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Finding Thor
Tragedy has left Cara Cassidy broken and the only thing keeping her from giving in completely is her guilt. Until Nik Rock.
Nik stirs up feelings in degrees she has never experienced, and causes her to do things that most assuredly give him the wrong impression – like kiss him before their first date. Somehow, he breaks down the walls around her emotions until she has no choice but to forgive herself and feel again.
But a mysterious, troubled past follows Nik, and Cara may prove to be his weakest link.
When a royal princess shows up looking for Nik, and an international gang arrives looking for missing jewels, Cara lands in mortal danger. Will she be able to save herself? What will happen to her newly repaired psyche if she loses Nik?
Romance, mystery, and high stakes – just another day in high school.
Nik stirs up feelings in degrees she has never experienced, and causes her to do things that most assuredly give him the wrong impression – like kiss him before their first date. Somehow, he breaks down the walls around her emotions until she has no choice but to forgive herself and feel again.
But a mysterious, troubled past follows Nik, and Cara may prove to be his weakest link.
When a royal princess shows up looking for Nik, and an international gang arrives looking for missing jewels, Cara lands in mortal danger. Will she be able to save herself? What will happen to her newly repaired psyche if she loses Nik?
Romance, mystery, and high stakes – just another day in high school.
298 pages, Paperback
First published March 1, 2015
389 people want to read
About the author
Kai Strand
29 books114 followersThanks for your interest in my books and me. I love talking books with readers and hope you’ll share your thoughts on my books by leaving a review and/or dropping me an email. It’s easiest to get a hold of me through my website (kaistrand.com). Perhaps you clicked on my bio to find out things about me, such as I hate to handle raw meat, I’m a wife and mother of four, a compulsive walker, and a Mozart fangirl. But since you stopped by, what I really want you to know is that I love that you read. Readers are smart, quick-witted, and usually good conversationalists—even if it’s only in their head. Introverts unite!
I write middle grade fiction because those are the most formative years of our lives. It’s when we are trying to claim our freedom, while still being restricted by rules. The things we learn in books can give us the skills to navigate that maze. I write young adult fiction because there are no limits to what message I share or how I share it. Plus young adult readers are some of the most passionate readers out there. I heart YA readers.
If you’d like an image of me as a writer, go ahead and picture me with my laptop in a quaint bookshop café, fingers flying over the keys while the words pour out of my fingertips. It’s much better than the real image of me in my pajamas with coffee breath, sinking into the me-sized crater in the couch, grumbling at my laptop when the words don’t come.
Read an interview with Kai here on Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author_blog_...
I write middle grade fiction because those are the most formative years of our lives. It’s when we are trying to claim our freedom, while still being restricted by rules. The things we learn in books can give us the skills to navigate that maze. I write young adult fiction because there are no limits to what message I share or how I share it. Plus young adult readers are some of the most passionate readers out there. I heart YA readers.
If you’d like an image of me as a writer, go ahead and picture me with my laptop in a quaint bookshop café, fingers flying over the keys while the words pour out of my fingertips. It’s much better than the real image of me in my pajamas with coffee breath, sinking into the me-sized crater in the couch, grumbling at my laptop when the words don’t come.
Read an interview with Kai here on Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author_blog_...
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
March 12, 2015
After I read the description I knew I had to get my hands on this book. Cara is a character I liked from the very start. She's very dynamic, and I found myself rooting for her immediately. She's baffled by Nik and the feelings he makes her have. The two are drawn to each other, but that means trouble for Cara. Her connection to Nik puts her life in danger. Enter the a royal princess and a mystery involving stolen jewels. I loved this plot because it really has a little of everything. The action was steady, and I was dying to see how the mystery of the stolen jewels would play out. There are even a few twists along the way.
One of my favorite things about Cara is that despite her feelings for Nik she asserts she won't be the girl who needs a guy in her life. She really stands on her own two feet, which I think is something teen girls need to understand and believe about themselves.
A great blend of romance, mystery, and action, Finding Thor is a must read.
One of my favorite things about Cara is that despite her feelings for Nik she asserts she won't be the girl who needs a guy in her life. She really stands on her own two feet, which I think is something teen girls need to understand and believe about themselves.
