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Brain Damage
"I open my eyes and I’m close enough to kiss a dead girl."
Three years ago, sixteen year old Desmond Linc almost died in the car accident that killed his brother. Now he's all but forgotten the damage, a dead space in his brain physicians swore would never awaken.
But it has.
Terrified he's losing his mind, Des comes face to face with the tortured ghosts of his hometown. The black hole in his head is a doorway to the afterlife and the dead come telling secrets and lies and wielding accusations like scythes.
They tell the truth about one thing though, a killer has come to Northwood.
Three years ago, sixteen year old Desmond Linc almost died in the car accident that killed his brother. Now he's all but forgotten the damage, a dead space in his brain physicians swore would never awaken.
But it has.
Terrified he's losing his mind, Des comes face to face with the tortured ghosts of his hometown. The black hole in his head is a doorway to the afterlife and the dead come telling secrets and lies and wielding accusations like scythes.
They tell the truth about one thing though, a killer has come to Northwood.
274 pages, Paperback
First published November 18, 2017
4 people are currently reading
447 people want to read
About the author
J.A. St. Thomas
2 books37 followersJ. A. St. Thomas has been writing most of her life. Growing up the only child of late in life parents, her imagination received a healthy workout. After moving to New York, she spent a short time working in film before meeting her husband. Then kids happened and writing quickly found its way to the to-do-list, remaining there far too long. A handful of her short stories have won competitions and been published in small presses. However, writing novel length fiction is her true passion. When she’s not writing, she enjoys spending time with her family, reading, music and anything related to horror, especially zombies.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
December 17, 2017
**4.5 stars**
Way back in 2013 when I was still a fledgling reviewer, I won a novel called “I am Forgotten” in a Goodreads giveaway. I fell in love with that book, with it’s surprising twists and turns and beautiful writing – I believe there is a sequel in the works which I shall watch out for. After that the author took a break but now is back so when she contacted me asking if I would read and review “Brain Damage” I was genuinely very excited. For good reason – I’ve banged through this one at every given opportunity the last couple of days and I loved it.
Brain Damage follows Des, who’s brother died in the same horrific accident that gave Des a terrible brain injury. After a second knock to the head suddenly he is seeing dead people. Yes I know – it’s true as well that Brain Damage is kind of a Sixth Sense for Young Adults and it is highly engaging, very creepy in places with quirky, layered characters who are both funny and emotionally resonant.
A bit like with I am Forgotten, the author mashes together some genre’s with some brilliant storytelling -a mix of ghost story, murder mystery and character drama we follow Des, best friend Merit, the divisive Joey and a rather unusual ghost hunter as they try and unravel the mysteries of the mind. Is Des really seeing ghosts or is this just a symptom of his accident? Does the black hole in his memory from just after the accident hold a clue?
The plotting is taut and often haunting, the descriptive sense of this young boy’s visions really hits home and may have you jumping at shadows. The novel also manages to explore many life themes – rehabilitation after injury, mental illness and coming to terms with sexuality – often thought provoking whilst being wildly entertaining, Brain Damage is highly addictive.
Much as I hate to pressure J.A. St Thomas, what she has done now is not only make me wish harder for the sequel to I Am Forgotten but wish as well for more in the life of Des and friends. When I got to the end I was sad to leave them behind – with a clever little twist of the tale in the final moments, my engagement with the world built here was complete. Really excellent and I’d love more please. Also I’m digging out my copy of IAF and reading that again over Christmas.
Talented writing here – it is true that both Brain Damage and I Am Forgotten fall into that category of books that I think why are these not getting the bestseller treatment – so I’ll do my little bit to try and get them out there – they both come Highly Recommended from me. Give one or both a go. I don’t think you’ll be disappointed.
Way back in 2013 when I was still a fledgling reviewer, I won a novel called “I am Forgotten” in a Goodreads giveaway. I fell in love with that book, with it’s surprising twists and turns and beautiful writing – I believe there is a sequel in the works which I shall watch out for. After that the author took a break but now is back so when she contacted me asking if I would read and review “Brain Damage” I was genuinely very excited. For good reason – I’ve banged through this one at every given opportunity the last couple of days and I loved it.
Brain Damage follows Des, who’s brother died in the same horrific accident that gave Des a terrible brain injury. After a second knock to the head suddenly he is seeing dead people. Yes I know – it’s true as well that Brain Damage is kind of a Sixth Sense for Young Adults and it is highly engaging, very creepy in places with quirky, layered characters who are both funny and emotionally resonant.
A bit like with I am Forgotten, the author mashes together some genre’s with some brilliant storytelling -a mix of ghost story, murder mystery and character drama we follow Des, best friend Merit, the divisive Joey and a rather unusual ghost hunter as they try and unravel the mysteries of the mind. Is Des really seeing ghosts or is this just a symptom of his accident? Does the black hole in his memory from just after the accident hold a clue?
The plotting is taut and often haunting, the descriptive sense of this young boy’s visions really hits home and may have you jumping at shadows. The novel also manages to explore many life themes – rehabilitation after injury, mental illness and coming to terms with sexuality – often thought provoking whilst being wildly entertaining, Brain Damage is highly addictive.
Much as I hate to pressure J.A. St Thomas, what she has done now is not only make me wish harder for the sequel to I Am Forgotten but wish as well for more in the life of Des and friends. When I got to the end I was sad to leave them behind – with a clever little twist of the tale in the final moments, my engagement with the world built here was complete. Really excellent and I’d love more please. Also I’m digging out my copy of IAF and reading that again over Christmas.
Talented writing here – it is true that both Brain Damage and I Am Forgotten fall into that category of books that I think why are these not getting the bestseller treatment – so I’ll do my little bit to try and get them out there – they both come Highly Recommended from me. Give one or both a go. I don’t think you’ll be disappointed.
July 31, 2018
Thanks to the Publisher and Netgalley for a free copy of this book, which was given in exchange for this review. Sorry said review is so late.
Brain Damage started out fine enough, with strange supernatural occurrences being hinted at (occurrences that, unfortunately, lead nowhere). Unfortunately though, this is YA, and it features some of the worst characteristics of the genre: unlikable characters, threadbare plot, a weak resolution.
I almost did not finish this, but I soldiered on. While this book is not offensively bad enough for me to hate it, it is extremely forgettable — and not worth the time.
Brain Damage started out fine enough, with strange supernatural occurrences being hinted at (occurrences that, unfortunately, lead nowhere). Unfortunately though, this is YA, and it features some of the worst characteristics of the genre: unlikable characters, threadbare plot, a weak resolution.
I almost did not finish this, but I soldiered on. While this book is not offensively bad enough for me to hate it, it is extremely forgettable — and not worth the time.
December 3, 2017
Part ghost story, part suspenseful thriller, Brain Damage is a page turner. This YA Horror novel has a great cast of characters - all quite entertaining. I do hope that Ms. St. Thomas gives us another Desmond Linc novel. I would love to see how his life progresses and if he chooses to “close the door”.
December 8, 2017
Des is still grieving the loss of his older brother, and has blamed himself for that death. Des feels he is the reason they were on the road that day and sometimes wishes he had been the one who had died.. except maybe for a few minutes he did, and being so close to death has gifted (or cursed) him with the ability to see and hear spirits. When a teen is murdered in town somehow Des knows it even before his police officer dad hears it on the scanner. At first He thinks he's losing his mind, but as these visions become more frequent He enlists his best friend Merit and a wannabe ghost buster to help him get to the truth. Part coming of age tale, part mystery ghost adventure, this haunting YA novel had me captivated from start to finish.
I received a complimentary copy for review.
I received a complimentary copy for review.
December 13, 2017
I received an ARC copy from netgalley for my honest review, so thank you netgalley and publishers for offering me this book! ♡
This is a story about A Sixteen year old, Desmond Linc who suffered Traumatic Brain injury from a car accident, resulting in his brothers death which changed his life forever. The accident still causes Des to suffer some side effects like loss of memory, hallucinations, and lucid dreams that make it difficult to tell what is real. His best friend Merit ends up taking him to a party, Des takes a blow to the head and wakes up in the woods lying next to a dead girl with scratch marks on his arms. Des passes out but when he wakes up again he is at home, in bed, and free of marks. He thinks he is having hallucinations again or going crazy until he learns the murder really happened just like in his vision. So now her ghost won't leave him alone. This book was amazing! I did enjoy Des as a character, i just wish he wouldnt have been gay, honestly had i known i wouldn't have requested this book, but let me clarify before everyone starts calling me a homophobic lol i do believe in straight marriages, however i do have gay friends, they know my feelings on it and we all respect each other, now back on the book topic, Des was protrayed as a strong gay character, who is complex, unique and has a love for words. This is considered as a horror book but i feel it could be suitable for Young Adult. I give this book a 3.5 star rating!
This is a story about A Sixteen year old, Desmond Linc who suffered Traumatic Brain injury from a car accident, resulting in his brothers death which changed his life forever. The accident still causes Des to suffer some side effects like loss of memory, hallucinations, and lucid dreams that make it difficult to tell what is real. His best friend Merit ends up taking him to a party, Des takes a blow to the head and wakes up in the woods lying next to a dead girl with scratch marks on his arms. Des passes out but when he wakes up again he is at home, in bed, and free of marks. He thinks he is having hallucinations again or going crazy until he learns the murder really happened just like in his vision. So now her ghost won't leave him alone. This book was amazing! I did enjoy Des as a character, i just wish he wouldnt have been gay, honestly had i known i wouldn't have requested this book, but let me clarify before everyone starts calling me a homophobic lol i do believe in straight marriages, however i do have gay friends, they know my feelings on it and we all respect each other, now back on the book topic, Des was protrayed as a strong gay character, who is complex, unique and has a love for words. This is considered as a horror book but i feel it could be suitable for Young Adult. I give this book a 3.5 star rating!
December 16, 2017
Desmond Linc almost died when he was in a car accident with his older brother who is killed. He has brain damage that causes him to have illusions, forgetfulness and hearing voices. Des doesn't want this. His best friend Merit helps him by distracting him with her thoughts and news. Even the school bully becomes his friend after everything that has happened to him. Meanwhile, Des finds himself trying to find his courage to do what he must it's difficult. He does decide to find out but will he succeed?
This is a suspenseful paranormal novel that is written well. Des is gay. The characters are believable. I found the storyline intriguing with its exploration of grief and loss in the supernatural world.
This is a suspenseful paranormal novel that is written well. Des is gay. The characters are believable. I found the storyline intriguing with its exploration of grief and loss in the supernatural world.
December 24, 2017
I can’t get enough of stories involving the supernatural, and this one was a page turner. Having loved I Am Forgotten, I hoped Brain Damage would have a similar magic. And believe me, it does.
Brain Damage is told from the point of view of Desmond, a teenager who begins seeing ghosts after having been in a tragic car accident with his brother, Donovan. And while he tries to get away from the ghosts, once he realizes they are here for a reason, things start moving along with great purpose.
But this book isn’t just about Desmond and his ghosts. Brain Damage is a more meaningful story of friendships, acceptance, and starting over after going through a great tragedy.
I really enjoyed this, and hope J.A. St. Thomas continues with Des’s story!
Brain Damage is told from the point of view of Desmond, a teenager who begins seeing ghosts after having been in a tragic car accident with his brother, Donovan. And while he tries to get away from the ghosts, once he realizes they are here for a reason, things start moving along with great purpose.
But this book isn’t just about Desmond and his ghosts. Brain Damage is a more meaningful story of friendships, acceptance, and starting over after going through a great tragedy.
I really enjoyed this, and hope J.A. St. Thomas continues with Des’s story!
December 4, 2017
I received a copy of this novel via NetGalley and BookBuzz.net in exchange for an honest review.
Sixteen year old Desmond Linc suffered Traumatic Brain injury in a car accident, killing his brother and changing his life forever. The accident still causes Des to suffer some side effects like loss of memory, hallucinations, and lucid dreams that make it difficult to tell what is real. When his best friend Merit takes him to a party, Des suffers a blow to the head and wakes up in the woods lying next to a dead girl-scratch mark on his arms. Des passes out but when he wakes up again he is at home, in bed, and free of marks. He thinks he is having hallucinations again or going crazy until he learns the murder really happened just like in his vision...and now her ghost won't leave him alone.
This novel was fantastic and quickly made the list of my favorite reads this year. I immediately fell in love with Des, a strong gay character, who is complex and unique and has a love for words. This is classified as a horror genre and although there are some descriptive scenes involving the violent deaths of the ghosts that haunt him, I do not feel that it’s overly graphic and would be still suitable for most YA's. This novel is on the shorter side (about 275 pages) so it’s a really quick but intriguing read. Broken into three parts it begins a few years after the accident and introduces the first murder, then it explores the events prior to and after his accident, the finale takes you back to present day and ties everything together. I really enjoyed the author’s unique style of writing and I will definitely be reading more of her books. If you love ghosts and crime thrillers then I highly recommend you add this to your TBR list.
Sixteen year old Desmond Linc suffered Traumatic Brain injury in a car accident, killing his brother and changing his life forever. The accident still causes Des to suffer some side effects like loss of memory, hallucinations, and lucid dreams that make it difficult to tell what is real. When his best friend Merit takes him to a party, Des suffers a blow to the head and wakes up in the woods lying next to a dead girl-scratch mark on his arms. Des passes out but when he wakes up again he is at home, in bed, and free of marks. He thinks he is having hallucinations again or going crazy until he learns the murder really happened just like in his vision...and now her ghost won't leave him alone.
This novel was fantastic and quickly made the list of my favorite reads this year. I immediately fell in love with Des, a strong gay character, who is complex and unique and has a love for words. This is classified as a horror genre and although there are some descriptive scenes involving the violent deaths of the ghosts that haunt him, I do not feel that it’s overly graphic and would be still suitable for most YA's. This novel is on the shorter side (about 275 pages) so it’s a really quick but intriguing read. Broken into three parts it begins a few years after the accident and introduces the first murder, then it explores the events prior to and after his accident, the finale takes you back to present day and ties everything together. I really enjoyed the author’s unique style of writing and I will definitely be reading more of her books. If you love ghosts and crime thrillers then I highly recommend you add this to your TBR list.
December 5, 2017
This was an unusual YA/paranormal suspense story. I always enjoy a good ghost story. This one takes a different approach. It kept me fascinated and turning pages from beginning to end.
The characters are very interesting, well developed and believable. The author does an excellent job with the often eerie and creepy details that “flesh out” this story. While the story will intrigue you, the ending will amaze you.
Great job.
The book cover at first glance appears simple, but if you THINK and LOOK at it with the paranormal in mind, the cover is so much more than meets the eye. [ What's between fact and fiction? What's between black and white? The murky gray area where scary things exist!]
The book blurb:
“I open my eyes and I'm close enough to kiss a dead girl”
Three years ago, sixteen year old Desmond Linc almost died in the car accident that killed his brother. Now he's all but forgotten the damage, a dead space in his brain physicians swore would never awaken . . .
But it has.
This is me, the reviewer...>. [I'm unable to resist saying it … you know you thought it too …
{whispers... “I see Dead People” ]
I received this book from Netgalley through Bookbuzz in exchange for my honest review.
Thank you for allowing me to read this great book.
The characters are very interesting, well developed and believable. The author does an excellent job with the often eerie and creepy details that “flesh out” this story. While the story will intrigue you, the ending will amaze you.
Great job.
The book cover at first glance appears simple, but if you THINK and LOOK at it with the paranormal in mind, the cover is so much more than meets the eye. [ What's between fact and fiction? What's between black and white? The murky gray area where scary things exist!]
The book blurb:
“I open my eyes and I'm close enough to kiss a dead girl”
Three years ago, sixteen year old Desmond Linc almost died in the car accident that killed his brother. Now he's all but forgotten the damage, a dead space in his brain physicians swore would never awaken . . .
But it has.
This is me, the reviewer...>. [I'm unable to resist saying it … you know you thought it too …
{whispers... “I see Dead People” ]
I received this book from Netgalley through Bookbuzz in exchange for my honest review.
Thank you for allowing me to read this great book.
April 13, 2018
Good read
Quite a good read though at times the storyline would slow right down. I like my reads to be a bit more steady paced.
Quite a good read though at times the storyline would slow right down. I like my reads to be a bit more steady paced.
December 3, 2017
This book was absolutely amazing. I don't usually pick up this type of book( mystery, ghosts, mental illness), but i decided to give it a try and I loved it. I finished this book in one day because I couldn't put it down. I received this book and more as an arc from netgalley and if you are interested in viewing books before they are published to review this would be a great place to look.
December 3, 2017
I received a copy of this via NetGalley.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story! It kept me interested right from the beginning, to the end. I couldn't put it down and read the entire book in a day!
I thoroughly enjoyed this story! It kept me interested right from the beginning, to the end. I couldn't put it down and read the entire book in a day!
January 22, 2018
I wasn't sure about this one at first - I liked the beginning, but it wasn't sucking me in the way I hoped it would (it felt a little too "teenage angst"), until all of a sudden I just found myself hooked... I can't point to what did it, but at some point early on it shifted and felt like more than the typical YA story arc (a "misfit" kid that doesn't quite fit in turns out to be more than anyone - himself included - expected) it appeared to be at the start. From there, things got weirder and weirder and more intriguing, and by the end I was thoroughly engaged and couldn't wait to see what the Big Reveal would turn out to be. It both was and wasn't a surprise - it was on one level, but on the other, when I stopped to consider it, it was not, if that makes any sense - but regardless, it was a page turner for me in the final bits, and I quite enjoyed it.
There are a lot of YA novels that read like adult books without the gratuitous sex and violence; this read like a YA novel (despite its abundance of gruesome moments), but was no less enjoyable to me as an adult reader for that fact. The issues Des faces are, by and large, quite relatable even to one who is rather a bit past sixteen, and the paranormal/"dead people" components of the story were managed well and with cool semi-oblique text inserts that made them feel non-cliched and fresh.
My review copy was provided by NetGalley.
There are a lot of YA novels that read like adult books without the gratuitous sex and violence; this read like a YA novel (despite its abundance of gruesome moments), but was no less enjoyable to me as an adult reader for that fact. The issues Des faces are, by and large, quite relatable even to one who is rather a bit past sixteen, and the paranormal/"dead people" components of the story were managed well and with cool semi-oblique text inserts that made them feel non-cliched and fresh.
My review copy was provided by NetGalley.
January 12, 2018
I have very mixed feelings about this book. The first third of the book had a hard time keeping my interest, even with the murders. I think this was because the author doesn't describe much about Desmond's accident and his relationship with brother, until a flashback later in the book and having Desmond as an unreliable narrator made it really hard to really care about the main character at the beginning. However, I really liked the last two thirds of the book, as it really picked up the pace, you could better understand where the main character was coming from and what might be happening, and there were some unique elements that made it different from any book I'd read before. This actually made me hope that there may be a second book, as the author leaves the story in a place that would be interesting to continue from.
I received a copy from NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion.
I received a copy from NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion.
March 28, 2018
Would give this book an infinite amount of stars. It. Was. AMAZING. Sucky ending, but still the best book I've read a very long time. Also thought I had the 'twist' figured out early on, but nope boy I sure didn't.
June 3, 2019
Really good, fast read! Although "I see dead people" isn't an original ghost story concept anymore, I liked the way this one was told. I'll be looking for more by J.A. St. Thomas.
July 22, 2022
As an avid reader of suspense novels, I've gotten very good at figuring out the endings before the plot completely unfolds. Every time I thought I had figured out the author's end game, the plot thickened and I was thrown off once again. As the answers were finally revealed, I was in such a state of suspense that I speed read through the ending because I was literally biting my nails in anticipation! I had to go back and reread the big reveal a second time because I missed some by reading too fast. I was completely captivated by the storyline, and the ending did not disappoint. I highly recommend this book, even if you're not a big fan of the supernatural. It usually isn't my cup of tea either, but there is plenty going on in this book that's not other worldly, and the author does a fantastic job incorporating supernatural elements in such a way that the reader is able to consider the possible realty of them. Very well done!
December 22, 2017
Brain Damage was a surprising novel for me. Going in, I did not have high expectations (I blame having read a lot of mediocre novels as of late). However, this novel was well written, thoughtful, and exciting. The pace was just right for a thriller, and the unreliable MC just added to the enjoyment of the novel. I will say it was a fast read, being relatively short for a novel along with fast pacing. The premise was unique, an MC trying to figure out if he is insane, has brain trauma, or is actually seeing ghosts. Throw in the fact that the MC is gay (but no stereotypes to be found) just was the cherry on top for this story. I am not usually one that enjoys thrillers, but the paranormal twist to this one made it fascinating to me. Over-all it was an enjoyable story.
March 13, 2018
A very good thriller with ghost's and murder with a very surprise ending. The author had me throughout the whole book. I couldn't put it down and was surprised when I got to the end of the book. Very well written, nice job.
April 9, 2018
Ever since the car accident in which his brother died Des has been under the supervision of a neurologist for injuries received in the crash. . When he starts having visions, he assumes it is somehow relates to the trauma he suffered. On one occasion, a dead girl appears next to him as if in a dream and shortly after Des discovers she is a real murder victim.
The dead are able to talk to him and its not about the good day they have had. Soon Des realizes there is a murderer in town and the dead hold the key to catching the killer. There is only one problem. Is Des the murderer, possessed by the dead girl’s spirit or looking through the killers eyes?
This is a handy horror story aimed at the YA market but equally suitable for older readers who enjoy suspense/thrillers with a thread of horror woven through them. I did not connect with this storyline until I was about a third of the way through and I am not sure why that was so..
I am a mature age zombie fan and have placed I am forgotten by the same author on my To Read list.
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for providing a free digital copy of this book in return for an honest review.
The dead are able to talk to him and its not about the good day they have had. Soon Des realizes there is a murderer in town and the dead hold the key to catching the killer. There is only one problem. Is Des the murderer, possessed by the dead girl’s spirit or looking through the killers eyes?
This is a handy horror story aimed at the YA market but equally suitable for older readers who enjoy suspense/thrillers with a thread of horror woven through them. I did not connect with this storyline until I was about a third of the way through and I am not sure why that was so..
I am a mature age zombie fan and have placed I am forgotten by the same author on my To Read list.
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for providing a free digital copy of this book in return for an honest review.
June 14, 2018
This book was absolutely amazing. I don't usually pick up this type of book( mystery, ghosts, mental illness), but i decided to give it a try and I loved it. I finished this book in one day because I couldn't put it down. I would recommend this book to everyone!
February 14, 2019
I am reviewing this book for J.A. St. Thomas, BookBuzz.net, and NetGalley who gave me a copy of their book for an honest review.
Wanted to read this as soon as I received it but had others to read first so was pleased when I’d finished the two I was reading so I could get to this one … and I wasn’t disappointed. Read in a couple of sittings as I couldn’t put it down. Des suffers from memory loss and hallucinations following a car crash. After a party he finds himself lying next to a dead body with scratches on his body, & he begins to think the worse. Suddenly you find him waking up in his room, scratch free – he is not sure what to make of all this especially when he discovers there has been a murder. Another twist is that the ghost of the murdered girl is following him around. Very interesting and I’ll definitely be seeing if this author has wrote anything else.
Wanted to read this as soon as I received it but had others to read first so was pleased when I’d finished the two I was reading so I could get to this one … and I wasn’t disappointed. Read in a couple of sittings as I couldn’t put it down. Des suffers from memory loss and hallucinations following a car crash. After a party he finds himself lying next to a dead body with scratches on his body, & he begins to think the worse. Suddenly you find him waking up in his room, scratch free – he is not sure what to make of all this especially when he discovers there has been a murder. Another twist is that the ghost of the murdered girl is following him around. Very interesting and I’ll definitely be seeing if this author has wrote anything else.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews