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Struck #1
Struck
Behind the ivy-clad walls of an exclusive boarding school, lurks a sinister web of corruption, scandal, and conspiracy. American student Raven Stone has noticed something is horribly wrong. First there were the unexplained disappearances. Then there were the teachers' lies. And now the death threats ...Also entangled in the disturbing turn of events is the enigmatic Kieran Storm - a fellow student with a killer intellect and a body to die for. He's heading for trouble and taking her with him. Raven can feel herself falling in love, but can she trust a boy she knows almost nothing about?
Winner of Romantic Novel of the Year 2015.
Winner of Romantic Novel of the Year 2015.
312 pages, Paperback
First published January 23, 2014
60 people are currently reading
2665 people want to read
About the author
Joss Stirling
39 books2,519 followersJoss Stirling is a British novelist. Her first novel under this name was the internationally successful, Finding Sky, which is followed by five others in the same series entering into the savant world of young people with special powers. Central to the story are the Benedict Brothers, seven talented guys from Colorado.
In a second series, Struck, Joss begins a new world of detective romance. The first three parts are: Struck (#1) and Stung (#2), and Shaken (#3) and Scorched (#4). Joss introduces readers to four new heroes - Kieran Storm, Nathan Hunter, Joe Masters and Damien Castle, who all attention the Young Detective Agency. The first part, Struck, won the Romantic Novel of the Year 2015 in the UK.
Her new series, PERIL, a paranormal love story set in the near future, is out 13 July 2017.
Joss lives in Oxford, England. She is married with three children.
Stirling also publishes under two pen names: Julia Golding and Eve Edwards.
In a second series, Struck, Joss begins a new world of detective romance. The first three parts are: Struck (#1) and Stung (#2), and Shaken (#3) and Scorched (#4). Joss introduces readers to four new heroes - Kieran Storm, Nathan Hunter, Joe Masters and Damien Castle, who all attention the Young Detective Agency. The first part, Struck, won the Romantic Novel of the Year 2015 in the UK.
Her new series, PERIL, a paranormal love story set in the near future, is out 13 July 2017.
Joss lives in Oxford, England. She is married with three children.
Stirling also publishes under two pen names: Julia Golding and Eve Edwards.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 312 reviews
August 31, 2014
JOSS I HAVE BEEN WAITING FOR ANOTHER BOOK BY YOU FOR AGES!!!! FINALLY!!
Hope this is as good as The Finding Sky series which are undoubtedly one of my favourite series.
I just want it... please?
Hope this is as good as The Finding Sky series which are undoubtedly one of my favourite series.
I just want it... please?
February 17, 2015
Meine Meinung zum Buch: http://youtu.be/u0FznzKlu7w
June 12, 2016
Ich bin ein rieisiger Fan von Joss Stirlings Büchern. So war es nicht verwunderlich, dass mir auch Raven Stone bzw. Struck bzw. Storm & Stone (oha, so viele Namen!) gefallen hat. Allerdings muss ich auch sagen, dass ich das Buch etwas weniger mochte als die Savant Bücher. Das liegt wie zu erwarten gewesen war nicht etwa an den Charakteren oder der Liebesgeschichte, sondern an der Handlung, die drum herum gesponnen worden ist. Ich muss dazu sagen, dass ich kein Fan von Krimis bin und so war auch hier der Fall, dass mich das gestört hat, auch wenn es sich hier ja eher um Agenten im James Bond Stil handelt. Was mich an diesem Buch nur so frustriert hat, das war die Sache mit dem Mobbing und der Opferrolle, die Raven damit hat einnehmen müssen. Sie wird nämlich von ihren Klassenkameraden gemobbt und zwar aufs Übelste. Klingt im ersten Moment interessant, war allerdings ziemlich... frustrierend, um ehrlich zu sein. In diesen Szenen dachte ich die ganze Zeit nur: Können wir bitte wieder zu Kieran zurückgehen?
Auch waren Teile hier ziemlich unrealistisch, was ich verzeihen könnte, wenn es ein Fantasy Roman wäre, was es jedoch nicht ist. Besonders stark hat mich das nicht gestört, aber es ist mir doch zumindest aufgefallen.
Warum das Buch mir aber trotzdem gefallen hat, das waren die Charaktere und die Liebesgeschichte. Eigentlich gibt es hier nur drei Charaktere, die wirklich entscheidend sind: Raven, Kieran und Joe und ich mochte alle drei unglaublich gern. Die Liebesgeschichte ist zum Dahinschmelzen gerade auch weil Kieran nicht der typische Love Interest ist. Er hatte tatsächlich ein wenig was von Sherlock Holmes und die beiden passten einfach super zusammen und es hat richtig Spaß gemacht, ihnen dabei zuzusehen, wie sie sich ineinander verliebten. Auch den charmanten Joe mochte ich unheimlich gern und es ist eine verdammte Schande, dass es weder im zweiten noch im dritten Band um ihn geht, sondern um Nathan und Damien. Aber da kann man wohl nichts machen. Trotzdem freue ich mich sehr darauf, sie zu lesen!
Insgesamt nur 3 Sterne für dieses Buch von einer meiner Lieblingsautorinnen. Auch wenn es mir insgesamt gefallen hat, gab es einfach zu viele Dinge, die mich gestört haben.
Auch waren Teile hier ziemlich unrealistisch, was ich verzeihen könnte, wenn es ein Fantasy Roman wäre, was es jedoch nicht ist. Besonders stark hat mich das nicht gestört, aber es ist mir doch zumindest aufgefallen.
Warum das Buch mir aber trotzdem gefallen hat, das waren die Charaktere und die Liebesgeschichte. Eigentlich gibt es hier nur drei Charaktere, die wirklich entscheidend sind: Raven, Kieran und Joe und ich mochte alle drei unglaublich gern. Die Liebesgeschichte ist zum Dahinschmelzen gerade auch weil Kieran nicht der typische Love Interest ist. Er hatte tatsächlich ein wenig was von Sherlock Holmes und die beiden passten einfach super zusammen und es hat richtig Spaß gemacht, ihnen dabei zuzusehen, wie sie sich ineinander verliebten. Auch den charmanten Joe mochte ich unheimlich gern und es ist eine verdammte Schande, dass es weder im zweiten noch im dritten Band um ihn geht, sondern um Nathan und Damien. Aber da kann man wohl nichts machen. Trotzdem freue ich mich sehr darauf, sie zu lesen!
Insgesamt nur 3 Sterne für dieses Buch von einer meiner Lieblingsautorinnen. Auch wenn es mir insgesamt gefallen hat, gab es einfach zu viele Dinge, die mich gestört haben.
February 10, 2015
2.5 stars
I have to say that I didn’t really enjoy this book.
Raven was an okay character, and I did feel sorry for her and the bullying she was going through. I thought that Joe was alright, but Kieran started out a bit weird, and never really recovered from that.
The storyline in this book seemed to mostly revolve around Raven’s bullying, with a side-serving of this crime investigation thing that Joe and Kieran were involved in. I didn’t really find any of this all that enthralling, and the crime-investigation thing was pretty darn dull.
The romance didn’t really interest me, and I can’t say I was overly impressed with the ending either.
Overall; predictable, and pretty dull in my opinion.
5 out of 10.
I have to say that I didn’t really enjoy this book.
Raven was an okay character, and I did feel sorry for her and the bullying she was going through. I thought that Joe was alright, but Kieran started out a bit weird, and never really recovered from that.
The storyline in this book seemed to mostly revolve around Raven’s bullying, with a side-serving of this crime investigation thing that Joe and Kieran were involved in. I didn’t really find any of this all that enthralling, and the crime-investigation thing was pretty darn dull.
The romance didn’t really interest me, and I can’t say I was overly impressed with the ending either.
Overall; predictable, and pretty dull in my opinion.
5 out of 10.
September 26, 2016
This was a cool YA thriller. I enjoyed reading it, but I notice I can't really say much about this.. Not my best review, sorry XD
After reading Hunter & Pearl and liking that a bit less than this (but still 3*), I can describe better how I experienced reading this book.
I really like the element in this book that you are thinking when will she find out, and that you want to know how this thing they are investigating turns out.
I also really liked it that he is really nerdy and she liked him for that.
But even there are many things to like, this book felt not really special to me. It is nicely written and all that, but it was a light read and I didn't really connect with the characters that much, somehow. I expected more of this writer because some loving reviews from friends, but it just felt like a ok book.
After reading Hunter & Pearl and liking that a bit less than this (but still 3*), I can describe better how I experienced reading this book.
I really like the element in this book that you are thinking when will she find out, and that you want to know how this thing they are investigating turns out.
I also really liked it that he is really nerdy and she liked him for that.
But even there are many things to like, this book felt not really special to me. It is nicely written and all that, but it was a light read and I didn't really connect with the characters that much, somehow. I expected more of this writer because some loving reviews from friends, but it just felt like a ok book.
November 9, 2015
I adore Joss Stirling's books and I was extremely excited about reading 'Storm and Stone' which is her new standalone novel. I wasn't disappointed because it was a thrilling read which had me hooked from the start.
The story is set in an English boarding school called Westron. Raven is an American scholarship student at the school. She's ostracised and picked on by everyone until she meets new students Kieran and Joe, who discover that there is something strange going on at the school. After reading the blurb I thought it was going to be a fairly typical high school romance story but I was wrong when part way through it turned into something much more gripping and mysterious.
I loved the relationship between Raven and Kieran. He is clever and incredibly intelligent but Raven definitely makes him lose his head. They fit together so well and function perfectly as a team. The romance in the book is realistic and brilliantly written. A trait of all Joss Stirling books. There's no case of instant love but instead an attraction which simmers away between Raven and Kieran and eventually turns into something more. He feels protective about her and often tries to steer her away from danger, but she is more than capable of looking after herself which she definitely proves at the end of the book.
Joss Stirling is one of my favourite British authors and if you're a fan of her Soulfinders series then you will love this new offering. As I was reading, I could even picture it as a TV series because I think the concept is perfect for the small screen.
Although this was originally billed as a standalone, I've since heard that it could actually be the first in a series about the characters which is excellent news!
The story is set in an English boarding school called Westron. Raven is an American scholarship student at the school. She's ostracised and picked on by everyone until she meets new students Kieran and Joe, who discover that there is something strange going on at the school. After reading the blurb I thought it was going to be a fairly typical high school romance story but I was wrong when part way through it turned into something much more gripping and mysterious.
I loved the relationship between Raven and Kieran. He is clever and incredibly intelligent but Raven definitely makes him lose his head. They fit together so well and function perfectly as a team. The romance in the book is realistic and brilliantly written. A trait of all Joss Stirling books. There's no case of instant love but instead an attraction which simmers away between Raven and Kieran and eventually turns into something more. He feels protective about her and often tries to steer her away from danger, but she is more than capable of looking after herself which she definitely proves at the end of the book.
Joss Stirling is one of my favourite British authors and if you're a fan of her Soulfinders series then you will love this new offering. As I was reading, I could even picture it as a TV series because I think the concept is perfect for the small screen.
Although this was originally billed as a standalone, I've since heard that it could actually be the first in a series about the characters which is excellent news!
February 8, 2014
It was a real honour to have a book dedicated to me by my closest childhood friend. We took English classes together...and if I had been told then that she would become a successful writer I would not have been at all surprised.
I loved Finding Sky and the others in that series. Storm and Stone takes a similar tack with the idea of 'special' teenagers...albeit that it doesn't involve 'powers' in the same sense. Joss's books always have a great storyline, they are well written with strong characters. Good stuff.
I loved Finding Sky and the others in that series. Storm and Stone takes a similar tack with the idea of 'special' teenagers...albeit that it doesn't involve 'powers' in the same sense. Joss's books always have a great storyline, they are well written with strong characters. Good stuff.
February 6, 2015
I felt really sorry for Raven. Being bullied is horrible, and what the bullies put her through in this was awful.
This wasn't a bad read, but it took a while to get going. The first half of it didn't seem to have much happening apart from the bullying.
The second half was better, and had more things happening, but by that point I had lost interest, so it took a while to get it back.
Overall, Okay read, but took ages to get going.
This wasn't a bad read, but it took a while to get going. The first half of it didn't seem to have much happening apart from the bullying.
The second half was better, and had more things happening, but by that point I had lost interest, so it took a while to get it back.
Overall, Okay read, but took ages to get going.
March 7, 2016
Es una historia entretenida pero demasiado adolescente y tonta para mi gusto
September 21, 2022
3/5
Since I have no self control at all and I bought the entire series of this book and sadly I cannot NOT finish a book once I start it, I have mixed feelings regarding this one over here…
Did I finish this at 2:00 am? Yes. Was I excited to finish it? Yes. Is that good or bad? In between. Did I have to get motivation to continue reading it? Honestly- yes.
I want to start by saying that gosh was I trying my best to grab the book and continue with it, don’t get me wrong, the plot wasn’t even that boring or anything but I guess it didn’t impact me that much as much as I thought it was going to. The book wants to make itself seem like a thriller and at some points I was invested but, it was also kinda predictable because it just consisted on how Raven was bullied and how Kieran was in love with her and vice versa and- that’s pretty much it. Oh right, and some sort of side investigation from Kieran and Joe.
The main character who’s name is Raven is just an okay character, nothing from her out stands as much. Joe, he was… alright, tbh I’d say my favorite character from the book and he isn’t even a main character at all unlike Kieran, who is evidently the love interest of Raven.
The romance was- meh.
I don’t even have much to say, all I got to say is that I’m quite disappointed? Mainly because, I thought the book could have used this idea for an amazing thriller and just- didn’t took advantage of it.
P.S: Time to read the 3 other books…. Wooo.. I’m so excited…
Since I have no self control at all and I bought the entire series of this book and sadly I cannot NOT finish a book once I start it, I have mixed feelings regarding this one over here…
Did I finish this at 2:00 am? Yes. Was I excited to finish it? Yes. Is that good or bad? In between. Did I have to get motivation to continue reading it? Honestly- yes.
I want to start by saying that gosh was I trying my best to grab the book and continue with it, don’t get me wrong, the plot wasn’t even that boring or anything but I guess it didn’t impact me that much as much as I thought it was going to. The book wants to make itself seem like a thriller and at some points I was invested but, it was also kinda predictable because it just consisted on how Raven was bullied and how Kieran was in love with her and vice versa and- that’s pretty much it. Oh right, and some sort of side investigation from Kieran and Joe.
The main character who’s name is Raven is just an okay character, nothing from her out stands as much. Joe, he was… alright, tbh I’d say my favorite character from the book and he isn’t even a main character at all unlike Kieran, who is evidently the love interest of Raven.
The romance was- meh.
I don’t even have much to say, all I got to say is that I’m quite disappointed? Mainly because, I thought the book could have used this idea for an amazing thriller and just- didn’t took advantage of it.
P.S: Time to read the 3 other books…. Wooo.. I’m so excited…
July 27, 2021
Leí este libro por primera vez en 2014. Me propuse continuar sagas que me habían gustado para volver a retomar el hábito lector. ¿Qué hábito si nunca paré de leer? Pues mi hábito devorador porsupollo.
Los libros de esta autora me encantan porque sus romances son sencillos, chico conoce a chica y amor verdadero. Puede rodearlo de un poco de fantasía (como en Finding Love) o de espionaje (como es este caso), pero la fórmula mágica es la misma. Y sí, puede que no sea para lectores muy exigentes que buscan constantemente un desafío intelectual, pero para mí que sufro de ansiedad va perfecto.
Los libros de esta autora me encantan porque sus romances son sencillos, chico conoce a chica y amor verdadero. Puede rodearlo de un poco de fantasía (como en Finding Love) o de espionaje (como es este caso), pero la fórmula mágica es la misma. Y sí, puede que no sea para lectores muy exigentes que buscan constantemente un desafío intelectual, pero para mí que sufro de ansiedad va perfecto.
October 27, 2017
3,5 / 5 sterren
Het boek is vermakelijk, maar het was wel een tegenvaller nadat ik de Soulmates serie heb gelezen. Die serie vond ik echt stukken beter.
Het boek is vermakelijk, maar het was wel een tegenvaller nadat ik de Soulmates serie heb gelezen. Die serie vond ik echt stukken beter.
February 11, 2014
As a huge fan of Joss Stirling's Benedict Brothers of course I jumped at the chance of reading her latest novel Storm and Stone. I'll tell you straight away that this is completely separate to her other series and the story has no paranormal elements but that doesn't mean it isn't a fabulous read and it's one I really enjoyed. I'm not sure if this is a stand alone story or the start of a new series but I'm really hoping that we're going to get to revisit these characters in the future, there is definitely plenty of scope for stories about this duo so I'm keeping my fingers crossed!
Storm and Stone is set in an exclusive English boarding school, one that caters to the children of the extremely wealthy and somewhere that students are supposed to make connections that will help them throughout their lives. Raven isn't from a well off family though, she is a scholarship student who has been allowed to attend the school because her grandfather is the school caretaker as well as her guardian. Raven has had it tough in the last few years, not only has she lost both of her parents but she was bullied badly at her last school and she just wants to find a place where she fits in. Things at Westron haven't been too bad, some of the kids may look down on her but she has a good friend Gina and the others tend to leave her alone. Well, they always did in the past but since the beginning of term things have become decidedly more difficult. Gina hasn't returned after the holidays so Raven is alone and she's facing accusations that she is a thief, Raven has obviously been set up but she has no idea why people have turned against her so suddenly.
The only people still taking to Raven are the new boys Kieran and Joe who seem willing to look past the rumours and see the truth. They not only believe Raven but also stand up for her against the others but it doesn't seem to make much of a difference, especially when Gina returns and acts nothing like the girl that Raven was friends with. Kieran and Joe seem to be on Raven's side but she knows they are keeping secrets from her and it makes it hard for her to trust them completely. But what are the boys hiding and why have they joined the school so late in the year?
I really liked Raven's character, she suffers from horrendous bullying that would break most people but she holds her head up high and refuses to let the bullies see how much she is hurting. Inside she is vulnerable and in pain but she has such a tough outer shell and appears to let things bounce off without effecting her. Kieran was fabulous too, he reminded me of a teenage mixture of Sherlock and Sheldon from The Big Bang Theory - he's supremely intelligent but completely clueless when it comes to social situations. The friendship between Kieran and Joe was great, Joe is much more relaxed and is an expert at making friends and fitting in something that Kieran struggles with, but together they make a great team. I loved how they both took such good care of Raven, they were annoyed with the way the others were treating her and determined to help her prove her innocence. The romance that develops between Raven and Kieran didn't feel rushed and I liked the fact that they became friends before anything else.
This story has a great underlying mystery but I don't want to say too much about that for fear of giving spoilers. My only complaint was that we didn't really get to see justice for Raven after one particularly horrible bullying incident - I wanted to see the culprits caught and made to pay for what they did but their actions were kind of lost within everything else that happened at the end of the book. The story definitely feels like a set up for the beginning of a series, again I can't say too much about why I think that without giving spoilers so I'll settle for saying that I'll be the first in the queue to buy any more books that Joss Stirling does write about these characters. If you enjoyed this author's other books then I'd definitely recommend giving this one a try, it doesn't focus quite as heavily on the romance as her Savants books do but what we get is well written and believable and I have high hopes for Raven and Kieran if we are given more books about them.
Storm and Stone is set in an exclusive English boarding school, one that caters to the children of the extremely wealthy and somewhere that students are supposed to make connections that will help them throughout their lives. Raven isn't from a well off family though, she is a scholarship student who has been allowed to attend the school because her grandfather is the school caretaker as well as her guardian. Raven has had it tough in the last few years, not only has she lost both of her parents but she was bullied badly at her last school and she just wants to find a place where she fits in. Things at Westron haven't been too bad, some of the kids may look down on her but she has a good friend Gina and the others tend to leave her alone. Well, they always did in the past but since the beginning of term things have become decidedly more difficult. Gina hasn't returned after the holidays so Raven is alone and she's facing accusations that she is a thief, Raven has obviously been set up but she has no idea why people have turned against her so suddenly.
The only people still taking to Raven are the new boys Kieran and Joe who seem willing to look past the rumours and see the truth. They not only believe Raven but also stand up for her against the others but it doesn't seem to make much of a difference, especially when Gina returns and acts nothing like the girl that Raven was friends with. Kieran and Joe seem to be on Raven's side but she knows they are keeping secrets from her and it makes it hard for her to trust them completely. But what are the boys hiding and why have they joined the school so late in the year?
I really liked Raven's character, she suffers from horrendous bullying that would break most people but she holds her head up high and refuses to let the bullies see how much she is hurting. Inside she is vulnerable and in pain but she has such a tough outer shell and appears to let things bounce off without effecting her. Kieran was fabulous too, he reminded me of a teenage mixture of Sherlock and Sheldon from The Big Bang Theory - he's supremely intelligent but completely clueless when it comes to social situations. The friendship between Kieran and Joe was great, Joe is much more relaxed and is an expert at making friends and fitting in something that Kieran struggles with, but together they make a great team. I loved how they both took such good care of Raven, they were annoyed with the way the others were treating her and determined to help her prove her innocence. The romance that develops between Raven and Kieran didn't feel rushed and I liked the fact that they became friends before anything else.
This story has a great underlying mystery but I don't want to say too much about that for fear of giving spoilers. My only complaint was that we didn't really get to see justice for Raven after one particularly horrible bullying incident - I wanted to see the culprits caught and made to pay for what they did but their actions were kind of lost within everything else that happened at the end of the book. The story definitely feels like a set up for the beginning of a series, again I can't say too much about why I think that without giving spoilers so I'll settle for saying that I'll be the first in the queue to buy any more books that Joss Stirling does write about these characters. If you enjoyed this author's other books then I'd definitely recommend giving this one a try, it doesn't focus quite as heavily on the romance as her Savants books do but what we get is well written and believable and I have high hopes for Raven and Kieran if we are given more books about them.
June 26, 2014
FIVE STARS!!!!!
When I first realized that my favorite author had written another book. I was like
And then I was like
After a near fatal fangirl attack, I immediately ran out and got a hold of Storm and the Stone.
***Spoilers***
Where to start, where to start… Let’s start with the wonderful and enigmatic Kieran Storm. For all those lady fans of BBC’s Sherlock Holmes, these are the books for you! Kieran is Sherlock personified, with his ability of deduction and hyper intelligence, meets James Bond! That’s right! Kieran Storm is a super sly spy on top of his super amazing Sherlock-like-ness. Can it get any better?? I would have loved the book just for that reason, but then he falls in love with a kick butt heroine Raven Stone. So yes! It can get better!
Raven is no damsel in distress. Not this girl. No, she is an independent, strong, courageous, intelligent, and will not put up with your crap. Which causes some problems for Kieran because, being a spy investigating her boarding school, he’s been lying about pretty much everything. Why Kieran is investigating her boarding school, you may ask. Kieran and his partner Joe are investigating the disappearances of children in the school, being the children of powerful people, the government took notice. Following the disappearances, some children started returning… completely brainwashed into snobbish sociopaths.
This book is chock full of action, adventure, and smoking hot kisses. No joke, in one scene, right before the intelligent Kieran and talented Raven preform a dance together, he plants an unexpected but romantic kiss on her, their first kiss. When I read this I was like
Finally, somebody wrote the perfect kiss scene! Bravo! Bravo!
Then the dance scene happened and I just died from happiness
THIS IS A MUST READ!! In the first 5 pages it became one of my favourite books ever!! Awesome from the character development, to the perfect storyline. Recommended for everybody! This book is simply beautiful.
For more of my review go to: http://thenotsopubliclibrary.blogspot...
When I first realized that my favorite author had written another book. I was like
And then I was like
After a near fatal fangirl attack, I immediately ran out and got a hold of Storm and the Stone.
***Spoilers***
Where to start, where to start… Let’s start with the wonderful and enigmatic Kieran Storm. For all those lady fans of BBC’s Sherlock Holmes, these are the books for you! Kieran is Sherlock personified, with his ability of deduction and hyper intelligence, meets James Bond! That’s right! Kieran Storm is a super sly spy on top of his super amazing Sherlock-like-ness. Can it get any better?? I would have loved the book just for that reason, but then he falls in love with a kick butt heroine Raven Stone. So yes! It can get better!
Raven is no damsel in distress. Not this girl. No, she is an independent, strong, courageous, intelligent, and will not put up with your crap. Which causes some problems for Kieran because, being a spy investigating her boarding school, he’s been lying about pretty much everything. Why Kieran is investigating her boarding school, you may ask. Kieran and his partner Joe are investigating the disappearances of children in the school, being the children of powerful people, the government took notice. Following the disappearances, some children started returning… completely brainwashed into snobbish sociopaths.
This book is chock full of action, adventure, and smoking hot kisses. No joke, in one scene, right before the intelligent Kieran and talented Raven preform a dance together, he plants an unexpected but romantic kiss on her, their first kiss. When I read this I was like
Finally, somebody wrote the perfect kiss scene! Bravo! Bravo!
Then the dance scene happened and I just died from happiness
THIS IS A MUST READ!! In the first 5 pages it became one of my favourite books ever!! Awesome from the character development, to the perfect storyline. Recommended for everybody! This book is simply beautiful.
For more of my review go to: http://thenotsopubliclibrary.blogspot...
July 4, 2015
Tercer libro de Joss Striling que termino en un dia. ¿Algo mas para decir que eso?
La forma de escribir de esta mujer es tan adictiva para mi, que me es imposible no enamorarme de sus personajes masculinos y no sentirme identificada en algun aspecto con los personajes femeninos.
A diferencia de la saga de "Finding Love", en "Struck" el amor no es la base de la historia, sino que la accion es la que predomina sobre el amor.
Ambas sagas, tanto Finding Love como Struck, se basan en la relacion de amor y accion que posee la historia, por lo que cada libro que leo de la autora me convenzo mas que, esta puede lograr el equilibrio perfecto entre amor y accion, cosa que no todos pueden lograr.
Yo no soy de las que se leen un libro en un dia, pero 3 de los 4 libros que lei de ella los lei en un dia.
La historia es increible, estos misterios que se esconden dentro de una escuela son muy llamativos y simplemente no podia dejar de leer.
La relacion entre Raven y Kieran me parecio algo... perfecto (Pero nada va a destronar mi OTP favorita de Joss Stirling, que es Phoenix y Yves, pero Raven y Kieran estan en segundo lugar.) La manera en que ambos personajes se relacionaban era adorable. Como siempre, hubo frases que me dejaban fangirleando por demasiados minutos impidiendome seguir con la lectura.
No es una novela donde vas a encontrar frases tiernas cada dos paginas o te vas a aburrir por lo rosita de la historia, tampoco vas a estar leyendo que pasan cosas y cosas en el instituto mientras que los personajes principales no se relacionan. Es simplemente la combinacion perfecta.
Me senti tan identificada con Raven que se convirtio en mi personaje favorita de la autora, todo lo que le pasaba y el hecho que, de verdad no soportaba que le mientan me hacia sentir identificada con cosas que me habian pasado a mi. La manera en que se relaciono con Kieran y Joe me fue super real, porque hay veces en que simplemente conoces a una persona y las cosas salen naturalmente y no necesitas mucho para saber que podes contar con ellos.
Por otro lado, Kieran fue un personaje que disfrute mucho, especialmente de su crecimiento a lo largo de la historia porque creo que todos al menos una vez en nuestras vidas necesitamos una guia. Para Kieran en este caso era Raven y la manera en la que Kieran queria dar todo por ella, era adorable pero lo sentia bastante verdadero al fin y al cabo.
Totalmente recomiendo esta novela.
La forma de escribir de esta mujer es tan adictiva para mi, que me es imposible no enamorarme de sus personajes masculinos y no sentirme identificada en algun aspecto con los personajes femeninos.
A diferencia de la saga de "Finding Love", en "Struck" el amor no es la base de la historia, sino que la accion es la que predomina sobre el amor.
Ambas sagas, tanto Finding Love como Struck, se basan en la relacion de amor y accion que posee la historia, por lo que cada libro que leo de la autora me convenzo mas que, esta puede lograr el equilibrio perfecto entre amor y accion, cosa que no todos pueden lograr.
Yo no soy de las que se leen un libro en un dia, pero 3 de los 4 libros que lei de ella los lei en un dia.
La historia es increible, estos misterios que se esconden dentro de una escuela son muy llamativos y simplemente no podia dejar de leer.
La relacion entre Raven y Kieran me parecio algo... perfecto (Pero nada va a destronar mi OTP favorita de Joss Stirling, que es Phoenix y Yves, pero Raven y Kieran estan en segundo lugar.) La manera en que ambos personajes se relacionaban era adorable. Como siempre, hubo frases que me dejaban fangirleando por demasiados minutos impidiendome seguir con la lectura.
No es una novela donde vas a encontrar frases tiernas cada dos paginas o te vas a aburrir por lo rosita de la historia, tampoco vas a estar leyendo que pasan cosas y cosas en el instituto mientras que los personajes principales no se relacionan. Es simplemente la combinacion perfecta.
Me senti tan identificada con Raven que se convirtio en mi personaje favorita de la autora, todo lo que le pasaba y el hecho que, de verdad no soportaba que le mientan me hacia sentir identificada con cosas que me habian pasado a mi. La manera en que se relaciono con Kieran y Joe me fue super real, porque hay veces en que simplemente conoces a una persona y las cosas salen naturalmente y no necesitas mucho para saber que podes contar con ellos.
Por otro lado, Kieran fue un personaje que disfrute mucho, especialmente de su crecimiento a lo largo de la historia porque creo que todos al menos una vez en nuestras vidas necesitamos una guia. Para Kieran en este caso era Raven y la manera en la que Kieran queria dar todo por ella, era adorable pero lo sentia bastante verdadero al fin y al cabo.
Totalmente recomiendo esta novela.
March 16, 2016
Me tomo casi una semana leer la mitad del libro pero me tomo sólo un día terminar la otra mitad jaja por eso le doy 4 estrellas. Siento que empezó un poco flojo, no lograba engancharme pero llegó un momento en el qe simplemente ya no lo pude soltar.
Definitivamente es una lectura juvenil pero debo decir que si me gusto mucho! Es una historia bonita que al final está llena de acción de la emocionante.
Al igual que me pasó con SKY es un libro que fácilmente podría ser autoconclusivo ya que el final es muy cerrado aunque si dan ganas de saber que más viene para Kieran y Raven.
La historia de amor es muy bonita, me recordaba a mi cuando me gustaba algún chico y como me emocionaba de sólo verlo... jaja se que suena súper ñoño y pues es un romance muy lindo.
Recomendado especialmente para niñas de uno 12 o 13 hasta la edad que quieran siempre y cuando les gusten las historial juveniles de misterio, acción y romance.
Definitivamente es una lectura juvenil pero debo decir que si me gusto mucho! Es una historia bonita que al final está llena de acción de la emocionante.
Al igual que me pasó con SKY es un libro que fácilmente podría ser autoconclusivo ya que el final es muy cerrado aunque si dan ganas de saber que más viene para Kieran y Raven.
La historia de amor es muy bonita, me recordaba a mi cuando me gustaba algún chico y como me emocionaba de sólo verlo... jaja se que suena súper ñoño y pues es un romance muy lindo.
Recomendado especialmente para niñas de uno 12 o 13 hasta la edad que quieran siempre y cuando les gusten las historial juveniles de misterio, acción y romance.
January 31, 2018
wat schrijft Joss Stirling toch lekker verslavend. het verhaal was niet eens heel erg goed, en leunde nogal op toevalligheden en de zoveelste "Sheldon" , maar een boek als dit heeft gewoon net dat beetje extra waardoor je alleen maar door wilt lezen!
February 3, 2018
Required Genre: ROMANCE, Author Project
I have a one-word review: Bad.
Unfortunately, I am me, and I am reading this for a class, and also I never shut up, so I am going to have to elaborate on the one-word review.
So, things about this that were Bad:
- the dialogue was pretty awful
- I was constantly aware of the narrative voice, and even that was really bad
- like, it felt like reading when *I* write fiction, and I am Awful At Writing Fiction
- the title? is their last names? help me? and that's such a good title until you figure out that it's their last names
- The romance? wasn't even interesting or compelling? (like, it wasn't super actively problematic, but it was just really blah)
- the boy was ....... why. why was he. why did i read that with my own two eyes.
- all the exposition was done by him drawing conclusions about her from her appearance because he's some sort of hyper-genius with no social skills but a rocking bod
- am i watching bbc's sherlock?
- why would i want that outside of bbc's sherlock, i barely want it IN bbc's sherlock
- you can apparently resist drugs if you are just smarter than the drugs, so that's good to know (???)
- there was like, a mystery thing but it just wasn't interesting.
- stop. kissing. on. a rescue. mission. just rescue the people and Then Kiss.
- i literally said out loud 'if these two have to hide from the ex-KGB agents looking for them in an enclosed space and spend five minutes in silence just being horny than i am not finishing this book' (they didn't, i was forced to finish)
- no one but Raven, Kiernan, and Joe had any characterisation to speak of, even Johnny and Siobhan, who I feel could have been pretty cool
- 'now raven realized things were serious' WHAT DID YOU THINK THEY WERE BEFORE
- the pacing was really poor
- the conflict with the love story was so contrived and stupid and really, unecessary considering there was a whole mystery plot thing to offer conflict to the story.
- also this was like, the least interesting take on 'a web of scandal and corruption' ever. we didn't SEE any of it. it was just weird and we were too focused on these three do-no-wrong characters to get into any of it that could have been interesting
This wasn't even, like, a decent love story in a crappy setting. Or a crappy love story with a somewhat worthwhile concept and setting. it was neither. all elements were Bad. There were two things in this whole book that had some tiny bit of potential:
1) for about three pages before Raven just totally folded and entirely ceased to be interesting somehow, there was about to be this type of dynamic between the two of him where her knowledge was balancing and enriching his. kind of like the thing i love best about Piper and Annabeth when they work together in Blood of Olympus. i can't even really articulate it bc i only got an inkling that it was happening for like one paragraph and i thought 'ok this could work' and then it... didn't. I'd fish through the book again and find it but, also, why would i do that, this book was bad.
2) the detective school thing had some potential. if the rest of the books are actually set in the detective school then i should have started there. too bad there were like three sentences about that potentially cool inner workings of the detective school.
Also it was a little bit cool to read a UK edition of something, but that wasn't about the book, it was about the place the book was published so no points there.
So, to keep score, there were only two positive things, and they were not even positive they were 'had potential.' These two slight glowing things in the darkness were unquestionably shrouded by the fact that this book managed to mess up TWO tropes that I love. TWO. Yes, ladies and gents, this book contains a boarding school that's secretly training supergeniuses/assassins/spies and I didn't like it. Boarding schools that are secretly training teenage spies are basically the key to my heart. And then this.
This book also, and this makes me so riled up I can barely speak of it, had run-through of a trope that I love so dearly, but admittedly, is pretty hard to pull of and also is deeply, elementally cheesy in all its levels. But this book's was so bad that I had to close the book and leave and go do something else. SO BAD. Yes. They did terrible things with, so close to my heart, "dance routine isn't clicking but then they realize they love each other and then it goes splendidly because they DANCE WITH EMOTION." IT WAS RUINED (in this book, not forever, my devotion to that trope is too deep, too intense to be killed by a single bad book)(I am full on dumpster trash for that trope. I have WRITTEN fic for that trope. not kidding. that's how you know i am dead serious.) but no. IT WAS BAD. So cheesy, weirdly charged, no communication, it was cheesy but pretending to be totally in earnest, like it didn't know it was cheesy at all. No self-awareness. too miraculous. The EMOTION is supposed to be like the last 3% and instead it saved a dance that was at like 70% all the way up to amazing. I hated it. It made me so mad. Why would you do that with my (fifth? i really need to keep a ranked list. it's not above five, but not below 15) trope that I loved. the betrayal. The frikkin kiss wasn't even good, it was just so generic. no characterization at all. And lastly LASTLY how is Kiernan a good kisser it makes no sense. UGH I HATED IT ALL.
anyway, as stated, Bad. It wasn't even, like, gloriously hate-read bad. It was just frustratingly when-will-this-be-over bad. which is no fun at all.
I have a one-word review: Bad.
Unfortunately, I am me, and I am reading this for a class, and also I never shut up, so I am going to have to elaborate on the one-word review.
So, things about this that were Bad:
- the dialogue was pretty awful
- I was constantly aware of the narrative voice, and even that was really bad
- like, it felt like reading when *I* write fiction, and I am Awful At Writing Fiction
- the title? is their last names? help me? and that's such a good title until you figure out that it's their last names
- The romance? wasn't even interesting or compelling? (like, it wasn't super actively problematic, but it was just really blah)
- the boy was ....... why. why was he. why did i read that with my own two eyes.
- all the exposition was done by him drawing conclusions about her from her appearance because he's some sort of hyper-genius with no social skills but a rocking bod
- am i watching bbc's sherlock?
- why would i want that outside of bbc's sherlock, i barely want it IN bbc's sherlock
- you can apparently resist drugs if you are just smarter than the drugs, so that's good to know (???)
- there was like, a mystery thing but it just wasn't interesting.
- stop. kissing. on. a rescue. mission. just rescue the people and Then Kiss.
- i literally said out loud 'if these two have to hide from the ex-KGB agents looking for them in an enclosed space and spend five minutes in silence just being horny than i am not finishing this book' (they didn't, i was forced to finish)
- no one but Raven, Kiernan, and Joe had any characterisation to speak of, even Johnny and Siobhan, who I feel could have been pretty cool
- 'now raven realized things were serious' WHAT DID YOU THINK THEY WERE BEFORE
- the pacing was really poor
- the conflict with the love story was so contrived and stupid and really, unecessary considering there was a whole mystery plot thing to offer conflict to the story.
- also this was like, the least interesting take on 'a web of scandal and corruption' ever. we didn't SEE any of it. it was just weird and we were too focused on these three do-no-wrong characters to get into any of it that could have been interesting
This wasn't even, like, a decent love story in a crappy setting. Or a crappy love story with a somewhat worthwhile concept and setting. it was neither. all elements were Bad. There were two things in this whole book that had some tiny bit of potential:
1) for about three pages before Raven just totally folded and entirely ceased to be interesting somehow, there was about to be this type of dynamic between the two of him where her knowledge was balancing and enriching his. kind of like the thing i love best about Piper and Annabeth when they work together in Blood of Olympus. i can't even really articulate it bc i only got an inkling that it was happening for like one paragraph and i thought 'ok this could work' and then it... didn't. I'd fish through the book again and find it but, also, why would i do that, this book was bad.
2) the detective school thing had some potential. if the rest of the books are actually set in the detective school then i should have started there. too bad there were like three sentences about that potentially cool inner workings of the detective school.
Also it was a little bit cool to read a UK edition of something, but that wasn't about the book, it was about the place the book was published so no points there.
So, to keep score, there were only two positive things, and they were not even positive they were 'had potential.' These two slight glowing things in the darkness were unquestionably shrouded by the fact that this book managed to mess up TWO tropes that I love. TWO. Yes, ladies and gents, this book contains a boarding school that's secretly training supergeniuses/assassins/spies and I didn't like it. Boarding schools that are secretly training teenage spies are basically the key to my heart. And then this.
This book also, and this makes me so riled up I can barely speak of it, had run-through of a trope that I love so dearly, but admittedly, is pretty hard to pull of and also is deeply, elementally cheesy in all its levels. But this book's was so bad that I had to close the book and leave and go do something else. SO BAD. Yes. They did terrible things with, so close to my heart, "dance routine isn't clicking but then they realize they love each other and then it goes splendidly because they DANCE WITH EMOTION." IT WAS RUINED (in this book, not forever, my devotion to that trope is too deep, too intense to be killed by a single bad book)(I am full on dumpster trash for that trope. I have WRITTEN fic for that trope. not kidding. that's how you know i am dead serious.) but no. IT WAS BAD. So cheesy, weirdly charged, no communication, it was cheesy but pretending to be totally in earnest, like it didn't know it was cheesy at all. No self-awareness. too miraculous. The EMOTION is supposed to be like the last 3% and instead it saved a dance that was at like 70% all the way up to amazing. I hated it. It made me so mad. Why would you do that with my (fifth? i really need to keep a ranked list. it's not above five, but not below 15) trope that I loved. the betrayal. The frikkin kiss wasn't even good, it was just so generic. no characterization at all. And lastly LASTLY how is Kiernan a good kisser it makes no sense. UGH I HATED IT ALL.
anyway, as stated, Bad. It wasn't even, like, gloriously hate-read bad. It was just frustratingly when-will-this-be-over bad. which is no fun at all.
August 12, 2018
I seem to just love anything by Joss Stirling! Very different from the Benedict brothers series but I still liked it a lot. Looking forward to the next book.
December 13, 2014
Meine Meinung:
"Raven Stone - Wenn Geheimnisse tödlich sind" von Joss Stirling war nicht nur eine angenehme Überraschung, sondern vor allem ein richtiger guter Reihenauftakt, von dem ich mir wesentlich mehr als eine Fortsetzung erhoffe.
Der Einstieg ist gut gewählt: eine gekonnte Überraschung, die den Leser direkt auf den aktuellen Stand der Dinge bringt. Man wird förmlich in die Rolle der Raven Stone geworfen und kriegt so nicht nur direkten Zugriff zu ihren Gefühlen, sondern wird auch gleich selbst emotional involviert - zumindest erging es mir so. Stirling hat einen sehr angenehmen Schreibstil, der ein hohes Lesetempo ermöglicht, was durch die relativ kurzen Kapitel nur noch verstärkt wird. Man kann sich alles immer gut vorstellen, wird aber glücklicherweise nicht mit zu vielen Details bombadiert. Die Geschichte wird im personalen Erzählstil abwechselnd aus der Sicht von Raven und Kieran erzählt.
Die Protagonisten waren mir auf Anhieb sympathisch, vor allem weil diese so schön unkonventionell waren.
Raven ist ein richtiger Pechvogel, weigert sich aber daran zugrunde zu gehen. Sie weiß sich sowohl verbal als auch physisch zur Wehr zu setzen, versucht allerdings in der Regel erstmal die Vernunft sprechen zu lassen. Eine sehr rationaler Wesenszug, der leider nur selten hilfreich war. Sie kommt aus einfachen Verhältnissen und hat durch unglückliche Umstände beide Elternteile verloren. Letzteres macht ihr natürlich zu schaffen, aber auch davon lässt sie sich nicht unterkriegen. Geld war für sie auch nie ein Thema, selbst umgeben von reichen, privilegierten Mitschülern interessiert es sie nicht wirklich. Umso härter trifft es sie, als gerade diese beiden Themen gegen sie verwendet werden.
Kieran ist ein richtiges Genie, nimmt alles zu wörtlich und sieht die Welt mit ganz anderen Augen. Diese Einzigartigkeit ist Stirling prinzipiell gut gelungen, wirkte aber stellenweise etwas aufgesetzt - allerdings in einem so geringen Maße, dass es nicht wirklich störend war. Neben seiner Intelligenz hat er einen ausgeprägten Sinn für Gerechtigkeit, was ihn im Grunde erst auf Raven aufmerksam macht. Danach entwickeln die beiden aber eine Dynamik, die gerade Kieran wirklich gut tut.
Wenig überraschend entwickelt sich zwischen den beiden eine zarte Liebesgeschichte, die mich emotional zwar nicht so richtig packen konnte, ansonsten aber sehr süß war. Sie spielte auch durchaus eine recht zentrale Rolle, hat der Mystery-Agenten-Story aber nie die Show gestohlen. Positiv zu erwähnen ist auf jeden Fall auch das fehlende Liebesdreieck. Ohne ist es doch so viel schöner!
Die Geschichte ist durchaus etwas lang, aber zum Glück nicht langweilig! Es gibt ruhige Stellen, es gibt spannende Stellen - es gibt solche Stellen, die mich richtig aufwühlen konnten. Alles in allem eine runde Sache, die auch stets dafür gesorgt hat, dass ich dann immer doch noch ein Kapitel mehr lesen musste. Man muss aber erwähnen, dass sich die Autorin schon Zeit lässt, um den Leser erstmal einen Überblick über das Setting, die Figuren, die jeweiligen Hintergründe etc. zu geben. Was mich nicht gestört hat, könnte für jemand anderen vielleicht ein Dealbreaker sein, aber so oder so: es lohnt sich, weiterzulesen!
Besonders gefallen hat mir die außergewöhnliche Erzählstruktur. So ist man aus der Sicht von Raven stets auf der verzweifelten Suche nach Antworten, während man aus Sicht von Kieran schon immer einen Schritt weiter ist. Erstaunlicherweise ist die Geschichte nur selten wirklich vorhersehbar, abgesehen von dem unausweichlichen Konflikt, dem das junge Liebespaar entgegensteuerte. Dieser hätte bestimmt besser gelöst werden können, aber gleichzeitig auch wesentlich schlechter. Zumindest gibt es in diesem Roman kein gekünsteltes Drama - nur richtig übles Mobbing!
Der Action-Anteil mag in diesem ersten Band noch recht gering sein, sollte sich allerdings im Folgeband steigern. Was nur einer von vielen Gründen ist, warum ich so sehr hoffe, dass es mehr als eine Fortsetzung geben wird. Diese Art von Jugendbuch ist für mich noch völlig unverbraucht und ich wünsche mir mehr mehr mehr!
Das Cover gefällt mir richtig gut, auch wenn ich mir eine andere Farbe gewünscht hätte. Rosa ist einfach nicht mein Fall! Dafür sind all die kleinen und großen Details absolut passend und auch der Untertitel gefällt mir gut. Als Reihentitel hätte ich aber "Storm and Stone" bevorzugt, weil ich zum Einen dachte, dass das Internat Raven Stone hieße und zum Zweiten Namen als Reihentitel für mich nur bei Kinderbüchern gehen. Oder zumindest bei Jugendbüchern mit der Altersempfehlung ab 10 oder 12.
Fazit:
Joss Stirlings "Raven Stone - Wenn Geheimnisse tödlich sind" ist ein richtiger starker Reihenauftakt, der Lust auf mehr macht. Ich mochte die außergewöhnlichen Charaktere, das tolle Setting und vor allem die Lovestory, die OHNE Liebesdreieck auskam. Die Geschichte mag zwar etwas lang sein und nicht sofort in Fahrt kommen, lässt sich aber durchweg schnell lesen und lockte, zumindest mich, immer weiterzulesen. Sehr gute 4/5 Bücher und eine klare Empfehlung!
"Raven Stone - Wenn Geheimnisse tödlich sind" von Joss Stirling war nicht nur eine angenehme Überraschung, sondern vor allem ein richtiger guter Reihenauftakt, von dem ich mir wesentlich mehr als eine Fortsetzung erhoffe.
Der Einstieg ist gut gewählt: eine gekonnte Überraschung, die den Leser direkt auf den aktuellen Stand der Dinge bringt. Man wird förmlich in die Rolle der Raven Stone geworfen und kriegt so nicht nur direkten Zugriff zu ihren Gefühlen, sondern wird auch gleich selbst emotional involviert - zumindest erging es mir so. Stirling hat einen sehr angenehmen Schreibstil, der ein hohes Lesetempo ermöglicht, was durch die relativ kurzen Kapitel nur noch verstärkt wird. Man kann sich alles immer gut vorstellen, wird aber glücklicherweise nicht mit zu vielen Details bombadiert. Die Geschichte wird im personalen Erzählstil abwechselnd aus der Sicht von Raven und Kieran erzählt.
Die Protagonisten waren mir auf Anhieb sympathisch, vor allem weil diese so schön unkonventionell waren.
Raven ist ein richtiger Pechvogel, weigert sich aber daran zugrunde zu gehen. Sie weiß sich sowohl verbal als auch physisch zur Wehr zu setzen, versucht allerdings in der Regel erstmal die Vernunft sprechen zu lassen. Eine sehr rationaler Wesenszug, der leider nur selten hilfreich war. Sie kommt aus einfachen Verhältnissen und hat durch unglückliche Umstände beide Elternteile verloren. Letzteres macht ihr natürlich zu schaffen, aber auch davon lässt sie sich nicht unterkriegen. Geld war für sie auch nie ein Thema, selbst umgeben von reichen, privilegierten Mitschülern interessiert es sie nicht wirklich. Umso härter trifft es sie, als gerade diese beiden Themen gegen sie verwendet werden.
Kieran ist ein richtiges Genie, nimmt alles zu wörtlich und sieht die Welt mit ganz anderen Augen. Diese Einzigartigkeit ist Stirling prinzipiell gut gelungen, wirkte aber stellenweise etwas aufgesetzt - allerdings in einem so geringen Maße, dass es nicht wirklich störend war. Neben seiner Intelligenz hat er einen ausgeprägten Sinn für Gerechtigkeit, was ihn im Grunde erst auf Raven aufmerksam macht. Danach entwickeln die beiden aber eine Dynamik, die gerade Kieran wirklich gut tut.
Wenig überraschend entwickelt sich zwischen den beiden eine zarte Liebesgeschichte, die mich emotional zwar nicht so richtig packen konnte, ansonsten aber sehr süß war. Sie spielte auch durchaus eine recht zentrale Rolle, hat der Mystery-Agenten-Story aber nie die Show gestohlen. Positiv zu erwähnen ist auf jeden Fall auch das fehlende Liebesdreieck. Ohne ist es doch so viel schöner!
Die Geschichte ist durchaus etwas lang, aber zum Glück nicht langweilig! Es gibt ruhige Stellen, es gibt spannende Stellen - es gibt solche Stellen, die mich richtig aufwühlen konnten. Alles in allem eine runde Sache, die auch stets dafür gesorgt hat, dass ich dann immer doch noch ein Kapitel mehr lesen musste. Man muss aber erwähnen, dass sich die Autorin schon Zeit lässt, um den Leser erstmal einen Überblick über das Setting, die Figuren, die jeweiligen Hintergründe etc. zu geben. Was mich nicht gestört hat, könnte für jemand anderen vielleicht ein Dealbreaker sein, aber so oder so: es lohnt sich, weiterzulesen!
Besonders gefallen hat mir die außergewöhnliche Erzählstruktur. So ist man aus der Sicht von Raven stets auf der verzweifelten Suche nach Antworten, während man aus Sicht von Kieran schon immer einen Schritt weiter ist. Erstaunlicherweise ist die Geschichte nur selten wirklich vorhersehbar, abgesehen von dem unausweichlichen Konflikt, dem das junge Liebespaar entgegensteuerte. Dieser hätte bestimmt besser gelöst werden können, aber gleichzeitig auch wesentlich schlechter. Zumindest gibt es in diesem Roman kein gekünsteltes Drama - nur richtig übles Mobbing!
Der Action-Anteil mag in diesem ersten Band noch recht gering sein, sollte sich allerdings im Folgeband steigern. Was nur einer von vielen Gründen ist, warum ich so sehr hoffe, dass es mehr als eine Fortsetzung geben wird. Diese Art von Jugendbuch ist für mich noch völlig unverbraucht und ich wünsche mir mehr mehr mehr!
Das Cover gefällt mir richtig gut, auch wenn ich mir eine andere Farbe gewünscht hätte. Rosa ist einfach nicht mein Fall! Dafür sind all die kleinen und großen Details absolut passend und auch der Untertitel gefällt mir gut. Als Reihentitel hätte ich aber "Storm and Stone" bevorzugt, weil ich zum Einen dachte, dass das Internat Raven Stone hieße und zum Zweiten Namen als Reihentitel für mich nur bei Kinderbüchern gehen. Oder zumindest bei Jugendbüchern mit der Altersempfehlung ab 10 oder 12.
Fazit:
Joss Stirlings "Raven Stone - Wenn Geheimnisse tödlich sind" ist ein richtiger starker Reihenauftakt, der Lust auf mehr macht. Ich mochte die außergewöhnlichen Charaktere, das tolle Setting und vor allem die Lovestory, die OHNE Liebesdreieck auskam. Die Geschichte mag zwar etwas lang sein und nicht sofort in Fahrt kommen, lässt sich aber durchweg schnell lesen und lockte, zumindest mich, immer weiterzulesen. Sehr gute 4/5 Bücher und eine klare Empfehlung!
December 17, 2015
Sé que no debería empezar otra saga, especialmente en estos últimos días del año, pero es imposible no resistir a la idea de leer un nuevo libro de Joss Stirling. Especialmente si el libro en cuestión no tiene nada que ver con su otra saga.
La verdad, para ser sincera, no sabía con que me iba a encontrar dentro de esta novela. Sin embargo me sorprendió bastante el cambio de registro que hizo Stirling al ver que no ha optado por el genero de la fantasía y lo paranormal. Y mucho más fue la sorpresa al saber iba a ser una novela de detectives. Bueno, en realidad de jóvenes detectives que forman parte de una agencia.
Me han encantado los protagonistas de esta primera entrega. Raven Stone es la clase de chica fuerte que lamentablemente sufre el constante bullying de sus compañeros de salón, de las mentiras constantes que difunden los estudiantes (y también la mayor parte de los profesores) y ser el blanco de ataques verbales y físicos con tal de sacarla de la escuela. Todo porque ella no es como la mayoría de los estudiantes del Westron: una alumna becada que no forma en la alta sociedad. Y ya se imaginarán como se conforman la mayor parte del alumnado del Westron: chicos y chicas ricos de padres con cargos importantes dentro de la sociedad. En fin, a pesar del bullying constante que tiene que aguantar día a día, ella es una chica que tiene sus propios principios, que no le gusta para nada las mentiras y tiene el carácter de un petardo que en cualquier momento explota con tal solo poner a prueba su paciencia. Exceptuando lo último, esos fueron las razones suficientes por las que pude simpatizar con Raven. Kieran Storm, el detective en esta ocasión, es la clase de chico que testarudo que no se doblega ante nadie y, cuando tiene oportunidad, demuestra todos los conocimientos que posee(como si fuera una enciclopedia o un diccionario que tiene patas). Sin mencionar que llegue en un momento en que pensé que Key era como una especie de "Indiana Jones superdotado". ¿Qué? ¡El chico tenía un látigo! Regresando al tema, Kieran es un chico que me ha causado muchas risas (especialmente con la relación que comienza a formar con Raven de entrada) y en ocasiones me exasperaba un poco al no reconocer o darse cuenta de las reacciones de la chica. Pero bueno, es la personalidad y el modo de pensar del Sr. Sudoku.
Y no me olvido también de hacer una mención especial a Joe Masters (el compañero de Kieran), Isaac (el supuesto "padrino" de Kieran y Joe), la directoria Bain (uno de los villanos dentro del libro que oficialmente se ha ganado mi disgusto y mi bronca) y unos cuantos más que prefiero omitir.
En cuanto a la historia en si fue muy interesante en ver como planteo el plan macabro de lo que ocurre en las paredes del Westron. Sinceramente, llegue al punto en que me costaba horrores avanzar las páginas por el simple y mero hecho de lo que hacían algunos personajes de la novela dentro de ese misterio y las extrañas acciones que están tomando en el antiguo castillo. Ni hablar de las escenas de bullying contra Raven. Ya de ver el panorama me generaba un horror y un disgusto y no podía parar de recordar que esa clase de cosas sucedían en la vida real. Espero que no existan realmente esa clase de personas que llegan a esos extremos con tal de subir posiciones o de controlar las conductas que consideran "inadecuadas" de sus hijos desde su punto de vista. Sería un horror.
Lo siento si me fui un poco de la cabeza con lo último. Pero es lo que pienso.
Dejando la parte moral y pensativa del asunto, debo reconocer que Stirling ha logrado crear y desarrollar una historia muy interesante, a pesar que los últimos capítulos estaban escritos en plan "resumamos mas o menos esto y ya está", que considero como un buen inicio de una saga.
Espero poder continuar leyendo sobre los siguientes miembros de los Yoda.
La verdad, para ser sincera, no sabía con que me iba a encontrar dentro de esta novela. Sin embargo me sorprendió bastante el cambio de registro que hizo Stirling al ver que no ha optado por el genero de la fantasía y lo paranormal. Y mucho más fue la sorpresa al saber iba a ser una novela de detectives. Bueno, en realidad de jóvenes detectives que forman parte de una agencia.
Me han encantado los protagonistas de esta primera entrega. Raven Stone es la clase de chica fuerte que lamentablemente sufre el constante bullying de sus compañeros de salón, de las mentiras constantes que difunden los estudiantes (y también la mayor parte de los profesores) y ser el blanco de ataques verbales y físicos con tal de sacarla de la escuela. Todo porque ella no es como la mayoría de los estudiantes del Westron: una alumna becada que no forma en la alta sociedad. Y ya se imaginarán como se conforman la mayor parte del alumnado del Westron: chicos y chicas ricos de padres con cargos importantes dentro de la sociedad. En fin, a pesar del bullying constante que tiene que aguantar día a día, ella es una chica que tiene sus propios principios, que no le gusta para nada las mentiras y tiene el carácter de un petardo que en cualquier momento explota con tal solo poner a prueba su paciencia. Exceptuando lo último, esos fueron las razones suficientes por las que pude simpatizar con Raven. Kieran Storm, el detective en esta ocasión, es la clase de chico que testarudo que no se doblega ante nadie y, cuando tiene oportunidad, demuestra todos los conocimientos que posee
Y no me olvido también de hacer una mención especial a Joe Masters (el compañero de Kieran), Isaac (el supuesto "padrino" de Kieran y Joe), la directoria Bain (uno de los villanos dentro del libro que oficialmente se ha ganado mi disgusto y mi bronca) y unos cuantos más que prefiero omitir.
Pequeño ejemplo hipotético de lo que se tiene que aguantar
Raven en el Westron.
En cuanto a la historia en si fue muy interesante en ver como planteo el plan macabro de lo que ocurre en las paredes del Westron. Sinceramente, llegue al punto en que me costaba horrores avanzar las páginas por el simple y mero hecho de lo que hacían algunos personajes de la novela dentro de ese misterio y las extrañas acciones que están tomando en el antiguo castillo. Ni hablar de las escenas de bullying contra Raven. Ya de ver el panorama me generaba un horror y un disgusto y no podía parar de recordar que esa clase de cosas sucedían en la vida real. Espero que no existan realmente esa clase de personas que llegan a esos extremos con tal de subir posiciones o de controlar las conductas que consideran "inadecuadas" de sus hijos desde su punto de vista. Sería un horror.
Lo siento si me fui un poco de la cabeza con lo último. Pero es lo que pienso.
Dejando la parte moral y pensativa del asunto, debo reconocer que Stirling ha logrado crear y desarrollar una historia muy interesante, a pesar que los últimos capítulos estaban escritos en plan "resumamos mas o menos esto y ya está", que considero como un buen inicio de una saga.
Espero poder continuar leyendo sobre los siguientes miembros de los Yoda.
January 3, 2014
More reviews at http://losttobooks.blogspot.com
When I got an email from the author saying I had won an advanced copy of Storm and Stone for my review of a previous book by her, I squealed and did a little dance around my living room. I've had Storm and Stone on my wish list ever since it appeared on Amazon and it was one of the books I was most looking forward to reading this year, so I was eager to start it as soon as it came. Unfortunately, I had some other books I was under obligation to review first so I had to wait a few weeks (yeah I know it's not that long really). Anyway, Storm and Stone didn't disappoint and I think is my new favourite by Joss Stirling.
The blurb didn't really give me much to go on with what was going to happen in the book so I didn't know what to expect beside some romance and mystery. I definitely didn't see Joe and Kieran's part in the book coming though. And although their roles are revealed quite early on I'm not going to ruin anything for your by saying it. I'll let you find out for yourselves.
For me the best part about this book was that it was believable - especially the relationships between characters. The banter between Joe and Kieran was brilliant and made me smile as they teased one another. I especially like Joe's joke on Kieran's class schedule! It was easy to believe they were close and I liked the differences in personality. They worked together, with Kieran's over analytical mind contrasting with Joe's easy manner that drew everyone in. Kieran's personality never failed to amuse me, especially when the comments were not appropriate for the situation.
As well as this Raven was a great character. Having had a hard time growing up, she was easy to relate and sympathise with. She was likeable, yet she wasn't weak and didn't let her tormentors get the better of her. I loved her strong attitude and how she took no nonsense from anyone-even Kieran. They balanced each other well in the relationship and I think the author did a great job of building the romance. It was sweet, fun, emotional and had just the right amount of danger.
With plenty of twists and turns, Storm and Stone kept me engaged throughout the entire book. I didn't pause once while reading it! There is plenty of action that leaves you hanging on every word and I was surprised at how the plot developed. The book was definitely not what I was expecting which made it all the more enjoyable.
Overall, Storm and Stone was a brilliant read that delivered on my high expectations for this author. I love her work and can't recommend it highly enough. If what I said above wasn't enough there is also a subtle message about stereotyping and prejudices that was cleverly woven into the book. It's not glaringly obvious but it's something I've come to notice with this author and she is one of the few, for me, who can pull it off well due to the subtlety. If you love romance, action and mystery I would definitely recommend this book to you. I just wish it wasn't a standalone as I'd love more on Kieran and Raven!
When I got an email from the author saying I had won an advanced copy of Storm and Stone for my review of a previous book by her, I squealed and did a little dance around my living room. I've had Storm and Stone on my wish list ever since it appeared on Amazon and it was one of the books I was most looking forward to reading this year, so I was eager to start it as soon as it came. Unfortunately, I had some other books I was under obligation to review first so I had to wait a few weeks (yeah I know it's not that long really). Anyway, Storm and Stone didn't disappoint and I think is my new favourite by Joss Stirling.
The blurb didn't really give me much to go on with what was going to happen in the book so I didn't know what to expect beside some romance and mystery. I definitely didn't see Joe and Kieran's part in the book coming though. And although their roles are revealed quite early on I'm not going to ruin anything for your by saying it. I'll let you find out for yourselves.
For me the best part about this book was that it was believable - especially the relationships between characters. The banter between Joe and Kieran was brilliant and made me smile as they teased one another. I especially like Joe's joke on Kieran's class schedule! It was easy to believe they were close and I liked the differences in personality. They worked together, with Kieran's over analytical mind contrasting with Joe's easy manner that drew everyone in. Kieran's personality never failed to amuse me, especially when the comments were not appropriate for the situation.
As well as this Raven was a great character. Having had a hard time growing up, she was easy to relate and sympathise with. She was likeable, yet she wasn't weak and didn't let her tormentors get the better of her. I loved her strong attitude and how she took no nonsense from anyone-even Kieran. They balanced each other well in the relationship and I think the author did a great job of building the romance. It was sweet, fun, emotional and had just the right amount of danger.
With plenty of twists and turns, Storm and Stone kept me engaged throughout the entire book. I didn't pause once while reading it! There is plenty of action that leaves you hanging on every word and I was surprised at how the plot developed. The book was definitely not what I was expecting which made it all the more enjoyable.
Overall, Storm and Stone was a brilliant read that delivered on my high expectations for this author. I love her work and can't recommend it highly enough. If what I said above wasn't enough there is also a subtle message about stereotyping and prejudices that was cleverly woven into the book. It's not glaringly obvious but it's something I've come to notice with this author and she is one of the few, for me, who can pull it off well due to the subtlety. If you love romance, action and mystery I would definitely recommend this book to you. I just wish it wasn't a standalone as I'd love more on Kieran and Raven!
December 27, 2017
Me encantó.
No creo que sea novedad, pero amo a Joss Stirling. Es una de mis autoras favoritas y vaya que se gana su puesto y lo mantiene.
Sus historias de amor que se combinan con la acción y los dramas policiacos son increibles.
En éste libro, comienza una nueva saga; en la cual hay una agencia: YDA. por las siglas en inglés. Es una agencia de jóvenes detectives.
Ahora, esto sólo es la punta del iceberg.
Obviamente existen muchas otras cosas, como los personajes. Dos de ellos, nuestro protagonista masculino y su amigo. Ellos pertenecen a la agencia y deben investigar lo que está pasando en un colegio de alto rango en Inglaterra.
Como ya dije, este libro me encantó y se los recomiendo ampliamente.
El libro no se centra sólo en el romance, claro, esa es una de las tramas principales, sin embargo, las otras tramas como lo que está pasando en la escuela y demás cosas.
No creo que sea novedad, pero amo a Joss Stirling. Es una de mis autoras favoritas y vaya que se gana su puesto y lo mantiene.
Sus historias de amor que se combinan con la acción y los dramas policiacos son increibles.
En éste libro, comienza una nueva saga; en la cual hay una agencia: YDA. por las siglas en inglés. Es una agencia de jóvenes detectives.
Ahora, esto sólo es la punta del iceberg.
Obviamente existen muchas otras cosas, como los personajes. Dos de ellos, nuestro protagonista masculino y su amigo. Ellos pertenecen a la agencia y deben investigar lo que está pasando en un colegio de alto rango en Inglaterra.
Como ya dije, este libro me encantó y se los recomiendo ampliamente.
El libro no se centra sólo en el romance, claro, esa es una de las tramas principales, sin embargo, las otras tramas como lo que está pasando en la escuela y demás cosas.
March 30, 2019
La autora con “Struck”, sinceramente me ha desilusionado un poco. Esperaba un poco más de intriga y una trama un poco más compleja como me había encontrado en otros libros de ella (sky y phoenix). Quizás lo leí con bastantes expectativas para lo que era el libro.
Es entretenido y la verdad que los personajes me han caído bien y me he reído. Pero en serio, una trama bastante floja. Demasiadas hojas que sobraban al principio. En un momento era más romántico y sinceramente, yo quería saber más del caso en el que estaban trabajando joe y kieran.
Para pasar el rato, nada del otro mundo gente. Aceptable para ser la primera lectura del año.
Aaahhhh, el final muy cliché, demasiado perfecto y eso me irritó muchísimo.
Quizás ya leí demasiado de este género y ya no me sorprende y/o interesa como antes.
Es entretenido y la verdad que los personajes me han caído bien y me he reído. Pero en serio, una trama bastante floja. Demasiadas hojas que sobraban al principio. En un momento era más romántico y sinceramente, yo quería saber más del caso en el que estaban trabajando joe y kieran.
Para pasar el rato, nada del otro mundo gente. Aceptable para ser la primera lectura del año.
Aaahhhh, el final muy cliché, demasiado perfecto y eso me irritó muchísimo.
Quizás ya leí demasiado de este género y ya no me sorprende y/o interesa como antes.
July 27, 2018
Le quise dar una oportunidad a este libro porque me encantó la serie Fiding Love y me imaginé que la autora podría impresionarme de nuevo con esta historia, la verdad es que al comienzo para nada lograba atraparme y luego me pareció que sería una historia bastante juvenil que si bien ya no son tanto de mi agrado, resultaría entretenida.
Pero ¡oh sorpresa! Luego de la mitad quedé súper enganchada y no paré de leer hasta acabarlo, me gustó bastante el desenlace y le voy a dar oportunidad a los siguientes tomos para seguir la historia; me ha gustado mucho toda la acción al final y hasta me sacó un par de lágrimas, una lectura rápida que después de todo logró atraparme por completo, fue una total misión cumplida.
Pero ¡oh sorpresa! Luego de la mitad quedé súper enganchada y no paré de leer hasta acabarlo, me gustó bastante el desenlace y le voy a dar oportunidad a los siguientes tomos para seguir la historia; me ha gustado mucho toda la acción al final y hasta me sacó un par de lágrimas, una lectura rápida que después de todo logró atraparme por completo, fue una total misión cumplida.
July 25, 2015
Wat een geweldige boek, ik heb hem zo uitgelezen omdat ik erg benieuwd was hoe het verhaal verder ging.
November 16, 2014
4.5 sterren. Veel leuker dan verwacht!
August 1, 2021
3.75
Me voy a poner critica con el libro, mas que nada porque le hubiera puesto 5 estrellas si lo hubiera leido en 2016, el año que lo compre.
Amo a Joss y sus libros, la saga finding love me entreno como lectora y le tengo muchisimo aprecio, pero llega un punto en que los 7 libros que leí de ella tienen la misma estructura, a pesar de ser sagas diferentes siempre se repite: introduccion, vida cotidiana, primer encuentro pareja principal, "dramita", besos, CONFLICTO POLICIAL, resolucion, pareja feliz. Si bien el libro me engancho y no predije todos los plots, si sabia la estructura y estaba tranquila de que todo se iba a dar como en sus otros libros.
Esto no hace que el libro no me guste, me gusto mucho, me entretuvo y disfrute volver a leerla, esta autora es de mis zonas de confort, pero no priorizo leer la saga. Me alegra saber con que cuento con la existencia de estos libros para cuando extrañe esta estructura.
Respecto a este libro, salvando algunos detalles de construccion en la relacion principal, los personajes principales tienen sus personalidades bien construidas y llegamos a saber bastante de ellos y darles una personalidad. Se me hace muy dificil no comparar la trama a la de la saga finding love, aunque en este libro no haya elementos "magicos" o "paranormales".
El conflicto creo que pudo resolverse un poco mas rapido. Si bien el libro no es largo ni tiene escenas pesadas, creo que se estiro un poquito de mas, dejando la resolucion de este, como siempre, para muy pocas paginas.
En instagram escribire cosas tal vez un poco mas amables y que se relacionen mas a lo mucho que me gusto a pesar de todo esto, aunque en el fondo siento que me gusta tanto solo porque More Lunis de 13 años lo esta amando, pero More Lunis de 18 no se lleva nada mas que entretenimiento de esta lectura, aunque si extrañaba la pluma de la autora
Me voy a poner critica con el libro, mas que nada porque le hubiera puesto 5 estrellas si lo hubiera leido en 2016, el año que lo compre.
Amo a Joss y sus libros, la saga finding love me entreno como lectora y le tengo muchisimo aprecio, pero llega un punto en que los 7 libros que leí de ella tienen la misma estructura, a pesar de ser sagas diferentes siempre se repite: introduccion, vida cotidiana, primer encuentro pareja principal, "dramita", besos, CONFLICTO POLICIAL, resolucion, pareja feliz. Si bien el libro me engancho y no predije todos los plots, si sabia la estructura y estaba tranquila de que todo se iba a dar como en sus otros libros.
Esto no hace que el libro no me guste, me gusto mucho, me entretuvo y disfrute volver a leerla, esta autora es de mis zonas de confort, pero no priorizo leer la saga. Me alegra saber con que cuento con la existencia de estos libros para cuando extrañe esta estructura.
Respecto a este libro, salvando algunos detalles de construccion en la relacion principal, los personajes principales tienen sus personalidades bien construidas y llegamos a saber bastante de ellos y darles una personalidad. Se me hace muy dificil no comparar la trama a la de la saga finding love, aunque en este libro no haya elementos "magicos" o "paranormales".
El conflicto creo que pudo resolverse un poco mas rapido. Si bien el libro no es largo ni tiene escenas pesadas, creo que se estiro un poquito de mas, dejando la resolucion de este, como siempre, para muy pocas paginas.
En instagram escribire cosas tal vez un poco mas amables y que se relacionen mas a lo mucho que me gusto a pesar de todo esto, aunque en el fondo siento que me gusta tanto solo porque More Lunis de 13 años lo esta amando, pero More Lunis de 18 no se lleva nada mas que entretenimiento de esta lectura, aunque si extrañaba la pluma de la autora
December 30, 2019
No se porque sigo leyendo los libros de esta mujer si se que son malísimos, y es que con cada palabra que leía tenía cara de wtf porque nada tenía sentido, fue cero verosímil. Los personajes super planos, el insta-love innecesario, el protagonista masculino fue como una mala copia de Sherlock Holmes, hasta Kerri Maniscalco pudo hacer algo mejor con Thomas Cresswell, y eso que no so muy fan suyo en los momentos en los que empieza a sacar deducciones de la nada, porque hay algunas que no tenían sentido. Bueno, en este caso fue peor.
Si tengo que decir algo bueno es que al fin, AL FIN, no secuestran a la prota femenina, e incluso es ella la que tiene que salvar al protagonista masculino. Igualmente no me gustó nada, y espero hacer pronto la reseña en el blog para explayarme más y sacarme la indignación.
Si tengo que decir algo bueno es que al fin, AL FIN, no secuestran a la prota femenina, e incluso es ella la que tiene que salvar al protagonista masculino. Igualmente no me gustó nada, y espero hacer pronto la reseña en el blog para explayarme más y sacarme la indignación.
November 24, 2020
Dit boek was oké. Niet slecht, niet erg goed, gewoon oké. Het verhaal begint nogal chaotisch, het is niet helemaal duidelijk wat er allemaal gaande is maar door verder te lezen kom je hier gelukkig vanzelf uit. Het verhaal is niet erg indrukwekkend, maar op het einde komt dan toch eindelijk de actie waar ik op gehoopt had.
Een ding wat mij wel enigszins irriteerde was de romance in dit boek, voor mij was dit boek beter geweest als dit element gewoon helemaal was weggelaten en puur vriendschappelijk was gebleven. Het voelde niet natuurlijk en nam onnodig veel ruimte in in het boek, terwijl het basis verhaal echt wel de potentie had om hier een fantastisch boek van te maken.
Kortom, oké om te lezen, maar ben niet van plan om direct al het volgende deel in de serie op te pakken.
Een ding wat mij wel enigszins irriteerde was de romance in dit boek, voor mij was dit boek beter geweest als dit element gewoon helemaal was weggelaten en puur vriendschappelijk was gebleven. Het voelde niet natuurlijk en nam onnodig veel ruimte in in het boek, terwijl het basis verhaal echt wel de potentie had om hier een fantastisch boek van te maken.
Kortom, oké om te lezen, maar ben niet van plan om direct al het volgende deel in de serie op te pakken.
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