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Resurrecting Gavin
A tragedy realized. A boy displaced. His fight to restore his sanity. Can Gavin’s mind be resurrected?
As a three month resident of the Pembroke Psychiatric Center following the dismantling and tragic events leading up to the school shooting, Gavin Ferguson thinks he is well on his way to healing until his inner self takes a detour leaving him a relative stranger in his own mind.
Will Gavin be able to find his way back to himself and return home with his family and friends, or is resurrecting his mind beyond the bounds of possibility?
*Resurrecting Gavin is a companion novelette in the Evan series, following the novelette Saving Gavin and precedes the full length novel, Inventing Evan.
As a three month resident of the Pembroke Psychiatric Center following the dismantling and tragic events leading up to the school shooting, Gavin Ferguson thinks he is well on his way to healing until his inner self takes a detour leaving him a relative stranger in his own mind.
Will Gavin be able to find his way back to himself and return home with his family and friends, or is resurrecting his mind beyond the bounds of possibility?
*Resurrecting Gavin is a companion novelette in the Evan series, following the novelette Saving Gavin and precedes the full length novel, Inventing Evan.
89 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 18, 2015
24 people want to read
About the author
Venessa Kimball
18 books347 followersAt the age of five, Venessa Kimball began writing books made of scrap paper and bound with colorful yarn. The worlds she created were about beautiful unicorns and heroines.
In 2012, Venessa published her first novel as a career author. She’s currently independently published.
Venessa is the best-selling author of eight novels. Her books fall into the categories of adult romantic suspense and science fiction/ urban fantasy thriller, as well as psychological/ horror thriller. Venessa has also published a Young Adult coming of age series for her teen readers.
When Venessa’s not plotting a new novel or writing, she’s spending quality time with her family and three dogs in Austin, Texas.
In 2012, Venessa published her first novel as a career author. She’s currently independently published.
Venessa is the best-selling author of eight novels. Her books fall into the categories of adult romantic suspense and science fiction/ urban fantasy thriller, as well as psychological/ horror thriller. Venessa has also published a Young Adult coming of age series for her teen readers.
When Venessa’s not plotting a new novel or writing, she’s spending quality time with her family and three dogs in Austin, Texas.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
July 23, 2015
I was unaware of the book's companion status for Saving Gavin when I read it and felt cheated. I was made aware of its place in the series before being given an ARC of Resurrecting Gavin. As I finished the the second book in Gavin's storyline I came to the realization that this author is growing and advancing her skills incredibly well with each new manuscript.
It is difficult for many authors to write from a different perspective within the same series. Although many make the thoughtless attempt it is never given the serious reflection it deserves. Vanessa Kimball has successfully given Gavin a voice of his own. Throughout these two novelettes we have watched his transformation from helpless and unstable child to a maturing young man who is ready to face his own mental illness and take charge of his own care. In Dismantling Evan Gavin was told what he felt or how he should feel, what to do; by the end of his transformation he is able to express his own thoughts, feelings and ideas.
I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
It is difficult for many authors to write from a different perspective within the same series. Although many make the thoughtless attempt it is never given the serious reflection it deserves. Vanessa Kimball has successfully given Gavin a voice of his own. Throughout these two novelettes we have watched his transformation from helpless and unstable child to a maturing young man who is ready to face his own mental illness and take charge of his own care. In Dismantling Evan Gavin was told what he felt or how he should feel, what to do; by the end of his transformation he is able to express his own thoughts, feelings and ideas.
I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
August 18, 2015
** I was given an arc copy of Resurrecting Gavin in exchange for an honest review **
Resurrecting Gavin is a fantastic book! From beginning to end I couldn't put it down! Mental illness is a lot of ups and downs and emotional roller-coaster rides so I was not at all surprised when Resurrecting Gavin was just that-an emotional roller-coaster ride. Gavin is my favorite character of the Evan series so I was very pleaded with his growth and accomplishments throughout the story-line. Gavin truly is a fighter! I can't wait to read Inventing Evan when it releases in November 2015!!! This is certainly a book that I would highly recommend to anyone!
Resurrecting Gavin is a fantastic book! From beginning to end I couldn't put it down! Mental illness is a lot of ups and downs and emotional roller-coaster rides so I was not at all surprised when Resurrecting Gavin was just that-an emotional roller-coaster ride. Gavin is my favorite character of the Evan series so I was very pleaded with his growth and accomplishments throughout the story-line. Gavin truly is a fighter! I can't wait to read Inventing Evan when it releases in November 2015!!! This is certainly a book that I would highly recommend to anyone!
July 23, 2015
Venessa Kimball has done it again! I was given the honor of reading the ARC of "Resurrecting Gavin." It continues the story of Gavin's time in Penbroke and how he learns to take control of his life for the first time. It is written in journal format again and we get to see how he changes and grows. Gavin's story of healing touched my heart and brought me to tears of joy! Can't wait to read more in the next book!
July 19, 2015
I had the honor of reading the arc copy of "Resurrecting Gavin"... It was a pleasure to read. The book does a wonderful job of depicting the shift of highs and lows of mental illness. I was happy to see the Improvement Gavin made. I highly recommend this book and all of her other books of this series. I can not wait for the next book in November. I am impatiently waiting. Lol
August 22, 2015
Resurrecting Gavin is a part of the Dismantling Evan series from the talented author Venessa Kimball. Venessa has ventured into a dramatic and intense subject with her foray into mental illness, thus it is with a bit of dismay that I have to say what I do about this particular book. First, I received an Advanced Reader Copy in exchange for an honest review. Here is that review...
Gavin is a special young man who has faced and succeeded in overcoming a number of challenges. Challenges stemming from his unique health concerns, his family environment, his family attempting to protect him, and the world attacking him for who he is. This book is written from Gavin's point of view and while I applaud Ms. Kimball for switching POV within a series, I fear she dropped into a too simplistic stance with this novelette. I understand that we need a simple stance when we are reading Gavin's entries and thoughts, but I felt that there were times we also needed to see a little more in depth detail coming from the family and the staff of the hospital. The staff's relationship with Gavin was a tad unrealistic as I have been a patient in such a facility and no that there always has to remain a level of detachment, even with, if not especially with the youth. I love Gavin's interactions, I love that he steps up and starts taking control of his own life, his own thoughts, and his own destiny. He needs to see a chance of freedom.
Another touchy point of contention was the medical side of the information as medications such as Depakote require a level of monitoring that wasn't allowed time wise within the story. Am I being hypercriticial? Possibly, but in respect to the author and the beautiful work she did with the initial book in the series I must be 100% honest with my view on each story in the series.
Would I recommend the novelette? Yes. You need to get to know this character better. Do read the previous books, get to know the entire cast.
Do not look for a major plot within the short story, which is something I mourned as well. I wanted to see more achievement, more detail into the life Gavin was resurrecting as he became connected with his true self. As Ms. Kimball is aware, I am a demanding reader. My word for this...I wanted more.
Gavin is a special young man who has faced and succeeded in overcoming a number of challenges. Challenges stemming from his unique health concerns, his family environment, his family attempting to protect him, and the world attacking him for who he is. This book is written from Gavin's point of view and while I applaud Ms. Kimball for switching POV within a series, I fear she dropped into a too simplistic stance with this novelette. I understand that we need a simple stance when we are reading Gavin's entries and thoughts, but I felt that there were times we also needed to see a little more in depth detail coming from the family and the staff of the hospital. The staff's relationship with Gavin was a tad unrealistic as I have been a patient in such a facility and no that there always has to remain a level of detachment, even with, if not especially with the youth. I love Gavin's interactions, I love that he steps up and starts taking control of his own life, his own thoughts, and his own destiny. He needs to see a chance of freedom.
Another touchy point of contention was the medical side of the information as medications such as Depakote require a level of monitoring that wasn't allowed time wise within the story. Am I being hypercriticial? Possibly, but in respect to the author and the beautiful work she did with the initial book in the series I must be 100% honest with my view on each story in the series.
Would I recommend the novelette? Yes. You need to get to know this character better. Do read the previous books, get to know the entire cast.
Do not look for a major plot within the short story, which is something I mourned as well. I wanted to see more achievement, more detail into the life Gavin was resurrecting as he became connected with his true self. As Ms. Kimball is aware, I am a demanding reader. My word for this...I wanted more.
August 11, 2015
Brilliant. Just brilliant. Gavin is an amazing young man, and it's so amazing to see the world through his eyes, and to watch him change and grow over time.I can't believe how easily Venessa Kimball brings us inside Gavin's mind, even when he's trying to figure out what is real, and what is a hallucination. The writing is fantastic, and his story has me all excited for the next full-length novel in this series!
You must read Saving Gavin prior to this one. And I highly recommend reading Dismantling Evan before both of them in order to fully understand the events that led to Gavin's hospitalization.
Just go read it!
Your Not-S0-Anonymous Book Junkie
You must read Saving Gavin prior to this one. And I highly recommend reading Dismantling Evan before both of them in order to fully understand the events that led to Gavin's hospitalization.
Just go read it!
Your Not-S0-Anonymous Book Junkie
August 19, 2015
I just love this series!
This was part two of a novelette told from Gavin’s point of view. I loved being inside Gavin’s head and hearing his thoughts on what is happening to him and how he views the various situations.
Gavin is such a great character and the author does an amazing job bringing him to life!
I can’t wait for the next book in this series. It could continue where this left off or it could tell everyone else’s story during the same timeframe this book takes place. Either way, I am anxiously awaiting the release!!
This was part two of a novelette told from Gavin’s point of view. I loved being inside Gavin’s head and hearing his thoughts on what is happening to him and how he views the various situations.
Gavin is such a great character and the author does an amazing job bringing him to life!
I can’t wait for the next book in this series. It could continue where this left off or it could tell everyone else’s story during the same timeframe this book takes place. Either way, I am anxiously awaiting the release!!
August 18, 2015
I found Resurrecting Gavin to be a well written companion that can actually stand on its own. While the reader can certainly understand more depth, Kimball does a wonderful job of developing this story with the strength of character needed for any story no matter the length.
Thank you Vanessa for providing me with the opportunity to review your book for you before the release.
Thank you Vanessa for providing me with the opportunity to review your book for you before the release.
September 9, 2015
Gavin's journey has been a powerful one! Enlightening, extremely emotional, & full of ups, downs, & unseen turns. The characters play the heart strings expertly, the story flows really well, & I finished each installment in one sitting. I've been hooked since the beginning. I definitely recommend this series!
August 10, 2015
Mental illness is a difficult topic, but Venessa Kimball does an excellent job giving us Gavin's story! We get to take a look at Gavin's journal from his time in Pembroke, and watch him heal and grow. I can't wait to continue the series!
September 4, 2015
I loved Resurrecting Gavin. I felt Kimball had really done her research on the topic and was fully committed to tell Gavin's story in a way that was both accurate and compelling.
In spots my heart broke for Gavin as he despaired, struggling to come to grips with his conditions, but I rejoiced at each small step forward he took too.
I would recommend this book to tweets and teens and even adults who want a better understanding of what goes on in a mental institution, or in the mind of a disturbed teen trying to find his way back to himself.
The book is absolutely complete, but I did find myself wondering what life was like for Gavin after I finished reading it.
In spots my heart broke for Gavin as he despaired, struggling to come to grips with his conditions, but I rejoiced at each small step forward he took too.
I would recommend this book to tweets and teens and even adults who want a better understanding of what goes on in a mental institution, or in the mind of a disturbed teen trying to find his way back to himself.
The book is absolutely complete, but I did find myself wondering what life was like for Gavin after I finished reading it.
October 16, 2015
Another great story on the view from Gavin's mind. Gavin makes great progress for himself. It's amazing how this story can form into something as real life. I would be terrified! Gavin is at first, but learns how to over come mistrusting others. Positive people in his life makes a great stride forward. Still worrying about friends and family, He realizes he needs to take care of himself first. I'm so ready to read more...The Dismantling series is a real eye opening for me. Not having to deal with someone like Gavin., one doesn't know what's required :)
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews