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Watched
When hackers can hijack any cellphone or computer webcam, no one is safe - including Jesse.
Jesse seems like a normal sixteen-year-old, but he isn't. He is a victim of King - a ruthless hacker who has been blackmailing Jesse with incriminating screen photos and videos. So far, Jesse's given in to King's demands in order to protect his family. But now King wants something that's too horrible to contemplate- and if he doesn't get it, King will kill Jesse's little sister.
Terrified and helpless, the answer to Jesse's prayers arrives in the form of a plain manila envelope. Inside there's a phone number and a note: I can help.
Jesse seems like a normal sixteen-year-old, but he isn't. He is a victim of King - a ruthless hacker who has been blackmailing Jesse with incriminating screen photos and videos. So far, Jesse's given in to King's demands in order to protect his family. But now King wants something that's too horrible to contemplate- and if he doesn't get it, King will kill Jesse's little sister.
Terrified and helpless, the answer to Jesse's prayers arrives in the form of a plain manila envelope. Inside there's a phone number and a note: I can help.
320 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2014
42 people are currently reading
974 people want to read
About the author
C.J. Lyons
80 books895 followersNew York Times and USA Today bestselling author of over forty novels, former pediatric ER doctor CJ Lyons has lived the life she writes about in her cutting edge Thrillers with Heart.
Two times winner of the International Thriller Writers coveted Thriller Award, CJ has been called a "master within the genre" (Pittsburgh Magazine) and her work has been praised as "breathtakingly fast-paced" and "riveting" (Publishers Weekly) with "characters with beating hearts and three dimensions" (Newsday).
Learn more about CJ's Thrillers with Heart at www.CJLyons.net
Two times winner of the International Thriller Writers coveted Thriller Award, CJ has been called a "master within the genre" (Pittsburgh Magazine) and her work has been praised as "breathtakingly fast-paced" and "riveting" (Publishers Weekly) with "characters with beating hearts and three dimensions" (Newsday).
Learn more about CJ's Thrillers with Heart at www.CJLyons.net
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews
November 16, 2014
I received a free download of "Watched", a YA Thriller by C.J. Lyons, from Net Galley and Sourcebooks in exchange for an honest review. Thank you both for this gift.
An eye-opening dark novel, on the DANGERS of the internet. When hackers can hijack any cellphone or computer webcam, no one is safe - including Jesse.
This is the gripping story of two innocent teen protagonists being forced to deal with BULLYING on the internet. Our first protagonist, Jesse Alexander, is a sixteen year old boy dealing with the harassment of a hacker he has named King. Our second protagonist Miranda is a thirteen year old girl who is dealing with the same evil hacker she has named Creep.
King has a video of Jesse...and King threatens to expose Jesse on the internet...the beginning of acts of bullying and blackmail. King demands Jesse perform and do unspeakable acts. King threatens to harm his mother and sister. Jesse must protect his family at all costs and keep them safe. What a dilemma to be faced with!
Ariel,the second protagonist, is being blackmailed by this Creep, who threatens to spread photos/videos throughout her school and on the internet. When Ariel and her family refuse, her family is destroyed. Ariel becomes Miranda, and she must protect her family...and must stop the Creep.
Jessie and Miranda join forces to get rid of this evil. These strong characters involve the readers right to the end of the story. We are with them through all the twists and turns of the plot, routing for their safety.
Lyons has taken a bold step to highlight the dangers, faced by ALL on the internet. This book is not just for teenagers. The evils of "cyber-bullying" is happening "now" in the digital world, and our youth are facing the consequences. We must all take action to eliminate this kind of activity and dangers on the internet. I commend her for dealing with this topic.
I recommend C.J. Lyons’ “Watched” as a must read for all.
November 17, 2016
To read more of my reviews, visit my blog at: https://theblondelikesbooks.wordpress...
Watched was both an excellent and painful book to read. Let me start by saying that the book is so much more than cyberbulling. It deals with incredibly dark topics, including rape and sexual blackmail of underage children/teenagers. That's the premise of the story. While it's not explicit in the sense that it doesn't narrate any rape or sexual abuse happening, it's mentioned often and is the underlying theme of the story. If that's something you absolutely can't stand to think about, then this book isn't for you. That said, I feel like it's an important read.
The book follows two characters - Jesse and Miranda. Jesse had been blackmailed by a man he calls "King" for a number of years, and part of his blackmail includes King allowing Jesse's uncle to rape him and film it so that King can sell it to his clients. If Jesse doesn't comply with King's demands, King has threatened to kill Jesse's mother and little sister.
What makes this even creepier (if that's even possible) is the fact that King can see and hear everything. In the age we live in, with the internet and cell phones being so popular, King can hack into just about anything. He watches Jesse through computer cameras and listens to him through his cell phone. He knows where he lives, what he's doing, what he's saying, and who he's with always. That's beyond terrifying.
Jesse eventually gets a note from an anonymous stranger that says "I can help you" and contains a cellphone. After calling the phone, Jesse talks to Miranda, another one of King's victims who is intent on saving as many of King's victims as she can. Jesse and Miranda come up with a plan to catch and expose King, while keeping their families safe.
Of course, that's easier said than done, considering how smart King is, and how much power he has in terms of knowing his way around the internet and his hacking abilities. I won't say too much, but the reason I didn't give the book five stars is because I felt like the ending was a little too convenient. It's so outlandish that it seems so impossible that it would all fall into place so smoothly. That took away from the story a little bit for me, but otherwise, I felt like this book was incredibly powerful.
What really got me was the excerpt from the author at the end of the book. She says that she wrote the book based on a real case of a girl who committed suicide after being "capped" and cyber bullied. That breaks my heart that something like that is possible. The author states that the reason she wrote the story is to tell everyone to speak out against cyber bullying, and she provides some resources for readers to look at, which I appreciated.
Overall, a really powerful yet heartbreaking read.
Watched was both an excellent and painful book to read. Let me start by saying that the book is so much more than cyberbulling. It deals with incredibly dark topics, including rape and sexual blackmail of underage children/teenagers. That's the premise of the story. While it's not explicit in the sense that it doesn't narrate any rape or sexual abuse happening, it's mentioned often and is the underlying theme of the story. If that's something you absolutely can't stand to think about, then this book isn't for you. That said, I feel like it's an important read.
The book follows two characters - Jesse and Miranda. Jesse had been blackmailed by a man he calls "King" for a number of years, and part of his blackmail includes King allowing Jesse's uncle to rape him and film it so that King can sell it to his clients. If Jesse doesn't comply with King's demands, King has threatened to kill Jesse's mother and little sister.
What makes this even creepier (if that's even possible) is the fact that King can see and hear everything. In the age we live in, with the internet and cell phones being so popular, King can hack into just about anything. He watches Jesse through computer cameras and listens to him through his cell phone. He knows where he lives, what he's doing, what he's saying, and who he's with always. That's beyond terrifying.
Jesse eventually gets a note from an anonymous stranger that says "I can help you" and contains a cellphone. After calling the phone, Jesse talks to Miranda, another one of King's victims who is intent on saving as many of King's victims as she can. Jesse and Miranda come up with a plan to catch and expose King, while keeping their families safe.
Of course, that's easier said than done, considering how smart King is, and how much power he has in terms of knowing his way around the internet and his hacking abilities. I won't say too much, but the reason I didn't give the book five stars is because I felt like the ending was a little too convenient. It's so outlandish that it seems so impossible that it would all fall into place so smoothly. That took away from the story a little bit for me, but otherwise, I felt like this book was incredibly powerful.
What really got me was the excerpt from the author at the end of the book. She says that she wrote the book based on a real case of a girl who committed suicide after being "capped" and cyber bullied. That breaks my heart that something like that is possible. The author states that the reason she wrote the story is to tell everyone to speak out against cyber bullying, and she provides some resources for readers to look at, which I appreciated.
Overall, a really powerful yet heartbreaking read.
November 7, 2014
As I write this review, I'm using a tablet with a webcam. After reading this book, I will never again leave that webcam uncovered. There is now a sticky note affixed to the camera! Sadly the serious subject matter of this book is all too real. Lyons addresses a difficult subject matter that everyone needs to be aware of, both young adults and adults alike. Fortunately, this book can be read by both audiences even though it is geared towards young adults. In fact, often times I forgot that the main characters were in fact teens. I would definitely recommend it to all educators so that they can alert teens to the dangers that they could encounter while online.
August 16, 2014
Very deep subject and a truly great book. Jesse and Ariel rock as survivors. I loved the twist and turns in the story and boy you could really feel the emotions of. Each character. CJ LYONS Has done it again and brought these characters to life..loved this book.
may-finish-later
October 30, 2014I just want to be clear: I am not putting this down because of the writing, or the characters, or anything like that.
I simply just can't handle reading about kids in this situation.
I simply just can't handle reading about kids in this situation.
December 15, 2020
I really enjoyed this novel. I loved how they tackled the issues set in place, and the changing of POV made the story even better. It's really powerful, but still intriguing at the same time.
September 16, 2014
CJ Lyons is my favorite author. I find it impossible to put her books down once I start reading. This book is no exception in how it grabbed me and held my attention. However, the first half of the book was at a level of intensity that made me very ill at ease. The whole subject of torture and abuse of young people is not something I like to deal with. The sheer depth of horror that runs through the book leads eventually to a somewhat satisfying ending, but forced me to confront a reality I was happily unaware of. Lyons handles the subject without graphic detail, but definitely wants to make the reader aware. I am going to call this the best book I wish I had never read. Please read it, but be aware it has subjects that are very disquieting.
September 19, 2014
Watched is a disturbing yet thrilling book. It's never easy to read about abuse but the strength these kids show in fighting back is remarkable. CJ has taken an difficult topic and made it readable while showing the world the underbelly of pedophilia. An excellent read that I highly recommend. You will be rooting for the main characters while anxiously turning each page looking for the final outcome.
January 20, 2016
I received a free kindle copy of Watched by C.J. Lyon from NetGalley published by Sourcebooks Fire in exchange for a fair review. It is a five star novel.
While is is geared for the young adult, I believe parents should also be made aware of the existence of this subject, hopefully before it touches their own lives through their children. I also believe educators should be aware of this problem.
It is intense & well written but based on an uncomfortable subject. It stirred extremely unpleasant emotions for me, I felt physically ill at some of the descriptions used to blackmail the two main characters. The Creep aka King is a despicable individual, clearly without a conscience.
It also is a frightening book. I've had a piece of painter's tape over the webcam eye on my computer, but now doubt that is sufficient. That's very scary.
Jesse aka Griffen & Ariel aka Miranda are the two young people who were taken advantage of. They were heroic in their attempts to recover from this horrifying abuse. Can they reclaim their lives after the whole world knows what happened behind closed doors?
Can anyone using an electronic device be cyberstalked? Can a life be ruined even though the original 'capped' video was innocent?
Link to purchase: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00L...
While is is geared for the young adult, I believe parents should also be made aware of the existence of this subject, hopefully before it touches their own lives through their children. I also believe educators should be aware of this problem.
It is intense & well written but based on an uncomfortable subject. It stirred extremely unpleasant emotions for me, I felt physically ill at some of the descriptions used to blackmail the two main characters. The Creep aka King is a despicable individual, clearly without a conscience.
It also is a frightening book. I've had a piece of painter's tape over the webcam eye on my computer, but now doubt that is sufficient. That's very scary.
Jesse aka Griffen & Ariel aka Miranda are the two young people who were taken advantage of. They were heroic in their attempts to recover from this horrifying abuse. Can they reclaim their lives after the whole world knows what happened behind closed doors?
Can anyone using an electronic device be cyberstalked? Can a life be ruined even though the original 'capped' video was innocent?
Link to purchase: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00L...
September 16, 2014
Review will be forthcoming after I try to get take a few moments to reflect on the lives of these poor kids.
I received this e-galley free from Net Galley and Sourcebooks in exchange for an honest review. Thank you both for the opportunity!
Wow, this is one that is going to stay with me for a very long time. I really felt for the characters, Jessie and Ariel. The story was a little confusing at first, but you quickly caught on to who Ariel was watching. The story was very well written and I thoroughly enjoyed this book. While the subject matter is very gruesome, it was handled in a nice way.
I think every pre-teen and teenager should read this book. The fact that a simple video posted on the internet for the world to see can ruin the lives of Ariel and her parents and her friend is scary. The story is good and an eye opening experience all at the same time.
I would definitely recommend this book!!
I received this e-galley free from Net Galley and Sourcebooks in exchange for an honest review. Thank you both for the opportunity!
Wow, this is one that is going to stay with me for a very long time. I really felt for the characters, Jessie and Ariel. The story was a little confusing at first, but you quickly caught on to who Ariel was watching. The story was very well written and I thoroughly enjoyed this book. While the subject matter is very gruesome, it was handled in a nice way.
I think every pre-teen and teenager should read this book. The fact that a simple video posted on the internet for the world to see can ruin the lives of Ariel and her parents and her friend is scary. The story is good and an eye opening experience all at the same time.
I would definitely recommend this book!!
February 20, 2019
This is a good book. Really an eye opener and a lesson to everyone especially teenagers who are fond of posting anything on social media.
Everyone should really be careful and will think twice of what they will be posting or even just storing secret files on phones and computers.
Parents should be aware on this and monitor their children too.
The story was really disturbing, teenagers were cyber bullied. It's so scary and the scenes were so intense all through out. I really love this book!! Jesse and Miranda were heroes, it's good that they fought back and I am glad they did. No one should allow anyone to bully them in any means.
I'm so glad that this book appeared in my daily recommendation. I didn't regret reading this! I will surely read more of your works! Awesome!
Everyone should really be careful and will think twice of what they will be posting or even just storing secret files on phones and computers.
Parents should be aware on this and monitor their children too.
The story was really disturbing, teenagers were cyber bullied. It's so scary and the scenes were so intense all through out. I really love this book!! Jesse and Miranda were heroes, it's good that they fought back and I am glad they did. No one should allow anyone to bully them in any means.
I'm so glad that this book appeared in my daily recommendation. I didn't regret reading this! I will surely read more of your works! Awesome!
September 29, 2014
Very good book. Loved the story and how these kids decide to get their lives back. Would definitely.recommend this book. I read the entire book in just hours.
September 18, 2014
John Kurtze Review of "Watched" by C.J. Lyons
320 Pages
Published by Sourcebooks Fire
Release Date November 4, 2014
I received an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
C.J. Lyons’, YA Thriller, “Watched” is dark trip through cyberspace and the dangers of the internet. “Watched” has a plot with a gripping heart wrenching story of two innocent teen protagonists being forced to deal with the all-to-real-problems of bullying on the internet. Lyons’ readers see through eyes of Jesse Alexander, a sixteen year old boy dealing with a hacker he has named King. Our second protagonist Miranda is a thirteen year old girl who has had her and her family’s lives turned upside down by the same evil hacker she has named Creep.
