Gena Richmond is a collector of shades…sunglasses, that is. Every size, shape, color and style. So when she finds an unusual pair at a secondhand shop, it’s love at first sight. But these glasses are more than simple sun-blockers. They show her visions of what’s to come...and what’s coming is heart-stopping horrific.
Dax Varley is the author of SLEEPY HOLLOW, RETURN TO SLEEPY HOLLOW, BLEED, and NIGHTMARE HOUSE. She loves humor, horror and all things paranormal.
When Dax isn't writing, she's collecting odd photos online, reading recaps of her favorite shows, or kicked back with a good book. She lives in Richmond, Texas with her husband, a shelf full of action figures, and about a dozen imaginary friends.
Second Sight by Dax Varley is a teen book about a gal that buys these mirrored sunglasses that show her glimpses of the future. Sometimes she misinterpreted the vision incorrectly causing serious problems! Great story!
Dax Varley has the knack! She completely and utterly understands her audience and channels that through her characters. Second Sight is apparently the first in her Oracles novelettes series, but I read Lost Girl first. I was so captured and enchanted by her writing that I jumped at the chance to read Second Sight. And I wasn’t disappointed. To say that Varley is witty and refreshing and creative and entertaining is understatement. I know that I, a 67 year old man, am not her audience. After all, I’m not a teenage girl (no matter what my critics may feel about me.) But Varley transcends age. Yes, this charming short novel about prescience will appeal to her female teenage readers, but it is so much fun that I defy any reader not to enjoy it. Spend an hour and a half of your life reading this. You won’t be sorry.
Firstly and as usual, I received this book free for the purposes of an honest review. Also as usual I'll give my candid thoughts below.
On the positive side, Varley's novella is well written, contains only a few typos (which is increasingly rare in eBooks) and reasonably entertaining. Her grasp of character is strong and I could imagine the three young ladies in this book really existing somewhere in a not-too-absurd universe. Also, the book isn't just about entertainment it does have a bit of a deeper point. In the interest of avoiding spoilers I won't say what that point is but you'll find it if you read the book.
To the negative, the story is surprisingly simple and I feel like I just read a YA (young adult) novel. It's possible, of course, that it is targeted for a YA audience but it's not labeled as such so I have to assume that it's for adults. As such it loses a star because it's just so very, very simple.
In summary, this one is well written but a bit hollow for anyone over the age of 18. The themes are rather childish and lacking in complexity but on the whole a well-written story. This simplicity will be a positive for some and a negative for others. I leave it to the reader to make that determination for themselves.
This is another Oracles Novelette; I am fortunate to be reading "Second Sight" right after "Lost Girl" although, they do not need to be read in any particular order.
Second Sight is told from Gena's point of view. Gena absolutely loves sunglasses! When her friends Anne and Juniper go thrift shopping for a present for Juniper's dad's birthday, Gena comes across a pair of odd sunglasses that she falls in love with. For 0.65 cents, she just has to have them! As soon as Gena puts on her strange sunglasses, she starts to see wierd images, flashes of the future that she can't interpret. Is Anne going to go blind? Is Gena's dad going to be killed by his new girlfriend?
This Oracles Novelette was a little lighter than "Lost Girl" but still enjoyable. The sunglasses were an interesting device to use to see into the future, and as in "Lost Girl," the girls characters and great. I'm glad that the characters are so well developed and carry over from each Novelette. I'll be waiting for the next one...
This book was provided for free in exchange for an honest review.
I received this book from GoodReads- First Read giveaway. When I entered, I was expecting a paranormal thriller. While it was plenty suspenseful, it was certainly not what I had expected. However, I was not disappointed by the story at all. After purchasing a pair of second-hand sunglasses (that no one else seems to like), Gena begins to have visions. It takes a few days to realize that they are actually visions of things to come. Unfortunately, these visions are not the rainbows and winning lottery ticket type. At the same time that she is receiving these visions, she learns that her widowed father is starting to date again. Rather than the adrenaline packed read I had expected, I found an even better story about missed interpretations and learning to adjust to new changes in ones life. I look forward to reading more from Dax Varley. Thanks!
I really enjoyed reading this story. The main character, Gena, is funny and like-able. The story got my interest right away, and kept it until the end. There were a few twists that I didn't see coming. This is the first Oracles story I have read, and I would love to read more sometime! I wonder what Anne's magical gift might be?? This story would especially be enjoyed by teens, since the main characters are teens, and would be great for them since it was a good, clean story. Nothing in appropriate, etc. My one bone to pick is that the description of the glasses don't match the sunglasses on the cover. I received this book for free in exchange for a review.
What a fun little read. I loved the sassy heroine. Her dialogue was great and her relationship with her friends was a neat facet of the story I adored how she interacted with her dad. They were so cute and witty. The main character, Gena, is funny and like-able. The story got my interest right away, and kept it until the end. There were a few twists that I didn't see coming. This is the first Oracles story I have read, and I would love to read more sometime! This story would especially be enjoyed by teens, since the main characters are teens, and would be great for them since it was a good, clean story.
This is the first Oracles book I have read. It would be a great book for young adults. The story was well written. Gena loves sunglasses and the secondhand shop has a pair that does more than block out the sun. The story keeps you interested all the way through it and throws in some twists. I enjoyed the book.
This is a fun read aimed at younger readers. Still, I enjoyed it for its down to earth quality. The story, as it unravels, is a reminder of the age-old saying that you can't judge a book by its cover.
I am not personally into quick, novelettes/novellas. I like to sink my teeth into a book and not "willingly" let go until page 450...but, I guess that's asking a lot from every author.
I really enjoyed this novella. It was well written and I liked the characters. I wish there were books like this when I was a teen. I will definitely consider reading more books from this author.
Gena loves sunglasses. All shapes and sizes. She finds a pair that lets her see things to come in the future. Not always a good thing. A fast, easy read. Well written.