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Hawaiian Shadows #1
Wraith
She thought that seeing the shadows was a curse. Until she saw him...
Sixteen-year-old Kali has always seen two sets of people: those living now, and those who lived before. But on her spring break in Hawaii, she is suddenly surrounded by more shadows than ever. Including one who, unlike the others, can see her too.
Zane remembers nothing besides surfing the monster waves of Oahu's North Shore. He doesn't even know how, or when, he died. He only knows that Kali's "gift" could be his last chance to find the light--before the mysteries of his past plunge them both into darkness...
Sixteen-year-old Kali has always seen two sets of people: those living now, and those who lived before. But on her spring break in Hawaii, she is suddenly surrounded by more shadows than ever. Including one who, unlike the others, can see her too.
Zane remembers nothing besides surfing the monster waves of Oahu's North Shore. He doesn't even know how, or when, he died. He only knows that Kali's "gift" could be his last chance to find the light--before the mysteries of his past plunge them both into darkness...
302 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 2, 2011
191 people are currently reading
909 people want to read
About the author
Edie Claire
41 books277 followersNo matter the genre, USA-Today bestselling novelist and playwright Edie Claire strives to infuse all her writing with both warmth and humor. Her family-friendly Leigh Koslow cozy mystery series, a favorite of animal lovers that was originally published in 1999, was reborn in 2012 to become a Kindle Top-10 bestseller. Her romantic novels range from women’s fiction with romantic elements to a blend of romance and mystery, beginning with her traditionally published contemporaries, the award-winning Long Time Coming and Meant To Be, and continuing with her USA-Today bestselling Pacific Horizons series, whose characters follow the migration of the humpback whales to some of the most gorgeous locations on earth. In any Edie Claire work, the reader may be assured that while intrigue may beckon and tensions rise, love and happiness will always triumph in the end!
Edie has worked as a veterinarian, a childbirth educator, and a scientific/technical writer. A mother of three, she lives in Pennsylvania and aspires to become a snowbird.
Edie has worked as a veterinarian, a childbirth educator, and a scientific/technical writer. A mother of three, she lives in Pennsylvania and aspires to become a snowbird.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews
September 24, 2012
Hands down, eyes blurred- this is one of the best books I have read this year. I am not a big fan of YA even though I have read many books in the genre, but this one knocked-it-out-of-the-ball-park for me. The characters were so beautifully written, their relationship to one another and others so real and touching, the breathtaking setting of the story and the paranormal theme made for a non stop read. Thank-you to author Edie Claire, please be encouraged to write a sequel to this book. I know there is so much more I want to learn about Kali and Zane. I fell in Love with them both.
December 25, 2012
What words can I possibly say about this book?
UNFREAKING AMAZING!
COMPLETELY AWESOME!
UNBELIEVEABLY FANTASTIC!
I bought this book a year ago, and I can’t believe it took me so long to get to.
First off, I must say that, had I been in Hawaii, the turtle would have bitten my foot off. That’s just the way my luck goes…
OK, I got that out of my system. I just finished the book 5 minutes ago and my heart is still racing. The fact that I am a 46-year old father of a teenager and not a screaming teen him/herself should say something about this book.
It starts slowly and gently. You’re introduced to Kali and then to Zane. You can see it from the blurb – he’s the only ghost that could see and hear her. And then they strike up a sweet friendship. He needs her help. Why else would she be able to communicate with him unless she was meant to “save” him. But in the end, who saves who?
At about 45% through the story (Kindle locations) the story suddenly got suspenseful, and I actually started to worry that something bad was going to happen. I usually don’t actually worry when reading. But here I did. You find out yourself. No spoilers…yet.
Then about 70% through, it starts to get a little heart breaking. And then more so.
Stop reading here if you don’t want any clues.
Seriously.
*********** SPOILER ALERT **********
10
9
8
7
Etc. etc. etc.
And at a certain point, he goes to the afterlife. That’s what’s supposed to happen, right? That’s what he needed her help for, wasn’t it? And there can’t possibly be any future in loving a ghost, someone you can’t touch, can there? Well, maybe…
Then because Kali learns something EXTREMELY IMPORTANT and here come THE TWIST. In any book that has any kind of love story, there must be the BIG UNDERSTANDING. But since this paranormal, and the consequences of a big misunderstanding could be eternal, you get THE TWIST (“I see dead people…and you are dead people”). And it is a biggee.
About ¾ of the way through the book, you get a clue. It’s a major one if you know what to look for. I have read so many ghost stories, I usually catch the twist. And I did here. I was like “Aha this is the only path to take.” I have literally read hundreds of ghost stories and this has only shown up in two of the books I’ve read. But Ms. Claire does it the best I’ve seen. (If anyone is interested in those books, I can list them in the comments – I can’t spoil THE TWIST here, right?)
As the book races towards the conclusion, you are literally praying that Kali’s instincts are correct. Your heart will race. I literally got choked up. Guys do not get choked up at books (OK, maybe some of do but we’ll never admit it outside the anonymity of the internet. Sometimes we also get choked up at movies, like when animals die, or where McCauley Caulkin got stung to death in some sappy movie 20 years ago).
And then I jumped up, fist pumped the air, and yelled “YES!” My wife looked at my strangely at that moment, but she knows how I get into my books, so I didn’t have to tell her I was talking to ghosts or something. It ended EXACTLY the why I thought it should. It seems that there will be a sequel, and my only request to Ms. Claire is “Don’t rock the boat”. But I will get it the day it comes out
Read this book now!
UNFREAKING AMAZING!
COMPLETELY AWESOME!
UNBELIEVEABLY FANTASTIC!
I bought this book a year ago, and I can’t believe it took me so long to get to.
First off, I must say that, had I been in Hawaii, the turtle would have bitten my foot off. That’s just the way my luck goes…
OK, I got that out of my system. I just finished the book 5 minutes ago and my heart is still racing. The fact that I am a 46-year old father of a teenager and not a screaming teen him/herself should say something about this book.
It starts slowly and gently. You’re introduced to Kali and then to Zane. You can see it from the blurb – he’s the only ghost that could see and hear her. And then they strike up a sweet friendship. He needs her help. Why else would she be able to communicate with him unless she was meant to “save” him. But in the end, who saves who?
At about 45% through the story (Kindle locations) the story suddenly got suspenseful, and I actually started to worry that something bad was going to happen. I usually don’t actually worry when reading. But here I did. You find out yourself. No spoilers…yet.
Then about 70% through, it starts to get a little heart breaking. And then more so.
Stop reading here if you don’t want any clues.
Seriously.
*********** SPOILER ALERT **********
10
9
8
7
Etc. etc. etc.
And at a certain point, he goes to the afterlife. That’s what’s supposed to happen, right? That’s what he needed her help for, wasn’t it? And there can’t possibly be any future in loving a ghost, someone you can’t touch, can there? Well, maybe…
Then because Kali learns something EXTREMELY IMPORTANT and here come THE TWIST. In any book that has any kind of love story, there must be the BIG UNDERSTANDING. But since this paranormal, and the consequences of a big misunderstanding could be eternal, you get THE TWIST (“I see dead people…and you are dead people”). And it is a biggee.
About ¾ of the way through the book, you get a clue. It’s a major one if you know what to look for. I have read so many ghost stories, I usually catch the twist. And I did here. I was like “Aha this is the only path to take.” I have literally read hundreds of ghost stories and this has only shown up in two of the books I’ve read. But Ms. Claire does it the best I’ve seen. (If anyone is interested in those books, I can list them in the comments – I can’t spoil THE TWIST here, right?)
As the book races towards the conclusion, you are literally praying that Kali’s instincts are correct. Your heart will race. I literally got choked up. Guys do not get choked up at books (OK, maybe some of do but we’ll never admit it outside the anonymity of the internet. Sometimes we also get choked up at movies, like when animals die, or where McCauley Caulkin got stung to death in some sappy movie 20 years ago).
And then I jumped up, fist pumped the air, and yelled “YES!” My wife looked at my strangely at that moment, but she knows how I get into my books, so I didn’t have to tell her I was talking to ghosts or something. It ended EXACTLY the why I thought it should. It seems that there will be a sequel, and my only request to Ms. Claire is “Don’t rock the boat”. But I will get it the day it comes out
Read this book now!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 9, 2012
4 1/2 Stars! Captivating!! Heartbreaking!! An amazing read and I was impressed. Review to follow...
January 12, 2012
I came across this book by chance and I am glad that I did. I finished it in one day. Wow! What an amazing story. I was capture from the very beginning. The characters were interesting and the plot was refreshing. It was like "6th SENSE" meets "JUST LIKE HEAVEN". Will there be more to Zane and Kalia's story? I hope so! Good clean romance.
December 30, 2019
This book made me super happy for several reasons. It was the first actual book I read in ages, on my kindle app. I read it on the plane. Because my kid is old enough now to entertain himself with his kindle. I loved that it takes place in Hawaii and everything described was so familiar and so real, down to the detail of the wild chickens. I loved the storyline of the girl seeing ghosts, and this one is different somehow. And how their interaction unfolds and builds, and what it turns into. It was wonderful and exactly what I needed and wanted in a book. I gotta get the next one.
January 9, 2020
Wow what a start
It's 2020 now and wish I had found this sooner. I read this in one night. And with even good books, it takes me 2 to 3 days to finish. Not this one. It hooked me bad. And first thing tomorrow, will purchase part 2. It reminded me of a movie I've seen before but this was so good and if you're debating, gran it, you won't regret it.
It's 2020 now and wish I had found this sooner. I read this in one night. And with even good books, it takes me 2 to 3 days to finish. Not this one. It hooked me bad. And first thing tomorrow, will purchase part 2. It reminded me of a movie I've seen before but this was so good and if you're debating, gran it, you won't regret it.
February 29, 2012
This was fantastic. I can't believe I never heard of it before, it should be a lot more popular.
Kali can see ghosts, but they can't see her and she doesn't interact with them. Until Zane, the hot surfer dude.
Kali has gone to Oahu, Hawaii with her parents for a few days to find a house. Her dad is in the military and he is finally being shipped to Hawaii, like she always wanted. Before she met the best friends she ever had in Cheyenne, where she lives now. She is hoping to meet some friends during her stay so that when she moves in June, she won't have to spend the summer alone. Kali's dad arranges for his friend's son, Matt, to show Kali around the island.
I LOVED this book. This is Edie Claire's first YA novel and it is fabulous. I really liked her writing style and the reading just flowed. I could not put it down.
Kali and Zane were both really likeable characters. Matt was too but for some reason, I felt suspicious of him throughout the book. Zane can't remember how he died or anything about his life and believes that Kali's "gift" will lead him to the light, or at least explain a few things. As Kali and Zane hang out, he gradually gets his memory back and we slowly learn about his life as the book goes on.
There is so much more to this than just a girl who sees dead people and a romance. There is action and suspense and even a hint of a triangle, but not one to get too mad about. The twist in this book was really good and I just loved the ending.
I would have no hesitation whatsoever in recommending this book to anyone interested in the paranormal romance genre.
Kali can see ghosts, but they can't see her and she doesn't interact with them. Until Zane, the hot surfer dude.
Kali has gone to Oahu, Hawaii with her parents for a few days to find a house. Her dad is in the military and he is finally being shipped to Hawaii, like she always wanted. Before she met the best friends she ever had in Cheyenne, where she lives now. She is hoping to meet some friends during her stay so that when she moves in June, she won't have to spend the summer alone. Kali's dad arranges for his friend's son, Matt, to show Kali around the island.
I LOVED this book. This is Edie Claire's first YA novel and it is fabulous. I really liked her writing style and the reading just flowed. I could not put it down.
Kali and Zane were both really likeable characters. Matt was too but for some reason, I felt suspicious of him throughout the book. Zane can't remember how he died or anything about his life and believes that Kali's "gift" will lead him to the light, or at least explain a few things. As Kali and Zane hang out, he gradually gets his memory back and we slowly learn about his life as the book goes on.
There is so much more to this than just a girl who sees dead people and a romance. There is action and suspense and even a hint of a triangle, but not one to get too mad about. The twist in this book was really good and I just loved the ending.
I would have no hesitation whatsoever in recommending this book to anyone interested in the paranormal romance genre.
August 18, 2012
Not that often does a book come along where you can say you love every single thing about it, but this was one of those books for me. Thinking it was only going to be a fun, YA paranormal romance, this novel was a great surprise in the most wonderful of ways.
Seventeen year old Kali is in Hawaii with her family when, on the beach, she is shocked to discover something new. Not the shadows of dead people she’s been seeing all her life, but a true ghost whom she can speak to and interact with and who sees and hears her too. At first upset that her paranormal gift has just made her even more abnormal, Kali is soon convinced that she must help her charming, surfing ghost, Zane, to discover the mystery behind his death, something that may help them both see the light.
Beautifully-written and incredibly moving, Wraith is a fascinating story about friendship, embracing one’s gifts, inner strength and, most of all, real love. I was surprised to discover this was suspense author Edie Claire’s first YA novel because the voices of her characters were so genuine, their emotions and struggles so realistic, I really felt like I knew them. I was definitely laughing with them, hurting with them, cheering them on and crying for them and, yes, I admit, even sending up a prayer for how the story would end! An absolute must-read for all YA fans, paranormal or otherwise, I also recommend it for any adult who loves a truly light-filled story. I understand there is to be a sequel and I can’t wait to read it. After this one book by Edie Claire, I’m a fan and am looking forward to reading many more of her novels.
Seventeen year old Kali is in Hawaii with her family when, on the beach, she is shocked to discover something new. Not the shadows of dead people she’s been seeing all her life, but a true ghost whom she can speak to and interact with and who sees and hears her too. At first upset that her paranormal gift has just made her even more abnormal, Kali is soon convinced that she must help her charming, surfing ghost, Zane, to discover the mystery behind his death, something that may help them both see the light.
Beautifully-written and incredibly moving, Wraith is a fascinating story about friendship, embracing one’s gifts, inner strength and, most of all, real love. I was surprised to discover this was suspense author Edie Claire’s first YA novel because the voices of her characters were so genuine, their emotions and struggles so realistic, I really felt like I knew them. I was definitely laughing with them, hurting with them, cheering them on and crying for them and, yes, I admit, even sending up a prayer for how the story would end! An absolute must-read for all YA fans, paranormal or otherwise, I also recommend it for any adult who loves a truly light-filled story. I understand there is to be a sequel and I can’t wait to read it. After this one book by Edie Claire, I’m a fan and am looking forward to reading many more of her novels.
June 22, 2012
Let me start by saying that this book needs to be read by lots more people!! I was really surprised by the lack of reviews that it has on Goodreads. This book is so incredibly awesome!! I loved absolutely every minute that I spent reading this!! It was a book that kept me up long into the early hours of the morning reading it!! I simply couldn't put it down!!
Wraith is told from the point of view of Kali, who is in Hawaii with her parents looking for a house so that they can relocate. She has always seen the 'shadows'. Those who have died. But none have been able to see her... Or talk to her... Until Zane. Zane has no memory of how or when he died. But Kali, with the help of her 'gift' is going to help him remember and help him move towards the light.
I loved Kali and Zane. Kali's spunk and Zane's enthusiasm, sense of humour and energy were infectious!! They were so good together!! And then throw in Mark who is just so sweet, you can't help but like him!!
Edie Claire has written a number of books before and it shows in her writing. However this is her first YA book and I certainly hope that she delves into this genre more because she is so incredibly good at it!! Her writing style is so easy to read.
I urge you all to read this book. I would love nothing more than for the author to write a sequel. And I have no doubt that once you read Wraith, you will all feel the same!!
Wraith is told from the point of view of Kali, who is in Hawaii with her parents looking for a house so that they can relocate. She has always seen the 'shadows'. Those who have died. But none have been able to see her... Or talk to her... Until Zane. Zane has no memory of how or when he died. But Kali, with the help of her 'gift' is going to help him remember and help him move towards the light.
I loved Kali and Zane. Kali's spunk and Zane's enthusiasm, sense of humour and energy were infectious!! They were so good together!! And then throw in Mark who is just so sweet, you can't help but like him!!
Edie Claire has written a number of books before and it shows in her writing. However this is her first YA book and I certainly hope that she delves into this genre more because she is so incredibly good at it!! Her writing style is so easy to read.
I urge you all to read this book. I would love nothing more than for the author to write a sequel. And I have no doubt that once you read Wraith, you will all feel the same!!
September 14, 2012
OK - I zipped right through this one. Quick, easy reading (YA level), I really liked it and I was pretty anxious to find out what was going to happen. I read this in about a day ...
The book started up quickly, Kali (who has always been able to see "shadows" of people who have passed on), sees a shadow (Zane) who can see her too (this is a first). I loved their interactions, Zane had me smiling a lot.
I had a faint connection to a movie I'd seen a few years ago ... I wondered, could this book have a similar plot line? I actually really hoped so, I wanted that (even though I didn't have a 100% recollection of how the movie ended, I am now rewatching the movie), I was crossing my fingers that what I suspected was true.
I was happy with how the book ended, it wasn't 100% what I was expecting (but close). The whole thing was just fun and sweet. I actually don't love the title, and none of the covers really grab me ... but the book certainly did. I read it so fast because I just had to find out what happened, now I'm a little sad because I'm done.
The book started up quickly, Kali (who has always been able to see "shadows" of people who have passed on), sees a shadow (Zane) who can see her too (this is a first). I loved their interactions, Zane had me smiling a lot.
I had a faint connection to a movie I'd seen a few years ago ... I wondered, could this book have a similar plot line? I actually really hoped so, I wanted that (even though I didn't have a 100% recollection of how the movie ended, I am now rewatching the movie), I was crossing my fingers that what I suspected was true.
I was happy with how the book ended, it wasn't 100% what I was expecting (but close). The whole thing was just fun and sweet. I actually don't love the title, and none of the covers really grab me ... but the book certainly did. I read it so fast because I just had to find out what happened, now I'm a little sad because I'm done.
August 22, 2012
WOW! Is all I can say. I just finished Wraith by Edie Claire and I loved every minute of it. It has to be one of the best YA paranormal reads I have read to date. This book is filled with heart and soul. It kept me wanting more even in the end (ahh, the end was wonderful!!). Edie says she would love to follow up with a sequel, and I tell you I can’t wait! How can we get a sequel? Well…. make sure all of your friends read Wraith and let Edie know how much we love it and want to continue the story of Kali and Zane.
Check out the rest of my review and pics of how I think Zane would look http://smardy-pants.blogspot.com/2012...
Check out the rest of my review and pics of how I think Zane would look http://smardy-pants.blogspot.com/2012...
November 1, 2012
WOWOWOWOWOWOWOWOWOWOWOWOW!!!!! WHAT IS THE SEQUEL CALLED?!?!?!?!?!? AMAZING! usually im picky with books and find them hard to get into but this book was amazing! I stayed up until 1 am this morning reading before i could go to sleep at a good point to put the book down, but in truth, there was no good point where to put it down! AMAZING!I fell in love with zane and kali!!! Kali is quite like me, curly brown hair, likes what i like and i only hope i can find someone like ZANE! <3
PLEASE! WHAT IS THE SEQUEL CALLED? I HAVE SEARCHED EVERYWHERE BUT CANT FIND A THING!!! PLEASE HELP MEEEEE!!!
PLEASE! WHAT IS THE SEQUEL CALLED? I HAVE SEARCHED EVERYWHERE BUT CANT FIND A THING!!! PLEASE HELP MEEEEE!!!
August 19, 2012
Wow. Amazing characters, gorgeous imagery, and a plot to die for. There's only one more thing I can ask for: BRING ON THE SEQUEL!
August 11, 2012
Loved it! I really hope there is a sequel ... I just have to have more Kali and Zane!
June 3, 2020
OK I know that I gave this a great rating. It is because I was hooked before the first chapter was read and because after living in Hawaii on the Island of Oahu for 27 years I loved revisiting places that I knew about and had even been too.
I loved this also because the author is very accurate in her descriptions of this Islands and I could feel the breezes and see the waves and watch the sunrise and sunsets as they did.
I am saving up my money to read the rest of the series.
I have been gone from this Island for over 10 years and I miss it every day.
I loved this also because the author is very accurate in her descriptions of this Islands and I could feel the breezes and see the waves and watch the sunrise and sunsets as they did.
I am saving up my money to read the rest of the series.
I have been gone from this Island for over 10 years and I miss it every day.
August 9, 2022
This book is about a girl who sees shadows of dead people. Her family moved to Oahu and there’s a boy she meets and finds the shadow of a boy who can not only see her but also talk to her. I think it’s YA but there’s no spice.
I had initially bought this book because it was based in Hawaii. this book was heartbreaking, funny, beautiful, and altogether wonderful! I love the descriptions of Hawaii. I can’t wait to see what book 2 holds.
September 10, 2020
Read in one day
I picked this book for the intention of reading something besides my mysteries. I couldn’t put it down. The two main characters seem wise beyond their years. Every character had their own well developed personality. Will read more by this author.
I picked this book for the intention of reading something besides my mysteries. I couldn’t put it down. The two main characters seem wise beyond their years. Every character had their own well developed personality. Will read more by this author.
August 15, 2023
Beautiful Love Story
Anyone who has ever been in love will be mesmerized by this book. Hard to put down. The North Shore of Oahu is a beautiful backdrop for this story of impossible love. But is it?
Anyone who has ever been in love will be mesmerized by this book. Hard to put down. The North Shore of Oahu is a beautiful backdrop for this story of impossible love. But is it?
January 29, 2017
Great story & backdrop
Really a great read. Great characters and can't beat the location! Will want to continue with the series. Will not disappoint.
Really a great read. Great characters and can't beat the location! Will want to continue with the series. Will not disappoint.
August 15, 2017
This was a very good series. I loved it. And I think you will too.
December 15, 2019
A surprisingly good find. About life and death and dreams.
March 2, 2020
Sweet story. The ending was glaringly obvious from the start, but didn't detract from the enjoyment of watching the story unfold.
January 28, 2020
Loved it!
I loved that she told everyone important to her about her gift at the end. It’s not a gift I would want to have though.
I loved that she told everyone important to her about her gift at the end. It’s not a gift I would want to have though.
January 17, 2020
Woow
I was reading a few chapters before bed every night, a little skeptical, but a little less than half way in i started to fall in love with the relationship between Kali and Zane (the ghost she could talk to!) and was anxious to see what happened between them, then i thought "what if...he's really...?!" And then i got near the end, what i had HOPED STRONGLY for was right!my heart started racing and i couldnt read fast enough to see what happened in the end of book 1 ! Its nearly 2am and i will lose sleep, but i dont care! I can not wait to dive into book 2 tomorrow night!!!!
Kali only knew Zane for a few days, but the character development and chemistry was SO good!
I was reading a few chapters before bed every night, a little skeptical, but a little less than half way in i started to fall in love with the relationship between Kali and Zane (the ghost she could talk to!) and was anxious to see what happened between them, then i thought "what if...he's really...?!" And then i got near the end, what i had HOPED STRONGLY for was right!my heart started racing and i couldnt read fast enough to see what happened in the end of book 1 ! Its nearly 2am and i will lose sleep, but i dont care! I can not wait to dive into book 2 tomorrow night!!!!
Kali only knew Zane for a few days, but the character development and chemistry was SO good!
September 8, 2016
Although I am no longer considered a YA, I enjoy reading YA books. I just love Wraith. Kali has been able to see what she calls "shadows" ever since she was a young child. She told her parents that she no longer saw them and has kept it a secret for years because they thought there was something psychologically wrong with her. Kali is a junior in high school and goes to Hawaii over spring break because she and her parents will be moving there. While on the beach, she meets Zane, the first shadow that she is able to communicate with. Zane is good-looking and charming and has no memories of his life, nor any idea what happened to him. The relationship is beautiful in that Kali is able to talk to Zane about her curse/gift and not feel like a total psycho and she helps Zane put the missing pieces of his life together. Throughout the book her gift develops more to where she is able to feel the emotions of the shadows, as well as, living people; more like an empath. Her father has a son of one of his colleagues show her around the island and introduce her to his friends. Matt is also very sweet and very much a gentleman, who becomes smitten with Kali. She is torn because of how she feels about Zane, who is believed to be dead. There is so much that goes on in this book, I don't want to give too much away. The cast of characters are great from her two best friends, Tara & Kylee in Cheyenne, her parents, Matt and his friend Lacey and of course, Zane. The setting in Hawaii is to die for; you can almost hear the waves hitting the beach. I just can't say how much I really enjoy this book. These are not silly giggly teenage kids. There are multiple serious situations in this book that you almost forget they aren teens because they handle themselves so well. Just love it! If you're looking for a sweet, clean romance and like ghosts, you will enjoy this book.
September 19, 2012
This book was a lot of fun—I think that’s the best way I can describe it. It wasn’t too deep or too fluffy; it was just an easy, enjoyable read.
Kali is highly likeable—she’s normal, you know? Well, she can see ghosts, so maybe “normal” is the wrong word. Let’s just say she doesn’t have any annoying or strange personality quirks, and she seems like someone I could easily strike up a conversation with. And I liked the balance the author strikes regarding Kali’s ability to see ghosts—she’s not completely clueless or bitter about it, but she doesn’t fully embrace it either. It’s just a fact of life for her and something she has to deal with.
I really enjoyed Zane. He’s that hot but easy-going and light-hearted type that’s really refreshing to come across in YA fiction. And I loved his and Kali’s relationship. Although they both have these burgeoning romantic feelings for each other and whatnot, they’re friends first and foremost. And they really get to know each other, which made their relationship all the more believable. Well, maybe not “believable,” since he’s a ghost, but whatever.
Overall, a quick, entertaining read. The characters are likeable, the story is fun, and the ending leaves it open for a sequel while still giving you a sense of closure.
Actual rating: 3.5 / 5
Book Light Graveyard
Kali is highly likeable—she’s normal, you know? Well, she can see ghosts, so maybe “normal” is the wrong word. Let’s just say she doesn’t have any annoying or strange personality quirks, and she seems like someone I could easily strike up a conversation with. And I liked the balance the author strikes regarding Kali’s ability to see ghosts—she’s not completely clueless or bitter about it, but she doesn’t fully embrace it either. It’s just a fact of life for her and something she has to deal with.
I really enjoyed Zane. He’s that hot but easy-going and light-hearted type that’s really refreshing to come across in YA fiction. And I loved his and Kali’s relationship. Although they both have these burgeoning romantic feelings for each other and whatnot, they’re friends first and foremost. And they really get to know each other, which made their relationship all the more believable. Well, maybe not “believable,” since he’s a ghost, but whatever.
Overall, a quick, entertaining read. The characters are likeable, the story is fun, and the ending leaves it open for a sequel while still giving you a sense of closure.
Actual rating: 3.5 / 5
Book Light Graveyard
August 6, 2016
I LOVED Wraith: Hawaiian Shadows. Edie Claire's writing style is very easy to listen to without being "dumbed down." The story centers on Kali, a 17-year old girl from Wyoming who is currently on Spring Break in Hawaii with her parents house-hunting due to her Dad's job transfer. Kali is special - she can see "shadows" of dead people. For the first time, one of the shadows, an 18-year old boy named Zane, can see her too and talk with her.
Kali and Zane are both extremely likeable, well developed characters, and the conversations between them are natural. Zane can't remember how he died or anything about his life. As Kali and Zane hang out, we slowly learn about his life. In turn, as Zane gets his memory back, his shadow fades out of existence, much to Kali's dismay.
Tavia Gilbert does an amazing job narrating. Her interpretations of Kali and Zane are very believable and I had no problem imagining them as teenagers. Even the adults are performed in a superb manner, with distinct voices for each character. Simply put, I'd listen to another Tavia Gilbert audio rendition anytime.
I definitely recommend the audio version of Edie Claire's Wraith: Hawaiian Shadows because I could not stop listening to it! My only question is: When will Book 2 be available in audio?!
Kali and Zane are both extremely likeable, well developed characters, and the conversations between them are natural. Zane can't remember how he died or anything about his life. As Kali and Zane hang out, we slowly learn about his life. In turn, as Zane gets his memory back, his shadow fades out of existence, much to Kali's dismay.
Tavia Gilbert does an amazing job narrating. Her interpretations of Kali and Zane are very believable and I had no problem imagining them as teenagers. Even the adults are performed in a superb manner, with distinct voices for each character. Simply put, I'd listen to another Tavia Gilbert audio rendition anytime.
I definitely recommend the audio version of Edie Claire's Wraith: Hawaiian Shadows because I could not stop listening to it! My only question is: When will Book 2 be available in audio?!
July 24, 2016
I LOVED Wraith: Hawaiian Shadows. Edie Claire's writing style is very easy to listen to without being "dumbed down." The story centers on Kali, a 17-year old girl from Wyoming who is currently on Spring Break in Hawaii with her parents house-hunting due to her Dad's job transfer. Kali is special - she can see "shadows" of dead people. For the first time, one of the shadows, an 18-year old boy named Zane, can see her too and talk with her.
Kali and Zane are both extremely likeable, well developed characters, and the conversations between them are natural. Zane can't remember how he died or anything about his life. As Kali and Zane hang out, we slowly learn about his life. In turn, as Zane gets his memory back, his shadow fades out of existence, much to Kali's dismay.
Tavia Gilbert does an amazing job narrating. Her interpretations of Kali and Zane are very believable and I had no problem imagining them as teenagers. Even the adults are performed in a superb manner, with distinct voices for each character. Simply put, I'd listen to another Tavia Gilbert audio rendition anytime.
I definitely recommend the audio version of Edie Claire's Wraith: Hawaiian Shadows because I could not stop listening to it! My only question is: When will Book 2 be available in audio?!
Kali and Zane are both extremely likeable, well developed characters, and the conversations between them are natural. Zane can't remember how he died or anything about his life. As Kali and Zane hang out, we slowly learn about his life. In turn, as Zane gets his memory back, his shadow fades out of existence, much to Kali's dismay.
Tavia Gilbert does an amazing job narrating. Her interpretations of Kali and Zane are very believable and I had no problem imagining them as teenagers. Even the adults are performed in a superb manner, with distinct voices for each character. Simply put, I'd listen to another Tavia Gilbert audio rendition anytime.
I definitely recommend the audio version of Edie Claire's Wraith: Hawaiian Shadows because I could not stop listening to it! My only question is: When will Book 2 be available in audio?!
October 19, 2015
I really liked this story ... while I do enjoy the dystopian stuff, they can get a little depressing. This was a breath of fresh air. While it wasn't all sunshine and roses, it was a "feel good" read, and I think I needed that right now.
This is a YA paranormal romance, although it isn't nearly as paranormal as most of the other stuff out there currently. A lot of just normal teenage/high school stuff, with a little "seeing spirits" thrown in. There were some tense moments, emotional moments, and times I almost laughed out loud.
It really doesn't have anything to do with the story line, but I liked the names ... Kali, Zane. Almost all the characters were really likeable. Also, while I usually don't really care for 1st person, or contemporary settings, I didn't mind them one bit in this book.
Nothing profound, but I do think I highlighted a couple of quotes ... I like to gather quotes from my reads, it's a fun way to quickly capture a bit of the book looking back on it later.
This is a YA paranormal romance, although it isn't nearly as paranormal as most of the other stuff out there currently. A lot of just normal teenage/high school stuff, with a little "seeing spirits" thrown in. There were some tense moments, emotional moments, and times I almost laughed out loud.
It really doesn't have anything to do with the story line, but I liked the names ... Kali, Zane. Almost all the characters were really likeable. Also, while I usually don't really care for 1st person, or contemporary settings, I didn't mind them one bit in this book.
Nothing profound, but I do think I highlighted a couple of quotes ... I like to gather quotes from my reads, it's a fun way to quickly capture a bit of the book looking back on it later.
July 20, 2016
I shy away from most YA stuff because the characters either come over as asinine idiots with no sense at all, or else they act like thirty-something-year olds with dialogue to match their behaviour and skills that NO normal teenager would have (the classic was the girl who thought nothing of making and using her own walnut stain, killing chickens etc while at the same time being so utterly shy that she couldn't look at a penis or even say the word!)
This was different. These characters were wonderfully 'real' to the extent that I lost myself in the story and ended up terrified as to how it might end!! (always a good sign, when I am desperate to sneak a quick look at the last chapter to make sure there's a HEA ;) )
Recommended for anyone who appreciates a solidly GOOD YA novel with decent teenagers, great tension, nice humour, plenty of drama, some lovely heartfelt scenes and a cracking good ending.
Dammit.. I rated this 4 stars, but I'm going to re-read it.. so 5 it is ;)
This was different. These characters were wonderfully 'real' to the extent that I lost myself in the story and ended up terrified as to how it might end!! (always a good sign, when I am desperate to sneak a quick look at the last chapter to make sure there's a HEA ;) )
Recommended for anyone who appreciates a solidly GOOD YA novel with decent teenagers, great tension, nice humour, plenty of drama, some lovely heartfelt scenes and a cracking good ending.
Dammit.. I rated this 4 stars, but I'm going to re-read it.. so 5 it is ;)
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