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Crossed Fire
Stephanie Stewart is a typical sixteen-year-old girl—she loves hanging out with her friends, going to concerts, and sipping mocha lattes. Yup. Just your average teenager . . . Except for one difference—she can see and talk to the dead. In fact, Stephanie helps dead girls who who’ve been murdered or killed, cross over. Just as Stephanie is getting used to her unique “gift”, her mom stumbles into some dangerous witchcraft that backfires and triggers similar abilities in Stephanie’s best friend Cura, and nemesis Hillary. Stephanie already has enough trouble trying to maintain a “normal” life between school and her cute boyfriend Dylan, who happens to have a supernatural talent all his own. But now she has to help her friend Cura and her “frenemy” Hillary cope with their new-found powers as well as cross over two murdered cheerleaders and battle an evil demon who wants to use Stephanie’s supernatural strengths as a free pass to The Other Side. And she needs to do it all while still getting her term papers in on time. She’s definitely going to need an extra-large mocha latte for this.
290 pages, Paperback
Published December 18, 2017
About the author
Kim Baccellia
11 books219 followersI grew up in Sacramento, California, the oldest of seven. I have a business associate degree from Sacramento City College, a BS degree in elementary education from Brigham Young University, and studied post grad bilingual/bicultural education at CSUF.
I've been a telemarketer, library helper at the Harold B. Lee library at BYU, assistant manager, sales clerk, tutor, bilingual teacher, and homeschool mother. Currently I'm the author of four YA novels with another one coming out soon!
I love to read and have judged for the Cybils since 2005.
I'm also a staff reviewer for Young Adults (& Kids!) Book Central.
I've been a telemarketer, library helper at the Harold B. Lee library at BYU, assistant manager, sales clerk, tutor, bilingual teacher, and homeschool mother. Currently I'm the author of four YA novels with another one coming out soon!
I love to read and have judged for the Cybils since 2005.
I'm also a staff reviewer for Young Adults (& Kids!) Book Central.
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
February 17, 2018
This was fun and quirky..Before I go further just a note you can read this without the first book but I wouldn’t recommend it.Why? All the characters carry forward but the first book gives you everything you need to know to truly understand Dylan, Stephanie, Dr. Anthony and the dynamic between Hillary, Cura and Stephanie..It gives the background needed so that you aren’t wondering too much. That being said this is a really imaginative and fun book.
Stephanie is the girl on the outside at high school. She has been named the freak due to a secret someone that was supposed to be her friend being let out and ostracizing her. A secret that now is known by Dylan and Dr. A..both of whom help her.I like how even with the spirit stuff these characters still are dealing with the trials and tribulations of being a teen and in high school
Dr. Anthony (Dr. A) is her mentor of sorts. He is a light bringer and awesome dude. He kind of reminds me of Yoda all knowing and cryptic in his words of wisdom. He plays a role in this book in helping Cura and Hillary deal with the fact that they are now like Stephanie but also help them deal with the evil now in the mist..
Dylan love this laid back, sweet and caring dude. You can understand why he is a little freaked out about everything and frustrated as well. Heck his girlfriend finds a good date to be a spirit rescue.. You can also understand why he is overwhelmed and trying to cope but not doing that great of a job. He finds out who he is, his girlfriend is and is now helping with rescues only for him those have some really bad side effects..He is understanding to a point but in the end he comes through big time and shows why he is just to sweet and adorable to be mad at. And when he stands up to Hillary you root and cheer him on..Dude is awesome.
Cura is the quirky BFF of Stephanie who is now in this mess due to all their moms doing something stupid..Now she is dealing with it and trying to understand what it all means. She goes into it at first freaked out but after getting over her hurt and disappointment in Stephanie she embraces everything with gusto...She adds the quirky cheery aspect to the story.
Hillary is the one we all loathe. She is the Queen B of the school and that B is well earned. She is sarcastic, thinks she is the ruler of all things and the best thing since sliced bread. I felt she got what she deserved when the activities of their mom’s backfired and her friend’s spirit freaks her out..Once she came on board she was really freaky deaky about her enthusiasm but we see there is good cause...
So where does the crazy plot of evil come in? A blast from the past comes back and is evil...Evil that is dark but not so dark that it isn’t entertaining. I liked how it came out in trickles and we didn’t really see the dark side of the character completely until the end and danger was strangling them all.
The story is imaginative and well written. You relate to these teens and their lives. Each has their own unique personality that enhances the story. Stephanie and Dylan are adorable together and entertain you in this tale. Cura is quirky and captures your heart with her optimism and cheer. Hillary you just love to loathe and you do feel for at the end but not enough to think her adventure will change her attitude..Dr. A is just as awesome as ever and the plot is fun, quirky and entertaining with just enough descriptive writing to give you and understanding and keep you in the story but not enough to have you yawn and want it to end..Do hope we get more of these fun characters and their adventures especially now that it is a group and each brings their own strengths to the situation.
Stephanie is the girl on the outside at high school. She has been named the freak due to a secret someone that was supposed to be her friend being let out and ostracizing her. A secret that now is known by Dylan and Dr. A..both of whom help her.I like how even with the spirit stuff these characters still are dealing with the trials and tribulations of being a teen and in high school
Dr. Anthony (Dr. A) is her mentor of sorts. He is a light bringer and awesome dude. He kind of reminds me of Yoda all knowing and cryptic in his words of wisdom. He plays a role in this book in helping Cura and Hillary deal with the fact that they are now like Stephanie but also help them deal with the evil now in the mist..
Dylan love this laid back, sweet and caring dude. You can understand why he is a little freaked out about everything and frustrated as well. Heck his girlfriend finds a good date to be a spirit rescue.. You can also understand why he is overwhelmed and trying to cope but not doing that great of a job. He finds out who he is, his girlfriend is and is now helping with rescues only for him those have some really bad side effects..He is understanding to a point but in the end he comes through big time and shows why he is just to sweet and adorable to be mad at. And when he stands up to Hillary you root and cheer him on..Dude is awesome.
Cura is the quirky BFF of Stephanie who is now in this mess due to all their moms doing something stupid..Now she is dealing with it and trying to understand what it all means. She goes into it at first freaked out but after getting over her hurt and disappointment in Stephanie she embraces everything with gusto...She adds the quirky cheery aspect to the story.
Hillary is the one we all loathe. She is the Queen B of the school and that B is well earned. She is sarcastic, thinks she is the ruler of all things and the best thing since sliced bread. I felt she got what she deserved when the activities of their mom’s backfired and her friend’s spirit freaks her out..Once she came on board she was really freaky deaky about her enthusiasm but we see there is good cause...
So where does the crazy plot of evil come in? A blast from the past comes back and is evil...Evil that is dark but not so dark that it isn’t entertaining. I liked how it came out in trickles and we didn’t really see the dark side of the character completely until the end and danger was strangling them all.
The story is imaginative and well written. You relate to these teens and their lives. Each has their own unique personality that enhances the story. Stephanie and Dylan are adorable together and entertain you in this tale. Cura is quirky and captures your heart with her optimism and cheer. Hillary you just love to loathe and you do feel for at the end but not enough to think her adventure will change her attitude..Dr. A is just as awesome as ever and the plot is fun, quirky and entertaining with just enough descriptive writing to give you and understanding and keep you in the story but not enough to have you yawn and want it to end..Do hope we get more of these fun characters and their adventures especially now that it is a group and each brings their own strengths to the situation.
September 5, 2018
3.75 out of 5 stars
"Crossed Fire" by Kim Baccellia is a young adult paranormal story that is part of the ‘Crossed’ series. Young Stephanie Stewart has the ability to not only see ghosts of murdered girls, but has learned to help them cross over. Her hunky boyfriend, Dylan, sees auras, but not without paying a price, and not only her BFF but her major frenemy also get involved in the weird and wonderful world she’s become a part of. The unexpected interference by her mom and others in an ill-fated sorority leads to unpalatable discoveries as well as temptations that may change the world, and not for the better.
There are intriguing aspects to this world and one can’t help admiring Stephanie and her dedication to helping those who need her while dealing with the normal teen angst and challenges of school and peers. I like the elements of the ritual for helping a ghost pass over even as I ache at the girls’ lives that have been cut short in such horrendous fashions. Those with triggers or who are squeamish should use caution, as most things happen off-page but are still distressing.
The milieu of high school, complete with cliques, insecurities, and hot-and-cold romantic challenges, is nicely evoked and makes me glad those days are far behind me! I feel there are some continuity issues, I think the moms acted erratically (if not hypocritically), and there are a lot of loose ends but I enjoyed the overall story. I suspect that it would have been better to have read the first story in the series to get oriented and I understand that some things are left dangling to keep one interested in the sequels. Those who enjoy teen paranormal stories should give this one a try, but be warned…some of the imaginative scenes may stay with you a while (ewww….ghosts in the dissection lab!).
A copy of this title was provided to me for review
"Crossed Fire" by Kim Baccellia is a young adult paranormal story that is part of the ‘Crossed’ series. Young Stephanie Stewart has the ability to not only see ghosts of murdered girls, but has learned to help them cross over. Her hunky boyfriend, Dylan, sees auras, but not without paying a price, and not only her BFF but her major frenemy also get involved in the weird and wonderful world she’s become a part of. The unexpected interference by her mom and others in an ill-fated sorority leads to unpalatable discoveries as well as temptations that may change the world, and not for the better.
There are intriguing aspects to this world and one can’t help admiring Stephanie and her dedication to helping those who need her while dealing with the normal teen angst and challenges of school and peers. I like the elements of the ritual for helping a ghost pass over even as I ache at the girls’ lives that have been cut short in such horrendous fashions. Those with triggers or who are squeamish should use caution, as most things happen off-page but are still distressing.
The milieu of high school, complete with cliques, insecurities, and hot-and-cold romantic challenges, is nicely evoked and makes me glad those days are far behind me! I feel there are some continuity issues, I think the moms acted erratically (if not hypocritically), and there are a lot of loose ends but I enjoyed the overall story. I suspect that it would have been better to have read the first story in the series to get oriented and I understand that some things are left dangling to keep one interested in the sequels. Those who enjoy teen paranormal stories should give this one a try, but be warned…some of the imaginative scenes may stay with you a while (ewww….ghosts in the dissection lab!).
A copy of this title was provided to me for review
September 11, 2018
This is actually the second book in this series and, while I wish I had read the previous book prior to this one, it still did not take away from my enjoyment; I never felt lost or confused about what was taking place in the story. I do hope to back track and read the first book simply because the character dynamics are so interesting and I’d like a bit more history.
This book was fun and easy to read. Stephanie has a unique gift that she is finally coming to grips with. She feels like an outsider at school but does have a few close chums who usually have her back. I liked that the book is told from Steph’s point of view. We get to feel what she feels as the story progresses. I really enjoyed this book and I do want to catch the next installment of this quirky series.
Reviewed by Laurie-J
This book was fun and easy to read. Stephanie has a unique gift that she is finally coming to grips with. She feels like an outsider at school but does have a few close chums who usually have her back. I liked that the book is told from Steph’s point of view. We get to feel what she feels as the story progresses. I really enjoyed this book and I do want to catch the next installment of this quirky series.
Reviewed by Laurie-J
August 30, 2021
A fun, suspenseful story with relatable characters. A very good sequel to Crossed Out.
March 22, 2018
Stephanie Stewart just wants to be normal. Unfortunately, ever since finding out that she can communicate with the dead, Stephanie’s life is anything but normal. Her newfound powers make it so that she has to help girls cross over from the life of the living to the life of the dead. While the job can be a bit morbid, Stephanie begins to think that she’s getting good at her newfound calling. Unfortunately, her mother seems to think that she can cure Stephanie. When the plan backfires, Stephanie’s friends start showing similar signs of having paranormal powers. Stephanie begins to wonder if there is something her mother has been keeping from her. Something supernatural.
Opinion:
I was intrigued to begin reading this book as it sounded like a fun paranormal thriller. Unfortunately, it was not much of a thriller. The plot was slow, and it was difficult to read certain parts because there were missing quotation marks, making it difficult to tell if a person was talking or if Stephanie was just thinking something. It took various re-reads of some sentences to actually understand what was going on.
The main character, Stephanie, was what I would call a stereotypical YA girl. She was annoying, flighty, and thought she knew everything. Stephanie frequently made blatantly wrong mistakes without even second-guessing her motives. I always dislike it when the main character of a story is oblivious to the dangers she or he is facing, especially when it’s obvious just how dangerous a situation is. Unfortunately, Stephanie was very much the embodiment of a young character who didn’t know what she was doing. I’ve read many books where the female characters are strong and independent, but Stephanie tried to be strong and independent in all the wrong ways. She was mad at her boyfriend frequently for the stupidest reasons, she refused to listen to her mother, and she rushed into situations thinking she knew everything. You can be strong and independent without being rude and refusing help. Unfortunately, I don’t think Stephanie realized that. I also didn’t like how Stephanie’s mother was written. She just didn't seem to have a motherly personality.
I really liked Dylan’s character and wished he was the main character. He was always there for Stephanie, even when she was being a major jerk. His powers greatly intrigued me, not only because they seemed cool but because he handled them so well. He didn’t freak out or see them as a curse, but instead seemed to embrace them.
The plot had a very interesting premise that I was excited to see play out, but unfortunately it just seemed like the majority of the time Stephanie was getting mad at her mom and friends. Maybe it was because I hadn’t read the first book in the series, but I was also a little bit confused from point to point about what all was going on.
Overall, Crossed Fire has a really good premise that just needs a bit of work on the execution.
Reviewed by a LitPick student book reviewer Age 18
Opinion:
I was intrigued to begin reading this book as it sounded like a fun paranormal thriller. Unfortunately, it was not much of a thriller. The plot was slow, and it was difficult to read certain parts because there were missing quotation marks, making it difficult to tell if a person was talking or if Stephanie was just thinking something. It took various re-reads of some sentences to actually understand what was going on.
The main character, Stephanie, was what I would call a stereotypical YA girl. She was annoying, flighty, and thought she knew everything. Stephanie frequently made blatantly wrong mistakes without even second-guessing her motives. I always dislike it when the main character of a story is oblivious to the dangers she or he is facing, especially when it’s obvious just how dangerous a situation is. Unfortunately, Stephanie was very much the embodiment of a young character who didn’t know what she was doing. I’ve read many books where the female characters are strong and independent, but Stephanie tried to be strong and independent in all the wrong ways. She was mad at her boyfriend frequently for the stupidest reasons, she refused to listen to her mother, and she rushed into situations thinking she knew everything. You can be strong and independent without being rude and refusing help. Unfortunately, I don’t think Stephanie realized that. I also didn’t like how Stephanie’s mother was written. She just didn't seem to have a motherly personality.
I really liked Dylan’s character and wished he was the main character. He was always there for Stephanie, even when she was being a major jerk. His powers greatly intrigued me, not only because they seemed cool but because he handled them so well. He didn’t freak out or see them as a curse, but instead seemed to embrace them.
The plot had a very interesting premise that I was excited to see play out, but unfortunately it just seemed like the majority of the time Stephanie was getting mad at her mom and friends. Maybe it was because I hadn’t read the first book in the series, but I was also a little bit confused from point to point about what all was going on.
Overall, Crossed Fire has a really good premise that just needs a bit of work on the execution.
Reviewed by a LitPick student book reviewer Age 18
September 5, 2018
This book was a fun, interesting, intriguing, adventurous read!
This book really reminded me of TV Shows, “Tru Calling” and “Medium.” As Stephanie can see and talk to the dead and helps them cross over like Tru does in Tru Calling and Allison does in Medium.
I really liked the main and supporting characters, Stephanie, Dylan, Cura, Hillary, and Dr. A. They all played well off each other and kept the story entertaining.
I liked the teen drama and angst that played throughout the book. No matter where you live or what school you’re at you’re bound to find cliques and the school hierarchy pyramid. This was absolutely true here, with Hillary calling the shots and making sure everyone knew she was the Queen B. This was even more fun when certain things happen to Hillary and scores get even – but no spoiler alerts here lol.
There is a lot of drama in this book! Whether it is between Stephanie and her frenemy, Hillary; Stephanie and her boyfriend, Dylan; Stephanie and her BFF, Cura; or Stephanie and her mom – Stephanie seems to have a bit of a case of teenage irritability lol. Stephanie also tends to be a tad reckless in her decisions and tactics. I’m not sure if it’s due to her age or the fact that she goes out of her way to not ask for help, but she makes some risky calls that clearly show her negligence and ignorance and land her in some hot water. Clearly a YA book, with all the drama between BFs, BFFs, frenemies, and parentals. Not to mention the indestructible/invincible feeling that many teenagers feel by taking daring chances, not realizing the consequences or dangers lurking.
I found it interesting how all the teen’s gifts each brought something to the table and am excited to hopefully see future books in this series of them all working together.
The writing style is fluid, well developed, and at a steady pace.
The storyline is quite creative and imaginative – and it totally works! I think the character’s personalities and the fact that they act like real teenagers really sells it.
This book is written from Stephanie’s POV. I liked that this book is written in a light hearted, funny, sometimes sarcastic tone – hence teenager POV lol. It gives humor to the story and the characters. Even during some of the more serious, wild, dark, gruesome scenes; the writing continues to be on the lighter side.
This book is the second book in the Crossed Book Series. I had not read the first book before reading this book. I did not get lost or confused, so this book can be read as a standalone. However, there are many references to the previous book and the characters seem to overlap. However, since I liked this book, I would suggest getting in from the beginning and starting with book one, so you don’t miss anything.
All in all, I enjoyed reading this book and would absolutely recommend this book to anyone interested in a YA paranormal book.
**Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book and have voluntarily provided an honest, and unbiased review in accordance with FTC regulations.**
This book really reminded me of TV Shows, “Tru Calling” and “Medium.” As Stephanie can see and talk to the dead and helps them cross over like Tru does in Tru Calling and Allison does in Medium.
I really liked the main and supporting characters, Stephanie, Dylan, Cura, Hillary, and Dr. A. They all played well off each other and kept the story entertaining.
I liked the teen drama and angst that played throughout the book. No matter where you live or what school you’re at you’re bound to find cliques and the school hierarchy pyramid. This was absolutely true here, with Hillary calling the shots and making sure everyone knew she was the Queen B. This was even more fun when certain things happen to Hillary and scores get even – but no spoiler alerts here lol.
There is a lot of drama in this book! Whether it is between Stephanie and her frenemy, Hillary; Stephanie and her boyfriend, Dylan; Stephanie and her BFF, Cura; or Stephanie and her mom – Stephanie seems to have a bit of a case of teenage irritability lol. Stephanie also tends to be a tad reckless in her decisions and tactics. I’m not sure if it’s due to her age or the fact that she goes out of her way to not ask for help, but she makes some risky calls that clearly show her negligence and ignorance and land her in some hot water. Clearly a YA book, with all the drama between BFs, BFFs, frenemies, and parentals. Not to mention the indestructible/invincible feeling that many teenagers feel by taking daring chances, not realizing the consequences or dangers lurking.
I found it interesting how all the teen’s gifts each brought something to the table and am excited to hopefully see future books in this series of them all working together.
The writing style is fluid, well developed, and at a steady pace.
The storyline is quite creative and imaginative – and it totally works! I think the character’s personalities and the fact that they act like real teenagers really sells it.
This book is written from Stephanie’s POV. I liked that this book is written in a light hearted, funny, sometimes sarcastic tone – hence teenager POV lol. It gives humor to the story and the characters. Even during some of the more serious, wild, dark, gruesome scenes; the writing continues to be on the lighter side.
This book is the second book in the Crossed Book Series. I had not read the first book before reading this book. I did not get lost or confused, so this book can be read as a standalone. However, there are many references to the previous book and the characters seem to overlap. However, since I liked this book, I would suggest getting in from the beginning and starting with book one, so you don’t miss anything.
All in all, I enjoyed reading this book and would absolutely recommend this book to anyone interested in a YA paranormal book.
**Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book and have voluntarily provided an honest, and unbiased review in accordance with FTC regulations.**
Did Not Finish
October 26, 2018Review soon...
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews