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Vox Oculis #1
Not Alone
Blue DuBois wants the world to leave her alone, but the world has other plans.
It's summer, 2011, and for four and a half years, all Blue has been looking for is a normal life after losing her family in a suspicious fire. But what is normal for a fourteen-year-old that can hear what no one else can? And what should she do when she hears something that presents a tantalizing opportunity to avenge her family? With an unexpected new friend and ally, she comes up with a slam-dunk plan. All she has to do is risk everything, including both of their lives.
Whether you like coming-of-age or teen thrillers or mystery (and just a touch of paranormal/sci-fi), you will find an enticing blend of all these elements in this first book of a unique YA series set in down-to-earth rural Vermont. With just a touch of maybe-this-could-be-real scientific conjecture as an intriguing element, this is a story more about friendships and those magical bonds created by shared terrifying experiences during a formative time of life.
It's summer, 2011, and for four and a half years, all Blue has been looking for is a normal life after losing her family in a suspicious fire. But what is normal for a fourteen-year-old that can hear what no one else can? And what should she do when she hears something that presents a tantalizing opportunity to avenge her family? With an unexpected new friend and ally, she comes up with a slam-dunk plan. All she has to do is risk everything, including both of their lives.
Whether you like coming-of-age or teen thrillers or mystery (and just a touch of paranormal/sci-fi), you will find an enticing blend of all these elements in this first book of a unique YA series set in down-to-earth rural Vermont. With just a touch of maybe-this-could-be-real scientific conjecture as an intriguing element, this is a story more about friendships and those magical bonds created by shared terrifying experiences during a formative time of life.
300 pages, Paperback
First published February 4, 2020
22 people are currently reading
1150 people want to read
About the author
Frederic Martin
4 books41 followersFrederic (Fritz) Martin was born in Iowa, grew up in Western New York, and lived and worked in Maine, Idaho, and California, finally settling in Vermont where he now lives and writes. Along the way, he jack-hammered concrete, worked as a mechanic, drove a taxi, delivered papers, rowed dories as a guide on the great western rivers, hitch-hiked everywhere, read a lot, and somehow picked up a college degree in Physics. He married and raised a son and a daughter with his wife Betsy. His very first published work, a short story "Maybe Lake Carmi,” won the Vermont Writer's Prize in 2018. He has since published several short stories and novels.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
May 14, 2022
*4.5 stars*
Trigger Warning for book content- abuse, drugs, alcohol, murder, kidnapping
Not Alone by Frederic Martin, the first in the Vox Oculis series, was action packed and thrilling. We begin meeting Blue, a 14 year old girl who is being taken to her newest foster home due to the loss of her entire family in a fire. She has a special gift of hearing other people’s thoughts and she can also communicate with others who are like her. But she hasn’t as she has been alone, until she meets Will and his family, who have the same power, Vox Oculis. They work together to get Blue out of her shell and understand the gift that they have. But how much of the gift is an actual gift and how much of it can become a curse?
This was such a great story, I really enjoyed it. With the action constantly building and situation after situation occurring, I was glued to the pages waiting to see what would happen next. This blend of thriller and sci-fi with a pinch of coming of age, was absolutely binge worthy.
The characters were all developed so well and each arc flowed beautifully. It felt like I was watching a movie and it was fulfilling. Blue and Will experienced some very tough situations yet the overall story didn’t feel overly tough. There were times of super intensity while the rest was coasting yet moving forward beautifully. The kids in this story were so strong and also hilarious.
From the start, we were hit with very intense and serious themes that many children and adults deal with on the daily basis. It was something to really take in and see how it developed. Frederic did not disappoint. He was able to express all of the hard topics without it getting too bad, but still made its point. This was so beautifully written.
I also loved the concept of the Vox Oculis, Chiss, and Klax. Having different aspects of how your brain processes information plus the Darwinism bits, made it more believable. Parts of me wishes I could communicate with others without talking too; an introvert’s dream!
Although this was an amazing story, there was only one area that could have made it above and beyond! The shifting of time from one chapter to the next made it a bit challenging to follow sometimes. For example, if something happened in one chapter, the next would go back in time and start with the same situation or time frame, but from another character’s perspective. This could’ve been done all within one chapter. By shifting between narration and characters, it could blend and flow a bit smoother. Aside from that, perfection.
In the words of Will, “ CLICK, CLICK, CLICK ” & “Bonam fortunam”.
I highly recommend you read this book! It could easily become your new favorite! I’m ready to dive into the second book, The Innocence of Westbury.
*This was an honest review for a complimentary copy of Not Alone from Frederic Martin via Voracious Readers Only
Trigger Warning for book content- abuse, drugs, alcohol, murder, kidnapping
Not Alone by Frederic Martin, the first in the Vox Oculis series, was action packed and thrilling. We begin meeting Blue, a 14 year old girl who is being taken to her newest foster home due to the loss of her entire family in a fire. She has a special gift of hearing other people’s thoughts and she can also communicate with others who are like her. But she hasn’t as she has been alone, until she meets Will and his family, who have the same power, Vox Oculis. They work together to get Blue out of her shell and understand the gift that they have. But how much of the gift is an actual gift and how much of it can become a curse?
This was such a great story, I really enjoyed it. With the action constantly building and situation after situation occurring, I was glued to the pages waiting to see what would happen next. This blend of thriller and sci-fi with a pinch of coming of age, was absolutely binge worthy.
The characters were all developed so well and each arc flowed beautifully. It felt like I was watching a movie and it was fulfilling. Blue and Will experienced some very tough situations yet the overall story didn’t feel overly tough. There were times of super intensity while the rest was coasting yet moving forward beautifully. The kids in this story were so strong and also hilarious.
From the start, we were hit with very intense and serious themes that many children and adults deal with on the daily basis. It was something to really take in and see how it developed. Frederic did not disappoint. He was able to express all of the hard topics without it getting too bad, but still made its point. This was so beautifully written.
I also loved the concept of the Vox Oculis, Chiss, and Klax. Having different aspects of how your brain processes information plus the Darwinism bits, made it more believable. Parts of me wishes I could communicate with others without talking too; an introvert’s dream!
Although this was an amazing story, there was only one area that could have made it above and beyond! The shifting of time from one chapter to the next made it a bit challenging to follow sometimes. For example, if something happened in one chapter, the next would go back in time and start with the same situation or time frame, but from another character’s perspective. This could’ve been done all within one chapter. By shifting between narration and characters, it could blend and flow a bit smoother. Aside from that, perfection.
In the words of Will, “ CLICK, CLICK, CLICK ” & “Bonam fortunam”.
I highly recommend you read this book! It could easily become your new favorite! I’m ready to dive into the second book, The Innocence of Westbury.
*This was an honest review for a complimentary copy of Not Alone from Frederic Martin via Voracious Readers Only
February 25, 2021
Martin blends elements of thriller, science fiction, and teenage drama into a taut YA coming-of-age tale about a young girl struggling to find her bearing in the cozy town of Westbury, Vermont.
It’s been four and a half years since Blue entered the foster system to begin afresh after losing her family to a house fire. If the trauma of becoming an orphan at ten-year-old is not enough, her ability to read other people’s minds has wreaked havoc on her psyche, making it hard for her to adjust to her new life as a foster kid. Joining the O’Days as a foster child seems to be working for Blue: she’s gradually able to shed her inhibitions and form an unexpected friendship with Will, the O’Days’ neighbor. But a chance discovery of drug dealing throws Blue in the path of a dangerous psychopath.
Martin captures awkward adolescent experiences with perception and sensitivity. Readers will empathize with Blue’s struggles to adjust to her new life in Vermont and cheer her triumphs as she gradually forms bonds with her foster family and Will and finds her footing.
With precise skill and insight, Martin gives voice to Blue’s fears and inner turmoil. Her gradual recovery is heartening, while her new relationships and observations about her foster parents, siblings, and friends forms a portrait of a reflective teenager whose life is suddenly changed by connections she never expected to make. The other characters are equally convincing: in Will, Wu, Sam, and Rose, Martin has created a relatable cast of teenagers with real-life fears, self-doubts, insecurities, and individual struggles.
The various sub plots interlace as Blue sets on to investigate the local drug dealings and, in the process, finds her own life turns upside down. Readers will delight in the clever manner in which Martin fills in all the holes and ties together seemingly disparate plot threads to bring it to a satisfying ending.
The narrative has some serious undercurrents with various YA themes infused into the story, including coming of age, enduring friendship, family ties, PTSD, teenage alienation, opioid epidemic among adolescents, and more.
Though the concept of vox adds to the science fiction element, the story is a coming-of-age YA drama at heart. Martin’s keen understanding of adolescent psyche, sharp observations, and lively imagination command steady attention.
A dazzling blend of thriller and SF, this is a knockout.
It’s been four and a half years since Blue entered the foster system to begin afresh after losing her family to a house fire. If the trauma of becoming an orphan at ten-year-old is not enough, her ability to read other people’s minds has wreaked havoc on her psyche, making it hard for her to adjust to her new life as a foster kid. Joining the O’Days as a foster child seems to be working for Blue: she’s gradually able to shed her inhibitions and form an unexpected friendship with Will, the O’Days’ neighbor. But a chance discovery of drug dealing throws Blue in the path of a dangerous psychopath.
Martin captures awkward adolescent experiences with perception and sensitivity. Readers will empathize with Blue’s struggles to adjust to her new life in Vermont and cheer her triumphs as she gradually forms bonds with her foster family and Will and finds her footing.
With precise skill and insight, Martin gives voice to Blue’s fears and inner turmoil. Her gradual recovery is heartening, while her new relationships and observations about her foster parents, siblings, and friends forms a portrait of a reflective teenager whose life is suddenly changed by connections she never expected to make. The other characters are equally convincing: in Will, Wu, Sam, and Rose, Martin has created a relatable cast of teenagers with real-life fears, self-doubts, insecurities, and individual struggles.
The various sub plots interlace as Blue sets on to investigate the local drug dealings and, in the process, finds her own life turns upside down. Readers will delight in the clever manner in which Martin fills in all the holes and ties together seemingly disparate plot threads to bring it to a satisfying ending.
The narrative has some serious undercurrents with various YA themes infused into the story, including coming of age, enduring friendship, family ties, PTSD, teenage alienation, opioid epidemic among adolescents, and more.
Though the concept of vox adds to the science fiction element, the story is a coming-of-age YA drama at heart. Martin’s keen understanding of adolescent psyche, sharp observations, and lively imagination command steady attention.
A dazzling blend of thriller and SF, this is a knockout.
December 5, 2020
*I recieved a copy of this book from voracious readers only in return for this review*
This book surprised me. I went into the book not knowing a lot at all except that it had elements of sci-fi, which I am not always keen on. However, Not Alone exceeded my expectations and I enjoyed it.
I felt that at the beginning it was a little slow but around a quarter of the way through, the pace really picked up. The action in this book is well written and the sci-fi element is described enough to where it feels realistic. The thing I loved most was the variety of perspectives which was only aided with Vox, many chapters are told from Will or Blue's POV, but side characters like the villian are included, which adds just that extra bit to the narrative.
I will definitely be reading Book 2 and hope that the relationships between characters is explored further because I loved Will's relationships with his family and the warmth of Wu and Blue's family too. Also, I hope that Will's parents' past is revealed to give more of a history of Vox and how it affected them.
You will love this book if you are in a reading slump and need a book that is just slightly out of the ordinary and leaves you wishing that you could Vox too!
This book surprised me. I went into the book not knowing a lot at all except that it had elements of sci-fi, which I am not always keen on. However, Not Alone exceeded my expectations and I enjoyed it.
I felt that at the beginning it was a little slow but around a quarter of the way through, the pace really picked up. The action in this book is well written and the sci-fi element is described enough to where it feels realistic. The thing I loved most was the variety of perspectives which was only aided with Vox, many chapters are told from Will or Blue's POV, but side characters like the villian are included, which adds just that extra bit to the narrative.
I will definitely be reading Book 2 and hope that the relationships between characters is explored further because I loved Will's relationships with his family and the warmth of Wu and Blue's family too. Also, I hope that Will's parents' past is revealed to give more of a history of Vox and how it affected them.
You will love this book if you are in a reading slump and need a book that is just slightly out of the ordinary and leaves you wishing that you could Vox too!
April 12, 2024
I received a complimentary copy of this book from VRO.
When I opened this book, I was immediately curious about the author not wanting to label this book as one genre. It was some stream of letters that made me laugh, but it was a highly accurate description of the type of book that I read.
This story has so many sub genres of trauma, sci-fi, drama, YA/NA, thriller, mystery, fantasy, coming of age. The best sum up of a genre I can come up with is a YA dramatic sci-fi fantasy thriller.
The FMC is a very traumatised orphan who has bounced around social care settings for years until she comes to live with a new family. She has the ability to see thoughts and finds another person who also has this ability who lives nearby (MMC), they slowly become friends after she begins to come out of her shell, which is difficult for her due to her constant battle with inner demons.
She learns something and begins to plot, leading to a dramatic event, this is spurred on by her history. She feels she has no choice but to do this to save others, the people who have now become important to her. Basically all goes to hell.
After the issue is resolved and things are normal again, we learn the villain is still on the loose. I was kinda hoping that when that thing happened after car flip they would end up belly up in the lake, but ya know, that wouldn't be as gut punching as keeping the sod alive for book 2! And yes, at the end of the book, I got a sneaky peek of book 2 and I am absobloodylutely going to read the whole series because I'm fully invested now. I require answers after what I read on that preview, so I'm chomping at the bits.
This book is a clean read, although there are mentions of rape, there isn't actually any, it's just the word is used, like out of fear. Whatever trauma the FMC suffered post orphaning, I'm not certain of. It isn't stated. There are of course scenes of violence, and blood and gore, drug dealing and use, but the premise of this book is trust, and friendship. Accepting that you are NOT alone in this world, there is always someone there for you. You just have to reach out.
I am giving this beaut a fab 4* stars because it was weird and wonderful, and I loved it.
Can't wait to get my hands on book 2!
audentes fortuna iuvat!
When I opened this book, I was immediately curious about the author not wanting to label this book as one genre. It was some stream of letters that made me laugh, but it was a highly accurate description of the type of book that I read.
This story has so many sub genres of trauma, sci-fi, drama, YA/NA, thriller, mystery, fantasy, coming of age. The best sum up of a genre I can come up with is a YA dramatic sci-fi fantasy thriller.
The FMC is a very traumatised orphan who has bounced around social care settings for years until she comes to live with a new family. She has the ability to see thoughts and finds another person who also has this ability who lives nearby (MMC), they slowly become friends after she begins to come out of her shell, which is difficult for her due to her constant battle with inner demons.
She learns something and begins to plot, leading to a dramatic event, this is spurred on by her history. She feels she has no choice but to do this to save others, the people who have now become important to her. Basically all goes to hell.
After the issue is resolved and things are normal again, we learn the villain is still on the loose. I was kinda hoping that when that thing happened after car flip they would end up belly up in the lake, but ya know, that wouldn't be as gut punching as keeping the sod alive for book 2! And yes, at the end of the book, I got a sneaky peek of book 2 and I am absobloodylutely going to read the whole series because I'm fully invested now. I require answers after what I read on that preview, so I'm chomping at the bits.
This book is a clean read, although there are mentions of rape, there isn't actually any, it's just the word is used, like out of fear. Whatever trauma the FMC suffered post orphaning, I'm not certain of. It isn't stated. There are of course scenes of violence, and blood and gore, drug dealing and use, but the premise of this book is trust, and friendship. Accepting that you are NOT alone in this world, there is always someone there for you. You just have to reach out.
I am giving this beaut a fab 4* stars because it was weird and wonderful, and I loved it.
Can't wait to get my hands on book 2!
audentes fortuna iuvat!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 25, 2022
Brilliant loved this from start to finish. Looking forward to the next book in the series. Loved the science bits and the hint of possibility for the next book. A few nail biting moments but not too hard to put down if needed
March 30, 2024
I'm not a huge Sci-Fi person but once this book picks up pace it turned out to be great. Blue is so likable. Such a great book. Kept me on the edge of my seat. I thoroughly enjoyed books written by Dean Koontz and this resembled some of his written so I loved this one too. I can't wait to read book number two. A nail bitter at moments. Definitely would recommend it.
Thank you to Voracious Readers Only for providing me with a free copy of this book in return for an Honest Unbiased Opinion of a review.
Thank you to Voracious Readers Only for providing me with a free copy of this book in return for an Honest Unbiased Opinion of a review.
December 18, 2022
I really enjoyed my time with this book. It was a comfortable read, if that makes sense. It felt a little like a cross between Dean Koontz (without the mommy issues) and Zilpha Keatly Synder.
It's a story of a family with special abilities, and a young girl in foster care with the same, and how they came to relish meeting other people with their abilities. It had the whole coming of age thing going for it, but in a very unique way.
Well worth the read.
I was given a kindle copy of this book for free in return for an honest opinion. This is my honest opinion.
It's a story of a family with special abilities, and a young girl in foster care with the same, and how they came to relish meeting other people with their abilities. It had the whole coming of age thing going for it, but in a very unique way.
Well worth the read.
I was given a kindle copy of this book for free in return for an honest opinion. This is my honest opinion.
October 29, 2020
In this the first book in a series we are introduced to two neighborly families in a small town. One is a family of three orphan teenagers/children who live in a foster home, while their best friends families live close by. One thing is unique in the fact that Blue the newest foster kid thinks she is the only one after loosing her real family to a fire that she was the only one who could talk like telepathically using her unique eyes called Vox Oculis. But when she meets Will and his family she learns she is not alone. Blue get tangled up with a drug dealer... got to read the book for the rest of the story.
Was an exciting adventure and I look forward to the next in this series. The character's were relatable and well developed that you feel you know them. Story had some was well paced actions and reactions that kept you on the edge of your seat. Perfect for children of middle age, some violence but no profanities or sex.
Was an exciting adventure and I look forward to the next in this series. The character's were relatable and well developed that you feel you know them. Story had some was well paced actions and reactions that kept you on the edge of your seat. Perfect for children of middle age, some violence but no profanities or sex.
March 29, 2020
This book started out slow then picked up towards the middle. It was an interesting plot about a 14 year old heroine (Blue) who’d been bumped around in the foster-care system. When she moved in with the O’Days her life took a turn; she met Will, and the two became inseparable.
Blue battled with finding her identity while feeling lost and hopeless. People have failed her—why on earth would she be hopeful now with the O’Days? With the exception of Will, he’s the only friend or thing that feels right in her world.
The two hang tight and are thick as thieves and are surprised by a spine tingling discovery. This book is a decent SciFi – thriller that eventually won me over; sucking me in. I found myself intrigued with the character’s, especially the villain. Can’t wait to see what else Martin cooks up in the sequel.
I received this ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Blue battled with finding her identity while feeling lost and hopeless. People have failed her—why on earth would she be hopeful now with the O’Days? With the exception of Will, he’s the only friend or thing that feels right in her world.
The two hang tight and are thick as thieves and are surprised by a spine tingling discovery. This book is a decent SciFi – thriller that eventually won me over; sucking me in. I found myself intrigued with the character’s, especially the villain. Can’t wait to see what else Martin cooks up in the sequel.
I received this ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
August 9, 2022
Fantastic thriller of a book! The characters were bold and I immediately fell in love with Blue. The author does an amazing job of making sure the reader truly FEELS Blue. The concept was unique and a very different take on “mind reading” from anything else I have ever read. I stayed up WAY too late reading because I couldn’t go to sleep with Blue in danger.
Anyone who loves adventure, thrillers, coming of age, or just a great, well written story will enjoy reading this book!
I received this book from the author through Voracious Readers Only
Anyone who loves adventure, thrillers, coming of age, or just a great, well written story will enjoy reading this book!
I received this book from the author through Voracious Readers Only
October 16, 2020
I am not the biggest fan of sci-fi but this book once it picked up pace was great.
I liked the main protagonist Blue.
I have limited experience of sci-fi but i really did enjoy it and didn’t find it too intimidating. It was easy to keep up with and it wasn’t overpowering in any way.
Really enjoyed it and would like to read more from this author. Can safely say i recommend this book for those in to more realistic sci-fi. Great book
I liked the main protagonist Blue.
I have limited experience of sci-fi but i really did enjoy it and didn’t find it too intimidating. It was easy to keep up with and it wasn’t overpowering in any way.
Really enjoyed it and would like to read more from this author. Can safely say i recommend this book for those in to more realistic sci-fi. Great book
August 7, 2021
I thought this book was a fantastic, kept me on the edge of my seat book. I would highly recommend to anyone that is into young adult sci fi and learning the different unique qualities each character has. I received a complimentary copy from Voracious Readers Only and so thankful I found them and was able to give a review to a great author. Kudos!
December 18, 2020
I received a copy of this from voracious readers. I wasn't sure what to expect but I ended up loving this book and couldn't put it down. I already started the second book and I recommend this to others. It is a different genres than most popular books out right now. It was a nice read.
October 30, 2021
Despite being a decade out of the YA age range I enjoyed this book immensely. Voxing is fascinating to read about and I found the familial and friendship aspects of the story to be very enjoyable too. I've already ordered book 2.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author.
December 15, 2022
What can you say about a book that exceeds your expectations, and makes reading another book very boring? This author engages his readers from the moment the cover opens and you read the Author's Notes. Which already had this reader laughing. Lol. I was not ready for the thrill ride of emotions, the nights of reading and not wanting to put this book down, or wanting too be apart of the O'Days'/Woods family.
The details of each character will give you the reader a visual picture, and story truly takes on a life of its own. So much so, that this reader was so engaged that I was Gaping (in the words of Blue) I had no idea I was doing it until I felt saliva on my lip....lol.
I do not want to spoil any of the fun for future readers, but this might be one of the most interesting and best stories you will read by years end. I would purchase this book for 18 and up because there are some real adult themes going on within the covers.
Thank you Voracious Readers Only and author for my free copy of this terrific book.
The details of each character will give you the reader a visual picture, and story truly takes on a life of its own. So much so, that this reader was so engaged that I was Gaping (in the words of Blue) I had no idea I was doing it until I felt saliva on my lip....lol.
I do not want to spoil any of the fun for future readers, but this might be one of the most interesting and best stories you will read by years end. I would purchase this book for 18 and up because there are some real adult themes going on within the covers.
Thank you Voracious Readers Only and author for my free copy of this terrific book.
May 27, 2020
Excellent start to a coming-of-age series. There is a minor sci-fi element but it's not over-the-top; the book is much more realistic and emotionally deep than your typical YA sci-fi/fantasy series. The male protagonist starts as a privileged but big-hearted goody-two-shoes, while the female protagonist is tragedy-stricken but fiendishly clever loner, and it’s heartwarming to see them slowly chip away at the other’s shell. What might otherwise be a tedious setup in the first half of the book is greatly aided by the sci-fi element, which allows a very resonant deep dive into the characters’ startlingly complex teenage emotions. Around the midpoint, the action starts and never lets up, with the author’s attention to detail making for an engrossing, thrilling yet very believable climax that leaves you hungry for more. I can’t wait for the next one!
August 15, 2021
First of all I'd like to thank the author and @voraciousreadersonly for a free copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
I really enjoyed it! I must say, I've found that the story really started about half way through, I found the first half a bit slow, but the second half really made up for it!
The 2 main characters are so different, yet both so likeable and compliment each other perfectly.
What started as a lovely story of 2 teens sharing a gift and building a friendship, turned really dark! I didn't expect it at all!
I was a bit disappointed with the ending as I felt it didn't give you the closure you wanted until I realised there would be a sequel which I can't wait for the author to release.
This book was described as a YA sci-fi thriller but I would say that the sci-fi side of it is extremely tame.
I really enjoyed it! I must say, I've found that the story really started about half way through, I found the first half a bit slow, but the second half really made up for it!
The 2 main characters are so different, yet both so likeable and compliment each other perfectly.
What started as a lovely story of 2 teens sharing a gift and building a friendship, turned really dark! I didn't expect it at all!
I was a bit disappointed with the ending as I felt it didn't give you the closure you wanted until I realised there would be a sequel which I can't wait for the author to release.
This book was described as a YA sci-fi thriller but I would say that the sci-fi side of it is extremely tame.
May 15, 2022
Different
Not alone is a book I had a love-hate relationship with. I love the plot and the characters. What I disliked (because hate is way too strong a word for it) is the book drug in some spots, especially towards the end. I think the author Frederic Martin does a great job building his world and developing the characters. The story's premise was original and one I have not read prior to this, so it gets major points there. As for the characters, my personal favorites were Will, Blue, and surprisingly Bronco. Yeah, I get he's the antagonist in this tale, but I enjoyed the parts he was written in. Towards the end of the book, when the thrills have abated, I felt the pacing faltered slightly. With all this being said, the overall book was an interesting story and well worth my time to read. I do recommend this book.
Not alone is a book I had a love-hate relationship with. I love the plot and the characters. What I disliked (because hate is way too strong a word for it) is the book drug in some spots, especially towards the end. I think the author Frederic Martin does a great job building his world and developing the characters. The story's premise was original and one I have not read prior to this, so it gets major points there. As for the characters, my personal favorites were Will, Blue, and surprisingly Bronco. Yeah, I get he's the antagonist in this tale, but I enjoyed the parts he was written in. Towards the end of the book, when the thrills have abated, I felt the pacing faltered slightly. With all this being said, the overall book was an interesting story and well worth my time to read. I do recommend this book.
May 8, 2021
I received a free copy of this book through Voracious Readers in exchange for an honest review.
I was pleasantly surprised by how much I ended up enjoying this book. It is a great blend of science, supernatural and crime fiction. It was easy to read and simple to follow. The relatively short chapters make for a quick read, and the plot keeps you hooked. I was instantly drawn in by the unique storyline of the supernatural ability of vox, and would be interested in reading more books within this series. The main characters are teenagers but they are very likeable and admirable. I also enjoyed the key themes of friendship, family, trust, trauma and heroism; as they all compliment each other perfectly.
I was pleasantly surprised by how much I ended up enjoying this book. It is a great blend of science, supernatural and crime fiction. It was easy to read and simple to follow. The relatively short chapters make for a quick read, and the plot keeps you hooked. I was instantly drawn in by the unique storyline of the supernatural ability of vox, and would be interested in reading more books within this series. The main characters are teenagers but they are very likeable and admirable. I also enjoyed the key themes of friendship, family, trust, trauma and heroism; as they all compliment each other perfectly.
May 30, 2021
Sometimes it just feels like you can hear what people around you are thinking. What if you could not only hear their thoughts, but could “talk” your thoughts back?!
Not telepathy, Vox Oculis describes “actual” (as far as fiction goes) ability for waves...similar to infrared...to project and be read/heard by others. This ability is unusually rare...but apparently not that uncommon. Cool theory!
Aside from a few missed words as far as grammar is concerned, the book is intriguing and quick-paced. Good character development and leaves the reader eager for the next book in the series. Great debut novel! YA and adults alike will enjoy this read.
Not telepathy, Vox Oculis describes “actual” (as far as fiction goes) ability for waves...similar to infrared...to project and be read/heard by others. This ability is unusually rare...but apparently not that uncommon. Cool theory!
Aside from a few missed words as far as grammar is concerned, the book is intriguing and quick-paced. Good character development and leaves the reader eager for the next book in the series. Great debut novel! YA and adults alike will enjoy this read.
July 15, 2023
This was an excellent read. I was given a copy through voracious readers in lieu of an honest review. It was packed with so much… action, adventure, slight hints of romance, and so much more. As if being a teenager isn’t hard enough, but Blue having to deal with a supernatural power on top of being an orphan gave many twists and turns to the story. For years she felt she was alone, but then her new foster family and the kid next door, will, showed her she was anything but. I cannot wait to get my hands on the next book in this series!
July 4, 2021
Review through Voracious Readers Only
I really enjoyed this book. It had quite a few wee twists and turns and I look forward to reading more in the series.
A very interesting idea with the Vox Oculis and I enjoyed how its been introduced in this novel and the science side of it (although some of that was a little above my head). I thought it was clever and added a whole new element to a 'kids solving a mystery' book. Well written, loved the characters and look forward to more!
I really enjoyed this book. It had quite a few wee twists and turns and I look forward to reading more in the series.
A very interesting idea with the Vox Oculis and I enjoyed how its been introduced in this novel and the science side of it (although some of that was a little above my head). I thought it was clever and added a whole new element to a 'kids solving a mystery' book. Well written, loved the characters and look forward to more!
January 21, 2023
3.5 stars upgraded to 4. I enjoyed this book, the science behind the vox oculis and the slightly paranormal vein running through it. I enjoyed the action and the theme but the characters were a bit one dimensional, and I had questions which weren't really answered. Maybe they will in the next book of the series? I hope the villian gets what's coming to him!
I was given a free copy of this book through Voracious Readers Only, and this is my honest review.
I was given a free copy of this book through Voracious Readers Only, and this is my honest review.
March 22, 2024
The book contains deep impressions of young people and the added parameters of the human mind with additional instincts. The main characters are young adults that find themselves in very adult problems. Danger and vulnerability are striking as the story progresses. The book is an excellent read into the human mind and a deeper consciousness from the individuals involved in this book. Excellent read and a story worth the added attention.
_ Author of The Art of Poetry, Mordestia M York
_ Author of The Art of Poetry, Mordestia M York
July 14, 2024
The author, Frederic Martin, does a fantastic job building his world and characters. I found the book well written with a story about a family with unique powers of communication and their struggles to keep it hidden. The plot was well thought out and kept me involved until the end. Ya'll aren't gonna wanna miss this one or the next or the next. The only reason I gave this 4/5 is because sci fi is not my favorite genre.
October 8, 2022
This book is a young adult /sci-fi thriller, which I found a good mix and seems to be a first in a series.
I really enjoyed the story and the relationship between the characters. The book was a escape from every day life and kept me hooked till the end. I would recommend this book to other people and would read more by the author.
I really enjoyed the story and the relationship between the characters. The book was a escape from every day life and kept me hooked till the end. I would recommend this book to other people and would read more by the author.
September 3, 2021
I got this book via voracious readers
Wow just wow. This isn't a book I normally read but wanted something different. It did not dissapoint. While it was a bit slow to begin with it needed to be. I still have many questions. I can't wait to buy the second book!
Wow just wow. This isn't a book I normally read but wanted something different. It did not dissapoint. While it was a bit slow to begin with it needed to be. I still have many questions. I can't wait to buy the second book!
August 2, 2022
I about laid this book down and called it done but glad I held on a little longer as this book starts slow but dang... it picks up! This was a new type of book for me and I enjoyed it more then I thought I would!
April 2, 2024
This book follows Will and Blue, two teenagers as they navigate life with the ability to speak without using their voice. They also get into a bit of trouble when Blue decides to get evidence on a drug dealer and her plan goes horribly wrong. I would recommend.
June 12, 2021
Couldn’t put this down. The idea of ‘vox’ is so original. Blue is also such fantastic character, been through so much in her young life.
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