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Choosing Xaverique
Reality and fantasy collide when Noah and Gabby meet. Both have secrets: they are not human, cannot be killed and are falling in love with each other.
Gabby Valis is a regular fifteen year old; her biggest worries in life are friends, boys and her annoying brother Zac. But her life is shattered the day she finds out she is not human. She had no idea she belonged to a secret species which has evolved from humans; ‘Xaveriques’. After being hit by a car, her body is forced to heal itself, and Gabby’s powers are unleashed…
‘I died this morning. At exactly 8.17 am my heart stopped beating and I lay cold and still in the street. At 8.24 am my heart resumed beating, I jumped up from the dusty pavement and ran home. Confused? Well, that makes two of us.’
Gabby Valis is a regular fifteen year old; her biggest worries in life are friends, boys and her annoying brother Zac. But her life is shattered the day she finds out she is not human. She had no idea she belonged to a secret species which has evolved from humans; ‘Xaveriques’. After being hit by a car, her body is forced to heal itself, and Gabby’s powers are unleashed…
‘I died this morning. At exactly 8.17 am my heart stopped beating and I lay cold and still in the street. At 8.24 am my heart resumed beating, I jumped up from the dusty pavement and ran home. Confused? Well, that makes two of us.’
149 pages, Paperback
Published March 6, 2016
57 people want to read
About the author
Karyn Sepulveda
6 books24 followersKaryn Sepulveda comes from a background in theatre and teaching. She enjoys working on many creative projects, including a podcast Letters To Our Yesterday, in which she interviews extraordinary women about their life journey. Karyn lives in Sydney with her husband and two children. If she had to pick the perfect day it would include: the beach, great music, family and a good book.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
August 20, 2016
This book pleasurably grew on me. Does that make sense? It's not at all my genre, but I loved reading this by a local Australian writer. Norwest Hospital being taken over by a non-human entity? This is my neck of the woods so I hope I'll be safe! Gabby is 15, loves her family and loves her bestie, Mia. Not really even into guys yet, and happy just being, when this happy go lucky existence is about to change. Only a strong girl like Gabby would be able to cope with what's coming her way. A great young adult story, about a switched on girl coming to grips with a whole new way of thinking. Loved her, and yep, loved Noah too. This book, not too big nor small, is now being passed onto my 14 year old, I think she'll like the Xaveriques. Thank you Tracey Allen at Carpe Librum and the author for my happy little surprise this turned out to be.
September 5, 2016
Choosing Xaverique is the first novel by Australia author, Karyn Sepulveda. Gabby Valis sees herself as just an ordinary teenager. Mum’s a teacher, dad’s a cop, her grandma Sophia is really cool, and her younger brother, Zac is like all younger brothers, just plain annoying. Her bossy best friend Mia has the hots for a heart throb, the year twelve kids are to be avoided if at all possible, and life at fifteen is pretty OK.
But then Gabby is hit by a car, and something amazing happens: she should have died – she did die – but now she’s not dead! And so she discovers she is no ordinary teenager after all. She apparently has a major life decision to make, and life is not at all normal any more.
Sepulveda gives the reader an imaginative plot with more than one exciting climax, and an implied promise of more to come about the fascinating group of beings that are the Xaverique. Her resilient fifteen-year-old protagonist is well portrayed, the setting is convincing and the dialogue, credible. This good-versus-evil tale is certain to appeal to readers in their teens, although older readers may enjoy it too. An impressive debut.
With thanks to the author for this proof copy to read and review.
But then Gabby is hit by a car, and something amazing happens: she should have died – she did die – but now she’s not dead! And so she discovers she is no ordinary teenager after all. She apparently has a major life decision to make, and life is not at all normal any more.
Sepulveda gives the reader an imaginative plot with more than one exciting climax, and an implied promise of more to come about the fascinating group of beings that are the Xaverique. Her resilient fifteen-year-old protagonist is well portrayed, the setting is convincing and the dialogue, credible. This good-versus-evil tale is certain to appeal to readers in their teens, although older readers may enjoy it too. An impressive debut.
With thanks to the author for this proof copy to read and review.
July 9, 2016
*I receive this book from authorin exchange for an honest review *
*Note. There are spoilers, I guess*
Choosing Xaverique is not another ordinary story about another ordinary girl. The story of a fifteen year old girl named Gabby. Her biggest worries in life are friends, boys and annoying brother Zac. One day it happens to be something that not everyone can happen. Hit by a car, not conscious for a few minutes, she rises from the ground as if nothing had happened. Her body bore no injuries. Panicked flees to the house, hoping that no one finds there. Still in severe shock after the incident must adopt further shocking news. Xaverique gene mutation. She is Xaverique. Gabby on the next day back to school as if nothing had happened to her. It appears it is also a new student who attracted her attention. But she does not realize that he can be a threat to her. Gabby and Noah began dating. Noah knew the secret of which she, of course, he did not say and she does not know that he knows. The only person outside the family who knows what Gabby Mia is her best friend. Noah also has a secret which can not tell her. Gabby and Noah meet more often. Their love grows. Noah during the day after school must be in an old warehouse with his master, so that alive. Gabby all the stories his father, learns that her grandmother also belongs to the group of people not people. Gabby learned that they have powers that allow you to be stronger and help others. But she did not want to be like them she does not want to use their power. She also knows that when there will use their power to further the birth of all this will pass and will be as before. Gabby began to assist in the investigation of her father and grandmother to detect where he is strongest and oldest Xaverique. Besides all Gabby meets with Noah, she goes to school and does not normally leads a normal life. One day Gabby learns that Zlanythe, the oldest and strongest Xaverique planning an attack on the hospital. He plans to kill all the babies. In addition, Gabby to help discover who his father is one of a group of bad Xaverique. Gabby had learned only that he probably goes to her school so she could recognize him. This guy turns out to Noah. Father and grandmother did not want to be youngster played in stopping the attack on the hospital. But Gabby knows her and she decided to appear there. Salvation infants may seem easy but overcome Zlanythe not. Grandmother with a little help of Gabby manage to overcome it. After a fateful night in the hospital Gabby decides to go to school. The school Gabby learns from Noah with Zlanythe wants to revenge on her for what she did her grandmother and Noah. Noah tries to prevent this but two of his subordinates Zlanythe decides to stop them. Gabby and take Noah to the factory where the waiting Zlanythe. At the sight of Gabby Noah he was beaten by one of his subordinates and pushed into a hole in the ground. Noah lost consciousness. Gabby also was pushed into a hole in the ground where he landed Noah. They were trapped. After waking Noah explained to Gabby who he was and why. And why was the Zlanythe. After some time, Noah decided to get them out. In the factory were the other and her father and grandmother. Noah decided to go and talk to them. But for the moment they were joined by Gabby. Noah decides to go away from him chose Gabby. Sophia grandmother Gabby once again with the help of defeats Zlanythe. After returning home, Gabby stops in front of the house seeing a tree in her dream and sitting on a tree Noah. He came to say goodbye and wish to Gabby never used her power to remain like she was before. Some time later, about 4 months later came the day of birth Gabby. Until then, she keeps his word and never used the power. During the bus driver deducted dog. Gabby decides to help him. Not knowing how it had done she used the power at the dog. That day she get to know the Noah, who was angry with used them just for the dog and for this broken promises.
So I like this story. I hope so this will be book 2 or sequel. I think I reread this someday.
In this book is something like this that I could not put it down. I wanted to read it as soon as possible in order to know what to do next, and I did not want to read it quickly because they too would soon end. But everything will, however, must come to an end. I recommend this book to everyone.
4,5 /5
*Note. There are spoilers, I guess*
Choosing Xaverique is not another ordinary story about another ordinary girl. The story of a fifteen year old girl named Gabby. Her biggest worries in life are friends, boys and annoying brother Zac. One day it happens to be something that not everyone can happen. Hit by a car, not conscious for a few minutes, she rises from the ground as if nothing had happened. Her body bore no injuries. Panicked flees to the house, hoping that no one finds there. Still in severe shock after the incident must adopt further shocking news. Xaverique gene mutation. She is Xaverique. Gabby on the next day back to school as if nothing had happened to her. It appears it is also a new student who attracted her attention. But she does not realize that he can be a threat to her. Gabby and Noah began dating. Noah knew the secret of which she, of course, he did not say and she does not know that he knows. The only person outside the family who knows what Gabby Mia is her best friend. Noah also has a secret which can not tell her. Gabby and Noah meet more often. Their love grows. Noah during the day after school must be in an old warehouse with his master, so that alive. Gabby all the stories his father, learns that her grandmother also belongs to the group of people not people. Gabby learned that they have powers that allow you to be stronger and help others. But she did not want to be like them she does not want to use their power. She also knows that when there will use their power to further the birth of all this will pass and will be as before. Gabby began to assist in the investigation of her father and grandmother to detect where he is strongest and oldest Xaverique. Besides all Gabby meets with Noah, she goes to school and does not normally leads a normal life. One day Gabby learns that Zlanythe, the oldest and strongest Xaverique planning an attack on the hospital. He plans to kill all the babies. In addition, Gabby to help discover who his father is one of a group of bad Xaverique. Gabby had learned only that he probably goes to her school so she could recognize him. This guy turns out to Noah. Father and grandmother did not want to be youngster played in stopping the attack on the hospital. But Gabby knows her and she decided to appear there. Salvation infants may seem easy but overcome Zlanythe not. Grandmother with a little help of Gabby manage to overcome it. After a fateful night in the hospital Gabby decides to go to school. The school Gabby learns from Noah with Zlanythe wants to revenge on her for what she did her grandmother and Noah. Noah tries to prevent this but two of his subordinates Zlanythe decides to stop them. Gabby and take Noah to the factory where the waiting Zlanythe. At the sight of Gabby Noah he was beaten by one of his subordinates and pushed into a hole in the ground. Noah lost consciousness. Gabby also was pushed into a hole in the ground where he landed Noah. They were trapped. After waking Noah explained to Gabby who he was and why. And why was the Zlanythe. After some time, Noah decided to get them out. In the factory were the other and her father and grandmother. Noah decided to go and talk to them. But for the moment they were joined by Gabby. Noah decides to go away from him chose Gabby. Sophia grandmother Gabby once again with the help of defeats Zlanythe. After returning home, Gabby stops in front of the house seeing a tree in her dream and sitting on a tree Noah. He came to say goodbye and wish to Gabby never used her power to remain like she was before. Some time later, about 4 months later came the day of birth Gabby. Until then, she keeps his word and never used the power. During the bus driver deducted dog. Gabby decides to help him. Not knowing how it had done she used the power at the dog. That day she get to know the Noah, who was angry with used them just for the dog and for this broken promises.
So I like this story. I hope so this will be book 2 or sequel. I think I reread this someday.
In this book is something like this that I could not put it down. I wanted to read it as soon as possible in order to know what to do next, and I did not want to read it quickly because they too would soon end. But everything will, however, must come to an end. I recommend this book to everyone.
4,5 /5
March 11, 2016
Absolutely LOVED the book... read it in 1 sitting, simply couldn't put it down. CHOOSING XAVERIQUE is about good vs evil, love, friendship, courage and the unknown. You feel deeply for the characters, I became obsessed with the story & loved the writing. You gain an insight into the characters past and how that has shaped the people they have become. I finished the book and it has left me wanting more... I need to know what will happen next. Sequel please!!!!
March 11, 2016
Fantastic Read... I love the brilliantly crafted story "choosing xaverique". It had me captivated from the moment i started reading. The character dynamics, plot twists that delve into the past and bring you back to the present, to love and heartbreak. This book has it all!!!!
May 20, 2016
Karyn Sepulveda's writing is very safe. Nothing too extreme. I really love the short length of this book. Straight forward and to the point.
Really recommend this to everyone who loves a good filler between read.
8.5/10 stars!
Really recommend this to everyone who loves a good filler between read.
8.5/10 stars!
June 25, 2016
Karyn Sepulveda is the second author who agreed to send each of us a copy of her new and fresh debut book. It took a while to prepare myself for reading it and I think one of the reasons I delayed is because I am not a big fan of the fantasy genre, as I’ve mentioned it a thousand times before. But I also love books that have a nice look, not only outside but inside, too. Choosing Xaverique does actually have an amazing cover designed by Rebecca Davidson and it also has a nice font inside. Although, sometimes it was hard to read this font, especially in the italic written episodes. However, I finally took Choosing Xaverique in my hands and started a great journey.
The book contains only 150 pages, so it’s normal that all the action happens quite quickly. Gabby, the main character in this story, is hit by a white van. She knows that she died, but yet, she is still alive. The girl is very confused and runs to her home, couldn’t still believe what just had happened in the street. A few moments later her dad finds her and explains the girl that she is different from human. She is a Xaverique.
Xaverique, to clear things out, is a species developed from humankind thousands of years ago. They are more capable of things, like better in running, fighting and so on. Also, Xaveriques are almost impossible to kill and they can have unique powers. There is the whole community of Xaveriques, hiding their race from humans, having rules.
However, there are some Xaveriques, such as Zlanythe, who goes against the rules and uses his powers for making bad. He and his minions, including Noah, are preparing for one big crime which will bring complete immortality to Zlanythe.
Everything in the book happens in 3-4 days period. That’s why although I think some things had happened too quickly, I am not so annoyed. Still, one episode in the book disturbed me from enjoying the story to the end. I mean, nobody goes to school after facing some bad guys and destroying their plans. You are definitely a great target in revenge seeking. But everything else plus minus was great and logical.
Since I’ve started from bad things first, then I am going to mention one more little thing that annoyed me, but it’s really very small. It’s the way the author wrote word ‘okay’ or ‘okey’. I don’t know maybe English speakers use ‘OK’ in their books, but as many as I had read, I’ve never seen someone writing ‘OK’ in dialogues instead of ‘okay’. I think ‘okay’ is a much better option because it’s the way we pronounce this word, so shorten version makes me, at least as non-English speaker, get stuck on it every time.
Now, the goodness. Well, let’s start from that this book remained me The Strain by Guillermo del Toro and Chuck Hogan, which I really really love! I don’t know where I find this similarity, but both books have this particular feeling and that darkness coming from inside of them.
Also, Noah! Every good story has a bad boy, but it’s not supposedly a good-written character. I can reassure you - Noah is a really great character. I love his own struggle, him being like two different people. It’s so nice that writer chose to write in a few positions and one of them was Noah’s. Although sometimes authors fail on telling the story in different perspectives, but Karyn made a great job and the episodes from Zlanythe or Noah’s positions were actually even better than Gabby’s perspective. So, yeah, I loved Noah. I loved the romance between him and Gabby, it really is intense, although, the moment I’ve started being really into it the book ended. I think that Karyn should write a much longer book if there is going to be series (I assume it will) because I am sure she would definitely cope with that.
I don’t know what else I could say. It’s a short book, but with a lot of action. The fantasy part is quite small, there aren’t any too stupid magical things or something like that. As a fantasy not-lover, I can say that I really enjoyed reading this book, and I really hope that Karyn is planning on writing the sequel because I seriously need more Noah.
"Or maybe a soul as good as her would like him despite what he was? He could only hope."
Lots of love,
Marta
The book contains only 150 pages, so it’s normal that all the action happens quite quickly. Gabby, the main character in this story, is hit by a white van. She knows that she died, but yet, she is still alive. The girl is very confused and runs to her home, couldn’t still believe what just had happened in the street. A few moments later her dad finds her and explains the girl that she is different from human. She is a Xaverique.
Xaverique, to clear things out, is a species developed from humankind thousands of years ago. They are more capable of things, like better in running, fighting and so on. Also, Xaveriques are almost impossible to kill and they can have unique powers. There is the whole community of Xaveriques, hiding their race from humans, having rules.
However, there are some Xaveriques, such as Zlanythe, who goes against the rules and uses his powers for making bad. He and his minions, including Noah, are preparing for one big crime which will bring complete immortality to Zlanythe.
Everything in the book happens in 3-4 days period. That’s why although I think some things had happened too quickly, I am not so annoyed. Still, one episode in the book disturbed me from enjoying the story to the end. I mean, nobody goes to school after facing some bad guys and destroying their plans. You are definitely a great target in revenge seeking. But everything else plus minus was great and logical.
Since I’ve started from bad things first, then I am going to mention one more little thing that annoyed me, but it’s really very small. It’s the way the author wrote word ‘okay’ or ‘okey’. I don’t know maybe English speakers use ‘OK’ in their books, but as many as I had read, I’ve never seen someone writing ‘OK’ in dialogues instead of ‘okay’. I think ‘okay’ is a much better option because it’s the way we pronounce this word, so shorten version makes me, at least as non-English speaker, get stuck on it every time.
Now, the goodness. Well, let’s start from that this book remained me The Strain by Guillermo del Toro and Chuck Hogan, which I really really love! I don’t know where I find this similarity, but both books have this particular feeling and that darkness coming from inside of them.
Also, Noah! Every good story has a bad boy, but it’s not supposedly a good-written character. I can reassure you - Noah is a really great character. I love his own struggle, him being like two different people. It’s so nice that writer chose to write in a few positions and one of them was Noah’s. Although sometimes authors fail on telling the story in different perspectives, but Karyn made a great job and the episodes from Zlanythe or Noah’s positions were actually even better than Gabby’s perspective. So, yeah, I loved Noah. I loved the romance between him and Gabby, it really is intense, although, the moment I’ve started being really into it the book ended. I think that Karyn should write a much longer book if there is going to be series (I assume it will) because I am sure she would definitely cope with that.
I don’t know what else I could say. It’s a short book, but with a lot of action. The fantasy part is quite small, there aren’t any too stupid magical things or something like that. As a fantasy not-lover, I can say that I really enjoyed reading this book, and I really hope that Karyn is planning on writing the sequel because I seriously need more Noah.
"Or maybe a soul as good as her would like him despite what he was? He could only hope."
Lots of love,
Marta
March 5, 2017
Going into this book, I knew absolutely nothing about it except from what I read from the summary. I'm really glad that I went in blind because I think it made the book even better. The last little section of the summary is at the very beginning of the book, and it's one of my favorite parts and does a good job of hooking in the reader.
Choosing Xaverique is in the genre that I typically read, as it's YA fiction/fantasy/Sci-fy! Xaveriques are basically super humans as they are faster, stronger, and have unique abilities and powers. This is the type of story that I love to read, so I'm really glad that I liked it. Also, the writing by Karyn Sepulveda was great, which made the book even better. (P.S. I really like her last name! Sepulveda was a major street near where I used to live in California and I have always liked that name/word! Totally random).
I read this book in a day and was really sad to see it end! I can't wait for the next book to come out, which will be published later this year. I actually really liked the relationship between Gabby and Noah, and I can see how and why they fell for each other so quickly. It kind of reminded me of some vampire stories that I've read because of the powers, action, and love, but it was completely unique and very different from anything I've read before. I think that even though the book is obviously fiction, the characters feel and act very real with their different thoughts and actions. Also, I liked how the author included different types of family relationships that many people can relate to, such as a close family like Gabby's, or a more distant family like many of the other characters in the book (If you've read the book you know the group I'm talking about ;) ).
Overall, I really liked this book and would definitely recommend it, especially if you like people with super human powers and a lot of action and a really evil villain. I rated it 5 stars, and I can't wait for the next book to come out!
Choosing Xaverique is in the genre that I typically read, as it's YA fiction/fantasy/Sci-fy! Xaveriques are basically super humans as they are faster, stronger, and have unique abilities and powers. This is the type of story that I love to read, so I'm really glad that I liked it. Also, the writing by Karyn Sepulveda was great, which made the book even better. (P.S. I really like her last name! Sepulveda was a major street near where I used to live in California and I have always liked that name/word! Totally random).
I read this book in a day and was really sad to see it end! I can't wait for the next book to come out, which will be published later this year. I actually really liked the relationship between Gabby and Noah, and I can see how and why they fell for each other so quickly. It kind of reminded me of some vampire stories that I've read because of the powers, action, and love, but it was completely unique and very different from anything I've read before. I think that even though the book is obviously fiction, the characters feel and act very real with their different thoughts and actions. Also, I liked how the author included different types of family relationships that many people can relate to, such as a close family like Gabby's, or a more distant family like many of the other characters in the book (If you've read the book you know the group I'm talking about ;) ).
Overall, I really liked this book and would definitely recommend it, especially if you like people with super human powers and a lot of action and a really evil villain. I rated it 5 stars, and I can't wait for the next book to come out!
November 22, 2016
This was a really entertaining and quick read. The action was fast paced without being overwhelming. I found e characters to be engaging and interesting. In a lot of YA the characterization tends to be really cliche and can become either whiny or overly well adjusted. I felt like Sepulveda maintained a good balance, creating realistic teen characters. I particularly enjoyed some of their boy crush moments, and how accurately they were described. Of course there are also dark sides to this novel, but it was not so dark that it could not also be charming. My main criticism would be that the scenes written in italics were sometimes confusing. The font changed distracted from the flow, and could easily have been done away with by simply using headings to convey the change. Overall, I really enjoyed the book and would recommend it to readers who enjoy stories with both a dark and a light side to them.
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review and opinion.
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review and opinion.
August 4, 2016
I found this book to be an interesting read with a unique plot. Suitable IMO for ages 14+. I actually really enjoyed the book and its characters. The concept of a "Xaverique" is a really interesting one and I found the plot believable enough. I reckon teenagers (especially the girls) would get a kick out of reading the book and it certainly took me back to my school days. If your a person who isn't into fantasy then I wouldn't recommend it. Overall, a good read. Good luck to the author Karyn Sepulveda with her future books including I imagine a sequel to 'Choosing Xaverique'.
July 10, 2016
Full review here: https://nicheofabooknerd.wordpress.co...
I loved the book. With unique storyline and absolutely engaging writing style, this book had me hooked from the very first page. Apart from a few spelling mistakes here and there, this book was nothing short of a great YA read. The characters were great too. Everyone with little flaws of their own, it was fairly easy to relate to the characters. I would definitely recommend this book!
I loved the book. With unique storyline and absolutely engaging writing style, this book had me hooked from the very first page. Apart from a few spelling mistakes here and there, this book was nothing short of a great YA read. The characters were great too. Everyone with little flaws of their own, it was fairly easy to relate to the characters. I would definitely recommend this book!
April 4, 2016
Really enjoyed this book. The characters drew me in to the story. It has a bit of everything, love, action, mystery, drama with a good dose of "other wordly powers" thrown into the mix which really adds to the suspense of the whole story. Love the way it ends and I'm hoping it means that there will be a sequel as the story simply cannot be left there - I need more!
April 19, 2016
I really enjoyed this debut fantasy novel set in a distinctly Australian landscape. The author uses lots of settings around Sydney and Western Sydney in particular that make this book stand out from other fantasy novels I have read. I read it in one evening and can't wait for the next instalment. I would highly recommend this book for teenagers aged 13-17 years old.
March 1, 2020
This book had a lot of potential to be great, but unfortunately it did not deliver. This book needed to be at least 350 pages long, not 149. Since this book was so short, everything felt rushed. Also, the dialogue in this book was pretty hit or miss. Sometimes it was incredibly cringe, other times it was decent. This book almost put me in a reading slump, I found myself very uninterested in the book at times and I felt like I had to force myself to read it. There were very few parts that were a bit interesting, but the majority of the book was pretty mediocre.
January 21, 2017
This book has the most intense opening I've ever read. The story reminds me of young X-Men, with an intriguing other world and an angsty young love. I adore both the MCs, the heroine is smart and fearless, the hero is broken and full of secrets. The author has done a great job at creating a series of perfect banters. They feel real and smooth.
April 17, 2019
This little novel packs a lot of punch. Gabby is a typical teenager, or so she thinks, until the day she's run over by a rogue van. When she's able to heal herself and scramble home, her life begins to unravel--as her family's secrets come to light. Loaded with unique characters and rich backstories, Choosing Xaverique is a fast-paced novel that will keep you in suspense. A very enjoyable read.
April 10, 2019
I enjoyed this one. Set in Sydney, Australia. Gabby is 15. Get hit by a van. Dies. Then comes back to life.
The story is good. Characters are strong. There's love, emotions, drama, murder. It's quite dark and sinister underneath.
Recommended.
The story is good. Characters are strong. There's love, emotions, drama, murder. It's quite dark and sinister underneath.
Recommended.
December 11, 2016
*This book was send to me by the lovely author Karyn Sepulveda as a free book in exchange for an honest review, the fact that it was sent to me will not sway my opinion in any way. (This review is written for the Book Blog Tour for the author)*
I wrote down some of my thought while reading this book and I thought it would be fun to share those as well. This is why you can see the (page…) throughout the review.
“I’ve changed my answer. I want to kiss a boy named Noah. I want to kiss him so badly and I’m in love with him” (You might think this is a spoiler but I disagree)
The story is about a girl named Gabby finding out that she can have powers if she wants to and that she is a Xaverique. She realised this all because she died at 8.17 am but at 8.24am her heart resumed beating and she ran home. Gabby is fifteen years old and can decide if she wants to use her powers, and become a Xaverique forever, or let everything go back to normal when she turns sixteen. But is this even an option considering everything she’ll go through?
(Page 5: B*tch this good [In Shane Dawson his voice. In case you might know him])
The characters are (sorry not sorry for saying this) cute. I even kind of like Zlanyhte! The most important characters are definitely Noah and Gabby who seem to fall for each other instantly! I’m not even kidding. Do you remember the quote that I put on top of this review? That happened about… 10 seconds after they met. This ‘love’ between them really feels like one of those childish love stories. Literately. I see a guy who is nice. Now I’m in love with him. This is honestly ridiculous but also very funny, and sometimes slightly annoying, to read. Mostly because it make me think of when I was younger (I’m not THAT old though! Only 17 almost 18. But you get the point hopefully)
As the story progresses. It makes me want to know more. There is definitely something else going on with Zlanythe. (I’m just going leave you guessing) But in case I haven’t made it clear by now: I do actually like the characters.
(Page 102: Love the last sentence)
The story is completely written in the past tense which I wasn’t really thrilled about in the beginning but at the end of the first page I completely fell into the story.
Karyn Sepulveda definitely doesn’t waste any time… or words. By this I mean that sometimes I feel like there are some details missing from the story. Mostly I missed some small scenery things or, because she doesn’t waste any time or words, I sometimes felt a bit lost because it went so fast sometimes. This didn’t really happen that often (Only somewhere in chapter twenty four really) and the story was still quick but good to read and understand.
(Page 136: Noah… What the actual f*ck do you think you’re doing!)
The plot twist… You can just read my though above this again and you’ll know how I feel. I would like to tell you what chapter this happened in but that would be too much. But I will say that it is not all the way at the end of the book.(I just realised I LITUARLLY said what page it is on…) It happened very fast… Again the not wasting any time/words.
It was overall a good book to read, easy to follow (Excluding some small moments) and I enjoyed it! Of course the writer had to be all smart and make it end on a very high cliff! Why?! So yes, I do want to read the next book in this series and I’m definitely looking forward to it!
I wrote down some of my thought while reading this book and I thought it would be fun to share those as well. This is why you can see the (page…) throughout the review.
“I’ve changed my answer. I want to kiss a boy named Noah. I want to kiss him so badly and I’m in love with him” (You might think this is a spoiler but I disagree)
The story is about a girl named Gabby finding out that she can have powers if she wants to and that she is a Xaverique. She realised this all because she died at 8.17 am but at 8.24am her heart resumed beating and she ran home. Gabby is fifteen years old and can decide if she wants to use her powers, and become a Xaverique forever, or let everything go back to normal when she turns sixteen. But is this even an option considering everything she’ll go through?
(Page 5: B*tch this good [In Shane Dawson his voice. In case you might know him])
The characters are (sorry not sorry for saying this) cute. I even kind of like Zlanyhte! The most important characters are definitely Noah and Gabby who seem to fall for each other instantly! I’m not even kidding. Do you remember the quote that I put on top of this review? That happened about… 10 seconds after they met. This ‘love’ between them really feels like one of those childish love stories. Literately. I see a guy who is nice. Now I’m in love with him. This is honestly ridiculous but also very funny, and sometimes slightly annoying, to read. Mostly because it make me think of when I was younger (I’m not THAT old though! Only 17 almost 18. But you get the point hopefully)
As the story progresses. It makes me want to know more. There is definitely something else going on with Zlanythe. (I’m just going leave you guessing) But in case I haven’t made it clear by now: I do actually like the characters.
