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Coastview Prophecies #1
Hidden Sight
After losing my parents and my sight in a car accident, I thought my world was over. I closed myself off from the outside world, living with my Aunt Ruthie and my guide dog, Vago. But my new gift of being able to see into the supernatural realm changes everything.When I'm plagued with a vision of a catastrophic event, I know I can't sit back and watch my California coastal town's ultimate demise. With Vago by my side, I set out to stop my premonition from coming true. But we quickly find ourselves up against evil spirits that have taken control of half the town, including the police department and city council.In a race against time, I must battle my own demons while trying to save everyone from an explosive ending that nobody else can see coming. But will I have the courage to use my supernatural sight to save my town?Hidden Sight is a suspenseful thriller packed with mystery and paranormal twists. Be sure to follow the second book in the series, Beyond Sight.Author Simone Pond is also known as Simone DeBlasio.
253 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 1, 2016
87 people are currently reading
166 people want to read
About the author
Simone Pond
32 books254 followersAuthor of hard-to-put-down, action-packed dystopian and fantasy. Also known as Simone DeBlasio Stier.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
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July 25, 2019
I'd class this book as a mature YA or very young NA urban fantasy.
It starts with a horrible accident that takes the lives of Sibyl's parents, destroy's Sibyl's dreams of going to college on a sports scholarship and leaves Sibyl blind but able to 'see' the supernatural.
After the intro, you're thrust into a one-year later type scenario where Sibyl has become a hermit with only her aunt and dog - who is more than just a dog - to keep her company.
It's slow, it's boring and it's incredibly frustrating that at nineteen years old she's effectively giving up on doing anything with herself... But anyway.
Sibyl has freaky visions of bad stuff happening and when she foresees a horrific event decimating her little town she - after a lot of wishy-washy annoyance - decides to pull up her big girl pants, brave the outside and try and prevent the disaster while learning more about her powers.
This is when the story picked up.
Sibyl became a little less annoying and everything got a little more interesting.
That said, the characters and the world all felt flat to me.
Everything was so... Two-dimensional, like if you scraped the surface of the characters or the world you'd find nothing underneath and it made everything just feel pointless.
It was hard to care about the characters. It was hard to get excited about what was going on.
The book presents a novel twist on the supernatural but everything was just a bit boring and I just couldn’t be convinced to invest myself in the outcome or in what comes next.
I finished it because it was a fairly quick read but won’t continue with the series.
The best bit, in my opinion, was the cover.
It starts with a horrible accident that takes the lives of Sibyl's parents, destroy's Sibyl's dreams of going to college on a sports scholarship and leaves Sibyl blind but able to 'see' the supernatural.
After the intro, you're thrust into a one-year later type scenario where Sibyl has become a hermit with only her aunt and dog - who is more than just a dog - to keep her company.
It's slow, it's boring and it's incredibly frustrating that at nineteen years old she's effectively giving up on doing anything with herself... But anyway.
Sibyl has freaky visions of bad stuff happening and when she foresees a horrific event decimating her little town she - after a lot of wishy-washy annoyance - decides to pull up her big girl pants, brave the outside and try and prevent the disaster while learning more about her powers.
This is when the story picked up.
Sibyl became a little less annoying and everything got a little more interesting.
That said, the characters and the world all felt flat to me.
Everything was so... Two-dimensional, like if you scraped the surface of the characters or the world you'd find nothing underneath and it made everything just feel pointless.
It was hard to care about the characters. It was hard to get excited about what was going on.
The book presents a novel twist on the supernatural but everything was just a bit boring and I just couldn’t be convinced to invest myself in the outcome or in what comes next.
I finished it because it was a fairly quick read but won’t continue with the series.
The best bit, in my opinion, was the cover.
January 29, 2018
I downloaded Hidden Sight as a free book from Amazon. A great synopsis, and some fresh plot twists, but this story was littered with inconsistencies (in Ch 6, Vago has a dog door, yet most of the book has people letting him into the house), and actions that don't make sense (Sybil made up the phrase Spirit Handlers, but thinks she can look them up on the internet using her own made up name), or learning braille in a month (usually it can take a year or two). The story line has an Odd Thomas feel because of the encroaching dark spirits (the Spirit Handlers), and Vago's dog shifter is fairly one-dimensional, he's either a person or a dog with no habit-personality cross-over.
Why isn't the rating lower with these issues? The writing is pretty good and the premise behind the book is creative. With a better research and proofreading to catch errors (for example: Dr Phil IS a doctor, he has a PhD as a psychiatrist, but not as a psychologist-- these things should be clarified if the writer feels it is important enough to comment on in the first place). With a little more care, the writer could have a smashing good series, I'm half-tempted to continue reading, regardless of the issues I had, as I think it could get better with each book.
Why isn't the rating lower with these issues? The writing is pretty good and the premise behind the book is creative. With a better research and proofreading to catch errors (for example: Dr Phil IS a doctor, he has a PhD as a psychiatrist, but not as a psychologist-- these things should be clarified if the writer feels it is important enough to comment on in the first place). With a little more care, the writer could have a smashing good series, I'm half-tempted to continue reading, regardless of the issues I had, as I think it could get better with each book.
August 22, 2017
Pretty good.
Not my favorite book, but entertaining to read. This book held a lot of promise, but sadly didn't quite live up to what I was hoping for it. Mostly I was disappointed with the whiny quality that Sybil (female lead) had through the book. In addition Sybil and Eli's relationship seemed to be rushed, it would have made more sense for her to get with Vago, even though he's her dog. If the relationship between Eli and Sybil were developed a bit more I think I would have enjoyed it more.
All in all if you like checking out new supernatural books where good battles evil, this is the book for you. Try it out, and enjoy. If you're looking for a fun adventure story to pass your time, it may not be for you.
Not my favorite book, but entertaining to read. This book held a lot of promise, but sadly didn't quite live up to what I was hoping for it. Mostly I was disappointed with the whiny quality that Sybil (female lead) had through the book. In addition Sybil and Eli's relationship seemed to be rushed, it would have made more sense for her to get with Vago, even though he's her dog. If the relationship between Eli and Sybil were developed a bit more I think I would have enjoyed it more.
All in all if you like checking out new supernatural books where good battles evil, this is the book for you. Try it out, and enjoy. If you're looking for a fun adventure story to pass your time, it may not be for you.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 24, 2017
Interesting
It seems at first glance to be the unsuspecting clueless heroine learns she is destined to fight evil scenario. But a few tweaks on the characters, adding blindness and "special sight" to the main female character, and some special abilities to her male sidekick make this series just a cut above. Then there is another surprise in that her sidekick is not her love interest, and he has his own talents. This strengthens the story even further, and raises it above the humdrum. I'm looking forward to book two.
It seems at first glance to be the unsuspecting clueless heroine learns she is destined to fight evil scenario. But a few tweaks on the characters, adding blindness and "special sight" to the main female character, and some special abilities to her male sidekick make this series just a cut above. Then there is another surprise in that her sidekick is not her love interest, and he has his own talents. This strengthens the story even further, and raises it above the humdrum. I'm looking forward to book two.
February 28, 2017
I really enjoyed this book, and was pleased at the character development of the main characters as the story progressed. I liked the different twist on the story line....I was not sure it would work, but it was perfect. I am getting ready to start book two, and I look forward to it. Worth a read if you like psychic/supernatural type books!
January 4, 2017
4.5ish- I really ended up enjoying this book. I loved the characters and their interactions with each other. I LOVED that this wasn't another love triangle and it never felt like it should have been. I look forward to finding out more about their destiny
May 31, 2017
Different enough for me
Just your average teenager, throw in a shapeshifter, stir in a ghost, add a pinch of evil, and a hot boyfriend( very hot, he throws lightning) and you'll have hours of fun reading!
Just your average teenager, throw in a shapeshifter, stir in a ghost, add a pinch of evil, and a hot boyfriend( very hot, he throws lightning) and you'll have hours of fun reading!
February 10, 2017
Sight
Sibyl is blind ang has visions. She has help from Vago & Eli. Loved the amount of mystery and suspense in this book
Sibyl is blind ang has visions. She has help from Vago & Eli. Loved the amount of mystery and suspense in this book
May 24, 2017
Great book. Great start to a series. Kept me on the edge of my seat all the way to the end. Can't wait to read further.
June 4, 2017
I really enjoyed this. Just downloaded second book. I recommend this for any age reader
January 9, 2018
Sorry
I just couldn't get into it.. interesting story line, interesting characters, but I couldn't engage... Made me feel bad cause there was so much of what I normally like
I just couldn't get into it.. interesting story line, interesting characters, but I couldn't engage... Made me feel bad cause there was so much of what I normally like
August 2, 2023
DNF - I did give it a try, but this book was an Amazon Freebie and I got it before I realized I don't want to read YA or even NA...
March 20, 2017
I loved Hidden Sight!!! The originality of the story had me glued to my Kindle until I finished it, and now I am eagerly awaiting the second in series because that ending was awesome. I love all the characters, especially the villain whom I won’t mention. I look forward to seeing Eli, Sibyl, and Vago further develop their powers, and I can’t wait to see what Marlo’s role will be as the series continues.
I received a free copy and volunteered to review it.
I received a free copy and volunteered to review it.
March 12, 2017
Great book, must read, great new series.
September 20, 2017
Sibyl was a popular athlete with a great boyfriend, supportive family and a bright future, until the fateful night of the car crash. Her parents were killed, she lost her sight and Jack dumped her three days after the accident. Now she lives as a virtual recluse with her Aunt Ruthie and guide dog Vago. Ruthie thinks that Sibyl doesn't want to face the people she once knew but it is more complicated than that. Sibyl can see the auras of everyone, and can tell who is good and who is evil. Seeing the evil frightens her too much so she hides away with those she trusts. She also gets visions of the future and this time, the vision shows everyone who goes to City Hall for the upcoming town planning vote being killed by a bomb. How can Sibyl stop Ruthie and the town from being killed if she is scared to leave the house?
Sibyl is a great character and I had so much sympathy for what happened to her. I could fully understand her reluctance to leave the house even without the visions and nasty auras scaring her half to death. I think it would take you time to come to terms with everything that had happened and she greatly relies on Ruthie. Ruthie has been looking after her since the accident and loves her very much, desperate to help her integrate back into a normal life. She wants to get Sibyl out of the house and living again, and her heart is very much in the right place. Ruthie is used to Sibyl asking her to change things or do things based on her 'bad feelings' but she is unaware of the truly paranormal things going on. I really liked their relationship.
Sybil did rehabilitation work with Esther Townsend after her accident and this is where she was paired with her guide dog Vago, who is adorable. Vago has a secret of his own though. He is actually a shifter, chosen to be Sibyl's companion because of her gifts. He is a dog by day and a man by night, and now thinks it is time to reveal his secret to help Sibyl stop her vision from coming true. With Esther now dead and unable to help them, they decide to reach out to her grandson Eli, in the hope that he will know something about Sybil and her powers. Eli is intrigued by Sibyl and will discover something about himself as he tries to help her and Vago.
I liked the simplicity of the plot. Sybil must try to get the date of the vote changed to stop the prophecy coming true, without drawing attention to herself. She tries to tell Ruthie who is not interested in changing the date and nor are the people at City Hall. All she manages to do is bring herself onto the radar of local cop Pike, who has a strange aura like a black hole that unsettles Sibyl. Why is Pike taking such an interest in Sibyl? Is he going to be a danger to Sibyl and Ruthie, who has a crush on him? Is he involved in the actual bomb plot?
This was a good book. It first caught my eye because of the gorgeous cover and when I read the blurb, it sounded a bit different. I liked having a blind MC who faces challenges in her life being the MC and the heroine trying to save the day. I very much liked the characters which is important to me liking the book. The plot was interesting, the bad guy was nasty and Sibyl has to face up to her many fears to save the day. I enjoyed this first book and already have the next book in the series to try. Recommended to fans of character driven urban fantasy and diverse MCs.
Sibyl is a great character and I had so much sympathy for what happened to her. I could fully understand her reluctance to leave the house even without the visions and nasty auras scaring her half to death. I think it would take you time to come to terms with everything that had happened and she greatly relies on Ruthie. Ruthie has been looking after her since the accident and loves her very much, desperate to help her integrate back into a normal life. She wants to get Sibyl out of the house and living again, and her heart is very much in the right place. Ruthie is used to Sibyl asking her to change things or do things based on her 'bad feelings' but she is unaware of the truly paranormal things going on. I really liked their relationship.
Sybil did rehabilitation work with Esther Townsend after her accident and this is where she was paired with her guide dog Vago, who is adorable. Vago has a secret of his own though. He is actually a shifter, chosen to be Sibyl's companion because of her gifts. He is a dog by day and a man by night, and now thinks it is time to reveal his secret to help Sibyl stop her vision from coming true. With Esther now dead and unable to help them, they decide to reach out to her grandson Eli, in the hope that he will know something about Sybil and her powers. Eli is intrigued by Sibyl and will discover something about himself as he tries to help her and Vago.
I liked the simplicity of the plot. Sybil must try to get the date of the vote changed to stop the prophecy coming true, without drawing attention to herself. She tries to tell Ruthie who is not interested in changing the date and nor are the people at City Hall. All she manages to do is bring herself onto the radar of local cop Pike, who has a strange aura like a black hole that unsettles Sibyl. Why is Pike taking such an interest in Sibyl? Is he going to be a danger to Sibyl and Ruthie, who has a crush on him? Is he involved in the actual bomb plot?
This was a good book. It first caught my eye because of the gorgeous cover and when I read the blurb, it sounded a bit different. I liked having a blind MC who faces challenges in her life being the MC and the heroine trying to save the day. I very much liked the characters which is important to me liking the book. The plot was interesting, the bad guy was nasty and Sibyl has to face up to her many fears to save the day. I enjoyed this first book and already have the next book in the series to try. Recommended to fans of character driven urban fantasy and diverse MCs.
February 26, 2017
Great book
December 30, 2016
If you like romance, strong female characters and a little good face evil in urban fantasy, then you'll love Simone Pond's new series. There's a delightful dog who's a shape shifter and protector. Love the lead character who lost her sight but can see spirits. Join the fun and check it out!
April 13, 2020
My review of this book as seen on my blog -
Descendant of Poseidon Reads
This book gives me another dimension to the supernatural thing and I really been pinned to it the moment I start reading the whole episode. If you want to ask me about the supernatural, I honestly binge knowing it not in the way you think it is but by watching only Supernatural – lol. So that’s why I’m interested and curious about the book. I’m also been thinking about the supernatural phenomenon happen to this novel because it is not the way I knew. It was really creative and playful to your mind but a little bit scary, though.
The characters that played along the story have their unique role and they are quite good and interesting. One of the characters is Sybil who had been blinded due to an accident together with her parents. I was so sad on the first narration of the story ‘cause the moment she thinks the day is gonna be okay but in the end with one snap, it's gone. She then discovers this gift she had and doesn't want really to go through it. But not until one event happened where she really must do something or else. Vago, on the other hand, has its own story that he must tackle to unfold some mysteries that holds his past and future. Together, they must continue what they suppose to do and the connection they’ve been encountering that can help their case.
The story was told in POV with the two characters, Sybil and Vago. Well, it is good that way since we can know what each character is thinking about and since the other one is a dog, I think it is really good that way. All in all, I like how the story goes and can’t wait for the next book, Beyond Sight.
With my way of liking it, I recommend this to those who want some mystery and supernatural aura and shifter and just check this out.
This book gives me another dimension to the supernatural thing and I really been pinned to it the moment I start reading the whole episode. If you want to ask me about the supernatural, I honestly binge knowing it not in the way you think it is but by watching only Supernatural – lol. So that’s why I’m interested and curious about the book. I’m also been thinking about the supernatural phenomenon happen to this novel because it is not the way I knew. It was really creative and playful to your mind but a little bit scary, though.
The characters that played along the story have their unique role and they are quite good and interesting. One of the characters is Sybil who had been blinded due to an accident together with her parents. I was so sad on the first narration of the story ‘cause the moment she thinks the day is gonna be okay but in the end with one snap, it's gone. She then discovers this gift she had and doesn't want really to go through it. But not until one event happened where she really must do something or else. Vago, on the other hand, has its own story that he must tackle to unfold some mysteries that holds his past and future. Together, they must continue what they suppose to do and the connection they’ve been encountering that can help their case.
The story was told in POV with the two characters, Sybil and Vago. Well, it is good that way since we can know what each character is thinking about and since the other one is a dog, I think it is really good that way. All in all, I like how the story goes and can’t wait for the next book, Beyond Sight.
With my way of liking it, I recommend this to those who want some mystery and supernatural aura and shifter and just check this out.
November 18, 2016
Told alternately from the perspective of Sibyl, a girl blinded a year ago in the accident that killed her parents, and Vago, her guide dog (yeah) who also turns into a man between midnight and 7am. Sibyl, blind, now sees souls and these icky things that seemingly eat the goodness in souls. She also gets visions, and one of them is happening soon and involves the town hall getting blown up during a local election. Sibyl, reluctantly, with Vago, sets out to prevent this from coming true.
This is an interesting take on the soul reader theme, but it was not without problems. The biggest one for me was the fact that Sibyl was a shut in because of the events of the year and her fear of the soul eating demons. One day she gets anxiety so bad at the prospect of answering the door that she instead ends up on the floor in the fetal position, but the next day she walks down to city hall. Anxiety isn't solved with a mission, but I guess the plot had to move on. And really, in a book with a blind girl who sees auras, a dog that turns into a man, and demons eating souls, this is the least believable thing.
As the story progressed, I got a bit more into it and liked it. I will read the next book in the series, but of the novels I've read from this author, this is her weakest (and it probably didn't help that I had just finished her strongest right before starting this).
This is an interesting take on the soul reader theme, but it was not without problems. The biggest one for me was the fact that Sibyl was a shut in because of the events of the year and her fear of the soul eating demons. One day she gets anxiety so bad at the prospect of answering the door that she instead ends up on the floor in the fetal position, but the next day she walks down to city hall. Anxiety isn't solved with a mission, but I guess the plot had to move on. And really, in a book with a blind girl who sees auras, a dog that turns into a man, and demons eating souls, this is the least believable thing.
As the story progressed, I got a bit more into it and liked it. I will read the next book in the series, but of the novels I've read from this author, this is her weakest (and it probably didn't help that I had just finished her strongest right before starting this).
November 11, 2016
This book has a great balance of romance, action and supernatural, it gives us share of it throughout the reading. Sybil, Vago and Eli are the perfect team, even though they may not know how involved they were in the events, they were willing to learn and save the town, they were willing to step into this supernatural without much guidance. The chemistry between Eli and Sybil is a scene stealer and Vago is the perfect sidekick. I am glad this book doesn't answer every question I had because I needed a reason to stay hooked up.
http://bookloversbookreview.blogspot.... - for a complete review
http://bookloversbookreview.blogspot.... - for a complete review
February 4, 2017
Original spin on paranormal sight
I liked the contrast between sight and"the sight" as used by the author. The main character of Sybil had multiple components to her unique situation that draw readers in quickly. As she and her service dog each discover and work through their individual and common problems/abilities, other characters join in the discovery on one side or the other. Overall this is a good, engaging and fast paced read that held me through to the end and into the next book as well.
I liked the contrast between sight and"the sight" as used by the author. The main character of Sybil had multiple components to her unique situation that draw readers in quickly. As she and her service dog each discover and work through their individual and common problems/abilities, other characters join in the discovery on one side or the other. Overall this is a good, engaging and fast paced read that held me through to the end and into the next book as well.
November 5, 2016
Great start to a new series! I loved seeing Sibyl, Vago and Eli's journey. It was a bit different take on a good VS evil battle for me in reference to what each of them were able to do. I can't wait to see where their journey goes in the next book.
I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of the book
I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of the book
December 2, 2016
An unusual heroine
As I almost read the book in one go without putting it down, I had to give it 5 stars. A little generous probably, but as I've already setup an alert to read the next one, I can't do otherwise.
If I was to have any criticism, it was very detailed in some bits, but a little brief in others, and hopefully some of those bits will get explained in future books.
As I almost read the book in one go without putting it down, I had to give it 5 stars. A little generous probably, but as I've already setup an alert to read the next one, I can't do otherwise.
If I was to have any criticism, it was very detailed in some bits, but a little brief in others, and hopefully some of those bits will get explained in future books.
December 27, 2016
I am so glad that I took a chance and read your book
I have a specific type of book that I read and at the time yours didn't fit the bill. But I kept passing it by and the more I did so the more curious I became. Then finally my curiosity got the best of me. So... um thank you for writing it I truly loved it...
I have a specific type of book that I read and at the time yours didn't fit the bill. But I kept passing it by and the more I did so the more curious I became. Then finally my curiosity got the best of me. So... um thank you for writing it I truly loved it...
November 8, 2016
Demon spawn attacking Coastview
This is only the first book of this series. Magically enhanced trio, one blind girl, a shifter dog and one who is a healer and lightning conjurer who unite to defend their village.
This is only the first book of this series. Magically enhanced trio, one blind girl, a shifter dog and one who is a healer and lightning conjurer who unite to defend their village.
November 11, 2016
Dnfd near the end because the writing was inconsistent and the plotting felt underdone
November 13, 2016
A fun YA series
This is quite an enjoyable and unique story. Exciting premise, interesting characters and overall a fun read. Well written, too.
This is quite an enjoyable and unique story. Exciting premise, interesting characters and overall a fun read. Well written, too.
November 20, 2016
YA..coming of age. a young woman loses her sight and parents in a terrible and supernatural accident. in return she gains visions and the ability to see the supernatural...
December 20, 2016
Seems like a good series. Have downloaded "Beyond Sight"
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews