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Struck #1
Struck
The headline read: A Deserted Town: Where Are the Missing?
The missing. That’s what their friends and family had become.
Laney and Leela are identical twins, except for a birthmark and two very different personalities. Home for the summer after college graduation, they go on a camping trip with their two younger siblings. When they return home, they find the town empty. Everyone is missing, including their parents and Laney’s boyfriend, Hollister.
Besides some strange marks on the ground caused by a lightning storm, there aren’t any clues, and without any leads on the disappearances, the police leave the town isolated and closed off. Laney falls into despair, and Leela is not sure how much longer they can remain in their home, hiding from the authorities.
When a mysterious man named Curwen arrives, claiming he wants to help them, Laney and Leela aren’t sure how to proceed. He decides to tell them the truth even though it is forbidden—he works for the leader of an underground resistance, and he knows where their loved ones have been taken. Curwen offers to help the twins on a mission to rescue their parents and Hollister—a mission that could cost them their lives. Can they trust him? He may be their only hope.
The missing. That’s what their friends and family had become.
Laney and Leela are identical twins, except for a birthmark and two very different personalities. Home for the summer after college graduation, they go on a camping trip with their two younger siblings. When they return home, they find the town empty. Everyone is missing, including their parents and Laney’s boyfriend, Hollister.
Besides some strange marks on the ground caused by a lightning storm, there aren’t any clues, and without any leads on the disappearances, the police leave the town isolated and closed off. Laney falls into despair, and Leela is not sure how much longer they can remain in their home, hiding from the authorities.
When a mysterious man named Curwen arrives, claiming he wants to help them, Laney and Leela aren’t sure how to proceed. He decides to tell them the truth even though it is forbidden—he works for the leader of an underground resistance, and he knows where their loved ones have been taken. Curwen offers to help the twins on a mission to rescue their parents and Hollister—a mission that could cost them their lives. Can they trust him? He may be their only hope.
209 pages, Hardcover
Published January 1, 2018
58 people are currently reading
112 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 32 reviews
August 14, 2018
This was a really well-written story! It did take me a few chapters to start getting into it, but once I did I couldn't put it down! The story is told from twin sisters, Laney and Leela's, points of view. Every chapter is a different twins point of view, which was confusing at first because their names are so similar but I was able to follow it well enough. There is a good amount of mystery, fantasy, adventures, and twists(although I was able to guess some twists here and there). I really enjoyed this! I'm hoping for a sequel because that ending left me wanting more!
*I received this book for free from the author in exchange for an honest review."
*I received this book for free from the author in exchange for an honest review."
June 22, 2018
I found this book available for free on June 5, 2018 via a thread posted in a Goodreads group by the author. While I was never obligated to write a review on it, I chose to do one anyway; all opinions are my own.
Wow, that was wild. Initially, the story didn't catch my attention, but a fourth of the way into it, I really began getting invested in it. Laney and Leela were both good protagonists, the story was just the right amount of twisted...I loved so many things about this book. My only complaints are 1) that I felt there were too many characters and 2) that the perspective shift between the girls confused me around the middle.
Wow, that was wild. Initially, the story didn't catch my attention, but a fourth of the way into it, I really began getting invested in it. Laney and Leela were both good protagonists, the story was just the right amount of twisted...I loved so many things about this book. My only complaints are 1) that I felt there were too many characters and 2) that the perspective shift between the girls confused me around the middle.
owned-but-not-read
August 3, 2019Free on kindle - 2nd of August 2019 - ?
https://www.amazon.com/Struck-Rachel-...
https://www.amazon.com/Struck-Rachel-...
October 18, 2018
Struck is a fascinating, unique story that immediately intrigued me and made me want to know what, exactly, was going on. And when the truth behind everything was revealed, I was both surprised and even more curious to see how the story would play out.
Reviewing this book is gonna be hard, mostly because I don't want to spoil anything. And, trust me, almost everything I've wanted to say so far has been spoiler-y. So, I'm going to try and keep this vague and hopefully free of anything that might give the story away.
The story starts off relatively simple. Laney and Leela, the twins, take their younger siblings camping at their "spot", which happens to be a cave. Everything is fine and dandy until a random lighting strike hits the next day on their way home and everyone but Laney, Leela, and the younger sibs disappear. Their entire town, save for them and a couple of lucky people, is gone. Poof. Disappeared into thin air. But where did they go?
And when a mysterious stranger shows up and offers to help the twins find their family, they're reluctant, hesitant, and wary, but eventually they agree to let him help. But the truth he reveals is crazier than they ever could have imagined.
I really, really enjoyed Struck. It was unique and different, and I liked how the story was able to keep me engaged and anxious to see if Curwen would be a good guy, a bad guy, or something perhaps in-between. Would he help the girls get their family back? Was his truth about what happened all a ruse? Like, it was really fascinating to see everything come together.
I thought the plot was really nicely paced. It kept my attention, and I can't say I was ever bored or frustrated with it at all. I didn't want to put it down at times, and I actually flew through it pretty quick. That's how much I liked reading it.
The world building is pretty cool. I felt like I got some good visuals based on how locations were described. I could picture the story playing out in my head from one scene to the next. I think it'd make a cool movie or something.
Overall, I have to say Struck is one book I'm very happy to have taken a chance on this year. It's fresh and fun and exciting. I just wanted a bit more, especially with how it ended.
I give it 4 stars.
Reviewing this book is gonna be hard, mostly because I don't want to spoil anything. And, trust me, almost everything I've wanted to say so far has been spoiler-y. So, I'm going to try and keep this vague and hopefully free of anything that might give the story away.
The story starts off relatively simple. Laney and Leela, the twins, take their younger siblings camping at their "spot", which happens to be a cave. Everything is fine and dandy until a random lighting strike hits the next day on their way home and everyone but Laney, Leela, and the younger sibs disappear. Their entire town, save for them and a couple of lucky people, is gone. Poof. Disappeared into thin air. But where did they go?
And when a mysterious stranger shows up and offers to help the twins find their family, they're reluctant, hesitant, and wary, but eventually they agree to let him help. But the truth he reveals is crazier than they ever could have imagined.
I really, really enjoyed Struck. It was unique and different, and I liked how the story was able to keep me engaged and anxious to see if Curwen would be a good guy, a bad guy, or something perhaps in-between. Would he help the girls get their family back? Was his truth about what happened all a ruse? Like, it was really fascinating to see everything come together.
I thought the plot was really nicely paced. It kept my attention, and I can't say I was ever bored or frustrated with it at all. I didn't want to put it down at times, and I actually flew through it pretty quick. That's how much I liked reading it.
The world building is pretty cool. I felt like I got some good visuals based on how locations were described. I could picture the story playing out in my head from one scene to the next. I think it'd make a cool movie or something.
Overall, I have to say Struck is one book I'm very happy to have taken a chance on this year. It's fresh and fun and exciting. I just wanted a bit more, especially with how it ended.
I give it 4 stars.
January 9, 2020
Good story. It took a little while to get into the story, but it really picked up steam as it went along.
I would have found it easier to follow if the twins' names were less similar. As their moods shifted over the course of the story, I kept feeling like I had to check to make sure who was telling the story in that chapter. Even with a little bit of confusion here and there, I enjoyed the story.
I would have found it easier to follow if the twins' names were less similar. As their moods shifted over the course of the story, I kept feeling like I had to check to make sure who was telling the story in that chapter. Even with a little bit of confusion here and there, I enjoyed the story.
February 7, 2019
I received this book to review from Palmetto Publishing. My expectations weren't too high because the first book I picked up from them to read went right in the trash (I hated the first page!). This book, however, caught my interest and I ended up enjoying it. It reminds me a bit of Disney's Frozen ... a love story about sisterhood. If you enjoy the modern dystopian novels, this might really appeal to you.
August 2, 2018
This book was good!
It was a little bit predictable in some places. And some of the story unfolded very abruptly because there were a lot of secrets and misinformation between the characters.
I did like that it was a story about twin sisters in their 20s but they were still a little naive and young for their age, with their reactions.
And it ended in a good spot for a sequel!
It was a little bit predictable in some places. And some of the story unfolded very abruptly because there were a lot of secrets and misinformation between the characters.
I did like that it was a story about twin sisters in their 20s but they were still a little naive and young for their age, with their reactions.
And it ended in a good spot for a sequel!
April 18, 2020
When twins Laney and Leela go camping to their favorite spot with their siblings, all is right in the world. Until they return home the next day and realize that everyone in their town has gone missing. With very little clues as to what happened, they stick at home, desperate for answers. When a mysterious man shows up in their yard, they have plenty of questions and he has all the answers.
This was such an immersive fantasy with a fantastic worldbuilding concept. The idea of traveling through lightning is brilliant. I also loved the backstory of the King and the curse though the ending left me wanting more. I really hope there’s some kind of sequel or novella about Lela and her decision because there are so many questions I still have that went unanswered.
Every character had a distinct personality, the twins especially. I liked Cory’s personality the most though. He had an adorable little brother impression, and the way the author wrote him was adorable. Of all the characters though, I think the one I related to most was Leela. She was the easiest to understand, and I found myself rooting for her the most. Especially when Laney was being difficult.
This was a shorter listen, but definitely worth giving your full attention to. I didn’t expect any of what came, and I’m very glad I gave this story, and author, a chance.
Narration was as wonderfully done as the story.
This book was given to me for free at my request and I provided this voluntary review.
This was such an immersive fantasy with a fantastic worldbuilding concept. The idea of traveling through lightning is brilliant. I also loved the backstory of the King and the curse though the ending left me wanting more. I really hope there’s some kind of sequel or novella about Lela and her decision because there are so many questions I still have that went unanswered.
Every character had a distinct personality, the twins especially. I liked Cory’s personality the most though. He had an adorable little brother impression, and the way the author wrote him was adorable. Of all the characters though, I think the one I related to most was Leela. She was the easiest to understand, and I found myself rooting for her the most. Especially when Laney was being difficult.
This was a shorter listen, but definitely worth giving your full attention to. I didn’t expect any of what came, and I’m very glad I gave this story, and author, a chance.
Narration was as wonderfully done as the story.
This book was given to me for free at my request and I provided this voluntary review.
May 9, 2021
~First of all, I would like to thank the wonderful author of this book for sending me a free copy in exchange for my honest review!~
I loved this book so much! It was awesome. There was action, a little romance plus a sort-of-maybe kind of romance (haha fan theories XD), and more! There was lots of unexpected, and I really loved the characters. The one thing that could have made it better was a jaw-dropping OMG cliffhanger :)
I recommend this book to you!
~Full Review To Come~
I loved this book so much! It was awesome. There was action, a little romance plus a sort-of-maybe kind of romance (haha fan theories XD), and more! There was lots of unexpected, and I really loved the characters. The one thing that could have made it better was a jaw-dropping OMG cliffhanger :)
I recommend this book to you!
~Full Review To Come~
October 22, 2025
I was on the edge of my seat in this unfamiliar world that the author has crafted. The shifting perspectives kept the twists coming, some of which hit hard. Looking forward to reading the sequel.
February 4, 2019
"There was thunder in the distance, and I knew it wouldn't be long before the lightning struck." -- Rachel Langley. Struck, p. 25
The summer after college should be carefree and fun, but it becomes a nightmare for identical twins Laney and Leela in Rachel Langley's novel Struck. When going camping with their younger siblings, a storm begins to brew. Thunder crashes and lightning strikes while they huddle in their secret cave, hoping it will blow over before Laney and Hollister's big anniversary party the next day. In the morning, Laney and Leela awake to the screams of their sister who is standing in a clearing marked by lightning, and when they arrive back home, the town is empty. Everyone has disappeared: their friends, their parents, Hollister. The only clues to their disappearances are the marks left by the storm and Annabelle's disturbing drawings. Until the stranger Curwen appears, claiming he knows the location of the family and is willing to undertake a mission to save them--a mission that will take Laney and Leela to a place beyond the imaginings and will stick them in the middle of a resistance in which they want no part. Written in alternating points-of-view through Laney and Leela's perspectives, Langley clearly shows the twin's differences. Laney is impulsive and fiery while Leela is more pragmatic and quiet. While the story line of Struck is plot-centered (i.e. rescue their family), it is their reactions and emotions that really drive the story forward. The hot, bright world the twins have been transported to highlights the differences to their own; it is inhospitable and harsh to normal humans. They don't belong there, and very quickly, the twins learn that they stumbled onto a bigger problem than just their missing parents. I greatly enjoyed this novel. The plot was unique and compelling, the characters were well-developed with distinct voices, and the twist was well-executed although slightly predictable. During parts of the exposition, especially at the beginning of the novel, I felt that the writing could have been...tighter? It didn't flow quite as well as the rest of the novel when the action picked up. This novel would be great for science fiction lovers and for those who enjoy books that focus on the bonds of family, especially of sisters/twins. Overall, I would give Struck 4/5 stars. Book two in the series The Mark and the Match picks up right where book one leaves off, and I'll post my review for it next weekend!
The summer after college should be carefree and fun, but it becomes a nightmare for identical twins Laney and Leela in Rachel Langley's novel Struck. When going camping with their younger siblings, a storm begins to brew. Thunder crashes and lightning strikes while they huddle in their secret cave, hoping it will blow over before Laney and Hollister's big anniversary party the next day. In the morning, Laney and Leela awake to the screams of their sister who is standing in a clearing marked by lightning, and when they arrive back home, the town is empty. Everyone has disappeared: their friends, their parents, Hollister. The only clues to their disappearances are the marks left by the storm and Annabelle's disturbing drawings. Until the stranger Curwen appears, claiming he knows the location of the family and is willing to undertake a mission to save them--a mission that will take Laney and Leela to a place beyond the imaginings and will stick them in the middle of a resistance in which they want no part. Written in alternating points-of-view through Laney and Leela's perspectives, Langley clearly shows the twin's differences. Laney is impulsive and fiery while Leela is more pragmatic and quiet. While the story line of Struck is plot-centered (i.e. rescue their family), it is their reactions and emotions that really drive the story forward. The hot, bright world the twins have been transported to highlights the differences to their own; it is inhospitable and harsh to normal humans. They don't belong there, and very quickly, the twins learn that they stumbled onto a bigger problem than just their missing parents. I greatly enjoyed this novel. The plot was unique and compelling, the characters were well-developed with distinct voices, and the twist was well-executed although slightly predictable. During parts of the exposition, especially at the beginning of the novel, I felt that the writing could have been...tighter? It didn't flow quite as well as the rest of the novel when the action picked up. This novel would be great for science fiction lovers and for those who enjoy books that focus on the bonds of family, especially of sisters/twins. Overall, I would give Struck 4/5 stars. Book two in the series The Mark and the Match picks up right where book one leaves off, and I'll post my review for it next weekend!
April 23, 2019
A little bit predictable, but a nice story. I was a little confused at first by the chapters being narrated in alternating fashion by the twins, with their similar names I lost track of which one had which characteristics at first. After a while, it cleared up for me and I enjoyed the story quite a bit.
August 7, 2018
I was surprised by how much I enjoyed the book. Some of the situations seemed a bit "off" but I assume it was so that younger readers could enjoy it. It did seem a little rushed especially toward the end but I was not dissatisfied with the ending. Will be looking forward to the next one!
May 20, 2020
Great
This was a nice read! Short and sweet book. I kinda wish there was more to it after it ended, to know where all their lives took them. If your looking for a good short read definitely try this one out.
This was a nice read! Short and sweet book. I kinda wish there was more to it after it ended, to know where all their lives took them. If your looking for a good short read definitely try this one out.
March 3, 2019
Excellent
Loved the story. Characters were really interesting. Definitely will read the series. It's a fast read. Not a five star but above a three.
Loved the story. Characters were really interesting. Definitely will read the series. It's a fast read. Not a five star but above a three.
August 4, 2019
Awesome!!! I will never look at lightening the same again. I loved this book. The family dynamic was wonderful. I'm so sad and intrigued at the same time. I never wanna visit Antonia. Just saying .
August 5, 2019
Engaging
Well written story. Multiple subplots. Abductions, dimensional travel, treason, lovers separated, slavery woven into a spellbinding plot. Where will it all end?
Well written story. Multiple subplots. Abductions, dimensional travel, treason, lovers separated, slavery woven into a spellbinding plot. Where will it all end?
August 9, 2019
Amazing
Special . Can not wait to read more about these characters. Marvelous breathtaking could not put it down.
I want more.
Special . Can not wait to read more about these characters. Marvelous breathtaking could not put it down.
I want more.
January 11, 2025
Cringey and did not make sense.
January 23, 2020
Hmmmm ... 2.5 stars for me I think. Not bad but not great. I guess this could be considered a spoiler, so I'll hide it SPOILER I mean, that IS the basic premise of this whole book, it sounds just a bit silly there, and came across that way to me. Maybe if I'd read this as a teenager instead of the old lady I am, it would have clicked more.
I struggled a bit with the alternating first person chapters between Laney and Leela. Even though the chapters were marked, it was a little hard to remember which one's "head" we were in. I think I would have preferred the whole thing to be 3rd person. I felt like the author slipped there a bit too, slipping into that omniscient view rather than just what each of the girls would have know. An example ... “Leela . . . oh, Laney,” he greeted me, his heart sinking, trying to cover up his disappointment that I wasn’t her. How does Laney know Curwen's heart is sinking? That he was disappointed? If this was truly Laney's perspective I felt it should have been more like "I could tell from his expression that he was disappointed" ... you know? This happened quite a bit throughout.
Just little things bugged me ... "We had to make it back, if only for the sole prize of hearing Annabelle speak again." I mean sure, but don't you just want to make it back to BE with Annabelle again? And just because she "says" (she's not talking) she will talk if they come back ... just, didn't work for me. And Just left me feeling unsatisfied, as did the death, and the abrupt, cliffhanger ending.
Other little things felt a little awkward ... referring to one of the characters as "The boss man" several times. One of the characters saying "So, in conclusion" ... which just isn't something I hear in everyday speech (more in an essay or report, more formal). The whole birthmark thing ... It's mentioned in the blurb, Curwen's reaction, it's pretty obvious it's an essential plot point.
I received a copy of the audiobook in exchange for an honest review. The kindle copy is available on Kindle Unlimited ... and I'll admit I needed it. The narrator was good, but at some point in the middle of the story I just got a little lost, a little distracted ... I wasn't sure what was going on. I was glad to have the text copy, so I could go back and skim, re-read portions to make sure I understood what was going on. Then I went back to the audiobook.
So - I peeked at the next book. Perhaps I'll skim it, but I'm not invested enough to continue on with the series.
I struggled a bit with the alternating first person chapters between Laney and Leela. Even though the chapters were marked, it was a little hard to remember which one's "head" we were in. I think I would have preferred the whole thing to be 3rd person. I felt like the author slipped there a bit too, slipping into that omniscient view rather than just what each of the girls would have know. An example ... “Leela . . . oh, Laney,” he greeted me, his heart sinking, trying to cover up his disappointment that I wasn’t her. How does Laney know Curwen's heart is sinking? That he was disappointed? If this was truly Laney's perspective I felt it should have been more like "I could tell from his expression that he was disappointed" ... you know? This happened quite a bit throughout.
Just little things bugged me ... "We had to make it back, if only for the sole prize of hearing Annabelle speak again." I mean sure, but don't you just want to make it back to BE with Annabelle again? And just because she "says" (she's not talking) she will talk if they come back ... just, didn't work for me. And Just left me feeling unsatisfied, as did the death, and the abrupt, cliffhanger ending.
Other little things felt a little awkward ... referring to one of the characters as "The boss man" several times. One of the characters saying "So, in conclusion" ... which just isn't something I hear in everyday speech (more in an essay or report, more formal). The whole birthmark thing ... It's mentioned in the blurb, Curwen's reaction, it's pretty obvious it's an essential plot point.
I received a copy of the audiobook in exchange for an honest review. The kindle copy is available on Kindle Unlimited ... and I'll admit I needed it. The narrator was good, but at some point in the middle of the story I just got a little lost, a little distracted ... I wasn't sure what was going on. I was glad to have the text copy, so I could go back and skim, re-read portions to make sure I understood what was going on. Then I went back to the audiobook.
So - I peeked at the next book. Perhaps I'll skim it, but I'm not invested enough to continue on with the series.
February 6, 2020
Good narration. She gave a clear performance and fit the characters well. I do wish she had a bit more variation to her voice for different characters, but overall, I enjoyed the listening experience.
Love the premise for this story. Laney and Leela, twin sisters, are camping with their little brother and sister, and Laney’s boyfriend, Hollister. Hollister ends up leaving a little early to plan a surprise for Laney. There’s some strange lightning type strike thing; the group starts home after that, but when they get to their town, all the people are missing. Including, the twins’ parents and Hollister. The twins and their bro and sis stay in hiding when the government comes to investigate, so they can find out what happened and save their parents and Hollister. Luckily, they find someone who knows more than they do; it turns out the people were taken to a different dimension. So, the twins set out on a mission to a different dimension to save their parents and Hollister. Things definitely aren’t going to be easy; especially when there’s too many secrets going on. This new dimension has some weird traditions and they don’t listen to much reason, so the girls are in for some dangerous things.
Loved the fun adventure and there were some cool, unique elements to the story. The story is too slow at times; too much inner monologue, but had interesting moments. We get POV chapters from Laney and Leela; which is great, but they would be doing and thinking similar things, so it gets a bit repetitive. I would’ve liked a bit more action. The twins also don’t really act like they are in their 20’s; more like they are teens, so I would’ve liked a bit more maturity to them. Some of their actions were weird at times; Laney was a bit annoying and both sisters needed more common sense, but I still liked both twins and the supporting characters. I also enjoyed the little bits of romance to the story; Laney and Hollister have a sweet connection.
Overall, there was enough fun elements to keep me entertained and wanting to continue the story with the next book. There’s some intriguing ways this story has developed, so it’ll be interesting to see how the plays out in the next book.
Love the premise for this story. Laney and Leela, twin sisters, are camping with their little brother and sister, and Laney’s boyfriend, Hollister. Hollister ends up leaving a little early to plan a surprise for Laney. There’s some strange lightning type strike thing; the group starts home after that, but when they get to their town, all the people are missing. Including, the twins’ parents and Hollister. The twins and their bro and sis stay in hiding when the government comes to investigate, so they can find out what happened and save their parents and Hollister. Luckily, they find someone who knows more than they do; it turns out the people were taken to a different dimension. So, the twins set out on a mission to a different dimension to save their parents and Hollister. Things definitely aren’t going to be easy; especially when there’s too many secrets going on. This new dimension has some weird traditions and they don’t listen to much reason, so the girls are in for some dangerous things.
Loved the fun adventure and there were some cool, unique elements to the story. The story is too slow at times; too much inner monologue, but had interesting moments. We get POV chapters from Laney and Leela; which is great, but they would be doing and thinking similar things, so it gets a bit repetitive. I would’ve liked a bit more action. The twins also don’t really act like they are in their 20’s; more like they are teens, so I would’ve liked a bit more maturity to them. Some of their actions were weird at times; Laney was a bit annoying and both sisters needed more common sense, but I still liked both twins and the supporting characters. I also enjoyed the little bits of romance to the story; Laney and Hollister have a sweet connection.
Overall, there was enough fun elements to keep me entertained and wanting to continue the story with the next book. There’s some intriguing ways this story has developed, so it’ll be interesting to see how the plays out in the next book.
January 24, 2020
I was provided with a free Audible copy of this book. While I was never obligated to write a review on it, I chose to do one anyway; all opinions are my own.
Struck is a well narrated book, with decent narrative to drive you forward. The hook points and story is well told from the narrator, who uses prosody and register well to carry the story forward.
The audio is mastered well, with an exceptionally low noise floor and clear and consistent voice types for different characters. The story is well read, with good pacing and excellent timbre from the narrator. In all, I was pleasantly surprised with the narration and it helped to immerse me into the story.
The story is an interesting one. We follow two twins who have gone camping when everyone they know and all the people in the town they are from goes missing.
The concept tees up nicely for a dystopian epic fantasy adventure. It doesn't quite take off on one, slightly more tamed, grounded in a more realistic realm. The books heroines (The two twins) are off to discover what exactly happened to everyone in the town.
There are several arcs of concern for our twins. Their family, of course, but also one twin has a powerful love interest who is also missing. They are compelled to investigate this issue.
I liked the story in this book. The writer did well to build a picture of the world our heroes find themselves in. With a powerful drive to complete the quest they unwittingly find themselves on.
To begin with, the story starts slow, it is not helped by the fact that the twins have similar names and are narrated with similar voices. But after a while the plot begins to pull you in.
When they stumble upon a person who offers to help them find their missing family, the fun really begins. In all it's a fun and exciting book that tells a fun and exciting story. It's one I would recommend.
Struck is a well narrated book, with decent narrative to drive you forward. The hook points and story is well told from the narrator, who uses prosody and register well to carry the story forward.
The audio is mastered well, with an exceptionally low noise floor and clear and consistent voice types for different characters. The story is well read, with good pacing and excellent timbre from the narrator. In all, I was pleasantly surprised with the narration and it helped to immerse me into the story.
The story is an interesting one. We follow two twins who have gone camping when everyone they know and all the people in the town they are from goes missing.
The concept tees up nicely for a dystopian epic fantasy adventure. It doesn't quite take off on one, slightly more tamed, grounded in a more realistic realm. The books heroines (The two twins) are off to discover what exactly happened to everyone in the town.
There are several arcs of concern for our twins. Their family, of course, but also one twin has a powerful love interest who is also missing. They are compelled to investigate this issue.
I liked the story in this book. The writer did well to build a picture of the world our heroes find themselves in. With a powerful drive to complete the quest they unwittingly find themselves on.
To begin with, the story starts slow, it is not helped by the fact that the twins have similar names and are narrated with similar voices. But after a while the plot begins to pull you in.
When they stumble upon a person who offers to help them find their missing family, the fun really begins. In all it's a fun and exciting book that tells a fun and exciting story. It's one I would recommend.
December 3, 2018
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of Struck in exchange for a fair and honest review.
I really had a nice time reading Struck! The story definitely took on a different approach than I was expecting, which was super interesting to read. I didn’t think it was going to be a Sci-Fi/Fantasy story, and yet, it was. So having that interesting mix of realism and fantasy there elevated the story, in my opinion, and separates it from other stories of that genre. Rachel did a really nice job of blending those two genres here.
I also enjoyed the character of Curwen, and I’m intrigued to see where he and Leela go in the next book in the series. I’m (fingers crossed!) hoping for some relationship development on that front, because I think they bring out good parts of each other. I also hope we get to see more of Laney and Hollister– I found their relationship compelling, but since we didn’t actually see Hollister for the majority of the novel I wasn’t able to connect with them deeply.
Rachel also laid the groundwork for the next book really well in this novel, without it being too obvious what she was doing. Her world building is absolutely fantastic; I can picture this “other world” in my mind so clearly as she describes it. There’s also a nice level of political intrigue weaved in there. I’m anticipating getting to learn more about this mysterious resistance in the next novel, and figuring out what the hell is going on with Leela!
Overall, I enjoyed my time reading Struck. It was a quick read, and the characters were likable and the plot interesting enough to make you want to keep reading. Thank you, Rachel! I’m looking forward to reading the sequel!
I really had a nice time reading Struck! The story definitely took on a different approach than I was expecting, which was super interesting to read. I didn’t think it was going to be a Sci-Fi/Fantasy story, and yet, it was. So having that interesting mix of realism and fantasy there elevated the story, in my opinion, and separates it from other stories of that genre. Rachel did a really nice job of blending those two genres here.
I also enjoyed the character of Curwen, and I’m intrigued to see where he and Leela go in the next book in the series. I’m (fingers crossed!) hoping for some relationship development on that front, because I think they bring out good parts of each other. I also hope we get to see more of Laney and Hollister– I found their relationship compelling, but since we didn’t actually see Hollister for the majority of the novel I wasn’t able to connect with them deeply.
Rachel also laid the groundwork for the next book really well in this novel, without it being too obvious what she was doing. Her world building is absolutely fantastic; I can picture this “other world” in my mind so clearly as she describes it. There’s also a nice level of political intrigue weaved in there. I’m anticipating getting to learn more about this mysterious resistance in the next novel, and figuring out what the hell is going on with Leela!
Overall, I enjoyed my time reading Struck. It was a quick read, and the characters were likable and the plot interesting enough to make you want to keep reading. Thank you, Rachel! I’m looking forward to reading the sequel!
October 12, 2020
I was so pleasantly surprised with this title. The storyline is great and it has lots of twists and turns along the way. You will learn to love all of the characters even the ones that you think you’re being forced to hate. The science-fiction aspects of this book are super cool. I could not put it down but unfortunately Work got in the way of me finishing this one even quicker. The story kicks off with a huge mystery right at the beginning and doesn’t let up. You learn and grow with the characters along this throw ride. However, I still feel we have much to discover about this group of people. I love the universe and world building this author puts forth in this book. Two separate worlds that are eerily similar yeah totally different. I listen to the audiobook version and the narration was delightful! There was a certain honesty to the performance and you always knew which character was speaking. Whether it was a male or female character the narrator offered different voices and cadences which really spice things up with this title. It was a very exciting and enjoyable experience listening to this audiobook. I have already purchased the second book in the series and cannot wait to begin it. I was provided a free copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review from audiobook boom. This in no way affected my opinion of this work.
March 19, 2021
I literally just finished this audiobook about 3 minutes ago and OMG and HOLY CRAP. I loved this book. I wasn't sure how I was going to feel about it at first.. It just didn't give me the OMG I HAVE TO READ THIS vibe. But now that I have finished book one... OMG... I NEED BOOK 2 IN MY LIFE ASAP! Absolutely nothing played out the way I thought that it would, and I am normally practically psychic when it comes to predicting books, movies, or things like that. (I also read tarot cards lol). I can't wait to see what happens next. I also really enjoyed this narrator. She was really good and definitely brought something to the story. I can't exactly put my finger on what it is exactly, but whatever it was, she did a phenomenal job as well. I am a HUGE fan!
~This book was given to me at my request. I am providing an honest and voluntary review. Thanx for reading and please hit the like button! Thanx! ~
~This book was given to me at my request. I am providing an honest and voluntary review. Thanx for reading and please hit the like button! Thanx! ~
September 28, 2020
Directly, you will discover with the turn of every page, plot twists and characters that garner the attention of even the most seasoned reader. What a story of human courage and collaboration amidst a vivid and vast setting, yet not so foreign to our everyday lives. Within the chapters of this wonderful trilogy... the orphan and the widow are not as they seem, oppression meets social Justice, the status quo must face a patriotic conscience, the sojourner and the native are challenged to reach beyond themselves for the sake of all humanity, and the balance between personal rights vs. that of law and order is constantly tested. This experience will have you asking...”my security and stability in this community, life, world...is it as it seems?
But what is “it” exactly?
Great job Rachel!
But what is “it” exactly?
Great job Rachel!
July 8, 2021
Wow
I got this book thinking I was taking a break from all of the " super exciting" books I read, and it started off great, simple...easy...quiet. Then, lightening struck and bam, I was right back in the super exciting and wild stuff. I'd write more, but I see that there is a second book in the series and I am so curious to find out what happens next. Loved this book!!!
I got this book thinking I was taking a break from all of the " super exciting" books I read, and it started off great, simple...easy...quiet. Then, lightening struck and bam, I was right back in the super exciting and wild stuff. I'd write more, but I see that there is a second book in the series and I am so curious to find out what happens next. Loved this book!!!
May 18, 2022
it was an intriguing read. curiosity got me going & flipping through the pages, needing to get to the bottom of the mystery. the characters were easily relatable & fell for. it took a while to differentiate their personalities. but once it was cleared, the story became so captivating!
January 23, 2020
Enjoyed it.
Good read. When is the next book coming out. I want to know what happens next. Make it soon please
Good read. When is the next book coming out. I want to know what happens next. Make it soon please
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