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Death Speaks
Leila Thompson’s life was simple- a straight-A student and popular. Then an accident changed her life in the form of a stranger. Recovering from her near death experience Leila couldn’t get the image of his blue t-shirt out of her mind. When the cops asked questions no one had got a good look at his face. Back at school, Leila finds the accident changed her in more ways than she likes. A new guy catches her eye, appearing at every turn but she has no time to spare as she needs to fix the problem that might drive her crazy. The once overachiever finds herself skipping school to fix what she has broken. Putting herself in grave danger is just the beginning…
148 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 3, 2017
9 people are currently reading
23 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
April 26, 2018
(Read in 1-2 sittings. Amazing.)
Leila Thompson makes for a unique character- ‘A party girl with brains to boot reputation’
When a mysterious stranger saves her life, Leila is left with a rather unfortunate side-effect.
‘One second, there was darkness and her heart had stopped beating. The next, she was being slowly dragged out of the car and placed gently on the ground.- He had done something- if for him, she would be dead, He had saved her.’
After experiencing a terrible car-crash, Leila is left with many questions, but so is the reader (well, I was.) Her new predicament confused me at first, allowing me to share in Leila’s own sense of bewilderment.
‘She needed to- if only to feel human. She still was, wasn’t she?’
Sentences like these thrust me into the same state of mind as Leila- one of confusion and fear, which didn’t recede until the end of the story.
I was somewhat disappointed by the ‘new kid on the block’ trope, which is becoming increasingly cliché. The student in nearly always a seventeen year old boy with dark hair that partly covers his face and electric blue eyes. With that in mind, Caleb’s character (AKA, the new kid) lacked depth and didn’t interest me, nor did I feel that he added much to the story, except for a sprinkling of much needed mystery.
I found the plot intriguing in itself and adored Leila’s character with her quick wit and unusual personality, but that’s where the magic stopped for me.
I would still rate it 3.5 – 4 stars, but there was just something missing for me that didn’t elevate it beyond this rating.
I think this would be an ideal read for lovers of Urban Fantasy and fast-paced novels which can be read in one to two sittings.
A definite perk.
Leila Thompson makes for a unique character- ‘A party girl with brains to boot reputation’
When a mysterious stranger saves her life, Leila is left with a rather unfortunate side-effect.
‘One second, there was darkness and her heart had stopped beating. The next, she was being slowly dragged out of the car and placed gently on the ground.- He had done something- if for him, she would be dead, He had saved her.’
After experiencing a terrible car-crash, Leila is left with many questions, but so is the reader (well, I was.) Her new predicament confused me at first, allowing me to share in Leila’s own sense of bewilderment.
‘She needed to- if only to feel human. She still was, wasn’t she?’
Sentences like these thrust me into the same state of mind as Leila- one of confusion and fear, which didn’t recede until the end of the story.
I was somewhat disappointed by the ‘new kid on the block’ trope, which is becoming increasingly cliché. The student in nearly always a seventeen year old boy with dark hair that partly covers his face and electric blue eyes. With that in mind, Caleb’s character (AKA, the new kid) lacked depth and didn’t interest me, nor did I feel that he added much to the story, except for a sprinkling of much needed mystery.
I found the plot intriguing in itself and adored Leila’s character with her quick wit and unusual personality, but that’s where the magic stopped for me.
I would still rate it 3.5 – 4 stars, but there was just something missing for me that didn’t elevate it beyond this rating.
I think this would be an ideal read for lovers of Urban Fantasy and fast-paced novels which can be read in one to two sittings.
A definite perk.
June 17, 2018
This is a short novel very much limited to the young adult market. The story is well written and showcases the high school environment to a tee. At times the book seems rushed, and I consider this one of the reasons that it could have been longer. More detail on some areas would have created a deeper level of mood, setting the story up with a greater deal of depth and character development.
Despite these factors the novel is short and sweet making it an apt gap filler between longer novels.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Despite these factors the novel is short and sweet making it an apt gap filler between longer novels.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 23, 2018
Recommended for fans of paranormal/fantasy
This is a paranormal/fantasy story with thriller and romance flavours. The main character, Leila, a student, is well constructed and believable as are the other characters. An 'A'-student, Leila struggles with the aftermath of a near-death experience. At times, the story confused me but that maybe just me rather than anything to do with the story. However, it came together at the end. The unusual reality created by the author kept me turning the pages and I wanted to know what happened next. Recommended for fans of paranormal/fantasy.
This is a paranormal/fantasy story with thriller and romance flavours. The main character, Leila, a student, is well constructed and believable as are the other characters. An 'A'-student, Leila struggles with the aftermath of a near-death experience. At times, the story confused me but that maybe just me rather than anything to do with the story. However, it came together at the end. The unusual reality created by the author kept me turning the pages and I wanted to know what happened next. Recommended for fans of paranormal/fantasy.
March 21, 2017
I wish I could give more than five stars. I am so happy to have found and tried
by E.J. Bennett.
This is one of the best supernatural meets real world books I have read in a very long time. Bennett takes us on a journey that lets us see first hand the effects of interference with death's plans.
Leila, the main character is well developed. I found it impossible not to like her after sharing the trauma she experiences all stemming from an accident.
My one comment to the author would be: I'd like to know what happened to the driver of the other car in more detail.
I am crossing my fingers for a second book so I can find out what happens next. #Cliffhanger endings.
Recommended read for most people!
by E.J. Bennett.This is one of the best supernatural meets real world books I have read in a very long time. Bennett takes us on a journey that lets us see first hand the effects of interference with death's plans.
Leila, the main character is well developed. I found it impossible not to like her after sharing the trauma she experiences all stemming from an accident.
My one comment to the author would be: I'd like to know what happened to the driver of the other car in more detail.
I am crossing my fingers for a second book so I can find out what happens next. #Cliffhanger endings.
Recommended read for most people!
January 29, 2018
This is a creepily fascinating story. A near-death experience has terrifying side-effects for Leila. First come the shouted names, then the freak accidents that cause deaths. How much is her fault? She aims to find the truth. What she discovers is not the truth she'd hoped to find. As you read, you'll keep wondering what is happening to her and will she fix the problem that her near-death caused. Great story, with plenty of tense moments, and "aha" moments.
August 26, 2018
A well written paranormal read with wonderful character development and a exceedingly exciting plotline. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys YA romance. I enjoyed this book very much.
April 9, 2018
Very interesting YA paranormal story. After Leila’s near death experience she is hearing voices that predict the next person to die. In her search of solving the mystery behind it she meets Caleb who helps her on her journey. I wouldn’t say this is a romance novel although it shows a promise for a second book, maybe. However, it’s a very nice paranormal/mystery story of a ripped veil between the realms of the living and the dead.
April 8, 2018
Fast paced and intriguing. I particularly liked the weaving in of the legend. Great plot, well thought out and executed with flair. Great read.
March 3, 2018
A Twist on Near Death Experience
Death Speaks definitely takes a different twist on near death experience. When Leila’s perfect high school life is interrupted by a freak accident of fate, she begins hearing names of people in her head. One by one, those same people begin to die and she realizes she has acquired a new ability to foretell someone’s death. Not only does she feel as though she’s going crazy, she doesn’t want to have the people she knows die. She takes it upon herself to discover a solution to her newest problem, she only hopes it will be in time to save the next person who’s name is now being urgently spoken in her mind.
Death Speaks definitely takes a different twist on near death experience. When Leila’s perfect high school life is interrupted by a freak accident of fate, she begins hearing names of people in her head. One by one, those same people begin to die and she realizes she has acquired a new ability to foretell someone’s death. Not only does she feel as though she’s going crazy, she doesn’t want to have the people she knows die. She takes it upon herself to discover a solution to her newest problem, she only hopes it will be in time to save the next person who’s name is now being urgently spoken in her mind.
March 13, 2018
Wow! This novel just blew me away. If you're looking for a totally unique and fascinating paranormal story - this is it! There's a little romance, lots of mystery and suspense, good vs. evil, and so much more. Brilliantly done! The characters and setting feel so real it's as if you're there instead of reading a book.
I'm struggling with not revealing anything through spoilers and its super hard. Trust me, after reading the novel you will know what I mean. It's the perfect blend of wonderful story telling, teen angst, and compelling writing. You can't go wrong with this one! If you're a fan of PNR at all you MUST READ Death Speaks.
5 FANTASTIC STARS!!! Highly Recommended!
Characters: 5/5
Plot: 5/5
Word Building: 5/5
Story Flow: 5/5
Picky Bitches OVERALL SCORE: 5/5
May 7, 2022
This was a very quick and easy read. I loved the characters. It was refreshing to have a character who was both popular and smart. Leila was a total sweetheart, making it easy to sympathize and love her. Caleb was also an interesting character, and again, I wish we got more detail on him.
The concept was unique, and I loved it. There were a few parts that messed with me, but that's more of a personal thing than anything else. The twists toward the middle and end were unexpected, which was nice. Caleb and Leila's relationship felt a bit rushed but other than that it was well-written. I thought the book could be a little more detailed at certain points, such as the part detailing the accident.
E.J. Bennett does a wonderful job of capturing the high school spirit. It was pretty realistic, with the exception of a few details.
I received this book for free through a LibraryThing giveaway.
The concept was unique, and I loved it. There were a few parts that messed with me, but that's more of a personal thing than anything else. The twists toward the middle and end were unexpected, which was nice. Caleb and Leila's relationship felt a bit rushed but other than that it was well-written. I thought the book could be a little more detailed at certain points, such as the part detailing the accident.
E.J. Bennett does a wonderful job of capturing the high school spirit. It was pretty realistic, with the exception of a few details.
I received this book for free through a LibraryThing giveaway.
January 23, 2018
Irresistable!
A car crash and a near death experience begins a paranormal adventure into the unknown for Leila. Her schoolwork suffers, her relationships flounder. Even her friends begin to doubt her sanity. All Leila wants is for the voices in her head to stop callng to her.
But they don't, and the bodies begin to pile up.
I loved this book. It has something for everyone. I really enjoyed the scene setting and characterisations, making the book an easy read even though the subject was not. The mystery of what was really going on took a small leap, but I loved how it was done and can't wait for the next book in the series.
A car crash and a near death experience begins a paranormal adventure into the unknown for Leila. Her schoolwork suffers, her relationships flounder. Even her friends begin to doubt her sanity. All Leila wants is for the voices in her head to stop callng to her.
But they don't, and the bodies begin to pile up.
I loved this book. It has something for everyone. I really enjoyed the scene setting and characterisations, making the book an easy read even though the subject was not. The mystery of what was really going on took a small leap, but I loved how it was done and can't wait for the next book in the series.
June 18, 2018
Wow this was such an amazing read it starts off with Leila Thompson leaving school in her car and then she’s in a terrible car accident. The crash is that bad she dies but then a stranger brings her back from death and then he just walks away. Leila is hearing the names of the people she knows but they are destined to die. A fantastic story great characters and the storyline was very interesting and very enjoyable and I can’t wait for the next book. A 5 plus ⭐️ read and I highly recommend this book it’s definitely well worth the read.
June 15, 2018
I love this author. I have read every book that I can get my hands on. The fast pace, the action, the connection of the characters is always phenomenal. This is one of my favorite books that I have read this last few months. Leila is a fun and fascinating main character that finds herself learning more about people and herself then she ever planned.Thank you for allowing me to read this and write about it.
June 17, 2018
This is a very good YA/Romance/Mystery. This compelling storyline is well-written, sets a good pace, has suspense and will keep the reader turning pages. The developed characters are engaging and have great connections and interactions. I enjoyed it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 18, 2018
Poor editing kills this one right out of the gate. Added/missing punctuation, added/missing words, changes in verb tenses, wrong words... on pretty much every page. It made it far less enjoyable of a read just because of that.
The story itself is very geared to the YA market, although the writing seemed a little simplistic at times even for that. While the plot idea was good, the execution left something to be desired. The pacing was off, slow in some places, really fast in others, without sufficient detail.
As a character Leila sort of annoyed me. She was a little too perfect and came off as kind of smug at times. And her motivations and reactions seemed inconsistent part of the time. There was the requisite really cute guy who's more than he seems, but he wasn't really developed.
Then the book ends... not quite on a cliffhanger but not satisfactorily either. Due to the problems described above I am honestly not sure if this is the definitive ending or if it's meant to leave possibilities open for a Book Two.
The author clearly has a lot of good ideas but is very much in need of good editing and help with story and character development. I received a copy of the book from Booksprout and have chosen to leave a review.
The story itself is very geared to the YA market, although the writing seemed a little simplistic at times even for that. While the plot idea was good, the execution left something to be desired. The pacing was off, slow in some places, really fast in others, without sufficient detail.
As a character Leila sort of annoyed me. She was a little too perfect and came off as kind of smug at times. And her motivations and reactions seemed inconsistent part of the time. There was the requisite really cute guy who's more than he seems, but he wasn't really developed.
Then the book ends... not quite on a cliffhanger but not satisfactorily either. Due to the problems described above I am honestly not sure if this is the definitive ending or if it's meant to leave possibilities open for a Book Two.
The author clearly has a lot of good ideas but is very much in need of good editing and help with story and character development. I received a copy of the book from Booksprout and have chosen to leave a review.
April 13, 2020
I really enjoyed this book, it was full of mystery, with a touch of romance and a hint of the supernatural. It kept me guessing as the story slowly revealed hints and I just wanted to keep going to the end! The characters were interesting, Laylah was a strong heroine, but didn't have much belief in the mystical despite what happened to her, and Caleb had the patience of a saint! There were some interesting plot twists and the book ended on a cliff hanger, but still addictive and I can't wait to start book 2!
April 15, 2020
Well I didn’t see that ending coming. Whilst this story is a little on the darker side nothing too nefarious or sinister it was also in a sense a bit of a love story. And it certainly did have the ending I thought it would. I did enjoy the story though
September 23, 2018
Read in less than 2 hours....
Aimed at the lower end of the ya market and is reflected in the writing, storyline, characters...pretty much everything I guess!
Aimed at the lower end of the ya market and is reflected in the writing, storyline, characters...pretty much everything I guess!
December 24, 2018
This was a suspenseful mysterious read that kept me turning the page. Definitely something worth picking up when you are looking for something to get your horror craving filled.
April 17, 2017
Death Speaks by E. J. Bennett starts out with an intriguing prologue with Leila Thompson in a bundle of nerves and my curiosity is heightened with the commentary that the newsroom would have a field day if they saw her. This coupled with a mysterious sound and the hairs on the back of her neck going up has me interested. The story then flips to a school scene with a click of girls (Beth, Amber and Hannah, chatting about someone named Marie who was indiscreet at a party and landed at a gynecologist’s office. The scene then moves on once again to Leila Thompson at her locker and there’s innuendo that she is not well liked. By now I’m really curious with how this will tie into the prologue and what was the mysterious sound that gave her the creeps. After we meet the characters and get a sense of the cast the story progresses and the action picks up with a life changing accident and when she’s back at school she worries her mother sick because she had a fainting episode. Leila tries to tell herself it’s normal after the accident but what about the voices? This insertion of the paranormal is believable and deepens the changes that are to come, including a mysterious guy. The events that follow kept me wanting to know what was going to happen right to the end. No spoilers here but this isn’t just your ordinary young adult read, it holds mystery, paranormal aspects, and good storyline tension. It was an enjoyable fast read.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews