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Cassie Martin is used to being shuffled around in the foster system, so when her newest guardians want to send her away to a camp for “exceptional youths” she sees it as their way to deal with a troubled teen. She never could have guessed they were telling the truth!
Soon Cassie finds herself surrounded by other kids her own age who display unusual aptitudes for learning. Faced with a camp bully, and hot guys who seem determined to get to know her better, Cassie’s life has just gotten a lot more interesting, but maybe not for the better.
Unusual things are happening at the camp, and the counselors are determined to keep everyone in the dark. But in a camp designed to encourage brilliant minds, it’s only a matter of time before the truth will be revealed.
Soon Cassie finds herself surrounded by other kids her own age who display unusual aptitudes for learning. Faced with a camp bully, and hot guys who seem determined to get to know her better, Cassie’s life has just gotten a lot more interesting, but maybe not for the better.
Unusual things are happening at the camp, and the counselors are determined to keep everyone in the dark. But in a camp designed to encourage brilliant minds, it’s only a matter of time before the truth will be revealed.
201 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 28, 2017
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 93 reviews
December 17, 2017
It’s rare I return ebooks for refunds, especially when they’re only 2.99, but this one offended me. The sample was okay, so I downloaded the full book. But I wouldn’t really call this a book, it’s a serial installment that follows an extreme Mary Sue character around while nothing happens at a summer camp for gifted teens.
The writing quality takes a pretty steep dive downhill after the sample section and there’s no real plot. There’s some random mysterious gun shots, jealous bitchy girls, convenient mixups regarding the MCs gender that lands her on a team of hot guys who insta love her, and then it stops. They do some “challenges” that are supposed to be important but are boring, then the MC and her team fall asleep together. Book ends. Da fuq?
The MC has an interesting back story but she is such a Mary Sue character that it’s kind of all hard to believe. I get it, the reason you’re at the camp is because you’re gifted, but she is level 1000 skill points at everything. Photographic memory, super beautiful but gets upset at being told that, perfect singing voice, accomplished dancer and gymnast...ffs. And please tell me how a child who has been shifted between lots of foster homes and taken abuse at several of them has been able to develop advanced skills in dance, gymnastics, etc etc from classes? Riiiiight.
Oh but she can’t swim so that probably makes up for it.
#eyerollrefund
The writing quality takes a pretty steep dive downhill after the sample section and there’s no real plot. There’s some random mysterious gun shots, jealous bitchy girls, convenient mixups regarding the MCs gender that lands her on a team of hot guys who insta love her, and then it stops. They do some “challenges” that are supposed to be important but are boring, then the MC and her team fall asleep together. Book ends. Da fuq?
The MC has an interesting back story but she is such a Mary Sue character that it’s kind of all hard to believe. I get it, the reason you’re at the camp is because you’re gifted, but she is level 1000 skill points at everything. Photographic memory, super beautiful but gets upset at being told that, perfect singing voice, accomplished dancer and gymnast...ffs. And please tell me how a child who has been shifted between lots of foster homes and taken abuse at several of them has been able to develop advanced skills in dance, gymnastics, etc etc from classes? Riiiiight.
Oh but she can’t swim so that probably makes up for it.
#eyerollrefund
December 21, 2017
I really liked the concept for this book and I was pretty sure I would really enjoy this one. But in the end it just fell a bit flat for me. There were parts I really enjoyed, but overall I felt like the book didn't fully came alive for me.
I liked the camp setting, for some reason I just like reading about camps and the setting was one of the things that caught my attention about this book. Unfortunately the writing style didn't fully work for me and I didn't get that camp feel as much as I had hoped. I also went in with slightly wrong expectations as I thought the mystery focus would be stronger. But it's really minor so far. The book isn't that long, so it's possible we see more of the mystery in the next book, but so far it failed to really make me curious. It just wasn't really intriguing to me yet.
While it's a relatively short read the pace can feel pretty slow at times and then at other times it almost feels rushed with how there is a skip over some scenes that I thought seemed important like their first day of tasks. Or some scenes in which they get to know each other slowly. Or maybe the book just felt a bit slow as it didn't fully grab my attention. Overall I did enjoy it while reading, even tough I didn't like it as much as I would've liked.
Cassie has grown up in different foster houses, never finding a place to belong. Her latest foster parents send her off to a camp for smart kids. She's not too happy about being sent to a camp, but she quickly finds out she enjoys it more than she thought. They somehow have her listed as a boy at fist and while she changed her cabin, she ends up with a team of four boys. I am still not sure how the mix up about her gender happened, but it's essential for the plot, so I just went with it.
Cassie seemed like a nice enough main character, she has this sad backstory that explains a bit about her personality and she can stand up for herself. But somehow I never full warmed up to her. I liked how she acted in some scenes and then in other scenes I didn't like her behavior. I also didn't care for the whole protection thing, with the boys wanting to protect her and she insisting she can take care of her own. I also felt like we got to know the boys better than her, while she is the main character. I feel like we only learn a few tidbits about her past and her abilities and I just would've liked more.
While I never fully warmed up to Cassie I did like the four boys. The author did her best to give them all a different feel and while at first it was a bit difficult to keep them separate once we got to know them better it got a lot easier. I am just a bit sad much of the main getting to know each other part felt a bit forced with a scene were they are all telling something about their past. I felt like it could've had more impact if we got their stories spread out throughout the book instead of all at once. We also get a feel for each of their individual skills and some of their personality is centered around that skill.
They really grow close as a group, but there's not much romance yet. It's more close friends who trust and feel very comfortable with each other, but I think it will steer more in the romance direction in the next book. The epilogue hinted that some of the boys are developing feelings for her. It was interesting to see how the reverse harem aspect was handled with this being a YA book and the set-up with them working as a team.
To summarize: I was really looking forward to this book, but sadly it didn't fully came alive for me. I liked the camp setting and how each of the boys has their own personality. The writing style didn't fully work for me and felt a bit off at times and I felt like we didn't get to know the main character as much as I would've liked. This is mostly the start of the romance as it doesn't really move yet into the direction of romance yet. I did like how the character are very close and have to work together as a team. The mystery is pretty minimal and failed to really intrigue me. So there were parts I really enjoyed and also some parts I liked less. Not yet sure if I will continue the series.
I liked the camp setting, for some reason I just like reading about camps and the setting was one of the things that caught my attention about this book. Unfortunately the writing style didn't fully work for me and I didn't get that camp feel as much as I had hoped. I also went in with slightly wrong expectations as I thought the mystery focus would be stronger. But it's really minor so far. The book isn't that long, so it's possible we see more of the mystery in the next book, but so far it failed to really make me curious. It just wasn't really intriguing to me yet.
While it's a relatively short read the pace can feel pretty slow at times and then at other times it almost feels rushed with how there is a skip over some scenes that I thought seemed important like their first day of tasks. Or some scenes in which they get to know each other slowly. Or maybe the book just felt a bit slow as it didn't fully grab my attention. Overall I did enjoy it while reading, even tough I didn't like it as much as I would've liked.
Cassie has grown up in different foster houses, never finding a place to belong. Her latest foster parents send her off to a camp for smart kids. She's not too happy about being sent to a camp, but she quickly finds out she enjoys it more than she thought. They somehow have her listed as a boy at fist and while she changed her cabin, she ends up with a team of four boys. I am still not sure how the mix up about her gender happened, but it's essential for the plot, so I just went with it.
Cassie seemed like a nice enough main character, she has this sad backstory that explains a bit about her personality and she can stand up for herself. But somehow I never full warmed up to her. I liked how she acted in some scenes and then in other scenes I didn't like her behavior. I also didn't care for the whole protection thing, with the boys wanting to protect her and she insisting she can take care of her own. I also felt like we got to know the boys better than her, while she is the main character. I feel like we only learn a few tidbits about her past and her abilities and I just would've liked more.
While I never fully warmed up to Cassie I did like the four boys. The author did her best to give them all a different feel and while at first it was a bit difficult to keep them separate once we got to know them better it got a lot easier. I am just a bit sad much of the main getting to know each other part felt a bit forced with a scene were they are all telling something about their past. I felt like it could've had more impact if we got their stories spread out throughout the book instead of all at once. We also get a feel for each of their individual skills and some of their personality is centered around that skill.
They really grow close as a group, but there's not much romance yet. It's more close friends who trust and feel very comfortable with each other, but I think it will steer more in the romance direction in the next book. The epilogue hinted that some of the boys are developing feelings for her. It was interesting to see how the reverse harem aspect was handled with this being a YA book and the set-up with them working as a team.
To summarize: I was really looking forward to this book, but sadly it didn't fully came alive for me. I liked the camp setting and how each of the boys has their own personality. The writing style didn't fully work for me and felt a bit off at times and I felt like we didn't get to know the main character as much as I would've liked. This is mostly the start of the romance as it doesn't really move yet into the direction of romance yet. I did like how the character are very close and have to work together as a team. The mystery is pretty minimal and failed to really intrigue me. So there were parts I really enjoyed and also some parts I liked less. Not yet sure if I will continue the series.
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December 4, 2017Rating : TBA
March 29, 2018
*does a little happy dance*
This book may have some of the same language issues as the other L.A. Kirk stories I've read (see my Divinity Saga reviews), but it benefits greatly from the increased length. It has much more solid structure, is less rushed, and has better transitions.
Overall, it has its issues, such as really silly decisions by some of the characters, a lot that isn't very realistic, and five nearly perfect MC's that have lots and lots of special skills. I can live with it all though, at least for now, since the premise is they are at a camp that specializes in training special kids. Whether that enjoyment remains depends on where this ends up going. Right now, I have no idea what's really going on. Hell, not even sure if this is a paranormal RH or a real world one. (If the latter, things become more unrealistic) In some ways, so far it is reminding me of the Ghost Bird series and the Academy.
As with Divinity Saga, there is some evidence of purple prose creeping in, though not nearly as frequently. Clearly Kirk has a thing with eyes though - in this book it is electric-blue-lightning-bolt-shooting eyes. LOL!
There are also a few parts that are very juvenile - though I suppose that fits with a camp for 13-19 year olds, even if they are supposed to be geniuses. The tone mostly suits the subject matter, so I can let it slide. But the boys are dreamy, despite their youth, and they have that perfect sort of caring interaction with the MC that I like. I also like the very slow burn nature of this.
In general, this book gave me all the feels :) You know... those times when you are reading and you have to pause a moment just to giggle and shake your hands in delight? Despite its potential flaws, this book made me giddy, and I am utterly bummed there is no sequel or sight of a sequel on the horizon!
Note: Though I categorized this as a school setting, it isn't. It's set at a summer camp for "uber intelligent" kids. But it is pretty close in tone and feel.
Update notes:
1% - Oh lordie...not even a chapter in and already there is the dreaded "look in the mirror and describe the MC" cliche. Ugh.
This book may have some of the same language issues as the other L.A. Kirk stories I've read (see my Divinity Saga reviews), but it benefits greatly from the increased length. It has much more solid structure, is less rushed, and has better transitions.
Overall, it has its issues, such as really silly decisions by some of the characters, a lot that isn't very realistic, and five nearly perfect MC's that have lots and lots of special skills. I can live with it all though, at least for now, since the premise is they are at a camp that specializes in training special kids. Whether that enjoyment remains depends on where this ends up going. Right now, I have no idea what's really going on. Hell, not even sure if this is a paranormal RH or a real world one. (If the latter, things become more unrealistic) In some ways, so far it is reminding me of the Ghost Bird series and the Academy.
As with Divinity Saga, there is some evidence of purple prose creeping in, though not nearly as frequently. Clearly Kirk has a thing with eyes though - in this book it is electric-blue-lightning-bolt-shooting eyes. LOL!
There are also a few parts that are very juvenile - though I suppose that fits with a camp for 13-19 year olds, even if they are supposed to be geniuses. The tone mostly suits the subject matter, so I can let it slide. But the boys are dreamy, despite their youth, and they have that perfect sort of caring interaction with the MC that I like. I also like the very slow burn nature of this.
In general, this book gave me all the feels :) You know... those times when you are reading and you have to pause a moment just to giggle and shake your hands in delight? Despite its potential flaws, this book made me giddy, and I am utterly bummed there is no sequel or sight of a sequel on the horizon!
Note: Though I categorized this as a school setting, it isn't. It's set at a summer camp for "uber intelligent" kids. But it is pretty close in tone and feel.
Update notes:
1% - Oh lordie...not even a chapter in and already there is the dreaded "look in the mirror and describe the MC" cliche. Ugh.
November 24, 2017
*Sigh* such a great read, I need more!
Hooked from the beginning, Cassie has not had a great start in life, however she is feisty and strong. She is sent to camp and is not particularly happy about it! She is not a people person and plans to run away if she does not like it
However, she is enjoying herself more than she thought she would, she has made some female friends and her team mates really click with her, but there are strange things happening
Well written this story captured my interest from page one and I was sad when it ended as I just wanted to carry on reading it, I will be getting book two for sure, I highly recommend this awesome read, I absolutely loved it
Hooked from the beginning, Cassie has not had a great start in life, however she is feisty and strong. She is sent to camp and is not particularly happy about it! She is not a people person and plans to run away if she does not like it
However, she is enjoying herself more than she thought she would, she has made some female friends and her team mates really click with her, but there are strange things happening
Well written this story captured my interest from page one and I was sad when it ended as I just wanted to carry on reading it, I will be getting book two for sure, I highly recommend this awesome read, I absolutely loved it
December 2, 2017
This one was great! Need the next one.
December 6, 2017
Great concept, i will read the next one ofc. So if you like a more slow and YA RH this one is for you
April 13, 2018
Possibly the worst book I’ve read that’s written in 1:st person view. I think it might have been better from a third person or at least a change of 1:st person through the book. The epilouge is a nice change. The dialogue is lousy, the characters actions often unrealistic and weird. There is no real character development and the main charactar is uninteresting, which might be the doom of the book since it’s told from her point of view. The idea of story is good, but the result is sadly lacking in everything.
November 30, 2017
Interesting
Man i wish i could go to camp all summer. Good book and good set up for series. It ends when things start getting real interesting. Ill be reading the next one
Man i wish i could go to camp all summer. Good book and good set up for series. It ends when things start getting real interesting. Ill be reading the next one
November 27, 2017
Cassie is a product of the foster system. Her latest family is a good one, but they want to send her to a camp for the gifted. She assumes that is just a codeword for troubled, but when she gets to the camp, she soon realizes that the campers are indeed gifted. She doesn't settle in without a glitch or two. The camp has her listed as a boy, so her room assignment and team assignment are with guys, not girls. The room is easily changed, but team assignments are set. This is fine with Cassie as her teammates all went out of their way from the first moment to be friendly. They are also all easy on the eyes which just makes everything better!
Cassie and her team all complement each other and are accomplishing their tasks nicely. They rank among the top groups and are getting closer each day. However, the camp holds secrets. Someone is shooting at the campers and the people in charge are keeping secrets. Cassie's team believes that somehow, someway Cassie is at the center of the mystery and is in danger. They are determined to find answers and keep their girl safe.
I am a fan of LA Kirk's writing and this is by far my favorite book of hers so far. I loved it. Cassie is such an unknown entity (hence the title). We know so little about her. She's smart, has a photographic memory, clever, careful of her surroundings. She seems nice, but definitely not a push-over, and she maybe screams too much. The instant chemistry between her and the guys is natural and believable. The guys all know each other well and Cassie fit right in. Jay, Parker, Lucca and Noah each have their own strengths and together the five could be incredible. I loved the storytelling as a way to get to know one another. Very moving. I love that every character is intelligent. I think this makes the characters very sexy. A clever story is a compelling story.
I couldn't ask for a better start to a new series and look forward to much more. More mystery, more team time, eventually more...
Cassie and her team all complement each other and are accomplishing their tasks nicely. They rank among the top groups and are getting closer each day. However, the camp holds secrets. Someone is shooting at the campers and the people in charge are keeping secrets. Cassie's team believes that somehow, someway Cassie is at the center of the mystery and is in danger. They are determined to find answers and keep their girl safe.
I am a fan of LA Kirk's writing and this is by far my favorite book of hers so far. I loved it. Cassie is such an unknown entity (hence the title). We know so little about her. She's smart, has a photographic memory, clever, careful of her surroundings. She seems nice, but definitely not a push-over, and she maybe screams too much. The instant chemistry between her and the guys is natural and believable. The guys all know each other well and Cassie fit right in. Jay, Parker, Lucca and Noah each have their own strengths and together the five could be incredible. I loved the storytelling as a way to get to know one another. Very moving. I love that every character is intelligent. I think this makes the characters very sexy. A clever story is a compelling story.
I couldn't ask for a better start to a new series and look forward to much more. More mystery, more team time, eventually more...
November 7, 2018
There are so many things I like about this reverse harem series starter. I adore the concept - a summer camp for gifted teens (examples include knowledge of multiple foreign languages, hacker-level computer skills, or prowess in a physical pursuit such as martial arts, etc.) where they are assigned teams and then complete tasks/assignments to earn points towards being the "winning" team at the end of the summer. The reverse harem aspect is solidified when the heroine, Cassie, is assigned to a first-ever team of mixed sexes: her and four boys. There is an underlying mystery about the camp and the motives of its counselors that piques my interest, and I even like the cliches of a jealous female enemy/bully and over-protectiveness and "insta-love" behavior that the boys show.
Unfortunately, my dislikes almost overwhelm all of my likes. I don't care for the heroine, and as all but the epilogue is told in her first-person POV, this became a problem for me. It was clear we were meant to find her strong by certain sentences and actions on her part, most of which I actually found to be impulsive/reactionary and immature, which didn't seem to fit my idea of someone with the combination of a tough upbringing and high intelligence. Conversely, there were several instances of a near opposite total weakness, perhaps meant to signify her vulnerability, that I instead thought came across as an inconsistency of character. I know in real life we all have moments of strength and weakness, and very contradictory emotions driving our actions (myself included) but I just didn't like it here. Additionally, I found the dialogue unrealistic and both it and some narrative sentences very stilted/abrupt, especially in the beginning.
So, all-in-all, pluses and minuses, as in most stories, and everyone will have to decide for themselves as I can see some people really loving this one, but it averaged out to a like for me.
Unfortunately, my dislikes almost overwhelm all of my likes. I don't care for the heroine, and as all but the epilogue is told in her first-person POV, this became a problem for me. It was clear we were meant to find her strong by certain sentences and actions on her part, most of which I actually found to be impulsive/reactionary and immature, which didn't seem to fit my idea of someone with the combination of a tough upbringing and high intelligence. Conversely, there were several instances of a near opposite total weakness, perhaps meant to signify her vulnerability, that I instead thought came across as an inconsistency of character. I know in real life we all have moments of strength and weakness, and very contradictory emotions driving our actions (myself included) but I just didn't like it here. Additionally, I found the dialogue unrealistic and both it and some narrative sentences very stilted/abrupt, especially in the beginning.
So, all-in-all, pluses and minuses, as in most stories, and everyone will have to decide for themselves as I can see some people really loving this one, but it averaged out to a like for me.
February 1, 2018
Cassie Martin finds herself being delivered to summer camp for exceptional kids by her newest and best foster parents so far. She's not thrilled but has plans to stick it out, since she might like these girls and the boys are nice too.
I enjoyed the camp story very much with team building and challenges. I would have enjoyed the getting-to-know-me stories spaced over a wider range of time. The four main guys are quite likable and I look forward to learning more about them and their special talents. Cassie is a tough girl from in the social services system and those type characters are often difficult to like. I found her to be entertaining with a fast temper and a barbed tongue, which isn't a good combination. There is an undercurrent of mystery at the camp and the adults aren't being honest. This book set the story up to take off in the next installment. The reverse harem is only hinted at jokingly throughout the book but everybody is becoming attracted, look for a slow burn in this series. Over all I enjoyed the story but found some of the dialog rushed and a bit out of character. I look forward to the second book in The Secret Life of Cassie Martin.
3.5 Stars
I enjoyed the camp story very much with team building and challenges. I would have enjoyed the getting-to-know-me stories spaced over a wider range of time. The four main guys are quite likable and I look forward to learning more about them and their special talents. Cassie is a tough girl from in the social services system and those type characters are often difficult to like. I found her to be entertaining with a fast temper and a barbed tongue, which isn't a good combination. There is an undercurrent of mystery at the camp and the adults aren't being honest. This book set the story up to take off in the next installment. The reverse harem is only hinted at jokingly throughout the book but everybody is becoming attracted, look for a slow burn in this series. Over all I enjoyed the story but found some of the dialog rushed and a bit out of character. I look forward to the second book in The Secret Life of Cassie Martin.
3.5 Stars
February 13, 2018
Cassie Martin gets sent to Camp Odysseus which seems to be a camp for the pretty smart kids. Cassie can speed read, mimic voices and knows multiple foreign languages. As in such books there is a girl, Mindy, who is a total bitch to Cassie.
Cassie does have some male friends (they're just friends) who join with her to form a project team. For some reason the camp has the students work on various types of projects almost all the time.
This would be pretty normal except she is being lied to frequently by people running the camp. There are also two occasions where gunshots are heard near the camp and those are covered up by the camp officials.
The same officials seem to know something about Cassie that even she doesn't know and what she doesn't know apparently could cost her her life.
Which brings the title of the book, Unknown, into play. We don't know her background and we don't know for sure if someone is targeting her. In most books of this type by the end of the first book in a series the reader knows at least who the antagonist is and have at least a glimmer of why they do what they do. Not in this one and, to me, that's a fairly major problem.
Cassie does have some male friends (they're just friends) who join with her to form a project team. For some reason the camp has the students work on various types of projects almost all the time.
This would be pretty normal except she is being lied to frequently by people running the camp. There are also two occasions where gunshots are heard near the camp and those are covered up by the camp officials.
The same officials seem to know something about Cassie that even she doesn't know and what she doesn't know apparently could cost her her life.
Which brings the title of the book, Unknown, into play. We don't know her background and we don't know for sure if someone is targeting her. In most books of this type by the end of the first book in a series the reader knows at least who the antagonist is and have at least a glimmer of why they do what they do. Not in this one and, to me, that's a fairly major problem.
November 28, 2017
As a huge fan of the Reverse Harem genre, I found Unknown by LA Kirk to be a fabulous addition to the genre. Unknown is a great start to what promises to be an excellent series of books.
Set in what seems to be modern society, the book follows the life of Cassandra, AKA Cassie, Martin, a foster child. As far as main characters go, Cassie is a breath of fresh air. She's sassy, strong, and opinionated with a big heart that she wears on her sleeve similarly along the lines of Lexie from BL Brunnermer's Veil Diaries and Haley from the Stardust series by Autumn Reed and Julia Clark.
Unknown is definitely considered a slow burn Reverse Harem. If you're looking for the Wham! Bam! Thank you Ma'am, then this is not the book for you. BUT if you're looking for a really great story, a strong main character and a harem of sexy dream men then I highly recommend this book for you.
I'm looking forward to the next book in the series and more character development from the Harem which consists of four sexy men, Jay, Noah, Parker, and Lucca.
Set in what seems to be modern society, the book follows the life of Cassandra, AKA Cassie, Martin, a foster child. As far as main characters go, Cassie is a breath of fresh air. She's sassy, strong, and opinionated with a big heart that she wears on her sleeve similarly along the lines of Lexie from BL Brunnermer's Veil Diaries and Haley from the Stardust series by Autumn Reed and Julia Clark.
Unknown is definitely considered a slow burn Reverse Harem. If you're looking for the Wham! Bam! Thank you Ma'am, then this is not the book for you. BUT if you're looking for a really great story, a strong main character and a harem of sexy dream men then I highly recommend this book for you.
I'm looking forward to the next book in the series and more character development from the Harem which consists of four sexy men, Jay, Noah, Parker, and Lucca.
December 4, 2017
Cassie, our main character is sent to a camp for gifted teenagers. Sent by her latest foster parents (which from just the glimpse of them they're way better than her last few homes) at first she think it's just to get her out of the way but this camp really is for the gifted and it turns out Cassie is gifted.
Cassie meets a few of the other guys. And it turns out they're her team members! The firsted mixed sex team! I really liked the guys and there is something hinky going on at camp, things unsaid. Definitely got me curious!
The only thing is i found Cassie hard to like. How shes set out to be at the start I understood, respected even because I very much understand what it's like to be in the foster system and have to protect yourself and your heart. But she was full of contradictions, other weaknesses and i found her to be immature at times with saying things that didn't seem like she would say it with her character. And some things just sounded a little silly coming out of her mouth. But I did enjoy it, loved the guys and rrally looking forward to unraveling the mystery!
Cassie meets a few of the other guys. And it turns out they're her team members! The firsted mixed sex team! I really liked the guys and there is something hinky going on at camp, things unsaid. Definitely got me curious!
The only thing is i found Cassie hard to like. How shes set out to be at the start I understood, respected even because I very much understand what it's like to be in the foster system and have to protect yourself and your heart. But she was full of contradictions, other weaknesses and i found her to be immature at times with saying things that didn't seem like she would say it with her character. And some things just sounded a little silly coming out of her mouth. But I did enjoy it, loved the guys and rrally looking forward to unraveling the mystery!
November 27, 2017
I thoroughly enjoyed Unknown. Cassie is a strong, self-assured character. The trope of the loner foster kid is well used, but I don't think over-done in this instance. My only pet peeve with her character was her tendency to go on screaming rants when defending herself or, more often, the boys. I can respect her standing up for herself to the counselors, but none of the interactions warranted yelling, in my opinion, yet they always ended up there. The boys are fun, and distinctive enough that I feel like I have a good sense of who is who. I really appreciate the way Cassie deals with jealous girls and I like that she is developing some female friendships outside her harem (and I lol'd at the team naming scene - love it!). I am definitely looking forward to the continuation of the story.
November 29, 2017
I really enjoyed this new start to a series. LA Kirk gave us a young woman who knows she is different but doesn’t give a damn. Cassie is a young woman who is exceptional in the brains department but hides it. As her foster family sends her away to a summer camp for talented kids she makes new friends. But this summer camp is not all that it seems and there are questions brewing. The intrigue and suspense of what is going on at camp and also the new friendships being formed make for a great story.
Mrs Kirk gave a me novel that was just a little bit of james bond feeling to it and I LOVED it. I cant wait for book 2 to see the answers to the questions that we have been given and also to see what else is in store for Cassis and her new friends.
Mrs Kirk gave a me novel that was just a little bit of james bond feeling to it and I LOVED it. I cant wait for book 2 to see the answers to the questions that we have been given and also to see what else is in store for Cassis and her new friends.
January 8, 2018
This is so far the best read I've had from this author; has improved so much in keeping things interesting all throughout and keeping the characters grow naturally. Only downside is I have to encounter petty characters having no relation to the story except being petty to the MCs and irritating the hell out of me. I hope this one stays contemporary...though lbh, I'll still continue reading even if it comes out and ends up paranormal lmao PS Oh and I would like more povs from the guys hahaha though they all pretty much admit to insta-attraction with cassie, they're wholesome guys and we all know cassie badly needs friends.
November 26, 2017
This book is such a great start for a new series. I loved it so much and I will tell you it seems like it's working it's way up to a great storyline. In this book you get to meet Cassie (she hates being called Cassandra) an orphan who is sent to camp by her current foster parents. While at camp she meets four guys who become really close with her. All through this story we learn more about the group and we watch the bond between all 5 of them grow. Now I love Jay, Parker, Lucca and Noah, and as of right now I really don't think I could chose which one I like more. So I guess it's a good thing this is a RH because #whychoose ?
February 3, 2018
An interesting idea that seems at times poorly-executed, Unknown flips between cringey monologues and an extremely-skilled main-character.
As far as the reverse-harem aspect goes, this introductory novel seems pretty generic with it's beginning of the romance-aspect. Cheek-kisses, while cute, seem at odds with Cassie's demeanour (despite her constantly-reaffirmed trust with the boys).
I'm curious if this series will head into the supernatural side of reverse harems, but with the intrigue built from the 'action' sequences, it seems unneeded to keep the story running.
As far as the reverse-harem aspect goes, this introductory novel seems pretty generic with it's beginning of the romance-aspect. Cheek-kisses, while cute, seem at odds with Cassie's demeanour (despite her constantly-reaffirmed trust with the boys).
I'm curious if this series will head into the supernatural side of reverse harems, but with the intrigue built from the 'action' sequences, it seems unneeded to keep the story running.
November 25, 2017
I enjoyed this book a great deal. I liked the premise and the characters. The main character has a tough girl persona due to the circumstances of her upbringing but she does show some insecurities and such to make her character believable. I would like to learn more about all of the characters' backgrounds, we only got a glimpse in this first book. I did think a few parts seemed like time rushed by but the overall story was still quite enjoyable. I do look forward to continuing the story!
November 25, 2017
This was a good book to read. L.A. Kirk gave us a strong female MC who learned to stand up for herself. She isn't a pushover so we don't have to deal with her wilting away from confrontation. The boys are wonderful, supportive, and get her. They protect her but also know she's capable of protecting herself. I love how they get to know each other and I like the team idea. I look forward to the next book and what the mystery is.
November 30, 2017
It was good
I wasn't sure what rating i wanted to give this book. Originally, I was going to give it three stars due to the short length and cliffhanger. I bumped it up to four stars because the book kept my attention, it was interesting, and I liked the boys. I liked Cassie as well but I didn't like some of her attitude and remarks.
I would read the next one if the book was longer. I felt slightly ripped off because I preordered the book unknowing it was a short read.
I wasn't sure what rating i wanted to give this book. Originally, I was going to give it three stars due to the short length and cliffhanger. I bumped it up to four stars because the book kept my attention, it was interesting, and I liked the boys. I liked Cassie as well but I didn't like some of her attitude and remarks.
I would read the next one if the book was longer. I felt slightly ripped off because I preordered the book unknowing it was a short read.
January 19, 2018
Fine.
I don't really feel like unknown finished a story arc. It seemed to just...end. I get it was suppose to be a cliffhanger, but it feels like Kirk hit a predetermined word count and just stopped. I'm giving the Mary Sue maincast a pass because of the setting, but geniuses can (and often do) have flaws. That's what makes them interesting. I didn't regret reading Unknown, but I'm not sure I'll read the sequel.
I don't really feel like unknown finished a story arc. It seemed to just...end. I get it was suppose to be a cliffhanger, but it feels like Kirk hit a predetermined word count and just stopped. I'm giving the Mary Sue maincast a pass because of the setting, but geniuses can (and often do) have flaws. That's what makes them interesting. I didn't regret reading Unknown, but I'm not sure I'll read the sequel.
March 11, 2018
Great read
I really enjoyed this book. It has mystery, some action, laughter, tears, and some good ole friendship. The intelligence levels of these young men and ladies is amazing. It makes me wiser if there are other talents being hinted at. The MC’s of this book all display a well designed character build. Each have suffered and each have persevered. I am anticipating the next book. I would definitely recommend to others.
I really enjoyed this book. It has mystery, some action, laughter, tears, and some good ole friendship. The intelligence levels of these young men and ladies is amazing. It makes me wiser if there are other talents being hinted at. The MC’s of this book all display a well designed character build. Each have suffered and each have persevered. I am anticipating the next book. I would definitely recommend to others.
July 26, 2018
The writing was very simple with too many long monologues and too little details. i got confused with which character was which because almost every scene had the same four guys who barely had character traits until close to the end where i could finally tell them apart better.
Nothing went too into detail like other peoples abilities or even the challenges they had to do.
it felt like i was flipping through and catching a few lines of each page by how vague everything was written.
Also it was weird that every guy in the book had a little crush on her. and what was that ending?
2.5
Nothing went too into detail like other peoples abilities or even the challenges they had to do.
it felt like i was flipping through and catching a few lines of each page by how vague everything was written.
Also it was weird that every guy in the book had a little crush on her. and what was that ending?
2.5
November 25, 2017
This book was an amazing start to a new series. Kirk never leaves you disappointed, well she does when the book ends.. and you have to wait until the next book!
I loved Jay. He is by far my favourite guy. I found the guys backgrounds so wrenchingly heartbreaking. They are all semi broken in ways like Cassie.
Can not wait for book 2
I loved Jay. He is by far my favourite guy. I found the guys backgrounds so wrenchingly heartbreaking. They are all semi broken in ways like Cassie.
Can not wait for book 2
November 25, 2017
wow just wow i absolutely loved this book. I was sucked in right away. I love cassies attitude she dosnt take crap from anyone yet sje has a huge soft spot for the boys. The boys are great I love that tjey like her but there friendship means more to rhem then her knowing they like her. I would definitely recommend this book. I cant wait for book two.
November 28, 2017
LA Kirk has another epic start to an intriguing tale with a reverse harem twist. She has drawn us into these characters in a way that has us falling right along with Cassie. The characters were all introduced so well that we have no problem differentiating each one. Of course there is still a huge mystery here that has us avidly anticipating the next book! Well done!
November 28, 2017
I could not put this book down.
Absolutely, read it as fast and as soon as possible. Ignore those Holiday leftovers calling your name and read!
I was left wanting more. I want, no, need the sequel urgently. The characters are believable and the background spun for Cassie has the right air of mystery and I can't wait to find out more about her.
You're going to love this read from L.A. Kirk.
Absolutely, read it as fast and as soon as possible. Ignore those Holiday leftovers calling your name and read!
I was left wanting more. I want, no, need the sequel urgently. The characters are believable and the background spun for Cassie has the right air of mystery and I can't wait to find out more about her.
You're going to love this read from L.A. Kirk.
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