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You must walk the darkness to find the light.
Half-faerie Caoine has no control over the banshee lament she sings each night, predicting the death of others. A senior in a brand new high school, she expects the same response she's received at every other school: judgment from fellow students over her unusual eyes and unnaturally white skin and hair. However, when Caoine arrives at West Lincoln High, for the first time in her life she finds friends. Real friends.
But being a teenager is never easy, especially when the star soccer player, Oliver, sets his sights on her. Allowing him to get close means revealing her curse to the human world. She can't let that happen.
Life spins further out of control when her lament comes out during the day, those whose death she predicts die right in front of her, and a dark faerie known only as the Unseelie prince blames Caoine by leaving her the creepiest notes ever. Her curse is not supposed to work like that.
In a race against time, Caoine must uncover the Unseelie prince's identity and stop a spell before it unleashes hell on earth, all while trying to control her banshee song and finding a place among her peers.
Senior year just got real.
Half-faerie Caoine has no control over the banshee lament she sings each night, predicting the death of others. A senior in a brand new high school, she expects the same response she's received at every other school: judgment from fellow students over her unusual eyes and unnaturally white skin and hair. However, when Caoine arrives at West Lincoln High, for the first time in her life she finds friends. Real friends.
But being a teenager is never easy, especially when the star soccer player, Oliver, sets his sights on her. Allowing him to get close means revealing her curse to the human world. She can't let that happen.
Life spins further out of control when her lament comes out during the day, those whose death she predicts die right in front of her, and a dark faerie known only as the Unseelie prince blames Caoine by leaving her the creepiest notes ever. Her curse is not supposed to work like that.
In a race against time, Caoine must uncover the Unseelie prince's identity and stop a spell before it unleashes hell on earth, all while trying to control her banshee song and finding a place among her peers.
Senior year just got real.
426 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 9, 2019
5 people are currently reading
132 people want to read
About the author
Laura L. Zimmerman
13 books88 followersLaura L. Zimmerman lives in a tiny rural town in south-central Pennsylvania with her husband, daughters, and four adorable kitties.
She is currently a drinker of coffee by day, writer by night. Besides staying active with yoga, she’s passionate about anything Harry Potter or Jane Austen, and singing loudly. An avid reader, she often has overdue library fines, and a TBR pile as tall as the Eiffel Tower.
She loves to read and write YA fantasy & sci-fi, and middle grade mystery.
She is currently a drinker of coffee by day, writer by night. Besides staying active with yoga, she’s passionate about anything Harry Potter or Jane Austen, and singing loudly. An avid reader, she often has overdue library fines, and a TBR pile as tall as the Eiffel Tower.
She loves to read and write YA fantasy & sci-fi, and middle grade mystery.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
July 25, 2019
I am cursed and I am blessed. I am the harbinger of death and I am sent to protect. I am also late for my first day of school.
AH. MY EMOTIONS.
This was so good! And so cool!
It's a fantasy, it's a friendship/coming-of-age type of story, and in a lot of ways, it's a murder mystery too. Which all comes together to make a story that I loved a lot.
Caoine is a fascinating protagonist. The way Laura wrote her "curse" was so cool and yet creepy and it was perfection. She truly struggles inwardly through the whole book, but not enough to where it becomes annoying. I was rooting for her the entire time.
And the supporting cast? Incredible. Aubree and Seamus and Catherine and Oliver (who is the BEST) were all amazing friends to Caione and so there for her and encouraging and GAH. Positive friendships are what I LIVE FOR in books! Also Oliver is so swoon-worthy and perfect and I adore him with my whole heart. (He and Caoine together are just the cutest *melts*)
I'm not going to spoil anything, but I saw the villain reveal coming, which is something I personally love being able to do. But there's a twist at the end I did not see coming which made me tear up a little, I'm not gonna lie. This book had two misty-eyed, "oh dang" moments for me, which are always great. And painful. But great. And that lesson of how even when things don't end the way you think they should, there can still be hope? Amazing and absolutely perfect.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed the book. It's definitely one that's going to stick with me for a long time. It was original, it was awesome, and now that I know there's a sequel coming, I can't wait to see what waits for these characters next (will we go to the faerie realm? because that would be amazing)
4.5 stars from me!
Full review on my blog: https://novelsdragonsandwardrobedoors...
**I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review**
AH. MY EMOTIONS.
This was so good! And so cool!
It's a fantasy, it's a friendship/coming-of-age type of story, and in a lot of ways, it's a murder mystery too. Which all comes together to make a story that I loved a lot.
Caoine is a fascinating protagonist. The way Laura wrote her "curse" was so cool and yet creepy and it was perfection. She truly struggles inwardly through the whole book, but not enough to where it becomes annoying. I was rooting for her the entire time.
And the supporting cast? Incredible. Aubree and Seamus and Catherine and Oliver (who is the BEST) were all amazing friends to Caione and so there for her and encouraging and GAH. Positive friendships are what I LIVE FOR in books! Also Oliver is so swoon-worthy and perfect and I adore him with my whole heart. (He and Caoine together are just the cutest *melts*)
I'm not going to spoil anything, but I saw the villain reveal coming, which is something I personally love being able to do. But there's a twist at the end I did not see coming which made me tear up a little, I'm not gonna lie. This book had two misty-eyed, "oh dang" moments for me, which are always great. And painful. But great. And that lesson of how even when things don't end the way you think they should, there can still be hope? Amazing and absolutely perfect.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed the book. It's definitely one that's going to stick with me for a long time. It was original, it was awesome, and now that I know there's a sequel coming, I can't wait to see what waits for these characters next (will we go to the faerie realm? because that would be amazing)
4.5 stars from me!
Full review on my blog: https://novelsdragonsandwardrobedoors...
**I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review**
September 19, 2020
Faeries and banshees aren’t my usual reading, but Laura’s Keen was so good! If you like fantasy set in a contemporary high school setting with all the joys of finding new friends and navigating relationships, you’ll love it.
October 16, 2020
I really enjoyed this book. I liked the take on banshee magic. I loved the bit of mystery and intrigue that kept me guessing. Will definitely read the next book in the series. 😊💕
Read
April 1, 2024Did Not Finish
I'm not going to rate this book, but I will leave a few comments. That book cover, it does the story justice (LOOOOTS of HEARTS). I mostly had a problem with the angst Caoine deals with in the narration. She's SO uptight for the first 30% of the book, which I understand why, but after a while I felt like, please try a new character tactic. I get it, you're the harbinger of death, you dread it, you refuse to get close to others, but get on with the story. However, there was enough mystery and intrigue to hold my attention and it DOES get better. One good guy dies and one makes a sacrifice for Caoine, didn't quite cry, but both were very well written and those types of deaths are hard to write.
Loved Aubrey, even though I kind of suspected her at the end a little, but no doubt she is a worthy friend and makes the story better.
I was surprised Caoine's Dad is in the book as much as he is, thought of and mentioned, because it seems most YA books the parents are not in the picture or don't care and that is never realistic or satisfying to me. So another thumbs up to Zimmerman for keeping the Dad in the plot despite his drinking flaws. I truly loved how protective he is of Caoine and does his best to support her on her nightly walks. I REALLLLY wanted to know more about her mom and the Fae background there, maybe more of that will be revealed in Book 2? Hope so!
I predicted who the evil prince would be, but man is he smooth!! Didn't care for the notes at all, they just had no effect on me and would skip over them. The guy loves her yet he is a threat? Jessica, the ex girlfriend, was MUCH more intimidating and annoying to me than the evil prince who is retaliating. Those photos were obviously fake, but it's disturbing how far she goes with them.
Oliver was a great teen hero and he impressed me the most as the non-Fae character who doesn't freak out over everything he learns. He even takes a stand at the end deciding what future he wants for himself. I don't believe for a second that guys like him exist in high school, but he has an incredible heart and he makes the story enjoyable. Only found one typo in Ch. 58, will keep that noted here in case I need it for later. Am definitely interested in reading Book 2 when it's available.
I'm not going to rate this book, but I will leave a few comments. That book cover, it does the story justice (LOOOOTS of HEARTS). I mostly had a problem with the angst Caoine deals with in the narration. She's SO uptight for the first 30% of the book, which I understand why, but after a while I felt like, please try a new character tactic. I get it, you're the harbinger of death, you dread it, you refuse to get close to others, but get on with the story. However, there was enough mystery and intrigue to hold my attention and it DOES get better. One good guy dies and one makes a sacrifice for Caoine, didn't quite cry, but both were very well written and those types of deaths are hard to write.
Loved Aubrey, even though I kind of suspected her at the end a little, but no doubt she is a worthy friend and makes the story better.
I was surprised Caoine's Dad is in the book as much as he is, thought of and mentioned, because it seems most YA books the parents are not in the picture or don't care and that is never realistic or satisfying to me. So another thumbs up to Zimmerman for keeping the Dad in the plot despite his drinking flaws. I truly loved how protective he is of Caoine and does his best to support her on her nightly walks. I REALLLLY wanted to know more about her mom and the Fae background there, maybe more of that will be revealed in Book 2? Hope so!
I predicted who the evil prince would be, but man is he smooth!! Didn't care for the notes at all, they just had no effect on me and would skip over them. The guy loves her yet he is a threat? Jessica, the ex girlfriend, was MUCH more intimidating and annoying to me than the evil prince who is retaliating. Those photos were obviously fake, but it's disturbing how far she goes with them.
Oliver was a great teen hero and he impressed me the most as the non-Fae character who doesn't freak out over everything he learns. He even takes a stand at the end deciding what future he wants for himself. I don't believe for a second that guys like him exist in high school, but he has an incredible heart and he makes the story enjoyable. Only found one typo in Ch. 58, will keep that noted here in case I need it for later. Am definitely interested in reading Book 2 when it's available.
August 7, 2019
Keen by Laura L. Zimmerman starts out a little slow. Zimmerman does a fabulous job at getting into the mind of an introvert and allowing readers to really feel and understand how they want to hide from the world. The first seventy plus pages were a lot of teenage emotions and the set-up for the rest of the novel. I almost put the book down to read another and then return to Keen, but I'm glad I didn't. I knew I needed to finish the novel, so I plowed through. Boy, am I glad that I did. The novel really starts to take off around page one hundred. Then it becomes a fascinating story built around "teenagers" trying to save the human world. I knew who the Prince was early on. It didn't come as a surprise to me. Zimmerman's writing was wonderful. I think she does a wonderful job at allowing the readers to empathize with Caoine's emotions and not being able to fit in. What a teenager hasn't felt like this at least once, if not more. I believe fans of any Young Adult novel should read this book. It has some good lessons and a relatable story to tell.
I received a complimentary copy of Keen by Laura L. Zimmerman from Love2ReadLove2Write Publishing, but the opinions stated are all my own.
I received a complimentary copy of Keen by Laura L. Zimmerman from Love2ReadLove2Write Publishing, but the opinions stated are all my own.
May 19, 2021
"...My destiny is what I make it." - Keen, Laura L. Zimmerman
If you are looking for a captivating YA contemporary fantasy, then look no further than the Banshee Song Series by Laura L. Zimmerman! Book 1, Keen, follows Caoine (pronounced like sugar cane) in her last year of high school. But Caoine is different than her peers; she is half-faerie.
Caoine is a banshee. Cursed at birth (or was she gifted?) she sings a song predicting death. To protect her true identity, she and her father move around often. She has never had any friends due to her unique appearance, and so she has gotten used to being alone. Upon landing in a new town once again and becoming a student at West Lincoln High School, things begin to change for Caoine as she actually meets people who want to befriend her AND she meets Oliver and develops her first crush. But can she let anyone get close to her and risk revealing who she is - what she does? While trying to navigate high school, she learns she is being stalked by an evil faerie - the Unseelie Prince who has a sinister plan. Will Caoine be able to discover his true identity and save those she loves - can a banshee, a harbinger of death, save a life?
The first-person prose had me hooked from chapter one. The tension is palatable and I really connected with Caoine and her insecurities. I loved the genuine love between Caoine and Oliver, the strained yet solid relationship between Caoine and her father, and the addition of the typical mean girl made me feel I was back in high school myself. Though I wish she hadn't been the editor of the paper (I was the editor of my school paper back in the day, LOL). Themes of self-discovery, life being what you make it, and family love and sacrifice were the cherry on top of this wonderful YA book.
Overall, I give this book 4/5 stars. The only reason I am unable to give this book a full five stars is because of what happened to my favorite character - I can say nothing more without potential spoilers. Any reader who enjoys fantasy books with a real-life twist, and anyone who is looking for a unique book (I mean, this is the first book I've found about a banshee!), will fall in love with Zimmerman's world. 10/10 would recommend.
If you are looking for a captivating YA contemporary fantasy, then look no further than the Banshee Song Series by Laura L. Zimmerman! Book 1, Keen, follows Caoine (pronounced like sugar cane) in her last year of high school. But Caoine is different than her peers; she is half-faerie.
Caoine is a banshee. Cursed at birth (or was she gifted?) she sings a song predicting death. To protect her true identity, she and her father move around often. She has never had any friends due to her unique appearance, and so she has gotten used to being alone. Upon landing in a new town once again and becoming a student at West Lincoln High School, things begin to change for Caoine as she actually meets people who want to befriend her AND she meets Oliver and develops her first crush. But can she let anyone get close to her and risk revealing who she is - what she does? While trying to navigate high school, she learns she is being stalked by an evil faerie - the Unseelie Prince who has a sinister plan. Will Caoine be able to discover his true identity and save those she loves - can a banshee, a harbinger of death, save a life?
The first-person prose had me hooked from chapter one. The tension is palatable and I really connected with Caoine and her insecurities. I loved the genuine love between Caoine and Oliver, the strained yet solid relationship between Caoine and her father, and the addition of the typical mean girl made me feel I was back in high school myself. Though I wish she hadn't been the editor of the paper (I was the editor of my school paper back in the day, LOL). Themes of self-discovery, life being what you make it, and family love and sacrifice were the cherry on top of this wonderful YA book.
Overall, I give this book 4/5 stars. The only reason I am unable to give this book a full five stars is because of what happened to my favorite character - I can say nothing more without potential spoilers. Any reader who enjoys fantasy books with a real-life twist, and anyone who is looking for a unique book (I mean, this is the first book I've found about a banshee!), will fall in love with Zimmerman's world. 10/10 would recommend.
May 15, 2023
ALL. THE. STARS! I love this book so much! I loved the different take on faerie lore with Caoine (the main character) being a banshee. I also absolutely loved her voice. She may be part banshee, but she is also just a teenager who so desperately wants to fit in. And Oliver is absolutely perfect. I love that he is the perfect counterpart to Caoine and helps her see her full potential. I loved the relationship between Caoine and her dad, and how that is explored throughout the book! This book made me laugh, had me on edge with suspense, and made me cry. Seriously, all the feels!! The mystery throughout the story is highly intriguing, and the Unseelie Prince is the absolute worst! Highly, creepy evil villain! And on top of all of that, this book has such a beautiful message about finding your light! If you love faeries and amazing story telling, this book is a MUST READ!!
July 12, 2019
Yes, I finished this book in 24 hours. It was that good!
High school student Caoine (pronounced Cane) is a banshee. She’s destined to sing to those about to die, and she believes that ability is a curse.
She’s such a great YA protagonist! Zimmerman perfectly captures all of Caoine’s insecurities, her shyness, her incredulity that a guy would like her...all of it...in an authentic voice.
The secondary characters were so much fun! Aubree and Seamus were the perfect sidekicks. And the love interest, Oliver. Swoon! The way he listened to Caoine, made her feel safe, and stole her heart. Well. Let’s just say he makes an impression.
The conflict (the Unseelie Prince out to destroy the rift between the human and fairy world by using Caoine?!?) is high-stakes and thrilling! There were enough twists to keep me invested in Caoine’s struggle. I also loved the Celtic mythology and Fae lore seamlessly woven throughout the story.
With themes of light vs. darkness, making the right (though challenging!) decisions, self-sacrifice, and friendship, Keen is an awesome YA read with the perfect amount of edgy Teen Wolf and Riverdale vibes.
This is a stand-alone book though there’s a sweet little teaser at the end that opens up the possibility for another story.
High school student Caoine (pronounced Cane) is a banshee. She’s destined to sing to those about to die, and she believes that ability is a curse.
She’s such a great YA protagonist! Zimmerman perfectly captures all of Caoine’s insecurities, her shyness, her incredulity that a guy would like her...all of it...in an authentic voice.
The secondary characters were so much fun! Aubree and Seamus were the perfect sidekicks. And the love interest, Oliver. Swoon! The way he listened to Caoine, made her feel safe, and stole her heart. Well. Let’s just say he makes an impression.
The conflict (the Unseelie Prince out to destroy the rift between the human and fairy world by using Caoine?!?) is high-stakes and thrilling! There were enough twists to keep me invested in Caoine’s struggle. I also loved the Celtic mythology and Fae lore seamlessly woven throughout the story.
With themes of light vs. darkness, making the right (though challenging!) decisions, self-sacrifice, and friendship, Keen is an awesome YA read with the perfect amount of edgy Teen Wolf and Riverdale vibes.
This is a stand-alone book though there’s a sweet little teaser at the end that opens up the possibility for another story.
March 2, 2023
I received this book as a gift and I’m sad to say that I really didn’t enjoy it. Every detail and character seemed lifted from another popular Young Adult series. I will give the author credit for the unique premise. Banshees are a very underutilized yet fascinating subject matter in fiction as a whole. That being said, I called the villain from the moment we met the character. The main character is one of the worst YA heroines I’ve read. Even her character description feels lifted from an “edgy” early-to-mid-2000’s novel. Aubree is the same way, with her constantly changing multicolored hair and “k pop” style. There was so much showing but very little telling. This book was also extremely long for the story it was telling, which wasn’t much of one. I understand that this is the author’s debut, and I definitely give her props for that. It’s tough to write a book. Had this novel been edited with a more discerning eye, it would have been a much better read. If you’re interested in the subject of banshees in a contemporary YA setting, I’d recommend the Soul Screamers series by Rachel Vincent.
August 23, 2020
It had been a while since I read a YA book in a high school setting instead of a mystical world and it was a blast! I found myself chuckling at the drama and Caoine's extreme introverted-ness (me too, girl, me too). I loved all the fantasy folklore twisted into regular teen life. When I thought that banshees were enough BOOM, more faeries, then BOOM, more magic! I definitely couldn't figure out what was going to happen next!
I LOVEDDDDD Oliver! What a gem! We need more of those! And Aubree was awesome. Loved her style.
Laura did a great job writing all her characters, especially The Unseelie Prince, because I couldn't stand him. I believe I literally rolled my eyes during his speech at the end. : -P
All in all, a super fun book with a great message! I'm excited for book 2!
I LOVEDDDDD Oliver! What a gem! We need more of those! And Aubree was awesome. Loved her style.
Laura did a great job writing all her characters, especially The Unseelie Prince, because I couldn't stand him. I believe I literally rolled my eyes during his speech at the end. : -P
All in all, a super fun book with a great message! I'm excited for book 2!
April 16, 2025
Contemporary fantasy is not my usual jam, but I do love a good fae story! Her struggles with being a newbie in a high school were easy to relate to, as well as her feelings around not fitting in. Even though her reasons were magical, I’m sure we have ALL felt that feeling more than once.
The story and the characters kept me guessing, which I love, and I even guessed wrong several times before everything was revealed. Knowing where book 2 takes place, I’m eager to dive back in.💜
The story and the characters kept me guessing, which I love, and I even guessed wrong several times before everything was revealed. Knowing where book 2 takes place, I’m eager to dive back in.💜
October 21, 2024
DNF 66%
Junge Junge, hat mich des genervt. Ich hab's echt versucht, weil ich immer dachte, das nächste Kapitel kann nur besser werden, aber es wurde eben immer schlimmer. Die Handlung ist so. Ultra. Langsam. Und langweilig! Hauptsächlich besteht sie daraus, dass Madame jammert und sich in Selbstmitleid suhlt, aus irgendeinem Grund mit dem Typen zusammen kommt, den sie nicht wirklich kennt und andersrum und sie komplett dämlich durch die Weltgeschichte rennt. Also wenn ich schon ne Banshee bin, dann informier ich mich doch darüber, was eigentlich mein Zweck ist und schau bissl nach der Geschichte meiner Artgenossen und versuch nicht komplett verblödet und ignorant zu sein.
So, dann findet sie den bösen Prinzen, bzw sie vermutet -richtigerweise- wer es is, weil alles untrüglich und zweifelsfrei auf diese Person hinweist, und der sagt ihr quasi "hey, ich bin doch gar nicht böse." Und sie so "wirklich? OK dann is ja gut". Kopf->Tisch ....
Einige Romantasies haben ja wenigstens noch den Anstand so zu tun, als seien 17/18 jährige reifer und weniger infantil als sie's idR tatsächlich sind, aber die Story war schon ne echte Zumutung.. vlt kann man's auch nur lesen,wenn man nahe an dem altern dran is -vlt ergibts dann auch irgendnen Sinn- aber für ausgereifte Gehirne ist das meiner Ansicht nach nix. Dabei ist die Grundidee so gut...
Junge Junge, hat mich des genervt. Ich hab's echt versucht, weil ich immer dachte, das nächste Kapitel kann nur besser werden, aber es wurde eben immer schlimmer. Die Handlung ist so. Ultra. Langsam. Und langweilig! Hauptsächlich besteht sie daraus, dass Madame jammert und sich in Selbstmitleid suhlt, aus irgendeinem Grund mit dem Typen zusammen kommt, den sie nicht wirklich kennt und andersrum und sie komplett dämlich durch die Weltgeschichte rennt. Also wenn ich schon ne Banshee bin, dann informier ich mich doch darüber, was eigentlich mein Zweck ist und schau bissl nach der Geschichte meiner Artgenossen und versuch nicht komplett verblödet und ignorant zu sein.
So, dann findet sie den bösen Prinzen, bzw sie vermutet -richtigerweise- wer es is, weil alles untrüglich und zweifelsfrei auf diese Person hinweist, und der sagt ihr quasi "hey, ich bin doch gar nicht böse." Und sie so "wirklich? OK dann is ja gut". Kopf->Tisch ....
Einige Romantasies haben ja wenigstens noch den Anstand so zu tun, als seien 17/18 jährige reifer und weniger infantil als sie's idR tatsächlich sind, aber die Story war schon ne echte Zumutung.. vlt kann man's auch nur lesen,wenn man nahe an dem altern dran is -vlt ergibts dann auch irgendnen Sinn- aber für ausgereifte Gehirne ist das meiner Ansicht nach nix. Dabei ist die Grundidee so gut...
April 5, 2022
Books about banshees are more rare, so I was excited to discover this book. Caoine, as a half-faerie, who is half human and half banshee is starting her senior year in a new school yet again. This time is different though, she is not treated by everyone as a freak. She actually makes friends and gains a love interest. I enjoyed getting to know Caoine, watching her grow as a person, and learning about her banshee abilities. I also enjoyed getting to know the secondary characters as well. The story was enjoyable and the author did a great job of drawing me into the story. I am already looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
July 22, 2023
3.5 stars. I’m not a big paranormal fan but I still enjoyed this book. And that ending!! *sobs* I want to read more books about banshees now! And Aubree is so cool. I did end up guessing who the Unseelie prince was but it was still a good reveal. The Seven Deadly Sins thing was cool. I wish we’d seen the faerie world but that’s just me.
Overall, if you enjoy paranormal and its tropes, I’d recommend this book. If you don’t like petty high school drama or MCs with a lot of self hatred (at least at the beginning—she does grow as a character), Keen might not be for you.
Overall, if you enjoy paranormal and its tropes, I’d recommend this book. If you don’t like petty high school drama or MCs with a lot of self hatred (at least at the beginning—she does grow as a character), Keen might not be for you.
March 14, 2024
Banshees and seniors in high school have a lot in common, and L.Zimmerman is going to prove it. I was delighted to see a rarely used fae case as the lead in this high school urban fantasy. As a reader, we get to learn about Zimmerman's world as the FMC explores very relatable emotions like exclusion, baseless guilt, and overcoming both through opening herself up to friends and family. Highly recommend this one. For those concerned, I would give this a PG rating. Some kissing, a little violence, neither is graphic or over the top.
January 7, 2021
overall an ok book. im trying to get into fantasy and if I'm being honest i don't think this book was a book intro. although this is a YA fantasy. i liked the short chapters. this book was kind of repetitive and the character development was very sudden, it was like she thought one way for almost 15 years and then overnight she had a different mindset but kept contradicting herself. overall i rate it a 3/5.
October 14, 2023
What a fun read!
I fell in love with Caoine right away! She is such an interesting character and the author's take on a teenage banshee's life and problems was very well done. I was rooting for her the entire time.
She had good character growth and believable responses to the conflicts she was thrown into.
The plot had a lot of suspense that kept me turning pages to find out what happened next. The perfect October read!
I'm excited for book 2!
I fell in love with Caoine right away! She is such an interesting character and the author's take on a teenage banshee's life and problems was very well done. I was rooting for her the entire time.
She had good character growth and believable responses to the conflicts she was thrown into.
The plot had a lot of suspense that kept me turning pages to find out what happened next. The perfect October read!
I'm excited for book 2!
February 25, 2024
I so enjoyed Keen! I think if’s the first book I’ve read where a Banshee was the main character and it was so enjoyable. Caoine had a lot to deal with in her senior year at a new school. New town, new school, no friends, dad with a drinking problem. And then there was the fact that she’s a banshee who winds death every night.
I found the unique premise engaging and I read it quickly. Can’t wait for book two!
I found the unique premise engaging and I read it quickly. Can’t wait for book two!
September 6, 2021
Fun YA // banshees are cool // love the faerie world sitting next to a high school, wish we could have gone through the veil and learned more about the other side // pretty much exactly what I was in the mood for for an "end of summer" read
July 17, 2022
This was a fun book! The story has adventure and cmystery as Caoine balances the world of human and fae.
The climax was good, if not a little too long. Part of the resolution felt a little unbelievable, but overall this was a really enjoyable read that kept me guessing all the way to the end!
The climax was good, if not a little too long. Part of the resolution felt a little unbelievable, but overall this was a really enjoyable read that kept me guessing all the way to the end!
January 3, 2022
Very interesting book, I could not put it down at all. Read is so fast. Obsessed with this author. One of my favorites.
November 14, 2020
Where to start with this book...I guess I'll start by saying YA isn't the usual genre I enjoy reading, but this book? LOVED IT! There is action, suspense, mystery and romance all rolled into fantastic fantasy/contemporary world building. I literally couldn't put it down.
Caoine (pronounced "Cane") is more than a troubled teen. She has the literal weight of the world on her shoulders from her "curse": pronouncing the death of others. Riddled with guilt and hate for what she can't control, she finds herself in yet another new school expecting even more rejections from her odd appearance. But this school is different than the rest and she somehow begins to find not only true friends, but a love interest as well.
Soon after, her curse begins to change and Caoine finds herself in a race against an unknown enemy who threatens the lives of her newfound relationships. This Unseelie Prince seems to know more about her abilities than she does and is always a step ahead.
Caoine must choose between trying to protect those she cares about by facing him alone and possibly failing, or accepting the help her friends offer, even at a great risk, to stop him before it's too late.
I loved the pace of this story. Bringing on the momentum at just the right moments kept me reading. I also love it when a story, keeps me guessing. Just when I thought I had it figured out, I didn't.
Fantastic debut novel from this author and I cannot recommend this book enough! I'm excited for book 2, Lament!
Caoine (pronounced "Cane") is more than a troubled teen. She has the literal weight of the world on her shoulders from her "curse": pronouncing the death of others. Riddled with guilt and hate for what she can't control, she finds herself in yet another new school expecting even more rejections from her odd appearance. But this school is different than the rest and she somehow begins to find not only true friends, but a love interest as well.
Soon after, her curse begins to change and Caoine finds herself in a race against an unknown enemy who threatens the lives of her newfound relationships. This Unseelie Prince seems to know more about her abilities than she does and is always a step ahead.
Caoine must choose between trying to protect those she cares about by facing him alone and possibly failing, or accepting the help her friends offer, even at a great risk, to stop him before it's too late.
I loved the pace of this story. Bringing on the momentum at just the right moments kept me reading. I also love it when a story, keeps me guessing. Just when I thought I had it figured out, I didn't.
Fantastic debut novel from this author and I cannot recommend this book enough! I'm excited for book 2, Lament!
November 18, 2024
this was a book I have had on my physical tbr for awhile and now I am wondering why it took me so long to read it. this was a quirky fun character with a lot of soul. I love the friendship dynamic, and the way they interact with each other. this book gives off a lot of heart. can't wait to start Lament!!!!
June 11, 2020
Great read! I haven't read a ton of YA fantasy (more of a sci-fi/dystopian/post-apocalyptic girl), so this was a new thing for me. I definitely found myself wanting to learn more about banshees as a result of this book, so thanks for that, Laura Zimmerman!
It took me a little bit to get into the story, but I suspect that may have to do with the fact that I kept thinking, "Wow, I do not miss high school at. all." I'll also admit that Caoine frustrated the heck out of me! I'm a very passionate active person, so her lonely moping at the beginning made me want to pull an Edna Mode and yell "Pull yourself TOGETHAH!"
And then she did. 😂 (Can I mention how much I like her name? I'm partial to Scottish/Irish names.)
Once the characters gelled into a group and the stakes began to ramp up, I was hooked! I liked Aubree and Oliver best, but I was suspicious of another character from the get-go (No spoilers). All the different threads came together in the end, and I'm very curious what direction the author will go in the sequel, Lament.
I'd definitely recommend this for teen girls. Clean, fun read with some great dialogue, sweet romance, and a unique concept. Where else are you going to find a story about a banshee?
It took me a little bit to get into the story, but I suspect that may have to do with the fact that I kept thinking, "Wow, I do not miss high school at. all." I'll also admit that Caoine frustrated the heck out of me! I'm a very passionate active person, so her lonely moping at the beginning made me want to pull an Edna Mode and yell "Pull yourself TOGETHAH!"
And then she did. 😂 (Can I mention how much I like her name? I'm partial to Scottish/Irish names.)
Once the characters gelled into a group and the stakes began to ramp up, I was hooked! I liked Aubree and Oliver best, but I was suspicious of another character from the get-go (No spoilers). All the different threads came together in the end, and I'm very curious what direction the author will go in the sequel, Lament.
I'd definitely recommend this for teen girls. Clean, fun read with some great dialogue, sweet romance, and a unique concept. Where else are you going to find a story about a banshee?
March 26, 2020
Overall: Great imaginative use of Fae story elements. Loved the friendships in the book and the relationship Caoine has with her father...complicated but loving.
The story itself has EVERYTHING. Friendship. Young love. A complicated family. High school mean girl(s). A murder mystery (trying to figure out who the Unseelie Prince is before he ends up revealing himself.) I like a good who done it story. And I pinned the murders on one person and then another and I love it when you can't entirely tell. But everything came together in the end and you get the element of surprise. I also may have shed a few tears in the end....the book takes you on a rollercoaster of emotion. You will laugh, be angry, and then cry. A great read if you get the opportunity to pick this book up.
The story itself has EVERYTHING. Friendship. Young love. A complicated family. High school mean girl(s). A murder mystery (trying to figure out who the Unseelie Prince is before he ends up revealing himself.) I like a good who done it story. And I pinned the murders on one person and then another and I love it when you can't entirely tell. But everything came together in the end and you get the element of surprise. I also may have shed a few tears in the end....the book takes you on a rollercoaster of emotion. You will laugh, be angry, and then cry. A great read if you get the opportunity to pick this book up.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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July 21, 2019I am not generally a reader of YA material, especially those YA books that are so obviously written and marketed for preteen girls; Having said that, Keen's poetic style grabbed me, emotions and anxieties are so masterfully depicted, and the characters so completely realized that I couldn't help but be propelled page after page, racing along with Caoine in this compelling Fae mystery.
Does it hit the highs of Harry Potter? No, but it isn't striving to be that. This is a very personal story, told by an exciting new voice. It won me over, despite all my attempts to hate it.
I'm excited to see the series continue, and hope that its content ages with its character.
Does it hit the highs of Harry Potter? No, but it isn't striving to be that. This is a very personal story, told by an exciting new voice. It won me over, despite all my attempts to hate it.
I'm excited to see the series continue, and hope that its content ages with its character.
July 21, 2019
From the fascinating banshee premise to the unfolding mystery and swoony romance, I couldn't put this book down! The characters were complex and relatable, especially Caoine as she dealt with both normal struggles of high school and abnormal struggles of being part fae. New twists and character developments kept me guessing, and the message of healing and self-worth was explored in a beautiful way. Highly recommended for fans of engaging paranormal fantasy!
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.*
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.*
January 21, 2024
I've had this beautiful book on my reading list for a while now and finally got a chance to sit down with it! Such a good story! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Keen is YA with some very relatable tropes. Feeling out of place, being uncertain/uncomfortable with self, blaming self for things completely out of one's control, and of course, sweet, clean romance. 💜 If you like YA paranormal romance but want something a little different from werewolves and vampires (nothing wrong with those!), check out my girl Caoine (pronounced Cane) and see what life as a reluctant banshee is like!
August 4, 2021
I think we can all agree that high school is difficult enough without being cursed. Unfortunately, Caoine doesn't have much of a choice in the matter. I thought Laura Zimmerman did a great job depicting emotions such as grief, envy and loneliness, and how they can affect us and those around us. I really liked the inclusion of banshees, as they don't get as much use in fantasy as I think they should. Looking forward to Book 2.
September 11, 2019
I loved this book! Caoine isn't an ordinary girl. With pale features and two different colored eyes, she's used to feeling like the outcast at school. But then she gains friends and the tension begins. What if she kills one of her friends? Isn't it better if they stay far far away from her since she sings and then people die? I really enjoyed this book and highly recommend it.
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