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The Sentinel #1
A Girl Called Nine
When Rand Matthews witnesses a teen runaway attack a man in a diner, only to find her leaping out of his truck bed once he returns home to his ranch, he's at a loss. There's something strange about this girl, like she's been mistreated or abused.
Worried about how the child might have gotten that way, Rand is determined to help her. As he and his ranch-hand Cole learn more about her and the events which brought her to the ranch, they soon realize that their new house guest is no ordinary girl....
Worried about how the child might have gotten that way, Rand is determined to help her. As he and his ranch-hand Cole learn more about her and the events which brought her to the ranch, they soon realize that their new house guest is no ordinary girl....
201 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 2, 2017
90 people are currently reading
28 people want to read
About the author
Valery Keith
18 books2 followersValery Keith currently lives in the Northeast with her husband Jeff and their pets. She has an undergraduate degree from Drew University and an MFA in Writing from Sarah Lawrence College. Prior to writing full-time, she worked in the corporate and media worlds, as well as in the shelter system, for a veterinary practice and as the lead behaviorist specializing in problem and aggressive dogs for a local non-profit animal welfare organization. Author of the "Our Lady of Joy" series, "My Pet Demon," "A Girl Called Nine," and "Habitat 762," she enjoys writing in multiple genres, styles and voices for variety. For more information or to sign up to be notified of new releases, please visit her website at www.valerykeith.com.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
December 22, 2018
I really liked the concept of this books as for some reason I have really enjoyed Assassin books recently if they are well done. I am not going to bore you about the description of the book as that is already listed and you wouldn’t be looking at this if you weren’t already interested. I like how the author took you into looking at the start of a girl being trained as one. What happens when she doesn’t agree with how things are going? Some parts made me laugh and some shake my head. Yes it had cute parts and sometimes how Rand did not want to deal with the emotions and such of a female. Almost in a male panic mode. Then thinking that things are covered up by corporations, government and others made you see how things could happen that you wouldn’t even consider. A light fun read with touches of making you think is a great combination. I haven’t read this author before but would look for more by her. I did receive an ARC of this book from Hidden Gems for an honest review.
March 9, 2019
Eminently suitable for tweens or early teens but I think a little too linear and simplistic for older readers.
A bit on the cutesy side for my way of thinking. Rand was a little too nice a human being to feel real and his political correctness re Nine actually became irritating. In fact, all the characters were a little too helpful, except for the psychotically oriented scientist at least.
Why does book feel like the last of a series rather than the first? Did feel like there was a great deal of background missing. Liked the characters well enough but ...
I received an eARC of this story and chose to post a review.
A bit on the cutesy side for my way of thinking. Rand was a little too nice a human being to feel real and his political correctness re Nine actually became irritating. In fact, all the characters were a little too helpful, except for the psychotically oriented scientist at least.
Why does book feel like the last of a series rather than the first? Did feel like there was a great deal of background missing. Liked the characters well enough but ...
I received an eARC of this story and chose to post a review.
January 4, 2019
This is a book that certainly makes you think about what those in power can do to others. Nine is actually a young girl who has been trained from birth for a certain type of role. When she bucks against the authority of those in charge, in an extreme manner, she finds herself in a world she is not used to nor prepared for.
When she attacks a trucker in a diner, a witness, Rand Matthews, discovers she had run off and hidden in the back of his pickup and jumps out when he gets back to his farm. By the way she behaves, he believes she has been abused in some way and strives to help her in any way he can.
That’s not made easy, by her fears of everything new around her, being confined in any manner and basic lack of trust in other people. Rand has a young ranch-hand, Cole, who is only eighteen and closer in age to Nine. They both work on gaining her trust and also teaching her a little about life in general, social skills she seems to be completely without. Rand learns a little about her past and how she was raised.
They may all be in danger if she is traced to the farm and others like her, Seven and Eight, are on her trail. I loved the story and can’t wait to read the following books in the series. A great mix of where scientific enhancements can be taken when in the wrong hands and what a danger this could be to others. Isolation and lack of ‘normal’ childhood can be very damaging, as we can see in lots of youth today.
I received an ARC copy of this book from Hidden Gems and I have freely given my own opinion of the book above.
When she attacks a trucker in a diner, a witness, Rand Matthews, discovers she had run off and hidden in the back of his pickup and jumps out when he gets back to his farm. By the way she behaves, he believes she has been abused in some way and strives to help her in any way he can.
That’s not made easy, by her fears of everything new around her, being confined in any manner and basic lack of trust in other people. Rand has a young ranch-hand, Cole, who is only eighteen and closer in age to Nine. They both work on gaining her trust and also teaching her a little about life in general, social skills she seems to be completely without. Rand learns a little about her past and how she was raised.
They may all be in danger if she is traced to the farm and others like her, Seven and Eight, are on her trail. I loved the story and can’t wait to read the following books in the series. A great mix of where scientific enhancements can be taken when in the wrong hands and what a danger this could be to others. Isolation and lack of ‘normal’ childhood can be very damaging, as we can see in lots of youth today.
I received an ARC copy of this book from Hidden Gems and I have freely given my own opinion of the book above.
December 21, 2018
I'll admit that when I first saw this story I was a little hesitant to read it, but that all changed as soon as I had read the first page. The author kicks it off with bang. I really felt so badly for the character of Nine/Nina. She was one of a group of genetically engineered humans who were designed to be the perfect weapon. No one would suspect the fury and power contained in a package of a sweet teenage girl. Well, things happen and she escapes to this small town where a rancher and his worker take her in and slowly try to make her more "human" if you will. Along the line there are crazy things that happen and plenty of secrets revealed. There is also a big dose of people caring about others and standing up for what is right. I really think you should give it a try. I just found out that the author has a couple more books in this series so I think I will add them to my reading list.
December 28, 2018
Good people sometimes win
Characters whose motives are understandable and a plot that moves because of their authenticity...a wonderful, short read with people I cared about leading lives that are relatable. I wanted the hero to be rewarded, and the villain to be dispatched. If you sometimes want a rest from overly complicated plots where characters exist only because the plot does, you may like this book as much as I do.
Characters whose motives are understandable and a plot that moves because of their authenticity...a wonderful, short read with people I cared about leading lives that are relatable. I wanted the hero to be rewarded, and the villain to be dispatched. If you sometimes want a rest from overly complicated plots where characters exist only because the plot does, you may like this book as much as I do.
March 7, 2019
Wonderful adventure!
Highly recommended! The story is great, the characters are well developed, and the dialogue is great fun! I whipped through this first book in the series and am going to get the 2nd as soon as I am done here. Don't get fooled by cynics, innocence, freedom and justice are worth fighting for, no matter the odds. You won't be disappointed and that is all I'm going say. Off to get the next book...
Highly recommended! The story is great, the characters are well developed, and the dialogue is great fun! I whipped through this first book in the series and am going to get the 2nd as soon as I am done here. Don't get fooled by cynics, innocence, freedom and justice are worth fighting for, no matter the odds. You won't be disappointed and that is all I'm going say. Off to get the next book...
December 25, 2018
I received a copy of this book in order to give a review. In my opinion this was a well written story that the reader of YA books would enjoy. It contains action that keeps the reader on the edge of the seat, while longing for a good resolution. I understand this is the first of three books in a series. I definitely end this book wanting more!!!
February 9, 2019
Excellent read!
I really enjoyed this story. It highlighted the insensitivity of our society today and the lengths many people will go to to get what they want. The characters were good, strong and believable. I’d really like to think there really are more people out there like Rand, Stacey and Cole and policemen like Dan.
I really enjoyed this story. It highlighted the insensitivity of our society today and the lengths many people will go to to get what they want. The characters were good, strong and believable. I’d really like to think there really are more people out there like Rand, Stacey and Cole and policemen like Dan.
April 29, 2020
Good story, in the suspend belief and enjoy the fast ride style
Like a James Bond story, it’s an enjoyable ride if you want some adventure. Has a bit more shades of grey in minor characters which brings a bit more realism. Unfortunately child soldiers are still happening around the world, just not as hi tech.
Like a James Bond story, it’s an enjoyable ride if you want some adventure. Has a bit more shades of grey in minor characters which brings a bit more realism. Unfortunately child soldiers are still happening around the world, just not as hi tech.
February 24, 2019
Enjoyable quick read
I consider this to be YA fiction, possible aimed at teen girls. I often enjoy this genre even though I'm a male senior citizen.
I gave it 4 stars rather than 5 because it is good but not great.
I expect to read the rest of the series.
I consider this to be YA fiction, possible aimed at teen girls. I often enjoy this genre even though I'm a male senior citizen.
I gave it 4 stars rather than 5 because it is good but not great.
I expect to read the rest of the series.
March 14, 2019
Hard to put down.
Sorry I started this so late in the evening; since it is now 1:30 am and I couldn't stop reading. I'll be tired tomorrow but happy I finished it tonight. Highly recommend you start out earlier, too good to put down.
Sorry I started this so late in the evening; since it is now 1:30 am and I couldn't stop reading. I'll be tired tomorrow but happy I finished it tonight. Highly recommend you start out earlier, too good to put down.
August 4, 2019
Worth reading.
Humanity at it's best and worst. In today's world it is important to know that who you were or where you came from doesn't determine who you can become. There are good people in this world.
Humanity at it's best and worst. In today's world it is important to know that who you were or where you came from doesn't determine who you can become. There are good people in this world.
January 27, 2021
As sweet as a drop of chocolate
Everything i love in a book.. (action, assains, training to be assains, secret labs, tough as nail heroines) all wrapped up in this amazing book. Reminds me of Agent 47 but with all girls
Everything i love in a book.. (action, assains, training to be assains, secret labs, tough as nail heroines) all wrapped up in this amazing book. Reminds me of Agent 47 but with all girls
November 26, 2018
A Girl Called Nine was a Ten!
It was very entertaining watching Nine transition into Nina. Looking forward to reading 8 and 7 as I delve farther into the evolution of the triplets.
It was very entertaining watching Nine transition into Nina. Looking forward to reading 8 and 7 as I delve farther into the evolution of the triplets.
December 1, 2018
I loved this.
Great I loved it. A very entertaining book about the little guy doing what is right regardless of the cost. And standing up for those he loves.
Great I loved it. A very entertaining book about the little guy doing what is right regardless of the cost. And standing up for those he loves.
May 3, 2019
Good
A story that makes you wonder what is happening in our world. Tho it wouldn't surprise me that things like this is and has been happening already .
A story that makes you wonder what is happening in our world. Tho it wouldn't surprise me that things like this is and has been happening already .
January 12, 2020
Wow
This book was really great it flowed seamlessly and the detailed writing made it feel as if I was watching a movie
This book was really great it flowed seamlessly and the detailed writing made it feel as if I was watching a movie
August 3, 2020
Good story
I needed something different and this novel provided something different and fun. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and I look forward to the next one.
I needed something different and this novel provided something different and fun. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and I look forward to the next one.
August 26, 2020
Great read. Many of the books I have read lately were disappointing but this series isn't.
March 10, 2017
A Girl Called Nine is a moving story of a young teen girl, created and raised to be a killer, though she had not been told this. She escapes from the lab, and connects with an older horse rancher who protects, cares for and guides her. The hero of the book, Rand, is a calm, moral, thoughtful adult (who finds a woman his age attractive, not the innocent teen girl he saves). He is determined to protect Nine. There are friends, enemies, kindness, growth and of course puppies.
I think the side characters would make great pre-teen short series..I could imagine them stopping a puppy mill, helping smaller children, learning to train horses. The author sense of age appropriate interests and "clean" topics is much needed in today's children's and teen market.
I think the side characters would make great pre-teen short series..I could imagine them stopping a puppy mill, helping smaller children, learning to train horses. The author sense of age appropriate interests and "clean" topics is much needed in today's children's and teen market.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews