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The Outs
Caleb’s been changing ever since the memory-stealing blackouts—the Outs—started. He used to be a good, dependable, honor-student, but now his parents have vanished, and something inside tells him their disappearance is his fault.
That something has a voice—a voice that's pushed him to kidnap a little girl. Caleb believes he did it to protect her, but now he’s starting to wonder if he’s the one she needs protection from.
Then there’s his friend, Kitzi. Kitzi knows a secret she can’t share, locked in her head behind layers of brain damage. Kitzi wants to help Caleb, but she suspects a connection between this little girl and the Outs. If she can survive Caleb’s mistakes and the strange girl’s reality-bending fits long enough to put the pieces together, her secret might save them.
Or it could mean the end of everything.
That something has a voice—a voice that's pushed him to kidnap a little girl. Caleb believes he did it to protect her, but now he’s starting to wonder if he’s the one she needs protection from.
Then there’s his friend, Kitzi. Kitzi knows a secret she can’t share, locked in her head behind layers of brain damage. Kitzi wants to help Caleb, but she suspects a connection between this little girl and the Outs. If she can survive Caleb’s mistakes and the strange girl’s reality-bending fits long enough to put the pieces together, her secret might save them.
Or it could mean the end of everything.
306 pages, Paperback
First published January 23, 2017
3 people are currently reading
819 people want to read
About the author
E.S. Wesley
2 books72 followersE.S. Wesley is an author and advocate for the safety and mental health of young people. A long-time mentor and counselor, Wesley has worked for years to protect, encourage, and empower young adults to navigate a life that rarely makes sense. He believes all people are just waiting for someone to relate to their stories, so he makes up stories in the hope that someone will read and find a home there.
His stories are often strange and twisty.
Wesley lives with his wife in Texas, where he’s always writing. Texas has a lot of things that he likes, but Shelly is the best of them. Second best is his son, who introduced him to his wife. Sometimes we do things out of order—that just makes life more interesting.
His stories are often strange and twisty.
Wesley lives with his wife in Texas, where he’s always writing. Texas has a lot of things that he likes, but Shelly is the best of them. Second best is his son, who introduced him to his wife. Sometimes we do things out of order—that just makes life more interesting.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
February 18, 2017
3.5 Stars
Read all my reviews on http://urlphantomhive.booklikes.com
During the Outs, strange things happen. But it doesn't seem to matter no one can remember what happened afterwards as everything gets a reset at the end of them. However, things must be changing as Caleb realizes he's kidnapped a little girl during the last episode of the Outs.
This was such a confusing read. A little bit of that was of course to be expected when memory stealing black-outs are taking place, but even then it was too confusing. I never got a clear idea as to what happened during the Outs, and strangely I thought the 'bringing everyone who died back from the dead when the Outs end' felt a bit like cheating. It creates a world (together with some other things that I won't mention so not to spoil) in which anything can be explained so easily, it becomes very plot-convenient.
More than Caleb, Kitzi was a very interesting character. As Caleb's only friend she tries to keep him safe, but she also has a secret of her own. Also, something is wrong with Amanda, the little girl who's kidnapped.
Will it make an easy read? That depends on how much you want to be able to follow the book. For quite some time I'd no real idea of what I was reading, but I have to admit that it was a very compelling read and I wanted to know how it would end. It was definitely not your everyday read, so for who likes those, I would recommend The Outs.
Thanks to the publisher for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
Read all my reviews on http://urlphantomhive.booklikes.com
During the Outs, strange things happen. But it doesn't seem to matter no one can remember what happened afterwards as everything gets a reset at the end of them. However, things must be changing as Caleb realizes he's kidnapped a little girl during the last episode of the Outs.
This was such a confusing read. A little bit of that was of course to be expected when memory stealing black-outs are taking place, but even then it was too confusing. I never got a clear idea as to what happened during the Outs, and strangely I thought the 'bringing everyone who died back from the dead when the Outs end' felt a bit like cheating. It creates a world (together with some other things that I won't mention so not to spoil) in which anything can be explained so easily, it becomes very plot-convenient.
More than Caleb, Kitzi was a very interesting character. As Caleb's only friend she tries to keep him safe, but she also has a secret of her own. Also, something is wrong with Amanda, the little girl who's kidnapped.
Will it make an easy read? That depends on how much you want to be able to follow the book. For quite some time I'd no real idea of what I was reading, but I have to admit that it was a very compelling read and I wanted to know how it would end. It was definitely not your everyday read, so for who likes those, I would recommend The Outs.
Thanks to the publisher for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
January 2, 2017
The Outs by E.S. Wesley is a fantasy/sci-fi that will push the readers brain to their limit. Just when the reader thinks they have it figured out, POW, wrong! Something else happens, messes up that theory. This book keeps you crazed, as crazy as the book, until the very end. What a ride!
April 22, 2017
5 for 4.99999, but basically really a 5.
A digitized ARC of this book was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Blew me away. Will need time to write this review.
Review WIP
Let me just start by telling you, the blurb really doesn't give away the scale of this book! I'll be repeating what I've jotted down when I updated my reading progress, starting with:
Have you read a book that's like the following?
Perhaps you've read something like what I've described; I'm not gonna lie, I've always admitted I don't read much. (So yup, feel free to share so I can broaden my horizon.) And yes, while I have read series containing those elements, the key word is "series;" I certainly haven't read it in a single book that's shorter than 400 pages! That may be because I do stay so SOOOOOOO very FAR away from horror, thriller, and suspense (and I would like to stay that way, thank you very much. Don't fancy a metamorphic heart attack), but then again, I also doubt those genres could contain great portion of humor and love, which this book handles perfectly. Yes, this book was a total surprise. One that I'm supremely thankful for stumbling upon. Should the horror, thriller & suspense be highlighted as its genres, I'm pretty sure I would have missed out this fine gem, and that would have been a sad, SAD reality.
There's so much to say yet I have no idea where to start. I figured I should start by voicing one of my very few only concerns. I didn't think it was something to worry about at all when I was reading it; it was until I step aside from the high I got from this book (thrill? LOL) and try to view it more critically, that I see it as a potential drawback. So here goes: For people who have absolutely NO INTEREST in, and no clue about anything remotely related to COMICBOOK characters; be it in their original source, the comicbooks, or animated cartoons, video games, live-action TV shows, or film adaptations.... You MIGHT have some trouble grasping some of the references.
Again, I'll be frank, I myself am NOT a know-it-all when it comes to comics, I've not even officially started reading that long (as in, since 2014.) So when I was able to completely understand all that was given, at the time, I forgot the fact that I do at least have a good inkling of the subject matter. I try to think of it as this way: Should all the comic references be switched to biblical references, I'd most definitely fail to understand and relate to what was given and what was happening, and why it was mentioned at all. Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying biblical subjects are uncommon or unpopular; on the contrary, I very much believe a great deal of people do at least have some basic idea on the matter, if not advanced. Unfortunately, I'm pretty ignorant to it. Hence my would-be inability to comprehend. So, if you not only don't care for, but possibly loathe superhero comicbooks... Sadly, this book may not suit you.
Review WIP
P.S.: The author has kindly replied that there's a possibility of more books, making it a series. Yes, PLEASE!
A digitized ARC of this book was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Blew me away. Will need time to write this review.
Review WIP
Let me just start by telling you, the blurb really doesn't give away the scale of this book! I'll be repeating what I've jotted down when I updated my reading progress, starting with:
"Oh MAN I was NOT expecting to see BLOOD so soon! DO NOT be fooled by the beautiful, bright and shiny book cover! This has the perfect setup for a thriller-horror!"In fact, to be honest, I wasn't expecting ANY blood at all, let alone what was shown in the opening scene! It was a perfect setup for great suspense! When Author E.S. Wesley answered on GR that this book is "YA contemporary fantasy thriller," he wasn't joking. (whelp, if I'm embarrassing myself and he was really referring to another book, let's just say I think the description fits this book just as fine.) I actually didn't see his answer until I finished the book, and I thought he was obviously brilliantly spot on. When I was reading the book, I was fascinated but at the same time, not quite sure how to categorize it.
Have you read a book that's like the following?
Youthful and contains hella lot of contemporary references, yet having the content that's classic and wise as old age; then with horror and gore; blood, tear, and pain, yet at the same time, moments of rejoice, recognitions of bounding relationships, love, be it from family members or significant others. True bravery along with darkest fear. Best and worst of oneself. Doubts. Revelations. Suspenseful. Comical. Terrifying. Hilarious. ROMANTIC. Dark. Jaw-dropping. Depressing. Uplifting. Heartwarming. Contemporary. Supernatural. Sci-fi. Surreal. Realistic. Abstract. Concrete. Confusing. Straightforward... etc.That's what I got from this book, and more. You may realize I was throwing in synonyms-ish and antonyms-ish words; they don't seem like they'd possibly make sense going with each other, but I assure you, this book has it all, and while it may be trippy, it sure makes sense.
Perhaps you've read something like what I've described; I'm not gonna lie, I've always admitted I don't read much. (So yup, feel free to share so I can broaden my horizon.) And yes, while I have read series containing those elements, the key word is "series;" I certainly haven't read it in a single book that's shorter than 400 pages! That may be because I do stay so SOOOOOOO very FAR away from horror, thriller, and suspense (and I would like to stay that way, thank you very much. Don't fancy a metamorphic heart attack), but then again, I also doubt those genres could contain great portion of humor and love, which this book handles perfectly. Yes, this book was a total surprise. One that I'm supremely thankful for stumbling upon. Should the horror, thriller & suspense be highlighted as its genres, I'm pretty sure I would have missed out this fine gem, and that would have been a sad, SAD reality.
There's so much to say yet I have no idea where to start. I figured I should start by voicing one of my very few only concerns. I didn't think it was something to worry about at all when I was reading it; it was until I step aside from the high I got from this book (thrill? LOL) and try to view it more critically, that I see it as a potential drawback. So here goes: For people who have absolutely NO INTEREST in, and no clue about anything remotely related to COMICBOOK characters; be it in their original source, the comicbooks, or animated cartoons, video games, live-action TV shows, or film adaptations.... You MIGHT have some trouble grasping some of the references.
Again, I'll be frank, I myself am NOT a know-it-all when it comes to comics, I've not even officially started reading that long (as in, since 2014.) So when I was able to completely understand all that was given, at the time, I forgot the fact that I do at least have a good inkling of the subject matter. I try to think of it as this way: Should all the comic references be switched to biblical references, I'd most definitely fail to understand and relate to what was given and what was happening, and why it was mentioned at all. Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying biblical subjects are uncommon or unpopular; on the contrary, I very much believe a great deal of people do at least have some basic idea on the matter, if not advanced. Unfortunately, I'm pretty ignorant to it. Hence my would-be inability to comprehend. So, if you not only don't care for, but possibly loathe superhero comicbooks... Sadly, this book may not suit you.
Review WIP
P.S.: The author has kindly replied that there's a possibility of more books, making it a series. Yes, PLEASE!
July 17, 2017
Thanks to Curiosity Quills Press for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Ever since the Outs started - global memory-stealing blackouts - Caleb has been plagued by a voice that pushes him to do things... Now his parents have disappeared and his dependable, honor-student ways have been replaced with those of a deadheader junkie! Now he's kidnapped a little girl, Amanda, but isn't sure if he did it to protect himself or her... He turns to the one friend who has stood by him, Kitzi, a girl with aphasia, and a secret of her own - she is free of her brain damage during the Outs. Kitzi and Caleb go on a wild ride with special little Amanda and maneuver through the creepy, damaged world of the Outs.
Beware, this is not your typical, boring tell-all beginning where our main character vomits everything that is going on all over the reader. You are thrown right into a pretty compelling situation and you aren't really sure what is going on as Caleb isn't really sure himself just yet. It's all very organic and delicious... If you hang in there you get your feet under you and understanding starts rolling towards you. It's all pretty crazy stuff but there is a rhyme and a reason to it all. The story is all about the journey to the end so you have to be willing to roll with the punches or in this case the twists. I found this a really exciting part of the story. The setup was so solid to me that it made it really easy to jump into events and go along for the ride. And the plot fully supports this narrative style! Lots of things are constantly happening and the characters are forced to deal with it or be trampled. Don't think you will always be in the dark though, by 25% our characters are making some realizations of their own, though things keep happening twisting up any conclusions they and the reader may reach!
I really, really, really loved Kitzi. She made it super easy to go along and enjoy the ride. I loved her voice and attitude especially paired with her aphasia and how the Outs allowed her to live more normally for a change! She is the heart of the story, a voice of reason and a super secret pow at the end. She is the perfect contrast to Caleb. Caleb is morally challenged and yet still is a good kid trying to do the right thing while failing miserably. Most authors would have smashed the two characters together, but I really applaud this choice to keep them separate and use them as a contrast for each other. As well as the little bonus of being each others love interest! (It's young adult so it's almost required to have love interests!) Amanda is not to be left out of this little character drive. She's super delicious as she's such a random element while also being the common denominator in everything! Whenever she comes on the scene you know its going to be crazy and cool and such a ride! I do like Caleb a lot too. His situation with this voice is very unique and I enjoyed the crazy situations it got him into - and it was all his own free choice. He let the voice in!
The plot and each characters role in it is very balanced between the three characters which can be pretty rare but which I enjoyed a lot! Every person in the world has their own story, their own plot that they are a part of; it should be the same for characters! We don't play a minor role in our own lives... I don't want to talk about any of the details because to talk about anything more than I have would give something away and you need to go into this book totally blind except for the premise, you'll enjoy the world more that way!
The Outs itself was a very cool idea... I liked the crazy things that the premise allowed to happen. I liked how this cult following grew up around the Outs as it seemed like something a subgroup of humanity would do if this situation arose in real life. I've raved about this book so far, so why a 4 star? What gives? Well, some of the logic near the end was very thin to me. What I call the 'tricks' got way over played in a few spots. There is a lot to love about the end, just a few things didn't add up, but in a world populated with details and with three strong stories running through it I still highly suggest this book! It's worth it for the jabberwocky alone!
BOTTOM LINE: A powerful sci-fi/horror love story with a thread of gold running through it!
Ever since the Outs started - global memory-stealing blackouts - Caleb has been plagued by a voice that pushes him to do things... Now his parents have disappeared and his dependable, honor-student ways have been replaced with those of a deadheader junkie! Now he's kidnapped a little girl, Amanda, but isn't sure if he did it to protect himself or her... He turns to the one friend who has stood by him, Kitzi, a girl with aphasia, and a secret of her own - she is free of her brain damage during the Outs. Kitzi and Caleb go on a wild ride with special little Amanda and maneuver through the creepy, damaged world of the Outs.
Beware, this is not your typical, boring tell-all beginning where our main character vomits everything that is going on all over the reader. You are thrown right into a pretty compelling situation and you aren't really sure what is going on as Caleb isn't really sure himself just yet. It's all very organic and delicious... If you hang in there you get your feet under you and understanding starts rolling towards you. It's all pretty crazy stuff but there is a rhyme and a reason to it all. The story is all about the journey to the end so you have to be willing to roll with the punches or in this case the twists. I found this a really exciting part of the story. The setup was so solid to me that it made it really easy to jump into events and go along for the ride. And the plot fully supports this narrative style! Lots of things are constantly happening and the characters are forced to deal with it or be trampled. Don't think you will always be in the dark though, by 25% our characters are making some realizations of their own, though things keep happening twisting up any conclusions they and the reader may reach!
"She wished someone, anyone, would remember what happened when the power went out like she did. They’d all know it happened, of course, and they’d have their notes to describe it, but they wouldn’t remember. No one else could understand what it was like to see the shadows. ... But Kitzi remembered. Worst. Superpower. Ever."
I really, really, really loved Kitzi. She made it super easy to go along and enjoy the ride. I loved her voice and attitude especially paired with her aphasia and how the Outs allowed her to live more normally for a change! She is the heart of the story, a voice of reason and a super secret pow at the end. She is the perfect contrast to Caleb. Caleb is morally challenged and yet still is a good kid trying to do the right thing while failing miserably. Most authors would have smashed the two characters together, but I really applaud this choice to keep them separate and use them as a contrast for each other. As well as the little bonus of being each others love interest! (It's young adult so it's almost required to have love interests!) Amanda is not to be left out of this little character drive. She's super delicious as she's such a random element while also being the common denominator in everything! Whenever she comes on the scene you know its going to be crazy and cool and such a ride! I do like Caleb a lot too. His situation with this voice is very unique and I enjoyed the crazy situations it got him into - and it was all his own free choice. He let the voice in!
"Love was more than just words, wasn’t it? It was understanding, even without the words. It was the passing of smiles, the sharing of laughs, and the awkward tingle of brushing arms. It was shaking a head when you were going to do something stupid, and a warm hand on your back when you’d done it anyway. It was knowing your darkness and accepting it and sticking with you through the worst."
The plot and each characters role in it is very balanced between the three characters which can be pretty rare but which I enjoyed a lot! Every person in the world has their own story, their own plot that they are a part of; it should be the same for characters! We don't play a minor role in our own lives... I don't want to talk about any of the details because to talk about anything more than I have would give something away and you need to go into this book totally blind except for the premise, you'll enjoy the world more that way!
The Outs itself was a very cool idea... I liked the crazy things that the premise allowed to happen. I liked how this cult following grew up around the Outs as it seemed like something a subgroup of humanity would do if this situation arose in real life. I've raved about this book so far, so why a 4 star? What gives? Well, some of the logic near the end was very thin to me. What I call the 'tricks' got way over played in a few spots. There is a lot to love about the end, just a few things didn't add up, but in a world populated with details and with three strong stories running through it I still highly suggest this book! It's worth it for the jabberwocky alone!
"The Outs: An unexplained global phenomenon that alters the functional laws governing electricity and prevents the formation of new memories. Many theories exist as to its nature and inception, but data is sparse, and tests cannot be performed due to the nature of the phenomenon. —Excerpt from Notes from Last Night Wikia"
BOTTOM LINE: A powerful sci-fi/horror love story with a thread of gold running through it!
February 15, 2017
The Outs *****
By: E. S. Wesley
To say this is a very unique story concept doesn't do justice to the word unique. Unique isn't a strong enough word. Crazy, scary, insane, confusing, creepy, murderous, fantasy, horror, twisted, imagination gone off the deep end. < Jumble all those words up and create a word
> that's the word to describe the story concept that is “The Outs”.
The characters are very well developed, even the spooky ones are easily visualized. All of the scenes and locations are described in realistic and vivid detail. The story reads at a fast past, full of energy, action, suspense, yet always leaving hope intact.
I guess first, people need the [basic] definition.
The Outs: an unexplained global phenomenon that alters the functional laws governing electricity and prevents the formation of new memories.
^ That's the books definition. In the story, The Outs is so much more.
When the story begins; It's been 1 year since The Outs started. The power goes out randomly for hours each day and no one remembers what happened while the power was out. People who die during The Outs always come back to life once The Outs are over – like it never happened.
Kitzi is a teenage girl, a friend of Caleb. She has a brain injury [caused by a car accident] that makes it difficult for her to comprehend. She's very smart, but people don't seem to realize it. She has aphasia and synesthesia. She has trouble recalling/comprehending words and spoken words are associated with various smells. Kitzis aphasia and the way everyone treats her caused her such emotional distress that she was suicidal.
Some parts of the book were hard to understand when it's Kitzi's section. This is the author, being true to the character, writing the way Kitzi's malfunctioning brain is speaking and interpreting the words and speech. It's good that Kitzi has synesthesia and can smell the difference between lies and truth. She depends on this ability often in the story, and it seems essential in the story.
Caleb is a teenage boy who suffers depression, made worse by the medication prescribed. In the story, Kitzi comes at just the right moment and stops Caleb from committing suicide. Their friendship and bond created at this moment.
The story revolves around Caleb and Kitzi trying to save a little 6 year old girl named Amanda. Somehow Amanda is very central to The Outs vs Reality. Nightmare vs Truth. Hate vs Love.
To the fabulous author, E. S. Wesley, You've just left me wondering “What did I just read?”. With a big, goofy smile on my face. Well done.
I received this book free in exchange for an honest review. This does not effect my rating or review of the book.
My review will be posted on netgalley, amazon, goodreads and moonshineartsport.blogspot.com
Terri/Aunt Meanie
By: E. S. Wesley
To say this is a very unique story concept doesn't do justice to the word unique. Unique isn't a strong enough word. Crazy, scary, insane, confusing, creepy, murderous, fantasy, horror, twisted, imagination gone off the deep end. < Jumble all those words up and create a word
> that's the word to describe the story concept that is “The Outs”.
The characters are very well developed, even the spooky ones are easily visualized. All of the scenes and locations are described in realistic and vivid detail. The story reads at a fast past, full of energy, action, suspense, yet always leaving hope intact.
I guess first, people need the [basic] definition.
The Outs: an unexplained global phenomenon that alters the functional laws governing electricity and prevents the formation of new memories.
^ That's the books definition. In the story, The Outs is so much more.
When the story begins; It's been 1 year since The Outs started. The power goes out randomly for hours each day and no one remembers what happened while the power was out. People who die during The Outs always come back to life once The Outs are over – like it never happened.
Kitzi is a teenage girl, a friend of Caleb. She has a brain injury [caused by a car accident] that makes it difficult for her to comprehend. She's very smart, but people don't seem to realize it. She has aphasia and synesthesia. She has trouble recalling/comprehending words and spoken words are associated with various smells. Kitzis aphasia and the way everyone treats her caused her such emotional distress that she was suicidal.
Some parts of the book were hard to understand when it's Kitzi's section. This is the author, being true to the character, writing the way Kitzi's malfunctioning brain is speaking and interpreting the words and speech. It's good that Kitzi has synesthesia and can smell the difference between lies and truth. She depends on this ability often in the story, and it seems essential in the story.
Caleb is a teenage boy who suffers depression, made worse by the medication prescribed. In the story, Kitzi comes at just the right moment and stops Caleb from committing suicide. Their friendship and bond created at this moment.
The story revolves around Caleb and Kitzi trying to save a little 6 year old girl named Amanda. Somehow Amanda is very central to The Outs vs Reality. Nightmare vs Truth. Hate vs Love.
To the fabulous author, E. S. Wesley, You've just left me wondering “What did I just read?”. With a big, goofy smile on my face. Well done.
I received this book free in exchange for an honest review. This does not effect my rating or review of the book.
My review will be posted on netgalley, amazon, goodreads and moonshineartsport.blogspot.com
Terri/Aunt Meanie
August 26, 2017
Excerpt from my review - originally published at Offbeat YA.
Pros: Fresh premise. Strong blend of sci-fi, fantasy and paranormal. Imaginative, hectic story without a dull moment. Tridimensional (and diverse) characters. Focus on friendship and loyalty.
Cons: Might seem a bit frenzied and confusing to some. Concise writing with short sentences might not appeal to everyone.
WARNING! Gory and scary in parts, with gruesome deaths and suicide.
Will appeal to: Those who are looking for a breathtaking story with a strong accent on friendship and an unusual heroine.
First off...DISCLAIMER: I am a semi-regular reviewer of Curiosity Quills titles (like this one), but if you look back at my ratings, this never prevented me from being unbiased. To date, a couple of their books have been under the 4 star mark for me. But seriously, CQP has some of the best sci-fi/fantasy titles around. It's not my fault ;)
THE SKY'S THE LIMIT
As a reader of all things weird, I sometimes muse about the rise and fall of certain genres. Maybe good old dystopian is riding a failing curve, I don't know. What I know is, sci-fantasy is on a roll, at least judging from the books I've been reading in the latest twelve months or so (which are not many, I'll admit, but still). Mind you, some of them do have dystopian elements, or ARE indeed shamelessly dystopian more than anything else...but the thing they all have in common is the happy marriage of sci-fi with fantasy. This allows authors more freedom, helps them break the boundaries and come up with fresher and bolder ideas. In The Outs, a sci-fi premise blends with a paranormal scenario, and throws in a comic/superhero theme for good measure. I'll admit that, in the hands of a less skilled writer, this might be a recipe for disaster. But E.S. Wesley rides this monster magnificently, and without a flinch. Add in a couple of damaged, flesh-and-blood teens, a disability turned into a diverse superpower, and a creepy, powerful, but still vulnerable little girl, and you'll get one of the most entertaining-slash-moving stories you'll ever read. [...]
Whole review here.
Pros: Fresh premise. Strong blend of sci-fi, fantasy and paranormal. Imaginative, hectic story without a dull moment. Tridimensional (and diverse) characters. Focus on friendship and loyalty.
Cons: Might seem a bit frenzied and confusing to some. Concise writing with short sentences might not appeal to everyone.
WARNING! Gory and scary in parts, with gruesome deaths and suicide.
Will appeal to: Those who are looking for a breathtaking story with a strong accent on friendship and an unusual heroine.
First off...DISCLAIMER: I am a semi-regular reviewer of Curiosity Quills titles (like this one), but if you look back at my ratings, this never prevented me from being unbiased. To date, a couple of their books have been under the 4 star mark for me. But seriously, CQP has some of the best sci-fi/fantasy titles around. It's not my fault ;)
THE SKY'S THE LIMIT
As a reader of all things weird, I sometimes muse about the rise and fall of certain genres. Maybe good old dystopian is riding a failing curve, I don't know. What I know is, sci-fantasy is on a roll, at least judging from the books I've been reading in the latest twelve months or so (which are not many, I'll admit, but still). Mind you, some of them do have dystopian elements, or ARE indeed shamelessly dystopian more than anything else...but the thing they all have in common is the happy marriage of sci-fi with fantasy. This allows authors more freedom, helps them break the boundaries and come up with fresher and bolder ideas. In The Outs, a sci-fi premise blends with a paranormal scenario, and throws in a comic/superhero theme for good measure. I'll admit that, in the hands of a less skilled writer, this might be a recipe for disaster. But E.S. Wesley rides this monster magnificently, and without a flinch. Add in a couple of damaged, flesh-and-blood teens, a disability turned into a diverse superpower, and a creepy, powerful, but still vulnerable little girl, and you'll get one of the most entertaining-slash-moving stories you'll ever read. [...]
Whole review here.
February 10, 2017
“The Outs” is an incredible dark and twisty book. We begin with Caleb who recovers from the Outs in a young girl’s room and kidnaps her to keep her safe. We soon learn that the young girl, Amanda, is not who she appears to be. The Outs are a time of the day when everyone loses their memories and the dead are only temporarily so- waking up after the Outs alive after having died gives you the Thrill, which seems like an adrenaline rush. Caleb and others, who seek the Thrill by gathering together to kill and/or die during the Outs are called Deadheaders.
Deadheading has an unfortunate side effect in the form of an evil voice that lives inside Caleb’s head, which has named itself Crimes. After kidnapping Amanda in a panic, Caleb is not sure what to do, but begins to text with his friend Kitsi. Kitsi is a comic book lover with aphasia, which means that she has trouble communicating. However, something about her has given her a unique skill- she can remember the Outs when no one else can- and even better, she regains her ability to understand and produce speech. Remembering the Outs is a curse, as she isolated and alone- she posts to the site Notes from Last Night, where people chronicle the things they wrote down during the Outs (but have no memory of writing afterwards).
This book was an incredible, action-packed and fast-paced journey, as the trio (Amanda, Caleb, and Kitsi) seeks answers and solutions, all while fending off the darker things that lurk beneath, like Deeds and Crimes. I cannot believe how many twists and turns there were in a book- I was truly surprised and shocked by a lot of the developments as they are revealed one by one throughout the story. It’s quite an intricately woven tale and such a unique book- I don’t think I’ve read anything quite like it! It has a similar feel to “The Ask and the Answer” and “The Maze Runner”- in that it is constant suspense and impossible to figure out with an underlying confusion as we and the main characters seek answers.
There was very little I did not enjoy about this book and I was constantly blown away by the newest reveals in the plot. The scenes from Kitsi’s point-of-view were a little hard to understand, as it’s written in the way she hears things through her aphasia, but they were not too difficult and it is interesting to get her perspective/a representation of aphasia. Overall, it’s a really complex, twisty and imaginative story- a great read!
Please note that I received an ARC from the publisher through netgalley. All opinions are my own.
Deadheading has an unfortunate side effect in the form of an evil voice that lives inside Caleb’s head, which has named itself Crimes. After kidnapping Amanda in a panic, Caleb is not sure what to do, but begins to text with his friend Kitsi. Kitsi is a comic book lover with aphasia, which means that she has trouble communicating. However, something about her has given her a unique skill- she can remember the Outs when no one else can- and even better, she regains her ability to understand and produce speech. Remembering the Outs is a curse, as she isolated and alone- she posts to the site Notes from Last Night, where people chronicle the things they wrote down during the Outs (but have no memory of writing afterwards).
This book was an incredible, action-packed and fast-paced journey, as the trio (Amanda, Caleb, and Kitsi) seeks answers and solutions, all while fending off the darker things that lurk beneath, like Deeds and Crimes. I cannot believe how many twists and turns there were in a book- I was truly surprised and shocked by a lot of the developments as they are revealed one by one throughout the story. It’s quite an intricately woven tale and such a unique book- I don’t think I’ve read anything quite like it! It has a similar feel to “The Ask and the Answer” and “The Maze Runner”- in that it is constant suspense and impossible to figure out with an underlying confusion as we and the main characters seek answers.
There was very little I did not enjoy about this book and I was constantly blown away by the newest reveals in the plot. The scenes from Kitsi’s point-of-view were a little hard to understand, as it’s written in the way she hears things through her aphasia, but they were not too difficult and it is interesting to get her perspective/a representation of aphasia. Overall, it’s a really complex, twisty and imaginative story- a great read!
Please note that I received an ARC from the publisher through netgalley. All opinions are my own.
February 9, 2017
Complete review available: The Outs
This book requires some patience at the beginning. It's not slow, far the opposite, as Wesley throws you straight in to the complex phenomena of the Outs and it takes a while to come to grips with quite what that means. Once you've concreted the supernatural element (as much as you can until the end!), however, the plot flows along well, supported by a host of complex, relatable and well-managed characters. I found occasionally the plot seemed to be taking a repetitive loop (there were a LOT of showdowns with Deeds), but the end seemed to fit when you did get there. (Had it been me, I probably would have cut down on the Deeds-confrontations, though). Overall, however, a different and enjoyable book nevertheless.
N.B.: This ebook was received from Net Gallery in return for a reflective and honest review.
This book requires some patience at the beginning. It's not slow, far the opposite, as Wesley throws you straight in to the complex phenomena of the Outs and it takes a while to come to grips with quite what that means. Once you've concreted the supernatural element (as much as you can until the end!), however, the plot flows along well, supported by a host of complex, relatable and well-managed characters. I found occasionally the plot seemed to be taking a repetitive loop (there were a LOT of showdowns with Deeds), but the end seemed to fit when you did get there. (Had it been me, I probably would have cut down on the Deeds-confrontations, though). Overall, however, a different and enjoyable book nevertheless.
N.B.: This ebook was received from Net Gallery in return for a reflective and honest review.
November 29, 2016
I sped through this wild ride from E.S. Wesley! This mix of sci-fi and fantasy kept me turning pages--dragons, physics, time travel, neuroscience--so much to love. Caleb and Kitzi were so much fun to root for, and it was fascinating to see how Wesley handled Kitzi's aphasia. Just when I thought I had "The Outs" figured out, new information would come in and blow my mind again.
Disclaimer: I was given an advance review copy of this book.
Disclaimer: I was given an advance review copy of this book.
December 7, 2016
I tried to get into the book as it seemed like a great idea, but never felt quite at home in its pages. I think it was a bit rushed and gave no guidance to the reader before getting thrown into the plot.
February 4, 2017
Strange and fascinating! There were so many moments that surprised me, making me sit up straight while gasping audibly. Bravo! I'm impressed with all of the layers to this story. The only reason I didn't finish this book in one sitting was because I had work obligations...
February 13, 2017
I don't think any summary can do this book justice. It's like Inception meets a YA Stranger Things. It's awesome! And mind bending. And intense. And I loved it.
February 7, 2017
'He couldn't control what he did during the Outs any more than he could stop the Outs from happening at all.'
A few months ago, the Outs began. During the Outs every electrical device fails to work - no cars, no phones, no lights - and brains can't use the electrical impulses to store memories. Everything that happens in the Outs stays in the Outs: as soon as they end, everything is forgotten.
Caleb wakes up after the Outs in a little girl's room. She lives a couple of doors away from him, but he can't understand why he'd be there, or why he'd be murdering a fellow Deadheader in her bedroom.
'Deadheaders. Dmitri says they shoot people during the Outs just for thrills. I know everyone just comes back to life when the Outs are over and all, but that's just wrong.'
Yep, Caleb is part of a gang who go around killing themselves and other people just to experience the thrill of revival that comes when the Outs finish. If you die in the Outs, you come back. If you die outside of the Outs, that's just death.
Caleb grabs Amanda and runs. Deeds, the leader of the Deadheaders, wants her for something, but he's determined to protect her.
Kitzi is Caleb's best friend. She suffers from aphasia following a car accident in which she was hit by a drunk driver, and it means she finds it hard to understand speech and to speak herself. In the Outs, however, she's back to the old Kitzi, able to have conversations freely. She's also the only one that can remember what happens in the Outs, but she can't work out if that's just because of her aphasia or if something bigger is at play.
Caleb quickly discovers that Amanda has powers. She wants him to stay, and no matter how many times he tries to leave her he finds himself back in the driving seat of their getaway vehicle. He considers blowing up the SUV to distract the police and cover their tracks, and moments later it goes up in flames; Amanda wants it, so it happens.
'Amanda was doing this. She wanted the SUV to explore, and it did. She wanted Caleb to stay with her, and he stayed. She'd wanted rain and the sky opened up. She was writing this story.'
Leeza, Kitzi's mother, is involved in the team investigating the Outs. She has the only car that works when the electricity goes off, powered by a different kind of energy to allow it to keep running. Kitzi feels as though her mother has abandoned her since her aphasia began, and struggles to accept her mother's involvement in the phenomenon.
But before long, Kitzi will learn that she's a lot more connected to the Outs than she could possibly imagine. Caleb and Kitzi work together to fight Deeds and save Amanda, but as the Outs become more volatile it starts to look like no one will survive...
The concept of 'The Outs' is a fascinating one.
Can you imagine every person in the world losing huge stretches of time, no one knowing what had happened beyond the notes that they'd manage to scribble to remind themselves before the Outs ended? Mass forgetting on that scale is inconceivable. The fact that technology ceased to work meant that there was no chance of anyone vlogging the incident, no live tweeting or photos taken on phones for posterity.
The Deadheaders remind me of the people in 'The Purge'. Being able to do anything without suffering the consequences is a recipe for disaster. There's no way to prove anything that happened during the Outs because no one can remember, so there's no way justice can be served. It's very philosophical. There's no punishment for acts committed in the Outs, which makes everyone act without restraint.
If we knew we could get away with it, how far would we go?
Meanwhile, Amanda reminds me of Eleven from 'Stranger Things'. If you're a fan of that show - and face it, who isn't?! - you'll love this story.
Read the rest of my review here!
A few months ago, the Outs began. During the Outs every electrical device fails to work - no cars, no phones, no lights - and brains can't use the electrical impulses to store memories. Everything that happens in the Outs stays in the Outs: as soon as they end, everything is forgotten.
Caleb wakes up after the Outs in a little girl's room. She lives a couple of doors away from him, but he can't understand why he'd be there, or why he'd be murdering a fellow Deadheader in her bedroom.
'Deadheaders. Dmitri says they shoot people during the Outs just for thrills. I know everyone just comes back to life when the Outs are over and all, but that's just wrong.'
Yep, Caleb is part of a gang who go around killing themselves and other people just to experience the thrill of revival that comes when the Outs finish. If you die in the Outs, you come back. If you die outside of the Outs, that's just death.
Caleb grabs Amanda and runs. Deeds, the leader of the Deadheaders, wants her for something, but he's determined to protect her.
Kitzi is Caleb's best friend. She suffers from aphasia following a car accident in which she was hit by a drunk driver, and it means she finds it hard to understand speech and to speak herself. In the Outs, however, she's back to the old Kitzi, able to have conversations freely. She's also the only one that can remember what happens in the Outs, but she can't work out if that's just because of her aphasia or if something bigger is at play.
Caleb quickly discovers that Amanda has powers. She wants him to stay, and no matter how many times he tries to leave her he finds himself back in the driving seat of their getaway vehicle. He considers blowing up the SUV to distract the police and cover their tracks, and moments later it goes up in flames; Amanda wants it, so it happens.
'Amanda was doing this. She wanted the SUV to explore, and it did. She wanted Caleb to stay with her, and he stayed. She'd wanted rain and the sky opened up. She was writing this story.'
Leeza, Kitzi's mother, is involved in the team investigating the Outs. She has the only car that works when the electricity goes off, powered by a different kind of energy to allow it to keep running. Kitzi feels as though her mother has abandoned her since her aphasia began, and struggles to accept her mother's involvement in the phenomenon.
But before long, Kitzi will learn that she's a lot more connected to the Outs than she could possibly imagine. Caleb and Kitzi work together to fight Deeds and save Amanda, but as the Outs become more volatile it starts to look like no one will survive...
The concept of 'The Outs' is a fascinating one.
Can you imagine every person in the world losing huge stretches of time, no one knowing what had happened beyond the notes that they'd manage to scribble to remind themselves before the Outs ended? Mass forgetting on that scale is inconceivable. The fact that technology ceased to work meant that there was no chance of anyone vlogging the incident, no live tweeting or photos taken on phones for posterity.
The Deadheaders remind me of the people in 'The Purge'. Being able to do anything without suffering the consequences is a recipe for disaster. There's no way to prove anything that happened during the Outs because no one can remember, so there's no way justice can be served. It's very philosophical. There's no punishment for acts committed in the Outs, which makes everyone act without restraint.
If we knew we could get away with it, how far would we go?
Meanwhile, Amanda reminds me of Eleven from 'Stranger Things'. If you're a fan of that show - and face it, who isn't?! - you'll love this story.
Read the rest of my review here!
February 2, 2017
This book is like jumping onto a roller coaster at night during a thunderstorm, and there's no guarantee that the ride will end where it should.
The Outs started months before. Electricity disappears. Cars won't run. Terrifying things happen. Deadly things. But when the lights go back on, everything's forgotten as if it never happened at all. Only the remaining chaotic scenes remain. Caleb is caught up in the thick of it, not sure what horrible acts he's committing. And Kitzi, his friend, is the only one who remembers. She's the only one who truly sees.
If you're in search of originality, this book is it. The reader is yanked into a dark world, where chaos reigns. It's bloody. It's terrible. But then, the lights go on, and it's over. Everyone who died, comes back to life, but they remember nothing. Only the blood they're coated in and the chaos around them hints at what happened. And it's exactly this ray of hope, which rescues the scenes from going off too far into gruesome.
Packed is a word which defines this story in so many ways. It's action packed-from beginning to end, there's always something coming and barely any time to breathe in between. It's packed with character depth-right and wrong become a gray smudge as two very different characters question themselves, each other and the true meaning of existence. Plot packed - twists and turns control every chapter, making it impossible to figure out what is going on.
There are two main characters, both in their upper teens. Caleb's parents both disappeared and while trying to cope, he ends up in a very dark place. This is where the story takes off. Caleb is actually a guy with a golden heart, who has just tipped in the wrong direction and is a little lost. He's easy to like despite his flaws. Plus, the author does an intriguing thing with this 'split' in Caleb. He brings the inner battle between good and evil to distinct life. The visual back and forth between Caleb and 'Crimes' not only adds delicious twists and turns, but opens up a treasure chest of deeper questions to inner battles and right vs. wrong.
Kitzi is a treat all for herself. She's the light in the darkness, but not without her own corners. An accident has left her unable to clearly communicate, an impediment which disappears during the Outs. She's Caleb's rock and holds everything together. But when Kitzi appears, the story always seems to switch into overdrive.
The only thing which hitched in this book was the logic. Most of the book is so tension packed that it's unclear (and intentionally so) what the truth behind the Outs is. And this part is masterfully woven together. Toward the end, however, the logic grows thin. The ending itself is interesting and refuses to let the reader go. That and the rest of the book make for a fantastic read. But deeper thought at the explanations behind everything won't entirely click into place.
Summed up, this is a dark read which will keep fans of science fiction/paranormal thrillers on the edge of their seats and guessing until the very end.
I received a complimentary copy from Curiosity Quills Press.
The Outs started months before. Electricity disappears. Cars won't run. Terrifying things happen. Deadly things. But when the lights go back on, everything's forgotten as if it never happened at all. Only the remaining chaotic scenes remain. Caleb is caught up in the thick of it, not sure what horrible acts he's committing. And Kitzi, his friend, is the only one who remembers. She's the only one who truly sees.
If you're in search of originality, this book is it. The reader is yanked into a dark world, where chaos reigns. It's bloody. It's terrible. But then, the lights go on, and it's over. Everyone who died, comes back to life, but they remember nothing. Only the blood they're coated in and the chaos around them hints at what happened. And it's exactly this ray of hope, which rescues the scenes from going off too far into gruesome.
Packed is a word which defines this story in so many ways. It's action packed-from beginning to end, there's always something coming and barely any time to breathe in between. It's packed with character depth-right and wrong become a gray smudge as two very different characters question themselves, each other and the true meaning of existence. Plot packed - twists and turns control every chapter, making it impossible to figure out what is going on.
There are two main characters, both in their upper teens. Caleb's parents both disappeared and while trying to cope, he ends up in a very dark place. This is where the story takes off. Caleb is actually a guy with a golden heart, who has just tipped in the wrong direction and is a little lost. He's easy to like despite his flaws. Plus, the author does an intriguing thing with this 'split' in Caleb. He brings the inner battle between good and evil to distinct life. The visual back and forth between Caleb and 'Crimes' not only adds delicious twists and turns, but opens up a treasure chest of deeper questions to inner battles and right vs. wrong.
Kitzi is a treat all for herself. She's the light in the darkness, but not without her own corners. An accident has left her unable to clearly communicate, an impediment which disappears during the Outs. She's Caleb's rock and holds everything together. But when Kitzi appears, the story always seems to switch into overdrive.
The only thing which hitched in this book was the logic. Most of the book is so tension packed that it's unclear (and intentionally so) what the truth behind the Outs is. And this part is masterfully woven together. Toward the end, however, the logic grows thin. The ending itself is interesting and refuses to let the reader go. That and the rest of the book make for a fantastic read. But deeper thought at the explanations behind everything won't entirely click into place.
Summed up, this is a dark read which will keep fans of science fiction/paranormal thrillers on the edge of their seats and guessing until the very end.
I received a complimentary copy from Curiosity Quills Press.
February 6, 2017
Thank you so much to Netgalley for giving me a copy of this book!
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐
I have never read anything by ES Wesley before because he is not a widely popular author and he has only written one other book (Deeds: Gods from Men). The reason I ended up reading it is because it was met to me (as an ebook) by Netgalley. I don't think his writing style is anything special, but I still enjoyed it. The writing style is very important to the execution of the story and I feel that if his writing style had really caught my attention I would have given it 5 stars. That being said I found a few format errors throughout the book that really confused me. I'm not sure, but this may just be beachside I had an ebook copy. One specific one that bothered me was when a character called Crimes was talking. When he had any sort of dialogue it was italicized, but a in a few instances it was not. This left me confused and having to figure out who was taking, because they did not even have quotation marks around them.
I thought the characters had a lot of depth to them which I thought made the story that much better. ES Wesley gave them tragic back stories and real word difficulties even though the story was not focus around their social lives. I also really liked how Kitzi had a disability. I thought it was very creative to give her aphasia (something that impairs speech and comprehension). I have never heard of it before.
I thought the idea of The Outs were really creative. I honestly no idea how authors think up this stuff. This book was full of paradoxes and plot twists. Sometimes I thought the story dragged a little bit, almost like the author could not think of what to make happen next. This is one of the reasons it did not get 5 stars.
I could not decide which genre this should qualify as. In the beginning it gave me a lot of dystopian and science fiction vibes, but as the story went on I saw a lot of fantasy elements. This really fit my taste in books as my favorite genres are sci-fi and fantasy.
Overall I really liked this book and would definitely recommend it in the future.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐
I have never read anything by ES Wesley before because he is not a widely popular author and he has only written one other book (Deeds: Gods from Men). The reason I ended up reading it is because it was met to me (as an ebook) by Netgalley. I don't think his writing style is anything special, but I still enjoyed it. The writing style is very important to the execution of the story and I feel that if his writing style had really caught my attention I would have given it 5 stars. That being said I found a few format errors throughout the book that really confused me. I'm not sure, but this may just be beachside I had an ebook copy. One specific one that bothered me was when a character called Crimes was talking. When he had any sort of dialogue it was italicized, but a in a few instances it was not. This left me confused and having to figure out who was taking, because they did not even have quotation marks around them.
I thought the characters had a lot of depth to them which I thought made the story that much better. ES Wesley gave them tragic back stories and real word difficulties even though the story was not focus around their social lives. I also really liked how Kitzi had a disability. I thought it was very creative to give her aphasia (something that impairs speech and comprehension). I have never heard of it before.
I thought the idea of The Outs were really creative. I honestly no idea how authors think up this stuff. This book was full of paradoxes and plot twists. Sometimes I thought the story dragged a little bit, almost like the author could not think of what to make happen next. This is one of the reasons it did not get 5 stars.
I could not decide which genre this should qualify as. In the beginning it gave me a lot of dystopian and science fiction vibes, but as the story went on I saw a lot of fantasy elements. This really fit my taste in books as my favorite genres are sci-fi and fantasy.
Overall I really liked this book and would definitely recommend it in the future.
February 15, 2017
Well written. More dark and twisty than I generally like, but I see the appeal for the older YA readers. The creativity authors have amazes me. Where in the world do these ideas come from?
December 20, 2016
What in the world did I just read?
This is WAAAAAAAY darker than what I've ever read but I loved it! Full Review to come.
This is WAAAAAAAY darker than what I've ever read but I loved it! Full Review to come.
March 5, 2017
The Outs is interesting to read but very much confusing for me.
November 2, 2017
Link: https://holedupinabook.blogspot.com/2...
I wasn’t really sure what to expect from this book because the synopsis didn’t give too much information and I just knew that it was sci-fi related. It was more sci-fi than I had imagined. Possibly almost to the realm of fantasy lol.
So the Outs is basically when the lights go out, you can still go about your day but you forget everything during that time when the lights come back on and everyone who had died during that time basically get a re-do. At first, I didn’t really get the concept because the author didn’t really describe it that well. For the first few chapters, my main question was: WTF is the Outs?! It wasn’t till I got more into the book that it started to become clearer. However, this concept of the Outs is just the tip of the iceberg. There are a bunch of things that I still have questions about: how did the Deadheaders come to be? The author gave a semi response to this but it’s still not very clear. The concept is just a little out there and I feel like I need a better explanation. How come it was Kitzi who was the trigger versus Amanda or Nicky? Why was she the special one when they were pretty much all the same? I definitely ended the book with more questions than answers. The concept itself is good but it’s so complex that I don’t think the author did a fantastic job in fully breaking that down.
The relationship between Caleb and Kitzi was a little odd. For some reason, I got the feeling that they were more like brothers and sisters rather than potential girlfriend/boyfriend material. Maybe it’s because they’ve been friends for so long and they’ve seen each other at the worst and the best that any sort of affection just feels brotherly/sisterly. I’m not really sure what the reason is but I just can’t imagine them becoming more than just friends.
Also, I never really liked either characters to be perfectly honest. Caleb, though at first seemed like he was very brave and whatnot, but in reality he wasn’t. He was weak and in denial a lot of times which is why he was vulnerable to Crimes. I have no interest in weak men. As for Kitzi, I can’t say this is a fault of her directly, but I could not understand a word of what she was saying whenever the Outs was gone and her aphasia took place. Half the time, I just sat there trying to decipher her meaning and the words of the people around her.
I was most definitely not a fan of the ending. I like endings that are clear cut and leave you with a positive feeling. This ending was so vague and not at all satisfying because you don’t really know the outcome of some of the main characters. I can’t decide if I feel cheated or not. I just prefer when things are more clear cut and this one was certainly not.
All in all, I found this book to be vaguely interesting but could have been a lot better with more explanations of some of the sci-fi concepts, a more realistic couple (Caleb & Kitzi) and a much better ending.
I wasn’t really sure what to expect from this book because the synopsis didn’t give too much information and I just knew that it was sci-fi related. It was more sci-fi than I had imagined. Possibly almost to the realm of fantasy lol.
So the Outs is basically when the lights go out, you can still go about your day but you forget everything during that time when the lights come back on and everyone who had died during that time basically get a re-do. At first, I didn’t really get the concept because the author didn’t really describe it that well. For the first few chapters, my main question was: WTF is the Outs?! It wasn’t till I got more into the book that it started to become clearer. However, this concept of the Outs is just the tip of the iceberg. There are a bunch of things that I still have questions about: how did the Deadheaders come to be? The author gave a semi response to this but it’s still not very clear. The concept is just a little out there and I feel like I need a better explanation. How come it was Kitzi who was the trigger versus Amanda or Nicky? Why was she the special one when they were pretty much all the same? I definitely ended the book with more questions than answers. The concept itself is good but it’s so complex that I don’t think the author did a fantastic job in fully breaking that down.
The relationship between Caleb and Kitzi was a little odd. For some reason, I got the feeling that they were more like brothers and sisters rather than potential girlfriend/boyfriend material. Maybe it’s because they’ve been friends for so long and they’ve seen each other at the worst and the best that any sort of affection just feels brotherly/sisterly. I’m not really sure what the reason is but I just can’t imagine them becoming more than just friends.
Also, I never really liked either characters to be perfectly honest. Caleb, though at first seemed like he was very brave and whatnot, but in reality he wasn’t. He was weak and in denial a lot of times which is why he was vulnerable to Crimes. I have no interest in weak men. As for Kitzi, I can’t say this is a fault of her directly, but I could not understand a word of what she was saying whenever the Outs was gone and her aphasia took place. Half the time, I just sat there trying to decipher her meaning and the words of the people around her.
I was most definitely not a fan of the ending. I like endings that are clear cut and leave you with a positive feeling. This ending was so vague and not at all satisfying because you don’t really know the outcome of some of the main characters. I can’t decide if I feel cheated or not. I just prefer when things are more clear cut and this one was certainly not.
All in all, I found this book to be vaguely interesting but could have been a lot better with more explanations of some of the sci-fi concepts, a more realistic couple (Caleb & Kitzi) and a much better ending.
September 6, 2018
I don't even know if I can express what this book was...
Caleb suffers from depression, he's got everything a kid could want, but he can't find happiness. His meds don't help, talking doesn't help, and he doesn't know what to do. Then the Outs start. The Outs are a strange phenomenon where the world goes dark, electricity stop, and chaos reigns. Caleb wakes up after one of the Outs to find himself in his neighbor's house, blood on his clothes knife in his hand, and one of his fellow Deadheaders (people that murder and maim during the Outs in order to feel the thrill) telling him to grab the six year old girl in the bed. But something isn't right about his companion, so he grabs the girl and runs. He's on the run then for kidnapping and murder and seems to not be able to do anything but what the little girl wants him to do.
Kitzi suffers from aphasia after a car accident damages her brain. This makes it hard for her to talk or understand what others are saying, but she has the ability to smell whether or not what people say is true. She's been friends with Caleb since the beginning of the Outs, and now she has to somehow help him figure out what's going on with this little girl. Kitzi has a super power though, during the Outs she can speak and understand normally, and while the rest of the world forgets what happened during the Outs, she remembers.
What follows is an action packed, edge of your seat, heartbreaking chase to figure out what's so special about this little girl and what the Outs really mean. The world described is terrifying and beautiful, and the ending has me wanting more. I loved every moment.
Caleb suffers from depression, he's got everything a kid could want, but he can't find happiness. His meds don't help, talking doesn't help, and he doesn't know what to do. Then the Outs start. The Outs are a strange phenomenon where the world goes dark, electricity stop, and chaos reigns. Caleb wakes up after one of the Outs to find himself in his neighbor's house, blood on his clothes knife in his hand, and one of his fellow Deadheaders (people that murder and maim during the Outs in order to feel the thrill) telling him to grab the six year old girl in the bed. But something isn't right about his companion, so he grabs the girl and runs. He's on the run then for kidnapping and murder and seems to not be able to do anything but what the little girl wants him to do.
Kitzi suffers from aphasia after a car accident damages her brain. This makes it hard for her to talk or understand what others are saying, but she has the ability to smell whether or not what people say is true. She's been friends with Caleb since the beginning of the Outs, and now she has to somehow help him figure out what's going on with this little girl. Kitzi has a super power though, during the Outs she can speak and understand normally, and while the rest of the world forgets what happened during the Outs, she remembers.
What follows is an action packed, edge of your seat, heartbreaking chase to figure out what's so special about this little girl and what the Outs really mean. The world described is terrifying and beautiful, and the ending has me wanting more. I loved every moment.
August 30, 2017
I absolutely loved this book. It had an original and interesting plot which is hard to find. I liked that it wasn't all happy fluffy rainbows, but had lots of action and killing, but still not quite horror. There were many unexpected twists throughout the story that made me want to continue reading to see how they resolved.
There were a lot of references to superheroes and other things in this book that if you didn't understand might make it a bit harder to understand.
The characters weren't idle, they changed and grew as the story progresses. They are not over moral, but also aren't bad people generally speaking. They also had other passions not really relevant to the plot that make them more believable and likeable.
I had a little trouble with some of the lines that sounded more like crimes that weren't italics. The different font made it look like Caleb was still talking even though it sounded more like crimes. In my copy of the book there was one enormous error. About four of the pages were put in the wrong order, so I had to flip the pages backwards to read it properly. I have no idea how the editor missed that.
Overall, it was a very unique read that was very enjoyable. I highly recommend this book to anyone who is looking for something new and out of the box, but also well done and with lots of action.
There were a lot of references to superheroes and other things in this book that if you didn't understand might make it a bit harder to understand.
The characters weren't idle, they changed and grew as the story progresses. They are not over moral, but also aren't bad people generally speaking. They also had other passions not really relevant to the plot that make them more believable and likeable.
I had a little trouble with some of the lines that sounded more like crimes that weren't italics. The different font made it look like Caleb was still talking even though it sounded more like crimes. In my copy of the book there was one enormous error. About four of the pages were put in the wrong order, so I had to flip the pages backwards to read it properly. I have no idea how the editor missed that.
Overall, it was a very unique read that was very enjoyable. I highly recommend this book to anyone who is looking for something new and out of the box, but also well done and with lots of action.
August 7, 2018
During The Outs, nothing works, memories are forgotten forgotten, and crimes go unnoticed. Since The Outs began, society has had to change to accommodate them. But Caleb and Kitzi begin having different experiences after a murder holds when The Outs are over. I loved the first half of this one. I kept reading, but the story did veer into slightly ridiculous territory.
April 6, 2017
Read full review on: http://like-a-fangirl.blogspot.com
*Book received for free by Curiosity Quills*
''My mind has been completely blown away by this book.
I can’t even…
WOW''
(...)
''It’s kind of a mystery when you’re reading it. You always think you’ve figure it out and then you haven’t. And that’s amazing!''
(...)
''This book is so beautifully written, that you can’t help but be swept into this world and fall for its characters. While, and I must say that that is what’s keeping me of giving 5 * to The Outs is the lack of … I don’t actually know the word for it, but I didn’t connect to the characters the way I should. Even though I shipped it, even though I wanted them to survive or be okay, it just wasn’t they way it should… I don’t know, I think the only thinking lacking on this book is that you don’t connect with the characters as much as you should. Some scenes could have been more explores thus giving us more to work with.
That being said, I’m over the moon with this book. I honestly can’t express enough how much in love I am with this world. And how much I would like to have something more to read so that I didn’t have to let go.''
This is actually a 4.999 review ;p
*Book received for free by Curiosity Quills*
''My mind has been completely blown away by this book.
I can’t even…
WOW''
(...)
''It’s kind of a mystery when you’re reading it. You always think you’ve figure it out and then you haven’t. And that’s amazing!''
(...)
''This book is so beautifully written, that you can’t help but be swept into this world and fall for its characters. While, and I must say that that is what’s keeping me of giving 5 * to The Outs is the lack of … I don’t actually know the word for it, but I didn’t connect to the characters the way I should. Even though I shipped it, even though I wanted them to survive or be okay, it just wasn’t they way it should… I don’t know, I think the only thinking lacking on this book is that you don’t connect with the characters as much as you should. Some scenes could have been more explores thus giving us more to work with.
That being said, I’m over the moon with this book. I honestly can’t express enough how much in love I am with this world. And how much I would like to have something more to read so that I didn’t have to let go.''
This is actually a 4.999 review ;p
February 14, 2017
Curiosity Quills Press and NetGalley provided me with an electronic copy of The Outs. This is my honest opinion of the book.
"The Outs: An unexplained global phenomenon that alters the functional laws governing electricity and prevents the formation of new memories."
Kitzi has a previous head injury that makes it such that she remembers what happens during the Outs. Feeling alone, but unable to fully communicate with people due to her aphasia, Kitzi is worried when her friend Caleb gets himself into trouble during the Outs. As a Deadheader, a group that gets their thrills by killing people because the dead come back to life when the Outs end, Caleb get involved in something that he himself cannot explain. With his parents missing and his being accused of kidnapping his 6 year old neighbor, Caleb and Kitzi need to determine what is happening and how Amanda figures into all of it.
The Outs reminded me of a mash up between The Purge and Twilight Zone: The Movie. There are a lot of intricate and involved plot lines, many of which are bizarre and ask readers to suspend reality. Just because a book falls into the science fiction category does not mean that it has to be wholly unusual or implausible. With an unreliable main character, as he descends slowly into madness and a young girl with unfocused but incredible power, the reader barely has a chance to grasp the plot before the author takes a different direction. This was not a successful book for me, but readers who like science fiction that is a little unusual might like The Outs.
"The Outs: An unexplained global phenomenon that alters the functional laws governing electricity and prevents the formation of new memories."
Kitzi has a previous head injury that makes it such that she remembers what happens during the Outs. Feeling alone, but unable to fully communicate with people due to her aphasia, Kitzi is worried when her friend Caleb gets himself into trouble during the Outs. As a Deadheader, a group that gets their thrills by killing people because the dead come back to life when the Outs end, Caleb get involved in something that he himself cannot explain. With his parents missing and his being accused of kidnapping his 6 year old neighbor, Caleb and Kitzi need to determine what is happening and how Amanda figures into all of it.
The Outs reminded me of a mash up between The Purge and Twilight Zone: The Movie. There are a lot of intricate and involved plot lines, many of which are bizarre and ask readers to suspend reality. Just because a book falls into the science fiction category does not mean that it has to be wholly unusual or implausible. With an unreliable main character, as he descends slowly into madness and a young girl with unfocused but incredible power, the reader barely has a chance to grasp the plot before the author takes a different direction. This was not a successful book for me, but readers who like science fiction that is a little unusual might like The Outs.
Read
February 5, 2017This book was seriously trippy. I mean, I haven't been in the best headspace lately, which didn't help me to follow what is actually a pretty complicated story, and nor did the fact I read it quite slowly and in short bursts because uni ate my reading time. Even so, I think I would've struggled. Parts of this were just too weird even for me. Plus, while Kitzi's aphasia was interesting in terms of representation and I actually learned something from it, it didn't help me with following what was going on -- a deliberate confusion, I felt, but not necessarily a helpful one. I liked aspects of it, and it was well written and everything, but it was just... very very weird. Also there were a lot of Marvel references, only some of which I got. Also possibly a Hamilton reference, although I might've been projecting there.
Full review to follow if I ever get around to actually writing book reviews hahaha Cambridge is crushing my spirit
Full review to follow if I ever get around to actually writing book reviews hahaha Cambridge is crushing my spirit
January 30, 2017
In a world where the natural laws no longer exist and consequences don't matter, death no longer matters who would we become? Would the darkness that is buried inside our hearts take over? Wonderful concept with a Full Metal Alchemist meets Marvel twist.
December 17, 2016
I got a hold of an e-ARC of THE OUTS! What an enjoyable book!! E.S. Wesley will take you on an adventure in a world where something strange is afoot. I especially loved Kitzi's sections and the portrayal of her aphasia.
April 15, 2017
Well this was... an interesting read...
Just gonna quickly put a little trigger warning in here, as there is graphic and emotional descriptions of depression and suicide. But the story isn't about these things, and they aren't properly talked about until far later in the novel.
You're thrown right into the deep end from page one, having to put the pieces together as the plot progresses. We meet one of our protagonists, Caleb, in an unfamiliar room with mysterious men and a random little girl. He ends up taking her with him as he runs, trying to figure out what he did during the Outs.
The Outs are kinda confusing. They're moments in time where electrical appliances all fail, and anything that happens is forgotten as soon as the Outs end. Oh, and anyone killed during the Outs is resurrected from the dead.
I'm really not sure how to describe this book. The plot is super confusing - Caleb and his aphasic friend, Kitzi, take this weird little girl (Amanda) who somehow has powers over everyone and everything, in an attempt to stop Deeds and his army of Deadheaders. Caleb has a psychopathic voice in his head called Crimes, Amanda's dreams come true, Kitzi's suicide happens to have taken place at the same time the Outs started, she can smell the truth - and somehow they're all connected to the Outs? These three individuals - and many others along the way - each have a big part in what is happening. But how?
Honestly, I cannot explain it. There are so many little ties and strings throughout this book that all add up, and I couldn't possibly include them all.
It definitely is a unique book. The idea is pretty good, too - the whole "nightmares becoming real" and all. But I just didn't connect; I don't know if it was the pacing or what, but I just didn't feel involved in it.
I feel like I should've been able to sympathise with the characters more - they had good backstories, emotional and family issues that different people should be able to relate to. And the narration following Kitzi often makes references to comic books which I personally really appreciated. But I just didn't quite feel them. Maybe it's just me - there's nothing wrong with the writing in particular, so maybe it's just personal preference. I don't know.
I had a few typos in my copy but I received an ARC, not a final copy, so that shouldn't affect anyone buying the book. I loved the cover, and the art at each chapter start was great. Also, the inclusion of "Notes From Last Night" (a site where people recorded notes during the outs for after they forget) was awesome, too. It added a whole other dimension to the world, an extra little bit of interest.
I wanted to like this, I really did. And I didn't dislike it - but it didn't feel like anything special to me. 3 stars for The Outs.
Just gonna quickly put a little trigger warning in here, as there is graphic and emotional descriptions of depression and suicide. But the story isn't about these things, and they aren't properly talked about until far later in the novel.
You're thrown right into the deep end from page one, having to put the pieces together as the plot progresses. We meet one of our protagonists, Caleb, in an unfamiliar room with mysterious men and a random little girl. He ends up taking her with him as he runs, trying to figure out what he did during the Outs.
The Outs are kinda confusing. They're moments in time where electrical appliances all fail, and anything that happens is forgotten as soon as the Outs end. Oh, and anyone killed during the Outs is resurrected from the dead.
I'm really not sure how to describe this book. The plot is super confusing - Caleb and his aphasic friend, Kitzi, take this weird little girl (Amanda) who somehow has powers over everyone and everything, in an attempt to stop Deeds and his army of Deadheaders. Caleb has a psychopathic voice in his head called Crimes, Amanda's dreams come true, Kitzi's suicide happens to have taken place at the same time the Outs started, she can smell the truth - and somehow they're all connected to the Outs? These three individuals - and many others along the way - each have a big part in what is happening. But how?
Honestly, I cannot explain it. There are so many little ties and strings throughout this book that all add up, and I couldn't possibly include them all.
It definitely is a unique book. The idea is pretty good, too - the whole "nightmares becoming real" and all. But I just didn't connect; I don't know if it was the pacing or what, but I just didn't feel involved in it.
I feel like I should've been able to sympathise with the characters more - they had good backstories, emotional and family issues that different people should be able to relate to. And the narration following Kitzi often makes references to comic books which I personally really appreciated. But I just didn't quite feel them. Maybe it's just me - there's nothing wrong with the writing in particular, so maybe it's just personal preference. I don't know.
I had a few typos in my copy but I received an ARC, not a final copy, so that shouldn't affect anyone buying the book. I loved the cover, and the art at each chapter start was great. Also, the inclusion of "Notes From Last Night" (a site where people recorded notes during the outs for after they forget) was awesome, too. It added a whole other dimension to the world, an extra little bit of interest.
I wanted to like this, I really did. And I didn't dislike it - but it didn't feel like anything special to me. 3 stars for The Outs.
April 16, 2017
I received a free copy via Netgalley in exchange for a honest review.
I really tried with this even reading it twice.
But I found it confusing on the first read and no clearer on the second.
It just was not for me.
I really tried with this even reading it twice.
But I found it confusing on the first read and no clearer on the second.
It just was not for me.
April 28, 2017
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to the author, E. S. Wesley, and the publisher, Curiosity Quills Press, for this opportunity.
Memory-stealing blackouts have been haunting the youth of society, with no know cause to this phenomena. Caleb awakens, after one such episode, in possession of his neighbour's young daughter and standing over the body of a dead woman. Kitzi has a power that could save them all, but the secrets to unlocking it lay buried inside her mind, after suffering from brain trauma, at a young age.
This was an interesting read with an interesting concept but with no clear narrative I found myself lost in the plot. The 'outs' that occur, seem to have no sensical description or point of entry to give the reader and, as such, I was constantly at a loss as to what was occurring.
Memory-stealing blackouts have been haunting the youth of society, with no know cause to this phenomena. Caleb awakens, after one such episode, in possession of his neighbour's young daughter and standing over the body of a dead woman. Kitzi has a power that could save them all, but the secrets to unlocking it lay buried inside her mind, after suffering from brain trauma, at a young age.
This was an interesting read with an interesting concept but with no clear narrative I found myself lost in the plot. The 'outs' that occur, seem to have no sensical description or point of entry to give the reader and, as such, I was constantly at a loss as to what was occurring.
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