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Meet Abby Banks #1
May Contain Spies
Abby Banks is your typical sixteen-year-old girl, except that her entire life has been one big lie. Kidnapped as a young girl and fostered by a government agency as collateral, Abby never knew she was important… until her mom’s terrorist organization unleashes a devastating attack on the facility.
150 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 23, 2015
166 people are currently reading
326 people want to read
About the author
J.A. Cipriano
92 books585 followersWhen New York Times Bestselling author, J. A. Cipriano was in second grade, his teacher gave everyone in class a journal to write down whatever they wanted. Their first subject was to write about something they didn’t like. J. A. chose to write about why he didn’t like writing. His reasoning was simple. He had bad handwriting. Even then, he was destined to be an engineer due to his messy scrawl.
Unfortunately, he found through the course of this little adventure that he actually liked writing. That year was sort of the high point for his writing career because he won a writing contest for the state. He got to go to a big dinner and his teacher was all dressed up.
He kept writing little stories, year after year, and in sixth grade, won another contest. In seventh grade, he broke his arm and got the cast signed by both Dean Koontz and Stan Lee. It is, by far, the coolest cast he’s owned. That was about the time he found video games and anime. His writing turned mostly toward fanfiction until about ninth grade when he wrote his first novel, a small book about twenty thousand words called Revelations. In sophomore year, he wrote two more books to complete the trilogy because he saw Star Wars that year and learned trilogies were the cool thing to do.
He rewrote Revelations during his senior year, and his wife swears it is the best thing he’s written. J.A. is not so sure. Every time he reads it, he cringes, but then again, he hates everything he writes, so there is that.
It was about that time, he got heavily involved in a fanfiction writing group, but that isn’t one hundred percent accurate. It was a world based on a popular anime but everything was created especially for this world. It made it so that every story someone wrote was unique.
Imagine writing a Star Wars novel set 1,000 years after A New Hope, where everything that happened was a distant memory and you get the idea. You have the force, some distant memories of the past, and that’s pretty much it.
He wrote about a million words (863K to be exact) for them before he decided to do his own thing. He wrote another novel. He put it in a drawer. He wrote another one that eventually became the basis for The Hatter is Mad. His next novel was Kill It With Magic, his first real novel. It’s not bad, but it’s bumpy. This is unfortunate because the books get loads better as the series progresses.
Since then, he’s written six more novels, four of which are in the Lillim Callina Series, and one in the Abby Banks series. The other is stuck in a drawer for time undetermined. He’s writing his next book now which is about werewolves fighting mummies in Ancient Egypt. After that, he will move onto Abby Banks 2. The Spy Within will come out in June or July.
J.A. also has three chinchillas. Two of them are grey, and because of this, they are named Slate and Cadmium. The third is named Jet because he’s black, and Jet is old English for black. See, creative. He also has a cat named Turtle. This does pose problems for his two-year-old from time to time.
Unfortunately, he found through the course of this little adventure that he actually liked writing. That year was sort of the high point for his writing career because he won a writing contest for the state. He got to go to a big dinner and his teacher was all dressed up.
He kept writing little stories, year after year, and in sixth grade, won another contest. In seventh grade, he broke his arm and got the cast signed by both Dean Koontz and Stan Lee. It is, by far, the coolest cast he’s owned. That was about the time he found video games and anime. His writing turned mostly toward fanfiction until about ninth grade when he wrote his first novel, a small book about twenty thousand words called Revelations. In sophomore year, he wrote two more books to complete the trilogy because he saw Star Wars that year and learned trilogies were the cool thing to do.
He rewrote Revelations during his senior year, and his wife swears it is the best thing he’s written. J.A. is not so sure. Every time he reads it, he cringes, but then again, he hates everything he writes, so there is that.
It was about that time, he got heavily involved in a fanfiction writing group, but that isn’t one hundred percent accurate. It was a world based on a popular anime but everything was created especially for this world. It made it so that every story someone wrote was unique.
Imagine writing a Star Wars novel set 1,000 years after A New Hope, where everything that happened was a distant memory and you get the idea. You have the force, some distant memories of the past, and that’s pretty much it.
He wrote about a million words (863K to be exact) for them before he decided to do his own thing. He wrote another novel. He put it in a drawer. He wrote another one that eventually became the basis for The Hatter is Mad. His next novel was Kill It With Magic, his first real novel. It’s not bad, but it’s bumpy. This is unfortunate because the books get loads better as the series progresses.
Since then, he’s written six more novels, four of which are in the Lillim Callina Series, and one in the Abby Banks series. The other is stuck in a drawer for time undetermined. He’s writing his next book now which is about werewolves fighting mummies in Ancient Egypt. After that, he will move onto Abby Banks 2. The Spy Within will come out in June or July.
J.A. also has three chinchillas. Two of them are grey, and because of this, they are named Slate and Cadmium. The third is named Jet because he’s black, and Jet is old English for black. See, creative. He also has a cat named Turtle. This does pose problems for his two-year-old from time to time.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
January 21, 2017
May Contain Spies (Meet Abby Banks #1) by J.A. Cipriano is a great teen novel of adventure and romance. Abby is thrown into a world that shows her that her world is all a lie. Now she is running for her live with the help of others, or are they help? A fun adventure, action, mystery, and a touch of romance. Fun action book.
April 3, 2015
I was given a free advanced copy of this book in return for an honest review.
Sixteen year old Abby has been fostered since she was little and suddenly finds herself being kidnapped by her powerful mother’s army. Her mother is desperate to have Abby back but only for her own selfish reasons which are frightening to Abby when she finds out what her mother is really up to. Stephen, a secret agent, is assigned to protect Abby from her mother, but he has his own vulnerabilities. So begins a struggle between good and evil to save Abby and to stop her mother from dominating the world. Who can Abby trust? Who is telling the truth and who is lying? And who are the good guys really?
I really loved reading this book, it was a delight to read. It didn’t take very long to set the scene in a small quiet town and be introduced to the main character, Abby. The action started very early on and never let up. Abby is a very likeable character who starts off as a normal teenage girl but becomes stronger as the story goes on. I also like the lead male character Stephen, who I found to be endearing and who is amusing when he gets embarrassed about his feelings for Abby, a typical awkward teenage boy. The relationship between Abby and Stephen is very sweet. The evil characters were indeed evil, but throughout the story there are always things happening that will keep you wondering who is who and which side they’re on.
The storyline is intriguing and as the title suggests, there are spies in it. This book is well written and often quite humorous making me chuckle to myself with some of the descriptions as well as the dialogue. The fight scenes in the book were written well and are quite realistic and believable.
The ending tied up a lot of things nicely, and left a few unanswered questions, but it also ended at the beginning of an action scene so it is clear it will be continued in the next book.
There wasn’t anything that I didn’t like about this book – other than it was too short!
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and I am very much looking forward to the next book in the Meet Abby Banks series.
I would recommend this book to anyone who likes fast paced action stories with secret agents, good versus evil, and a little levity now and then.
Sixteen year old Abby has been fostered since she was little and suddenly finds herself being kidnapped by her powerful mother’s army. Her mother is desperate to have Abby back but only for her own selfish reasons which are frightening to Abby when she finds out what her mother is really up to. Stephen, a secret agent, is assigned to protect Abby from her mother, but he has his own vulnerabilities. So begins a struggle between good and evil to save Abby and to stop her mother from dominating the world. Who can Abby trust? Who is telling the truth and who is lying? And who are the good guys really?
I really loved reading this book, it was a delight to read. It didn’t take very long to set the scene in a small quiet town and be introduced to the main character, Abby. The action started very early on and never let up. Abby is a very likeable character who starts off as a normal teenage girl but becomes stronger as the story goes on. I also like the lead male character Stephen, who I found to be endearing and who is amusing when he gets embarrassed about his feelings for Abby, a typical awkward teenage boy. The relationship between Abby and Stephen is very sweet. The evil characters were indeed evil, but throughout the story there are always things happening that will keep you wondering who is who and which side they’re on.
The storyline is intriguing and as the title suggests, there are spies in it. This book is well written and often quite humorous making me chuckle to myself with some of the descriptions as well as the dialogue. The fight scenes in the book were written well and are quite realistic and believable.
The ending tied up a lot of things nicely, and left a few unanswered questions, but it also ended at the beginning of an action scene so it is clear it will be continued in the next book.
There wasn’t anything that I didn’t like about this book – other than it was too short!
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and I am very much looking forward to the next book in the Meet Abby Banks series.
I would recommend this book to anyone who likes fast paced action stories with secret agents, good versus evil, and a little levity now and then.
September 28, 2015
Now this is so much better than the previous book I’ve read by this author! The descriptions of scenarios are more fluent and easy to imagine, they actually paint a better picture and make it easier to relate to the characters, their emotions and their reactions - even when they are somewhat implausible at times!
The story stars Abby Banks who is sixteen years old totally unaware that she had been kidnapped as a young child and is living a lie. It was a government agency that grabbed her and she’s being held to ensure the compliance of her real mother who is an active member of a terrorist organisation. Abby didn’t know any of that until the organisation acted. Now I can tell you all that because it is in the book blurb but I don’t want to say much more as I hate accidentally giving spoilers away!
As the title implies, there are spies involved what it doesn’t say is that the humorous writing style makes this an engaging novel, withs some laugh out loud moments. There are a wide range of characters and it isn’t until the end that you can really judge who is on which side. There’s also a romance interest between Abby and Stephen. Sometimes I felt the behaviour of the teenage girls seems a little too stereotypical rather than realistic but that’s probably just me reacting on behalf of teenagers!
As in any great mystery/ secret agent / spy series, many things are resolved in this story but others are still open for further investigation in future stories. It is fast paced with plenty of twists and turns to keep the reader engaged, wondering just what will happen next - a great page turner and one I recommend to anyone who enjoys a whirlwind spy thriller with a sixteen year old girl at the centre of all the action.
Thanks to Sarah Canning for letting me read an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The story stars Abby Banks who is sixteen years old totally unaware that she had been kidnapped as a young child and is living a lie. It was a government agency that grabbed her and she’s being held to ensure the compliance of her real mother who is an active member of a terrorist organisation. Abby didn’t know any of that until the organisation acted. Now I can tell you all that because it is in the book blurb but I don’t want to say much more as I hate accidentally giving spoilers away!
As the title implies, there are spies involved what it doesn’t say is that the humorous writing style makes this an engaging novel, withs some laugh out loud moments. There are a wide range of characters and it isn’t until the end that you can really judge who is on which side. There’s also a romance interest between Abby and Stephen. Sometimes I felt the behaviour of the teenage girls seems a little too stereotypical rather than realistic but that’s probably just me reacting on behalf of teenagers!
As in any great mystery/ secret agent / spy series, many things are resolved in this story but others are still open for further investigation in future stories. It is fast paced with plenty of twists and turns to keep the reader engaged, wondering just what will happen next - a great page turner and one I recommend to anyone who enjoys a whirlwind spy thriller with a sixteen year old girl at the centre of all the action.
Thanks to Sarah Canning for letting me read an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
June 22, 2015
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
May Contain Spies was perhaps the longest 193 page book I shall ever have the pleasure(?) of reading. I want to say that it started out well, but it really didn’t. From the first page, I had issues with it, and those issues only intensified with each chapter. I picked this up because I was hoping to read a book that captured the same intensity and girl power as did Gallagher Girls; but, and I really feel bad saying this, May Contain Spies really didn’t contain much of either of those things.
The first thing to get on my nerves early on was that all the teen girls are Teen Girls—as far as the stereotype goes at least; I can say that there is almost no teen girls I know who act as outrageously as this book portrays them. The main character isn’t actually the worst perpetrator in this story; her best friend is. (Though Abby has problems I’ll tackle later on.) The girl has a notebook that she just fills with her name paired with the last name of the boy she has a crush on at the time. Regina George would have a FIELD DAY with this chick, she wouldn’t even have to LIE to Aaron Samuels.
Speaking of teen tropes, BEWARE OF INSTALOVE. Insta-love that is the most unnecessary thing in this story. I get it, Stephen’s hot, but Abby is literally lusting over his luscious lips—pardon the alliteration—while they are being chased by people with guns, and in no universe is that okay. The irony of it all is that Abby describes herself as practical, and yet that scene is still a thing. In another instance, Stephen, the Edward Cullen of spies, apparently has a thing for falling in love with girls he protects. Abby frets that—even though Abby first talked to him a couple hours ago at this point—she is the rebound girl.
I really just can’t get behind Abby and Stephen’s relationship, and not just because of the insta-love, though that is a major part of why I’m not ever shipping this thing. The way Abby describes Stephen is just strange. At one point, the sound of his voice “rolls over her” like “hot fudge and silk.” I know that this was supposed to be romantic, but all I could think about is how sticky that would be.
Some of the scenes are just so unrealistic in this book. Abby’s mother knifes a shark in the water, killing it, and all I could think was “feeding frenzy feeding frenzy feeding frenzy.” What a horrible decision that would have been in real life!
Other scenes made me mad because Abby would always do something so STUPID. I really didn’t like her. It took the whole book for her to finally truly stand up for herself, something I was hoping she would do from the get-go.
I think this book took me a total of a week to get through, which is really rare for me, especially when a story is under 200 pages. It became a chore to read, and that’s never fun. I think this may be a series based on how it ended, but I’m stopping here.
May Contain Spies was perhaps the longest 193 page book I shall ever have the pleasure(?) of reading. I want to say that it started out well, but it really didn’t. From the first page, I had issues with it, and those issues only intensified with each chapter. I picked this up because I was hoping to read a book that captured the same intensity and girl power as did Gallagher Girls; but, and I really feel bad saying this, May Contain Spies really didn’t contain much of either of those things.
The first thing to get on my nerves early on was that all the teen girls are Teen Girls—as far as the stereotype goes at least; I can say that there is almost no teen girls I know who act as outrageously as this book portrays them. The main character isn’t actually the worst perpetrator in this story; her best friend is. (Though Abby has problems I’ll tackle later on.) The girl has a notebook that she just fills with her name paired with the last name of the boy she has a crush on at the time. Regina George would have a FIELD DAY with this chick, she wouldn’t even have to LIE to Aaron Samuels.
Speaking of teen tropes, BEWARE OF INSTALOVE. Insta-love that is the most unnecessary thing in this story. I get it, Stephen’s hot, but Abby is literally lusting over his luscious lips—pardon the alliteration—while they are being chased by people with guns, and in no universe is that okay. The irony of it all is that Abby describes herself as practical, and yet that scene is still a thing. In another instance, Stephen, the Edward Cullen of spies, apparently has a thing for falling in love with girls he protects. Abby frets that—even though Abby first talked to him a couple hours ago at this point—she is the rebound girl.
I really just can’t get behind Abby and Stephen’s relationship, and not just because of the insta-love, though that is a major part of why I’m not ever shipping this thing. The way Abby describes Stephen is just strange. At one point, the sound of his voice “rolls over her” like “hot fudge and silk.” I know that this was supposed to be romantic, but all I could think about is how sticky that would be.
Some of the scenes are just so unrealistic in this book. Abby’s mother knifes a shark in the water, killing it, and all I could think was “feeding frenzy feeding frenzy feeding frenzy.” What a horrible decision that would have been in real life!
Other scenes made me mad because Abby would always do something so STUPID. I really didn’t like her. It took the whole book for her to finally truly stand up for herself, something I was hoping she would do from the get-go.
I think this book took me a total of a week to get through, which is really rare for me, especially when a story is under 200 pages. It became a chore to read, and that’s never fun. I think this may be a series based on how it ended, but I’m stopping here.
September 18, 2015
First, I would like to thank the author for I received a copy of this in exchange for an honest review.
I really enjoyed reading this book. It was indeed action packed from the beginning to the end, and just when I thought it was going to die down a little bit, it did not. I mean a REAL page Turner. Abby is just your regular teen who works in her mother's restaurant; who stumbles across this hot guy who is not just their for chili fries and a diet soda. He's there to protect her from an expected kidnapping from people who supposedly work for her BIOLOGICAL mother. Only then she comes to find out that she can't even trust her, pretty much can't trust anybody. The part that melted me in this read was when her "fostered" mother came to rescue her. I huge smile literally creeper up on my face during the ending of that chapter and on into the next.
I don't want to spoil everything in the book for those of you who haven't read this book yet, but you should pick up a copy if you like a little romance with some action packed scenes and a little suspense. I overall enjoyed this book and I give it a full five stars. The author did not rush thru it, I felt it was well timed and well written as well.
Thank you again for the opportunity.
I really enjoyed reading this book. It was indeed action packed from the beginning to the end, and just when I thought it was going to die down a little bit, it did not. I mean a REAL page Turner. Abby is just your regular teen who works in her mother's restaurant; who stumbles across this hot guy who is not just their for chili fries and a diet soda. He's there to protect her from an expected kidnapping from people who supposedly work for her BIOLOGICAL mother. Only then she comes to find out that she can't even trust her, pretty much can't trust anybody. The part that melted me in this read was when her "fostered" mother came to rescue her. I huge smile literally creeper up on my face during the ending of that chapter and on into the next.
I don't want to spoil everything in the book for those of you who haven't read this book yet, but you should pick up a copy if you like a little romance with some action packed scenes and a little suspense. I overall enjoyed this book and I give it a full five stars. The author did not rush thru it, I felt it was well timed and well written as well.
Thank you again for the opportunity.
April 21, 2015
The three things which made me look forward to reading the book were the book cover hinting at a race against time theme, the title implying a spy thriller and the blurb introducing the interesting premise of a girl whose entire life has been a lie.
Abby, the protagonist is a normal teenager who is suddenly plunged into extraordinary circumstances. She is the hub of all action but she isn't directly involved in it till the end. She is either being dragged from place to place or rescued from captivity while Stephen, the love interest in the story is right in midst of the action scenes. He seems contradictory in nature, being a first class spy yet getting embarrassed easily. There are a few side characters but none are memorable for me except Roberto. I felt that there was unnecessary carnage in a few scenes. The characters are too set in their roles with no growth with the exception of Abby.
The dialogue had me smiling at a few points but certain phrases and words were repetitive and distracting from the story. The plot was very fast paced and there were a few twists and turns keeping me on my toes all the way through. I literally felt like I was watching a tennis match, my thoughts moving from the Government agency to Abby's Mother, Gabriella. The author kept us guessing who were the good guys and the bad guys till the end. The scientific elements were pretty cool and I loved reading about them.
If you like an action packed book with cool scenes and not much developed characters, this would be it.