(Page 102: Love the last sentence)
The story is completely written in the past tense which I wasn’t really thrilled about in the beginning but at the end of the first page I completely fell into the story.
Karyn Sepulveda definitely doesn’t waste any time… or words. By this I mean that sometimes I feel like there are some details missing from the story. Mostly I missed some small scenery things or, because she doesn’t waste any time or words, I sometimes felt a bit lost because it went so fast sometimes. This didn’t really happen that often (Only somewhere in chapter twenty four really) and the story was still quick but good to read and understand.
(Page 136: Noah… What the actual f*ck do you think you’re doing!)
The plot twist… You can just read my though above this again and you’ll know how I feel. I would like to tell you what chapter this happened in but that would be too much. But I will say that it is not all the way at the end of the book.(I just realised I LITUARLLY said what page it is on…) It happened very fast… Again the not wasting any time/words.
It was overall a good book to read, easy to follow (Excluding some small moments) and I enjoyed it! Of course the writer had to be all smart and make it end on a very high cliff! Why?! So yes, I do want to read the next book in this series and I’m definitely looking forward to it!
May 19, 2017
I received this book for free through Goodreads Giveaways.
Choosing Xaverique was a YA paranormal book told in third person.
I liked that the author chose to create her own supernatural race, giving this a unique twist in a crowded genre.
That being said, it was kind of… average. High school girl discovers she has super powers, falls for boy who keeps secrets, insert conflict/kidnapping here.
Mostly I think the length of this book let it down. For something that is basically a novella (150 pages here) it was told through way too many character viewpoints. Not only do we get the male and female protagonists; we get the grandmother. And the villain. And random side characters. There was no time to connect before you were shot into someone else’s perspective.
It also felt like half of this book was back story about minions that I didn’t care about and had no relevance to the overall plot. It was nice that they all had their own life stories, but they truly didn’t need to be spelled out in detail. And there just wasn’t space for it! If it had been longer it would have played out a little more smoothly. A few extra chapters could have negated some of the insta-love that was WAY over the top.
My favourite part had to be Noah’s role in the final conflict. Without spoilers, it was an iconic character moment, made perfect sense, but wasn’t predictable. I loved that he wasn’t a likeable hero, and if the attraction had been built up at all between Gabby and Noah this could have gone so much further than it did.
Choosing Xaverique was a YA paranormal book told in third person.
I liked that the author chose to create her own supernatural race, giving this a unique twist in a crowded genre.
That being said, it was kind of… average. High school girl discovers she has super powers, falls for boy who keeps secrets, insert conflict/kidnapping here.
Mostly I think the length of this book let it down. For something that is basically a novella (150 pages here) it was told through way too many character viewpoints. Not only do we get the male and female protagonists; we get the grandmother. And the villain. And random side characters. There was no time to connect before you were shot into someone else’s perspective.
It also felt like half of this book was back story about minions that I didn’t care about and had no relevance to the overall plot. It was nice that they all had their own life stories, but they truly didn’t need to be spelled out in detail. And there just wasn’t space for it! If it had been longer it would have played out a little more smoothly. A few extra chapters could have negated some of the insta-love that was WAY over the top.
My favourite part had to be Noah’s role in the final conflict. Without spoilers, it was an iconic character moment, made perfect sense, but wasn’t predictable. I loved that he wasn’t a likeable hero, and if the attraction had been built up at all between Gabby and Noah this could have gone so much further than it did.
April 17, 2016
Fifteen year old Gabby Valis has an ordinary life, just like any other. Until she is catastrophically hit by a swerving van, and her heart stops beating… at least, it does for several minutes. Gabby is a Xaverique, a non-human species who are bestowed with powerful abilities. A Xaverique’s powers can be used for good or for evil, and it just so happens that the most powerful Xaverique to have ever lived, Zlanythe, is concocting a hideously evil plan that Gabby finds herself (and her newly awakened powers) tangled up in.
Gabby, and the love interest, Noah’s relationship is unfortunately, completely insta-love. After knowing each other for only a few weeks, they are professing their love for each other. Yes, they are both teenagers but even teenagers do not fall in love that quickly. After their very first meeting, Gabby thought she was in love with Noah. This definitely impacted on my enjoyment of the novel.
A second issue I had with the novel was the length. At only 149 pages, insta-love is going to be imminent and the climax of the story seemed both rushed and anti-climactic. Choosing Xaverique definitely would have benefitted from being a longer novel and therefore having more time to explore the relationships of the characters and strengthen the storyline.
Unfortunately, the novel also proved to be predictable in some aspects. However, the ending, whilst it did not surprise me, left me interested to know what would happen next. Overall, Choosing Xaverique is an easy, quick and light read that young teenagers (who can handle mature contect including descriptions of blood and injuries) can enjoy.
Gabby, and the love interest, Noah’s relationship is unfortunately, completely insta-love. After knowing each other for only a few weeks, they are professing their love for each other. Yes, they are both teenagers but even teenagers do not fall in love that quickly. After their very first meeting, Gabby thought she was in love with Noah. This definitely impacted on my enjoyment of the novel.
A second issue I had with the novel was the length. At only 149 pages, insta-love is going to be imminent and the climax of the story seemed both rushed and anti-climactic. Choosing Xaverique definitely would have benefitted from being a longer novel and therefore having more time to explore the relationships of the characters and strengthen the storyline.
Unfortunately, the novel also proved to be predictable in some aspects. However, the ending, whilst it did not surprise me, left me interested to know what would happen next. Overall, Choosing Xaverique is an easy, quick and light read that young teenagers (who can handle mature contect including descriptions of blood and injuries) can enjoy.
April 17, 2016
Very fast read. I couldn't put ot down, but I knew I had to take it slow as it is a short book.
I love the whole concept of being a Xaverique. It reminded me so much of the TV series Heroes(which I'm in love with)!
I really like the Xaverique concept! How people evolves from humans and develope powers!
(***Spoiler Alert!!!***)
The Relationship between Noah and Gabby, I feel like its too fast. I don't know.
I love them together though, Noah has that sense of protecting Gabby at all times, even if it results to him betraying his 'family'. And Gabby didn't take any hesistation to trust Noah even after she found out his secret, that's how you know that she really care for him, and vise versa.
Okay I can't process the fact that Noah didn't join Gabby's family to defeat Zlanythe, I know it's so that he don't betray them anymore, but I was thinking that if you really love your 'girlfriend' (Gabby) wouldn't you want to help her defeat the person that has been using you?
Yeah sure Zlanythe helped Noah recover from the abuse that Noah received from his mom. But Gabby is there for him to give strength.
(WOoo That Rant though)
Sophia, I have a feeling that she and Zlanythe had a romantic relationship before Zlanythe turned bad. Just because she knows so much about him, him of her.
I love the whole concept of being a Xaverique. It reminded me so much of the TV series Heroes(which I'm in love with)!
I really like the Xaverique concept! How people evolves from humans and develope powers!
(***Spoiler Alert!!!***)
The Relationship between Noah and Gabby, I feel like its too fast. I don't know.
I love them together though, Noah has that sense of protecting Gabby at all times, even if it results to him betraying his 'family'. And Gabby didn't take any hesistation to trust Noah even after she found out his secret, that's how you know that she really care for him, and vise versa.
Okay I can't process the fact that Noah didn't join Gabby's family to defeat Zlanythe, I know it's so that he don't betray them anymore, but I was thinking that if you really love your 'girlfriend' (Gabby) wouldn't you want to help her defeat the person that has been using you?
Yeah sure Zlanythe helped Noah recover from the abuse that Noah received from his mom. But Gabby is there for him to give strength.
(WOoo That Rant though)
Sophia, I have a feeling that she and Zlanythe had a romantic relationship before Zlanythe turned bad. Just because she knows so much about him, him of her.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 10, 2016
Choosing Xaverique is about Gabby, a 15 year old girl who finds out she isn't human. When I read the sypnosis I was really intrigued, and came to like the book. I liked how Sepulveda created her own race of supernatural beings. The characters were fresh and new, but sadly I couldn't connect with any of them. There was no backbone to the story, at least that's what I thought. Though i couldn't connect with the characters, the book itself was really enjoyable, quick and short.
Trying my best to post good things about this book, but I couldn't stand Gabby and her relationship with Noah, it was just too fast and insta-lovey, which I hate. Being a short book, I wish the author wouldn't rush the romance, i think learning more about the Xaverique and what they do would have been a lot more interesting as a first book. But that's my opinion. My favorite parts were when I got the chance to read the back stroies of all the Xaverique that were mentioned, they were the most interesting because I got to see where they came from and how they became Xaverique.
Overall, I enjoyed this book to some extent, but I felt like a lot of things were rushed, especially Gabby and Noah. Sadly, this was not a book for me, even though I love paranormal.
April 18, 2016
Lovely YA book. It was really short, so I managed to read it in 2-4 hours. Even when I used a whole week to do that. I think the story just developed really fast for my taste. The story itself is pretty good. I especially liked the beginning, where we didn’t know anything about Gabby. I also loved that the ending wasn’t like most YA. Noah couldn’t be good, even for Gabby. So they didn’t end together (I was shipping them so much… )
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 5, 2016
I got totally swept up in the story and couldn't put it down. Action, drama, family and first love - it has it all. An easy read, great description, that takes you on a supernatural journey. My favourite character kept changing as their stories evolved! Would highly recommend.
April 7, 2016
The action drew me in from the first pages and I couldn't put this book down. Now hanging out for a sequel!
October 9, 2016
I really enjoyed this book.
It's well written, keeps the reader wanting to continue on and see what happens next.
I'm looking forward to the next book.
It's well written, keeps the reader wanting to continue on and see what happens next.
I'm looking forward to the next book.
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