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Blackbird #1
Blackbird Summer
When people fear the unknown, being Gifted is a curse.
In the cornerstone of the rural south, Brooklyn, Mississippi, no one dares make eye contact with the strange Caibre family. Until the rewards are worth the cost. The townsfolk come, cash in hand, always at night, to pay for services only a Gifted can provide.
No matter the Gifts prevalent in her family, at twenty-one, Tallulah is expected to follow the path laid out for her: marriage, babies, and helping her mama teach the family home school program. She’s resigned to live the quiet life and stay out of trouble…until she meets Logan.
An outsider and all around rebel, Logan doesn’t care about her family’s reputation. Yet after a tragic loss wreaks havoc on the crumbling relationship between the Caibres and the townsfolk, Tallulah must decide if love and freedom are worth risking everything.
In the cornerstone of the rural south, Brooklyn, Mississippi, no one dares make eye contact with the strange Caibre family. Until the rewards are worth the cost. The townsfolk come, cash in hand, always at night, to pay for services only a Gifted can provide.
No matter the Gifts prevalent in her family, at twenty-one, Tallulah is expected to follow the path laid out for her: marriage, babies, and helping her mama teach the family home school program. She’s resigned to live the quiet life and stay out of trouble…until she meets Logan.
An outsider and all around rebel, Logan doesn’t care about her family’s reputation. Yet after a tragic loss wreaks havoc on the crumbling relationship between the Caibres and the townsfolk, Tallulah must decide if love and freedom are worth risking everything.
346 pages, Paperback
Published April 5, 2016
80 people are currently reading
802 people want to read
About the author
Em Shotwell
8 books111 followersAuthor of the Blackbird Summer series, Murphey Family Saga, & nefarious Womens Fiction. Lover of food, music, & sarcasm. Always dreaming.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
December 28, 2015
This is my wife's book. I read an early version, and am looking forward to the final copy!
April 1, 2016
Having supernatural powers makes Tallulah "Tully" Caibre and her family outcasts in their hometown of Brooklyn, Mississippi. Constantly being met with mistrust at best and right out animosity at worst, they try to keep to themselves as much as possible. When tragedy strikes, Tully finds strength in her budding love with Logan who, with his dark skin, long hair and gentle nature, is completely different from the stuck up and hostile townspeople she's known all her life.
But when it becomes clear that someone is out to hurt and destroy the people she loves, Tallulah knows she has to take action, backed up only by her baby sister, her cousin and two unexpected new friends.
I think the book's official blurb is rather misleading. It suggests that the focus of this story is on the romance between Tully and Logan, and while that might be somehow true for the first half of the book, I appreciated that the family dynamics and ties were just as an important part of it, if not even more so. It was refreshing to read a book by an author who took as much time and effort developing some of the supporting characters as the love interest. While I liked Logan as the male lead, it was the Caibre family that really stole my heart.
This was a great and original debut from a talented new author.
Though up to about 50% it was pretty slow-going, the second half of the novel was totally worth the wait. Tragedy, action and a great finale.
I feel like there are a few loose ends that need some tying up, but I'm quite positive that book #2 will be elaborating on those things.
Thumbs up!
ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
February 13, 2016
I was fortunate enough to receive an advanced copy of this book. I loved it! The characters are vivid and the story kept me guessing. It's a story of happiness and heartbreak. I laughed, I cried, I cheered...I didn't want it to end. I can't wait to read more from this series.
If you enjoy stories about family bonds with a touch of fantasy and lots of intensity, this is the book for you!
If you enjoy stories about family bonds with a touch of fantasy and lots of intensity, this is the book for you!
February 21, 2016
ARC kindly provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
Wow this is a fantastic book. I've been excited about this book for a while and it not only met my expectations it completely exceeded them. This book did not disappoint. The plot twists just kept on coming and each and every one knocked me side ways. I know I've read a good book when I'm struggling to form coherent thoughts. Like now. I am so excited for this book to be published because there are so many people I want to recommend it to that I know will love it also.
This small southern town fantasy is everything I want in book. It made me laugh, it made me cry and it left me breathless by the end. I haven't been this excited about a new book and author for a while. Blackbird Summer is a fantastic debut novel. Em's writing is stunning. She has a unique voice while also reminding me of some of my long time favourite established authors. This book is full of passion, heart, mystery and wonder. I loved it hard!
Wow this is a fantastic book. I've been excited about this book for a while and it not only met my expectations it completely exceeded them. This book did not disappoint. The plot twists just kept on coming and each and every one knocked me side ways. I know I've read a good book when I'm struggling to form coherent thoughts. Like now. I am so excited for this book to be published because there are so many people I want to recommend it to that I know will love it also.
This small southern town fantasy is everything I want in book. It made me laugh, it made me cry and it left me breathless by the end. I haven't been this excited about a new book and author for a while. Blackbird Summer is a fantastic debut novel. Em's writing is stunning. She has a unique voice while also reminding me of some of my long time favourite established authors. This book is full of passion, heart, mystery and wonder. I loved it hard!
February 23, 2016
*ARC provided by author in exchange for honest review*
I loved this book. The author does a great job of building an interesting world filled w characters that-even though they use magic- feel real.
Fans of Sookie Stackhouse and Beautiful Creatures who are looking for their next fix from the sticks should look no further than Blackbird Summer. I can't wait for the next book in the series.
I loved this book. The author does a great job of building an interesting world filled w characters that-even though they use magic- feel real.
Fans of Sookie Stackhouse and Beautiful Creatures who are looking for their next fix from the sticks should look no further than Blackbird Summer. I can't wait for the next book in the series.
January 23, 2016
This southern gothic paranormal blew me away. The take on magic was refreshingly new and the characters deep and well-developed. Fans of Beautiful Creatures who wanted something with a bit more of an adult feel to it will love this.
January 12, 2021
This was so much more than I was expecting it to be. Something about the title or the description, I am not sure, I expected it to be a lighter read. But it's not. It's violent, lots of bad things happen and it's not written like a YA. Although the main character is 21 so that is more like New Adult right? I don't know, the line blurs for me on that. Anyways, I thought it was a really good book. I liked the characters and the idea of the Gifts. I really wish that I lived near someone with Vigour. I'd read on in this series, the next book is about Tully's grandparents when they were young and I would like to hear that story.
March 27, 2016
'Blackbird Summer' is a wonderful read from Em Shotwell. It's a highly engaging fantasy novel set in the rural South of Mississippi. Shotwell weaves a tale of love, murder and supernatural gifts.
Tallulah Caibre is a twenty-one year old who lives on the outskirts of Brooklyn. Tallulah has a gift which sets her apart from other girls her age. The rest of Tallulah's family is different too and in Mississippi that's a bad thing. With difference, comes a life mapped and planned out by the family. But what happens if Tallulah doesn't want to go along with the family plan anymore? What happens if Tallulah meets someone not like them? What happens if there are more secrets than Tallulah has bargained for, and there is someone with a vendetta against the family who is prepared to make them pay for their difference?
'Blackbird Summer' is an emotionally engaging fantasy novel with a sprinkling of forbidden love.
I thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend this novel from Em Shotwell. Thanks to City Owl Press for a copy of 'Blackbird Summer' in exchange for an honest review.
Tallulah Caibre is a twenty-one year old who lives on the outskirts of Brooklyn. Tallulah has a gift which sets her apart from other girls her age. The rest of Tallulah's family is different too and in Mississippi that's a bad thing. With difference, comes a life mapped and planned out by the family. But what happens if Tallulah doesn't want to go along with the family plan anymore? What happens if Tallulah meets someone not like them? What happens if there are more secrets than Tallulah has bargained for, and there is someone with a vendetta against the family who is prepared to make them pay for their difference?
'Blackbird Summer' is an emotionally engaging fantasy novel with a sprinkling of forbidden love.
I thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend this novel from Em Shotwell. Thanks to City Owl Press for a copy of 'Blackbird Summer' in exchange for an honest review.
July 2, 2016
I read the short story, The Chans, before reading Blackbird Summer, which is the reason I was so anxious to read this novel. From the very beginning I loved the writing, descriptions and characters in this novel. The Southern Charm appeal was very fun for me. But this isn't sunshine and butterflies throughout. It becomes deep and dark with suspense that thickens and seasons the stew of this story quite well. I laughed and, as other reviewers have mentioned, I cried. I cared about the characters and couldn't wait to read again, when life required that I put the book down. This is a story that is so worth reading and enjoying from beginning to end. I look forward to Ms. Shotwell's next installment in this series.
March 22, 2016
ARC provided by author in exchange for honest review.
In all honesty, I was weary about how I would feel about the book, I typically do not read paranormal novels. However, Blackbird Summer has proved me wrong. The entire story line was extremely relatable, even though many characters are Gifted. The small town vibe and close knit family welcomed you in.
Once I noticed I was almost finished reading- I was upset the story would be ending... I hope there are many many other books to this series.
In all honesty, I was weary about how I would feel about the book, I typically do not read paranormal novels. However, Blackbird Summer has proved me wrong. The entire story line was extremely relatable, even though many characters are Gifted. The small town vibe and close knit family welcomed you in.
Once I noticed I was almost finished reading- I was upset the story would be ending... I hope there are many many other books to this series.
April 5, 2016
Southern living, magic, and mystery make Blackbird Summer a must read! The characters are easy to fall in love with, and the story line will keep you reading! It is almost impossible to put down! So clear your schedule, grab a cup of sweet tea, and enjoy!
March 12, 2016
I would like to thank NetGalley, the Publisher and Author for the free copy of this book.
It is more like 4.5 Stars
Blackbird Summer tells the story of Tallulah, a very special girl living in Brooklyn Mississippi, a small town where people still hang on to prejudice against anything different.
Tallulah and her family are Gifted persons, and they always follow the same path and rules.. But, in this summer, she is facing hard time and hard decisions, that include Logan, an outsider.
When i read the summary of this book, i imagined it would only about this love story between Tallulah and Logan, but it was much more than that. It is about Family, Values, the strong bond between the members of the family, it is also about what hatred and prejudice can make people do, all this with a bit of Magic.
I liked the Magical part, it felt part of the character, discreet and nice, no shining spells or flying brooms but it was nice how the Author made the Gift as part of every character's soul. I really liked that.
When i got to the "dark part" of the story, i was really touched. it was not because of the magic, it was only what a person with a black soul can make to other people. That feeling of Loss, of Grief was well expressed in this book and it really was the strongest part of this book.
I also liked the characters of this book, Tallulah and her family, especially her sister Delia and cousin Jack were really unique, i also liked Logan ( who can help it actually!!) and i already felt i know him, since i already read The Chans.
There was a part that confused me a bit though,
Well, this book was amazing and i enjoying discovering a new Author and i surely wait for her next book. I really recommend it to all my friends.
It is more like 4.5 Stars
Blackbird Summer tells the story of Tallulah, a very special girl living in Brooklyn Mississippi, a small town where people still hang on to prejudice against anything different.
Tallulah and her family are Gifted persons, and they always follow the same path and rules.. But, in this summer, she is facing hard time and hard decisions, that include Logan, an outsider.
When i read the summary of this book, i imagined it would only about this love story between Tallulah and Logan, but it was much more than that. It is about Family, Values, the strong bond between the members of the family, it is also about what hatred and prejudice can make people do, all this with a bit of Magic.
I liked the Magical part, it felt part of the character, discreet and nice, no shining spells or flying brooms but it was nice how the Author made the Gift as part of every character's soul. I really liked that.
When i got to the "dark part" of the story, i was really touched. it was not because of the magic, it was only what a person with a black soul can make to other people. That feeling of Loss, of Grief was well expressed in this book and it really was the strongest part of this book.
I also liked the characters of this book, Tallulah and her family, especially her sister Delia and cousin Jack were really unique, i also liked Logan ( who can help it actually!!) and i already felt i know him, since i already read The Chans.
There was a part that confused me a bit though,
Well, this book was amazing and i enjoying discovering a new Author and i surely wait for her next book. I really recommend it to all my friends.
March 21, 2016
I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of Blackbird Summer and it may be the best book I’ve read in a long time. I said on Twitter that I wish Goodreads let me give a book 6 stars and it’s not a joke.
The Gifted members of the family are all so wonderful that I found myself wishing I was related to them. Their Gifts were awesome but it was the love they shared and the close-knit quality of their family that drew me to them, and it was the same love that tore me apart when tragedy struck them. I was so invested in their family, in fact, that when the unthinkable happened I cried.
The forbidden love story between Tully and Logan moved at a natural pace for a couple of twentysomethings, with just enough romance story trappings to make me swoon. I was rooting for them the whole time, and hoping things would work out between them in the face of the Caibre family traditions.
The Caibre family had such strong traditions and folk-like tendencies that when Tully mentioned things like dial up internet and cell phones it almost seemed foreign. She and her sister Delia were complete opposites but Delia seemed to serve as the story’s link to the “future” while Tully represented the traditional “past” even though she was only a few years older than Delia. The disparity between the two sisters made their characters all the more real and when they faced some very real-world problems I felt like they were my own sisters in need of support and love.
The true genius behind Shotwell’s writing is her ability to make you lose yourself in the story. I had a hard time putting it down, always telling myself I would read just one more chapter. I was also excited to see that there’s another Blackbird novel in the works and hope it’s about Delia, though I can’t imagine what can still happen in Brooklyn.
I highly, highly recommend Blackbird Summer to everyone.
The Gifted members of the family are all so wonderful that I found myself wishing I was related to them. Their Gifts were awesome but it was the love they shared and the close-knit quality of their family that drew me to them, and it was the same love that tore me apart when tragedy struck them. I was so invested in their family, in fact, that when the unthinkable happened I cried.
The forbidden love story between Tully and Logan moved at a natural pace for a couple of twentysomethings, with just enough romance story trappings to make me swoon. I was rooting for them the whole time, and hoping things would work out between them in the face of the Caibre family traditions.
The Caibre family had such strong traditions and folk-like tendencies that when Tully mentioned things like dial up internet and cell phones it almost seemed foreign. She and her sister Delia were complete opposites but Delia seemed to serve as the story’s link to the “future” while Tully represented the traditional “past” even though she was only a few years older than Delia. The disparity between the two sisters made their characters all the more real and when they faced some very real-world problems I felt like they were my own sisters in need of support and love.
The true genius behind Shotwell’s writing is her ability to make you lose yourself in the story. I had a hard time putting it down, always telling myself I would read just one more chapter. I was also excited to see that there’s another Blackbird novel in the works and hope it’s about Delia, though I can’t imagine what can still happen in Brooklyn.
I highly, highly recommend Blackbird Summer to everyone.
July 12, 2016
I just came up for air after devouring this book in under 48 hours. Holy cow this is one of my favorite books I have ever read and without a doubt of one the best I have read this year.
It's hard to even know where to begin with what I loved about this book. The setting in insanely well developed, especially for a contemporary setting. I felt like I was inside the world of Blackbird Summer as intensely as any historical or fantasy book I've read. And it is Southern Gothic gold. Full of so many rich, real, well-developed characters, including an inspiring heroine and a goofy/adorable/HOT love interest - peppered with heart-warming humor, entrancing magic, and STEAMY romance. The plot was darker than I had expected, but the kind of gorgeous, creepy dark I ADORE, and so suspenseful, heart-thumping, and thrilling. I don't often think about locking my door much in my small town, but I honestly made extra sure to keep things locked while I was reading this book, and it truly kept me guessing until the ending, which - while super satisfying - made me want the next book SO BAD. I can't wait and can't recommend this book enough.
It's hard to even know where to begin with what I loved about this book. The setting in insanely well developed, especially for a contemporary setting. I felt like I was inside the world of Blackbird Summer as intensely as any historical or fantasy book I've read. And it is Southern Gothic gold. Full of so many rich, real, well-developed characters, including an inspiring heroine and a goofy/adorable/HOT love interest - peppered with heart-warming humor, entrancing magic, and STEAMY romance. The plot was darker than I had expected, but the kind of gorgeous, creepy dark I ADORE, and so suspenseful, heart-thumping, and thrilling. I don't often think about locking my door much in my small town, but I honestly made extra sure to keep things locked while I was reading this book, and it truly kept me guessing until the ending, which - while super satisfying - made me want the next book SO BAD. I can't wait and can't recommend this book enough.
July 24, 2016
The author was kind enough to send me a copy of this book.
I really enjoyed this book! It is for fans of the Beautiful Creatures series! You have Tully and her family with various Paranormal powers, living in a small southern town.
In enters Logan, and everything begins to change in life, good and bad for Tully. Murder, romance, and a tight southern family set in their ways!
The writing was very engaging, and I hated when I put this book down. I highly recommend picking it up!
I really enjoyed this book! It is for fans of the Beautiful Creatures series! You have Tully and her family with various Paranormal powers, living in a small southern town.
In enters Logan, and everything begins to change in life, good and bad for Tully. Murder, romance, and a tight southern family set in their ways!
The writing was very engaging, and I hated when I put this book down. I highly recommend picking it up!
February 28, 2016
I was excited to receive an advance copy of BLACKBIRD SUMMER, so excited that I read the entire book in 2 days! It was such an easy and entertaining read. I am looking forward to reading more from this author.
June 19, 2018
This is such a captivating paranormal suspense romance that will hold in its grips while you read it. This is a new auther to me but I am so glad I gave it a go. Great twist and turns and great suprise you will not see coming. The characters are brilliant and so is the interactions between them. I look forward to reading more of this authers books.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 4, 2018
Very good
This book was very good. I was guessing the whole time and I still have questions. Who was the person the chief son was found with? Will their family accept Logan now? What about the town?
This book was very good. I was guessing the whole time and I still have questions. Who was the person the chief son was found with? Will their family accept Logan now? What about the town?
April 26, 2016
This is a story about a young woman who comes from a family of Gifted outcasts. "Maybe our family was the same as everyone else, we were just all too afraid of each other to show how I really felt."
Tallulah is 21 years old and very rarely interacts with regular people. She has never dated, or kissed anyone and her sister refers to her as the good one or miss perfect, drives her nuts.
After meeting a young man she has
a real attraction for, Logan a young man willing to see beyond the small town gossip and willing to fight to stay in her life even when she doubts herself and even when things start to go bad for her and her family.
Logan is a 23 year old music teacher from Louisiana who works about an hour from Tully's home town in Mississippi. " It's one of those things I really liked about Logan. He truly loved his job. Going to work and exposing kids to different types of music made him happier than almost anything else. He was convinced that the next Clapton or Hendrix was going to pass through his classroom"
The town is a major character in this story, there is so much hatred directed at this family, and small town bigotry that they have had to put up with their whole lives. Snide comments, name calling, harassment by the local preacher, and being used for their talents.
Her father controls weather, her mother communicates with birds, her grandfather has a memory that will not let him forget anything, her grandmother has the gift of vitality, which helps with all sorts of things. Her sister and cousin have the ability to charm people and Tully has suggestion as an ability. (Think of a vampire's compulsion.)
Tully witnesses her beaten and raped sister being dropped into a ditch by her families fruit stand late one night while out running. The man who had done this has hidden his identity and taken notice of her hidding in the woods. Horrified she loses her grasp on her gift and calls everyone in her family to the site. Events steam roll from there.
Tully, being from a family that arranges matches with other gifted families and living with a very closed off group of individuals questions Logan, his sincerity and his motives. Along with all this tragedy happening to her family and the change she undergoes because of it, will they be able to make a go of things?
This is a great novel that really touches on human frailty, hatred, compassion and our ability to adapt under any circumstances. Tully goes through real changes along with her family.
I really enjoyed the paranormal aspect of the novel, its so very subtle that the story could be real. Great read.
Tallulah is 21 years old and very rarely interacts with regular people. She has never dated, or kissed anyone and her sister refers to her as the good one or miss perfect, drives her nuts.
After meeting a young man she has
a real attraction for, Logan a young man willing to see beyond the small town gossip and willing to fight to stay in her life even when she doubts herself and even when things start to go bad for her and her family.
Logan is a 23 year old music teacher from Louisiana who works about an hour from Tully's home town in Mississippi. " It's one of those things I really liked about Logan. He truly loved his job. Going to work and exposing kids to different types of music made him happier than almost anything else. He was convinced that the next Clapton or Hendrix was going to pass through his classroom"
The town is a major character in this story, there is so much hatred directed at this family, and small town bigotry that they have had to put up with their whole lives. Snide comments, name calling, harassment by the local preacher, and being used for their talents.
Her father controls weather, her mother communicates with birds, her grandfather has a memory that will not let him forget anything, her grandmother has the gift of vitality, which helps with all sorts of things. Her sister and cousin have the ability to charm people and Tully has suggestion as an ability. (Think of a vampire's compulsion.)
Tully witnesses her beaten and raped sister being dropped into a ditch by her families fruit stand late one night while out running. The man who had done this has hidden his identity and taken notice of her hidding in the woods. Horrified she loses her grasp on her gift and calls everyone in her family to the site. Events steam roll from there.
Tully, being from a family that arranges matches with other gifted families and living with a very closed off group of individuals questions Logan, his sincerity and his motives. Along with all this tragedy happening to her family and the change she undergoes because of it, will they be able to make a go of things?
This is a great novel that really touches on human frailty, hatred, compassion and our ability to adapt under any circumstances. Tully goes through real changes along with her family.
I really enjoyed the paranormal aspect of the novel, its so very subtle that the story could be real. Great read.
May 18, 2016
*This book was given to me by the author in exchange for an honest review*
Tallulah, Tully for short, and the rest of her family are not like everyone else who lives in Brooklyn Mississippi. They are all gifted, meaning some can help heal others through touch, some can control the weather with just their emotions and some can manipulate people just by looking them in the eye and telling them something. The whole town knows about their gifts and even though most of the people hate them, there are a few who still go to visit them for treatments or get fruit from their stand that they own. One day out, Tully meets an outsider named Logan. She always expected to live her entire life around her family and be married off to another gifted person, but with Logan now in the picture everything changes. They are both extremely attracted to one another and try to find ways to sneak around to be with one another. Things become worse for them though after Tully’s sister Delia is raped and left in a ditch. Tully’s family vows revenge on whoever did it and know they are all on their own since the police and everyone else in town think that with them manipulating people with their gifts that Delia is lying or deserved it.
I absolutely loved this story. I always thought I had things figured out, only to find out that I was wrong and wanted to keep reading without stopping to see how things would turn out. It has many surprising moments in it and finding out who was behind everything, my mouth literally dropped open from shock. Tallulah and her family go through so much with virtually no help from anyone except Logan. Tallulah and Logan’s relationship was also so cute and even though they are both so different you really root for them in the end. It’s definitely a good mystery book to read in the summer.
***Review has been done in conjunction with Nerd Girl Official. For more information regarding our reviews please visit our Fansite: www.facebook.com/NerdGirl.ng***
Tallulah, Tully for short, and the rest of her family are not like everyone else who lives in Brooklyn Mississippi. They are all gifted, meaning some can help heal others through touch, some can control the weather with just their emotions and some can manipulate people just by looking them in the eye and telling them something. The whole town knows about their gifts and even though most of the people hate them, there are a few who still go to visit them for treatments or get fruit from their stand that they own. One day out, Tully meets an outsider named Logan. She always expected to live her entire life around her family and be married off to another gifted person, but with Logan now in the picture everything changes. They are both extremely attracted to one another and try to find ways to sneak around to be with one another. Things become worse for them though after Tully’s sister Delia is raped and left in a ditch. Tully’s family vows revenge on whoever did it and know they are all on their own since the police and everyone else in town think that with them manipulating people with their gifts that Delia is lying or deserved it.
I absolutely loved this story. I always thought I had things figured out, only to find out that I was wrong and wanted to keep reading without stopping to see how things would turn out. It has many surprising moments in it and finding out who was behind everything, my mouth literally dropped open from shock. Tallulah and her family go through so much with virtually no help from anyone except Logan. Tallulah and Logan’s relationship was also so cute and even though they are both so different you really root for them in the end. It’s definitely a good mystery book to read in the summer.
***Review has been done in conjunction with Nerd Girl Official. For more information regarding our reviews please visit our Fansite: www.facebook.com/NerdGirl.ng***
April 5, 2016
FTC:I received a free copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest review. I received no other compensation and the opinions expressed in this review are 100% my own.
Blackbird Summer by Em Shotwell is a book that I would usually read but this year I want to read books that are out of my comfort zone and see what else is out there. I wasn’t a huge fan of this book but even with that being said I did enjoy it and I would consider reading the next book in the series. I did get into this book and I enjoyed the characters and the setting of the book. I am glad that I read this book but I am more of a fan of books that I could see happening. I loved seeing what Delia would get into but if I am being honest I pretty much hated all of the people in their town because I know what it feel likes to be treated like crap by your neighbors. All in all I did enjoy this book and like I said I think I will pick up the next book because I did like the characters. This book reminded me that I need to try books that I don’t think I will like because most of the time I end up loving the books that I judge by the cover or the genre they are in.
Blackbird Summer by Em Shotwell is a book that I would usually read but this year I want to read books that are out of my comfort zone and see what else is out there. I wasn’t a huge fan of this book but even with that being said I did enjoy it and I would consider reading the next book in the series. I did get into this book and I enjoyed the characters and the setting of the book. I am glad that I read this book but I am more of a fan of books that I could see happening. I loved seeing what Delia would get into but if I am being honest I pretty much hated all of the people in their town because I know what it feel likes to be treated like crap by your neighbors. All in all I did enjoy this book and like I said I think I will pick up the next book because I did like the characters. This book reminded me that I need to try books that I don’t think I will like because most of the time I end up loving the books that I judge by the cover or the genre they are in.
March 31, 2016
When I started reading this book I wasn't too sure if I would like it. I had my doubts about what the story was trying to convey. At first I thought slow drama not very interesting and then it was like wow this story is pretty good. I got so caught up that I finish reading this book in about 2 hours and then was a little peeved that there wasn't more.
This book gave the impression that the story was based during a time when people had a really narrow view of the word at first and I almost thought this was meant to be material based on the past, then it gave the appearance of being in the 21st century with back woods attitude. If you're different in any way, if you don't conform to the Hellfire preacher then your damned, and there are always people willing to make your life miserable.
This family didn't hurt anyone they kept to themselves and help anyone who asked for it but the things that they suffered through by this town it was horrible.
This book is by no means the end of the story stay tuned for volume two.
I was given this book for an honest review from the author.
This book gave the impression that the story was based during a time when people had a really narrow view of the word at first and I almost thought this was meant to be material based on the past, then it gave the appearance of being in the 21st century with back woods attitude. If you're different in any way, if you don't conform to the Hellfire preacher then your damned, and there are always people willing to make your life miserable.
This family didn't hurt anyone they kept to themselves and help anyone who asked for it but the things that they suffered through by this town it was horrible.
This book is by no means the end of the story stay tuned for volume two.
I was given this book for an honest review from the author.
April 14, 2016
What a riveting, contemporary fiction page-turner in paranormal romantic suspense. This full length novel is filled with gut-wrenching twists & turns for an unforgettable emotional roller-coaster ride full of surprises you won't see coming! ... Great attention to detail with a totally unique story-line and so different from anything I've ever read before, that will draw you into this new world of entertaining fantasy... Witty dialogue & well defined characters that you will either love or hate!
Most have some type of an amazing 'gift' where they really do try to use them only for good, despite some locals filled with hate and evil intentions towards this peaceful little community... There were times I cried, and times I laughed out loud, but if I hadn't been so busy and had more time, I know I could have read this straight through- that's how fantastic this book is :) I am so glad to have found this author & look forward to her future books! I never write recaps or blurbs, but I do know when to recommend a book, so run, don't walk, to get your one-click on now!
Most have some type of an amazing 'gift' where they really do try to use them only for good, despite some locals filled with hate and evil intentions towards this peaceful little community... There were times I cried, and times I laughed out loud, but if I hadn't been so busy and had more time, I know I could have read this straight through- that's how fantastic this book is :) I am so glad to have found this author & look forward to her future books! I never write recaps or blurbs, but I do know when to recommend a book, so run, don't walk, to get your one-click on now!
