Something Like Voodoo

by Rebecca Hamilton

High School can be a witch.

A teen girl with the ability to predict deaths through her drawings shouldn't need to lie constantly to make her life sound interesting. But that doesn't stop Emily from spinning stories faster than she can keep up.

After transferring to a new school, Emily's 'dull' life is shaken by the appearance of a boy who seems unfazed by her far-fetched stories. A too-handsome-for-his-own-good senior, Noah has some secrets of his own. He needs Emily's special gift to save him from Sarah, queen bee of the school's It Girls, whose own supernatural abilities have forced him into a life of silence and solitude.

But when Emily tries to free him from Sarah's voodoo curse, things go belly up, landing Emily on Sarah's hit list. Soon, Emily and Noah are on a collision course with the It Girls, leading to a shocking revelation that ties them together in unimaginable ways. If their powers remain unchecked, this teenage popularity contest could spell the death of them all ...

Romantically charged and eerily chilling, Something Like Voodoo weighs the choice of saving your life versus fighting for a life worth saving. This paranormal romance will put a spell on you.

Genres: Paranormal, Young Adult, Romance, Magic, Paranormal Romance, Fantasy, Urban Fantasy

260 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 31, 2014

About the author

Rebecca Hamilton writes Paranormal Fantasy, Horror, and Literary Fiction. She lives in Florida with her husband and four kids, along with multiple writing personalities that range from morbid to literary. Having a child diagnosed with autism has inspired her to illuminate the world through the eyes of characters who see things differently.

Rebecca Hamilton is represented by the ever-more-amazing Rossano Trentin of TZLA.

There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name

Reviews

[Steven · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cheesy but fun, hard to put down but predictable, easy to read and lots of action. Overall, around 3.5 stars, but I didn't like it enough to round up, so down it is.

[The Talented Miss Ripley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty Decent Read

I was quite surprised at this book it was a really good storyline and an interesting tale. I loved the book cover too.

I recommend anyone who loves any type of magic to grab this book.

[Debbie Herbert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rebecca Hamilton's Something Like Voodoo is wonderfully clever and evocative. The plot is layered with ancestor curses, ancient magic and believable YA angst that had me remembering true magic - the kind that comes when you find your first love.

Emily Bishop is a liar, and often a terrible friend and daughter, but in the end, she does what's necessary to right past wrongs for hope in a safer future. Noah is a tortured soul who can't help falling for Emily, even if it leads to danger.

Here's one of my favorite lines from the book that demonstrates Hamilton's mastery of the young adult psyche, it takes place when Emily gets her first real kiss: " . . . a kiss that made me understand why teens have sex but also made me think kissing could be sexy enough forever."

[I. · Rating 2 out of 5]

I have a soft spot for YA paranormal stories. This book came up in an ad in my FB feed a few weeks ago and I decided to pre-order it based on ALL the glowing 20+ reviews. Keep in mind that these weren't simple 1 sentence feedback, but paragraphs of praise; I figured they were legit and that these reviewers received advanced copies. First mistake.

Fast forward to yesterday afternoon when the book releases and it shows up on my Kindle. I've been reading some heavier non-fiction titles so I figured I could take a mental break and read this new story quickly. Ideally, it would be light reading and wouldn't require much brain power to process everything. Apparently that would prove my second mistake.

If Mean Girls married The Craft, their fugly bastard offspring would be this clusterfuck of a book.

After the unexpected death of her mother, Emily Bishop is relocated to another city by her father. There are hints of problems of fitting in at her last school, but it's never fully explained beyond kids being kids. It is also revealed that she has the ability to predict impending danger of those around her with her drawings. While there are allusions to how she predicted her mom's death, this too is not fully explained.

So far so good right? Wrong! While it piques your interest, it never really coalesces into anything tangible. Turns out the school's Queen Bee, Sarah, has been using voodoo to control everyone inn the school to do her bidding. But wait, it's not just your run of the mill Voodoo, the writer decided to throw in some side story of Salem witch burning and blood feuds that span centuries which gives Sarah the power it does. The two paranormal explanations just doesn't mix. It's like shoving peanut butter and jelly sandwiches into a turkey cavity and calling it fusion stuffing.

What's upsetting is that there was actually potential to the story and writing. Hamilton does a great job with dialogue, but her transitions and shallow explanations are insulting to the reader. And don't even get me started on the laughably ridiculous ease at which relationships are forged -- even by YA novel standards. Noah, the male protagonist and play toy/love interest of Sarah, falls heads quickly in love with Emily after about 2 to 3 interactions. To which, he can't fathom putting her in danger anymore so he rescinds his initial first chapter request for help against Sarah - since it's now TOO dangerous.

I'm surprised my eyes haven't popped out of their damn sockets from rolling my eyes so much throughout the book. I hate not finishing books and I was determined to push through the irritation until the end. Last mistake, wishful thinking that the ending and the explanation provided would make this whole horrible reading journey worthwhile.

Save your money. Listening to a nun describe the art of Kama Sutra would be more informative and comfortable than this drivel.

[Felicia [Felicia's Ink(t)] · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review coming soon !!

[Montzalee Wittmann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Something Like Voodoo by Rebecca Hamilton was a terrific teen/young adult fantasy novel that adults will love also. A loner high school girl that recently lost her mom to a heart attack moves to a small town with her dad. Ever since she was young, she would do drawings when she wasn't aware of doing them and those people would die. It happened before her mom died too. Now she is drawing one of a boy in school, a boy that she is attracted to, a boy the It girl in school likes. The girl with magic that causes harm to those who cross her. It is a fun and exciting read with lots of surprises along the way. Well plotted, great dialogue, and great cast of characters that make you feel you know someone like that. The surprises did catch me by total surprise! Lots of action, magic, mysteries, fantasy, touch of romance, and loads of creepy fun. Thanks NetGalley for letting me have a chance to read this book.

[Kaye · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can't believe I haven't read this before!!! This one deserves more than 5 stars, it's an adventure that everybody can appreciate! My heart is still racing, from that one scene, for the characters!

The writing is engaging, the dialogues are entertaining, the characters are likeable, the phasing is fast but not hurried, and the story is phenomenal!!!

I wish we haven't heard the last of Noah and Emily, because I will definitely read more from these characters, if there will be more! But one thing is for sure, I will absolutely be recommending this book and will be reading more of the author's other books!

I was gifted a copy for an honest review.

[Eli Easton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoy reading paranormal YA now and then, and admit to a secret addiction to books like "Twilight" (the first volume especially). I really liked "Something Like Voodoo" and suspect it will do very well. The storyline was unique and really kept my attention and the characters were fun and engaging. I read it practically in one sitting. I hope there's a sequel.

[Aly · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was very magical for me! I loved it! This is a great YA book for any age. Emily moves to a new town and meet the "mean girls" of the school who have control of all the boys. That is until Emily arrives! It is a very witchy book with a great bit of magic and intrigue. "I received this book from Netgalley--this is my honest review*

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thrown into a situation that Emily wants nothing to do with just because of her gift, and being in a certain place at what she thought was the wrong time, that turns out to be exactly the right time is what starts this book off, but also ends it perfectly. Not only does this book follow Emily, and the fact that most of the time she is completely selfless, and brave; but this book also follows a mystery which needs to be unraveled in order for her not only to learn how to use her gift properly, but also to find out why her gift is urging her to draw certain people.

The mystery in this book is what kept me turning pages. I mean who doesn't want to figure out what is really going on, at the same time finding out some sort of spooky history? Turns out this book was exactly what I needed to put me in the no way I am sleeping mood. I say that because every time I picked up this book I put off sleep for as long as possible, because I enjoyed it.

This book was very upbeat and filled with action. Never a dull moment the whole way through. I remember trying to actually fall asleep because I had to be up at a certain time one night, and I just couldn't stop thinking about what might happen next, so I got out of bed and picked up the book until my e-reader almost smacked me in the head because of sleep deprivation. I read the book until I couldn't keep my eyes open. Now that I have finished the book I feel satisfied that I figured out the mystery, but also wondering if there will ever be another story that might connect to the ending, but at same time I am thankful not to have a cliffhanger.

[Thea Atkinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

a dark and beautiful word-scape that will work its magic on you before the end of the first page.

The story starts brilliantly, with the ominous belief that the main character—Emily-- is in Witness Protection.

We soon discover Emily can't be trusted…at least that's the defense mechanism she has put in place to deal with some pretty major traumas: everything from bullying to the death of her mother. These elements alone would keep the story moving but very quickly Hamilton fires the story engine into overdrive and the reader is held fast in the grip of a tale that races towards its climax without mercy and never does the expected or trite.

We see with Emily, an ominous voodoo-like vision, and feel powerless as we travel along with a girl who is already marginalized struggle to make sense of the things she sees and where her own strange gifts fit in the narrative unfolding before her. With lightning speed, the tale careens from another one of those typical paranormal teen romances to a dark and beautiful word-scape that paints a lush and exciting story where themes of trust and belonging are seen through a lens of ancestral magic and manipulation.

Classically good vs evil and black magic vs white, It's an evergreen story for all ages, that culminates in a breathtaking climax that will have you gasping for more.
A brilliant weaving. Has everything a paranormal reader loves and more Highly recommended.

[Cali Jewel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Romantic adventure with a magical twist that has you page turning like there is no tomorrow! Voodoo rights and grudges that go all the way back to the Salem witch trials make for a dangerous and heart pounding riddle.

This Paranormal Romantic Journey sets high school drama on its ear and makes you long for the days when fashion was the worst worry you had. Emily struggles with a gift (or curse) that she has had all her life and is not quite sure what to make of it let alone how to help anyone with it. In walks Noah needing help in the worst possible way. Suddenly hiding out in the shadows till graduation is no longer the plan. Sparks fly as these two try to make it through high school not only alive but hopefully in control of their future.

[Sharon Stevenson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A well-crafted YA paranormal story with an interesting main character. I'm pretty fussy when it comes to YA novels, but this was suspenseful and engaging, and most importantly, the characters felt real. Highly recommended!

[Stephen Walton · Rating 5 out of 5]

For a first attempt at young adult literature this is a superb effort. After the intricacies of The Forever Girl this is a plain and simple spooky story. It's exciting and never lacks for action. It's believable , without silliness, and is brought to an understandable conclusion. The writing is slanted towards teenagers but even so as a reader of more adult genre the book held my interest so much I read it till finished in the early hours of the day. One thing I'm keen on is that there's possibilities for a follow up book as the characters are too strong for a one off novel. WELL DONE and worth everyone of its 5* rating. A definite recommend for any newcomers to Rebecca Hamilton or existing fans .

[Andrea Heltsley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have previously enjoyed books by this author and this one was also a fantastic read. It was chalked full of the paranormal, a budding romance, action, and an intricate plot. I liked the concept and it was a different take on the Salem witches. This was overall a book to grab and I recommend it with five glittery stars!

[Ann Omasta · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was such an enjoyable, unpredictable read. I found myself looking forward to climbing into bed early so I could sneak in an extra chapter or two. I love a great romance story. While Emily and Noah's romance is anything but typical, it is sweet and intense. This isn't my usual genre, but it's fun to read something different sometimes. Oh, and Sarah is the ultimate villain!

[Ipub]

New York Times bestselling author Rebecca Hamilton's first young adult paranormal romance. Publishing with Bastei Entertainment.

[Sandra · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars. I didn't particularly warm to Emily and all the characters felt a little flat. Also I found that things seemed to happen for the convenience of the story rather than making any sense in their own right. Like our villain Sarah. She is totally evil in a completely over the top manical way but we are never given any reason as to why or what motivates her. She appears to have gone from realtively normal to complete bat shit crazy homicidal voodoo queen because she read about an ancestor's abuse at the hands of someone from Noah's family 100s of years ago and using magic for revenge? It would have made a lot more sense if she had been possessed by said ancestor but nope - that crazy was all previously well adjusted teen Sarah. Then there is Emily's Dad. That whole thing made no sense either. As if he would move there and endanger Emily, and if he knew about it all why not tell her when it is obvious she is mixed up in it. The pacing also seemed off to me - there was the usual insta-love between Noah & Emily, it took FOREVER for Emily and Noah to figure things out and they spend most the entire story hiding from Sarah and doing nothing before things are handled in the climax. And I am totally with Hazel on the cat thing so not a fan of EMily's Dad. Hazel was also another character that was less a character in her own right and more a plot convenience.

[Ross · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emily has a special gift, akin to Sixth Sense of "I can see dead people". But hers is different because she can see them before they die. This comes out with her making drawings of these people who are about to die. Crazy because she can sort of predict these deaths but she can do nothing about it. That is enough to make anyone go nuts. Soon after her mom died of a heart attack, her dad relocates them to a new town, which means a new school for Emily. In this new school she meets Noah. So, Noah seems to like Emily too. But unfortunately, Noah is also sort of in a relationship (in the most unconventional way) with the IT girl of the school. And of course, the IT girl is also a mean girl. But take note this is not your typical high school drama set up. There are some pretty interesting and unexpected twists to the story. I could not put this book down and finished it in one sitting.

This book has a happy ending but it sort of hinted to a possible sequel. But it wasn't a cliff hanger which is great. I hate cliff hangers.

[Gina Clabo · Rating 4 out of 5]

I started this book like 8 months ago and don't know what made me not finish. I finally finished and enjoyed it. I tell you I would not want to be the one on the wrong side of Sarah and her It Girls, boy she was scary mean. Emily had no luck in her life until she moved to a new town and her luck was running into Noah her bad luck was running into Sarah. I wish it had a little more about Emily's mom in it, to me it was to short describing her mom the mishap and family. I do have to admit did not really like the love story part in this one. Seemed to planned out.. Over all a pretty good book.. Recommend if you like witch craft, family. friends and love.. Gina Clabo

[Rebecca Davison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can a Teen Romance Survive Voodoo Curse?

This book was absolutely to die for! Rebecca Hamilton is exceptional at writing edge of your seat stories. It's easy to slip into her main character's role while reading and feel what she feels. Once you start reading your not going to want to put it down. It's that addictive. I haven't read any teen or young adult books involving voodoo, only older couple books. I'd give the scare factor a 7-8 involving the scariest scene I read. Hamilton created the perfect environment for these scenes to take place. Her two main characters chemistry has just the right amount of tension between them and enough love scenes to keep me very interested. I really enjoyed reading Something Like Voodoo and I bet you will too!

[Amber · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received an e-arc of Something Like Voodoo from NetGalley.

This was a really fast, easy read. It's one of those reads for when you want something light and quick to get through. The story is interesting and had me trying to guess what was happening which was fun. The characters were entertaining and I didn't really have any issues with this book. But it was just an okay kind of book. Not bad just okay. Now the way it ended definitely leaves you wanting more and to understand what happens next. Not sure if this is a stand alone or part of a series but if there was more I wouldn't mind seeing what else happens.

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Romance, secrets and suspense. It's all here in this wonderfully written story of a young woman in a new school and all the problems that occur. But this story is more than your regular high school romance. With magic involved, anything can happen. Rebecca Hamilton's writing brings you off your comfortable couch and into a magical world where you can immerse yourself into the story and get to know everyone involved. I highly recommend this book and I know you will enjoy it just as much as I did.

[Suzie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loving Rebecca Hamilton!

Ms. Hamilton's writing keeps me completely entranced in this story of young love and crazy obsessed teen girls. I hated putting it down to go to work or sleep! As the new girl in town, Emily finds herself caught up in a drama she can't believe and doesn't want. Unfortunately, Noah, the high school dream guy needs her help. Enjoy this as the drama unfolds and she discovers exactly what is happening and how her family is tied to the whole crazy situation!

[Nerdy Housewifey · Rating 2 out of 5]

First I want to start by saying I was so excited to read this! Like the blurb and the cover I just knew it was kismet!

... the universe lied though this book... Oooh this BOOK, it had such potential! Then it just read like a two year old trying to color a picture, all over the place! It just seemed so flighty and scattered, and the 'romance' bleh I kept waiting for Noah to end up being the bad guy because then at least he'd get some dimension!

I am giving it 2 stars purely because, well I finished it and again the potential! voodoo! Death drawings! It could have been so much more.

[Bridgett Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Something Like Voodoo is a story about a young girl who moves to Hackensack with her father after the death of her mother. Since she was young, she would draw pictures of people and those people would die. It happened to her before her mom died. Now she is drawing one of a boy in school, a boy that she really likes and also a boy the most popular girl in school likes. I was sucked in from the moment I started reading.

[Anastasia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book so much. I have loved every book I’ve read so far from Rebecca Hamilton, and this one was no exception. For her first young adult paranormal romance, she did great!
From the moment I was introduced to the characters Emily and Noah, I was intrigued by their story. And I was pulled into their dangerous, and intense journey for answers. I was so drawn Into their world that I read this book in one sitting. I just couldn’t put it down.
All in all, I would highly recommend this book. It’s time and money well spent and you won’t be disappointed!

[Jeri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unique story on the tortures of high school! Layers of mystery to solve at Emily's new school. Lots of struggles and balancing with relationships -- the boyfriend, the new best friend, the single dad, the mean girls. New twists on good versus evil and not tipping the scales. A creative YA book that I enjoyed reading.

[Jennifer Scott · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received a copy of this story from Net Galley. Yay books!

Spoilers possible ahead...

This story took me forever to read. Though, it had less to do with the story and more to do with life. But I had to restart reading this more than twice. The story itself was ok, parts of it was interesting and the other parts made me just want to skim through.

It was okay, I guess...

[Lynn Clark · Rating 2 out of 5]

I gave this book two stars because I finished in three days instead of stopping when I realized how painfully… stereotypic this book is. Teenage angst and hormones! Oh my! I’m not sure I will ever read one of this author’s books again in my life voluntarily but I will say that it was readable, it kept me semi-interested, and the magic and voodoo were a nice touch.