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My So Called Afterlife #3
18 Thoughts
Olga Gay Worontzoff left the Underworld for her final year of high school anxious for things to return to normal, but fate has other plans.
The new hottie at school reads her thoughts but nobody else’s. Her best friend wakes up from his coma acting like a completely different person. Caught in a world that’s a mix of familiar and supernatural, she must confront what she will—or won’t—do to bring him back and stare down her own perceived inadequacies to face a couple of tenacious demons, figurative and literal.
Everything she thought she knew about reality will change as she walks the line between past and present, fear and faith, love and loyalty.
And by the end of a heartbreaking year, she might be forced to realize “normal” in the conventional sense of the word is the one thing she may never achieve.
The new hottie at school reads her thoughts but nobody else’s. Her best friend wakes up from his coma acting like a completely different person. Caught in a world that’s a mix of familiar and supernatural, she must confront what she will—or won’t—do to bring him back and stare down her own perceived inadequacies to face a couple of tenacious demons, figurative and literal.
Everything she thought she knew about reality will change as she walks the line between past and present, fear and faith, love and loyalty.
And by the end of a heartbreaking year, she might be forced to realize “normal” in the conventional sense of the word is the one thing she may never achieve.
388 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 27, 2015
11 people are currently reading
492 people want to read
About the author
Jamie Ayres
6 books125 followersJamie Ayres writes young adult paranormal love stories by night and teaches young adults as a high school English teacher by day. When not at home on her laptop or at school, she can often be found at a local book store grabbing random children and reading to them. So far, she has not been arrested for this. Although she spent her youthful summers around Lake Michigan, she now lives in Florida with her prince charming, two children (sometimes three based on how Mr. Ayres is acting), and a basset hound. She really does have grandmothers named Olga and Gay but unlike her heroine, she's thankfully not named after either one of them. She loves lazy pajama days, the first page of a good book, stupid funny movies, and sharing stories with fantastic people like you. Her books include the first two installments of her trilogy, 18 Things, 18 Truths, & 18 Thoughts.. Visit her online via Twitter, Facebook, or at www.jamieayres.com.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
September 28, 2017
After I finished the first two books, I jumped straight into this one to see how things would end with Olga and the boys. This book started out strong. I loved that we saw Nate and Connor's perspectives as well, although it did make me like Connor even less. He always came across as selfish, even with his intentions for Olga.
But about halfway through, things just got... weird. Things made me uncomfortable and I found myself glancing around to make sure no one else was around.
But what bothered me the most was in book 1 I felt like Olga made massive progress, even book 2 had her continue to grow in ways I understood, even when they were reckless. But I felt like the memory wipe made all of it get reversed, and the parallel "18 Things" were just not as good.
And the ending. Blurg. It was like an anime ending; unsatisfactory. No spoilers, though. I just want to say I did not like it. It could have been so much stronger and way more interesting, plus again, satisfying.
Anyway, I'm glad I read the books. Like Hunger Games, most of it was great, except that ending.
But about halfway through, things just got... weird. Things made me uncomfortable and I found myself glancing around to make sure no one else was around.
But what bothered me the most was in book 1 I felt like Olga made massive progress, even book 2 had her continue to grow in ways I understood, even when they were reckless. But I felt like the memory wipe made all of it get reversed, and the parallel "18 Things" were just not as good.
And the ending. Blurg. It was like an anime ending; unsatisfactory. No spoilers, though. I just want to say I did not like it. It could have been so much stronger and way more interesting, plus again, satisfying.
Anyway, I'm glad I read the books. Like Hunger Games, most of it was great, except that ending.
February 23, 2015
Olga looks around as she enters Conner's hospital room. The first thing she noticed was the really hot guy in the next bed. Olga sat, as she usually did, waiting for Conner to come out of his coma. She'd felt guilty about his accident. She just wanted him to wake up and be Conner again.
Nate had moved to this small town with his family. He'd been in an accident that killed one other boy. Being in the hospital gave him to much time to think about it. When the hospital room door opened, Nate's breath was taken away by the girl who entered.
Nate and Olga become very close. They both want things to work out for them, but weird things keep happening. One of those things is that Nate can read Olga's thoughts. Life would never be "normal" again.
Strong characters and excellent writing make this book one to read. I enjoyed the mystery and the strange clues included in the story. It's like nothing I've ever read before and it made me consider situations I'd never thought of. If a book can make you think and entertain you too, it's a keeper. Each clue given leads you to the answers Nate and Olga seek. This is one I think everyone will enjoy. There are many elements at work here. Religion, supernatural and mystical elements are throughout the book. You'll think you know the ending but Ms. Ayres gives us just a twist and leaves you speechless.
I found no issues.
I gave this one 5 cheers out of 5 because this book is one for TBR pile. ~Copy of book provided by author in exchange for a fair review~
Nate had moved to this small town with his family. He'd been in an accident that killed one other boy. Being in the hospital gave him to much time to think about it. When the hospital room door opened, Nate's breath was taken away by the girl who entered.
Nate and Olga become very close. They both want things to work out for them, but weird things keep happening. One of those things is that Nate can read Olga's thoughts. Life would never be "normal" again.
Strong characters and excellent writing make this book one to read. I enjoyed the mystery and the strange clues included in the story. It's like nothing I've ever read before and it made me consider situations I'd never thought of. If a book can make you think and entertain you too, it's a keeper. Each clue given leads you to the answers Nate and Olga seek. This is one I think everyone will enjoy. There are many elements at work here. Religion, supernatural and mystical elements are throughout the book. You'll think you know the ending but Ms. Ayres gives us just a twist and leaves you speechless.
I found no issues.
I gave this one 5 cheers out of 5 because this book is one for TBR pile. ~Copy of book provided by author in exchange for a fair review~
February 4, 2015
REVIEW: 18 THOUGHTS by Jamie Ayres (MY SO-CALLED AFTERLIFE#3)
"Normal" is overrated.
In the exciting conclusion to the MY SO-CALLED AFTERLIFE trilogy, Olga gets to practise her spirit guide role along with Nate, a hottie she could really go for, if only she wasn't stoned in love still with lifelong best friend Connor, still in coma from his sailing accident. Nate can hear Olga' s thoughts, though no one else's, and is just a little too.smug about her repressed interest in him.
Jamie Ayres has an appreciable talent for writing and concepts appealing to US readers (and those of us who are older, as well).
"Normal" is overrated.
In the exciting conclusion to the MY SO-CALLED AFTERLIFE trilogy, Olga gets to practise her spirit guide role along with Nate, a hottie she could really go for, if only she wasn't stoned in love still with lifelong best friend Connor, still in coma from his sailing accident. Nate can hear Olga' s thoughts, though no one else's, and is just a little too.smug about her repressed interest in him.
Jamie Ayres has an appreciable talent for writing and concepts appealing to US readers (and those of us who are older, as well).
February 9, 2015
Read all my reviews on http://urlphantomhive.booklikes.com
For this review I thought I stick to the theme and present it in 18 thoughts (more like ramblings). Make that one.
2. I'd only just finished reading 18 Things, the first book in this series before starting this one (as I read 18 Truths already last year). Therefore at the beginning it felt like I was reading a different version of the same novel.
3. As many things synchronized, I actually quite liked that.
4. In the second part I started remembering things from the second book as well, and I felt a shift from it feeling like the first book to feeling like the second book.
5. Unfortunately, this also involved more of the somewhat preachy tone that annoyed me in the second book.
6. Although I really liked the idea they got to do things over and have another shot at life I didn't like what else was thrown at them. But I won't go into spoiler here.
7. The only people that seemed important were Olga, Nate and Conner. The rest of their friends were mainly interchangeable.
8. The Angels and Demons felt like caricatures rather than characters.
9. Speaking of the afterlife; I still wonder why there's a high school in Juvie. If they're supposed to stay there forever, why the school?
10.
11. I didn't like what was happening to Conner because I felt the only reason it was happening to him was because he's *horror* an atheist, which brings me back to point five.
12. I could've done without the love triangle.
13. Why are there always different (1st person) POVs?
14. I did like the fact that Nate was able to read Olga's thoughts. I'm not sure how it was supposed to work or why it were only her thoughts he could read, but I could completely understand how self-conscious this made Olga and how she was unable to stop thinking embarrassing thoughts.
15. Why does Olga get to work in a bookshop but I don't? (I guess that's the sin of envy, oh no!)
16. After 'the thing' happens to Olga, the book lost me a bit as it all seemed a bit, I'm not completely sure how to say it since it's a fantasy novel anyway, unreal. Perhaps not original enough to really leave an impression or to wow me.
17. But I couldn't stop reading these novels. I only have the records for the books I read recently but both were finished within 24 hours each. Which is an accomplishment if you keep in mind that I spent most of the day visiting a friend. They were very hard to put away as soon as I started reading. The writing was very easy to read too.
18. Overall, this was a very enjoyable series. I've not that much experience with reading contemporary novels, but I did enjoy myself. I wasn't always to enthusiastic about the sometimes preachy undertone, but it didn't spoil all reading pleasure for me. I would definitely check out any new books written by Jamie Ayres.
(Bonus thought: Not specifically for this book, but isn't the title of this series, My So Called Afterlife, a major spoiler for 18 Things?)
18 Thoughts is the conclusion to the My So Called Afterlife-trilogy. You can also read my reviews for the other books: 18 Things and 18 Truths.
Thanks to the publisher for providing me with a free copy of 18 Thoughts for this blog tour and an honest review!
For this review I thought I stick to the theme and present it in 18 thoughts (more like ramblings). Make that one.
2. I'd only just finished reading 18 Things, the first book in this series before starting this one (as I read 18 Truths already last year). Therefore at the beginning it felt like I was reading a different version of the same novel.
3. As many things synchronized, I actually quite liked that.
4. In the second part I started remembering things from the second book as well, and I felt a shift from it feeling like the first book to feeling like the second book.
5. Unfortunately, this also involved more of the somewhat preachy tone that annoyed me in the second book.
6. Although I really liked the idea they got to do things over and have another shot at life I didn't like what else was thrown at them. But I won't go into spoiler here.
7. The only people that seemed important were Olga, Nate and Conner. The rest of their friends were mainly interchangeable.
8. The Angels and Demons felt like caricatures rather than characters.
9. Speaking of the afterlife; I still wonder why there's a high school in Juvie. If they're supposed to stay there forever, why the school?
10.
11. I didn't like what was happening to Conner because I felt the only reason it was happening to him was because he's *horror* an atheist, which brings me back to point five.
12. I could've done without the love triangle.
13. Why are there always different (1st person) POVs?
14. I did like the fact that Nate was able to read Olga's thoughts. I'm not sure how it was supposed to work or why it were only her thoughts he could read, but I could completely understand how self-conscious this made Olga and how she was unable to stop thinking embarrassing thoughts.
15. Why does Olga get to work in a bookshop but I don't? (I guess that's the sin of envy, oh no!)
16. After 'the thing' happens to Olga, the book lost me a bit as it all seemed a bit, I'm not completely sure how to say it since it's a fantasy novel anyway, unreal. Perhaps not original enough to really leave an impression or to wow me.
17. But I couldn't stop reading these novels. I only have the records for the books I read recently but both were finished within 24 hours each. Which is an accomplishment if you keep in mind that I spent most of the day visiting a friend. They were very hard to put away as soon as I started reading. The writing was very easy to read too.
18. Overall, this was a very enjoyable series. I've not that much experience with reading contemporary novels, but I did enjoy myself. I wasn't always to enthusiastic about the sometimes preachy undertone, but it didn't spoil all reading pleasure for me. I would definitely check out any new books written by Jamie Ayres.
(Bonus thought: Not specifically for this book, but isn't the title of this series, My So Called Afterlife, a major spoiler for 18 Things?)
18 Thoughts is the conclusion to the My So Called Afterlife-trilogy. You can also read my reviews for the other books: 18 Things and 18 Truths.
Thanks to the publisher for providing me with a free copy of 18 Thoughts for this blog tour and an honest review!
May 7, 2015
Originally Reviewed at So many Books, So little time
This is the third installment of the trilogy, and in a matter of full disclosure I haven't read the previous of the series, but since the plot intrigues me, I thought it would work well as a standalone book.
I couldn't have been more correct. This book has a breathtaking suspense and mystery of its own, uncertainty looming large over the characters till the very end.
Beginning with the prologue, that was truly what set me alight on the reading adventure. The prologue is itself a fine piece of work, intriguing and catchy at so many levels, that the prologue compelled me to flip through the rest of the pages. It was intriguing, sentimental, thought-provoking in equal measure.
So, the story begins: Olga has come to see Conner, her childhood friend who has been comatose for a while now. Conner has a new roommate Nate, who by the way is totally hot. HOT. And to top it off, he can read Olga's thoughts. This is creepy. The initial exchanges between Olga and Nate therefore was well, amusing beyond words, there was a friendly banter, heated exchange of harmless sarcasm and pointed words, it gave me all the thrill of reading a YA novel.
(Not to forget, the protagonist works at a bookstore, which is for me a brownie point scored by the nook *wink*)
Nate and Olga eventually work it out, their friendship blossoms into more, and then Conner wakes up.
Here's a twist.And a twist in every scene thereafter. So, Conner is not himself when he wakes up. Olga's childhood friend is replaced by a sadistic moron. For a major part of the book, I was kept guessing by the author to figure out what had gone wrong.
Demon possession was, however the last guess. I liked the way the story progressed hereafter, and I especially liked the end.
A love triangle getting complicated with every passing day, the narration being alternated, everything works out to the advantage of the book.
The writer has a talent, a gift certainly.
This is the third installment of the trilogy, and in a matter of full disclosure I haven't read the previous of the series, but since the plot intrigues me, I thought it would work well as a standalone book.
I couldn't have been more correct. This book has a breathtaking suspense and mystery of its own, uncertainty looming large over the characters till the very end.
Beginning with the prologue, that was truly what set me alight on the reading adventure. The prologue is itself a fine piece of work, intriguing and catchy at so many levels, that the prologue compelled me to flip through the rest of the pages. It was intriguing, sentimental, thought-provoking in equal measure.
So, the story begins: Olga has come to see Conner, her childhood friend who has been comatose for a while now. Conner has a new roommate Nate, who by the way is totally hot. HOT. And to top it off, he can read Olga's thoughts. This is creepy. The initial exchanges between Olga and Nate therefore was well, amusing beyond words, there was a friendly banter, heated exchange of harmless sarcasm and pointed words, it gave me all the thrill of reading a YA novel.
(Not to forget, the protagonist works at a bookstore, which is for me a brownie point scored by the nook *wink*)
Nate and Olga eventually work it out, their friendship blossoms into more, and then Conner wakes up.
Here's a twist.And a twist in every scene thereafter. So, Conner is not himself when he wakes up. Olga's childhood friend is replaced by a sadistic moron. For a major part of the book, I was kept guessing by the author to figure out what had gone wrong.
Demon possession was, however the last guess. I liked the way the story progressed hereafter, and I especially liked the end.
A love triangle getting complicated with every passing day, the narration being alternated, everything works out to the advantage of the book.
The writer has a talent, a gift certainly.
September 30, 2015
{My Thoughts} – Olga, Connor and Nate all have something in common. The problem is that neither of them really know what is that they have in common other then each other in present day.
Olga and Connor went sailing one day and Connor was hit by lightening and fell in the water. Olga when in after him to save him, however, Connor was stuck in a coma.
Nate on the other hand had been drag racing with a pal of his and all though he crashed he lived, but not without landing a stay in the hospital.
Nate and Conner become roomies in the hospital and that is how Olga and Nate meet. They start hanging out together and eventually Connor wakes up but he isn’t the Connor that everyone remembered and loved. He is someone completely different and because of that a lot of not so normal events begin to unfold.
If you enjoy reading books about demons and angels and how they come to be and how they battle one another or just find the concept entertaining I am sure you will enjoy this book. I realize this is the third book to the series and I have not read the first two, however with that in mind it seemed to read well as a stand alone book, which I am grateful for all things considering. I need to track down the other two books so that I can read and review them.
I had received this book on netgally in return for an honest review. My only complaint is that it wasn’t a book I could send to my kindle so I Was stuck reading it on my desktop, which trapped me to my computer and made it more difficult for me to keep my interest in the book. When I am on my computer I multitask and well I can’t just read I have to do a ton of other things as well.
I did however, enjoy this book and I hope to read more from this author in the near future!
Olga and Connor went sailing one day and Connor was hit by lightening and fell in the water. Olga when in after him to save him, however, Connor was stuck in a coma.
Nate on the other hand had been drag racing with a pal of his and all though he crashed he lived, but not without landing a stay in the hospital.
Nate and Conner become roomies in the hospital and that is how Olga and Nate meet. They start hanging out together and eventually Connor wakes up but he isn’t the Connor that everyone remembered and loved. He is someone completely different and because of that a lot of not so normal events begin to unfold.
If you enjoy reading books about demons and angels and how they come to be and how they battle one another or just find the concept entertaining I am sure you will enjoy this book. I realize this is the third book to the series and I have not read the first two, however with that in mind it seemed to read well as a stand alone book, which I am grateful for all things considering. I need to track down the other two books so that I can read and review them.
I had received this book on netgally in return for an honest review. My only complaint is that it wasn’t a book I could send to my kindle so I Was stuck reading it on my desktop, which trapped me to my computer and made it more difficult for me to keep my interest in the book. When I am on my computer I multitask and well I can’t just read I have to do a ton of other things as well.
I did however, enjoy this book and I hope to read more from this author in the near future!
June 18, 2015
After reading the first and second book in the series, I was, of course, looking forward to seeing how the story comes to an end. I was not disappointed, but even surprised that this book was better than the first two.
It was a little strange watching Nate, Olga, and Conner wake up as if the first two books had never happened, and it took a little bit for this new view on things to sink it. But as soon as the new circumstance slid into my brain gears, I realized how wonderful this twist was--a very refreshing way to take on the last book in a trilogy.
It was simply sweet to watch Nate and Olga 'meet' and had me smiling over and over again. There's so much tenderness in this story, a mature love and care which isn't only visible in the growth of the characters, but in the writing itself. It made the book simply enjoyable to read.
The plot is well woven, dropping hints and twists in all the right places to keep those pages turning. There were several things I didn't see coming, and of course, I was rooting for Olga the entire way. Although she'd already come far as a character, it was nice to follow her as she continued to discover more about life and herself.
Summed up, this is a great ending to a lovely series, one that young adults will be sure to sink into and be left thinking about long after the last page has come to an end.
I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
It was a little strange watching Nate, Olga, and Conner wake up as if the first two books had never happened, and it took a little bit for this new view on things to sink it. But as soon as the new circumstance slid into my brain gears, I realized how wonderful this twist was--a very refreshing way to take on the last book in a trilogy.
It was simply sweet to watch Nate and Olga 'meet' and had me smiling over and over again. There's so much tenderness in this story, a mature love and care which isn't only visible in the growth of the characters, but in the writing itself. It made the book simply enjoyable to read.
The plot is well woven, dropping hints and twists in all the right places to keep those pages turning. There were several things I didn't see coming, and of course, I was rooting for Olga the entire way. Although she'd already come far as a character, it was nice to follow her as she continued to discover more about life and herself.
Summed up, this is a great ending to a lovely series, one that young adults will be sure to sink into and be left thinking about long after the last page has come to an end.
