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The Vivid Trilogy #1
Vivid
When Vivian Cartwright was five years old, she witnessed her mother’s death.
Now, sixteen-year-old Vivian only wants a normal life—hard to accomplish when you possess the power to control energy. Her entire life she has feared her power and its connection to her mother’s murder. She has kept her ability a secret from everyone except her guardian, Charlotte, who has hidden Vivian from the man responsible for her mother’s murder.
Her secret is safe until Vivian subconsciously defends herself at school using her power. After this first use of her gift in many years, Vivian’s power seems to take on a mind of its own, increasing in strength and demanding to be used. This increase in power also brings dreams of her mother’s death and the mysterious man connected with it. When she is assigned to tutor the would-be boyfriend of Trista Parmer (a.k.a. the biggest diva in school), Vivian cannot deny the electrifying connection that she feels for the boy, Easton Garrett. In her desire to get Easton away from Vivian, Trista doubles her efforts to humiliate Vivian, forcing Vivian to use her supernatural gift over and over. With each use, Vivian fears she is losing control and discovers her powers are growing—maybe too much—bringing her unknowingly closer to the man who murdered her mother.
Now, sixteen-year-old Vivian only wants a normal life—hard to accomplish when you possess the power to control energy. Her entire life she has feared her power and its connection to her mother’s murder. She has kept her ability a secret from everyone except her guardian, Charlotte, who has hidden Vivian from the man responsible for her mother’s murder.
Her secret is safe until Vivian subconsciously defends herself at school using her power. After this first use of her gift in many years, Vivian’s power seems to take on a mind of its own, increasing in strength and demanding to be used. This increase in power also brings dreams of her mother’s death and the mysterious man connected with it. When she is assigned to tutor the would-be boyfriend of Trista Parmer (a.k.a. the biggest diva in school), Vivian cannot deny the electrifying connection that she feels for the boy, Easton Garrett. In her desire to get Easton away from Vivian, Trista doubles her efforts to humiliate Vivian, forcing Vivian to use her supernatural gift over and over. With each use, Vivian fears she is losing control and discovers her powers are growing—maybe too much—bringing her unknowingly closer to the man who murdered her mother.
Unknown Binding
First published December 13, 2011
7 people are currently reading
296 people want to read
About the author
Andrea Murray
6 books66 followersAndrea Murray’s love of English didn’t begin until high school. In fact, in elementary school, she hated reading and never read a book unless she was forced to read. She found her joy as a ninth grader when she began reading classic short stories like “The Most Dangerous Game” and “The Cask of Amontillado”. After that, she knew she wanted to study English and teach kids like her who weren’t entirely thrilled with English.
She graduated valedictorian of her high school class in the same little town where she still lives and earned a BSE in English and an MA in English from Arkansas State University, where she also earned honors as the Outstanding BSE graduate in English. Andrea has now been teaching English for twenty years. She’s taught journalism, freshmen composition, every level of junior high and high school English, and Pre-AP and AP literature. Andrea is also a two-time teacher of the year.
She lives in Arkansas with Chris, her high school sweetheart and husband of twenty-two years; their two children, Olivia and Wyatt; and their rambunctious German Shepherd, Claus, in a possibly haunted house. She co-coaches her daughter’s two-time state champion Odyssey of the Mind team when she isn’t chauffeuring her son to Cub Scouts. She loves Victorian British literature focused on that when earning her MA. Her first true love is historical romance. She can remember sneaking my mother's trashy romance novels when she was a young teenager and reading while mother was grocery shopping. Her favorites were always the Medieval and pirate stories, but she also loves young adult literature and just about anything paranormal. She’s a proud Mensan and is addicted to television. When she isn’t watching bad science fiction movies, she spends her time reading.
In addition to her young adult paranormal romance series The Vivid Trilogy, she has written The Omni Duology, a young-adult dystopian duo.
She graduated valedictorian of her high school class in the same little town where she still lives and earned a BSE in English and an MA in English from Arkansas State University, where she also earned honors as the Outstanding BSE graduate in English. Andrea has now been teaching English for twenty years. She’s taught journalism, freshmen composition, every level of junior high and high school English, and Pre-AP and AP literature. Andrea is also a two-time teacher of the year.
She lives in Arkansas with Chris, her high school sweetheart and husband of twenty-two years; their two children, Olivia and Wyatt; and their rambunctious German Shepherd, Claus, in a possibly haunted house. She co-coaches her daughter’s two-time state champion Odyssey of the Mind team when she isn’t chauffeuring her son to Cub Scouts. She loves Victorian British literature focused on that when earning her MA. Her first true love is historical romance. She can remember sneaking my mother's trashy romance novels when she was a young teenager and reading while mother was grocery shopping. Her favorites were always the Medieval and pirate stories, but she also loves young adult literature and just about anything paranormal. She’s a proud Mensan and is addicted to television. When she isn’t watching bad science fiction movies, she spends her time reading.
In addition to her young adult paranormal romance series The Vivid Trilogy, she has written The Omni Duology, a young-adult dystopian duo.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
July 12, 2013
I was lucky enough to receive a PDF of this book in exchange for an honest review, so here goes. . .
Approximately the first half of the book is spent introducing the main characters and building their back-stories in order to create the present day. Vivian is the main protagonist, but she is joined by some of her support team, including her Aunt Charlotte, her best friend Abby, and her romantic interest, Easton. This is all understandable, yet it keeps the book from grabbing my complete attention from the very beginning.
Vivian has a vivid memory of the night her mother died, leaving her alone at a very young age. Luckily for Vivian her Aunt Charlotte came to her rescue, changing her own life in order to suddenly raise a child. The two women have a very close bond, with Vivian essentially thinking of Aunt Charlotte as her mother. Since Aunt Charlotte heard what Vivian had to say about the night that her sister died, plus some of the reports of what the scene looked like, she was well aware of Vivian's 'gift.' She encouraged Vivian to keep her abilities to herself and to never use them again, something Vivian was able to do until a specific incident at school.
Tricia is the queen bee at the high school Vivian & Abby attend and makes an excellent antagonist. She has a particular dislike for Vivian, and Abby by extension. Her dislike escalates to hate when it becomes clear that Easton likes Vivian and not Tricia, who had her sights set on him. Almost every girl that has survived high school had their own Tricia, making her character completely authentic.
One day Tricia sets the girls up to be humiliated and physically hurt in the middle of their lunch period. When Vivian sees what Tricia has planned and how it will hurt Abby something inside of her just snaps, and she ends up using her power against the giant girl Tricia had in place to hurt them. Vivian is lucky enough that no one really sees what happens between the two girls.