The plot grabs readers on the first page describing the actions of the evil antagonist using his hacking capabilities to search the web for unsuspecting videos, pictures or email messages for the sole purpose of blackmailing the subjects into performing sexual acts. We are introduced to 16 year old Jesse Alexander three years after his father sudden disappearance. Jesse, his mother , and sister, Janey are forced to move into his uncle’s house. King hacks Jesse’s computer taking a fantasy he has written. King has a video of Jesse taken by a trusted relative. King threatens to expose Jesse on the internet. This the beginning of Jesse’s torment, bullying and blackmail. King demands Jesse perform and do unspeakable acts. King threatens to harm his mother and sister. Jesse’s story centers on his need to protect mother and young sister, Janey. Jesse will do anything to keep them safe.
The second protagonist, Ariel tormented by the same evil hacker who had found on the internet a slumber party video and created photos from the video tried blackmailing her parents threatening to cybersmash (spread the video and photos throughout her school and on the internet.) Her parents refused and “The Creep” (Ariel’s nickname for the hacker) delivered on his threat. Her family was destroyed causing her parents loss of their jobs and Ariel her reputation. The smear campaign changed her family’s life and destroyed Ariel. In her eyes Ariel is no more and she becomes Miranda. Lyons shows her readers through Miranda’s eyes how everything she does focuses on protecting her mother and father and putting an end to the Creep.
The ruthless cyberbully King and his partner’s actions force Jesse to find a way to stop them. Miranda looks for a way to stop “The Creep” and finds Jesse. They realize Jesse’s King and Miranda’s Creep are the same evil hacker. Joining forces gives them hope and they create a plan of action. An intriguing twist of faith, support and trust help Miranda and Jesse implement their plan .
Lyons’, “Watched” delivers an important story on a real issue of dealing with cyber-predators in the digital world. Her strong characters bring the story to life involving readers to the last page.. This mystery thriller allows the reader to see the plan of action from Jesse and Miranda’s point of view. Lyons’ plot moves so fast and readers get to watch Jesse and Miranda face danger at every twist and turn of the story. The unpredictable intrigue at the end cause readers to sit on the edge of their seats and hold their breath. “Watched.” C.J Lyons once again writes a great YA story that is thought provoking on need-to-be-told issue. I recommend C.J. Lyons’ “Watched” as a must read and a 5 star ranking.
320 Pages
Published by Sourcebooks Fire
Release Date November 4, 2014
I received an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
C.J. Lyons’, YA Thriller, “Watched” is dark trip through cyberspace and the dangers of the internet. “Watched” has a plot with a gripping heart wrenching story of two innocent teen protagonists being forced to deal with the all-to-real-problems of bullying on the internet. Lyons’ readers see through eyes of Jesse Alexander, a sixteen year old boy dealing with a hacker he has named King. Our second protagonist Miranda is a thirteen year old girl who has had her and her family’s lives turned upside down by the same evil hacker she has named Creep.
The plot grabs readers on the first page describing the actions of the evil antagonist using his hacking capabilities to search the web for unsuspecting videos, pictures or email messages for the sole purpose of blackmailing the subjects into performing sexual acts. We are introduced to 16 year old Jesse Alexander three years after his father sudden disappearance. Jesse, his mother , and sister, Janey are forced to move into his uncle’s house. King hacks Jesse’s computer taking a fantasy he has written. King has a video of Jesse taken by a trusted relative. King threatens to expose Jesse on the internet. This the beginning of Jesse’s torment, bullying and blackmail. King demands Jesse perform and do unspeakable acts. King threatens to harm his mother and sister. Jesse’s story centers on his need to protect mother and young sister, Janey. Jesse will do anything to keep them safe.
The second protagonist, Ariel tormented by the same evil hacker who had found on the internet a slumber party video and created photos from the video tried blackmailing her parents threatening to cybersmash (spread the video and photos throughout her school and on the internet.) Her parents refused and “The Creep” (Ariel’s nickname for the hacker) delivered on his threat. Her family was destroyed causing her parents loss of their jobs and Ariel her reputation. The smear campaign changed her family’s life and destroyed Ariel. In her eyes Ariel is no more and she becomes Miranda. Lyons shows her readers through Miranda’s eyes how everything she does focuses on protecting her mother and father and putting an end to the Creep.
The ruthless cyberbully King and his partner’s actions force Jesse to find a way to stop them. Miranda looks for a way to stop “The Creep” and finds Jesse. They realize Jesse’s King and Miranda’s Creep are the same evil hacker. Joining forces gives them hope and they create a plan of action. An intriguing twist of faith, support and trust help Miranda and Jesse implement their plan .
Lyons’, “Watched” delivers an important story on a real issue of dealing with cyber-predators in the digital world. Her strong characters bring the story to life involving readers to the last page.. This mystery thriller allows the reader to see the plan of action from Jesse and Miranda’s point of view. Lyons’ plot moves so fast and readers get to watch Jesse and Miranda face danger at every twist and turn of the story. The unpredictable intrigue at the end cause readers to sit on the edge of their seats and hold their breath. “Watched.” C.J Lyons once again writes a great YA story that is thought provoking on need-to-be-told issue. I recommend C.J. Lyons’ “Watched” as a must read and a 5 star ranking.
May 5, 2015
WATCHED is a gripping and insightful read into the little known world of cyber bullying and the severe extremes it can push individuals of any age to. In this instance, the focus group is teenagers, specifically those who are either filmed or photographed undertaking a private innocence misinterpreted as sleaze by the trolls on the internet and those unfortunate souls led down the destructive path of abuse for profit.
Author CJ Lyons doesn't write with a focus on the moral compass which she could have easily done, rather letting the characters tell their story while embedding an underlying message of awareness of the unknown. The world isn't a safe place and computers, laptops, mobile phones etc put the young (and not so young) at risk of cyber smart predators 24/7.
I learnt a lot from reading WATCHED, both from a shock horror tech awareness (smart phone cameras being controlled remotely by people miles away for one) and from a humanist perspective. Little do adults know of the teenage world. It's an ever changing landscape that has evolved into a very dangerous place. For the protagonists of WATCHED, they embrace this danger to bring down a predator, taking a stand to save themselves and others at risk from the 'King's' cyber spell.
This has got to be one of the most readable books I've read this year. The pages didn't seem to turn quick enough; time ceased to exist, I was utterly consumed by the world as depicted in WATCHED. A true rarity that really is a 'must-read'.
http://justaguythatlikes2read.blogspo...
Author CJ Lyons doesn't write with a focus on the moral compass which she could have easily done, rather letting the characters tell their story while embedding an underlying message of awareness of the unknown. The world isn't a safe place and computers, laptops, mobile phones etc put the young (and not so young) at risk of cyber smart predators 24/7.
I learnt a lot from reading WATCHED, both from a shock horror tech awareness (smart phone cameras being controlled remotely by people miles away for one) and from a humanist perspective. Little do adults know of the teenage world. It's an ever changing landscape that has evolved into a very dangerous place. For the protagonists of WATCHED, they embrace this danger to bring down a predator, taking a stand to save themselves and others at risk from the 'King's' cyber spell.
This has got to be one of the most readable books I've read this year. The pages didn't seem to turn quick enough; time ceased to exist, I was utterly consumed by the world as depicted in WATCHED. A true rarity that really is a 'must-read'.
http://justaguythatlikes2read.blogspo...
November 6, 2014
Jesse has been a cyber-victim. When he was twelve-years-old a hacker started blackmailing him and required him to participate in sexual photos and videos. Jesse is now sixteen-years-old and doesn’t know how to stop the hacker. King’s threats against Jesse’s family are real, and the photos and videos would ruin the rest of his life if they were leaked into the media. As the stakes continue to rise and the next threat is against his little sister’s life, Jesse receives a mysterious manila envelope with a very simple message … I can help. Will Jesse be able to get out from under King’s threats? What sacrifices must he make in order to earn his freedom?
Watched is a book that takes a little known cyber-issue and brings it to the audience that can benefit the most. The issues presented are real, yet the characters have the strength and knowledge to fight back and do everything in their power to survive. Whether or not the reader is able to perform the computer hacking described within the pages, Lyons is able to present them in a format that the reader can follow and understand. For readers looking for a realistic book that pulls no punches, Watched will be a valued addition to their TBR list.
Watched is a book that takes a little known cyber-issue and brings it to the audience that can benefit the most. The issues presented are real, yet the characters have the strength and knowledge to fight back and do everything in their power to survive. Whether or not the reader is able to perform the computer hacking described within the pages, Lyons is able to present them in a format that the reader can follow and understand. For readers looking for a realistic book that pulls no punches, Watched will be a valued addition to their TBR list.
October 28, 2014
I received this book from Net Galley and Sourcebooks in exchange for an honest review. Thank you both for the opportunity!
When hackers can hijack any cellphone or computer webcam, no one is safe - including Jesse.
Jesse seems like a normal sixteen-year-old, but he isn't. He is a victim of King - a ruthless hacker who has been blackmailing Jesse with incriminating screen photos and videos. So far, Jesse's given in to King's demands in order to protect his family. But now King wants something that's too horrible to contemplate- and if he doesn't get it, King will kill Jesse's little sister.
I will never again leave my webcam uncovered. This book was intense and just makes one think who's watching me!! This book will stay with me for a while.
When hackers can hijack any cellphone or computer webcam, no one is safe - including Jesse.
Jesse seems like a normal sixteen-year-old, but he isn't. He is a victim of King - a ruthless hacker who has been blackmailing Jesse with incriminating screen photos and videos. So far, Jesse's given in to King's demands in order to protect his family. But now King wants something that's too horrible to contemplate- and if he doesn't get it, King will kill Jesse's little sister.
I will never again leave my webcam uncovered. This book was intense and just makes one think who's watching me!! This book will stay with me for a while.
September 7, 2014
Serviceable writing, gut-wrenching subject matter, over-the-top thriller ending...all in all, a decent book for readers who like "ripped from the headlines" stories about current issues facing teens, with a little teen-Criminal Minds action thrown in. I already live with someone who keeps a post-it note over her computer's web camera and maybe now I will do the same.
February 5, 2015
I gave this book to a friend of mine here at work and she was floored by it! Definitely a book I recommend. What can I say, C.J has a way with words!!! This book is YA but EVERYONE can read it and still feel the same way. A little rough but gripping!
July 31, 2022
I read this during one of my legendary sleepless nights, and while the day after was a real slog, I don't regret the time I spent with this book.
Imagine your life if you were a single mom. You have two children. One is Jesse; he is 12 the year your husband moves out. The other is a little girl with Cystic Fibrosis. As that single mom, you're rushing back and forth between various doctor appointments and hospitals for the little girl. To your great relief, your brother agrees to take young Jesse under his wing. You reason that the boy needs a father figure. This is perfect.
But it's anything but perfect! The uncle convinces Jesse that the only way he and his family can stay in the new house into which they moved, a house which belongs to the uncle, is for Jesse to perform sex acts on the uncle which the uncle captures on digital photography and provides to a child pornographer. The child pornographer’s name is King. That's the name Jesse gives him. King has hacked into Jesse's cell phone and his laptop, and as a result, the young man is under constant surveillance. It has been that way for four years as this book opens. Now, Jesse is 16, and he's done with that life. It sickens him to engage in those sex acts, and he simply wants out. But he knows the minute he tries to liberate himself, the creepy pornographer will act against his mother and sister. He slogs on in that murky, dreadful world, knowing that if he fails his mother and sister will either die or be poverty stricken.
But one day, his little sister brings a padded envelope in from the mailbox addressed to Jesse. Inside, the boy finds a wireless phone and a note that simply reads “I can help you.” uncertain who his would-be benefactor is, Jesse calls the number on the paper. A girl answers. But she's not just any girl.
Before she innocently posted the edgy videos online, the young woman went by the name of Ariel. Her folks still slip and call her that from time to time, but because of what happened after those edgy photos went up, she has changed her name to Miranda. She, 2, has good reason to find and track down King. Her name for the pornographer is Creep. But it's the same person. He ruined Miranda's life. he made certain that her edgy videos went viral. She could never attend the same school again. She became in cloaked in OCD behaviors, and she knew if she could not track down the pornographer by the time of her 15th birthday, she would take her life. When she gets the response from Jesse, she is only two days away from that birthday.
That's the same day King makes a demand on Jesse that he simply can't fulfill. King wants Jesse to become a capper. A capper is someone who recruits young boys and performs lewd and pornographic sex acts on them in front of a digital camera. There's a car show in town that weekend, and King insists Jesse attend and do what he demands. King has already demonstrated that he can damaged the family. Jesse sees video on his cell phone of a man brandishing a knife at his little sister. While Miranda has sought refuge in her OCD and in refusing to leave the small apartment she and her parents inhabit, Jesse finds relief in watching fires. His pedophile uncle is part of the towns Fire Department. But the pay is low, so the uncle resorts to pedophilia to help pay the bills.
There is a way out, as Jesse and Miranda discover. You would do well to read this to see how they solved the problem. It is less straightforward and easy than you might think. But it's very much worth the read. This is a solid young-adult thriller you can read with much thought. All of us are keenly aware of the extreme damage and danger posed by the Internet. When evil people misuse neutral technology, the result is a plethora of horrors including suicide. But friendship can build interesting bridges. Jesse and Miranda recognize that, and you see the result of that friendship in this book. Regardless of your age, if you read this, it will give you much to think about regarding online bullying. It can happen to any of us at any age. And the solutions aren't always pain free and easy. The author is a pediatrician, and this book is based on a true story of a young woman whose life and writing the author became acquainted with. The young woman ultimately took her life.
Imagine your life if you were a single mom. You have two children. One is Jesse; he is 12 the year your husband moves out. The other is a little girl with Cystic Fibrosis. As that single mom, you're rushing back and forth between various doctor appointments and hospitals for the little girl. To your great relief, your brother agrees to take young Jesse under his wing. You reason that the boy needs a father figure. This is perfect.
But it's anything but perfect! The uncle convinces Jesse that the only way he and his family can stay in the new house into which they moved, a house which belongs to the uncle, is for Jesse to perform sex acts on the uncle which the uncle captures on digital photography and provides to a child pornographer. The child pornographer’s name is King. That's the name Jesse gives him. King has hacked into Jesse's cell phone and his laptop, and as a result, the young man is under constant surveillance. It has been that way for four years as this book opens. Now, Jesse is 16, and he's done with that life. It sickens him to engage in those sex acts, and he simply wants out. But he knows the minute he tries to liberate himself, the creepy pornographer will act against his mother and sister. He slogs on in that murky, dreadful world, knowing that if he fails his mother and sister will either die or be poverty stricken.
But one day, his little sister brings a padded envelope in from the mailbox addressed to Jesse. Inside, the boy finds a wireless phone and a note that simply reads “I can help you.” uncertain who his would-be benefactor is, Jesse calls the number on the paper. A girl answers. But she's not just any girl.
Before she innocently posted the edgy videos online, the young woman went by the name of Ariel. Her folks still slip and call her that from time to time, but because of what happened after those edgy photos went up, she has changed her name to Miranda. She, 2, has good reason to find and track down King. Her name for the pornographer is Creep. But it's the same person. He ruined Miranda's life. he made certain that her edgy videos went viral. She could never attend the same school again. She became in cloaked in OCD behaviors, and she knew if she could not track down the pornographer by the time of her 15th birthday, she would take her life. When she gets the response from Jesse, she is only two days away from that birthday.
That's the same day King makes a demand on Jesse that he simply can't fulfill. King wants Jesse to become a capper. A capper is someone who recruits young boys and performs lewd and pornographic sex acts on them in front of a digital camera. There's a car show in town that weekend, and King insists Jesse attend and do what he demands. King has already demonstrated that he can damaged the family. Jesse sees video on his cell phone of a man brandishing a knife at his little sister. While Miranda has sought refuge in her OCD and in refusing to leave the small apartment she and her parents inhabit, Jesse finds relief in watching fires. His pedophile uncle is part of the towns Fire Department. But the pay is low, so the uncle resorts to pedophilia to help pay the bills.
There is a way out, as Jesse and Miranda discover. You would do well to read this to see how they solved the problem. It is less straightforward and easy than you might think. But it's very much worth the read. This is a solid young-adult thriller you can read with much thought. All of us are keenly aware of the extreme damage and danger posed by the Internet. When evil people misuse neutral technology, the result is a plethora of horrors including suicide. But friendship can build interesting bridges. Jesse and Miranda recognize that, and you see the result of that friendship in this book. Regardless of your age, if you read this, it will give you much to think about regarding online bullying. It can happen to any of us at any age. And the solutions aren't always pain free and easy. The author is a pediatrician, and this book is based on a true story of a young woman whose life and writing the author became acquainted with. The young woman ultimately took her life.
November 19, 2025
finally the second english book I've finished this year and i do enjoy reading this.
aku bersyukur banget ketemu buku ini pas BBW dengan genre thriller tapi YA, diksinya gak terlalu susah untuk dipahami dan pakai 2 POV (pertama & ketiga) jadi bisa membandingkan ternyata emang lebih mudah baca POV pertama untuk buku english ya.
dan plot buku ini yang diangkat cukup berat dan darderdor, bisa dibilang cybermashing/cyberbullying, tp lebih creepy lagi karena si Creep ini akan nyebar foto/video kalian (yang diambil secara ilegal, hacking sana sini) ke komunitas tertentu atau bisa aja dijual.
buku ini fokus ke efek dari tindak tersebut untuk korban dan gimana perjuangan korban untuk keluar/lepas dari si Creep ini (karena bermain secara online jd hampir susah buat dilacak karena doi pakai identitas bahkan IP orang lain). di buku ini pun gak dijelasin siapa si si Creep ini, hanya aja emang ada twist yang cukup bikin merinding.
dan setelah selesai baca buku ini, dikasih trivia jg ternyata si penulis adalah seorang dokter gawat darurat anak dan cerita ini lahir karena beberapa case yang beliau tangani, sedih sih karena anak belasan tahun harus berjuang melawan cyberbullying yg kaya gini, bahkan mereka punya pikiran kalo orang dewasa pun udah gak bisa diharapkan.
cuma emang agak turn off ya karena ada sedikit romance-nya, dikit bgt serius, cuma 5% aja. cuma tuh kan gak harus ciuman ya dek😭🙏
aku bersyukur banget ketemu buku ini pas BBW dengan genre thriller tapi YA, diksinya gak terlalu susah untuk dipahami dan pakai 2 POV (pertama & ketiga) jadi bisa membandingkan ternyata emang lebih mudah baca POV pertama untuk buku english ya.
dan plot buku ini yang diangkat cukup berat dan darderdor, bisa dibilang cybermashing/cyberbullying, tp lebih creepy lagi karena si Creep ini akan nyebar foto/video kalian (yang diambil secara ilegal, hacking sana sini) ke komunitas tertentu atau bisa aja dijual.
buku ini fokus ke efek dari tindak tersebut untuk korban dan gimana perjuangan korban untuk keluar/lepas dari si Creep ini (karena bermain secara online jd hampir susah buat dilacak karena doi pakai identitas bahkan IP orang lain). di buku ini pun gak dijelasin siapa si si Creep ini, hanya aja emang ada twist yang cukup bikin merinding.
dan setelah selesai baca buku ini, dikasih trivia jg ternyata si penulis adalah seorang dokter gawat darurat anak dan cerita ini lahir karena beberapa case yang beliau tangani, sedih sih karena anak belasan tahun harus berjuang melawan cyberbullying yg kaya gini, bahkan mereka punya pikiran kalo orang dewasa pun udah gak bisa diharapkan.
cuma emang agak turn off ya karena ada sedikit romance-nya, dikit bgt serius, cuma 5% aja. cuma tuh kan gak harus ciuman ya dek😭🙏
March 10, 2020
CJ Lyons takes a new take on how the internet and social media controls the lives of teenagers and how their behaviors are affected by this leading to mental disorders.
The main character, Jesse, is blackmailed by a man “King” who watches him through cameras. Like most mysteries, you would expect it to end with a cliffhanger, but not this one, this one ends satisfyingly.
As a teenager, I always read about how bad social media and technology are. My parents love to blame technology on everything, if I do bad on a test, sick, or anything….it is due to being on my phone. I can see their view on this, and I agree with them. Watched by CJ Lyons takes a similar view on technology. In different ways, CJ Lyons shows how technology controls teenagers' lives, even if it is not a direct way. King watches Jesse through technology and controls his life by threatening to hurt his family if he does not follow through with the tasks given. This plot is comparable to my take on this book. I enjoyed the lesson I have learned through the book, but I did not enjoy the small details as much. CJ Lyons included a ton of violence which I thought to be unnecessary.
If you enjoy digging for hidden messages, Watched is for you, but if you enjoy a heart-warming book like myself, this is not the book for you.
The main character, Jesse, is blackmailed by a man “King” who watches him through cameras. Like most mysteries, you would expect it to end with a cliffhanger, but not this one, this one ends satisfyingly.
As a teenager, I always read about how bad social media and technology are. My parents love to blame technology on everything, if I do bad on a test, sick, or anything….it is due to being on my phone. I can see their view on this, and I agree with them. Watched by CJ Lyons takes a similar view on technology. In different ways, CJ Lyons shows how technology controls teenagers' lives, even if it is not a direct way. King watches Jesse through technology and controls his life by threatening to hurt his family if he does not follow through with the tasks given. This plot is comparable to my take on this book. I enjoyed the lesson I have learned through the book, but I did not enjoy the small details as much. CJ Lyons included a ton of violence which I thought to be unnecessary.
If you enjoy digging for hidden messages, Watched is for you, but if you enjoy a heart-warming book like myself, this is not the book for you.
April 3, 2018
I have to say that this book is just as other reviewers had said; It was a definite page turner! The storyline feels all too real, up until the last few chapters when it just gets way too theatrical for my taste. It seemed like a Hollywood spin on a very surreal topic. I wish it hadn’t gotten so cheesy at the end but overall I must to admit that it is a book I do not regret reading and one I would hand off to a friend. I hadn’t realized when I bought this book that it is meant to be geared toward a young adult audience but after reading it myself, I can safely say, it can be read and appreciated by an older crowd as well.
July 30, 2018
I was a little disappointed in this book, mostly because I'm used to CJ Lyons' usual fare. Please, please bring back your medical thrillers (for instance), and it took me till Chapter 11 to get into it. Until then, I didn't even want to pick it back up; it was strange and confusing. However, after the story really got going, it was pretty interesting, even though not my usual type of suspense. Billed as YA, I'm not sure I'd want my young adults reading it, to tell you the truth. The writing and imagination that went into it made it worth four stars.
October 30, 2019
This was a difficult read. Not as in the writing was bad, because it wasn't it was good. And it helped me to understand how people could end up in certain situations. But, man, the situations were rough. I almost couldn't finish it because of what the characters had to go through.
I'm not sure if this is still as accurate of a depiction of internet issues as it was when it came out but that's just the deal with technology. It changes fast. I'm sure CJ Lyons could write a different book that is exceptionally rough about new technology issues and would still have just as much of an impact.
I'm not sure if this is still as accurate of a depiction of internet issues as it was when it came out but that's just the deal with technology. It changes fast. I'm sure CJ Lyons could write a different book that is exceptionally rough about new technology issues and would still have just as much of an impact.
February 5, 2021
It's not just a book. It's the truth, the ugly truth of the today's knowledge. Cyberbullying, a ugliest crime of all. How pathetic it can be due to a little kid. How depressing, how psychotic they can be. It's so desperate. Why do they do that ? Just to earn some money over sadistic, mentally ill people. Over the hundreds, thousands of damaged souls.
The story is backstaged by the true story of Amanda Todd, a real victim of this madness who lost her life.
Please stand against this madness 😠
The story is backstaged by the true story of Amanda Todd, a real victim of this madness who lost her life.
Please stand against this madness 😠
July 22, 2020
About 2 young teenagers that get tricked into cyber sex and then blackmailed into continuing with it without no way out. Parents of teenagers should read this book to find out how easy these things can happen to their child even though this story is fiction. I could feel their emotions throughout this book.
July 22, 2019
Kept me guessing as to who King was and was it the uncle? It's scary that this was fiction but this kind of thing happens everyday and so many kids suffer in silence. This is to me is one of the worse crimes in the world.
August 5, 2017
I-n-t-e-n-s-e - disturbing subject matter
March 26, 2019
very good and suspenseful book. keeps you on the edge of your seat.
November 22, 2019
good but a very raw topic
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