I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
January 8, 2015
Another fantastic book from Jamie Ayres. 18 Thoughts is the third and final book in the My So Called After Life trilogy, and let me tell you this was a perfect ending to this great story. 18 Thoughts is all about second changes when Olga, Nate and Connor get another chance at life. Nate ends up with a fun little "talent" that makes things very interesting between him and Olga. Some of these scenes are absolutely hysterical especially before they realize what is going on. Other scenes I found hysterical where between Nate and Connor, who don't always get along. I also enjoyed seeing the growth and strength in Olga with this part of the story. Not everything was funny and great though. At times my heart would break and I begged for things not to be true. I was worried how or if the 18 Things from the first book would be worked into this one but Jamie quickly put my mind at ease and I was satisfied with what she did with this aspect of the story. I am so sad that Olga's story has come to an end but it was a great journey that had a perfect ending. Which I will revisit again and again. I can't recommend this series enough. (I was lucky to have reserved an ARC of this wonderful book.)
April 1, 2015
I won this book through Goodreads First Reads giveaway.
I really enjoyed this book. I felt like I was reading a little bit of the first 2 books again, which had my head spinning a bit at times... but once again, as in the other two books, the journey that these well put together characters are going through makes for some wonderful reading. I don't want to go into any details as it would give away not only this book but the other 2 as well. But I highly recommend the "My So-Called Afterlife" series! I couldn't stop reading long enough to write the first 2 reviews lol. (wrote them all afterwards)
I really enjoyed this book. I felt like I was reading a little bit of the first 2 books again, which had my head spinning a bit at times... but once again, as in the other two books, the journey that these well put together characters are going through makes for some wonderful reading. I don't want to go into any details as it would give away not only this book but the other 2 as well. But I highly recommend the "My So-Called Afterlife" series! I couldn't stop reading long enough to write the first 2 reviews lol. (wrote them all afterwards)
December 8, 2015
I received a free copy from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
It was so so good. I just really enjoyed the mixture of the supernatural, spiritual and realistic stuff in the whole series and I felt so much for the characters. Jamie Ayres's writing is definitely super engaging. I will do a spoiler-free series review on my channel soon.
It was so so good. I just really enjoyed the mixture of the supernatural, spiritual and realistic stuff in the whole series and I felt so much for the characters. Jamie Ayres's writing is definitely super engaging. I will do a spoiler-free series review on my channel soon.
March 9, 2015
Great Way to end a series
All 3books were fantastic...but this is my favorite. From the start to finish it had me sucked in. So sad to see the series is over..but looking forward seeing the authors next writes!! So glad it ended the way it did. Don't miss this series!!
All 3books were fantastic...but this is my favorite. From the start to finish it had me sucked in. So sad to see the series is over..but looking forward seeing the authors next writes!! So glad it ended the way it did. Don't miss this series!!
July 5, 2015
I won this book in a first reads giveaway and It was a really interesting yet enjoyable read!
April 10, 2015
Find more reviews on my blog : The Bookish Life
I have seriously mixed feelings about this book. After reading this, I did have that elated feeling which comes with finishing a good series, but I simply couldn't ignore the less-than-perfect start. Let's start with the things I didn't like that much and save the good stuff for last.
The Bad:
1. It was 18 Things all over again. The first half of the book was boring. Most of the things that happened were the things that had already passed in 18 Things, with small differences. While I understand that Olga, Nate and Conner don't have memories of what happened and that they have a do-over, it was still boring.
2. Olga and Nate. They were NOT at all shippable. The notorious first half of the book simply involved dates which ended in complete disaster, usually due to Conner going Jekyll-and-Hyde. You'd think that after two catastrophic dates, it would stop. Nope. Nate asks her on another date. Cue them having fun for a short while. Cue something romantic. Cue Conner completely ruining the day (though it wasn't exactly his fault).
3. The end. It left me feeling...like, what...? I hate endings that leave me hanging. A conclusion is supposed to wrap up everything. This on didn't. Olga didn't even choose between Nate and Conner! After hearing her angsting about it for three books straight, I think we deserve to have a satisfying conclusion.
The Good:
1. Luckily, things got better from the halfway point. It took Olga a complete half of the book (Okay, that's oxymoronic, but still) to find out what was actually going on. Why waste the first half of a book on dates that ended horribly, and then give us the good stuff? Anyway, we had a lot more action and once Olga finally figured things out, I started to really enjoy the book again. There were loads of plot twists that delivered the long-delayed thrills I was expecting a bit sooner, but at least they were there.
2. Conner and Nate. I loved how they found a way around their jealousy of each other and actually became...friends! I love how their relationship evolved.
3. Character development. This is in halves, actually. I felt that Olga had actually been set back on her development as a character. She really grew in 18 Truths, but she seemed to un-grow (not a real word, I know) in 18 Thoughts. Conner and Nate, though, were pieces of art by the end. Especially Conner, who became really three-dimensional.
Who do I recommend it for?
Well.. after 18 Truths, you may enjoy this. I saw plenty of positive reviews on Goodreads, but for me, personally, the series didn't work out the way I would have liked. 18 Thoughts was kind of disappointing, but that doesn't mean it didn't have its good points!
I have seriously mixed feelings about this book. After reading this, I did have that elated feeling which comes with finishing a good series, but I simply couldn't ignore the less-than-perfect start. Let's start with the things I didn't like that much and save the good stuff for last.
The Bad:
1. It was 18 Things all over again. The first half of the book was boring. Most of the things that happened were the things that had already passed in 18 Things, with small differences. While I understand that Olga, Nate and Conner don't have memories of what happened and that they have a do-over, it was still boring.
2. Olga and Nate. They were NOT at all shippable. The notorious first half of the book simply involved dates which ended in complete disaster, usually due to Conner going Jekyll-and-Hyde. You'd think that after two catastrophic dates, it would stop. Nope. Nate asks her on another date. Cue them having fun for a short while. Cue something romantic. Cue Conner completely ruining the day (though it wasn't exactly his fault).
3. The end. It left me feeling...like, what...? I hate endings that leave me hanging. A conclusion is supposed to wrap up everything. This on didn't. Olga didn't even choose between Nate and Conner! After hearing her angsting about it for three books straight, I think we deserve to have a satisfying conclusion.
The Good:
1. Luckily, things got better from the halfway point. It took Olga a complete half of the book (Okay, that's oxymoronic, but still) to find out what was actually going on. Why waste the first half of a book on dates that ended horribly, and then give us the good stuff? Anyway, we had a lot more action and once Olga finally figured things out, I started to really enjoy the book again. There were loads of plot twists that delivered the long-delayed thrills I was expecting a bit sooner, but at least they were there.
2. Conner and Nate. I loved how they found a way around their jealousy of each other and actually became...friends! I love how their relationship evolved.
3. Character development. This is in halves, actually. I felt that Olga had actually been set back on her development as a character. She really grew in 18 Truths, but she seemed to un-grow (not a real word, I know) in 18 Thoughts. Conner and Nate, though, were pieces of art by the end. Especially Conner, who became really three-dimensional.
Who do I recommend it for?
Well.. after 18 Truths, you may enjoy this. I saw plenty of positive reviews on Goodreads, but for me, personally, the series didn't work out the way I would have liked. 18 Thoughts was kind of disappointing, but that doesn't mean it didn't have its good points!
February 6, 2015
(I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a review).
(This review may contain spoilers).
I did like this third book a bit more than the second, but I could have really done without the multiple first-person POVs. It was interesting to read things from Nate’s perspective… right up until he was hearing Olga’s thoughts (cool twist) and she couldn’t stop thinking about how hot he was while visiting Conner, who was in a coma (so much less cool).
I was less than thrilled with the love triangle, but Conner’s struggles were really quite interesting. I found myself believing less that Olga was in love with both of them and more that she just liked stringing them both along while she tried to have the best of both worlds. And then the resolution with that was really unsatisfactory. (I almost had my own theory of how that should go, but I won’t go into details here).
It was good to see Doctor Judy in this, though I would have liked to see some more of her. It was also cool to see Riel and that he didn’t seem obsessed with Olga like he so clearly was in book two.
I did find many of the secondary characters much more interesting, such as Tammy… although she did kind of become Olga’s cheerleader, which was a bit annoying. What was also annoying was how Olga seemed to get most everything she wanted, without having to work for it. It was only towards the end of the book that I felt she really went through hardship and had the potential to grow as a character.
I found Nate’s and Conner’s interactions to be the most interesting throughout the book. It was good to see them needing to pull together at times and how things were eventually resolved between them.
I liked the faith aspects in this book and as I read further, I found it easier to read. I just kind of preferred… every other character to Olga. There’s a danger in the other characters telling someone she’s a really amazing, wonderful person when all she comes across as is selfish and man-obsessed.
I’m not sure if I’d read more books by this author in the future. It would depend on the book, I think. Just because I don’t like one set doesn’t mean I wouldn’t enjoy reading a different world from the same author.
(This review may contain spoilers).
I did like this third book a bit more than the second, but I could have really done without the multiple first-person POVs. It was interesting to read things from Nate’s perspective… right up until he was hearing Olga’s thoughts (cool twist) and she couldn’t stop thinking about how hot he was while visiting Conner, who was in a coma (so much less cool).
I was less than thrilled with the love triangle, but Conner’s struggles were really quite interesting. I found myself believing less that Olga was in love with both of them and more that she just liked stringing them both along while she tried to have the best of both worlds. And then the resolution with that was really unsatisfactory. (I almost had my own theory of how that should go, but I won’t go into details here).
It was good to see Doctor Judy in this, though I would have liked to see some more of her. It was also cool to see Riel and that he didn’t seem obsessed with Olga like he so clearly was in book two.
I did find many of the secondary characters much more interesting, such as Tammy… although she did kind of become Olga’s cheerleader, which was a bit annoying. What was also annoying was how Olga seemed to get most everything she wanted, without having to work for it. It was only towards the end of the book that I felt she really went through hardship and had the potential to grow as a character.
I found Nate’s and Conner’s interactions to be the most interesting throughout the book. It was good to see them needing to pull together at times and how things were eventually resolved between them.
I liked the faith aspects in this book and as I read further, I found it easier to read. I just kind of preferred… every other character to Olga. There’s a danger in the other characters telling someone she’s a really amazing, wonderful person when all she comes across as is selfish and man-obsessed.
I’m not sure if I’d read more books by this author in the future. It would depend on the book, I think. Just because I don’t like one set doesn’t mean I wouldn’t enjoy reading a different world from the same author.
February 14, 2015
I am fresh off completing this read and I have to say that it is fantastic!
Olga meets Nate in a hospital room that he shares with her comatose best friend Conner. Olga is in love with Conner and has been daily at his beside since the accident that left him in a coma. Nate has been hospitalized for an automobile accident. Upon meeting Olga, Nate realizes he has the ability to read her thoughts...
After convincing Olga that he's not crazy and can indeed read her thoughts, Nate begins to pursue her. With Conner always her mind, Olga hesitantly continues to see Nate and try understand why he can read only her thoughts.
As Olga and Nate are getting to know eachother, Conner awakens from his coma, only he isn't like he use to be...
The "I feel like I've done this before" begin to pile up and the three begin to realize there is something deeper and darker at work in their situation. To get through it, they must have faith, trust in each other and look deep within themselves to come out of the other side whole.
What unfolds is gripping story of tragedy, love, disappointment, friendship, possession and second chances.
It was a very quick and enjoyable read for me. As always I appreciated the nods to geektastic things like Star Wars, LOTR and Harry Potter. The characters were well written and easy to relate to. I appreciated the struggle between loving a life long friend and falling for the "white knight". The addition of the spiritual aspects (as someone who is sensitive to it) enhanced the story immensely.
Olga meets Nate in a hospital room that he shares with her comatose best friend Conner. Olga is in love with Conner and has been daily at his beside since the accident that left him in a coma. Nate has been hospitalized for an automobile accident. Upon meeting Olga, Nate realizes he has the ability to read her thoughts...
After convincing Olga that he's not crazy and can indeed read her thoughts, Nate begins to pursue her. With Conner always her mind, Olga hesitantly continues to see Nate and try understand why he can read only her thoughts.
As Olga and Nate are getting to know eachother, Conner awakens from his coma, only he isn't like he use to be...
The "I feel like I've done this before" begin to pile up and the three begin to realize there is something deeper and darker at work in their situation. To get through it, they must have faith, trust in each other and look deep within themselves to come out of the other side whole.
What unfolds is gripping story of tragedy, love, disappointment, friendship, possession and second chances.
It was a very quick and enjoyable read for me. As always I appreciated the nods to geektastic things like Star Wars, LOTR and Harry Potter. The characters were well written and easy to relate to. I appreciated the struggle between loving a life long friend and falling for the "white knight". The addition of the spiritual aspects (as someone who is sensitive to it) enhanced the story immensely.
April 12, 2015
Olga’s best friend Connor wakes up from his coma a completely different person. His hot hospital roommate Nate is able to read Olga’s every thought. Within a couple of days Olga’s world has completely changed and it is now filled with supernatural activity. What is going on? Can she fix this?
This is the third book in the ‘My So-Called Afterlife’ trilogy and I didn’t read the first two books before starting this one. Woops! Regardless, this book was easy to read and I think the most important background info is repeated in the book.
I didn’t enjoy this book as much as I thought I would. I was very excited to read a novel about mindreading, demons & a heart-breaking year as the blurb promised. Instead I got a cheesy love triangle, a lot of religion and preaching, and some annoying characters all mixed with just a bit of mindreading and some demon possession.
It was however an easy read and there were some elements that I definitely did enjoy. I liked the idea that the characters got a second chance at life, and that there were some twists to this with the mindreading by Nate and Connor being a completely different person. I also enjoyed the unconditional friendship of the Jedi Order. So, all in all it was ok enough for me and I definitely want to read the other two books to complete the story.
I received a free copy of this book through NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
This is the third book in the ‘My So-Called Afterlife’ trilogy and I didn’t read the first two books before starting this one. Woops! Regardless, this book was easy to read and I think the most important background info is repeated in the book.
I didn’t enjoy this book as much as I thought I would. I was very excited to read a novel about mindreading, demons & a heart-breaking year as the blurb promised. Instead I got a cheesy love triangle, a lot of religion and preaching, and some annoying characters all mixed with just a bit of mindreading and some demon possession.
It was however an easy read and there were some elements that I definitely did enjoy. I liked the idea that the characters got a second chance at life, and that there were some twists to this with the mindreading by Nate and Connor being a completely different person. I also enjoyed the unconditional friendship of the Jedi Order. So, all in all it was ok enough for me and I definitely want to read the other two books to complete the story.
I received a free copy of this book through NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
June 29, 2015
What I liked: This book read a lot like a redo of the first book, and in many ways it sort of was, even though things were different this time around as well. Nate's new ability to read Olga's mind was an entertaining part of the book in some ways. Conner acts different from the way we knew him in the second book and it led to me having some theories and questions about who it could really be, or what. It was interesting how they don't have memories of what happened to them before, but it did make the book seem a bit...dull in the beginning. However, eventually things started taking a turn for the better and there were some interesting things that did happen in the second half. Especially the friendship that sprang up between Conner and Nate, I really liked that.
What I didn't like: I don't know why it took so long of Olga to figure out something was really wrong. Half a book to get to the more interesting parts? Plus, it ending felt a little too open if this is the final book (I'm not too sure if it is or not though).
Overall Review: A nice addition to the series, and it's pretty open still at the end which is a little unsatisfying to me if this is the end of the road for these characters. While I did like the direction the second half of the took, it was slow in the beginning but in retrospect it was okay.
Recommend?: If you've read the first two, I think you should find out what Olga and the boys get up to in 18 Thoughts.
What I didn't like: I don't know why it took so long of Olga to figure out something was really wrong. Half a book to get to the more interesting parts? Plus, it ending felt a little too open if this is the final book (I'm not too sure if it is or not though).
Overall Review: A nice addition to the series, and it's pretty open still at the end which is a little unsatisfying to me if this is the end of the road for these characters. While I did like the direction the second half of the took, it was slow in the beginning but in retrospect it was okay.
Recommend?: If you've read the first two, I think you should find out what Olga and the boys get up to in 18 Thoughts.
March 8, 2015
3rd book of the trilogy. I liked the 1st book, didn't really care for the second one until I finished this 3rd one. Everything came together I told the author when I met up with her about a year ago that I really liked the 1st book but thought the second one wasn't as good. She thanked me for reading them, (and probably thought, wait til you read the 3rd one), and I told her I was going to read the 3rd one when it came out. Its out, I read it and I loved it. To write a paranormal series when everyone else is doing it is hard enough, but then to figure out a story line that is so totally different and keep the readers interest is pretty darn good. This series does just that. It follows Olga, Conner, and later Nate as they go through life as normal teenagers in their last year of high school. Tragedy strikes all three and all they have left is their faith, friends, and family. Was that enough?
January 28, 2015
From the moment I first read about Olga to the one where the story came to a close, I've been captivated. She made me cry, laugh, get frustrated, want to strangle someone, and fall in love. I never quite knew who to root for in this series, as every character had its flaws--they were real, struggling through some real issues, and some supernatural--but in the end I felt like Jamie took the story exactly where it needed to be.
Nate, Olga, and Conner are back on earth and struggling with a whole new set of problems, plus a couple old ones. If you've enjoyed the first two books, you'll love this one!
Nate, Olga, and Conner are back on earth and struggling with a whole new set of problems, plus a couple old ones. If you've enjoyed the first two books, you'll love this one!
January 7, 2016
I felt that the conclusion to this series is fairly satisfying. SPOILER ALERT: They solved the main problem of the Sam, which was pretty huge. She didn't choose between Conner and Nate, which is good because hey, they are only 18. It make sense that she chose Conner to finish out the school year, but I am glad she didn't cut ties with Nate. I am also glad the mind reading thing went away. Not good for long term! I am also relieved that they aren't just re-doing a limbo thing, which seemed possible with their visons/memories and Dr. Judy.
January 27, 2015
I was really interested to see how Ayres would tie everything up in this last book. I'm happy to report that not only was the conclusion satisfying, but the ride was enjoyable. A great end to a great trilogy.
February 20, 2015
It was,a nice read. I was a little disappointed with some of the ending chapters. One of the things I did notice was there was a bit too much merchandising that will eventually date the book. Thanks to Goodreads for the giveaway and the chance to read 18 Thoughts.
April 19, 2015
I liked the ending and the fact that they all chose themselves and their own path, doing something for themselves rather than some lame romantic happily ever after like so many. Yet their relationships/friendships between themselves stayed steadfast which IMO is a satisfying ending.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 1, 2015
Last book in a trilogy. I liked that in this book the three main characters are trying to rectify their wrongs, how they died, and get past themselves. Plus Nate can hear Olga's thoughts. Such an interesting plot twist.
February 25, 2016
Great conclusion!
There were some truly scary-real parts to this that had me on the edge of my seat. Although I did want Olga to make her choice between Conner and Nate, I understand that she needed time, so being single at the end made sense. Team Nate! :)
There were some truly scary-real parts to this that had me on the edge of my seat. Although I did want Olga to make her choice between Conner and Nate, I understand that she needed time, so being single at the end made sense. Team Nate! :)
February 25, 2015
No. Just, no.
July 1, 2016
This was better than the second one but not as good as the first. The spiritual and supernatural aspects weren't quite what I was expecting.
Read
March 31, 2017#
CompNtBk
Borrowed from Kindle Unlimited. Audio Book.
FS: "Riel looked at the three of us."
LS: "And I could've sworn I saw the outline of a cloud shaped like an angel watching over us."
CompNtBk
Borrowed from Kindle Unlimited. Audio Book.
FS: "Riel looked at the three of us."
LS: "And I could've sworn I saw the outline of a cloud shaped like an angel watching over us."
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