At this point the action really picks up and it is difficult not to race through the remainder of the book. Though the characters are mostly relatable, there are one or two things that just don't quite ring true for me. It is because of those details and the slow start that I gave the book three stars. If I could I would give it 3.5 stars, but until that is possible I am going to stick with my initial reaction to the book.
That being said, I certainly think that a sequel has great potential to maintain a consistent story arc. One that will potentially have the reader from cover to cover, keeping them from getting anything else accomplished until they've finished the book.
Approximately the first half of the book is spent introducing the main characters and building their back-stories in order to create the present day. Vivian is the main protagonist, but she is joined by some of her support team, including her Aunt Charlotte, her best friend Abby, and her romantic interest, Easton. This is all understandable, yet it keeps the book from grabbing my complete attention from the very beginning.
Vivian has a vivid memory of the night her mother died, leaving her alone at a very young age. Luckily for Vivian her Aunt Charlotte came to her rescue, changing her own life in order to suddenly raise a child. The two women have a very close bond, with Vivian essentially thinking of Aunt Charlotte as her mother. Since Aunt Charlotte heard what Vivian had to say about the night that her sister died, plus some of the reports of what the scene looked like, she was well aware of Vivian's 'gift.' She encouraged Vivian to keep her abilities to herself and to never use them again, something Vivian was able to do until a specific incident at school.
Tricia is the queen bee at the high school Vivian & Abby attend and makes an excellent antagonist. She has a particular dislike for Vivian, and Abby by extension. Her dislike escalates to hate when it becomes clear that Easton likes Vivian and not Tricia, who had her sights set on him. Almost every girl that has survived high school had their own Tricia, making her character completely authentic.
One day Tricia sets the girls up to be humiliated and physically hurt in the middle of their lunch period. When Vivian sees what Tricia has planned and how it will hurt Abby something inside of her just snaps, and she ends up using her power against the giant girl Tricia had in place to hurt them. Vivian is lucky enough that no one really sees what happens between the two girls.
At this point the action really picks up and it is difficult not to race through the remainder of the book. Though the characters are mostly relatable, there are one or two things that just don't quite ring true for me. It is because of those details and the slow start that I gave the book three stars. If I could I would give it 3.5 stars, but until that is possible I am going to stick with my initial reaction to the book.
That being said, I certainly think that a sequel has great potential to maintain a consistent story arc. One that will potentially have the reader from cover to cover, keeping them from getting anything else accomplished until they've finished the book.
February 9, 2017
This was a great book. All of the characters are perfectly brought into the story. Love how Vivian ended up able to control her powers. This was my first book by this author and I plan to read the rest of the series!
August 2, 2013
Given by David Estes Fans and YA Book Lovers Unite! -> R&R Book Listing
for an honest review
I liked the story very much..And I would have rated higher,but I didn't like the gaps between some points..In one page,Vivian was in a scene with Easton or her aunt or Abby and in the next,she was elsewhere alone,sleeping and dreaming about her mum..
I enjoyed Vivian's character..She's fun but responsible...Drowning in guilt sometimes..Loyal..Determined..Smart...Besides the supernatural element, I found myself relating to her and her reactions..
Easton surprised me..I didn't expect him to be the nervous,not-so-sure guy, but I really enjoyed that aspect of him,as well..
Abby,on the other hand...Let's just say that betrayal and disloyalty don't sit well with me,even when she makes up for it later...
Generally speaking,I recommend the book and I would love to read the next books,too..There's a lot we don't know and we need answers...
for an honest review
I liked the story very much..And I would have rated higher,but I didn't like the gaps between some points..In one page,Vivian was in a scene with Easton or her aunt or Abby and in the next,she was elsewhere alone,sleeping and dreaming about her mum..
I enjoyed Vivian's character..She's fun but responsible...Drowning in guilt sometimes..Loyal..Determined..Smart...Besides the supernatural element, I found myself relating to her and her reactions..
Easton surprised me..I didn't expect him to be the nervous,not-so-sure guy, but I really enjoyed that aspect of him,as well..
Abby,on the other hand...Let's just say that betrayal and disloyalty don't sit well with me,even when she makes up for it later...
Generally speaking,I recommend the book and I would love to read the next books,too..There's a lot we don't know and we need answers...
November 22, 2013
I was given this book in exchange for an honest review via Lovers of Paranormal.
I was torn between 4 and 5 stars rating. It is a very good book and I enjoyed reading it.
I would like to have seen a bit more of Vivian experimenting and learning how to use her powers. She seemed to be suddenly extremely proficient. Aunt Charlotte came across across as a lovely person and more of her family story would have been good. I liked the flasbacks of Vivian's mother but we still don't really know what happened or why.
It was a well written story and the characters well formed. The plot moves along steadily and fills in more emotional facts along the way. Had the more technical facts, as I previously mentioned, also been filled in I think I would have gone with the 5 star rating - I needed just that bit more.
A good book that I would recommend.
I look forward to reading the next book to find out more.
I was torn between 4 and 5 stars rating. It is a very good book and I enjoyed reading it.
I would like to have seen a bit more of Vivian experimenting and learning how to use her powers. She seemed to be suddenly extremely proficient. Aunt Charlotte came across across as a lovely person and more of her family story would have been good. I liked the flasbacks of Vivian's mother but we still don't really know what happened or why.
It was a well written story and the characters well formed. The plot moves along steadily and fills in more emotional facts along the way. Had the more technical facts, as I previously mentioned, also been filled in I think I would have gone with the 5 star rating - I needed just that bit more.
A good book that I would recommend.
I look forward to reading the next book to find out more.
September 20, 2017
I enjoyed Vivid. I truly loved the ending the best. I kept waiting for the other shoe to drop and what a shoe it was. I can't wait to see where it goes from here.
August 7, 2013
I received a free ebook in exchange for an honest review.
Vivid by Andrea Murray initially feels like comfort food for teen girls. It relies on so many conventions: the brainy protagonist (Vivian) who possesses sardonic wit and is only appreciated by those with the noblest qualities, the feisty sidekick, the surrogate mother who has sacrificed all due to the tragic and mysterious deaths of the protagonist’s parents, the love interest who is handsome and athletic yet surprisingly sensitive and enlightened, and of course the antagonist: mean-girl-by-the-numbers, Trista. The plot unfolds with the usual high school drama and the pacing works, even when we know this story all too well. But we don’t really, not completely anyway. Vivian possesses powers that she doesn’t understand and while even this isn’t all that original; the powers are pretty cool. The book comes alive at the climax and hints at a more compelling story to come in the sequels. Vivid is perhaps a warm up where Murray has done the heavy lifting with the characters. I think my female students will want to continue with Vivian’s plight for at least two more books.