Abby, the protagonist is a normal teenager who is suddenly plunged into extraordinary circumstances. She is the hub of all action but she isn't directly involved in it till the end. She is either being dragged from place to place or rescued from captivity while Stephen, the love interest in the story is right in midst of the action scenes. He seems contradictory in nature, being a first class spy yet getting embarrassed easily. There are a few side characters but none are memorable for me except Roberto. I felt that there was unnecessary carnage in a few scenes. The characters are too set in their roles with no growth with the exception of Abby.
The dialogue had me smiling at a few points but certain phrases and words were repetitive and distracting from the story. The plot was very fast paced and there were a few twists and turns keeping me on my toes all the way through. I literally felt like I was watching a tennis match, my thoughts moving from the Government agency to Abby's Mother, Gabriella. The author kept us guessing who were the good guys and the bad guys till the end. The scientific elements were pretty cool and I loved reading about them.
If you like an action packed book with cool scenes and not much developed characters, this would be it.
May 19, 2015
May Contain Spies was full of action right from the start and continued until the last page! I was kept in suspense for the majority of the book, not knowing who were the 'good guys' and who were the 'baddies'. I kept changing my mind as to who I was rooting for! Abby kept getting kidnapped and re-kidnapped and grew stronger as the book went on. Stephen, the male lead was lovable and I was hoping he would rescue Abby, although there was a part in my mind who thought maybe he is the bad guy. The book was short, but every single page was full of action. Definitely a page turner!
I received this book in exchange for my honest review but will definitely be purchasing the next book in the 'Meet Abby Banks series'.
I received this book in exchange for my honest review but will definitely be purchasing the next book in the 'Meet Abby Banks series'.
April 8, 2015
This one was so much packed with action, that I caught myself holding my breath for pretty long periods of time and pretty much had to take a break from time to time to prevent suffocation!:)
Page turner as they come, forget the double crossing, I think if I counted correctly, there was a tripple crossing spy over spy over good guys, back to bad… and the bad, are they really bad? And – just as in real life world – who actually is the “good guy”?
My only complaint here (if you can call it as such) is that this book ended at all! I mean – hello? Part two any time soon? Please???? :)
Page turner as they come, forget the double crossing, I think if I counted correctly, there was a tripple crossing spy over spy over good guys, back to bad… and the bad, are they really bad? And – just as in real life world – who actually is the “good guy”?
My only complaint here (if you can call it as such) is that this book ended at all! I mean – hello? Part two any time soon? Please???? :)
Read
January 31, 2016I was given a free advanced copy of this book in return for an honest review.
I read this story along time ago, but for some reason the review did not post. This is a remarkable story of a Abby who is 16 years old. Then Abby is taken by an army of her mother's. Stephen who is a secret agent is given to Abby to protect her. At this point is where Abby has to figure out who she can an cannot trust. This book was a fast read and the story came together very well. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys action, the struggle with love, and fighting then this book is for them.
I read this story along time ago, but for some reason the review did not post. This is a remarkable story of a Abby who is 16 years old. Then Abby is taken by an army of her mother's. Stephen who is a secret agent is given to Abby to protect her. At this point is where Abby has to figure out who she can an cannot trust. This book was a fast read and the story came together very well. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys action, the struggle with love, and fighting then this book is for them.
October 28, 2015
I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I really enjoyed this book. It was well written, the characters were well developed and the plot flowed smoothly.
I can't wait to see what happens in the next book!
I really enjoyed this book. It was well written, the characters were well developed and the plot flowed smoothly.
I can't wait to see what happens in the next book!
March 14, 2017
Mr. Cipriano has built a completely unique world here. Familiar paranormal creatures who have unusual traits, teenage crushes in the middle of world domination attempts, and bad guys who might be good guys pretending to be bad guys pretending to be good guys...or something like that. The best comparison I can think of is Dr. No and Ernst Blofeld's illegitimate child goes to work for Hydra. And if you don't get those references, I feel very sorry for you.
While I am talking about comparisons, I have to rant about some of the reviews I read on Amazon before picking up this book. One goes off that the author compares it to Ilona Andrews' Kate Daniels and it doesn't hold up to the comparison. I haven't seen any mention of Kate Daniels anywhere on the book or on the Amazon page, so not sure where that's coming from. Maybe there was a different version out there at some point? I agree it isn't anything like Ilona Andrews' work, but a whole review complaining that it isn't like that series but without saying what you did or didn't like about THIS book annoyed me. And another reviewer compared it to Modesty Blaise. I can totally get behind recommending the Modesty Blaise books (they are awesome and you should go read them) but I didn't see any real parallels between Peter O'Donnell's books and this one. Maybe the reviewer meant the bad mid-60's movie that comes off as a James Bond parody of the original Modesty comics? Who knows. Rant over.
I would say this book is more in the young adult category than the author's Thrice Cursed Mage series, but it has some of the same elements. Fast moving plot, touch of snark, some over-the-top action scenes that would look awesome on the big screen, and an emphasis on action over back-story. Yes, you do have to suspend your disbelief over some issues, but then again - the title mentions magic - I'm doing some suspending already before I've even cracked the cover. If you can let yourself go and just enjoy this book, it is a wild ride that takes you from a sleepy town, through explosions in Chicago, to underwater secret hideouts. It's just plain fun. Be warned, it ends in a cliff-hanger, but I frankly expected that after the Thrice Cursed Mage books.
While I am talking about comparisons, I have to rant about some of the reviews I read on Amazon before picking up this book. One goes off that the author compares it to Ilona Andrews' Kate Daniels and it doesn't hold up to the comparison. I haven't seen any mention of Kate Daniels anywhere on the book or on the Amazon page, so not sure where that's coming from. Maybe there was a different version out there at some point? I agree it isn't anything like Ilona Andrews' work, but a whole review complaining that it isn't like that series but without saying what you did or didn't like about THIS book annoyed me. And another reviewer compared it to Modesty Blaise. I can totally get behind recommending the Modesty Blaise books (they are awesome and you should go read them) but I didn't see any real parallels between Peter O'Donnell's books and this one. Maybe the reviewer meant the bad mid-60's movie that comes off as a James Bond parody of the original Modesty comics? Who knows. Rant over.
I would say this book is more in the young adult category than the author's Thrice Cursed Mage series, but it has some of the same elements. Fast moving plot, touch of snark, some over-the-top action scenes that would look awesome on the big screen, and an emphasis on action over back-story. Yes, you do have to suspend your disbelief over some issues, but then again - the title mentions magic - I'm doing some suspending already before I've even cracked the cover. If you can let yourself go and just enjoy this book, it is a wild ride that takes you from a sleepy town, through explosions in Chicago, to underwater secret hideouts. It's just plain fun. Be warned, it ends in a cliff-hanger, but I frankly expected that after the Thrice Cursed Mage books.
February 14, 2023
*Source* Amazon
*Genre* Urban Fantasy
*Rating* 3-3.5
*Thoughts*
May Contain Magic, by author J.A. Cipriano, is the first installment in the authors Meet Abby Banks series. 20 year old Abby Banks thinks of herself of just another college student in a town called Folsom. But the truth is that Abby was kidnapped from her mother and fostered by a government agency to ensure her mother walks the straight and narrow. Abby knew nothing about this until one day she is kidnapped away from all she knows in order to protect her against, you guessed it, her mother who just happens to be the most dangerous woman in the world.
*Full Review @ Gizmos Reviews*
https://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/20...
*Genre* Urban Fantasy
*Rating* 3-3.5
*Thoughts*
May Contain Magic, by author J.A. Cipriano, is the first installment in the authors Meet Abby Banks series. 20 year old Abby Banks thinks of herself of just another college student in a town called Folsom. But the truth is that Abby was kidnapped from her mother and fostered by a government agency to ensure her mother walks the straight and narrow. Abby knew nothing about this until one day she is kidnapped away from all she knows in order to protect her against, you guessed it, her mother who just happens to be the most dangerous woman in the world.
*Full Review @ Gizmos Reviews*
https://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/20...
February 22, 2017
May Contain Magic: An Urban Fantasy Novel (Found Magic Book 1) Review
J. A., I enjoy your quick whit and unique plot line; however, I don't really enjoy your innuendos of a sexual nature. Your writing style is very much similar to other female writers which I am not fond of. I do recommend this book to thoe that enjoy fantasy stories.
J. A., I enjoy your quick whit and unique plot line; however, I don't really enjoy your innuendos of a sexual nature. Your writing style is very much similar to other female writers which I am not fond of. I do recommend this book to thoe that enjoy fantasy stories.
October 17, 2018
now i am hooked. This was such a great, easy and creative book. i was hooked after the first page.
The characters were easy to fall in love with and follow, along with the story. the author made the mental visions so easy and vivid of the surroundings and the characters actions felt so real.
i would highly recommend this author and this book.
The characters were easy to fall in love with and follow, along with the story. the author made the mental visions so easy and vivid of the surroundings and the characters actions felt so real.
i would highly recommend this author and this book.
May 28, 2022
YA type of story
Why I even finished it is more of a mystery to me than the actual story. I'm sure a teenager might be engaged enough in the story to finish it, because it's a quick read. Otherwise I never would have had the patience to.
Why I even finished it is more of a mystery to me than the actual story. I'm sure a teenager might be engaged enough in the story to finish it, because it's a quick read. Otherwise I never would have had the patience to.
January 28, 2017
Good story
Enjoyed the story , wish it was a bit longer. Love the background story. Will definitely recommend to my daughter's to read. Can't wait to read the next one.
Enjoyed the story , wish it was a bit longer. Love the background story. Will definitely recommend to my daughter's to read. Can't wait to read the next one.
June 9, 2017
Magic
A good storyline. Started a little slow for me but glad I stuck with it. Storyline to than made up for it a couple chapters in. Now I have to find out what Happens.
A good storyline. Started a little slow for me but glad I stuck with it. Storyline to than made up for it a couple chapters in. Now I have to find out what Happens.
June 19, 2017
Definitely a new fan of J. A. Cipriano's work, but I definitely like the writing style and this series is definitely dull of action and twists that had me surprised.
June 11, 2024
I rate this one 3 stars.
December 11, 2017
Excellent beginning for a new series! Every time I thought I had an idea what would happen next, a twist would change things and I wasn't even close! Looking forward to more of this story
March 12, 2017
Big brother meets Darth mommy
When you don't know you're in an unique witness protection program, protecting you from your parent who is a world class terrorist, and get shot at at work, what do you do? Run through the sewers with the hot hit who's been stealing you for three weeks of course! Then learn about werewolves, vampires, magic and get kidnapped three or four times. And that's only the half of it. Great book, can't wait to get book two.
When you don't know you're in an unique witness protection program, protecting you from your parent who is a world class terrorist, and get shot at at work, what do you do? Run through the sewers with the hot hit who's been stealing you for three weeks of course! Then learn about werewolves, vampires, magic and get kidnapped three or four times. And that's only the half of it. Great book, can't wait to get book two.
July 7, 2020
NOTE: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
First thought on reading the synopsis: the heroine's name is Abby! Finally, an Abigail I can actually admire. Not like the evil Abigail from The Crucible or, even worse, Taylor Swift's friend Abigail from her song "Fifteen". Any friend of Taylor Swift has officially lost my respect. (You know I'm looking at you, Lorde.)
Unfortunately, Abby wasn't quite as kick-ass as I wished she was. Sure, she thought about saving herself whenever she was captured by her super-evil mother, but who ended up doing all the saving? Abby?
As if!
Apparently, only heroes (or in this case Stephen) can be the ones to swoop in and save the poor damsels in distress because the weeping damsels are just incapable of saving themselves. Also, this is a small thing, but do we really have to mention Stephen's blue eyes so many times?
1. "when I stared into Stephen's sapphire eyes, I wondered if I wanted to be a good girl." (Kill. Me. Now.)
2. "staring at me with those piercing blue eyes of his."
3. "the look in his sapphire eyes"
4. "His blue eyes filled with such depth, such hurt, that I knew he wanted to comfort me, only he didn't know how." (Apparently the only thing he knows how to do is save damsels in distress.)
5. "I stared deep into his sapphire eyes, and a wave of sadness washed over me." (Sigh...)
6. "He turned toward me, and his blue eyes fixed on me."
7. "His eyes were so blue and deep that, for a moment, it felt like I was drowning as he led me toward the back of the room." (Drowning. Something I kind of wish she was doing right now.)
8. "His brilliant blue eyes sparkled, lips curling into a smile as he leaned in toward me."
9. "he whirled around, eyes like oceans of sapphire as he took hold of my hands and stared at me." (Oceans of sapphire? Dang, I wish I were that rich! Yes, I am resorting to taking a metaphor--or is that a simile?--literally to escape the pain of reading about Stephen's blue eyes one more time.)
10. "he said, glancing at me with eyes like an ocean storm as I followed him." (into the bedroom, where they did what bunnies do, to quote Ingrid Michaelson. Or at least that's what I wish they'd done so they could just get it over with!)
So why three stars? The plot made up for the lack of character development. As smart as I flatter myself into thinking I am, I would never in a million years have guessed the ending. That and the super-spy tools. Reversing gravity with a ring? You have to admit that's pretty darned cool. And the Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy joke definitely improved my opinion of Cipriano.
Donovan should just have said "42. The answer to life, the universe, and everything." That would have made my life so much better.
First thought on reading the synopsis: the heroine's name is Abby! Finally, an Abigail I can actually admire. Not like the evil Abigail from The Crucible or, even worse, Taylor Swift's friend Abigail from her song "Fifteen". Any friend of Taylor Swift has officially lost my respect. (You know I'm looking at you, Lorde.)
Unfortunately, Abby wasn't quite as kick-ass as I wished she was. Sure, she thought about saving herself whenever she was captured by her super-evil mother, but who ended up doing all the saving? Abby?
As if!
Apparently, only heroes (or in this case Stephen) can be the ones to swoop in and save the poor damsels in distress because the weeping damsels are just incapable of saving themselves. Also, this is a small thing, but do we really have to mention Stephen's blue eyes so many times?
1. "when I stared into Stephen's sapphire eyes, I wondered if I wanted to be a good girl." (Kill. Me. Now.)
2. "staring at me with those piercing blue eyes of his."
3. "the look in his sapphire eyes"
4. "His blue eyes filled with such depth, such hurt, that I knew he wanted to comfort me, only he didn't know how." (Apparently the only thing he knows how to do is save damsels in distress.)
5. "I stared deep into his sapphire eyes, and a wave of sadness washed over me." (Sigh...)
6. "He turned toward me, and his blue eyes fixed on me."
7. "His eyes were so blue and deep that, for a moment, it felt like I was drowning as he led me toward the back of the room." (Drowning. Something I kind of wish she was doing right now.)
8. "His brilliant blue eyes sparkled, lips curling into a smile as he leaned in toward me."
9. "he whirled around, eyes like oceans of sapphire as he took hold of my hands and stared at me." (Oceans of sapphire? Dang, I wish I were that rich! Yes, I am resorting to taking a metaphor--or is that a simile?--literally to escape the pain of reading about Stephen's blue eyes one more time.)
10. "he said, glancing at me with eyes like an ocean storm as I followed him." (into the bedroom, where they did what bunnies do, to quote Ingrid Michaelson. Or at least that's what I wish they'd done so they could just get it over with!)
So why three stars? The plot made up for the lack of character development. As smart as I flatter myself into thinking I am, I would never in a million years have guessed the ending. That and the super-spy tools. Reversing gravity with a ring? You have to admit that's pretty darned cool. And the Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy joke definitely improved my opinion of Cipriano.
"[Abby asked Donovan] 'What's going on with me, my mom, and everything?' Donovan sighed so loudly that it could have awakened the dead. 'I was hoping you were going to ask an interesting question, maybe "why are we here?" or "will you make out with me?" then I would have had a good answer.' He waved his hand as if blowing me off. 'Yours is barely worth the effort. I'm half-tempted to just answer with forty-two.'"
Donovan should just have said "42. The answer to life, the universe, and everything." That would have made my life so much better.
April 24, 2015
Stephen Jacobs came into Esmeralda’s the restaurant Abby’s mom Esmeralda Banks owned. Abby Banks (16, daughter, narrator) worked there P/T every day. Stephen ordered the same thing every day a diet coke.
Mario was the night cook.
Abby/friends go to Folsom HS (Missouri).
Lisa Ann is Abby’s BFF.
A very bizarre thing happened 1 day. Abby was waiting on Stephen & a kidnapper with a gun came in & was going to take Abby. He informed her Esmeralda was not her mother.
Stephen rescued Abby & the 2 were on the run while shots were being fired.
They went down a manhole cover to who knows where.
Abby was introduced to Donovan DeMarco (government agency) Stephen’s boss.
Donovan explained Abby had been kidnapped before & now her real mom a powerful woman & a known terrorist wanted her back. She needs Abby’s organs to stay alive. Neon of the other organ transplants have worked.
Even stranger Lisa Ann’s parents make biological weapons.
On board an underground automated plane the 2 were headed to the Sears Tower in Chicago.
Hopefully Abby’s real mother would pass away.
1st stop a new wardrobe at Chateau de Tissu Extraordinaire. Chloe Devereux (aka Praying Mantis) was the sales girl.
With the wardrobe almost complete once again the 3 of them were being attacked.
Bodies were everywhere. Marco had blown the store to smothering’s.
Marco knew Chloe.
Down in an escape tunnel boom a huge explosion.
Abigail de la Mancha (Abby) awoke in a bed. Her real mother Gabriella de la Mancha was talking to her. Roberto (mom’s sidekick) & Jordan were right beside her.
Stephen (secret agent) was nowhere around. Gabriella killed Chloe (secret agent).
Gabriella also had access to nuclear weapons.
Donovan (secret agent), Stephen (secret agent) & Abby were aboard a submarine.
Esmeralda Banks showed up. Now it was just her/Abby swimming in the ocean.
What did Roberto reveal to Abby?
What really happened to Donovan?
What about Gabriella de la Mancha?
I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review. Only an honest one.
A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very well written YA evil vs good book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great YA spy vs spy movie, animated cartoon, or mini TV series. Well this was different. I must say it was kind of cheesy at times but I got caught up in it & really enjoyed reading it. That said I will rate it at 4/5 stars.
Thank you for the free Goodreads; Makingconnections; Author; PDF book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
Mario was the night cook.
Abby/friends go to Folsom HS (Missouri).
Lisa Ann is Abby’s BFF.
A very bizarre thing happened 1 day. Abby was waiting on Stephen & a kidnapper with a gun came in & was going to take Abby. He informed her Esmeralda was not her mother.
Stephen rescued Abby & the 2 were on the run while shots were being fired.
They went down a manhole cover to who knows where.
Abby was introduced to Donovan DeMarco (government agency) Stephen’s boss.
Donovan explained Abby had been kidnapped before & now her real mom a powerful woman & a known terrorist wanted her back. She needs Abby’s organs to stay alive. Neon of the other organ transplants have worked.
Even stranger Lisa Ann’s parents make biological weapons.
On board an underground automated plane the 2 were headed to the Sears Tower in Chicago.
Hopefully Abby’s real mother would pass away.
1st stop a new wardrobe at Chateau de Tissu Extraordinaire. Chloe Devereux (aka Praying Mantis) was the sales girl.
With the wardrobe almost complete once again the 3 of them were being attacked.
Bodies were everywhere. Marco had blown the store to smothering’s.
Marco knew Chloe.
Down in an escape tunnel boom a huge explosion.
Abigail de la Mancha (Abby) awoke in a bed. Her real mother Gabriella de la Mancha was talking to her. Roberto (mom’s sidekick) & Jordan were right beside her.
Stephen (secret agent) was nowhere around. Gabriella killed Chloe (secret agent).
Gabriella also had access to nuclear weapons.
Donovan (secret agent), Stephen (secret agent) & Abby were aboard a submarine.
Esmeralda Banks showed up. Now it was just her/Abby swimming in the ocean.
What did Roberto reveal to Abby?
What really happened to Donovan?
What about Gabriella de la Mancha?
I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review. Only an honest one.
A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very well written YA evil vs good book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great YA spy vs spy movie, animated cartoon, or mini TV series. Well this was different. I must say it was kind of cheesy at times but I got caught up in it & really enjoyed reading it. That said I will rate it at 4/5 stars.
Thank you for the free Goodreads; Makingconnections; Author; PDF book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
February 20, 2017
Fun
I almost dropped this at the first chapter. I wasn't expecting a normal HS girl crushing on some guy after reading the summary. But! That is just the way it begins. After that is all the crazy. Very entertaining crazy, though.
Don't take this novel seriously and you'll have a blast.
I almost dropped this at the first chapter. I wasn't expecting a normal HS girl crushing on some guy after reading the summary. But! That is just the way it begins. After that is all the crazy. Very entertaining crazy, though.
Don't take this novel seriously and you'll have a blast.
April 24, 2015
I received a digital copy of this book from Janeal & Sarah, Author Services in exchange for my honest and unbiased review. Thanks for the copy! All are my own opinion and is not compensated by any individual, organization, or company. This might contain minor spoilers.
First Impressions
What actually made me picked this book is the cover! I liked it. It’s an hourglass with what looks like a busy cityscape on the top and a ruined cityscape below. It made me think that the book must be all about a game of choice and a race against time which is actually what I really loved about spy thriller books.
The Story
I had already assumed that after Abby learned the truth about her identity, she will be cocky and let ‘Kraken do the work’—but it did not turn out like that. Abby is like a trophy in a never-ending war game; whoever side has it is the winner. She’s weak and always appeared helpless. Stephen is a shy mystery yummy spy guy who fell in love with Abby while on duty.
I love the complexity of their characters. For me, they look good together and have a pretty fair chemistry. But how quickly their romance bloomed is a bit dubious. It’s quick and I cannot see a pretty firm foundation to agree with it.
The story is really great; action-wised, situation-wised. I love how to author continuously feeding me up with fake truths and real lies that even I felt the same way Abby does: confused. Who is the bad guy? Who is the good guy? Who should Abby trust? It is amazing. I cannot fully figure out who is who from whom. Other than that, everything else is predictable.
I only saw a clear character development from Abby. Chloe and Roberto are both good characters and I wanted to learn more about them. The characters are all great but needed more back story.
The Verdict
Overall, I enjoyed it. It kept me intrigued until the end of the pages and still craving to know what’s next after the cliff-hanger ending.
First Impressions
What actually made me picked this book is the cover! I liked it. It’s an hourglass with what looks like a busy cityscape on the top and a ruined cityscape below. It made me think that the book must be all about a game of choice and a race against time which is actually what I really loved about spy thriller books.
The Story
I had already assumed that after Abby learned the truth about her identity, she will be cocky and let ‘Kraken do the work’—but it did not turn out like that. Abby is like a trophy in a never-ending war game; whoever side has it is the winner. She’s weak and always appeared helpless. Stephen is a shy mystery yummy spy guy who fell in love with Abby while on duty.
I love the complexity of their characters. For me, they look good together and have a pretty fair chemistry. But how quickly their romance bloomed is a bit dubious. It’s quick and I cannot see a pretty firm foundation to agree with it.
The story is really great; action-wised, situation-wised. I love how to author continuously feeding me up with fake truths and real lies that even I felt the same way Abby does: confused. Who is the bad guy? Who is the good guy? Who should Abby trust? It is amazing. I cannot fully figure out who is who from whom. Other than that, everything else is predictable.
I only saw a clear character development from Abby. Chloe and Roberto are both good characters and I wanted to learn more about them. The characters are all great but needed more back story.
The Verdict
Overall, I enjoyed it. It kept me intrigued until the end of the pages and still craving to know what’s next after the cliff-hanger ending.
February 1, 2017
>Book review – May Contain Magic – An Urban Fantasy Novel
>I am an independent reviewer. This is the first book in the Found Magic series and ends in a cliffhanger. Abby is a teenager working in her mom’s store, crushing on a teenage boy who seems to come to the store a lot. Stephen is that boy. He is a vampire, tasked to protect Abby from her real mother who wants to kill her and use her body to stay young.
>The story line was very unique. I didn’t believe that once Abby is told that she has been living her whole life in protective custody, and her mother is not her real mother, she just accepts everything. Normal teenage girls would have been inconsolable. Abby not only doesn’t really react, she takes what Stephen tells her as the truth. Was there something in her childhood that would cause Abby to doubt her beginnings? That question is never addressed.
>The story line keeps you guessing. The bad guys turn into good guys, then back to bad guys. No one is as they seem, including Stephen. Once again, Abby doesn’t freak out. She just listens and seems to believe whatever is told to her. Even though the book ends in a cliff hanger, I find that I am really not that upset. Abby’s nonchalance must have rubbed off. The book is appropriate for a young adult audience. I am giving it 3 stars.
>I am an independent reviewer. This is the first book in the Found Magic series and ends in a cliffhanger. Abby is a teenager working in her mom’s store, crushing on a teenage boy who seems to come to the store a lot. Stephen is that boy. He is a vampire, tasked to protect Abby from her real mother who wants to kill her and use her body to stay young.
>The story line was very unique. I didn’t believe that once Abby is told that she has been living her whole life in protective custody, and her mother is not her real mother, she just accepts everything. Normal teenage girls would have been inconsolable. Abby not only doesn’t really react, she takes what Stephen tells her as the truth. Was there something in her childhood that would cause Abby to doubt her beginnings? That question is never addressed.
>The story line keeps you guessing. The bad guys turn into good guys, then back to bad guys. No one is as they seem, including Stephen. Once again, Abby doesn’t freak out. She just listens and seems to believe whatever is told to her. Even though the book ends in a cliff hanger, I find that I am really not that upset. Abby’s nonchalance must have rubbed off. The book is appropriate for a young adult audience. I am giving it 3 stars.
January 26, 2017
I have found Mr. Cipriano to be an author whose works I really enjoy and I am always excited to read another book by him. Abby is a teen pretty much living a normal life…until all of a sudden people start trying to kill her. She goes on the run with a boy who isn’t who he seems to be. To add to that, she finds out nothing about her life is actually normal, including her real mother is a homicidal maniac and is trying to harvest her daughter’s organs to live longer. And, Abby might be a witch? Will Abby be on the run forever or will she find out how to save her own life and those of the ones around her? This was such a fun, fast read! Abby was your typical teen, and I really enjoyed her interactions with all the characters. Her love interest Stephen at times frustrated me because he seemed a little immature, but nothing I couldn’t overlook. And, I have to admit, some moments in the book seemed a little implausible, but I enjoyed the book so much, I glossed over those moments. If you like a fun, fast-paced, engrossing, well-written urban fantasy, you should definitely give this one a try. Highly recommend!
Thanks to the author for the e-copy which I voluntarily reviewed. This same review will be posted on both Goodreads and Amazon.
Thanks to the author for the e-copy which I voluntarily reviewed. This same review will be posted on both Goodreads and Amazon.
May 25, 2015
I would like to thank the author, J.A. Cipriano, for giving me an electronic copy of this book to read and review. Life is ordinary for Abby Banks: she is a sixteen year old high school student, works part time at her mother's restaurant in the afternoons, and has a crush on a customer that comes in daily. This customer, Stephen, comes to her rescue when the threat of violence against her becomes imminent and leads her into a world that she did not know existed. May Contain Spies features non stop action, right up to the dramatic conclusion. Suspending belief for a few moments, this story is fun and filled with many thrilling moments. I felt like I was watching a ping pong match, back and forth when Abby's situation changed once again. In my opinion, the author did not have to keep driving home the point that Abby has a crush on Stephen. With the characters in general, too much attention was placed on their physical attributes and not enough on their intellect. If you like reading about spies, this light and airy version of a thriller might be to your liking. Personally, I thought it was a quick read and it provided me with a fun way to spend the morning.
May 25, 2015
May Contain Spies
by J.A. Cipriano
I recieved a coy in exchange for an hinest review.
This was a fun book to read.
I do not want to include spoilers in my review.
The book begins with a teenage girl working in her mother's restaurant. Working the closing shift she is kidnapped. That is where her adventure begins.
Is she really someone else? Who or you may even say what is her real mother? Her life is at stake but what is fact and what is fiction?Who are the good guy and who are the bad guys? Who can she trust?
As if figuring that out is not enough, major world cities are being nuked as part of the scheme for her inheritance. Her survival depends entirely on her making the right decisions while navigating a world so surreal that it takes you from scenes reminscent of Captain Nemo, Star Wars and James Bond for a few.
What happens in her advnture is so bizarre, could it be just a dream? You must read the book to find out. I strongly urge you to do so.
The story is written and flows steadily. The characters ae well developed though complex This is not a crime novel so son't try to disect facts too much just enjoy the read. It is a good book
by J.A. Cipriano
I recieved a coy in exchange for an hinest review.
This was a fun book to read.
I do not want to include spoilers in my review.
The book begins with a teenage girl working in her mother's restaurant. Working the closing shift she is kidnapped. That is where her adventure begins.
Is she really someone else? Who or you may even say what is her real mother? Her life is at stake but what is fact and what is fiction?Who are the good guy and who are the bad guys? Who can she trust?
As if figuring that out is not enough, major world cities are being nuked as part of the scheme for her inheritance. Her survival depends entirely on her making the right decisions while navigating a world so surreal that it takes you from scenes reminscent of Captain Nemo, Star Wars and James Bond for a few.
What happens in her advnture is so bizarre, could it be just a dream? You must read the book to find out. I strongly urge you to do so.
The story is written and flows steadily. The characters ae well developed though complex This is not a crime novel so son't try to disect facts too much just enjoy the read. It is a good book
April 23, 2015
Fast-paced and action-filled is the kind of book I wanted when I started reading May Contain Spies. I was not disappointed at all. This book is exciting and enjoyable, and definitely captures your attention.
"Besides, I wasn't a princess waiting in a tower for someone to rescue me."
Abby changes throughout the book. At the beginning, she seemed timid and a little weak. She grows into a stronger, more independent character as the story progresses. She no longer needed to rely on others to survive. Stephen was a pretty well-rounded character. I wish he had been involved in the story more than he was, and am hoping that he will be quite involved in the next book (because clearly the book cannot end like how it did).
The romance was a little iffy for me. I liked both of the characters and though they were pretty great for each other, but I thought it moved a little to quickly for me.
*Note: I received this book free from Janeal and Sarah, Author Services and Sarah Canning in exchange for an honest review.
"Besides, I wasn't a princess waiting in a tower for someone to rescue me."
Abby changes throughout the book. At the beginning, she seemed timid and a little weak. She grows into a stronger, more independent character as the story progresses. She no longer needed to rely on others to survive. Stephen was a pretty well-rounded character. I wish he had been involved in the story more than he was, and am hoping that he will be quite involved in the next book (because clearly the book cannot end like how it did).
The romance was a little iffy for me. I liked both of the characters and though they were pretty great for each other, but I thought it moved a little to quickly for me.
*Note: I received this book free from Janeal and Sarah, Author Services and Sarah Canning in exchange for an honest review.
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