What do you think?
Rate this book
Escape #1
Playing in the Rain
When the effects of a hypnosis inducing drug fade, April slowly begins a conscious awakening. Memories of her past are unclear and she has no recollection of her identity or her whereabouts.
As the days slip by, April realizes there is more to life than existing when she is introduced to an occupant who does just that—her sister. The more she learns about her environment the more she wants to escape.
Will April remember her past, her sister? Will she have the courage to leave? And if she does, where will she go?
Experience through April’s eyes her struggle to remember and her determination to escape in this sci-fi, post-apocalyptic, suspense story.
As the days slip by, April realizes there is more to life than existing when she is introduced to an occupant who does just that—her sister. The more she learns about her environment the more she wants to escape.
Will April remember her past, her sister? Will she have the courage to leave? And if she does, where will she go?
Experience through April’s eyes her struggle to remember and her determination to escape in this sci-fi, post-apocalyptic, suspense story.
244 pages, Paperback
First published September 17, 2017
127 people are currently reading
206 people want to read
About the author
Sandra J. Jackson
11 books138 followersSandra J. Jackson was born in Montreal, Quebec but now lives in a rural setting in Eastern Ontario with her husband.
A graduate of a 3-year Graphic Design program, being creative has always been Sandra’s passion. Over the years she has enjoyed creating works of art for her family and friends. Her children, however, brought out the storyteller inside when Sandra told them bedtime stories. Her wild imagination lent itself to new and exciting ideas.
An avid reader of many genres, Sandra’s writing does not fall into any specific category. However, her goal is to create stories that pull readers into the book and make them feel as though they are a part of the story.
Sandra has five published works (four of which are also available as audiobooks) with Next Chapter Publishing.
Sandra is currently working on her sixth novel.
A graduate of a 3-year Graphic Design program, being creative has always been Sandra’s passion. Over the years she has enjoyed creating works of art for her family and friends. Her children, however, brought out the storyteller inside when Sandra told them bedtime stories. Her wild imagination lent itself to new and exciting ideas.
An avid reader of many genres, Sandra’s writing does not fall into any specific category. However, her goal is to create stories that pull readers into the book and make them feel as though they are a part of the story.
Sandra has five published works (four of which are also available as audiobooks) with Next Chapter Publishing.
Sandra is currently working on her sixth novel.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
April 26, 2020
'Playing in the Rain: When All That Matters is Freedom' is the first book in the 'Escape Series' written by Sandra J. Jackson in 2018. This is the second book I've read by the author, and I'm sure I will read more in the future. To start with, the cover is beautiful. It's magical and mysterious, yet comforting and alluring all at once. I wasn't sure whether I'd be dropped into a fantasy world or a science-fiction drama, and perhaps, it has just a little bit of both. Let's get into the details.
A young girl is in a medical facility. We're not sure if she's dangerous or simply sick. Something has happened to the outside world, and we're unsure exactly when and where this takes place. As the first few chapters unfold, we realize she's being held prisoner for some reason. From there, the story takes off as readers watch her try to escape. The girl learns her name is April, and a nurse or doctor is trying to help her. She gets a roommate, who turns out to be someone she actually knows and begins to remember. What has happened to these girls? When April finally escapes, she's actually not really free (no spoilers, you must read for yourself). By the end of the book, we're set on a course for the second in the series, and it will definitely draw in your attention.
Jackson created an easy-to-read page-turner. It's not a mega-thriller where the action is constant and tense. It's more subtle, yet you feel a passion to help April succeed. Through repetition and failed attempts, our hearts break when we learn she hasn't achieved her goal of being free. From daily work to pry open a window, to discovering someone near death in an adjoining room, April is a strong protagonist who we quickly want to follow. I enjoyed how Jackson creates the story, leaving readers in suspense about what's happened to the outside world. We don't really know what happened to her family either (she's right at the cusp of exiting her teenage years).
I saw similarities in the writing style and tone to the previous book I read -- in positive ways. Jackson has a bit of an ethereal tone to her prose. She paints a vivid picture but it's murky in all the right areas. There's a budding sense of hope, then it's pulled away and readers are smacked back into reality. Life isn't always perfect, and there will be pain and sadness. Then again, the ending leaves us with a promise for a better future. I look forward to finding out if/how it will happen.
A young girl is in a medical facility. We're not sure if she's dangerous or simply sick. Something has happened to the outside world, and we're unsure exactly when and where this takes place. As the first few chapters unfold, we realize she's being held prisoner for some reason. From there, the story takes off as readers watch her try to escape. The girl learns her name is April, and a nurse or doctor is trying to help her. She gets a roommate, who turns out to be someone she actually knows and begins to remember. What has happened to these girls? When April finally escapes, she's actually not really free (no spoilers, you must read for yourself). By the end of the book, we're set on a course for the second in the series, and it will definitely draw in your attention.
Jackson created an easy-to-read page-turner. It's not a mega-thriller where the action is constant and tense. It's more subtle, yet you feel a passion to help April succeed. Through repetition and failed attempts, our hearts break when we learn she hasn't achieved her goal of being free. From daily work to pry open a window, to discovering someone near death in an adjoining room, April is a strong protagonist who we quickly want to follow. I enjoyed how Jackson creates the story, leaving readers in suspense about what's happened to the outside world. We don't really know what happened to her family either (she's right at the cusp of exiting her teenage years).
I saw similarities in the writing style and tone to the previous book I read -- in positive ways. Jackson has a bit of an ethereal tone to her prose. She paints a vivid picture but it's murky in all the right areas. There's a budding sense of hope, then it's pulled away and readers are smacked back into reality. Life isn't always perfect, and there will be pain and sadness. Then again, the ending leaves us with a promise for a better future. I look forward to finding out if/how it will happen.
February 5, 2018
“Both Bethany and I realized that the room was transforming into our tomb.”
Though the author has been talking about this book for a while, the content and subject matter always seemed a bit vague, and now I understand why. For almost a third of the book, along with the protagonist, at first known only as A2, I wondered what was going on. It’s deftly done, involving the reader in her plight, and her thought processes concerning her circumstances. Those circumstances encompass who she is, where she is, how she came to be there, and perhaps, what she is. Is this Science Fiction? An involving tale of captivity? Is it both, or neither?
The important thing is that the reader is involved. In this type of tale especially, the narrative either needs to have great movement, or involve the reader until they’re invested in the outcome. There is a little of the former, and much of the latter, which is a good balance as this moment-to-moment, day-to-day narrative could become tedious if not well written. It skirts the edges a bit for a very brief time, but from the halfway point forward, there is a gradual mounting suspense. While it never reaches a fever pitch, it does become enthralling, and exciting.
It is that instance as a reviewer, when revealing too much can ruin this for the reader. Basically, there is a hospital or lab called C.E.C.I.L. at which A2, and then B2, find themselves trapped. There are drugs and cameras, and only hazy memories. Someone named Jasper becomes an ally, or does he? Who is Cecil, what is Cecil, and why is it imperative that A2 not reveal that she’s become self-aware, and is beginning to remember? She remembers her name, then recalls who B2 is, and her name. A2 finally recalls enough to work out her own age, and that of B2, only multiplying her questions; questions she cannot ask:
“What is this place? Who is watching us? Why do we have to act like we’re robots?”
There is a breakout that is not their salvation, just a different, creepier venue. A necklace, a cabinet, a window high up which reveals the woods outside, all offer hope. There is a moment when all hope appears lost that is quite poignant in this nearly claustrophobic narrative. The ending was terrific, being satisfying and complete, but at the same time promising more, as we need answers to other questions. It also left me back at point A, because I still wondered if this was in the future — because of some revelations about their captivity I won’t reveal — or something more diabolical.
I really enjoyed this, the first third and the last third the best parts for me. It’s bereft of blood and gore, yet has a quiet tension, and the threat of danger. It captures the boredom and restlessness of any captivity, and the very human need for hope. This is the author’s second book, and it really shows. This is a nice piece of storytelling, and I’m looking forward to the next book in the series, to find out more. An author improving with each book, I highly recommended this low-key but involving narrative.
Though the author has been talking about this book for a while, the content and subject matter always seemed a bit vague, and now I understand why. For almost a third of the book, along with the protagonist, at first known only as A2, I wondered what was going on. It’s deftly done, involving the reader in her plight, and her thought processes concerning her circumstances. Those circumstances encompass who she is, where she is, how she came to be there, and perhaps, what she is. Is this Science Fiction? An involving tale of captivity? Is it both, or neither?
The important thing is that the reader is involved. In this type of tale especially, the narrative either needs to have great movement, or involve the reader until they’re invested in the outcome. There is a little of the former, and much of the latter, which is a good balance as this moment-to-moment, day-to-day narrative could become tedious if not well written. It skirts the edges a bit for a very brief time, but from the halfway point forward, there is a gradual mounting suspense. While it never reaches a fever pitch, it does become enthralling, and exciting.
It is that instance as a reviewer, when revealing too much can ruin this for the reader. Basically, there is a hospital or lab called C.E.C.I.L. at which A2, and then B2, find themselves trapped. There are drugs and cameras, and only hazy memories. Someone named Jasper becomes an ally, or does he? Who is Cecil, what is Cecil, and why is it imperative that A2 not reveal that she’s become self-aware, and is beginning to remember? She remembers her name, then recalls who B2 is, and her name. A2 finally recalls enough to work out her own age, and that of B2, only multiplying her questions; questions she cannot ask:
“What is this place? Who is watching us? Why do we have to act like we’re robots?”
There is a breakout that is not their salvation, just a different, creepier venue. A necklace, a cabinet, a window high up which reveals the woods outside, all offer hope. There is a moment when all hope appears lost that is quite poignant in this nearly claustrophobic narrative. The ending was terrific, being satisfying and complete, but at the same time promising more, as we need answers to other questions. It also left me back at point A, because I still wondered if this was in the future — because of some revelations about their captivity I won’t reveal — or something more diabolical.
I really enjoyed this, the first third and the last third the best parts for me. It’s bereft of blood and gore, yet has a quiet tension, and the threat of danger. It captures the boredom and restlessness of any captivity, and the very human need for hope. This is the author’s second book, and it really shows. This is a nice piece of storytelling, and I’m looking forward to the next book in the series, to find out more. An author improving with each book, I highly recommended this low-key but involving narrative.
December 1, 2017
Great cover. Reading this reminded me of Wool by Hugh Howey. The story was intriguing and you definitely wanted to know what was happening--why is this girl there? Who is she? And why was Jasper, the one attending to her, coming in every day giving her different vaccinations, so secretive? Is he a good guy? A bad guy? Who is Cecil and why is he so secretive? What is the true agenda? Since this is the first in a series I guess we will find this out in the next book.
All we know is some awful disease has come to pass. A1, who we later find out is April, is in a facility called C.E.C.I.L, Contagion Eradication Center for Intelligent Life. I envision this facility to be stark white for some reason. Ironically it was named after the man running it, aka Cecil. April, a teenager, has no or little memory and has lost years of her life. She is trying to piece it together. She sleeps a lot because of the drugs, and her waking hours are heavily regulated. In moves another girl, B2, who she discovers is her sister, or so Jasper tells her if Jasper is to be trusted.
Something happens and both girls are moved to another place with little food, except what is doled out by Cecil on his irregular visits. There is little light except what is coming through a dingy window too high for them to reach. There is a cabinet with clothes and objects holding the key to their past lives. We go on this journey of discovery with them as they try to unravel the past and escape from their prison and captor, Cecil.
All we know is some awful disease has come to pass. A1, who we later find out is April, is in a facility called C.E.C.I.L, Contagion Eradication Center for Intelligent Life. I envision this facility to be stark white for some reason. Ironically it was named after the man running it, aka Cecil. April, a teenager, has no or little memory and has lost years of her life. She is trying to piece it together. She sleeps a lot because of the drugs, and her waking hours are heavily regulated. In moves another girl, B2, who she discovers is her sister, or so Jasper tells her if Jasper is to be trusted.
Something happens and both girls are moved to another place with little food, except what is doled out by Cecil on his irregular visits. There is little light except what is coming through a dingy window too high for them to reach. There is a cabinet with clothes and objects holding the key to their past lives. We go on this journey of discovery with them as they try to unravel the past and escape from their prison and captor, Cecil.
July 21, 2019
BOOK REVIEW
Title: Playing in the Rain
Author: Sandra J. Jackson
Format: Audiobook via audible
My Rating: 4/5
.
I went in blind, and it was the best idea! The main character comes back to consciousness and the confusion and mystery just pulls you in. I listened to this audiobook so fast, I couldn’t pause I had to know what was going to happen. I’m not going to go into detail because I don’t want to spoil anything. The narrator did amazing! The voices for different characters fit perfectly. There is even rep for a medical/physical condition that (from my experience) is flawlessly represented. If you are in need for a good mystery, this is it.
.
.
💛
All opinions are my own.
Title: Playing in the Rain
Author: Sandra J. Jackson
Format: Audiobook via audible
My Rating: 4/5
.
I went in blind, and it was the best idea! The main character comes back to consciousness and the confusion and mystery just pulls you in. I listened to this audiobook so fast, I couldn’t pause I had to know what was going to happen. I’m not going to go into detail because I don’t want to spoil anything. The narrator did amazing! The voices for different characters fit perfectly. There is even rep for a medical/physical condition that (from my experience) is flawlessly represented. If you are in need for a good mystery, this is it.
.
.
💛
All opinions are my own.
December 5, 2018
Sandra Jackson’s first novel in The Escape series Playing in the Rain starts you right into the action and never lets up. It doesn’t make the mistake of most thrillers. Jackson keeps things fast-paced, but she always takes the time to highlight the characters’ emotions and make you care about them. The internal thoughts and flashbacks were the highlight of the novel, as was the mystery. Our main character is kidnapped and placed in a mysterious facility, forced to plot a daring escape. Great twists and meaningful characters make this a must for any fans of The Island or Maze Runner out there!
May 1, 2020
When the effects of a hypnosis inducing drug begins to fade, April wakes up as a captive in a laboratory at the Contagion Eradication Centre for Intelligent Life (C.E.C.I.L) with no memory of her previous life. Up until now she has been on a daily regiment of injections which consist of a memory wiping drug as well as a mysterious vaccine. Her attendant, Jasper, has been weaning her off the former and as she becomes self aware, she remembers not only her name, but is introduced to a sister she wasn’t aware she had. Jasper quietly urges April to keep up the pretence of being in a hypnotic state until they are able to escape. Later his plan goes awry however, and April and her sister Beth find themselves prisoners in a dank wooden building, at the mercy of the egomaniacal founder of the Institute, Cecil...
Playing with Fire is the first intriguing instalment of the Escape series and is told solely from April’s perspective. As a result, the plot is slow to unfold as April becomes self aware and her memories resurface. Little explanation is given on the outside world other than the fact that something seems to be killing everyone.
April is a strong and likeable protagonist who we’re told is nineteen years old. While April’s memories return faster, Beth, who is three years her junior, only has brief flashbacks. Cecil is an intimidating antagonist who comes across as an unpredictable and callous control freak. His motives and plans for the girls are not entirely clear. All we do know is that April and Beth are being used as test subjects for a mysterious vaccine and are being kept as bargaining chips. As the girls desperately search for a means of escape, the tension and underlying sense of danger is amplified by Cecil’s irregular visits.
While the story is slow to build, the book is nonetheless compelling and well worth the effort. I genuinely welled up at one part towards the end which is a testament of the writer’s characterisation skills. The ending has paved the way for the second instalment which I look forward to delving into.
Recommended for YA fans of dystopian novels of teens in peril, mysteries, conspiracies,
I received an advanced free audible copy of Playing in the Rain and I am voluntarily reviewing it. Carrie Coello has masterfully brought the characters and story to life with her clear, concise delivery which made it easy to differentiate between characters.
Playing with Fire is the first intriguing instalment of the Escape series and is told solely from April’s perspective. As a result, the plot is slow to unfold as April becomes self aware and her memories resurface. Little explanation is given on the outside world other than the fact that something seems to be killing everyone.
April is a strong and likeable protagonist who we’re told is nineteen years old. While April’s memories return faster, Beth, who is three years her junior, only has brief flashbacks. Cecil is an intimidating antagonist who comes across as an unpredictable and callous control freak. His motives and plans for the girls are not entirely clear. All we do know is that April and Beth are being used as test subjects for a mysterious vaccine and are being kept as bargaining chips. As the girls desperately search for a means of escape, the tension and underlying sense of danger is amplified by Cecil’s irregular visits.
While the story is slow to build, the book is nonetheless compelling and well worth the effort. I genuinely welled up at one part towards the end which is a testament of the writer’s characterisation skills. The ending has paved the way for the second instalment which I look forward to delving into.
Recommended for YA fans of dystopian novels of teens in peril, mysteries, conspiracies,
I received an advanced free audible copy of Playing in the Rain and I am voluntarily reviewing it. Carrie Coello has masterfully brought the characters and story to life with her clear, concise delivery which made it easy to differentiate between characters.