March 29, 2016
Blackbird Summer is the first book of a new series by a new author. When books come out by new authors it may make you hesitant to read them due to no previous knowledge of the authors style of writing. However, the author of the book Blackbird Summer has an eloquent way with words. In the first chapter of the book I became completely engulfed in the story. The authors writing style enables you to clearly picture the setting of the book in your mind. The authors description of the characters are very well developed. The more you read of the book the more you feel as if you are being drawn into the book or you are becoming part of the storyline. The author did such a great job on developing the storyline, setting and characters that I felt like I was watching a movie instead of reading a book. I loved the storyline behind Blackbird Summer and I can't wait to get my hands on the sequel to this book.
March 22, 2016
I was fortunate enough to receive an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Once I started reading this book, I couldn't put it down. The story line and characters are so engaging and Em's writing style enchants you with flowing descriptive narratives and paints the surrounding landscape in a way that was both magical and eerie at the same time.
This was not my typical genre but I really found myself on the edge of my seat to see what twist and turn was coming up next. I found myself, gasping, cheering, laughing and crying the whole time and was sad to see the story end. I hope there is more in store for these characters.
This one is going on my favorites list and I plan on telling everyone I know to read this book.
Cheers to a great book... pick this one up and give it a try!
Happy reading.
This was not my typical genre but I really found myself on the edge of my seat to see what twist and turn was coming up next. I found myself, gasping, cheering, laughing and crying the whole time and was sad to see the story end. I hope there is more in store for these characters.
This one is going on my favorites list and I plan on telling everyone I know to read this book.
Cheers to a great book... pick this one up and give it a try!
Happy reading.
April 6, 2016
I would give this book 3.5 stars. The first third of the book kept me turning pages. I had high hopes for how the story was going to go. However, it plateaued. There was action and conflict but it seemed predictable. I really liked some of the characters a lot but some of them just weren't developed enough. I think more needed to be explored into Logan's history and his gift. The writing was great but not amazing; a few cliche phrases. There are many positives to this book. Like I said the writing is great, very descriptive. I like the premise of the story and would like to have known more about these types of people. The main character is a strong woman which I liked. Overall, I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys mystery with a mix of sci-fi.
March 22, 2016
The story is about modern-day x-men-style people living in the South, and their struggle to maintain a normal existence despite the prejudice that surrounds them and their powers.
The writing is vivid and fun. I'd say light-hearted, but there are times where this book is anything but light-hearted. It ultimately got to the point where I didn't want to (nay, couldn't) put it down. Every time I said I was going to put it down and go to sleep, I found myself turning another page and getting sucked back in. When I'm willing to hang with characters instead of sleeping, that's when you know there's something there.
The writing is vivid and fun. I'd say light-hearted, but there are times where this book is anything but light-hearted. It ultimately got to the point where I didn't want to (nay, couldn't) put it down. Every time I said I was going to put it down and go to sleep, I found myself turning another page and getting sucked back in. When I'm willing to hang with characters instead of sleeping, that's when you know there's something there.
March 4, 2016
I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
This is truly a Dark Gothic novel. It was dripping with Southern charm, despite the dark portions of the story. Every character was well constructed and believable.
Paranormal with tinges of fantasy, but it's also a coming-of-age and family drama. Throw in an unsolvable (for me) mystery and a little romance, and you've got the beginnings of a great series.
Highly suggested for those who like books with a little bit of everything and like reading about Southern towns. Altho the town is fictional, I almost feel like I could drive right into it and meet these characters.
This is truly a Dark Gothic novel. It was dripping with Southern charm, despite the dark portions of the story. Every character was well constructed and believable.
Paranormal with tinges of fantasy, but it's also a coming-of-age and family drama. Throw in an unsolvable (for me) mystery and a little romance, and you've got the beginnings of a great series.
Highly suggested for those who like books with a little bit of everything and like reading about Southern towns. Altho the town is fictional, I almost feel like I could drive right into it and meet these characters.
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July 24, 2016The tension in this book starts out slow and easy as cold lemonade on a porch swing but soon gains momentum until, before you know it, you've been hooked by the Caibre family and they are reeling you in.
March 22, 2017
The sisters aren't too bright - seem to get over their grief at an impossible speed. And, too many things happen - seems like overkill. I like the idea, but unfortunately had a hard time with this book. Thank you for the copy, though.
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