!
This was a great novel that left butterflies in my stomach and left me wanting more. Absolutely recommended to the paranormal-scifi-romance community!
This review can also be found at A Thousand Lives Lived. Check it out for more reviews!
"They spend their days wishing they were more powerful, more different. I spend mine daydreaming about what life would be like had I never come here."
You may think books like this will probably be set in the dystopian world. If you believe that this book is—you're wrong. This is a contemporary read with paranormal aspects and inquiries inside. It's a paranormal contemporary romance, nothing more or less. And while I was surprised at the fact of that, I enjoyed this even more for being unique and rare.
Trisha Leigh is an amazing author. *gushes* Gypsy is the first book I've read of hers, and it certainly won't be the last. It was rich, lush and everything I was looking for in a good paranormal sci-fi adventure. There are serious thrills and plot twists that will leave you going mad. And it all begins with the Cavies... and a seriously messed up adoption.
Gypsy has a talent—a talent of knowing the age of when someone is going to die. Sure, it has its perks, but Gypsy usually sees it as a worthless ability that really won't do anything. She's grown up with her kind—the other Cavies, in a sanctuary that she's been in for a long period of her life. One day, all of her kind at the moment are brought into the real world, where Gypsy, really known as Norah, meets her father for the first time in her life. She finds out that her mother is dead, and the reason why Gypsy was sent to the sanctuary was because her mother was secretly pregnant and her parents didn't want her mother to keep Gypsy. For time she thinks her life is becoming normal, things get even crazier, when the government begins to unlock secrets about her kind.
That's basically the largest message of the book. Who can Gypsy trust when her life is spinning out of control? I guess the only people can be her kind. Her dad? Uh, no. Jude? No way. Her new friends? Absolutely not. But everyone makes mistakes at times, and things get screwed up. That's just the way life comes and goes. And at the same time, this book had that mentality inside of it. I loved the idea, but it wasn't as strong as I imagined it'd be. Sure, the author took it to different lengths, but I wish that it would've went somewhere bigger. Hopefully we'll get to see that in the sequel.
The plot was very well drawn together. It was thick, and didn't leave me with any questions, except obviously at the end where that huge plot twist/cliffhanger came up. I was squealing with joy to get the sequel! And that, my friends, really shows that the author, Trisha Leigh, is a fantastic writer because I'm everything BUT disappointed.
Gypsy/Norah was a strong protagonist, but I wish that we'd get more out of her. She wasn't as confident and independent as I wish she'd be. Protagonists in a book like this need to be the kick-butt superhero that you dream about at night. She needs to give everything her all and stun us readers for handling everything so smoothly. The whole time, I felt like the book was tipping with her unconfined personality.
At the same time, I really liked the romance. It didn't play a huge role in the book, which wasn't wanted for me, and at the same time, both Jude and Gypsy had a beautiful character relationship and friendship unlike many others. So, cheers to them!
This was a great novel that left butterflies in my stomach and left me wanting more. Absolutely recommended to the paranormal-scifi-romance community!
This review can also be found at A Thousand Lives Lived. Check it out for more reviews!
January 21, 2015
For more reviews, gifs, Cover Snark and more, visit A Reader of Fictions.
Actual rating: 2.5 stars
I’ve read five previous novels by Trisha and I’ve liked them all. Gypsy definitely seemed like a safe bet, since this one, of them all, seemed like it was the most up my alley interests-wise. The subject matter is definitely Christina-bait, though I didn’t know that until I actually started, since the cover made me think it was about ghosts. Sadly, I think this may be my least favorite of Trisha’s books. There were definitely things I liked about it, but a few quirks really irked me.
The Cavy Files sounded like a really weird series name to me, and it took me about half the book to understand why it works, btu that does end up being really cool. The Cavies are the main characters, and they all have powers. They’re sort of X-Menish, but with their own special abilities and challenges. The coolest thing, I think, was the shared mental clubhouse that the ten Cavies could visit while zoning out in the real world. I also liked how varied the powers were in utility, and that the MC, Gypsy, is the least powerful.
The Cavies have grown up together at Darley, an old southern plantation. They’ve been educated and tested by scientists all their lives, told that they’re safer here because the real world would fear and despise them for their powers. What they don’t know is that the end result of that would be them getting locked up in a place with powers comparable to Darley. Anyway, a reporter reveals that children are being kept on this creepy plantation and the kids are rescued. Many, like Gypsy, discover that they have a remaining parent or grandparents. They all have real names. One of the aspects I liked best of Gypsy was the settling in process and how difficult it is for most of the Cavies. I also enjoyed the reflections on what pop culture had gotten wrong about high school.
Each Cavy has two names: their name given to them at Darley and their birth name. The names from Darley relate to their power, though sometimes I don’t understand how. Gypsy’s racist (and the book does reference this) moniker refers to her ability to see when a person will die. The names were my biggest obstacle in the book. Once the second set of names are revealed, I had a really difficult time connecting up the two names. If it had been one switchover, I probably would have managed, but Gypsy/Norah switches back and forth constantly.
Worse for me were the Darley names. Gypsy’s actually one of the better ones. Reaper’s a pretty cool nickname, considering that her power can kill. Flicker fits, since she can teleport. Some of the names, though, threw me out of the book every damn time I encountered them. Athena, for example, is a dude, who has super hearing, but who I could not keep distinct from Goose to the degree I just had to look that up. Athena was named for the Greek goddess, because “of his super hearing and the way people associated her with owls.” Was there really no better referencey name for someone with super hearing? Then there’s Mole, who, despite having fire powers, is named for the fact that he’s blind; I love that he’s depicted as so strong and self-sufficient, but that seemed really awful. Then there’s Haint, who can go invisible. Is it that she “haint” even there? I’ve since learned that it’s a SC term for a ghost, but that’s what I thought whenever I saw it and this name made me physically twitch.
There’s a lot of diversity in Gypsy, which is great, both racial and the inclusion of characters with disabilities. I just wish that the cast had come more alive for me. Gypsy, since she’s the main POV, character is most fleshed out, followed, I think, by Mole. Gypsy’s irritating swears (“Oh, goodnight nurse”, “Shitfire”, and “Oh fits and starts” are some examples) and metaphors got on my nerves, as did the fact that she was REREADING Gravity’s Rainbow. I mean, really. The best relationship development of the book was the one between Gypsy and her father. He’s very sweet and trying very hard to make her feel welcome. Throughout, I had a lot of trouble remembering precisely who was who, partially because of the names and maybe because the cast was so large.
The romance aspect was, like the rest of the book, both the best and the worst. I have high hopes in this department, because there’s a definite reverse harem happening for Gypsy with Jude, Dane and Mole. I am all about reverse harems and so I am loving the dynamic that’s forming. Unfortunately, in this book, Gypsy’s pretty dead set on the one guy I really don’t like. Or, actually, I don’t hate him, but he’s so boring and conventional.
The plot I do like. It’s one of those books where the kids really don’t ever seem to have great options. Darley was obviously a mess, though they didn’t realize it. Normal life might not be possible for most of them. The government certainly doesn’t seem like it will given them a good life either. Everything’s a mess and there’s no way to know who to trust. I enjoy these sorts of plots, because I think they make things more unpredictable. The setting in Charleston is also well done.
So yeah, I’m kind of all over the place with Gypsy. I kind of want to read more, because reverse harem and powers, but I’m not sure if I can handle all the nicknames anymore.
Actual rating: 2.5 stars
I’ve read five previous novels by Trisha and I’ve liked them all. Gypsy definitely seemed like a safe bet, since this one, of them all, seemed like it was the most up my alley interests-wise. The subject matter is definitely Christina-bait, though I didn’t know that until I actually started, since the cover made me think it was about ghosts. Sadly, I think this may be my least favorite of Trisha’s books. There were definitely things I liked about it, but a few quirks really irked me.
The Cavy Files sounded like a really weird series name to me, and it took me about half the book to understand why it works, btu that does end up being really cool. The Cavies are the main characters, and they all have powers. They’re sort of X-Menish, but with their own special abilities and challenges. The coolest thing, I think, was the shared mental clubhouse that the ten Cavies could visit while zoning out in the real world. I also liked how varied the powers were in utility, and that the MC, Gypsy, is the least powerful.
The Cavies have grown up together at Darley, an old southern plantation. They’ve been educated and tested by scientists all their lives, told that they’re safer here because the real world would fear and despise them for their powers. What they don’t know is that the end result of that would be them getting locked up in a place with powers comparable to Darley. Anyway, a reporter reveals that children are being kept on this creepy plantation and the kids are rescued. Many, like Gypsy, discover that they have a remaining parent or grandparents. They all have real names. One of the aspects I liked best of Gypsy was the settling in process and how difficult it is for most of the Cavies. I also enjoyed the reflections on what pop culture had gotten wrong about high school.
Each Cavy has two names: their name given to them at Darley and their birth name. The names from Darley relate to their power, though sometimes I don’t understand how. Gypsy’s racist (and the book does reference this) moniker refers to her ability to see when a person will die. The names were my biggest obstacle in the book. Once the second set of names are revealed, I had a really difficult time connecting up the two names. If it had been one switchover, I probably would have managed, but Gypsy/Norah switches back and forth constantly.
Worse for me were the Darley names. Gypsy’s actually one of the better ones. Reaper’s a pretty cool nickname, considering that her power can kill. Flicker fits, since she can teleport. Some of the names, though, threw me out of the book every damn time I encountered them. Athena, for example, is a dude, who has super hearing, but who I could not keep distinct from Goose to the degree I just had to look that up. Athena was named for the Greek goddess, because “of his super hearing and the way people associated her with owls.” Was there really no better referencey name for someone with super hearing? Then there’s Mole, who, despite having fire powers, is named for the fact that he’s blind; I love that he’s depicted as so strong and self-sufficient, but that seemed really awful. Then there’s Haint, who can go invisible. Is it that she “haint” even there? I’ve since learned that it’s a SC term for a ghost, but that’s what I thought whenever I saw it and this name made me physically twitch.
There’s a lot of diversity in Gypsy, which is great, both racial and the inclusion of characters with disabilities. I just wish that the cast had come more alive for me. Gypsy, since she’s the main POV, character is most fleshed out, followed, I think, by Mole. Gypsy’s irritating swears (“Oh, goodnight nurse”, “Shitfire”, and “Oh fits and starts” are some examples) and metaphors got on my nerves, as did the fact that she was REREADING Gravity’s Rainbow. I mean, really. The best relationship development of the book was the one between Gypsy and her father. He’s very sweet and trying very hard to make her feel welcome. Throughout, I had a lot of trouble remembering precisely who was who, partially because of the names and maybe because the cast was so large.
The romance aspect was, like the rest of the book, both the best and the worst. I have high hopes in this department, because there’s a definite reverse harem happening for Gypsy with Jude, Dane and Mole. I am all about reverse harems and so I am loving the dynamic that’s forming. Unfortunately, in this book, Gypsy’s pretty dead set on the one guy I really don’t like. Or, actually, I don’t hate him, but he’s so boring and conventional.
The plot I do like. It’s one of those books where the kids really don’t ever seem to have great options. Darley was obviously a mess, though they didn’t realize it. Normal life might not be possible for most of them. The government certainly doesn’t seem like it will given them a good life either. Everything’s a mess and there’s no way to know who to trust. I enjoy these sorts of plots, because I think they make things more unpredictable. The setting in Charleston is also well done.
So yeah, I’m kind of all over the place with Gypsy. I kind of want to read more, because reverse harem and powers, but I’m not sure if I can handle all the nicknames anymore.
July 29, 2016
Are you looking for a new paranormal/sci-fi series to sink your teeth into? Look no further because Trisha Leigh has the perfect start to one!
Gypsy has grown up as an orphan in a private sanctuary… one where she is among others of her kind … kids with genetic mutations that can affect them in many different ways. Those in charge have labeled them “The Cavies.” Her talent is what puts her into a category that those same people refer to as “inconsequential”. Her talent you ask? When she touches someone she can see the age they will be when they die. While a useful tool, it’s definitely not as significant as the talents of her friends who can be invisible, or have super speed, or could even kill you if they wanted to. But she feels at home amongst the others even if she doesn’t have as much power as some of them.
Suddenly, her world is rocked when the home she grew up in is found and secrets are revealed. Suddenly her and her friends are pushed into the real world to meet families they never knew, and adjust to a new life where no one knows about the powers they have... yet. But Gypsy has dreamed for as long as she can remember about experiencing a normal life … one where she isn’t tested and poked and prodded on a daily basis. One where she gets to attend a real high school and make normal friends, and among her small group, she’s the one most likely to succeed … she just has to make sure she doesn’t touch anyone and no one finds out what they can do.
Of course things don’t necessarily go that smoothly.
Someone knows all about them, and what they can do, and after each of them is attacked and injected with something their powers begin to change … some in ways they can’t seem to control.
When the cavies decide they need to know more… more about their origins, more about their history and more about the place they grew up, they find themselves in a web of lies and deceit not knowing who they can trust to help them unravel the truth, and then one of their own goes missing and it’s a race against time to rescue them that will have you on the edge of your seat!
I’ve been waiting patiently … (maybe not so patiently) for a new YA series from Trisha Leigh since the last page of her The Last Year Series. So when I begged her to let me read this one I was so excited when she said yes! Let me start by saying that this book has a definite X-Men feel to it, especially at the very beginning and I loved it. Our protagonist Gypsy, was so easy to like… she values her friendships and the relationships she grew up with, but you can feel her yearning for more with every page. When she finally gets her wish, she doesn’t just bail on those who have been such a big part of her life. She still treasures those connections and while she ends up making new friends, she never bails on those who are struggling to fit in.
I really loved both the old friendships that Gypsy has and the new ones she ends up making … And her relationship with her father was so wonderful! I loved watching them both kind of acclimate to this new position in their lives, forming that bond and learning to trust each other.
My only complaint… and I’m going to just get it out of the way, the first fourth of this book is a bit slow moving. Unfortunately I don’t think that there would be any way around this. Trisha Leigh does a wonderful job of building and creating the background and providing the information you need for the story, but I feel like that is what slowed the pace of the story. That said, once the action & suspense kicks in, it doesn’t really stop and it will have you turning pages as quick as you can.
There is a tiny bit of a romance that pops up in this story and even a bit of what MAY end up being a love triangle, but I say a bit of a romance because it’s just little teases here and there. Nothing full-fledged. But can I confide in you all… I wanted more kissing!! I know I know… part of the issue is Gypsy’s talent, which doesn’t really help with the romance. But I truly loved seeing her navigate and try to understand her feelings for both of the guys involved.
With a fun and interesting story, engaging, layered characters, and a mystery that will have you trying to figure out which team to be cheering for, Trisha Leigh has the start of an amazing new series that I can’t wait for more of. This one ends on a bit of a cliffhanger my friends, so consider that your warning, but you must pick this one up as soon as you can… I think you’ll love the amazing story that you’ll find!
Gypsy has grown up as an orphan in a private sanctuary… one where she is among others of her kind … kids with genetic mutations that can affect them in many different ways. Those in charge have labeled them “The Cavies.” Her talent is what puts her into a category that those same people refer to as “inconsequential”. Her talent you ask? When she touches someone she can see the age they will be when they die. While a useful tool, it’s definitely not as significant as the talents of her friends who can be invisible, or have super speed, or could even kill you if they wanted to. But she feels at home amongst the others even if she doesn’t have as much power as some of them.
Suddenly, her world is rocked when the home she grew up in is found and secrets are revealed. Suddenly her and her friends are pushed into the real world to meet families they never knew, and adjust to a new life where no one knows about the powers they have... yet. But Gypsy has dreamed for as long as she can remember about experiencing a normal life … one where she isn’t tested and poked and prodded on a daily basis. One where she gets to attend a real high school and make normal friends, and among her small group, she’s the one most likely to succeed … she just has to make sure she doesn’t touch anyone and no one finds out what they can do.
Of course things don’t necessarily go that smoothly.
Someone knows all about them, and what they can do, and after each of them is attacked and injected with something their powers begin to change … some in ways they can’t seem to control.
When the cavies decide they need to know more… more about their origins, more about their history and more about the place they grew up, they find themselves in a web of lies and deceit not knowing who they can trust to help them unravel the truth, and then one of their own goes missing and it’s a race against time to rescue them that will have you on the edge of your seat!
I’ve been waiting patiently … (maybe not so patiently) for a new YA series from Trisha Leigh since the last page of her The Last Year Series. So when I begged her to let me read this one I was so excited when she said yes! Let me start by saying that this book has a definite X-Men feel to it, especially at the very beginning and I loved it. Our protagonist Gypsy, was so easy to like… she values her friendships and the relationships she grew up with, but you can feel her yearning for more with every page. When she finally gets her wish, she doesn’t just bail on those who have been such a big part of her life. She still treasures those connections and while she ends up making new friends, she never bails on those who are struggling to fit in.
I really loved both the old friendships that Gypsy has and the new ones she ends up making … And her relationship with her father was so wonderful! I loved watching them both kind of acclimate to this new position in their lives, forming that bond and learning to trust each other.
My only complaint… and I’m going to just get it out of the way, the first fourth of this book is a bit slow moving. Unfortunately I don’t think that there would be any way around this. Trisha Leigh does a wonderful job of building and creating the background and providing the information you need for the story, but I feel like that is what slowed the pace of the story. That said, once the action & suspense kicks in, it doesn’t really stop and it will have you turning pages as quick as you can.
There is a tiny bit of a romance that pops up in this story and even a bit of what MAY end up being a love triangle, but I say a bit of a romance because it’s just little teases here and there. Nothing full-fledged. But can I confide in you all… I wanted more kissing!! I know I know… part of the issue is Gypsy’s talent, which doesn’t really help with the romance. But I truly loved seeing her navigate and try to understand her feelings for both of the guys involved.
With a fun and interesting story, engaging, layered characters, and a mystery that will have you trying to figure out which team to be cheering for, Trisha Leigh has the start of an amazing new series that I can’t wait for more of. This one ends on a bit of a cliffhanger my friends, so consider that your warning, but you must pick this one up as soon as you can… I think you’ll love the amazing story that you’ll find!
May 7, 2014
When I first got the email off Trisha asking me to review Gypsy I had to do some research. I had never heard of Trisha or Gypsy before and needed to know more about the book and the author before making my decision. Of course I replied and said yes and quickly found myself in the possession of Gypsy.
Gypsy, and her fellow Cavies lived and grew up at Darley, a home where they discovered their powers, practised and basically had a mixed up family. Her world is shaken up when the arrival of the police splits her makeshift family up, and what Gypsy thought she knew about herself is ripped out from under her feet at the discovery she has a real family, somewhere to really call home.
I love this small group of kids that think of themselves as a family, and while we initially only see a quick glimpse of their life together and what their abilities are, I quickly became emotionally invested in them all. I love the uniqueness of them and how not one of them is the same in personality or ability wise. I was shocked to the core when their family was broken up and was worried over what would happen to the now. As each one finds a home to go to, or somewhere to stay we see how this affects them all, but I really like how the new parental figures still allowed this makeshift family to stay in contact with each other, to keep that bond alive.
Starting a new school is not the best experience for anyone, but imagine having to start a whole new life, and a whole new school on top of that, but also knowing that every single person thinks they know you, yet you have no idea what to do in this new life. I really thought that Gypsy dealt amazingly well with the situation she finds herself in, and I admire her for trying to get used to this new life, making friends and trying to be a normal person.
I am trying so hard not to say too much about what happens in Gypsy in case I spoil it. Gypsy was better than I expected it would be. I went into reading Gypsy expecting it to be an X-Men style book, in that we would see a lot of the ability side and maybe a small hint of normal life, but there are so many things that make up the plot to Gypsy. Of course there is the fantasy/science fiction part of it, and romance, but also the average teenage life problems. I also came away with the feeling that family means different things, and that even if you do have a family in the traditional way, you can still have others that are a family in a non-traditional way.
Reading Gypsy I never knew what to expect next, and just as I thought things were finally falling into place for Gypsy, something was thrown into the mix that made you think and re-evaluate what you thought. I enjoyed the twists and turns within the pages and as I was reaching the final pages I really thought that it had all been sorted out for this group, but Trisha ended with a major cliffhanger that I did not see coming......ever, and I really NEED the next book now. I NEED to know what is happening and what this means. The ending makes sense if you look at in in a certain way, but taking that factor out, the ending does not make sense...is this even real. I NEED to know!!!!!!!!!!!
Gypsy, and her fellow Cavies lived and grew up at Darley, a home where they discovered their powers, practised and basically had a mixed up family. Her world is shaken up when the arrival of the police splits her makeshift family up, and what Gypsy thought she knew about herself is ripped out from under her feet at the discovery she has a real family, somewhere to really call home.
I love this small group of kids that think of themselves as a family, and while we initially only see a quick glimpse of their life together and what their abilities are, I quickly became emotionally invested in them all. I love the uniqueness of them and how not one of them is the same in personality or ability wise. I was shocked to the core when their family was broken up and was worried over what would happen to the now. As each one finds a home to go to, or somewhere to stay we see how this affects them all, but I really like how the new parental figures still allowed this makeshift family to stay in contact with each other, to keep that bond alive.
Starting a new school is not the best experience for anyone, but imagine having to start a whole new life, and a whole new school on top of that, but also knowing that every single person thinks they know you, yet you have no idea what to do in this new life. I really thought that Gypsy dealt amazingly well with the situation she finds herself in, and I admire her for trying to get used to this new life, making friends and trying to be a normal person.
I am trying so hard not to say too much about what happens in Gypsy in case I spoil it. Gypsy was better than I expected it would be. I went into reading Gypsy expecting it to be an X-Men style book, in that we would see a lot of the ability side and maybe a small hint of normal life, but there are so many things that make up the plot to Gypsy. Of course there is the fantasy/science fiction part of it, and romance, but also the average teenage life problems. I also came away with the feeling that family means different things, and that even if you do have a family in the traditional way, you can still have others that are a family in a non-traditional way.
Reading Gypsy I never knew what to expect next, and just as I thought things were finally falling into place for Gypsy, something was thrown into the mix that made you think and re-evaluate what you thought. I enjoyed the twists and turns within the pages and as I was reaching the final pages I really thought that it had all been sorted out for this group, but Trisha ended with a major cliffhanger that I did not see coming......ever, and I really NEED the next book now. I NEED to know what is happening and what this means. The ending makes sense if you look at in in a certain way, but taking that factor out, the ending does not make sense...is this even real. I NEED to know!!!!!!!!!!!
August 31, 2014
I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review
Gypsy is an urban sci-fi/paranormal story about a group of teenagers with mutant powers who grew up together in an orphanage of sorts that doubled as a research laboratory into their unique talents. Gypsy is unhappy with her inconsequential ability to see the date of a person's death when compared to the others around her with much more useful powers.
Gypsy is an intriguing character. Perhaps it was easier to relate to her since the story is told from her point of view. I enjoyed following her character as she navigated the outside world and related to her Cavy peers. I never felt much of a connection with the other characters, though.
The plot is interesting if not fast-paced. There were times when the pace dragged as we were inundated with information... there was lots of info to pass to the reader to understand the Cavies. I loved the mystery and the suspense that continued to build as the story progressed. So many twists and turns, leading to a major cliffhanger ending. I can't say I liked the ending, but that comes from hating cliffhangers, not the ending being bad.
Gypsy is a unique addition to the YA category, blending sci-fi and a touch of the paranormal seamlessly. If you like a good mystery with loads of suspense, add Gypsy to your TBR list.
Gypsy is an urban sci-fi/paranormal story about a group of teenagers with mutant powers who grew up together in an orphanage of sorts that doubled as a research laboratory into their unique talents. Gypsy is unhappy with her inconsequential ability to see the date of a person's death when compared to the others around her with much more useful powers.
Gypsy is an intriguing character. Perhaps it was easier to relate to her since the story is told from her point of view. I enjoyed following her character as she navigated the outside world and related to her Cavy peers. I never felt much of a connection with the other characters, though.
The plot is interesting if not fast-paced. There were times when the pace dragged as we were inundated with information... there was lots of info to pass to the reader to understand the Cavies. I loved the mystery and the suspense that continued to build as the story progressed. So many twists and turns, leading to a major cliffhanger ending. I can't say I liked the ending, but that comes from hating cliffhangers, not the ending being bad.
Gypsy is a unique addition to the YA category, blending sci-fi and a touch of the paranormal seamlessly. If you like a good mystery with loads of suspense, add Gypsy to your TBR list.
January 30, 2015
4.5 stars
Did I enjoy this book: I couldn’t put it down. Leigh’s writing is refreshing – her imagery is endearing, her characters are a wonderful mess, and her timing is darn near perfect. I’ll admit I was expecting a limp retelling of the X-Men, so I was pleasantly surprised when Leigh blended shades of well-known stories (X-Men, Twilight, The Young Inventors Guild) into a vibrant new tale.
The plot isn’t unpredictable, but I didn’t mind. Actually, I’m pretty sure I can see where the series is headed (or at least what Norah’s going to be up to in the near future), and for once I don’t mind a bit. I know what’s going to happen, and I’m still seriously excited to keep reading the series.
Would I recommend it: Absolutely.
As reviewed by Melissa at Every Free Chance Books.
Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
http://everyfreechance.com/2014/08/bl...
Did I enjoy this book: I couldn’t put it down. Leigh’s writing is refreshing – her imagery is endearing, her characters are a wonderful mess, and her timing is darn near perfect. I’ll admit I was expecting a limp retelling of the X-Men, so I was pleasantly surprised when Leigh blended shades of well-known stories (X-Men, Twilight, The Young Inventors Guild) into a vibrant new tale.
The plot isn’t unpredictable, but I didn’t mind. Actually, I’m pretty sure I can see where the series is headed (or at least what Norah’s going to be up to in the near future), and for once I don’t mind a bit. I know what’s going to happen, and I’m still seriously excited to keep reading the series.
Would I recommend it: Absolutely.
As reviewed by Melissa at Every Free Chance Books.
Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
http://everyfreechance.com/2014/08/bl...
September 1, 2014
Love the book, I could have finished it faster but I am having my midterms.
Can't wait for the second book. Hopefully it would be available in my country.
Can't wait for the second book. Hopefully it would be available in my country.
dnf
November 30, 2016Mary come back to this, it had some interesting elements, but I wasn't feeling it at all.
August 30, 2014
I don't know what I was expecting going into Gypsy. I haven't read anything by this author before and even though I had seen some pretty great reviews I wasn't really sure what was going to happen. Although I'm thrilled that I gave this book a shot because I loved it. The plot was exciting and full of twists and turns. The characters were all unique and well thought through with their own strengths and weaknesses making them come alive on the page. In general it was just a really fun and intriguing read with some rather dashing book boyfriends to boot!
The book itself follows a group of teens as they are taken from the only home they have ever known and the people they consider their family. These kids, Cavies as they like to call themselves, are no ordinary kids. They all have superhuman powers that at times can be a danger to not just themselves but also the rest of the world. Now away from the plantation this group of kids have to learn to live a normal life with their biological families (if they have them). However, the normalcy doesn't last long and for Gypsy and her friends to find out the truth about who they are and why they were really forced to live on the plantation their whole lives they will have to risk everything.
This book started off with a really strong x-men feel to it, I was actually kind of waiting for Professor X to come rolling out in his wheelchair at one point. However, this quickly changed as the group of misfit mutants were taken away from their home.
Gypsy is out main protagonist and out of this bunch of mutants she is the least fatal. She has the power to see when people are going to die. One touch and Gypsy will see the age in which you'll finally kick the bucket, which, even though awkward and challenging isn't likely to kill anyone. Unlike Mole who is a walking detonator! However, when Gypsy starts her new life she accidentally bumps into a boy name Jude seeing his number clear as day in her mind. 18. But here's the question, can she find a way to save him?
There was one aspect of the story that I really liked and that was the whole 'clubhouse' idea as it constantly connected us as the reader to the idea that these teens are mutants, not that you ever really forget, but I liked that fact that the group were connected in some way even after they got taken away from the only place they've ever called home.
Overall I really liked this book. It never stopped moving and it constantly gave us as the reader new pieces of the puzzle to digest as the plot thickened. There was never a lull in the story, never a moment wasted with frivolous information. It's action packed and the characters are captivating and easy to get lost in. Well worth the read.
The book itself follows a group of teens as they are taken from the only home they have ever known and the people they consider their family. These kids, Cavies as they like to call themselves, are no ordinary kids. They all have superhuman powers that at times can be a danger to not just themselves but also the rest of the world. Now away from the plantation this group of kids have to learn to live a normal life with their biological families (if they have them). However, the normalcy doesn't last long and for Gypsy and her friends to find out the truth about who they are and why they were really forced to live on the plantation their whole lives they will have to risk everything.
This book started off with a really strong x-men feel to it, I was actually kind of waiting for Professor X to come rolling out in his wheelchair at one point. However, this quickly changed as the group of misfit mutants were taken away from their home.
Gypsy is out main protagonist and out of this bunch of mutants she is the least fatal. She has the power to see when people are going to die. One touch and Gypsy will see the age in which you'll finally kick the bucket, which, even though awkward and challenging isn't likely to kill anyone. Unlike Mole who is a walking detonator! However, when Gypsy starts her new life she accidentally bumps into a boy name Jude seeing his number clear as day in her mind. 18. But here's the question, can she find a way to save him?
There was one aspect of the story that I really liked and that was the whole 'clubhouse' idea as it constantly connected us as the reader to the idea that these teens are mutants, not that you ever really forget, but I liked that fact that the group were connected in some way even after they got taken away from the only place they've ever called home.
Overall I really liked this book. It never stopped moving and it constantly gave us as the reader new pieces of the puzzle to digest as the plot thickened. There was never a lull in the story, never a moment wasted with frivolous information. It's action packed and the characters are captivating and easy to get lost in. Well worth the read.
April 24, 2014
Gypsy was a lovely surprise. When I first read the synopsis, I got to say, it didn't capture me as much. But when I started reading it, I became invested in this X-Men-like universe.
The titular character is a Cavy. What that means is, basically, you're some sort of mutation. But not the ugly kind. She has the power to foresee a person's death (the age) just by touching them. Initially I thought that was so awesome, but then I read the disadvantages of having that tragic gift. Imagine not having to hold someone's hand or hug them because you're afraid to see their life span?
Gypsy, and the other Cavies, are orphans. They reside at Darley which is a secret headquarters of some sort. There, they study about genetics and they also train or enhance their special gifts. It's kind of like a boarding school/orphanage. What really intrigued me is the Philosopher. I believe he's some sort of principal? We only read about him for a few pages until he's out of the picture.
I really liked Gypsy's character. She's very thoughtful and selfless. She goes out of her way just to ensure the safety of her Cavy family. I thought that was very admirable for her age. I also really liked her show of restraint when it comes to romantic relationships. She doesn't succumb to the clutches of the charming and sweet Jude Greene. That was really surprising because never have I read a character like her who doesn't kiss the love interest when she gets the chance.
There's a diverse set of characters in here as well, namely the Cavies. Just reading about them makes me grin in awe of their personalities, backgrounds, and of course, their gifts. They also have really nifty nicknames which confused the heck out of me. Even more so when we find out their birth names.
As for the plot, I thought it was engaging. There's a really great mystery happening in here. I can't wait for the sequel because that ending just blew my mind.
Overall, I enjoyed Gypsy more than I imagined. I had pretty low expectations but thankfully, it managed to surpass them all with flying colours. I really hope we get more background from the other characters because that's what's missing for me in this novel.
*An ARC was given in exchange for an honest review.
The titular character is a Cavy. What that means is, basically, you're some sort of mutation. But not the ugly kind. She has the power to foresee a person's death (the age) just by touching them. Initially I thought that was so awesome, but then I read the disadvantages of having that tragic gift. Imagine not having to hold someone's hand or hug them because you're afraid to see their life span?
Gypsy, and the other Cavies, are orphans. They reside at Darley which is a secret headquarters of some sort. There, they study about genetics and they also train or enhance their special gifts. It's kind of like a boarding school/orphanage. What really intrigued me is the Philosopher. I believe he's some sort of principal? We only read about him for a few pages until he's out of the picture.
I really liked Gypsy's character. She's very thoughtful and selfless. She goes out of her way just to ensure the safety of her Cavy family. I thought that was very admirable for her age. I also really liked her show of restraint when it comes to romantic relationships. She doesn't succumb to the clutches of the charming and sweet Jude Greene. That was really surprising because never have I read a character like her who doesn't kiss the love interest when she gets the chance.
There's a diverse set of characters in here as well, namely the Cavies. Just reading about them makes me grin in awe of their personalities, backgrounds, and of course, their gifts. They also have really nifty nicknames which confused the heck out of me. Even more so when we find out their birth names.
As for the plot, I thought it was engaging. There's a really great mystery happening in here. I can't wait for the sequel because that ending just blew my mind.
Overall, I enjoyed Gypsy more than I imagined. I had pretty low expectations but thankfully, it managed to surpass them all with flying colours. I really hope we get more background from the other characters because that's what's missing for me in this novel.
*An ARC was given in exchange for an honest review.
September 30, 2015
{my review} – This book was incredible. I had a really hard time putting it down and going to sleep some nights.
This book is about a seventeen year-old girl named Gypsy and her nine friends. All of these teenagers have two things in common. They all live on the same plantation and they all have special abilities that help to make them unique and or different from your average teenagers. When I first started reading this book the first thing that came to my mind was that it reminded me of X-Men just with a more juvenile/Girl type spin on it.
Gypsy is a fun, quirky, and slightly depressing character. She has a way with others that she just kind of blends in and she has a loving nature about her that is magnetizing. Her closest friend on the plantation is Mole. He is blind but he doesn’t let that hold him back. He uses all of his senses aside from sight obviously as a means of identifying where he is, what is going on around him and how to handle situations that would be easier could he just see. He knows when Gypsy is around him, he knows when she walks into a room and senses her presence automatically. The two of them have a really close bond and it helps them later in the book, when a bond between them seems to be the only thing helping to hold them both together.
This book is mainly about Gypsy and her friends and what happens to them once they are discovered on the Plantation and the world they once knew was no longer the one that they were living in. I am sure that many individuals that were raised by one parent and then went to live with another parent or some other family can relate to what the struggle to fitting in at a new school, having to make new friends and working on just surviving a new environment can be like.
This book helps you to understand the steps her and her friends take in that journey of surviving all things new. It is the story in between trying to survive and trying to make sense of what was and is no longer. This story was well written, rather powerful and extremely hard not to love! I look forward to reading the next book in the series!
This book is about a seventeen year-old girl named Gypsy and her nine friends. All of these teenagers have two things in common. They all live on the same plantation and they all have special abilities that help to make them unique and or different from your average teenagers. When I first started reading this book the first thing that came to my mind was that it reminded me of X-Men just with a more juvenile/Girl type spin on it.
Gypsy is a fun, quirky, and slightly depressing character. She has a way with others that she just kind of blends in and she has a loving nature about her that is magnetizing. Her closest friend on the plantation is Mole. He is blind but he doesn’t let that hold him back. He uses all of his senses aside from sight obviously as a means of identifying where he is, what is going on around him and how to handle situations that would be easier could he just see. He knows when Gypsy is around him, he knows when she walks into a room and senses her presence automatically. The two of them have a really close bond and it helps them later in the book, when a bond between them seems to be the only thing helping to hold them both together.
This book is mainly about Gypsy and her friends and what happens to them once they are discovered on the Plantation and the world they once knew was no longer the one that they were living in. I am sure that many individuals that were raised by one parent and then went to live with another parent or some other family can relate to what the struggle to fitting in at a new school, having to make new friends and working on just surviving a new environment can be like.
This book helps you to understand the steps her and her friends take in that journey of surviving all things new. It is the story in between trying to survive and trying to make sense of what was and is no longer. This story was well written, rather powerful and extremely hard not to love! I look forward to reading the next book in the series!
August 26, 2014
When I saw Gypsy's summary I thought it sounded really fascinating, so when I got the chance to get a copy for review and be part of the blog tour, I jumped at it. And boy am I glad that I did!
Gypsy not only had a great pace and kept you engaged no matter if we're reading action scenes or character development scenes. The book managed to surprise me from the start, we begin as Gypsy in at the orphanage/school where she's always lived with other 9 kids with special abilities. There's a certain Professor X School sort of file to it, but rather more secret and a little more seedy. But all of a sudden things change, and the Cavies are taken away from the only place than they've known and even if Gypsy sees it as a chance to forget about her useless ability and to feel normal, it isn't as easy for the rest of the Cavies.
We get very little information at first on who where the Professor and the rest of the people at the Cavies only home, and once they're back to the families they didn't know they had it's when the Cavies realize things have just started for them. They need to get back into regular society, they find enemies or potential allies and don't know who to trust, so in the end it's Cavies first and foremost, their bonds stronger than any others.
I was surprised on how easy it was to connect with Gypsy and her struggles with the changes from being insignificant and unimportant to have a chance to be normal and attend high school, which was such a big deal for her! I loved how her being happy in her new life didn't mean she forgot about the Cavies or the questions they were trying to answer.
There's plenty of science, a bit about conspiracies about government agencies, plenty of hidden secrets by the government, the families... When you turn the page you are waiting for the next shoe to drop and then we get to the final showdown, think that things will calm down and YAY no cliffhanger and then BAM! one heck of an awful cliffhanger right there! I'm now dying to get my hands on book 2!! Very well deserved 4.5 stars to this mix of science fiction with paranormal!
Gypsy not only had a great pace and kept you engaged no matter if we're reading action scenes or character development scenes. The book managed to surprise me from the start, we begin as Gypsy in at the orphanage/school where she's always lived with other 9 kids with special abilities. There's a certain Professor X School sort of file to it, but rather more secret and a little more seedy. But all of a sudden things change, and the Cavies are taken away from the only place than they've known and even if Gypsy sees it as a chance to forget about her useless ability and to feel normal, it isn't as easy for the rest of the Cavies.
We get very little information at first on who where the Professor and the rest of the people at the Cavies only home, and once they're back to the families they didn't know they had it's when the Cavies realize things have just started for them. They need to get back into regular society, they find enemies or potential allies and don't know who to trust, so in the end it's Cavies first and foremost, their bonds stronger than any others.
I was surprised on how easy it was to connect with Gypsy and her struggles with the changes from being insignificant and unimportant to have a chance to be normal and attend high school, which was such a big deal for her! I loved how her being happy in her new life didn't mean she forgot about the Cavies or the questions they were trying to answer.
There's plenty of science, a bit about conspiracies about government agencies, plenty of hidden secrets by the government, the families... When you turn the page you are waiting for the next shoe to drop and then we get to the final showdown, think that things will calm down and YAY no cliffhanger and then BAM! one heck of an awful cliffhanger right there! I'm now dying to get my hands on book 2!! Very well deserved 4.5 stars to this mix of science fiction with paranormal!
May 1, 2014
~~I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review~~
There is one thing I love about reading Trisha Leigh's book; she always brings you back for more! And that is just what she has done with this book. Not only has she taken a science Fiction approach, but she has made it into a young adult novel as well. In this book Trisha takes you on a tour of the south. We go to Charleston, South Carolina with its charming towns, and cemeteries and you can't forget the ghosts that haunt the local church.
This book has a conspiracy theory in it, but what you ask is this theory? No one is really sure. All we have to go on are 10 kids that are not like normal people. They were taken from their homes and placed with people that they don't know who they are. Gypsy just wants to be a normal person, she wants to have normal friends, and go to a normal school. Gypsy is a gifted and smart girl, and attracts the attention of the start basketball player. But, getting to close could mean he would be in danger/
I can't say enough about this book. Trisha makes you apart of the book, and I love that. I feel like I am right there next to the characters of the book, going along with their plans and their day to day business. You get lost in South Carolina, and it makes you want to move there.
There is one thing I love about reading Trisha Leigh's book; she always brings you back for more! And that is just what she has done with this book. Not only has she taken a science Fiction approach, but she has made it into a young adult novel as well. In this book Trisha takes you on a tour of the south. We go to Charleston, South Carolina with its charming towns, and cemeteries and you can't forget the ghosts that haunt the local church.
This book has a conspiracy theory in it, but what you ask is this theory? No one is really sure. All we have to go on are 10 kids that are not like normal people. They were taken from their homes and placed with people that they don't know who they are. Gypsy just wants to be a normal person, she wants to have normal friends, and go to a normal school. Gypsy is a gifted and smart girl, and attracts the attention of the start basketball player. But, getting to close could mean he would be in danger/
I can't say enough about this book. Trisha makes you apart of the book, and I love that. I feel like I am right there next to the characters of the book, going along with their plans and their day to day business. You get lost in South Carolina, and it makes you want to move there.
January 23, 2016
*Book Received in Exchange for Honest Opinion/Review*
This book was an excellent start to what I am anticipating being an action packed series. I have been on a paranormal kick this year and since I am stuck in snowmaggedon I thought what would be better than to start a new series. The beginning of the series was a little slow for my liking but I understand because we have to go through the background information and lay the foundation to set up the story. Although around 30% I was drawn in and I didn't want to put it down. I went to sleep thinking about the Cavies, and woke up thinking about the Cavies and needless to say I wanted/want more!
The characters are phenomenal, diverse and unique, each brings a different flavor to the pages. The only character I am on the fence about happens to be the beloved heroine, Gypsy. I find her to be fickle and I am not a fan of the love-triangle or love-square that is trying to be formed? I felt like that somewhat took away from the true mystery of the story and I would have much preferred she just picked one and stuck with him instead of being so wishy-washy. The mystery and plot twists are truly intriguing and I am dying to know what is going to happen next. There is a true element of suspense, I don't know who to trust, who is a liar, and who might die. I am definitely looking forward to book 2, which I anticipate to exceed this one!
This book was an excellent start to what I am anticipating being an action packed series. I have been on a paranormal kick this year and since I am stuck in snowmaggedon I thought what would be better than to start a new series. The beginning of the series was a little slow for my liking but I understand because we have to go through the background information and lay the foundation to set up the story. Although around 30% I was drawn in and I didn't want to put it down. I went to sleep thinking about the Cavies, and woke up thinking about the Cavies and needless to say I wanted/want more!
The characters are phenomenal, diverse and unique, each brings a different flavor to the pages. The only character I am on the fence about happens to be the beloved heroine, Gypsy. I find her to be fickle and I am not a fan of the love-triangle or love-square that is trying to be formed? I felt like that somewhat took away from the true mystery of the story and I would have much preferred she just picked one and stuck with him instead of being so wishy-washy. The mystery and plot twists are truly intriguing and I am dying to know what is going to happen next. There is a true element of suspense, I don't know who to trust, who is a liar, and who might die. I am definitely looking forward to book 2, which I anticipate to exceed this one!
January 16, 2015
Gypsy lives with her friends, they are called the Cavies. She lives in a kind off group home. Gypsy and her friend are special, because by some manipulated gene the 10 teens all have some special powers. From all those powers the one Gypsy has is the least cool or useful, when she touches a person she can see when they die.
One day the teens are rescued and you can image their surprise that almost all kids still have family and these kids were never adopted to this so called group home, were they were poked with needles by doctors.
Now Gypsy is trying to adjust with living with her father, going to school and having other friends.
Life would me so much better if the government and other groups were not after them.
This was a good read, some part off the story fell apart for me when the questions are not asked at the moments it was necessary. I thought that Gypsy could have talked to her dad and Jude. The scene where she is meeting with Jude’s dad and no answers are given what was the meaning off that? They meet and don’t really talk.
I will be looking forward to reading the sequel.
One day the teens are rescued and you can image their surprise that almost all kids still have family and these kids were never adopted to this so called group home, were they were poked with needles by doctors.
Now Gypsy is trying to adjust with living with her father, going to school and having other friends.
Life would me so much better if the government and other groups were not after them.
This was a good read, some part off the story fell apart for me when the questions are not asked at the moments it was necessary. I thought that Gypsy could have talked to her dad and Jude. The scene where she is meeting with Jude’s dad and no answers are given what was the meaning off that? They meet and don’t really talk.
I will be looking forward to reading the sequel.
April 26, 2014
Trisha's new book does not disappoint. While it did not grab me as quickly as her other series, "The Last Year", it was still very good. My first impression was very much "X-Men" as the main characters have genetic mutations, they live on a plantation and their caretaker is called "Philosopher".
Things quickly change once they are taken from the only home they've ever known and thrust into the real world. Interesting story-line, engaging characters, mystery and a hint of romance - what more could you ask for? I am hoping Trisha will write a sequel since Gypsy ends with a major cliffhanger.
Things quickly change once they are taken from the only home they've ever known and thrust into the real world. Interesting story-line, engaging characters, mystery and a hint of romance - what more could you ask for? I am hoping Trisha will write a sequel since Gypsy ends with a major cliffhanger.
May 11, 2014
I'm ready to read more! Although it took a bit into the story to really hook me, by the end of Gypsy, I was all in and now can't wait to know what happens next. I'm always interested in Trisha Leigh's characters and the Cavies don't disappoint. I hope the wait isn't too long for the next in the Cavy Files.
August 8, 2014
When you compare a book to the X-Men franchise, you've immediately got my attention. Throwing that kind of a name around can be very dangerous because if the book doesn't measure up, you've got an entire legion of obsessed fans ready to tear your book's reputation to shreds. But then there's also the chance that seeing that name will peak somebody's interest enough to get them to open the book for the first time, when before they were just on the fence about it. That's what happened with me.
And as much as it kills me to say this, Nightcrawler, Kitty, Professor X, and my dear, sweet Beasty boy, you just got your supernatural behinds handed to you by a bunch of teenagers from South Carolina by the names of Gypsy, Mole, Haint, Flicker, Reaper, Goose, Athena, Pollyanna, Prism, and Geoff (aka Vegetable).
Now I know what you're thinking. Did I really just say that? Did I really just say that the Cavies from Trisha Leigh's Gypsy were actually BETTER than the X-Men?
Well, yes and no, but I'd definitely say that they have the possibility of reaching deeper into my heart than the X-Men. Keep in mind, this is just the first book in The Cavy Files, while X-Men was created OVER FIFTY YEARS AGO. Now, I'm not anywhere near saying that The Cavy Files are newer, therefore they must be better, but what I am trying to say is that this is just my first introduction to the Cavies. The X-Men have had my entire life to get me to fall in love with them (which they've done wonderfully), but first impression vs. first impression, I'd definitely say that Gypsy wins out.
I loved this book from the very beginning. Trisha Leigh's writing style is completely perfect, with that nice, contemporary feel to it, quick-flowing dialogue, and subtle moments of complete beauty in her writing. Oh, those gorgeous extended metaphors! I'm tingly all over just thinking about them.
Then there's the characters. Don't even get me STARTED on those characters! It was so easy to fall in love with them, even the ones I never even met during the novel (which is upsetting, but I can see how it was necessary for at least the first book).
I REALLY liked Gypsy, which is strange for me because after a while, the main character usually starts to piss me off. Except for maybe once, Gypsy didn't have a problem with that. She's intelligent, perceptive, humble, kind, and very reflective, which to me sounds like the foundation for a perfect narrator. And to make it even better, she's not consumed by the love interest(s). The fact that I even have to put that "s" in parentheses is pretty awesome.
Don't get me wrong, I love me a good romance, and when it never happens, it does always seem to be the one thing I'm waiting for, but I do NOT think it should be so prominent that I completely forget what the plot of the book is. And the thing that upsets me more than pretty much anything else in a book is when the main character forgets that too. Romance ADDS to a story, but unless I know going in that the genre of this book is specifically romantic something or another, I do not want it to be the single most prominent thing that I'm reading about.
Gypsy's very good at keeping all of this in perspective. The biggest Heck yeah! moment I had in this book was when she said that she absolutely could not get involved with this person because there were too many reasons why it was a bad idea. This was at the time after the Cavies found out about the "one of their own" who had been held captive by the government and after her gift revealed some very crucial information about that specific suitor. Some heroines would go into a ten page long lament about how much she loves him and how their feelings for each other are just so strong that she simply can't hold back anymore, but Gypsy doesn't. She's got it together and still realizes that all of the reasons why not are still completely valid and that she has much more important things to worry about (such as, you know, two very shady groups of individuals trying to potentially destroy her family) than whether or not a boy likes her.
Then again, there is one exception: Mole. Throughout the entire book, I felt like I was clawing my way through the pages, searching for more Mole, and then latching on like a rabid dog as soon as I found him. I ADORE Mole. He was one of the reasons I decided to read this book. A quote from him opens the novel, and he was such a bright and shining star that I knew I couldn't go on without him. He's a completely perfect character, and I wanted so much more of him. Let me show you why.
... and...
Then there's Gypsy's memories of young Mole, "his little boy face twisted into a determined frown as he tried to convince us all we were witches and wizards," that made me feel like my heart was beating out of my chest. And then that one moment towards the end when he realizes that Gypsy's crying and he tries to brush the tears away, even though touching her would mean that they would know when he dies. But he tries to anyway because as he simply puts it, "You're sad, and I want to help."
The only negative I have about Mole's entire presence in this book is that there isn't nearly enough of him, but I can say that about all of the Cavies. I want so much more of each and every one of them, and it's KILLING me that I can find very little information about the sequel. ESPECIALLY because of that killer cliffhanger. The events right at the end with Haint's realization sped up my heart rate to almost dangerous levels, and I'm pretty sure it flat-lined when I looked down and saw that it was the last page. I am DYING right now. I need more Cavy Files!
Taylor
For the original review and more, please visit Marked By Books.
And as much as it kills me to say this, Nightcrawler, Kitty, Professor X, and my dear, sweet Beasty boy, you just got your supernatural behinds handed to you by a bunch of teenagers from South Carolina by the names of Gypsy, Mole, Haint, Flicker, Reaper, Goose, Athena, Pollyanna, Prism, and Geoff (aka Vegetable).
Now I know what you're thinking. Did I really just say that? Did I really just say that the Cavies from Trisha Leigh's Gypsy were actually BETTER than the X-Men?
Well, yes and no, but I'd definitely say that they have the possibility of reaching deeper into my heart than the X-Men. Keep in mind, this is just the first book in The Cavy Files, while X-Men was created OVER FIFTY YEARS AGO. Now, I'm not anywhere near saying that The Cavy Files are newer, therefore they must be better, but what I am trying to say is that this is just my first introduction to the Cavies. The X-Men have had my entire life to get me to fall in love with them (which they've done wonderfully), but first impression vs. first impression, I'd definitely say that Gypsy wins out.
I loved this book from the very beginning. Trisha Leigh's writing style is completely perfect, with that nice, contemporary feel to it, quick-flowing dialogue, and subtle moments of complete beauty in her writing. Oh, those gorgeous extended metaphors! I'm tingly all over just thinking about them.
"There's a question that lives inside me, breathing and restless and separate. It feels like a dragon breathing fire, molten words that spurt into my belly while the canoe rocks gently: what would happen if I oared past our property line and into Charleston?
I'm not like the others, after all; I could hide out there in the world. No one would know what I can do, not unless I tell them.
But I stay. And the dragon seethes."
Then there's the characters. Don't even get me STARTED on those characters! It was so easy to fall in love with them, even the ones I never even met during the novel (which is upsetting, but I can see how it was necessary for at least the first book).
"We're categorized according to our level of usefulness, the details of our mutations and abilities listed in records the Philosopher hopes might convince the government we could be potential assets as opposed to threats.
Three Operationals, two Substantials, one Developmental, three Unstables, and one Inconsequential. That's me."
I REALLY liked Gypsy, which is strange for me because after a while, the main character usually starts to piss me off. Except for maybe once, Gypsy didn't have a problem with that. She's intelligent, perceptive, humble, kind, and very reflective, which to me sounds like the foundation for a perfect narrator. And to make it even better, she's not consumed by the love interest(s). The fact that I even have to put that "s" in parentheses is pretty awesome.
Don't get me wrong, I love me a good romance, and when it never happens, it does always seem to be the one thing I'm waiting for, but I do NOT think it should be so prominent that I completely forget what the plot of the book is. And the thing that upsets me more than pretty much anything else in a book is when the main character forgets that too. Romance ADDS to a story, but unless I know going in that the genre of this book is specifically romantic something or another, I do not want it to be the single most prominent thing that I'm reading about.
Gypsy's very good at keeping all of this in perspective. The biggest Heck yeah! moment I had in this book was when she said that she absolutely could not get involved with this person because there were too many reasons why it was a bad idea. This was at the time after the Cavies found out about the "one of their own" who had been held captive by the government and after her gift revealed some very crucial information about that specific suitor. Some heroines would go into a ten page long lament about how much she loves him and how their feelings for each other are just so strong that she simply can't hold back anymore, but Gypsy doesn't. She's got it together and still realizes that all of the reasons why not are still completely valid and that she has much more important things to worry about (such as, you know, two very shady groups of individuals trying to potentially destroy her family) than whether or not a boy likes her.
Then again, there is one exception: Mole. Throughout the entire book, I felt like I was clawing my way through the pages, searching for more Mole, and then latching on like a rabid dog as soon as I found him. I ADORE Mole. He was one of the reasons I decided to read this book. A quote from him opens the novel, and he was such a bright and shining star that I knew I couldn't go on without him. He's a completely perfect character, and I wanted so much more of him. Let me show you why.
"Have I ever told you how hot you look with electrodes stuck to your head? Not everyone can pull that look off, but you..." Mole makes an exaggerated smacking sound with his lips, like a cartoon character enjoying a decadent meal.
I roll my eyes and scoot away from his hand, which drifts toward my shoulder. "I hate to be the one to break this to you, but you're blind. So I'm afraid your testimony is inadmissible."
"Wait, I'm blind? You're kidding me!" He grins. "That does explain why I've always assumed you were beautiful. Carry on."
... and...
"The glass doors at the front of the atrium close behind him, and the moment he hears the snick Mole sinks down next to me. He fumbles for a moment to find my shoulders, then pulls my cheek to his chest. We've had years of practice. There's no one's touch I trust more. No one who can make the world better by just sitting next to me, letting me breathe him in, as odd as that sounds."
Then there's Gypsy's memories of young Mole, "his little boy face twisted into a determined frown as he tried to convince us all we were witches and wizards," that made me feel like my heart was beating out of my chest. And then that one moment towards the end when he realizes that Gypsy's crying and he tries to brush the tears away, even though touching her would mean that they would know when he dies. But he tries to anyway because as he simply puts it, "You're sad, and I want to help."
The only negative I have about Mole's entire presence in this book is that there isn't nearly enough of him, but I can say that about all of the Cavies. I want so much more of each and every one of them, and it's KILLING me that I can find very little information about the sequel. ESPECIALLY because of that killer cliffhanger. The events right at the end with Haint's realization sped up my heart rate to almost dangerous levels, and I'm pretty sure it flat-lined when I looked down and saw that it was the last page. I am DYING right now. I need more Cavy Files!
Taylor
For the original review and more, please visit Marked By Books.
January 18, 2025
Let me say that since I got an ARC the writing was still rough around the edges but it started off pretty good. The book sort of reminds me of a more everyday X-Men with some genetic mutations and their abilities but with normal kids.
It starts right smack in the lives they have always known. Then they are yanked right out of the lives they have always known and were content with and thrown in a whole new life. I find that it's a very real situation. It's the idea that you never knew what you had till it's gone and I get that with this story. However, I feel that the execution right after they left wasn't real enough for me.
The characters were too smart and not traumatic enough for me which isn't a terrible thing because I wouldn't want to read about them dwelling on their misery and the past. Unfortunately, I didn't find their reactions too believable either. I think that could have been worked on a little more but it was acceptable for me.
I really liked the characters. They were all unique and had a personality. I had no problem seeing them in my mind. I liked Gypsy, even though she's not as special as her companions she still puts her best foot forward to make the best of the current situation. She even gets some hot boys interested in her without trying and Gypsy is humble enough that I don't mind.
The pacing was ok, I felt like it could have been sped up a little but I'm also used to faster paced books. I found myself skimming ahead at some parts. I do want to mention that the author did a lovely job describing the southern landscapes and with the dialogue of the characters. I enjoyed some of the witty quips between the characters.
Unfortunately, I could predict a few of the threads of the story. Although, I wasn't certain my hunches were true until they actually happened but I had a feeling they were the ones behind it. I was right for the most part but didn't really see the ending coming which was good but abrupt. I was so excited when I got there that wanted to see more of what would happen but was devastated to see that was the end. I also feel like once we reached the climax of the story we didn't get any new information that hadn't already been shared in the middle of the story until the last sentence of the book.
Overall, I enjoyed the story and if you like X-Men or like supernatural powers or abilities I think you'll enjoy this book! There are some good elements that I think you'll like if you like a little mystery and slow building stories.
It starts right smack in the lives they have always known. Then they are yanked right out of the lives they have always known and were content with and thrown in a whole new life. I find that it's a very real situation. It's the idea that you never knew what you had till it's gone and I get that with this story. However, I feel that the execution right after they left wasn't real enough for me.
The characters were too smart and not traumatic enough for me which isn't a terrible thing because I wouldn't want to read about them dwelling on their misery and the past. Unfortunately, I didn't find their reactions too believable either. I think that could have been worked on a little more but it was acceptable for me.
I really liked the characters. They were all unique and had a personality. I had no problem seeing them in my mind. I liked Gypsy, even though she's not as special as her companions she still puts her best foot forward to make the best of the current situation. She even gets some hot boys interested in her without trying and Gypsy is humble enough that I don't mind.
The pacing was ok, I felt like it could have been sped up a little but I'm also used to faster paced books. I found myself skimming ahead at some parts. I do want to mention that the author did a lovely job describing the southern landscapes and with the dialogue of the characters. I enjoyed some of the witty quips between the characters.
Unfortunately, I could predict a few of the threads of the story. Although, I wasn't certain my hunches were true until they actually happened but I had a feeling they were the ones behind it. I was right for the most part but didn't really see the ending coming which was good but abrupt. I was so excited when I got there that wanted to see more of what would happen but was devastated to see that was the end. I also feel like once we reached the climax of the story we didn't get any new information that hadn't already been shared in the middle of the story until the last sentence of the book.
Overall, I enjoyed the story and if you like X-Men or like supernatural powers or abilities I think you'll enjoy this book! There are some good elements that I think you'll like if you like a little mystery and slow building stories.
September 28, 2017
Gypsy is book one of the Cavy Files. A story of a group of young people living a sheltered life on a remote long forgotten plantation. Each with a genetic mutation that makes them special in their own right. Where they came from, how they got to Darley Hall is unbeknownst to them. Why them and who do you trust when you've lived your entire life being told to trust no one?
Is there anything that Trisha Leigh can't do?! I think not since there has yet to be a book of hers that I haven't fallen head over heels for! How she spins this magical web of literary genius is beyond me. Leigh draws you in from the beginning and leaves you wanting to know about these characters, become invested in their well being and hoping they find the answers their looking for.
Is there anything that Trisha Leigh can't do?! I think not since there has yet to be a book of hers that I haven't fallen head over heels for! How she spins this magical web of literary genius is beyond me. Leigh draws you in from the beginning and leaves you wanting to know about these characters, become invested in their well being and hoping they find the answers their looking for.
September 19, 2018
I chose this book because I needed a book with gypsy in the title for a Goodreads challenge. I don't know what I expected but it certainly wasn't this. It kind of reminds me of the Maximum Ride series by James Patterson. It isn't exactly the same storyline but they both have genetically changed children involved.
I love that some of these kids got to meet the families they were torn away from. They also had a semblance of a normal life for a few short weeks. My heart ached for poor Gypsy as she was preparing to leave her dad's house.
I can't wait to learn more about the "Olders" and what their plans for the Cavy kids are. I can't help but think that they are jumping from one fire into another.
I love that some of these kids got to meet the families they were torn away from. They also had a semblance of a normal life for a few short weeks. My heart ached for poor Gypsy as she was preparing to leave her dad's house.
I can't wait to learn more about the "Olders" and what their plans for the Cavy kids are. I can't help but think that they are jumping from one fire into another.
September 1, 2019
Intriguing. Thats the best way I can describe it.
The characters are a little flat, but the plot is refreshingly different from so many YA novels that it didn't bother me too much. The romance was good and cute, though a bit young for me. And if you aren't into love triangles (or squares) you should probably stay away, haha. But overall, enjoyable.
September 23, 2017
4.5 stars..
August 29, 2014
This review and many others can be found on my blog - Feed Your Fiction Addiction
Gypsy was taken in as a baby by a secret group that shelters (and experiments on) children with abilities, who they’ve dubbed the Cavies. But while Gypsy’s friends have impressive abilities like invisibility, super speed, and the ability to set things on fire, Gypsy can only see the age at which someone will die when she touches them. This ability is not only not particularly useful, but it makes Gypsy constantly feel like she’s walking among the almost-dead. She would love nothing more than to live a normal life. But when the Cavies are “rescued” from their captors and forced out into the real world where they have to pretend to have no abilities at all, Gypsy suddenly isn’t so sure how well she can adapt to the outside world after all.To make things more complicated, just as Gypsy is settling in, someone attacks the Cavies and injects them with a virus that increases their powers. They suddenly discover that the people who held them are not the only ones who know about their abilities – and that they may have more enemies than they realized.
What I loved:
Superpowers!
I loved the idea behind this story. Gypsy and her friends have been raised by some secret group that is constantly pushing them to the limit of their abilities. Of course, you have to wonder who these people are and what they’re training the Cavies for. And the idea of teens with superpowers has always been a favorite of mine – what teen doesn’t wish that they had them!
The characters.
Leigh did a great job of creating characters who I was invested in. Each of the Cavies had their own, distinct, strong personalities and they all dealt with the transition to the “real world” in their own ways. My favorite of the Cavies was Mole, Gypsy’s best friend (and possible love interest?). I loved the bond between these two characters. Once Gypsy gets out into the real world, she meets Jude, another one of my favorite characters. While there isn’t a huge romance in the book, there is definitely a little bit of a love triangle with Mole and Jude (with small hints of a quadrangle with another character as well – I wasn’t so crazy about him – I’ll talk more about him later).
Discoveries.
Throughout the book, Gypsy and the other Cavies make quite a few discoveries about themselves – their families, their backgrounds, the people who raised them. There are tons of mysteries that unfold throughout the book and I really enjoyed discovering the many pieces of the puzzle that came together. The Cavies never quite knew who to trust, and I was never sure either!
Family relationships.
This book explored family relationships and what makes people bond as a family. The Cavies have been the only family that Gypsy has ever known and when the group is torn apart, needless to say, they go through a difficult transition. On top of that, some of them have newfound family members and they suddenly have to navigate those new relationships – it can get pretty complicated and overwhelming!
The negatives:
Dane.
Dane is the one character that I wasn’t crazy about. Gypsy immediately became friends with him when she started at her new school and it just seemed way too obvious that something was going on with him. I didn’t get why Gypsy wanted to trust him so much and his motivations never made a lot of sense to me. Plus there were hints that Gypsy might have felt an attraction to him as well, and I didn’t really see it or want the triangle to turn into a quadrangle. Parts of the storyline that involved Dane seemed a bit unbelievable or forced to me, but it didn’t ruin the book as a whole.
If you’re looking for an interesting new YA paranormal book, then I’d recommend picking Gypsy up! With fun characters and lots of surprises, this one was a winner! 4/5 stars.
***Disclosure: This book was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review. No other compensation was given and all opinions are my own.***
Gypsy was taken in as a baby by a secret group that shelters (and experiments on) children with abilities, who they’ve dubbed the Cavies. But while Gypsy’s friends have impressive abilities like invisibility, super speed, and the ability to set things on fire, Gypsy can only see the age at which someone will die when she touches them. This ability is not only not particularly useful, but it makes Gypsy constantly feel like she’s walking among the almost-dead. She would love nothing more than to live a normal life. But when the Cavies are “rescued” from their captors and forced out into the real world where they have to pretend to have no abilities at all, Gypsy suddenly isn’t so sure how well she can adapt to the outside world after all.To make things more complicated, just as Gypsy is settling in, someone attacks the Cavies and injects them with a virus that increases their powers. They suddenly discover that the people who held them are not the only ones who know about their abilities – and that they may have more enemies than they realized.
What I loved:
Superpowers!
I loved the idea behind this story. Gypsy and her friends have been raised by some secret group that is constantly pushing them to the limit of their abilities. Of course, you have to wonder who these people are and what they’re training the Cavies for. And the idea of teens with superpowers has always been a favorite of mine – what teen doesn’t wish that they had them!
The characters.
Leigh did a great job of creating characters who I was invested in. Each of the Cavies had their own, distinct, strong personalities and they all dealt with the transition to the “real world” in their own ways. My favorite of the Cavies was Mole, Gypsy’s best friend (and possible love interest?). I loved the bond between these two characters. Once Gypsy gets out into the real world, she meets Jude, another one of my favorite characters. While there isn’t a huge romance in the book, there is definitely a little bit of a love triangle with Mole and Jude (with small hints of a quadrangle with another character as well – I wasn’t so crazy about him – I’ll talk more about him later).
Discoveries.
Throughout the book, Gypsy and the other Cavies make quite a few discoveries about themselves – their families, their backgrounds, the people who raised them. There are tons of mysteries that unfold throughout the book and I really enjoyed discovering the many pieces of the puzzle that came together. The Cavies never quite knew who to trust, and I was never sure either!
Family relationships.
This book explored family relationships and what makes people bond as a family. The Cavies have been the only family that Gypsy has ever known and when the group is torn apart, needless to say, they go through a difficult transition. On top of that, some of them have newfound family members and they suddenly have to navigate those new relationships – it can get pretty complicated and overwhelming!
The negatives:
Dane.
Dane is the one character that I wasn’t crazy about. Gypsy immediately became friends with him when she started at her new school and it just seemed way too obvious that something was going on with him. I didn’t get why Gypsy wanted to trust him so much and his motivations never made a lot of sense to me. Plus there were hints that Gypsy might have felt an attraction to him as well, and I didn’t really see it or want the triangle to turn into a quadrangle. Parts of the storyline that involved Dane seemed a bit unbelievable or forced to me, but it didn’t ruin the book as a whole.
If you’re looking for an interesting new YA paranormal book, then I’d recommend picking Gypsy up! With fun characters and lots of surprises, this one was a winner! 4/5 stars.
***Disclosure: This book was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review. No other compensation was given and all opinions are my own.***
October 18, 2018
now i am hooked. This was such a great, easy and creative book. i was hooked after the first page.
The characters were easy to fall in love with and follow, along with the story. the author made the mental visions so easy and vivid of the surroundings and the characters actions felt so real.
i would highly recommend this author and this book.
The characters were easy to fall in love with and follow, along with the story. the author made the mental visions so easy and vivid of the surroundings and the characters actions felt so real.
i would highly recommend this author and this book.
March 5, 2015
Reviewed on Lili Lost in a Book
What initially drew me to Gypsy was the premise. It just sounded so intriguing! I mean, a bunch of kids with genetic mutations kind of like X-Men?? Yes please! I love me some Marvel! And awesome supernatural abilities ;)
I really loved seeing all the different abilities that the kids had! They were really cool! However, I had a hard time keeping all the characters straight since there were SO many of them... Especially after they were given they're "real" name! So confuse! By the end of the book, though, I think I knew who was who and who did what.
Overall, I thought our main character Gypsy was likable. There were some instances were she just made me go...
She was just too forgiving, too fast! Especially when it came to Jude and Dane. I don't know girly... you're a little too trusting.
Speaking of Dane and Jude, at the beginning of the book I was suspecting a love triangle going on (I hate love triangles, by the way!) But I was wrong! It was so much worse and crazier than I love triangle! It was a love freakin' square! My reaction:
We have her best friend Mole, the friendly charming guy Jude, and the understanding new guy Dane. I think Gypsy might be leaning more toward Jude, but I totally ship Gypsy and Mole! I really like him! The other guys, not so much. Dane was just too suspicious and Jude seems very clingy and just... Ugh! He frustrated me a lot! Especially toward the end when he ruined everything!! But I can totally do Mole ;) He's cool.
Another character I really liked was Geoff! Once you get that kid talking, he is pretty freakin' awesome! Gypsy's dad... I just have to say that Gypsy meeting her father was the sweetest, most awkward thing ever! It was very endearing them getting to know each other for the first time and getting used to having a daughter/father. I really loved seeing their relationship develop!
As I said before, the concept and story was very intriguing and I loved it! It was just very interesting for me to read about these cool genetic mutations on the origins of where they came from, though we don't get to much info on this so I want to know more! I also liked that the book started of with action right at the beginning! It really captured my attention, making me want to know more! Unfortunately, the fast pace that was in the beginning didn't make it to the middle. It was just very slow for me, so it took me longer than usual to finish this book because it was just so easy for me to put down. I also wasn't too crazy over the writing, at the start. It just felt like it didn't flow too well... or something! Something was just off about it, but I managed to get past that :)
And don't even get me started on that cliffhanger! I NEED TO KNOW MORE! The story was just great and so much fun to read about. I really cannot wait to find out about the origin of the Cavies and what will happen next! Eeep!
What initially drew me to Gypsy was the premise. It just sounded so intriguing! I mean, a bunch of kids with genetic mutations kind of like X-Men?? Yes please! I love me some Marvel! And awesome supernatural abilities ;)
I really loved seeing all the different abilities that the kids had! They were really cool! However, I had a hard time keeping all the characters straight since there were SO many of them... Especially after they were given they're "real" name! So confuse! By the end of the book, though, I think I knew who was who and who did what.
Overall, I thought our main character Gypsy was likable. There were some instances were she just made me go...
She was just too forgiving, too fast! Especially when it came to Jude and Dane. I don't know girly... you're a little too trusting.
Speaking of Dane and Jude, at the beginning of the book I was suspecting a love triangle going on (I hate love triangles, by the way!) But I was wrong! It was so much worse and crazier than I love triangle! It was a love freakin' square! My reaction:
We have her best friend Mole, the friendly charming guy Jude, and the understanding new guy Dane. I think Gypsy might be leaning more toward Jude, but I totally ship Gypsy and Mole! I really like him! The other guys, not so much. Dane was just too suspicious and Jude seems very clingy and just... Ugh! He frustrated me a lot! Especially toward the end when he ruined everything!! But I can totally do Mole ;) He's cool.
Another character I really liked was Geoff! Once you get that kid talking, he is pretty freakin' awesome! Gypsy's dad... I just have to say that Gypsy meeting her father was the sweetest, most awkward thing ever! It was very endearing them getting to know each other for the first time and getting used to having a daughter/father. I really loved seeing their relationship develop!
As I said before, the concept and story was very intriguing and I loved it! It was just very interesting for me to read about these cool genetic mutations on the origins of where they came from, though we don't get to much info on this so I want to know more! I also liked that the book started of with action right at the beginning! It really captured my attention, making me want to know more! Unfortunately, the fast pace that was in the beginning didn't make it to the middle. It was just very slow for me, so it took me longer than usual to finish this book because it was just so easy for me to put down. I also wasn't too crazy over the writing, at the start. It just felt like it didn't flow too well... or something! Something was just off about it, but I managed to get past that :)
And don't even get me started on that cliffhanger! I NEED TO KNOW MORE! The story was just great and so much fun to read about. I really cannot wait to find out about the origin of the Cavies and what will happen next! Eeep!
January 31, 2016
For the first time since discovering the gift that is the author Trisha Leigh, one of her books has received a less-than-stellar rating from me. Trust me, no one is more disappointed about this fact than I am.
I really wanted to like this book, because the premise and even the main character had unique qualities not present in other YA series. For starters, Gypsy (or Norah as we later learn) is the weakest link in the group rather than the most powerful one for once, which was a nice change. It was also an interesting dynamic to put these paranormal teenagers somewhere in the south on a plantation and to show the bond they have with each other; personally, I haven't seen this particular situation in other YA books, so I enjoyed that aspect.
Unfortunately, that's where all the originality ends. Norah is the quintessential "I used to be shy and timid because I didn't belong but now in the real world I'm popular and have a love interest without even trying" protag that I wanted her to so avoid being. Like, day one out of Darley and she's somehow friends with the most popular kids in the school and Jude is in love with her almost immediately and she acclimates incredibly quickly for someone living in seclusion her whole life with the same set of 6 people to socialize with.... I'm not buying it. Trisha Leigh is notorious for her love triangles, as evident in her other two series [The Historians and the Last Year] but neither of those love triangles bothered me as much as this one did because they were somehow more believable in her other two series. Meanwhile, we've got Norah over here with Dane and Jude and Mole, the mysterious new guy, the lovable jock, and the childhood best friend who might be more than a best friend... I mean, the stereotypical tropes are abhorrently predictable and left a sour taste in my mouth.
I also had issues with the writing in general; within the first 3 chapters, Now, if you know me, you know that for me, the sign of a good book is believable flow between events in the book. Subsequently, I also love the inclusion and addition of "filler pages/chapters." As in, there should have been at least an extra chapter or two of the kids at Darley before everything went down, for me to really believe and sympathize with the characters. I mean, I finished the entire book not knowing a single thing about any of the Cavies besides Norah, and her I know only minimally at best. I didn't get attached to any of the Cavies, and they were never fleshed out correctly from the beginning.
And then there's the enigma of Flicker. The whole situation with her was so half-assed and confusing that I have no idea who or what she is, what her problem was, or why everyone even cared about her, because I sure as hell didn't.
The whole novel seemed so disjointed, with funky flow coupled with predictable scenarios and a really cringe-worthy love rectangle thing. Not Leigh's best work by far; in fact, I would number it among one of her more disappointing ones, which is so upsetting.
And I find myself in the predicament of wanting to keep reading, because despite all the problems I had with it, Leigh's writing style is still engaging, still addictive, so the book was good enough to get me to keep reading, even though I frowned every so often at a mistake or sighed in disappointment with the direction the novel was taking, but it isn't good enough that I actually want to pay for the next book.... Sorry Trisha Leigh.
2.5/5 stars because it kept me reading long enough to get to the end and had some redeemable qualities, but the plot had too many problems for me to give it any higher rating.
I really wanted to like this book, because the premise and even the main character had unique qualities not present in other YA series. For starters, Gypsy (or Norah as we later learn) is the weakest link in the group rather than the most powerful one for once, which was a nice change. It was also an interesting dynamic to put these paranormal teenagers somewhere in the south on a plantation and to show the bond they have with each other; personally, I haven't seen this particular situation in other YA books, so I enjoyed that aspect.
Unfortunately, that's where all the originality ends. Norah is the quintessential "I used to be shy and timid because I didn't belong but now in the real world I'm popular and have a love interest without even trying" protag that I wanted her to so avoid being. Like, day one out of Darley and she's somehow friends with the most popular kids in the school and Jude is in love with her almost immediately and she acclimates incredibly quickly for someone living in seclusion her whole life with the same set of 6 people to socialize with.... I'm not buying it. Trisha Leigh is notorious for her love triangles, as evident in her other two series [The Historians and the Last Year] but neither of those love triangles bothered me as much as this one did because they were somehow more believable in her other two series. Meanwhile, we've got Norah over here with Dane and Jude and Mole, the mysterious new guy, the lovable jock, and the childhood best friend who might be more than a best friend... I mean, the stereotypical tropes are abhorrently predictable and left a sour taste in my mouth.
I also had issues with the writing in general; within the first 3 chapters, Now, if you know me, you know that for me, the sign of a good book is believable flow between events in the book. Subsequently, I also love the inclusion and addition of "filler pages/chapters." As in, there should have been at least an extra chapter or two of the kids at Darley before everything went down, for me to really believe and sympathize with the characters. I mean, I finished the entire book not knowing a single thing about any of the Cavies besides Norah, and her I know only minimally at best. I didn't get attached to any of the Cavies, and they were never fleshed out correctly from the beginning.
And then there's the enigma of Flicker. The whole situation with her was so half-assed and confusing that I have no idea who or what she is, what her problem was, or why everyone even cared about her, because I sure as hell didn't.
The whole novel seemed so disjointed, with funky flow coupled with predictable scenarios and a really cringe-worthy love rectangle thing. Not Leigh's best work by far; in fact, I would number it among one of her more disappointing ones, which is so upsetting.
And I find myself in the predicament of wanting to keep reading, because despite all the problems I had with it, Leigh's writing style is still engaging, still addictive, so the book was good enough to get me to keep reading, even though I frowned every so often at a mistake or sighed in disappointment with the direction the novel was taking, but it isn't good enough that I actually want to pay for the next book.... Sorry Trisha Leigh.
2.5/5 stars because it kept me reading long enough to get to the end and had some redeemable qualities, but the plot had too many problems for me to give it any higher rating.
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