A great blend of romance, mystery, and action, Finding Thor is a must read.
March 12, 2015
I was provided an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I don't think I can contain how excited I' am that this book came to me. I prayed to the Book Gods and they answered. The author sent us this book and I knew nothing about it. It had been awhile that I'd really, just dived into a story. One that really captivated me to keep going.
From the very start, I couldn't stop reading. Cara Cassidy changed so much throughout and the love she found in Nik, umm swoon! I felt the whole time what she was feeling. How insecure you feel around someone new. The feeling they give you, when they touch your hand or just look at you in a way that you can't help falling in love. There relationship wasn't an ordinary one and they had to overcome so many obstacles.
When I learned why Cara was sad, my heart just broke for her. I couldn't imagine the loss you would feel. I think of that saying, that sometimes people come into your life for a reason. When you really need them.
"By the Crown! Nik Rock was Dangerous"
I love that quote! Because its so true. They were on an adventure together. The danger was around every corner or even a car behind them.
I fell in love with many of the characters. They were so well done. Cara's best friend Kelly was perfect! The laughter you needed. I was happy for Cara for Finding her Thor. I'm not embarrassed to say I cried a couple times.
I loved how the author included Thor in the book as her fav super hero. I'm hoping.. That just maybe.. This will be a series. I guess I can dream.....Lissa
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I don't think I can contain how excited I' am that this book came to me. I prayed to the Book Gods and they answered. The author sent us this book and I knew nothing about it. It had been awhile that I'd really, just dived into a story. One that really captivated me to keep going.
From the very start, I couldn't stop reading. Cara Cassidy changed so much throughout and the love she found in Nik, umm swoon! I felt the whole time what she was feeling. How insecure you feel around someone new. The feeling they give you, when they touch your hand or just look at you in a way that you can't help falling in love. There relationship wasn't an ordinary one and they had to overcome so many obstacles.
When I learned why Cara was sad, my heart just broke for her. I couldn't imagine the loss you would feel. I think of that saying, that sometimes people come into your life for a reason. When you really need them.
"By the Crown! Nik Rock was Dangerous"
I love that quote! Because its so true. They were on an adventure together. The danger was around every corner or even a car behind them.
I fell in love with many of the characters. They were so well done. Cara's best friend Kelly was perfect! The laughter you needed. I was happy for Cara for Finding her Thor. I'm not embarrassed to say I cried a couple times.
I loved how the author included Thor in the book as her fav super hero. I'm hoping.. That just maybe.. This will be a series. I guess I can dream.....Lissa
http://www.boundlessbookreviews.com
https://www.facebook.com/BBReviews
January 29, 2015
Hold onto your seats when you open this book! Kai takes you on an emotional roller coaster, as well as edge of your seat adventure. The tragedy of loss, international jewel thieves and the healing power of love all await you in the pages Finding Thor.
April 27, 2015
I enjoyed reading this book. It was very well written and I liked the basis behind it, I especially loved how detailed everything was. The author knows how to tell a story and it was nice to see how a fantasy country was written into the modern world. Princess and kings and queens, and Royal Guard members and stolen jewelries made for a unique story that really caught my attention.
I admit that at first I was very confused about why Cara was the way that she was, depressed and sort of having given up life, and all it ever mentioned was how everyone already knew she was crazy and she didn't care about anything. In the begining it was mentioned how she lost someone, which I took to mean that her dad died or someone equally as close to her-like a best friend or boyfriend- after it was mentioned that her mother hated/ignored her and her brother didn't care. It wasn't until a few chapters in that it was revealed that Cara's twin brother Arac had commited suicide prior to the start of the book and she was messed up because of it.
Enter Nik Rok and suddenly her world was turned upside down. He literally made Cara change, for good, and she's very confused about her feelings for him and suddenly being thrown into his very complicated world.
Now, I will admit there was a little bit of instalove but at least there was no love triangle. At least I don't count Devon as a love rival since he never stood a chance and he wasn't that important to the plot anyway (except for that thing he said that helped Cara and NIk figure out who stole the jewels) and Hana didn't really count since she was a princess and couldn't marry down her station. I'll admit that it was a little bit annoying all the times she mentioned something about her obsession over Nik and how much she already liked after a few meetings with him, and she even went as far as to have a make-out session with him and then realize that she was wrong for going too fast. But she kept pining for him. It got better after several things happened and I believed it was the right time for them to like each other and admit it.
It wasn't just about the romance, I enjoyed all the action parts. It read like a script from an action movie and I actually pictured everything in my head, basically the whole book was vivid, if albeit it was a little bit unbelievable in the unlikeliness of stuff- being kidnapped and tortured several times and depression being cured just like that. The torture scenes were really explicit too, so trigger warning for those who want to read this book.
And while this book was long, there were a lot of things that happened that the story could have done without. Despite all that, I really enjoyed reading it and especially wondered about the mystery with the jewels, which had me turning the pages to get to the ending where everything get resolved and Cara and Nik get their happy ending at last. Definitely glad I picked this book up.
I admit that at first I was very confused about why Cara was the way that she was, depressed and sort of having given up life, and all it ever mentioned was how everyone already knew she was crazy and she didn't care about anything. In the begining it was mentioned how she lost someone, which I took to mean that her dad died or someone equally as close to her-like a best friend or boyfriend- after it was mentioned that her mother hated/ignored her and her brother didn't care. It wasn't until a few chapters in that it was revealed that Cara's twin brother Arac had commited suicide prior to the start of the book and she was messed up because of it.
Enter Nik Rok and suddenly her world was turned upside down. He literally made Cara change, for good, and she's very confused about her feelings for him and suddenly being thrown into his very complicated world.
Now, I will admit there was a little bit of instalove but at least there was no love triangle. At least I don't count Devon as a love rival since he never stood a chance and he wasn't that important to the plot anyway (except for that thing he said that helped Cara and NIk figure out who stole the jewels) and Hana didn't really count since she was a princess and couldn't marry down her station. I'll admit that it was a little bit annoying all the times she mentioned something about her obsession over Nik and how much she already liked after a few meetings with him, and she even went as far as to have a make-out session with him and then realize that she was wrong for going too fast. But she kept pining for him. It got better after several things happened and I believed it was the right time for them to like each other and admit it.
It wasn't just about the romance, I enjoyed all the action parts. It read like a script from an action movie and I actually pictured everything in my head, basically the whole book was vivid, if albeit it was a little bit unbelievable in the unlikeliness of stuff- being kidnapped and tortured several times and depression being cured just like that. The torture scenes were really explicit too, so trigger warning for those who want to read this book.
And while this book was long, there were a lot of things that happened that the story could have done without. Despite all that, I really enjoyed reading it and especially wondered about the mystery with the jewels, which had me turning the pages to get to the ending where everything get resolved and Cara and Nik get their happy ending at last. Definitely glad I picked this book up.
March 4, 2015
Have you ever met someone that fascinated you, yet confused you at the same time? Someone that one moment is kissing you, sending chill bumps through your body, then the next moment he’s ignoring you, as if he doesn’t know who you are?
In FINDING THOR, Author Kai Strand’s latest novel for young adults, Cara Cassidy is having a bad year, a year that she’ll remember for the rest of her life. I don’t want to give anything away, so I won’t go into details, but when she meets Nik Rock, a handsome guy with a killer smile, things start to look a bit brighter for Cara. Not only is Nik gorgeous, he protects her from a bully, lets a would-be boyfriend know she’s not available, and kisses like she’s never before been kissed. People are not always what they seem, however, and Cara soon finds herself caught up in a conspiracy that could cause Cara her life.
FINDING THOR is a story of love: love for a brother and love for a man. It’s also a story of guilt, for believing one can make a difference in a person’s life by being more alert to their behavior. Nik, Cara’s best friend Kelly, and even the would-be boyfriend Devon, each in their own way, help Cara face the truth and accept what’s happened in her life. She can’t change events, but she discovers she can live with them. Ms. Strand’s characters come to life as they deal with school issues, parents, and their own emotions. The plot moves along at a fast pace, keeping the reader wondering what will happen next. Many surprises await the reader.
Kai Strand has written another winner. Meeting Cara, Nik, and the gang will bring laughter to your heart, tears to your eyes, and you’ll be so happy you’ve read Cara’s story.
###
In FINDING THOR, Author Kai Strand’s latest novel for young adults, Cara Cassidy is having a bad year, a year that she’ll remember for the rest of her life. I don’t want to give anything away, so I won’t go into details, but when she meets Nik Rock, a handsome guy with a killer smile, things start to look a bit brighter for Cara. Not only is Nik gorgeous, he protects her from a bully, lets a would-be boyfriend know she’s not available, and kisses like she’s never before been kissed. People are not always what they seem, however, and Cara soon finds herself caught up in a conspiracy that could cause Cara her life.
FINDING THOR is a story of love: love for a brother and love for a man. It’s also a story of guilt, for believing one can make a difference in a person’s life by being more alert to their behavior. Nik, Cara’s best friend Kelly, and even the would-be boyfriend Devon, each in their own way, help Cara face the truth and accept what’s happened in her life. She can’t change events, but she discovers she can live with them. Ms. Strand’s characters come to life as they deal with school issues, parents, and their own emotions. The plot moves along at a fast pace, keeping the reader wondering what will happen next. Many surprises await the reader.
Kai Strand has written another winner. Meeting Cara, Nik, and the gang will bring laughter to your heart, tears to your eyes, and you’ll be so happy you’ve read Cara’s story.
###
March 21, 2015
Kai Strand has created a modern day young adult novel that will have the reader fully invested in the characters from the onset. Meet sixteen-year-old, Cara as she navigates her turbulent life where she has experienced enough tragedy for a lifetime. The loss of her twin brother weighs heavily on her, both mentally and physically. Unable to see through her own grief, Cara continues on an emotional downward spiral that threatens to be her demise. Will a chance meeting with the new kid in school, Nik, change her outlook on life? Will Cara muster strength for survival that she never knew she had? Is there life after a loved one’s death? So many questions and answers sought; will Cara discover the answers she longs for?
The unexpected twists and turns of one’s past and quest for love and acceptance leaps from the pages in Finding Thor. Ms. Strand’s masterful storytelling will leave you wanting more. I know for myself I thoroughly enjoyed the journey of Cara and could not get enough of her story. I became so intrigued by the story of Finding Thor I was a bit disappointed when it came to an end. Looking forward to Strand’s next creative adventure.
I invite you to explore Kai Strand’s creative world at:
www.kaistrand.com
www.kaistrand.blogspot.com
The unexpected twists and turns of one’s past and quest for love and acceptance leaps from the pages in Finding Thor. Ms. Strand’s masterful storytelling will leave you wanting more. I know for myself I thoroughly enjoyed the journey of Cara and could not get enough of her story. I became so intrigued by the story of Finding Thor I was a bit disappointed when it came to an end. Looking forward to Strand’s next creative adventure.
I invite you to explore Kai Strand’s creative world at:
www.kaistrand.com
www.kaistrand.blogspot.com
January 31, 2015
Finding Thor is a heartfelt romance with elements of action and suspense woven through the pages.
The sparks that fly between Cara and Nik sizzle off the pages. I was captivated by Nik's veil of stoicism and Cara's personal battle dealing with a bucketload of emotional damage already festering in her life. The two combine to make for one rollercoaster ride of romance. As if that isn't enough, there are secrets threatening to tear them apart and it's their very lives at stake when all hell runs wild.
If you're looking for cute and cuddly, this may not be the story for you. Cara and Nik go through some things. But if you can appreciate a romance that grips you by the collar and doesn't let you go until the end, then you'll enjoy Strand's Finding Thor.
The sparks that fly between Cara and Nik sizzle off the pages. I was captivated by Nik's veil of stoicism and Cara's personal battle dealing with a bucketload of emotional damage already festering in her life. The two combine to make for one rollercoaster ride of romance. As if that isn't enough, there are secrets threatening to tear them apart and it's their very lives at stake when all hell runs wild.
If you're looking for cute and cuddly, this may not be the story for you. Cara and Nik go through some things. But if you can appreciate a romance that grips you by the collar and doesn't let you go until the end, then you'll enjoy Strand's Finding Thor.
March 13, 2015
Don't let the slow build fool you. Once the action hits in this book, it hits hard and fast and keeps building to the end.
Love romance? You'll love watching Cara and Nik dance around their feelings for each other. Will they find their happy-ever-after? No spoilers here :-)
Enjoy intrigue? Stolen jewels, international thieves, and kitchen implement torture play a big part of this story.
But, underlying all of the romance and intrigue and action, is the story of a girl learning how to deal with a tragic loss. Not only how to deal with it, but how to move forward and be the strong, confident girl she was before her life was turned upside down.
Finding Thor is a read that will please across many genres.
Love romance? You'll love watching Cara and Nik dance around their feelings for each other. Will they find their happy-ever-after? No spoilers here :-)
Enjoy intrigue? Stolen jewels, international thieves, and kitchen implement torture play a big part of this story.
But, underlying all of the romance and intrigue and action, is the story of a girl learning how to deal with a tragic loss. Not only how to deal with it, but how to move forward and be the strong, confident girl she was before her life was turned upside down.
Finding Thor is a read that will please across many genres.
July 14, 2015
A thriller romance!
I enjoyed this well written story very much. Nik Rock is mysterious and mesmerizing - and NOT who you think he is. Oh, and did I mention he's terribly swoony and sexy and romantic? Cara is dealing with a lot of difficult things in her life; the tragic loss of her twin brother, a mother who is checked out from life - all while thrown into a roller-coaster plot-line when Cara learns that Nik's family is powerful and wealthy and someone is trying to get to him through Cara by kidnapping her. Physically dangerous scenes and dangerously romantic scenes will keep you on the edge of your seat.
I enjoyed this well written story very much. Nik Rock is mysterious and mesmerizing - and NOT who you think he is. Oh, and did I mention he's terribly swoony and sexy and romantic? Cara is dealing with a lot of difficult things in her life; the tragic loss of her twin brother, a mother who is checked out from life - all while thrown into a roller-coaster plot-line when Cara learns that Nik's family is powerful and wealthy and someone is trying to get to him through Cara by kidnapping her. Physically dangerous scenes and dangerously romantic scenes will keep you on the edge of your seat.
August 18, 2017
Check out my review here: https://thepaigeturnerblog.wordpress....
March 6, 2016
Cara still feels broken by her twin brother’s death. Her existence is bleak until two things come into her life: Nik, a mysterious boy whom she’s attracted to, and the adventure he brings with him. Nik's appearance brings secrecy, thugs, gypsies, royalty, and a chase involving stolen jewels.
Starting off with grief and guilt, Cara is thrown into a world of espionage as she has to fend off kidnappers who think she’s closer to Nik than she really is…although with time, she really does become close to him. With all the chaos that goes on around them, their feelings for each other deepen.
Action, romance, and heartfelt emotion are amazing elements in this novel. I’ve read several of Strand’s books. They’ve all been great and this has been my favorite so far. I received a copy in exchange for an honest review.
Starting off with grief and guilt, Cara is thrown into a world of espionage as she has to fend off kidnappers who think she’s closer to Nik than she really is…although with time, she really does become close to him. With all the chaos that goes on around them, their feelings for each other deepen.
Action, romance, and heartfelt emotion are amazing elements in this novel. I’ve read several of Strand’s books. They’ve all been great and this has been my favorite so far. I received a copy in exchange for an honest review.
March 15, 2016
Finding Thor is filled with heart pounding action, mystery, kidnapping, torture and romance. Strand's writing is gripping, so gripping that the kidnapping and torture scenes created lasting images for me. They continue to give me the chills a week after finishing the book. This is not for the faint of heart. Luckily, the portrayal of magnetism between Cara and Nik is even stronger. I did not want to stop reading. I found myself using every free moment I had and staying up much later than I should have to see what happened next. I was not disappointed.
March 15, 2016
3.5 Star Clarification. This book has a unique premise and there's LOTS going on to keep it interesting, but it asks readers to suspend their disbelief too much and needs some editing. Full review coming on Hall Ways Blog http://kristinehallways.blogspot.com/... .
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February 14, 2016**5 Stars** Review up on Boundless Book Reviews.
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