Vivid by Andrea Murray initially feels like comfort food for teen girls. It relies on so many conventions: the brainy protagonist (Vivian) who possesses sardonic wit and is only appreciated by those with the noblest qualities, the feisty sidekick, the surrogate mother who has sacrificed all due to the tragic and mysterious deaths of the protagonist’s parents, the love interest who is handsome and athletic yet surprisingly sensitive and enlightened, and of course the antagonist: mean-girl-by-the-numbers, Trista. The plot unfolds with the usual high school drama and the pacing works, even when we know this story all too well. But we don’t really, not completely anyway. Vivian possesses powers that she doesn’t understand and while even this isn’t all that original; the powers are pretty cool. The book comes alive at the climax and hints at a more compelling story to come in the sequels. Vivid is perhaps a warm up where Murray has done the heavy lifting with the characters. I think my female students will want to continue with Vivian’s plight for at least two more books.
July 29, 2013
I received a copy of this book for an honest review.
I have been waiting awhile to read this book. I was soo excited when a R4R came up for this book and immediately jumped on board. I was very happy once I finished it and it lived up to my expectations.
Vivan is your average girl with not so average powers. She just wants to go to school and not have to worry about bullies but doesn't get her wish once she is assigned as popular boy/crush Easton's tutor. He has a bitchy girlfriend named Tricia who goes out of her way to make Vivian's life hell. Things start to happen and well I can't say what but it starts our story.
Can I say how much I loved Vivian and Easton together. Vivian was such a real girl. She goes through it in this book with all the drama and still finds strength to protect those she cares about even if the kind of betray her like her stupid best friend Abby. Abby pissed me off in this book. I would not have saved her ass but that's just me. Anyway. I suggest everyone read this. I Loved it!!!!
I have been waiting awhile to read this book. I was soo excited when a R4R came up for this book and immediately jumped on board. I was very happy once I finished it and it lived up to my expectations.
Vivan is your average girl with not so average powers. She just wants to go to school and not have to worry about bullies but doesn't get her wish once she is assigned as popular boy/crush Easton's tutor. He has a bitchy girlfriend named Tricia who goes out of her way to make Vivian's life hell. Things start to happen and well I can't say what but it starts our story.
Can I say how much I loved Vivian and Easton together. Vivian was such a real girl. She goes through it in this book with all the drama and still finds strength to protect those she cares about even if the kind of betray her like her stupid best friend Abby. Abby pissed me off in this book. I would not have saved her ass but that's just me. Anyway. I suggest everyone read this. I Loved it!!!!
July 29, 2014
*I was provided a free copy of this book for an unbiased review*
This was a good book, but to be honest it reminded me a lot of Hush, Hush and I had trouble reading it because I had to read it suddenly and I was in the middle of reading Hush, Hush and kept getting the two mixed up. It could be just me. Plus the names Elliot from Hush, Hush and Easton from this book made my confusion worse for a while. There are differences of course, but in my head they got tangled.
There are differences and those are what make this book what it is of course. There is of course The powers that Vivian has and her trouble with them and her past. The mysterious people/organization out to get her and the troubles of being a teenager in High School. It is a pretty good book, but It wasn't super stellar. It wasn't a waste of my time, and that is always a good thing.
Plus you have to like a book that has the line: "The butterflies in my stomach feel like pterodactyls."
This was a good book, but to be honest it reminded me a lot of Hush, Hush and I had trouble reading it because I had to read it suddenly and I was in the middle of reading Hush, Hush and kept getting the two mixed up. It could be just me. Plus the names Elliot from Hush, Hush and Easton from this book made my confusion worse for a while. There are differences of course, but in my head they got tangled.
There are differences and those are what make this book what it is of course. There is of course The powers that Vivian has and her trouble with them and her past. The mysterious people/organization out to get her and the troubles of being a teenager in High School. It is a pretty good book, but It wasn't super stellar. It wasn't a waste of my time, and that is always a good thing.
Plus you have to like a book that has the line: "The butterflies in my stomach feel like pterodactyls."
August 9, 2013
I was give this book for my honest review
This book was really good it had me on the end of my seat, I read it from start to finish in a couple of hours, that's just how much I enjoyed it. I loved the fact that you had this outsider name Viv who had these powers that she never knew existed or how to use them. She meets and falls for the jock name Easton who in turn falls for her also, the little things that were wrong with her and what she thought might make him run from her only made him like her more. Viv had this friend name Abby who wanted to fit in so bad with the popular group that she was willing to turn her back on Viv and belittle her.
When Viv really gets into her powers than everything breaks loose and she is once again being hunted by the very people that her mom and her aunt tried to protect her from. This was a good read and I look forward to starting the next installment in this trilogy
This book was really good it had me on the end of my seat, I read it from start to finish in a couple of hours, that's just how much I enjoyed it. I loved the fact that you had this outsider name Viv who had these powers that she never knew existed or how to use them. She meets and falls for the jock name Easton who in turn falls for her also, the little things that were wrong with her and what she thought might make him run from her only made him like her more. Viv had this friend name Abby who wanted to fit in so bad with the popular group that she was willing to turn her back on Viv and belittle her.
When Viv really gets into her powers than everything breaks loose and she is once again being hunted by the very people that her mom and her aunt tried to protect her from. This was a good read and I look forward to starting the next installment in this trilogy
August 15, 2013
This one was one of these books that catch you from the first sentence and doesn‘t let go. It was as easy to read it as to breathe. I eagerly turned pages and haven‘t noticed how I read most of the story.
I loved it how Vivian told her story. It was so fun and made me smile. It was like close friend telling you their story. And I loved Easton. He seems such a perfect guy. It‘s almost hard to believe he is real, but yet here he is.
I enjoyed reading this book. It was fun and sad, intense and real. In the end I‘m left with secrets I want to be revealed and questions about how the story goes on and what happens next. I would love to read sequels.
I was given this book in exchange for honest review (David Estes Fans and YA Book Lovers Unite! group and the author).
I loved it how Vivian told her story. It was so fun and made me smile. It was like close friend telling you their story. And I loved Easton. He seems such a perfect guy. It‘s almost hard to believe he is real, but yet here he is.
I enjoyed reading this book. It was fun and sad, intense and real. In the end I‘m left with secrets I want to be revealed and questions about how the story goes on and what happens next. I would love to read sequels.
I was given this book in exchange for honest review (David Estes Fans and YA Book Lovers Unite! group and the author).
May 9, 2014
This is such an amazing book! I absolutely love it. The author, Andrea Murray, is such an amazing author. I'm so honored that she is my teacher. Vivid has to be in my top 10 books. I absolutely love Vivan and Easton together!
May 16, 2019
The novel Vivid by Andrea Murray is definitely YA though I would add Mature to that- that's just me.
There are some familiar elements- that's not a bad thing - in fact it made my hair stand on end to see Vivian and her friend Abby in high school facing the usual angst that life dishes out plus being the target of Trista and the bully elite. When Vivian displays some rather remarkable powers that's when the chills start and I got shades of Stephen Kings Carrie.
Fortunately we have Easton Garrett and Cooper McNeal to ground them. These fellows are almost unbelievable. That might be why it takes the girls so much time to figure out that they are real.
Just when things begin to look like they are getting better Vivian discovers her families dark secrets and it supplies some answers to some rather frightening memories she's been having. Vivian is beside herself trying to keep her secrets and live a normal life. But, prom is on the way and we all know what that could lead to.
Because she's been using her powers- even though its sparingly- she's running the potential for putting a pin on the map for some very bad people.
By the time things get rough we have moved on into something similar to Stephen Kings FireStarter and the feeling that this could get really bad.
And though I mentally draw these similarities Vivian and the people surrounding her are nothing like the characters in those other books. Andrea Murray uses her knowledge to draw us into the lives of some convincing teens trying to deal with their normal lives while they get thrust into something that is far from normal.
By the end of the story you will definitely want to know what is going to happen in the next of the trilogy.
J.L. Dobias
There are some familiar elements- that's not a bad thing - in fact it made my hair stand on end to see Vivian and her friend Abby in high school facing the usual angst that life dishes out plus being the target of Trista and the bully elite. When Vivian displays some rather remarkable powers that's when the chills start and I got shades of Stephen Kings Carrie.
Fortunately we have Easton Garrett and Cooper McNeal to ground them. These fellows are almost unbelievable. That might be why it takes the girls so much time to figure out that they are real.
Just when things begin to look like they are getting better Vivian discovers her families dark secrets and it supplies some answers to some rather frightening memories she's been having. Vivian is beside herself trying to keep her secrets and live a normal life. But, prom is on the way and we all know what that could lead to.
Because she's been using her powers- even though its sparingly- she's running the potential for putting a pin on the map for some very bad people.
By the time things get rough we have moved on into something similar to Stephen Kings FireStarter and the feeling that this could get really bad.
And though I mentally draw these similarities Vivian and the people surrounding her are nothing like the characters in those other books. Andrea Murray uses her knowledge to draw us into the lives of some convincing teens trying to deal with their normal lives while they get thrust into something that is far from normal.
By the end of the story you will definitely want to know what is going to happen in the next of the trilogy.
J.L. Dobias
September 15, 2017
I am reviewing a gift copy of this book; the opinion expressed is mine alone. I'm a little older than Vivian, the high school junior heroine of Vivid, but from the very beginning of Andrea Murray's novel, I was THERE. High school, popularity problems, cliques, ostracism, boys who ignored you, boys who annoyed you - Murray's sharp and focused first-person narrative captures and enthralls, making the reader and Vivian one, and Vivian's experiences become the reader's own. By the time the paranormal elements of the story manifest, readers will be down the rabbit hole right along with her, as her secret abilities and hidden past history are revealed to her, her only friend, her first boyfriend, and finally, inevitably, to the world. The consequences of that revelation are the catalyst for the dramatic finale of the book, and the set-up for the next book of the trilogy. I refuse to do spoilers, so no more plot details, but know that this is YA paranormal fantasy at its bizarre best. Incisive, bold, and fast-paced, with a heroine whose metamorphosis from introspective teen outcast, through vengeful vigilante, and on to the purposeful survivor of her own private holy war - Vivid is as brilliant and mesmerizing as the title suggests.
February 6, 2017
I really like the cover of this book. It has an Erie feel too it and once I read the description I was instantly intrigued. Murder and magic powers..... yes please.
Vivian was pretty down to earth and didn't like confrontation. She was a typical high school girl but at the same time she was a lot more. I did like her character.
This was mainly about the heroine and yes we have Easton, who wasn't your typical jock. Yes there was some romance, but it's as much as a take YA book has.
Being that this story is YA, I (personally) had a hard time connecting with the characters. The writing was good and the plot was interesting, but I felt that the characters were some what immature. That is the reason I don't like YA unless it is more of an adult type story. This book didn't even have the F word in it!
Overall, I really tried to love this book, and I liked the plot but I had a really hard time connecting with the characters. With the cliffhanger I am interested in seeing what happens. 3-3.5 stars #2OCCJD
Vivian was pretty down to earth and didn't like confrontation. She was a typical high school girl but at the same time she was a lot more. I did like her character.
This was mainly about the heroine and yes we have Easton, who wasn't your typical jock. Yes there was some romance, but it's as much as a take YA book has.
Being that this story is YA, I (personally) had a hard time connecting with the characters. The writing was good and the plot was interesting, but I felt that the characters were some what immature. That is the reason I don't like YA unless it is more of an adult type story. This book didn't even have the F word in it!
Overall, I really tried to love this book, and I liked the plot but I had a really hard time connecting with the characters. With the cliffhanger I am interested in seeing what happens. 3-3.5 stars #2OCCJD
September 14, 2018
I enjoyed the parts of the book that dealt with the powers that Vivian manifested. I did not enjoy the High School drama portrayed in the book (had too much of that in high school myself). The story flow was nice and fast when dealing with the topic of the powers. We shall have to wait and see what happens to Vivian in the next book.
February 24, 2017
I received a copy of this book through the Quirky Blind Date with a Book in exchange for a fair and honest review.....this is a young adult paranormal story set in the real world or more precisely set in a high school ...consequently the story contains all the angst associated with that type of environment .. this is just the beginning of a journey of discovery for Viv a super smart, strong girl with super powers ...she is surrounded by jealous bullies but this time the bullies may have met their match as she fights back with a bit more power than expected..
There is also a cast of wonderful people who love and support Viv... apart from her surrogate mother,Charlotte, there is Abby, her best friend, Easton, a gorgeous baseball jock and her love interest and his funny and loyal friend Coop... I am so looking forward to reading more about all of these awesome individuals in the books that follow...
I loved the descriptions of the characters and whether good or bad they all felt credible to me.....Written from Viv's point of view her observations add humour to the story ...she has special powers which are starting to increase and although at times they prove useful they are also a cause of friction with those she relies upon the most.....I did think that Viv had a tendency to judge people in a way that she deplored in others for example being condescending about a student with poor grades and without giving too much away I felt, at times, she used her powers for personal gain rather than for good.....
That said I did think this was an original and enthralling story and OMG what an ending ...just when it seems everything is falling into place everything gets turned around and I was left reeling as the book closed on a cliffhanger of all cliffhangers....
There is also a cast of wonderful people who love and support Viv... apart from her surrogate mother,Charlotte, there is Abby, her best friend, Easton, a gorgeous baseball jock and her love interest and his funny and loyal friend Coop... I am so looking forward to reading more about all of these awesome individuals in the books that follow...
I loved the descriptions of the characters and whether good or bad they all felt credible to me.....Written from Viv's point of view her observations add humour to the story ...she has special powers which are starting to increase and although at times they prove useful they are also a cause of friction with those she relies upon the most.....I did think that Viv had a tendency to judge people in a way that she deplored in others for example being condescending about a student with poor grades and without giving too much away I felt, at times, she used her powers for personal gain rather than for good.....
That said I did think this was an original and enthralling story and OMG what an ending ...just when it seems everything is falling into place everything gets turned around and I was left reeling as the book closed on a cliffhanger of all cliffhangers....
September 28, 2012
The protagonist suffers from a little thing called tstl (Too stupid to live syndrome)
Yes yes very unoriginal
The simplest of things is unbearably complicated to her throughout the beginning of the book and end.
I probably have a bump on my head throughout the amount of times I have hit it in my complete and utter annoyance of our great main character Vivian Cartwright.
A round a round of applause...NO
This book did nothing to quench my thirst of reading a good YA book
Most likely I’m even more parched because of a book that is called
Wait for it...
Wait for it...
Vivid dun dun dun
Of course you already knew that it just seemed like fun, anways back to topic.
The author did not follow through the consistency of a strong headed protagonist we first enter the book with Vivian being someone you want to be friends with maybe even look up to but it seems she has fallen through the deep wormhole of girl see's boy
Boy is (of course) incredibly handsome with (how very original) no flaws and is very modest ‘yawn’ and somehow with his godly looks is smitten with uh how do I put this,
The loser
Girl loses all self respect and can’t do anything but dribble with the thought of boy.
(At least she doesn’t offer him sex.... oh wait she kind of does)
Vivian's brain is only big enough to fit the love interest and all his god given attributes.
The love interest hmm now what’s his name? Who knows and who cares
As much as the author tried to depict him as a modern day prince charming
Charming he was not; there was something off about him hmm lemme see.....
A human boy who doesn’t seem bothered by the fact his girlfriend can burn him into complete oblivion, he didn’t even bat an eye when he saw her float 20 ft in the air more to the point she told him she can alter and manipulate minds, and that she might have manipulated his into kissing her once again I’m flabbergasted by his frivolous attitude encouraging her on what she might have, or might not have done by kissing her Oh so sweetly WHO THE FUCK IS THIS GUY?!?
I feel depressed sorry for my bad language, but really
I didn’t like any of the other characters her best friend was a spineless mouse who somewhere near the ending of the book grew up (no pun intended) and grew a pair.
Vivian’s aunt was someone who out of everyone I liked the most she was nice and caring
How very interesting
The antagonist is mean very mean (how scary) I kind of liked her though and was slyly rooting her on, That’s probably not a good thing I guess but when there’s a girl mooning over boy and boy mooning over girl a friend with half a brain and a aunt who’s nice there is very little choice to be picky and you’ve got to give the antagonist (what’s her name again?) Kudos on being determined
The rest of the characters are a blip on my radar of giving a shit, because you know I really don’t give one
I am quiet disappointed in this book (Scratch that very) some of the things in this book didn’t make sense I would have happily ignored it since it takes quite allot for a book to disappoint me but Boy did this book try hard
The repetition of mistakes was something I could no longer ignore; it came to the extent of it grating on my last nerves
After reading this book I have very few left
Though I do love the concept of the book I’m not amazed by the way it was delivered
The author writing style is somewhat simplistic when I’m reading a book I like to be challenged mentally on the language/vocabulary this book seems to be written by a 16 year old
I’m getting bored discussing this though I tell you there is a lot more I have to say hmmm doughnuts.
Review by
c.c
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 21, 2017
I got this through Quirky Blind Date with a book. You read a one sentence description of a book and make your selection. I don't normally read YA and wouldn't have chosen this had I know. I'm glad I didn't as I would have missed a really great read.
Vivian is not in the cool crowd at school. She doesn't have the perfect 10 clothes and snarky attitude to compete with the dime squad but she is smart and has her best friend Abby to help her get through. Vivian also has "powers". She can manipulate the energy around her and direct it. She keeps this information under wraps from everyone until a nasty confrontation with a bully at school outs her to Abby. It also gets her a punishment of being a tutor to Easton, the school's baseball god and hot guy.
Along the lines of the King novel Firestarter, Vivid is an intriguing story of a young woman coming into her own and coming face-to-face with who she is and what she is capable of. Still young enough to be reckless, Vivian allows her temper (which sets off her powers) get the best of her and unwittingly gains attention she doesn't want. Ms. Murray keeps the tension high as Vivian's powers start to grow and she is forced to tell Easton and Abby what she can do. The culmination of the book is a heartbreaker where Vivian must make a decision well beyond her years.
This is an excellent story of good and evil told through the voice of a young girl coming of age and learning that life is about hard choices and doing the best we can with the hand that is dealt. There are two other books that follow Vivian's journey to find out where she can from and I have already set them on my TBR list.
Vivian is not in the cool crowd at school. She doesn't have the perfect 10 clothes and snarky attitude to compete with the dime squad but she is smart and has her best friend Abby to help her get through. Vivian also has "powers". She can manipulate the energy around her and direct it. She keeps this information under wraps from everyone until a nasty confrontation with a bully at school outs her to Abby. It also gets her a punishment of being a tutor to Easton, the school's baseball god and hot guy.
Along the lines of the King novel Firestarter, Vivid is an intriguing story of a young woman coming into her own and coming face-to-face with who she is and what she is capable of. Still young enough to be reckless, Vivian allows her temper (which sets off her powers) get the best of her and unwittingly gains attention she doesn't want. Ms. Murray keeps the tension high as Vivian's powers start to grow and she is forced to tell Easton and Abby what she can do. The culmination of the book is a heartbreaker where Vivian must make a decision well beyond her years.
This is an excellent story of good and evil told through the voice of a young girl coming of age and learning that life is about hard choices and doing the best we can with the hand that is dealt. There are two other books that follow Vivian's journey to find out where she can from and I have already set them on my TBR list.
December 28, 2014
I must say this is definitely one really cool book. It's different, and interesting, and doesn't always follow the cliched trends. Vivian is a high school girl, who happens to have some special powers. She's always known about them, but she's always hid them because they killed her mother, in front of her. Her wonderful aunt took her in, loved her, and when things start going wrong, she can't help her power from coming out. And things spiral from there. I loved the HAWT boyfriend, and the relation ship between Viv and her aunt. And the wonderful Cooper, I think I want him :) But I'm getting ahead of myself!!
Vivian is supposed to be normal. She is pretty but she's nerdy, and she just wants to blend in. She doesn't want to be in the popular crowd, mainly because the in crowd is freaking horrible. The mean girl in here takes it to a whole new level. Viv has one friend, Abby, who stuck by her side for forever, until a new hot guy showed up and she betrays Vivian to hang with the in crowd just for the guy, who is secretly using her to plot evil against Vivian. Yeah it's complicated, but as that starts to happen, Vivian is loosing control of her powers, and someone is hunting her. She finally meets a wonderful guy, seriously, Easton is freaking awesome- but I want his best friend Cooper- and I love him. He is perfect and he is so perfect for Vivian. And then more things spiral when they finally find her Aunt and kidnap her to get to Vivian. And Viv is still trying to understand who she is, what her powers are, why she has them and her mother died for them.
The plot is well done and kept me on my toes. The side characters are phenomenal. Even the damn mean girl, who is so loved to be hated. Tricia, aka mean girl queen bee, wants Easton, but Easton is very good with getting Vivian. He's wonderful, a jock, yet kind, popular, yet considerate. Beautiful. Sweet. Protective without being alpha dominant. And Tricia will do anything to destroy Vivian to get Easton. And on top of all the horrible things Tricia does Abby and Vivian, Viv is trying to stay hidden from those who found and killed her mother. The action is also well done because it's something believable between teenage girls, until the big ending which has left me devastated beyond repair. But I totally want so much more from this series. I am going to stalk until I get the next books, which I MUST HAVE!!! The writing is so well done, but I'll let you read the author's bio to understand why :) I can't wait for more and I have completely invested myself in these characters! I am so cheering on Easton and Vivian, and I so hope it works! 5 PAWS!!
Vivian is supposed to be normal. She is pretty but she's nerdy, and she just wants to blend in. She doesn't want to be in the popular crowd, mainly because the in crowd is freaking horrible. The mean girl in here takes it to a whole new level. Viv has one friend, Abby, who stuck by her side for forever, until a new hot guy showed up and she betrays Vivian to hang with the in crowd just for the guy, who is secretly using her to plot evil against Vivian. Yeah it's complicated, but as that starts to happen, Vivian is loosing control of her powers, and someone is hunting her. She finally meets a wonderful guy, seriously, Easton is freaking awesome- but I want his best friend Cooper- and I love him. He is perfect and he is so perfect for Vivian. And then more things spiral when they finally find her Aunt and kidnap her to get to Vivian. And Viv is still trying to understand who she is, what her powers are, why she has them and her mother died for them.
The plot is well done and kept me on my toes. The side characters are phenomenal. Even the damn mean girl, who is so loved to be hated. Tricia, aka mean girl queen bee, wants Easton, but Easton is very good with getting Vivian. He's wonderful, a jock, yet kind, popular, yet considerate. Beautiful. Sweet. Protective without being alpha dominant. And Tricia will do anything to destroy Vivian to get Easton. And on top of all the horrible things Tricia does Abby and Vivian, Viv is trying to stay hidden from those who found and killed her mother. The action is also well done because it's something believable between teenage girls, until the big ending which has left me devastated beyond repair. But I totally want so much more from this series. I am going to stalk until I get the next books, which I MUST HAVE!!! The writing is so well done, but I'll let you read the author's bio to understand why :) I can't wait for more and I have completely invested myself in these characters! I am so cheering on Easton and Vivian, and I so hope it works! 5 PAWS!!
February 27, 2017
Thus book caught me in its trap from the start! It was mysterious, crazy weird, wonderfully written! I fell in love with East on, Abby and V!!!
February 18, 2017
Vivid is the first book I have read by Andrea. Vivid usually isn't a book I would read but I have the Quirky Blind Date with a Book Club to thank for reading Vivid. I was drawn in from the beginning. I enjoyed the characters and the twist n turns. I can't wait to read the next book.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
March 12, 2012
3.5 Stars
See review at Paranormal Book Fan
When Vivian was 5 years old, she saw her mother die and she was taken to live with her aunt Charlotte. Now, 11 years later, she is starting to dream about her mother, and the men she was running from.
Vivian has a gift. As had her mother and her grandmother before her. She can control the energy around her. Her gift mainly lies dormant, until one day, her best friend is attacked in the cafeteria and Vivian accidentally burns the bully's arm. After that, she just can't seem to stop using it. She decides she needs to leave in order to protect the people she loves from the same people who killed her mother.
Vivian is a strong female protagonist who grows and develops throughout this book. By the end, she is kick ass. She is really likeable and I was completely drawn to her from the start of the book. She is kind of an outcast at school, with only one friend, Abby. So when she has to tutor a jock, Easton, as punishment, she can't believe it when he seems to be attracted to her. Easton is a good guy. He is hot and sweet and I couldn't help but like him.
Abby, the best friend, didn't actually stand out too much. I wasn't crazy about her anyway for reasons which will become clear when you read the book.
I enjoyed this book a lot. Most of it is actually about Vivian learning about her powers and how to control them. We don't see much action until the very end aside from some high school drama with the usual high school populars who like to pick on others. Trista, is one such girl and she has a big grudge against Vivian. There wasn't insta-love but I felt that it did move towards the 'L' word a little too quickly.
This book is the first in a series and paved the way for what I hope to be an even better second instalment which I will be looking forward to reading. I can't wait to see how Vivian deals with the events that unfolded at the end of this book.
See review at Paranormal Book Fan
When Vivian was 5 years old, she saw her mother die and she was taken to live with her aunt Charlotte. Now, 11 years later, she is starting to dream about her mother, and the men she was running from.
Vivian has a gift. As had her mother and her grandmother before her. She can control the energy around her. Her gift mainly lies dormant, until one day, her best friend is attacked in the cafeteria and Vivian accidentally burns the bully's arm. After that, she just can't seem to stop using it. She decides she needs to leave in order to protect the people she loves from the same people who killed her mother.
Vivian is a strong female protagonist who grows and develops throughout this book. By the end, she is kick ass. She is really likeable and I was completely drawn to her from the start of the book. She is kind of an outcast at school, with only one friend, Abby. So when she has to tutor a jock, Easton, as punishment, she can't believe it when he seems to be attracted to her. Easton is a good guy. He is hot and sweet and I couldn't help but like him.
Abby, the best friend, didn't actually stand out too much. I wasn't crazy about her anyway for reasons which will become clear when you read the book.
I enjoyed this book a lot. Most of it is actually about Vivian learning about her powers and how to control them. We don't see much action until the very end aside from some high school drama with the usual high school populars who like to pick on others. Trista, is one such girl and she has a big grudge against Vivian. There wasn't insta-love but I felt that it did move towards the 'L' word a little too quickly.
This book is the first in a series and paved the way for what I hope to be an even better second instalment which I will be looking forward to reading. I can't wait to see how Vivian deals with the events that unfolded at the end of this book.
February 18, 2015
Sixteen year old Vivian Cartwright has always known she was a little different than her classmates. Aside from living with her aunt–her only known relative–Vivian can make things happen. She’s worked her entire life to control this talent, afraid that she will lose control and really hurt somebody. But when her high school nemesis pushes her too far, Vivian ends up burning another student on the arm. This incident lands her trouble, and she has to tutor the star baseball player in order to keep herself from getting suspended.
This also gives Vivian the one thing every high school girl wants–a hot boyfriend. But the budding relationship is plagued from the start with troubles over her powers. Oh, she and Easton are fine, but she and her best friend, Abby, have a falling out. But the real problem comes when Vivian’s use of her special powers brings the one man to her that she never wanted to meet–the man responsible for her mother’s death.
One thing is certain when you read Vivid by Andrea Murray, you won’t be bored. Vivian is so real and true, her voice is that of a million teenage girls. She is far from perfect–special talents aside. She’s trying to make it, fly under the radar, and just get through high school. (sound familiar?)This realism made me love her all the more. She’s good natured and unassuming, thankful for what she has, even though she knows it’s not a lot. She’s strong and uncertain, but loyal to a fault. She’s the perfect YA heroine.
Andrea does a wonderful job creating the characters, their motivations are logical and believable. You’ll find yourself cheering for Viv long before the real trouble starts.
Another thing I loved about this book? The ending is open, which means a second installment. Whoop! Can’t wait to read more–to find out what happens to Viv, to Easton, and Abby.
This also gives Vivian the one thing every high school girl wants–a hot boyfriend. But the budding relationship is plagued from the start with troubles over her powers. Oh, she and Easton are fine, but she and her best friend, Abby, have a falling out. But the real problem comes when Vivian’s use of her special powers brings the one man to her that she never wanted to meet–the man responsible for her mother’s death.
One thing is certain when you read Vivid by Andrea Murray, you won’t be bored. Vivian is so real and true, her voice is that of a million teenage girls. She is far from perfect–special talents aside. She’s trying to make it, fly under the radar, and just get through high school. (sound familiar?)This realism made me love her all the more. She’s good natured and unassuming, thankful for what she has, even though she knows it’s not a lot. She’s strong and uncertain, but loyal to a fault. She’s the perfect YA heroine.
Andrea does a wonderful job creating the characters, their motivations are logical and believable. You’ll find yourself cheering for Viv long before the real trouble starts.
Another thing I loved about this book? The ending is open, which means a second installment. Whoop! Can’t wait to read more–to find out what happens to Viv, to Easton, and Abby.
February 26, 2013
"Vivid" is an incredible tale about high school student, Vivian Cartwright, who just wants to be treated like a normal girl free of bullies. Unfortunately for her, that is not going to happen especially when the school bully, Trista, decides she is interested in the very boy who likes Vivian.
Easton has known that Vivian is special from the time he first met her. He is a star athlete who needs tutoring in English if he is going to continue to play sports. Vivian has been assigned as his tutor. When they accidentally touch, Easton feels the strangest exchange of power and once he has the chance to get to know her better, he realizes he is love with her.
Abby is Vivian's best friend; but, even she does not know about Vivian's powers. Vivian has the power to manipulate energy especially when she is angry. Abby is a plus sized girl and is also a victim of Trista's many cruel taunts. However, when Abby realizes Vivian is keeping secrets from her, she turns coat and goes over to Trista's camp. This is bad for so many reasons. To make matters worse, Trista has a major plan involving the humiliation of both girls and if this is not bad enough, if Vivian does not get her powers under control she may bring upon danger from the very people her Aunt has been trying to protect her from.
I was truly surprised how much I enjoyed this book. It was a short read and could not believe how quickly I became emotionally invested in the characters and the story. I was team Vivian all the way. I really enjoyed Easton's character as well. Also, thank you Ms. Murray for coming up with some creative names for characters. It is nice to read about names that are a little against the norm. I am eager to go on and read the other two books in the series. If they are half as good as this one, I know I will be in for a wild ride.
Easton has known that Vivian is special from the time he first met her. He is a star athlete who needs tutoring in English if he is going to continue to play sports. Vivian has been assigned as his tutor. When they accidentally touch, Easton feels the strangest exchange of power and once he has the chance to get to know her better, he realizes he is love with her.
Abby is Vivian's best friend; but, even she does not know about Vivian's powers. Vivian has the power to manipulate energy especially when she is angry. Abby is a plus sized girl and is also a victim of Trista's many cruel taunts. However, when Abby realizes Vivian is keeping secrets from her, she turns coat and goes over to Trista's camp. This is bad for so many reasons. To make matters worse, Trista has a major plan involving the humiliation of both girls and if this is not bad enough, if Vivian does not get her powers under control she may bring upon danger from the very people her Aunt has been trying to protect her from.
I was truly surprised how much I enjoyed this book. It was a short read and could not believe how quickly I became emotionally invested in the characters and the story. I was team Vivian all the way. I really enjoyed Easton's character as well. Also, thank you Ms. Murray for coming up with some creative names for characters. It is nice to read about names that are a little against the norm. I am eager to go on and read the other two books in the series. If they are half as good as this one, I know I will be in for a wild ride.
October 1, 2013
I'm going to be honest, I had to put this book down half-way through. There were just too many things that irked me.
To start off, the characters are really just walking tropes. You have Vivian, the smart, pretty girl who for some reason is an outcast, Easton, the cute jock that likes her, Abby, the insecure girl who's trying to fit in and Trista, the "Queen bee". Now, there's nothing wrong with using tropes as long as you're doing SOMETHING original with them, however this is not the case here.
I have to say that Trista is pretty much one of the most shallow I've ever seen. She has about the same depth as the childrens pool at my local bathhouse. I suspect the only reason the author included her in the first place was so that we could compare her to the smarter, more "dignified" main character.
Vivian also feels very unrealistic and she doesn't really seem to have any real character flaws. This makes it difficult for me to sympathise with her. She does come across as a bit bratty at times, but I get the uncomfortable feeling that her coming of that way wasn't intentional. One example is when she gives one guy the finger because he's... Smarter than her? Of course she makes sure we know she could score higher than him if she tried, but she doesn't want to because that would make her **^^stand out^^**. She then berates him in her head for being feminine, or at least she seems to point it out as a flaw. (wtf author?)
What I initially found interesting was the mystery of Vivian's mothers death and her powers. However I felt like these things got sidelined by high school drama. Pity.
Another huge issue for me was that the writing often felt awkward and a bit clunky. The dialogue especially seemed to suffer from this.
Anyway, If you like your typical high school drama with a supernatural twist I'm sure you'll like this book, but it wasn't for me.
To start off, the characters are really just walking tropes. You have Vivian, the smart, pretty girl who for some reason is an outcast, Easton, the cute jock that likes her, Abby, the insecure girl who's trying to fit in and Trista, the "Queen bee". Now, there's nothing wrong with using tropes as long as you're doing SOMETHING original with them, however this is not the case here.
I have to say that Trista is pretty much one of the most shallow I've ever seen. She has about the same depth as the childrens pool at my local bathhouse. I suspect the only reason the author included her in the first place was so that we could compare her to the smarter, more "dignified" main character.
Vivian also feels very unrealistic and she doesn't really seem to have any real character flaws. This makes it difficult for me to sympathise with her. She does come across as a bit bratty at times, but I get the uncomfortable feeling that her coming of that way wasn't intentional. One example is when she gives one guy the finger because he's... Smarter than her? Of course she makes sure we know she could score higher than him if she tried, but she doesn't want to because that would make her **^^stand out^^**. She then berates him in her head for being feminine, or at least she seems to point it out as a flaw. (wtf author?)
What I initially found interesting was the mystery of Vivian's mothers death and her powers. However I felt like these things got sidelined by high school drama. Pity.
Another huge issue for me was that the writing often felt awkward and a bit clunky. The dialogue especially seemed to suffer from this.
Anyway, If you like your typical high school drama with a supernatural twist I'm sure you'll like this book, but it wasn't for me.
February 18, 2017
Fast paced, enjoyable story. Vivian may not be your "normal" teenager, but she suffers like one. High school is a horrible place for her. Need to read the rest of this series to find out what happens next. I voluntarily reviewed a copy via Quirky Blind Date with a Book.
February 18, 2017
This is a different kind of book. It takes a high school kid to find out about her powers.with her best friend and a boy she ends up falling in love with and getting revenge on a group of girls who torched her throughout school. When her aunt dies she leaves town to protect the people she loves the most. She leaves to find out about herself.
February 15, 2017
This story is so interesting, I couldn't put it down. I had to know more about Vivian and her friends and family.
I liked Vivian, even though she is an outcast in school she tries and not let it get to her. She has her friend Abby and her Aunt Charlotte that's all she needs.
I really loved how this book progressed.
I really cannot wait to read the other two books.
I liked Vivian, even though she is an outcast in school she tries and not let it get to her. She has her friend Abby and her Aunt Charlotte that's all she needs.
I really loved how this book progressed.
I really cannot wait to read the other two books.
January 16, 2014
People with certain gifts are bound to find it hard in life, especially, if the gifted person is trying to have a normal life. "Vivid" is a fiction novel, but there are people in real-life who have special powers. This novel is somewhat like Stephen King's "Carrie".
I found it to be very interesting. I think YA girls will like it very much. It has a good plot and I think it will make a reasonable person think about bullying, and why kids bully others. This is a dilemna that is way to common with young people these days. We need to do everything we can to stop bullies and anyone who uses their strength or power to harm or intimidate those who are weaker. Andrea Murray you wrote a good novel and have a lot of talent.
Jeannie Walker (Award-Winning Author)
I found it to be very interesting. I think YA girls will like it very much. It has a good plot and I think it will make a reasonable person think about bullying, and why kids bully others. This is a dilemna that is way to common with young people these days. We need to do everything we can to stop bullies and anyone who uses their strength or power to harm or intimidate those who are weaker. Andrea Murray you wrote a good novel and have a lot of talent.
Jeannie Walker (Award-Winning Author)
December 27, 2014
My Rating: 3 out of 5 stars.
Disclaimers: I received a copy of this novel as part of the bog tour. I did not receive compensation for this review.
My Overall Thoughts/Impressions: This book started out really slow for me. In the beginning it was just like many other books I'd read, and to be honest it wasn't really gripping me like I wanted it to, but then toward the end I really started to like it.
Things started picking up quickly though and in the end I enjoyed the novel.
Murray did an excellent job at world-building. I haven't read many books like this one and so that is always a plus. Any book that seems different is great in my book.
Murray also did a great job creating her characters. Vivian was one I really enjoyed along with her Aunt Charlotte. I thought some of the secondary characters were a little bit flat, but the main ones I really liked.
The writing was fairly good. I already said the beginning was slow, but other than that it was a great read.
After reading this one, I would probably pick up the second book. If you like books that are unique, that deal with high school drama, or have a suspenseful ending, then this one might be a good pick for you.
So why 3 stars? The slow start knocked this down to a 3 for me, but on the whole it was a really enjoyable read.
Warnings/Side-notes: Some very very vague references to sex.
The Wrap-up: An enjoyable novel with great characters and excellent world-building, but a slow beginning.
Love,
Danica Page
Disclaimers: I received a copy of this novel as part of the bog tour. I did not receive compensation for this review.
My Overall Thoughts/Impressions: This book started out really slow for me. In the beginning it was just like many other books I'd read, and to be honest it wasn't really gripping me like I wanted it to, but then toward the end I really started to like it.
Things started picking up quickly though and in the end I enjoyed the novel.
Murray did an excellent job at world-building. I haven't read many books like this one and so that is always a plus. Any book that seems different is great in my book.
Murray also did a great job creating her characters. Vivian was one I really enjoyed along with her Aunt Charlotte. I thought some of the secondary characters were a little bit flat, but the main ones I really liked.
The writing was fairly good. I already said the beginning was slow, but other than that it was a great read.
After reading this one, I would probably pick up the second book. If you like books that are unique, that deal with high school drama, or have a suspenseful ending, then this one might be a good pick for you.
So why 3 stars? The slow start knocked this down to a 3 for me, but on the whole it was a really enjoyable read.
Warnings/Side-notes: Some very very vague references to sex.
The Wrap-up: An enjoyable novel with great characters and excellent world-building, but a slow beginning.
Love,
Danica Page
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