June 21, 2019
This novel follows two young women first known as A2 and B2. They are captives in a facility known as C.E.C.I.L. They are given injections every day. I should mention one is to wipe out memories and another is a vaccine. The attendant giving the injections is known as J, later Jason. He has been deliberately lowering the dosage on the memory blocker and A2 regains her memories (though not all) more rapidly. She realizes that B2 is her younger sister. The book never explains the reason for the vaccine, but you later realize something is killing everyone. The institutions name is for the founder of the place. The younger gradually regains some memories. Cecil, obviously controlling and evil will make an appearance. Then Jason moves them to a dark room somewhere in a forest and they are no longer permitted to go to an exercise room, there are no showers. No clean clothes, and lesser amounts of food. Even the injections cease as Jason is too ill to administer them. A window high above is accessible by climbing a tall cabinet. Eventually, only Cecil brings less food, and the window is blocked. An electrical lamp provided as they continue to waste away. Suddenly another glimpse of sunlight offers another escape. It is never explained why Cecil and Jason have imprisoned them and others who have died. Cecil is obviously ill as he nearly collapses on them. They know they must leave the safety of confinement or die. Very well written and illuminates the psychology of prisoners dependent upon their captive.
August 19, 2019
I received a complementary copy of this audiobook from the narrator in exchange for an honest review.
This story was very slow to unfold. Indeed it felt more conceptual than a book with a defined narrative arc. We reach the end of the book having received no answers about where our characters come from or why they're special. They've just been held captive in terrible conditions with memories of a mundane life slowly returning to them, but they don't have to confront their captor(s) and don't have to understand or even approach a larger conflict. The story literally takes place within a box, completely insulated from any larger issues beyond bad guys who die all on their own from a disease that our main characters are immune to, thanks to trial and error.
The two characters feel very young, even though they're in their mid and late teens respectively. They have no defined skills and don't do much beyond play the perfect captives. They aren't confrontational, they don't ask too many questions, they "try to escape" in the slowest way possible and it all ends up being very incidental. When I got to the end of the book, all I could think was "what was the point?"
This story was very slow to unfold. Indeed it felt more conceptual than a book with a defined narrative arc. We reach the end of the book having received no answers about where our characters come from or why they're special. They've just been held captive in terrible conditions with memories of a mundane life slowly returning to them, but they don't have to confront their captor(s) and don't have to understand or even approach a larger conflict. The story literally takes place within a box, completely insulated from any larger issues beyond bad guys who die all on their own from a disease that our main characters are immune to, thanks to trial and error.
The two characters feel very young, even though they're in their mid and late teens respectively. They have no defined skills and don't do much beyond play the perfect captives. They aren't confrontational, they don't ask too many questions, they "try to escape" in the slowest way possible and it all ends up being very incidental. When I got to the end of the book, all I could think was "what was the point?"
June 20, 2018
I've read Sandra's first novel and that one was excellent. So, when I saw that she had written a second novel I jumped at the chance to read it, not knowing what it was about and I was not disappointed. Just like her first novel this story is well written, with attention to details which makes all the difference. "Playing in the rain" is thought provoking, and captivating the whole way through. I'll be honest, this type of story is not my usual cup of tea as I tend to shy away from the dystopian stuff a bit but this story became the exception to that rule from the opening pages right to the very end. I wanted to punch that Cecile in the face, and you will end up with a lot of questions at the end which leads me to believe that there may be another story in the works here?? I'm hoping my theory is correct, Sandra is an excellent author and has quickly become one of my favorites. You have found your calling!
March 23, 2018
Strange, but compelling
I knew this was a dystopian book before I bought it, but it is one of the strangest books I think I've read. Half of it is spent in an cleansed, stark white facility and the rest is spent in a dank and dirty wooden house.
The most compelling part is the relationship of the sisters who begin to remember bits and pieces of their childhood after being drugged with things to make them forget.
It is not my usual type of read, but this author does a very good job with descriptions to place you with the girls as they battle a nut job of a guy named Cecil. He wants something from unknown persons, presumably their parents, and is using them as a bargaining chip.
All this, after and attempt to control the world fails. I suppose more will be revealed in the next book.
I knew this was a dystopian book before I bought it, but it is one of the strangest books I think I've read. Half of it is spent in an cleansed, stark white facility and the rest is spent in a dank and dirty wooden house.
The most compelling part is the relationship of the sisters who begin to remember bits and pieces of their childhood after being drugged with things to make them forget.
It is not my usual type of read, but this author does a very good job with descriptions to place you with the girls as they battle a nut job of a guy named Cecil. He wants something from unknown persons, presumably their parents, and is using them as a bargaining chip.
All this, after and attempt to control the world fails. I suppose more will be revealed in the next book.
October 20, 2018
A1 or as we later learn, April effectively wakes up. Every moment of every day has been a program of motions, wake up, eat, bath, exercise, the exact same routine, day in and day out, lacking awareness that she is even a human being. Then something happens, she knows she is supposed to follow a routine, but she realizes that she is actually thinking, remembering, who she is.
The story isn't fast paced, as you read through it, it is like you are waking up with April, wondering who am I, why am I here, etc. As the chapters pass by, you learn more about April as she learns about herself. The story is very well written and a definite page turner, just slower paced than I prefer.
The story isn't fast paced, as you read through it, it is like you are waking up with April, wondering who am I, why am I here, etc. As the chapters pass by, you learn more about April as she learns about herself. The story is very well written and a definite page turner, just slower paced than I prefer.
August 18, 2018
The author's technique of getting the reader to feel disoriented like the main character was an interesting experience for me, and I have to admit, it took me some getting used to, but once I did, I found the story compelling and weel worth the effort!
May 23, 2019
Haunting
Haunting and sad but at last they were free!! I hope to read the other books in this trilogy. Thank You for this amazing read!!
Haunting and sad but at last they were free!! I hope to read the other books in this trilogy. Thank You for this amazing read!!
April 23, 2018
Playing In The Rain: When All That Matters Is Freedom (Escape Series Book 1) by Sandra J Jackson although classed as a Sci-fi I feel has the elements of a thriller as well. It's written for the young adult audience in mind, however anyone of any age would enjoy this. I was hooked and can't wait to see where this series leads.
The reader meets A1 (April) she finds herself in the facility called C.E.C.E.I.L Contagion Eradication Centre For Intelligent Life. The facility is named after the guy running it. April just a teenager has hardly any memory and lost many years of her life. In between sleeping a lot due to the drugs she's given April tried to piece together the small snippets of memory she has. The facility moves in another girl known as B2 into Aprils room. She learns that she is in fact her sister, or so she's told. After a fire at the facility the girls wake up to find themselves in a dingy windowless room. The only object in the room is a cabinet that contains clothes and objects that hold clues to the girls past.
This is a wonderful book that takes the reader on the girls journey of discovery, that leads us ready for the next instalment. A really great read, recommended to all.
The reader meets A1 (April) she finds herself in the facility called C.E.C.E.I.L Contagion Eradication Centre For Intelligent Life. The facility is named after the guy running it. April just a teenager has hardly any memory and lost many years of her life. In between sleeping a lot due to the drugs she's given April tried to piece together the small snippets of memory she has. The facility moves in another girl known as B2 into Aprils room. She learns that she is in fact her sister, or so she's told. After a fire at the facility the girls wake up to find themselves in a dingy windowless room. The only object in the room is a cabinet that contains clothes and objects that hold clues to the girls past.
This is a wonderful book that takes the reader on the girls journey of discovery, that leads us ready for the next instalment. A really great read, recommended to all.
April 9, 2018
Playing in the rain is a mystery novel centered around a young girl April. April suddenly wakes up one day to the sudden realization that she was living a mechanical life. In this life everything was prearranged from the timing in her bath to the various activities. She happens to question a covered person a simple question and starts getting responses albeit in a subdued and subtle manner. Her sister whom she doesn't remember is made her roommate and April takes her lead to maintain her mechanical facade. However there are questions bubbling up inside her and she wants to break free from the unknown bondage.
The book is very interesting as it takes us on a journey of revelation and we along with April feel eager to know the whole secret. What I liked about the book was that it's plot was totally fresh. Hence, I didn't know what to expect. The story kept me hooked and I was thoroughly entertained. However I feel that the book could have been bigger with some more excitement, and thought it finished soon.
The book is very interesting as it takes us on a journey of revelation and we along with April feel eager to know the whole secret. What I liked about the book was that it's plot was totally fresh. Hence, I didn't know what to expect. The story kept me hooked and I was thoroughly entertained. However I feel that the book could have been bigger with some more excitement, and thought it finished soon.
September 4, 2019
This book is difficult to review because I think my true feelings will hinge on the second and possibly third book in the series.
Playing in the rain is about a girl who has been kept in an unknown facility for an unknown amount of time. She doesn't know her name and she doesn't know why a person comes in daily to give her shots. She doesn't know why she is locked in this room or why she has a camera watching her every move. She doesn't know why she is scared. Eventually she tries to speak to the person who gives her the daily shots, but she is told not to speak where the camera can see her.
At some point another girl is placed in the room with her. These girls are determined to try and escape this room.
By the end of the book, I was very invested in the girls. The book leaves you with so many unanswered questions. Are we in a post-apocalyptic world? What were the girls being vaccinated against? I am looking forward to book two and the answers to my questions.
Playing in the rain is about a girl who has been kept in an unknown facility for an unknown amount of time. She doesn't know her name and she doesn't know why a person comes in daily to give her shots. She doesn't know why she is locked in this room or why she has a camera watching her every move. She doesn't know why she is scared. Eventually she tries to speak to the person who gives her the daily shots, but she is told not to speak where the camera can see her.
At some point another girl is placed in the room with her. These girls are determined to try and escape this room.
By the end of the book, I was very invested in the girls. The book leaves you with so many unanswered questions. Are we in a post-apocalyptic world? What were the girls being vaccinated against? I am looking forward to book two and the answers to my questions.
October 2, 2018
Trapped with no memory of the past. This is probably everyone’s nightmare… to wake up in an unfamiliar place with no knowledge of how you got there or who you are. That is April’s dilemma and her mystery to solve. She doesn’t even know her own name at first nor any idea why she is being held captive or what her captors want from her. Soon her sister joins her in captivity, but she has even less awareness than April. At a painfully slow pace the sisters regain memories of their shared history, but much remains a mystery right up until the end of the book. Clearly this is just the beginning of their story. Jackson is a skilled writer who knows how to build tension and I was rooting for these girls to escape all the way through
February 12, 2018
Awesome! I really enjoyed it. You really capture visual imagery well in your writing style, Sandra J Jackson. April and Beth were very endearing, and you were totally able to make the reader dislike the antagonist. Arrrg... Cecil!
Looking forward to the follow up!
Looking forward to the follow up!
May 14, 2019
Interesting story
Something different to read. Kept me interested. Good writing. A little to descriptive at times but still a good book.
Something different to read. Kept me interested. Good writing. A little to descriptive at times but still a good book.
August 20, 2019
Interesting and unique read. I'm not really sure if this is dystopian or apocalyptic and I'll have to read the 2nd one to find out what happens!
January 25, 2024
Editorial Review
Reviewed by Jamie Michele for Readers' Favorite
Playing in the Rain: When All That Matters is Freedom by Sandra J. Jackson is the first book in the author's Escape Series. It starts with an awakening in a sterile hospital after the teen protagonist, A2, is kidnapped. Unable to even recognize herself in the mirror, it is slowly revealed that she is trapped in an aesculapian facility called C.E.C.I.L.: Contagion Eradication Center for Intelligent Life. Attending to her is Jasper, who pumps her body full of pharmaceuticals and occasionally dispenses information, disclosing to A2 that another shut-in named B2 is, in fact, her sister. Hints about the life they had before the experiment begin to intensify following a lab fire and the introduction of the true antagonist, prophetically named Cecil himself, which fuel the survivor's longing to escape.
Playing in the Rain by Sandra J. Jackson is a slow burn of a story. While it is instantly engrossing, Jackson has masterfully crafted a narrative that unravels itself with each page, which is refreshing in a time where information-dumping has become the norm in the genre as a whole. It would be a mistake to take the unhurried revelations as sluggish; the pacing is absolutely perfect and the building of suspense is first rate. The plot is unique and the writing is tight and crisp, complete with dialogue that comes across as authentic despite an artificially inspired environment. I would recommend this book to readers who adore intelligent thrillers, suspense, mysteries with strong female leads, and a narrative that allows for the measured development of an excellent story.
Reviewed by Jamie Michele for Readers' Favorite
Playing in the Rain: When All That Matters is Freedom by Sandra J. Jackson is the first book in the author's Escape Series. It starts with an awakening in a sterile hospital after the teen protagonist, A2, is kidnapped. Unable to even recognize herself in the mirror, it is slowly revealed that she is trapped in an aesculapian facility called C.E.C.I.L.: Contagion Eradication Center for Intelligent Life. Attending to her is Jasper, who pumps her body full of pharmaceuticals and occasionally dispenses information, disclosing to A2 that another shut-in named B2 is, in fact, her sister. Hints about the life they had before the experiment begin to intensify following a lab fire and the introduction of the true antagonist, prophetically named Cecil himself, which fuel the survivor's longing to escape.
Playing in the Rain by Sandra J. Jackson is a slow burn of a story. While it is instantly engrossing, Jackson has masterfully crafted a narrative that unravels itself with each page, which is refreshing in a time where information-dumping has become the norm in the genre as a whole. It would be a mistake to take the unhurried revelations as sluggish; the pacing is absolutely perfect and the building of suspense is first rate. The plot is unique and the writing is tight and crisp, complete with dialogue that comes across as authentic despite an artificially inspired environment. I would recommend this book to readers who adore intelligent thrillers, suspense, mysteries with strong female leads, and a narrative that allows for the measured development of an excellent story.
October 17, 2019
Rate: 2 🌟
-
Playing In The Rain is a post-apocalyptic / survival book. The synopsis was promising however, it didn’t meet my expectations. The first part of the story was interesting, the protagonist was held captive in a facility center, which is looking for a certain cure for a disease that is killing part of the world. Then begins the most boring part of the book, when she manages to scape but again is held captive in an old house and the author spends many chapters telling the reader the same thing: Abby tries to escape, eats, reads, sleep and repeat, she never fights her captor; she’s the perfect damsel in distress. My problem was the pacing of the book, it was very slow and the reader has many questions that are never answered. I was very close to DNF the book if it wasn’t for the audiobook so thank you to Carrie Coello, the book narrator, for sending me the audiobook in an exchange of an honest review. Although I didn’t like the book I did enjoy her performance!
-
Playing In The Rain is a post-apocalyptic / survival book. The synopsis was promising however, it didn’t meet my expectations. The first part of the story was interesting, the protagonist was held captive in a facility center, which is looking for a certain cure for a disease that is killing part of the world. Then begins the most boring part of the book, when she manages to scape but again is held captive in an old house and the author spends many chapters telling the reader the same thing: Abby tries to escape, eats, reads, sleep and repeat, she never fights her captor; she’s the perfect damsel in distress. My problem was the pacing of the book, it was very slow and the reader has many questions that are never answered. I was very close to DNF the book if it wasn’t for the audiobook so thank you to Carrie Coello, the book narrator, for sending me the audiobook in an exchange of an honest review. Although I didn’t like the book I did enjoy her performance!
October 4, 2020
You awake in an unknown environment. You can't remember who you are or where you're from, but you know where you are now is not where you ought to be. You feel trapped, because you are. You feel alone, because ....because...You can't remember why, but you know you weren't alone before. Before waking up whereever you currently are.
Lead character, A2, is in a facility called C.E.C.I.L: the Contagion Eradication Center for Intelligent Life. There is a man named Jasper there, who provides and controls everything, including the drugs she is being pumped full of, because ....because....she doesn't know why. Danger and mystery meld with confusion and hazy memories of a life she only barely recalls. A2 meets B2, and they discover they were sisters, before....before whatever happened that brought them here....whereever they are, though neither know why.
Jackson's first book in the Escape Series, Playing in the Rain: When All That Matters is Freedom pulls you right into the story from page one, slowly yet inexorably, leaving you as dazed and confused as A2. Page after deliciously-mystifying page, you follow A2 and B2 as their situation goes from bad to worse, yet gets better and better. If you love immersing yourself into a story body and soul, where you can end up exhausted from the remarkable confusion the author maintains chapter after chapter, dragging you and her characters along an unforseen path to an undisclosed conclusion while spinning in a web of intrigue that will leave everyone ensnared and gasping for breath, then prepare yourself. This one will not disappoint you.
It will not give up its secrets quickly or easily, either.
Settle in and prepare for the inescapably claustrophobic, diabolically mind-spinning ride of your life!
Lead character, A2, is in a facility called C.E.C.I.L: the Contagion Eradication Center for Intelligent Life. There is a man named Jasper there, who provides and controls everything, including the drugs she is being pumped full of, because ....because....she doesn't know why. Danger and mystery meld with confusion and hazy memories of a life she only barely recalls. A2 meets B2, and they discover they were sisters, before....before whatever happened that brought them here....whereever they are, though neither know why.
Jackson's first book in the Escape Series, Playing in the Rain: When All That Matters is Freedom pulls you right into the story from page one, slowly yet inexorably, leaving you as dazed and confused as A2. Page after deliciously-mystifying page, you follow A2 and B2 as their situation goes from bad to worse, yet gets better and better. If you love immersing yourself into a story body and soul, where you can end up exhausted from the remarkable confusion the author maintains chapter after chapter, dragging you and her characters along an unforseen path to an undisclosed conclusion while spinning in a web of intrigue that will leave everyone ensnared and gasping for breath, then prepare yourself. This one will not disappoint you.
It will not give up its secrets quickly or easily, either.
Settle in and prepare for the inescapably claustrophobic, diabolically mind-spinning ride of your life!
August 24, 2019
Nail-Biting Tension
From inception, Playing in the Rain, by Sandra J. Jackson, gave me the feeling of being a prisoner. The character, April, slowly recovers from a drug induced state. What she begins to learn about her plight is frightening. At first she can’t believe what is happening and how her mind had been programmed. Beginning to understand, she must escape, but needs more of her memory, strength and capabilities to return before she completely understands her dilemma and what to do about it. She is not without help, but even that is questionable. She doesn’t know whom to trust. Then someone is brought in to share her room; her sister, whom she doesn’t know or remember. She also learns about a brother, whom she doesn’t believe exists.
The author takes us on a nail-biting psychological horror ride as April sorts out what has happened to her and her sister. And if there is a brother, had he met a similar fate. Some did not survive what they endured. She tries to understand why her first escape attempt failed and how it got her into another catastrophic dilemma.
The author does a great job of taking the reader through the psychological shocks as April slowly regains more and more of her memory. She arrives at the point of feeling strong enough to make another attempt to escape – and maybe her last if caught – with her sister. She finds the graves of those who had not survived. Could their brother be among the buried? If you love psychological thrillers, let this series give your mind a turn.
From inception, Playing in the Rain, by Sandra J. Jackson, gave me the feeling of being a prisoner. The character, April, slowly recovers from a drug induced state. What she begins to learn about her plight is frightening. At first she can’t believe what is happening and how her mind had been programmed. Beginning to understand, she must escape, but needs more of her memory, strength and capabilities to return before she completely understands her dilemma and what to do about it. She is not without help, but even that is questionable. She doesn’t know whom to trust. Then someone is brought in to share her room; her sister, whom she doesn’t know or remember. She also learns about a brother, whom she doesn’t believe exists.
The author takes us on a nail-biting psychological horror ride as April sorts out what has happened to her and her sister. And if there is a brother, had he met a similar fate. Some did not survive what they endured. She tries to understand why her first escape attempt failed and how it got her into another catastrophic dilemma.
The author does a great job of taking the reader through the psychological shocks as April slowly regains more and more of her memory. She arrives at the point of feeling strong enough to make another attempt to escape – and maybe her last if caught – with her sister. She finds the graves of those who had not survived. Could their brother be among the buried? If you love psychological thrillers, let this series give your mind a turn.
December 3, 2019
Real edge of your seat stuff
I have to admit to being totally wrapped up in this tense and edgy book that I find difficult to label with any specific genre. It's so cleverly written in sucha way that we are kept as much in the dark about what's going on as the too young gjrls/women at the centre of the action.
April wakes up to find herself in an institution of some kind, not knowing how she got there, or what her name is. Everything she does is controlled by the man she knows only as J.
Daily injections, a feeding routine that never varies, clean underwear and dresses each day, and time set aside for reading and study.
You can just feel the tension building as she gradually starts to remember pieces of fragmented memories. When a new room mate is assigned to her J whispers to her that the newcomer is her sister. What sister? She has no memory of having had a sister.
Get the idea? This is a truly, almost scary read, keeping the reader always guessing whatthe heck is going on. I turned page after page, urgently seeking the truth along with April and her sister. Whether I discovered it or not is between me and the author. I'll leave it up to you to find out for yourself. A really quite remarkable read, and a definite 5 stars from me.
I have to admit to being totally wrapped up in this tense and edgy book that I find difficult to label with any specific genre. It's so cleverly written in sucha way that we are kept as much in the dark about what's going on as the too young gjrls/women at the centre of the action.
April wakes up to find herself in an institution of some kind, not knowing how she got there, or what her name is. Everything she does is controlled by the man she knows only as J.
Daily injections, a feeding routine that never varies, clean underwear and dresses each day, and time set aside for reading and study.
You can just feel the tension building as she gradually starts to remember pieces of fragmented memories. When a new room mate is assigned to her J whispers to her that the newcomer is her sister. What sister? She has no memory of having had a sister.
Get the idea? This is a truly, almost scary read, keeping the reader always guessing whatthe heck is going on. I turned page after page, urgently seeking the truth along with April and her sister. Whether I discovered it or not is between me and the author. I'll leave it up to you to find out for yourself. A really quite remarkable read, and a definite 5 stars from me.
January 16, 2020
The book for review is “Playing In The Rain” by Sandra J. Jackson. It falls in the genre of YA.
Meet our main character, April, who has lost her memory with some help from her captors. She is fed, clothed and has things to do but she can’t leave. April is not sure how she got there and in fact doesn’t know her name.
J, the man who brings her necessities, also brings the shots to help her with her memory lost. But lately she is starting to remember bits and pieces. Turns out J is reducing the dosage in the hope of her being able to access her memories.
As her memories start to come she gets a roommate. It’s her sister who also has no memories of her own.
As the two sisters get use to each other April realizes she wants more. But more importantly she wants out.
My thoughts:
If Amazon had a rating up to six this would be a six. I am a big fan of YA books. Mrs. Jackson covers all her basis in what is required to write in this genre but she went further.
The pacing? Amazing. The characters? Amazing. The plot? Amazing.
I could not get enough of this book reading it in under two days. Life got in the way.
A wonderful story, great hero that is perfect for this age group and what else to say?
Go out and get this book.
Meet our main character, April, who has lost her memory with some help from her captors. She is fed, clothed and has things to do but she can’t leave. April is not sure how she got there and in fact doesn’t know her name.
J, the man who brings her necessities, also brings the shots to help her with her memory lost. But lately she is starting to remember bits and pieces. Turns out J is reducing the dosage in the hope of her being able to access her memories.
As her memories start to come she gets a roommate. It’s her sister who also has no memories of her own.
As the two sisters get use to each other April realizes she wants more. But more importantly she wants out.
My thoughts:
If Amazon had a rating up to six this would be a six. I am a big fan of YA books. Mrs. Jackson covers all her basis in what is required to write in this genre but she went further.
The pacing? Amazing. The characters? Amazing. The plot? Amazing.
I could not get enough of this book reading it in under two days. Life got in the way.
A wonderful story, great hero that is perfect for this age group and what else to say?
Go out and get this book.
August 31, 2021
I really enjoyed Playing in the Rain (Escape Series Book 1) by Sandra J. Jackson. The story draws you right in, the mundane routine of waking up and eating breakfast and brushing teeth has a surreal vibe. The character - April - has no idea who she is and neither does the reader unless they read the cover blurb. But her awareness is returning. Her senses come back. She becomes responsive. And she starts to think through her situation. Question where she is and why she’s there. What she does know is there’s danger - although isn’t sure what that danger is, at first - and she’s trapped.
The language is economical and action-driven. The plot unravels slowly in carefully measured steps. The mood is intense and that intensity is unrelenting. The use of deep point of view works really well and is sustained throughout. I don’t generally read post-apocalyptic or sci-fi, but I found that it was very hard to stop reading this book.
The language is economical and action-driven. The plot unravels slowly in carefully measured steps. The mood is intense and that intensity is unrelenting. The use of deep point of view works really well and is sustained throughout. I don’t generally read post-apocalyptic or sci-fi, but I found that it was very hard to stop reading this book.
December 8, 2019
Actual rating 3.5
I got a copy of the audiobook in return for an honest review.
The story started out with a vivid yet mysterious world building that really puts you in the shoes of the MC and really immerses you in the setting she's in. The progressions was a bit slow for my liking only because the description was very detailed so if you're into that, you'd definitely enjoy it more.
The introduction of her sister, B2, was quite timely and she definitely brought a different sense of curiosity and added some amusement. The ending gave meaning to the title which was a nice touch although there were some details I wish the writer included to address the questions that remained unanswered. Although these questions could be answered in the sequel, I would have wanted it to be able to stand on its own even with the sequel especially since there's a specific element and goal the writer can focus on for the sequel.
In terms of characters, I didn't grow fond of either MC's although April was a strong lead. I wish I got invested in them more but just that wasn't the case. The plot was definitely interesting and captivating although, as I've mentioned, there were some blanks that needed filling.
I would love to read the sequel though hoping to find answers to some of the questions left unanswered.
I got a copy of the audiobook in return for an honest review.
The story started out with a vivid yet mysterious world building that really puts you in the shoes of the MC and really immerses you in the setting she's in. The progressions was a bit slow for my liking only because the description was very detailed so if you're into that, you'd definitely enjoy it more.
The introduction of her sister, B2, was quite timely and she definitely brought a different sense of curiosity and added some amusement. The ending gave meaning to the title which was a nice touch although there were some details I wish the writer included to address the questions that remained unanswered. Although these questions could be answered in the sequel, I would have wanted it to be able to stand on its own even with the sequel especially since there's a specific element and goal the writer can focus on for the sequel.
In terms of characters, I didn't grow fond of either MC's although April was a strong lead. I wish I got invested in them more but just that wasn't the case. The plot was definitely interesting and captivating although, as I've mentioned, there were some blanks that needed filling.
I would love to read the sequel though hoping to find answers to some of the questions left unanswered.
October 22, 2019
Playing in the Rain
When All That Matters Is Freedom (Escape Series, Book 1)
By: Sandra J. Jackson
This is a YA/Dystopian/Suspense novel set in the near future. I was hooked from the beginning and couldn't stop listening, even to eat my supper. (I would recommend the listener might really want to stop long enough for your meal.) Very vivid descriptions take the listener into their world. I love a book that has strong female characters, that can be vulnerable as well. I can't wait for the rest of the series!!!
The narration was well done. The characters were well portrayed. Carrie Coello brought this to life!!!
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
When All That Matters Is Freedom (Escape Series, Book 1)
By: Sandra J. Jackson
This is a YA/Dystopian/Suspense novel set in the near future. I was hooked from the beginning and couldn't stop listening, even to eat my supper. (I would recommend the listener might really want to stop long enough for your meal.) Very vivid descriptions take the listener into their world. I love a book that has strong female characters, that can be vulnerable as well. I can't wait for the rest of the series!!!
The narration was well done. The characters were well portrayed. Carrie Coello brought this to life!!!
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
March 4, 2020
Playing in the Rain is a mystery and an apocalyptic tale all wrapped in one! I enjoyed the thrill of finding out every little detail of the main heroin's history. Every time she met Jason, or remembered something new was a thrill. I loved her days at C.E.C.I.L. for the fresh details, and personal point of view that outlined her every thought and feeling. It really made you feel like you were there in the cold, sterile room with her; going through all the emotions of a human caught in a dangerous game of cat and mouse where the cat is actually your own mind hidden from you by a drug induced state. My only complaint is that I want more of the story, and am left desiring the answers to more of the questions the book leaves open ended. A great read!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews