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The Monster Files #1
Alex Finch: Monster Hunter
Meet Alex Finch – tomboy, techno geek, monster hunter.
Reluctant monster hunter.
When Alex’s project partner Misty loses her notes for the most important English project of her school career, Alex heads to the local haunted house to find them. Instead she makes a life-changing discovery.
Monsters are real.
That single, mind-blowing incident throws her life in a completely different direction – and into the path of Sam, the boy she’s had a serious crush on since first grade. He knows more than he’s telling, and the further she digs, the deeper and darker the secrets become.
What else is hiding behind the ordinary facade of her California beach town?
Alex is about to find out.
Reluctant monster hunter.
When Alex’s project partner Misty loses her notes for the most important English project of her school career, Alex heads to the local haunted house to find them. Instead she makes a life-changing discovery.
Monsters are real.
That single, mind-blowing incident throws her life in a completely different direction – and into the path of Sam, the boy she’s had a serious crush on since first grade. He knows more than he’s telling, and the further she digs, the deeper and darker the secrets become.
What else is hiding behind the ordinary facade of her California beach town?
Alex is about to find out.
ebook
First published September 23, 2013
111 people are currently reading
989 people want to read
About the author
Cate Dean
84 books264 followersCate Dean has been writing since she could hold a pen in her hand and put more than two words together on paper.
She grew up losing herself in fantasy worlds, and now creates her own worlds, infusing them with adventure and magic.
When she's not writing, she travels to places that inspire her, having her own adventures, and reads pretty much anything she can get her hands on.
There ~ I got the official biography out of the way. I love to write, and yes, I have been doing it most of my life. I've made up stories in my head for as long as I can remember, and I’m thrilled to be able to bring those stories to life, and share them with you.
If you want to be the first to know when the next book is released, or be in on some fun, exclusive contests and giveaways, join my list here: https://catedeanwrites.com/join-my-list.
You can learn more about me and my books at my website: https://catedeanwrites.com
I look forward to meeting you. :)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews
June 13, 2016
The Good
Our heroine Alex. The fact that anything could be thrown at her, take it for face value and just roll right on. She doesn't whine and cry over everything. She is like Dory.
Cate Dean's ability to write a story wrapped in grief and danger in a way that didn't drown you. Alex's strength rolled off the pages and I just forged ahead.
The Bad
Although the secondary characters were funny and very supportive, I found their constant presence annoying.
The Ugly
Sam left.
Our heroine Alex. The fact that anything could be thrown at her, take it for face value and just roll right on. She doesn't whine and cry over everything. She is like Dory.
Cate Dean's ability to write a story wrapped in grief and danger in a way that didn't drown you. Alex's strength rolled off the pages and I just forged ahead.
The Bad
Although the secondary characters were funny and very supportive, I found their constant presence annoying.
The Ugly
Sam left.
January 14, 2014
I'm an old 'Buffy the Vampire Slayer' fan from when Daughter #1 was a young adult, so whenever I come across a book that's got many of the same elements, I do this little happy dance before passing the book along to Daughter #2 and #3.
[*Yes ... I'm talking censorship. I censor what I allow my YA kids to read.*]
Alex Finch: Monster Hunter is a fast read that will suck you right into the storyline of a Junior in high school who finds herself smack dab into a strange little Paranormalville. In this installment of the story (I do hope there will be another?), Alex gets attacked . Thus starts a death defying race to figure out the town's sordid secrets, who is a paranormal, and which can be trusted versus which ones are homicidal.
Unlike many (unfortunate) stories these days where supernatural creatures are romanticized, these monsters are monsters, even when the monster is one of the good guys in their supernatural form. These paranormal creatures share the Jekyl/Hyde lack of control of the origin-stories of these paranormal creatures, and even the good paranormal creatures do not sparkle!
Another nice element is that while Alex is wary of involving her parents in her troubles, it turns out her parents (especially her father) are really cool (though she still gets grounded). It's nice to see a book where the kid realizes they can go to their parents for help (and it's believable) and the parent actually does help without sloughing off their concerns. And there are other 'stereotypes' that turn out not to be so stereotypical after all.
I'm looking forward to the next book in this series. The book has been passed down to Daughter #2, and when she is done, Daughter #3 is champing at the full moon to read it. I would feel comfortable allowing ANY young adult (age 13-17) to read this book. While there are violent animal attacks, there is little gore and the horror element, while present, is not overstated.
I received this book for free in exchange for a fair review.
A Howling Good 5-Stars
[*Yes ... I'm talking censorship. I censor what I allow my YA kids to read.*]
Alex Finch: Monster Hunter is a fast read that will suck you right into the storyline of a Junior in high school who finds herself smack dab into a strange little Paranormalville. In this installment of the story (I do hope there will be another?), Alex gets attacked . Thus starts a death defying race to figure out the town's sordid secrets, who is a paranormal, and which can be trusted versus which ones are homicidal.
Unlike many (unfortunate) stories these days where supernatural creatures are romanticized, these monsters are monsters, even when the monster is one of the good guys in their supernatural form. These paranormal creatures share the Jekyl/Hyde lack of control of the origin-stories of these paranormal creatures, and even the good paranormal creatures do not sparkle!
Another nice element is that while Alex is wary of involving her parents in her troubles, it turns out her parents (especially her father) are really cool (though she still gets grounded). It's nice to see a book where the kid realizes they can go to their parents for help (and it's believable) and the parent actually does help without sloughing off their concerns. And there are other 'stereotypes' that turn out not to be so stereotypical after all.
I'm looking forward to the next book in this series. The book has been passed down to Daughter #2, and when she is done, Daughter #3 is champing at the full moon to read it. I would feel comfortable allowing ANY young adult (age 13-17) to read this book. While there are violent animal attacks, there is little gore and the horror element, while present, is not overstated.
I received this book for free in exchange for a fair review.
A Howling Good 5-Stars
April 15, 2015
This has to be the worst book I have ever attempted to read.
It was written in first person, which normally doesn't bother me, but when the general feel is "oh, I never asked for this, but I'll do it because this guy I have a crush on is being so secretive, and he says he needs me. I love him, and he has only spoken to me a couple of times in a clipped conversation, "get out of here before you get hurt, btw stay because I need your help."
The characters contradict themselves BADLY. Alex is a tomboy Geek, and it's a rule she can't like airhead cheerleaders, but she befriends one and keeps herself reminded through the entire book.
Misty acts like an air-headed cheerleader that is just so against high school rules for geeky tomboys to be friends with, but it's okay because sometimes she makes comments that proves she has a brain.... I don't see why if she has a brain she couldn't show it.
Sam is secretive, refuses to let anyone in because it could destroy his family, so he's going to put himself in unexplainable situations where he easily spilled the beans.
Alex's dad is a caring and supportive father who is willing to let his daughter he cares so for gets herself into dangerous situations so long as he goes with her.....
I had to trudge my way through to chapter 8, and I said screw it! I skipped to the end. If I had read the entire book, I'd be feeling as if the author stuck her not-so-polite finger in the air and said "F you."
A horrible book.
It was written in first person, which normally doesn't bother me, but when the general feel is "oh, I never asked for this, but I'll do it because this guy I have a crush on is being so secretive, and he says he needs me. I love him, and he has only spoken to me a couple of times in a clipped conversation, "get out of here before you get hurt, btw stay because I need your help."
The characters contradict themselves BADLY. Alex is a tomboy Geek, and it's a rule she can't like airhead cheerleaders, but she befriends one and keeps herself reminded through the entire book.
Misty acts like an air-headed cheerleader that is just so against high school rules for geeky tomboys to be friends with, but it's okay because sometimes she makes comments that proves she has a brain.... I don't see why if she has a brain she couldn't show it.
Sam is secretive, refuses to let anyone in because it could destroy his family, so he's going to put himself in unexplainable situations where he easily spilled the beans.
Alex's dad is a caring and supportive father who is willing to let his daughter he cares so for gets herself into dangerous situations so long as he goes with her.....
I had to trudge my way through to chapter 8, and I said screw it! I skipped to the end. If I had read the entire book, I'd be feeling as if the author stuck her not-so-polite finger in the air and said "F you."
A horrible book.
March 12, 2016
I'm listening to this book. Alex is funny because she is so matter of fact. Monsters huh?
3/12/16
This book had moments of clarity which made me continue reading. I finally finished but don't want to continue with the series. Alex, her dad, Sam, his parents, Kyle are hella strange. Misty & Candace were the redeeming characters in this book. I think when you stereotype people, i.e. geeks, cheerleaders, jocks, and later try to make liking these classes of peoples as a biblical revelation, it does a disservice to the reader. I'm a geek but I'm also a jock (I swim). Can both types co-exist in one person? Absolutely. Did I have friends who were cheerleaders? Yes.
I'm happy to be done.
3/12/16
This book had moments of clarity which made me continue reading. I finally finished but don't want to continue with the series. Alex, her dad, Sam, his parents, Kyle are hella strange. Misty & Candace were the redeeming characters in this book. I think when you stereotype people, i.e. geeks, cheerleaders, jocks, and later try to make liking these classes of peoples as a biblical revelation, it does a disservice to the reader. I'm a geek but I'm also a jock (I swim). Can both types co-exist in one person? Absolutely. Did I have friends who were cheerleaders? Yes.
I'm happy to be done.
January 22, 2014
I overall liked it all. the action, the awesomeness, and the just plain scary!!! I like the part when Alex finds . Just saying something to the author: you should've put in something about them making an antidote. I can't wait for the next book!!!!!!!! Make it fast! -Catherine
September 20, 2019
Alex is a tomboy who thinks nobody really notices her. Paired with popular cheerleader, Misty, for a school project she is cross to learn her notes have been left. When she heads over to the area where Misty says she recalls having her backpack, Alex is attacked.
Before we know it, Alex realises the truth...there are monsters. They’re very real, and sometimes they can be hiding behind familiar faces.
Enter popular boy Sam - object of Alex’s not-so-secret crush - and we begin a rather unlikely foray into a hunt for something living beneath their town. There’s even the rather uptight school librarian who becomes an ally...
Yes, this reads in a rather contradictory fashion. Yes, the story is scanty in interest. There are monsters, and our main character falls in love with a monster. It’s Buffy...years on, rehashed, but all very familiar. Doesn’t mean it’s not entertaining, but I’d rather watch the series!
Before we know it, Alex realises the truth...there are monsters. They’re very real, and sometimes they can be hiding behind familiar faces.
Enter popular boy Sam - object of Alex’s not-so-secret crush - and we begin a rather unlikely foray into a hunt for something living beneath their town. There’s even the rather uptight school librarian who becomes an ally...
Yes, this reads in a rather contradictory fashion. Yes, the story is scanty in interest. There are monsters, and our main character falls in love with a monster. It’s Buffy...years on, rehashed, but all very familiar. Doesn’t mean it’s not entertaining, but I’d rather watch the series!
December 13, 2015
I'm not the target reader for this book.
I found this book to be entertaining, well edited, and fast paced enough to hold my interest. It is also written for young readers and I am no longer considered one, however I was able to be engaged in the writing and characters. Even though the main characters are older high school aged ppl they are developed into more mature thinkers when dealing with extreme issues. They revert to high schoolers when relating to others specifically their peers which keeps the characters credible. This is science fiction so the characters unbelievable coping abilities are consistent with the fantastic situations and villains they face and it works. It's a classic good against evil with a set of twists.
I could not give it more stars due to it being a serial and too many unresolved issues were left dangling, hopefully to be resolved in a later book. I hate to be teased without a forewarning that I am not reading a free standing story.
I will look for more books by this writer but not a serial group of books that are somewhat like a TV miniseries.
I found this book to be entertaining, well edited, and fast paced enough to hold my interest. It is also written for young readers and I am no longer considered one, however I was able to be engaged in the writing and characters. Even though the main characters are older high school aged ppl they are developed into more mature thinkers when dealing with extreme issues. They revert to high schoolers when relating to others specifically their peers which keeps the characters credible. This is science fiction so the characters unbelievable coping abilities are consistent with the fantastic situations and villains they face and it works. It's a classic good against evil with a set of twists.
I could not give it more stars due to it being a serial and too many unresolved issues were left dangling, hopefully to be resolved in a later book. I hate to be teased without a forewarning that I am not reading a free standing story.
I will look for more books by this writer but not a serial group of books that are somewhat like a TV miniseries.
May 9, 2015
A hallmark example of the bad writing of a self published author.
Although the concept seemed entertaining at first, it quickly gets boring. It could have been a good book, but it is too cliché. We are reminded at every interval what color Sam's eyes are, and that, oh yeah, Alex is a dancer. Remember she is a dancer, because that's important when she whips out cool ass moves that save her life.
I'm not too fond of the personality of Alex, and Alex's relationship with her father borders more on the pedophiliac creepy side with all the lap sitting and cuddling.
This book was recommended to me. I wish I could say that I regret reading it, but I don't. Although I only made it two thirds of the way through the book (and oh god, stopped reading at the climax. THE FREAKING CLIMAX (bad sign there whenever that happens in any book. Climaxes are meant to entertain and keep you on your seats edge, not bore you to death.)) this book has taught me a few very important things when it comes to writing stories. 1. It's absolutely horrible when you treat your readers like little kids that can't remember the details which *you* think are important (Remember his eye color, kids? Because this is very important so you can remember how beautiful he is. Remember that Alex is a dancer, kids? Because this is very important when it comes to her reflexes.) 2. Its as creepy as hell to have any type of cuddling scene between daughter and father. How can anybody read those passages and not immediately think there is something going on here, something extremely wrong.
Although the concept seemed entertaining at first, it quickly gets boring. It could have been a good book, but it is too cliché. We are reminded at every interval what color Sam's eyes are, and that, oh yeah, Alex is a dancer. Remember she is a dancer, because that's important when she whips out cool ass moves that save her life.
I'm not too fond of the personality of Alex, and Alex's relationship with her father borders more on the pedophiliac creepy side with all the lap sitting and cuddling.
This book was recommended to me. I wish I could say that I regret reading it, but I don't. Although I only made it two thirds of the way through the book (and oh god, stopped reading at the climax. THE FREAKING CLIMAX (bad sign there whenever that happens in any book. Climaxes are meant to entertain and keep you on your seats edge, not bore you to death.)) this book has taught me a few very important things when it comes to writing stories. 1. It's absolutely horrible when you treat your readers like little kids that can't remember the details which *you* think are important (Remember his eye color, kids? Because this is very important so you can remember how beautiful he is. Remember that Alex is a dancer, kids? Because this is very important when it comes to her reflexes.) 2. Its as creepy as hell to have any type of cuddling scene between daughter and father. How can anybody read those passages and not immediately think there is something going on here, something extremely wrong.
July 15, 2015
This was part of the "Supernatural Touch" eBook bundle that I got for free on my Kindle. (It's still free! At least for Amazon Prime... not sure about Amazon...)
----
This one was surprisingly good and not cliché! Do you want a YA book with the geeky girl becoming best friends with the preppy popular girl (and not hiding it), no love triangle, and parents whom (GASP) actually exist and are involved?
As in, super involved.
As in, (possible spoilers ahead, okay yes there are spoilers) the main character actually tells her parents about the monsters and her parents believe her and go monster hunting with her?
Yeah, I wanted all that too.
I didn't think I would get it, but I did, and it was so appreciated.
I really liked how it defied the stereotypes and I could definitely relate to the main character, being a short, slightly anti-social geek myself.
The writing itself could use some work as it was a bit choppy in some places, but it might just be me. Overall, a very good book that I would recommend if you have a Kindle or Nook or other eBook reading device as I do believe it is currently free on all eBook formats! It's worth a try at least!
I will certainly be looking out for the second book to read.
----
This one was surprisingly good and not cliché! Do you want a YA book with the geeky girl becoming best friends with the preppy popular girl (and not hiding it), no love triangle, and parents whom (GASP) actually exist and are involved?
As in, super involved.
As in, (possible spoilers ahead, okay yes there are spoilers) the main character actually tells her parents about the monsters and her parents believe her and go monster hunting with her?
Yeah, I wanted all that too.
I didn't think I would get it, but I did, and it was so appreciated.
I really liked how it defied the stereotypes and I could definitely relate to the main character, being a short, slightly anti-social geek myself.
The writing itself could use some work as it was a bit choppy in some places, but it might just be me. Overall, a very good book that I would recommend if you have a Kindle or Nook or other eBook reading device as I do believe it is currently free on all eBook formats! It's worth a try at least!
I will certainly be looking out for the second book to read.
September 8, 2016
This is a well developed YA novel paranormal novel for sure. It has all the elements of a YA for any age to enjoy. Add some monsters to a YA and it's a great combination. You can't help but love Maragaret from the start she's your classic geek loner tomboy. Of course we get the high school angst to go along in this story. It's a great start to what I can imagine to be a great YA paranormal series to see how this world builds and what's next.
The cover is beautiful and professional as well : ) I would say Cate Dean did a fab job on the start of this adventure. It truly does have all the elements you could want in a first book of a series. Highly recommend this one and I look forward to grabbing more in the series soon.
The cover is beautiful and professional as well : ) I would say Cate Dean did a fab job on the start of this adventure. It truly does have all the elements you could want in a first book of a series. Highly recommend this one and I look forward to grabbing more in the series soon.
September 23, 2014
Awesome fast read. I really likes all the characters, especially the main character's father. For once in a YA adventure, the parents were present, cared, and weren't idiots. He was a tad too understanding, but he had to be for the plot to work. I also had a slight problem with how easy two of the characters forgave another after he terrifyingly attacked them...but I let it go. The character was too fun to leave out. I recommend this to all YA paranormal fans out there who don't need truckloads of angst to enjoy a good story. There is angst, but not Twighlightesque whining and brooding angst. Lol!
December 23, 2014
I really liked Alex she's kickass snarky and fun! My fave sort of YA heroine!
August 20, 2015
I had so many issues with this story. It was either errors with puncutation, grammar, or when the author seemed to forget what she had a character previously say, ending with a bunch 'huh?' moments. But in the end, this was actually a really good, the story moved at a fast pace, and it was interesting.
Question/Comments:
1. At the beginning Alex questions what Sam was protecting, yet, had already thought it was a werewolf. Or later when Jake changes and Sam has the cane filled with silver...somehow knowing right away it was silver.
2. When Alex needs stitches for her cut, why did the thought of going to the hospital never pop into her head? Or when Alex first notices Sam's medical kit, he assumes that the stuff he's using on her is from her mothers?
3. Alex thought to herself, "Because I was attacked by what was a probably a big, feral dog? Who could stand upright and track like a hunter. Keep on believing the lie, Alex." Yes, because dogs, even large ones, don't know how to track?!
4. Sam tells Alex the truth about Jake. For whatever reason Alex was really upset. "It's just awesome discovering that everything you believed about someone you...Someone you'd known most of your life was a big fat lie." What exactly was she was talking about? He hadn't lied to her and wasn't it an assumption that Jake had gone to a mental hospital? Either way, it's not Sam's fault that she believed the rumors, but again, none of that had anything to do with him directly.
5. I found it really strange how Mr. Emmet went from one emotion-rage, going towards Alex with a knife, then suddenly laughing at her joke, to being annoyed and giving her the evil eye. Does he suffer from bipolar or something? If he had been planning on killing Alex, why hadn't he bothered to get rid of Jake? And what happened to Jake's parents?
6. When Alex runs into Mrs. Emmet and she's wondering where Sam is, why didn't Alex tell her that Sam had gone after his father's car? And whatever happened with that? The fact that it wasn't actually Jake at the cabin was weird too.
7. Alex apparently thinks it's not normal to go from sudden sadness to sudden rage, given the fact that Sam's mother had been attacked by Jake. Nope, no sense there.
8. Alex is planning on meeting her father at the records place to get copies of blueprints of the town. She's on the phone with Sam, "So I can join your plan-hunting party?" Her response was, "'I-'...Heat flamed my face", as though he asked her something embarrassing or something. I didn't get that. Either way, what took Sam so long to get there?
9. I just couldn't figure out the underground town. The ceiling is about 8 feet high, so that must mean the buildings are all really small, right? But what kind of town would that have been?
10. After exploring the underground town, everyone is heading home. Alex's father asks Misty if she needs a ride and she informs him that she has a car, but thanks anyways. His response, "My pleasure, beautiful." Was I the only one that considered that kind of inappropriate of him to say to her? Especially considering that was his first time meeting her.
11. When Alex realizes her tires are no good, she's running home. Why did she never call her father or someone to help her?
12. Something about the 'inhuman scream', kept throwing me off. Then to find out it came from a creature that was basically a giant, evil bear? I think a growl or a roar or something along those lines would have better instead of a 'scream'.
13. After the attack, Alex eventually ends up standing at Sam's front door. When he answers, "He pulled me to my feet." She was already standing though.
14. When they're looking for Jake and Katie, Alex tells Katie, "I need you to do something really hard and scary, but it will help me find you. I need you to turn Jake's phone OFF-", then, "We have to keep the battery running as long as possible." To "...the phone has to be active for me to find you", which makes no sense since she tells Katie to turn it off. EVEN BETTER!!! is when they find Jake's phone behind the courthouse, under a bench. "Jake must have dumped it, so no one could track him." HUH? But they were just talking to Jake and Katie on his phone. NO SENSE THERE! How was it possible to make that type of mistake?
15. When Alex asks Katie why she was there, why does Katie attempt to punch her in the face? Isn't she 8? Katie just made no sense to me. At times she seemed a lot older, others a lot younger. For example, Alex and Sam are arguing and Katie's response, "...you have to stop, before it ruins what's between you." Yes, because that's something an 8 y/o would say.
16. ANOTHER BIG MISTAKE. So Alex had told her father, at the courthouse, about Jake and what was going on with him. BUT, later on, when her father sees Jake and hears his name, he has no clue who Jake was because, "Dad didn't know. I never told him Jake's name..." Um....yes, you did sweetie!
17. We find out that the Devil is only allowed in the haven IF a Fenris is there as well. But why?
18. Why was it never mentioned prior to chapter 18, that Sam had long hair?
19. Would there have been anyway to communicate with the Devil? Obviously, she can go undetected if she wants and knew about the safe haven....yet, the only way to get her to stop was by setting a fire near her?
20. So Candace figures out that Alex is a dancer because she lifted her leg up onto Candance's lap?
21. Were the police out looking for the missing kids? I never got that impression. Why wouldn't Candance and Jake have called for help after finding the boy in the underground town, once they reached the surface? Instead of waiting around for the rest of the gang to get there?
22. So...if the only way to get rid of the Devil was with fire... bright light, why wouln't they have gone down waving the flashlights/glow sticks around? Instead they wait till the last minute before bringing the glow stick out.
23. So Sam's first change is a decade AFTER he was attacked? Yet, Jake has been changing since the attack?
24. If Sam is a werewolf too, how would Alex get away from him? She's got the really bad ankle and is leaving her scent everywhere.
25. So instead of allowing Candace to help bandage Sam once they were topside, she goes back down to do it? And what made Alex think Sam was going to brush her off? I was lost there.
26. When Alex and her father get home, why had Alex's mother made food? Hadn't they told her that they were going out to eat?
27. It's funny how Alex never took a time out to heal and relax, considering all the injuries she got.
28. Sam leaves because he, "can't be trusted." Yet, he hadn't hurt anyone...
29. It's weird how there was nothing more regarding Mrs. Swiller, considering she'd been the one to receive the email after the Devil attack.
Question/Comments:
1. At the beginning Alex questions what Sam was protecting, yet, had already thought it was a werewolf. Or later when Jake changes and Sam has the cane filled with silver...somehow knowing right away it was silver.
2. When Alex needs stitches for her cut, why did the thought of going to the hospital never pop into her head? Or when Alex first notices Sam's medical kit, he assumes that the stuff he's using on her is from her mothers?
3. Alex thought to herself, "Because I was attacked by what was a probably a big, feral dog? Who could stand upright and track like a hunter. Keep on believing the lie, Alex." Yes, because dogs, even large ones, don't know how to track?!
4. Sam tells Alex the truth about Jake. For whatever reason Alex was really upset. "It's just awesome discovering that everything you believed about someone you...Someone you'd known most of your life was a big fat lie." What exactly was she was talking about? He hadn't lied to her and wasn't it an assumption that Jake had gone to a mental hospital? Either way, it's not Sam's fault that she believed the rumors, but again, none of that had anything to do with him directly.
5. I found it really strange how Mr. Emmet went from one emotion-rage, going towards Alex with a knife, then suddenly laughing at her joke, to being annoyed and giving her the evil eye. Does he suffer from bipolar or something? If he had been planning on killing Alex, why hadn't he bothered to get rid of Jake? And what happened to Jake's parents?
6. When Alex runs into Mrs. Emmet and she's wondering where Sam is, why didn't Alex tell her that Sam had gone after his father's car? And whatever happened with that? The fact that it wasn't actually Jake at the cabin was weird too.
7. Alex apparently thinks it's not normal to go from sudden sadness to sudden rage, given the fact that Sam's mother had been attacked by Jake. Nope, no sense there.
8. Alex is planning on meeting her father at the records place to get copies of blueprints of the town. She's on the phone with Sam, "So I can join your plan-hunting party?" Her response was, "'I-'...Heat flamed my face", as though he asked her something embarrassing or something. I didn't get that. Either way, what took Sam so long to get there?
9. I just couldn't figure out the underground town. The ceiling is about 8 feet high, so that must mean the buildings are all really small, right? But what kind of town would that have been?
10. After exploring the underground town, everyone is heading home. Alex's father asks Misty if she needs a ride and she informs him that she has a car, but thanks anyways. His response, "My pleasure, beautiful." Was I the only one that considered that kind of inappropriate of him to say to her? Especially considering that was his first time meeting her.
11. When Alex realizes her tires are no good, she's running home. Why did she never call her father or someone to help her?
12. Something about the 'inhuman scream', kept throwing me off. Then to find out it came from a creature that was basically a giant, evil bear? I think a growl or a roar or something along those lines would have better instead of a 'scream'.
13. After the attack, Alex eventually ends up standing at Sam's front door. When he answers, "He pulled me to my feet." She was already standing though.
14. When they're looking for Jake and Katie, Alex tells Katie, "I need you to do something really hard and scary, but it will help me find you. I need you to turn Jake's phone OFF-", then, "We have to keep the battery running as long as possible." To "...the phone has to be active for me to find you", which makes no sense since she tells Katie to turn it off. EVEN BETTER!!! is when they find Jake's phone behind the courthouse, under a bench. "Jake must have dumped it, so no one could track him." HUH? But they were just talking to Jake and Katie on his phone. NO SENSE THERE! How was it possible to make that type of mistake?
15. When Alex asks Katie why she was there, why does Katie attempt to punch her in the face? Isn't she 8? Katie just made no sense to me. At times she seemed a lot older, others a lot younger. For example, Alex and Sam are arguing and Katie's response, "...you have to stop, before it ruins what's between you." Yes, because that's something an 8 y/o would say.
16. ANOTHER BIG MISTAKE. So Alex had told her father, at the courthouse, about Jake and what was going on with him. BUT, later on, when her father sees Jake and hears his name, he has no clue who Jake was because, "Dad didn't know. I never told him Jake's name..." Um....yes, you did sweetie!
17. We find out that the Devil is only allowed in the haven IF a Fenris is there as well. But why?
18. Why was it never mentioned prior to chapter 18, that Sam had long hair?
19. Would there have been anyway to communicate with the Devil? Obviously, she can go undetected if she wants and knew about the safe haven....yet, the only way to get her to stop was by setting a fire near her?
20. So Candace figures out that Alex is a dancer because she lifted her leg up onto Candance's lap?
21. Were the police out looking for the missing kids? I never got that impression. Why wouldn't Candance and Jake have called for help after finding the boy in the underground town, once they reached the surface? Instead of waiting around for the rest of the gang to get there?
22. So...if the only way to get rid of the Devil was with fire... bright light, why wouln't they have gone down waving the flashlights/glow sticks around? Instead they wait till the last minute before bringing the glow stick out.
23. So Sam's first change is a decade AFTER he was attacked? Yet, Jake has been changing since the attack?
24. If Sam is a werewolf too, how would Alex get away from him? She's got the really bad ankle and is leaving her scent everywhere.
25. So instead of allowing Candace to help bandage Sam once they were topside, she goes back down to do it? And what made Alex think Sam was going to brush her off? I was lost there.
26. When Alex and her father get home, why had Alex's mother made food? Hadn't they told her that they were going out to eat?
27. It's funny how Alex never took a time out to heal and relax, considering all the injuries she got.
28. Sam leaves because he, "can't be trusted." Yet, he hadn't hurt anyone...
29. It's weird how there was nothing more regarding Mrs. Swiller, considering she'd been the one to receive the email after the Devil attack.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 7, 2019
Full of inconsistencies--but still a fun YA
This first book in a YA Paranormal series was entertaining and nicely written. The dialogue flowed well and seemed natural. A bit too short for a series starter. And there were many inconsistencies that the editor should have addressed. Like, I enjoy suspending belief and reading science fiction and paranormals--but I want the every day details to be believable.
I did appreciate that this wasn't the typical YA heroine. Too often, they are stubborn, impulsive, selfish, and either hate their parents or their parents are undesirables. This girl was smart, kind, honest, brave, and loved her wonderful parents. I wish things would have been more resolved at the end, because it left the monster situation and the romance hanging.
I'm not sure if I'll continue, but it was a decent read for me. 3-1/2 stars.
This first book in a YA Paranormal series was entertaining and nicely written. The dialogue flowed well and seemed natural. A bit too short for a series starter. And there were many inconsistencies that the editor should have addressed. Like, I enjoy suspending belief and reading science fiction and paranormals--but I want the every day details to be believable.
I did appreciate that this wasn't the typical YA heroine. Too often, they are stubborn, impulsive, selfish, and either hate their parents or their parents are undesirables. This girl was smart, kind, honest, brave, and loved her wonderful parents. I wish things would have been more resolved at the end, because it left the monster situation and the romance hanging.
I'm not sure if I'll continue, but it was a decent read for me. 3-1/2 stars.
July 6, 2021
This story had so much potential. I loved the idea of the underground town and the heroine a bit younger than the others but kickass.
Deeper characteritization was needed. Too often actions were taken that either made no sense or were not clarified later in the story.
Reactions needed to be a bit more spot on. Misty totally accepted what was going on... Why wasn't she freaked out? And, if she wasn't freaked out, she needed to be more in the know. Also, the librarian needed to share more...
The fact that I have so many opinions means I did like the story. It just needs a beta reader.
Deeper characteritization was needed. Too often actions were taken that either made no sense or were not clarified later in the story.
Reactions needed to be a bit more spot on. Misty totally accepted what was going on... Why wasn't she freaked out? And, if she wasn't freaked out, she needed to be more in the know. Also, the librarian needed to share more...
The fact that I have so many opinions means I did like the story. It just needs a beta reader.
August 27, 2020
A real page turner
Absolutely engrossing draws you in from the first page. For once a monster hunting story that captures what it would really be like hunting monsters and things that go bump in the night. Great well written characters, a believable storyline for current times, lots of action and adventure with plot twists to keep you turning pages, although the main protagonists are high schoolers so the book is aimed at young adults as an older reader I still found it a very good read, Baz.
Absolutely engrossing draws you in from the first page. For once a monster hunting story that captures what it would really be like hunting monsters and things that go bump in the night. Great well written characters, a believable storyline for current times, lots of action and adventure with plot twists to keep you turning pages, although the main protagonists are high schoolers so the book is aimed at young adults as an older reader I still found it a very good read, Baz.
May 28, 2021
Great Story, but.....
The concept of mixing Buffy the vampire slayer and Supernatural works really well, and is well executed in terms of general plot and characters, but the book need desperately to be edited. Some minor spelling mistakes and an abundance of repetitions, the eye colour of the crush and the pale complexion of the MC to cite a couple, make the read difficult at times. Few plot missteps need to be addressed (a worried father leaving behind his daughter in a deserted parking lot for example). All in all, is a good book (think more of an entire season than a single episode) and I will definitely keep reading the rest of the saga.
The concept of mixing Buffy the vampire slayer and Supernatural works really well, and is well executed in terms of general plot and characters, but the book need desperately to be edited. Some minor spelling mistakes and an abundance of repetitions, the eye colour of the crush and the pale complexion of the MC to cite a couple, make the read difficult at times. Few plot missteps need to be addressed (a worried father leaving behind his daughter in a deserted parking lot for example). All in all, is a good book (think more of an entire season than a single episode) and I will definitely keep reading the rest of the saga.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 7, 2018
3.0⭐️ — Good — Give it a try!
There is not a lot to say about the book... The story is not phenomenal but Alex Finch is such a delightful character that it’s really hard to imagine that you won’t enjoy her. And although the book gets tiring sometimes, because of the not so well developed first person narrative, the dialogues, full of humor, will certainly make your time worthwhile.
📚 Good reading! 📚
There is not a lot to say about the book... The story is not phenomenal but Alex Finch is such a delightful character that it’s really hard to imagine that you won’t enjoy her. And although the book gets tiring sometimes, because of the not so well developed first person narrative, the dialogues, full of humor, will certainly make your time worthwhile.
📚 Good reading! 📚
December 10, 2017
I picked this book out of my kindle library and wasn’t sure what the description was about.. So as I dived into this book I was quickly tuned in!!! This book had me on the edge of my seat all throughout the book and I had trouble stopping. LOVED IT!!!!
I don’t have anything that I disliked about the book and will continue to read the next book!!
I don’t have anything that I disliked about the book and will continue to read the next book!!
September 2, 2019
What?! A story with a logical stopping point?!
Congratulations! This is a worthwhile experience!
A story with a beginning, a crescendo and an end! Imagine that!
Yes, it can be a continuing story without leaving you high and dry AND you don't have to resent buying the next book!
Enjoy!
Congratulations! This is a worthwhile experience!
A story with a beginning, a crescendo and an end! Imagine that!
Yes, it can be a continuing story without leaving you high and dry AND you don't have to resent buying the next book!
Enjoy!
June 28, 2020
Unusual
Starts slow, but when you get a third of the way in, you can't put it down. This book left me eager to read the next one.
Talk about intended audience! This is aimed at high school age kids and I'm 76. But my son and daughter-in-law would love it. And they are not 76. But they aren't spring chickens either.
All I can say is read it. Now.
Starts slow, but when you get a third of the way in, you can't put it down. This book left me eager to read the next one.
Talk about intended audience! This is aimed at high school age kids and I'm 76. But my son and daughter-in-law would love it. And they are not 76. But they aren't spring chickens either.
All I can say is read it. Now.
March 1, 2022
Monsters anyone?
This was an exciting read! The twists & turns are amazing. Where do I start? Alex is a nerd/geek in high school. She has a huge crush on Sam. She doesn't think he knows she exists. She doesn't think Misty, the head cheer leader knows she exists either. You'll have to read the book to find out what goes in Emmettsville.
This was an exciting read! The twists & turns are amazing. Where do I start? Alex is a nerd/geek in high school. She has a huge crush on Sam. She doesn't think he knows she exists. She doesn't think Misty, the head cheer leader knows she exists either. You'll have to read the book to find out what goes in Emmettsville.
April 25, 2018
I'm not usually into the teenage heroine but this I enjoyed this. It manages to be enough not Buffy to be distinct but is very much in the same genre. I'm looking forward to seeing how the characters develop as the series progresses
January 28, 2019
It surprised me.
I wasn't expecting this book to be so detailed, and engrossing, protagonist is admirable, love interest has demons, but a heart of gold..secondary characters all have quirky, believable personality, and the story is mesmerizing..really enjoyed it.
I wasn't expecting this book to be so detailed, and engrossing, protagonist is admirable, love interest has demons, but a heart of gold..secondary characters all have quirky, believable personality, and the story is mesmerizing..really enjoyed it.
February 20, 2019
While the book was somewhat hard to follow, due to not-so-smooth transitions and characters popping up without explanation, it was also kind of fun to read. I liked the plot of the story and the characters were kind of fun.
December 29, 2019
Action packed
Great story, well written, good character development, non-stop action, suspense, and a roller coaster ride through every emotion imaginable. With some surprises along the way and a twist ending, I am looking forward to reading the entire series!
Great story, well written, good character development, non-stop action, suspense, and a roller coaster ride through every emotion imaginable. With some surprises along the way and a twist ending, I am looking forward to reading the entire series!
February 6, 2017
It was a quick read, but I was looking for more substance and a main character that didn't get hurt in every chapter.
January 24, 2018
I like this book, MC keep it intriguing...On to the next...:)
October 16, 2018
Fast pace and page turning all in all a very good book.
February 7, 2022
Not my kind of read.
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