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Sasha Urban #1
La Fille qui voit
Je suis illusionniste, pas médium.
Mon passage à la télé est censé faire progresser ma carrière, mais les choses se passent mal...
... du genre vampires et zombies.
Je m’appelle Sasha Urban et voici comment j’ai appris ce que je suis.
Mon passage à la télé est censé faire progresser ma carrière, mais les choses se passent mal...
... du genre vampires et zombies.
Je m’appelle Sasha Urban et voici comment j’ai appris ce que je suis.
398 pages, Paperback
First published June 30, 2018
2136 people are currently reading
3131 people want to read
About the author
Dima Zales
110 books737 followersDima Zales is a full-time science fiction and fantasy author residing in Palm Coast, Florida. Prior to becoming a writer, he worked in the software development industry in New York as both a programmer and an executive. From high-frequency trading software for big banks to mobile apps for popular magazines, Dima has done it all. In 2013, he left the software industry in order to concentrate on his writing career.
Dima holds a Master’s degree in Computer Science from NYU and a dual undergraduate degree in Computer Science / Psychology from Brooklyn College. He also has a number of hobbies and interests, the most unusual of which might be professional-level mentalism. He simulates mind-reading on stage and close-up, and has done shows for corporations, wealthy individuals, and friends.
He is also into healthy eating and fitness, so he should live long enough to finish all the book projects he starts. In fact, he very much hopes to catch the technological advancements that might let him live forever (biologically or otherwise). Aside from that, he also enjoys learning about current and future technologies that might enhance our lives, including artificial intelligence, biofeedback, brain-to-computer interfaces, and brain-enhancing implants.
In addition to his own works, Dima has collaborated on a number of romance novels with his wife, Anna Zaires. The Krinar Chronicles, an erotic science fiction series, has been a bestseller in its categories and has been recognized by the likes of Marie Claire and Woman’s Day. If you like erotic romance with a unique plot, please feel free to check it out, especially since the first book in the series (Close Liaisons) is available for free everywhere. Keep in mind, though, Dima Zales's books are going to be much more PG 13 . . . at least that’s the plan for now.
Anna Zaires is the love of his life and a huge inspiration in every aspect of his writing. She definitely adds her magic touch to anything Dima creates, and the books would not be the same without her. Dima’s fans are strongly encouraged to learn more about Anna and her work at http://www.annazaires.com/
Dima holds a Master’s degree in Computer Science from NYU and a dual undergraduate degree in Computer Science / Psychology from Brooklyn College. He also has a number of hobbies and interests, the most unusual of which might be professional-level mentalism. He simulates mind-reading on stage and close-up, and has done shows for corporations, wealthy individuals, and friends.
He is also into healthy eating and fitness, so he should live long enough to finish all the book projects he starts. In fact, he very much hopes to catch the technological advancements that might let him live forever (biologically or otherwise). Aside from that, he also enjoys learning about current and future technologies that might enhance our lives, including artificial intelligence, biofeedback, brain-to-computer interfaces, and brain-enhancing implants.
In addition to his own works, Dima has collaborated on a number of romance novels with his wife, Anna Zaires. The Krinar Chronicles, an erotic science fiction series, has been a bestseller in its categories and has been recognized by the likes of Marie Claire and Woman’s Day. If you like erotic romance with a unique plot, please feel free to check it out, especially since the first book in the series (Close Liaisons) is available for free everywhere. Keep in mind, though, Dima Zales's books are going to be much more PG 13 . . . at least that’s the plan for now.
Anna Zaires is the love of his life and a huge inspiration in every aspect of his writing. She definitely adds her magic touch to anything Dima creates, and the books would not be the same without her. Dima’s fans are strongly encouraged to learn more about Anna and her work at http://www.annazaires.com/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 255 reviews
April 6, 2022
The Mentalist
The following ratings are out of 5:
Narration: 🎙🎙🎙🎙
Story/Plot: 📕📗📘
World building: 🌎🌍🌏🌎
Character development: 😳☺️🤫😍
The heroine: Sasha Urban - she works on wall street and sees herself as a mental illusionist and wants to be the first well known female magician on TV. Kind of like her hero Chris Angel. During her first TV spot on a local talk show there are some crazy happenings involving zombies and vampires.
The Story: This is one of the oddest books I have ever read. Sasha has lived a normal life but it suddenly turns very paranormal and she is in the dark as to what is happening. For some reason there are multiple people around her who seem to know what is going on but won’t or can’t tell her.
Sasha keeps dreaming of a necromancer who is reanimating bodies to try to kill her so she spends a lot of time being chased by reanimated corpses in different forms. She finds out she is a Cognizant and she broke some sort of rule when she went on television with her act.
The book is not a romance, though there are several good looking men in the story. It was told all in Sasha’s point of view and the narration was done by Emily Durante who is a very good narrator with many voices in her repertoire. Her voice sounds very age appropriate for Sasha. Though the book is just not quite my kind of story, so I doubt I will read the rest of the series.
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The following ratings are out of 5:
Narration: 🎙🎙🎙🎙
Story/Plot: 📕📗📘
World building: 🌎🌍🌏🌎
Character development: 😳☺️🤫😍
The heroine: Sasha Urban - she works on wall street and sees herself as a mental illusionist and wants to be the first well known female magician on TV. Kind of like her hero Chris Angel. During her first TV spot on a local talk show there are some crazy happenings involving zombies and vampires.
The Story: This is one of the oddest books I have ever read. Sasha has lived a normal life but it suddenly turns very paranormal and she is in the dark as to what is happening. For some reason there are multiple people around her who seem to know what is going on but won’t or can’t tell her.
Sasha keeps dreaming of a necromancer who is reanimating bodies to try to kill her so she spends a lot of time being chased by reanimated corpses in different forms. She finds out she is a Cognizant and she broke some sort of rule when she went on television with her act.
The book is not a romance, though there are several good looking men in the story. It was told all in Sasha’s point of view and the narration was done by Emily Durante who is a very good narrator with many voices in her repertoire. Her voice sounds very age appropriate for Sasha. Though the book is just not quite my kind of story, so I doubt I will read the rest of the series.
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March 14, 2020
The Girl Who Sees
Sasha Urban Series, Book 1
By: Dima Zales, Anna Zaires
Narrated by: Emily Durante
I had never read anything by these authors and was happy to find I enjoyed them. A fast paced, action packed book with surprises, likable characters, supernatural creatures and abilities. What more is there to like? The narration was great too! Going on to the next book!
Sasha Urban Series, Book 1
By: Dima Zales, Anna Zaires
Narrated by: Emily Durante
I had never read anything by these authors and was happy to find I enjoyed them. A fast paced, action packed book with surprises, likable characters, supernatural creatures and abilities. What more is there to like? The narration was great too! Going on to the next book!
July 11, 2018
2.5/5 Stars
I feel like I'm the only one that only kinda liked this novel. The story-line is intriguing, but it just took forever to get exciting.
Sasha Urban is a mental illusionist who wants to have her own TV show. After her first appearance, crazy things begin to happen around her. She begins to see the future, and tries to change the horrid things she sees.
I found myself skimming most of the book, up until two thirds of the way through. It was basically just Sasha (and the reader) being majorly confused about what the hell was going on. Half the time it seemed like she knew and the other half like she was a bimbo.
On top of that, I just didn't like any of the characters. They are rather forgettable. And it sucks because I hardly ever forget characters, even years down the line.
I will say that the novel ended on an interesting note. So I'm intrigued on where the story is set to go. I just hope that it is better than this one.
Disclaimer: I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review
I feel like I'm the only one that only kinda liked this novel. The story-line is intriguing, but it just took forever to get exciting.
Sasha Urban is a mental illusionist who wants to have her own TV show. After her first appearance, crazy things begin to happen around her. She begins to see the future, and tries to change the horrid things she sees.
I found myself skimming most of the book, up until two thirds of the way through. It was basically just Sasha (and the reader) being majorly confused about what the hell was going on. Half the time it seemed like she knew and the other half like she was a bimbo.
On top of that, I just didn't like any of the characters. They are rather forgettable. And it sucks because I hardly ever forget characters, even years down the line.
I will say that the novel ended on an interesting note. So I'm intrigued on where the story is set to go. I just hope that it is better than this one.
Disclaimer: I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review
February 4, 2020
This was such a fun and unique read. I loved all the diverse characters and how even though many questions were answered, I still have so many more because of it. I will definitely not hesitate to pick up book two.
March 23, 2020
Huh. This wasn't so bad. My only issue was that it was really slow. Nothing really happens till the end and when it did it was a bit of a letdown. I might check book 2 out someday.
September 22, 2018
Disappointing
As I read the reviews, I don't understand how this book got a 4.5 star rating. I feel like I was generous with a 3 star. I think the storyline was a good idea, but the story seemed disjointed and at times disconnected. The writing style seemed more like a Young Adult style. Characters were thrown into the story and were never properly developed. There were some exciting moments, but then they were dropped before the reader was given time to connect the event to the storyline. Sasha spent the majority of the book being chased by zombies. She cleverly avoids being killed, but then is chased again. Characters are thrown into the story and then disappear with no explanation. Sasha is then taken into another world, but the reader is not sure how or why. At the last minute, the reader is given a minimal explanation. I love paranormal stories, but this one just didn't do it for me. I won't continue with this series . Very disappointed
As I read the reviews, I don't understand how this book got a 4.5 star rating. I feel like I was generous with a 3 star. I think the storyline was a good idea, but the story seemed disjointed and at times disconnected. The writing style seemed more like a Young Adult style. Characters were thrown into the story and were never properly developed. There were some exciting moments, but then they were dropped before the reader was given time to connect the event to the storyline. Sasha spent the majority of the book being chased by zombies. She cleverly avoids being killed, but then is chased again. Characters are thrown into the story and then disappear with no explanation. Sasha is then taken into another world, but the reader is not sure how or why. At the last minute, the reader is given a minimal explanation. I love paranormal stories, but this one just didn't do it for me. I won't continue with this series . Very disappointed
September 29, 2020
3.5
Oh yikes....Well...we've got a snarky snark h named Sasha who considers herself to be a mentalist. She has been practicing her magic tricks for years, and enjoys showing off her talents to friends and patrons alike. (But atm it's more as a side gig)
It isn't until she is finally invited onto a TV show to display her methods to a live crowd that things start to go really wrong. Sasha suddenly finds her self the target of some nefarious plot after she takes the sketchy advice to let the audience think her tricks are actually real psychic premonitions instead of mentalism--this also puts her on some dangerously powerful peoples radars!
So, I had fun reading this for the most part, and I'm seeing the possible potential in the strory- so I will read on!
"If Occam were in my shoes, he’d slit his wrists with his razor."
Oh yikes....Well...we've got a snarky snark h named Sasha who considers herself to be a mentalist. She has been practicing her magic tricks for years, and enjoys showing off her talents to friends and patrons alike. (But atm it's more as a side gig)
It isn't until she is finally invited onto a TV show to display her methods to a live crowd that things start to go really wrong. Sasha suddenly finds her self the target of some nefarious plot after she takes the sketchy advice to let the audience think her tricks are actually real psychic premonitions instead of mentalism--this also puts her on some dangerously powerful peoples radars!
So, I had fun reading this for the most part, and I'm seeing the possible potential in the strory- so I will read on!
October 28, 2018
I was excited to read this book; it seemed like it would be interesting and unique. And it would have been a great read for me if the main character, Sasha, hadn’t been so utterly stupid. She has a vision/dream and uses it to escape an animated cadaver. She questions whether or not it was real multiple times. Oh, I got it the first time since she had been glamoured and all, but multiple times? Come on! It was insulting to read through Sasha’s nonsense wonderings. All of the “ even though I saw this exact scene in a vivid dream right down to the hospital room number and it’s happened to me multiple times, I just don’t get it. Could I really be this dumb? Or was it all just a dream?” wrecked it for me. it ended up being a poor attempt at engaging me with the character and a major turnoff. I can only hope Sasha evolves into a less cringe-worthy heroine as the series progresses. The author is a strong enough writer that she doesn’t have to resort to dumbing down her characters!
March 4, 2019
The general idea for the story was pretty interesting, but execution was not great. The book is slow, fairly uninteresting, and mostly confusing until you hit about 60%. Here, you go from dragging your feet to a full on sprint.
Our main character, Sasha, doesn’t have much of a personality and is either choosing to be blissfully ignorant throughout most of the book or she’s not nearly as smart as her superhuman logistical skills would make her seem. In fact, most of her confusion towards the middle of the book seems to be written for the reader’s benefit, but actually negates any of the intelligence her character is told to possess. This made the story kind of bland for me, and situations that should have made me squirm with anticipation left me feeling unenthused.
The only real redeeming quality for me was the last 40% of the book, where mysteries are somewhat revealed and the pacing is much more upbeat.
Our main character, Sasha, doesn’t have much of a personality and is either choosing to be blissfully ignorant throughout most of the book or she’s not nearly as smart as her superhuman logistical skills would make her seem. In fact, most of her confusion towards the middle of the book seems to be written for the reader’s benefit, but actually negates any of the intelligence her character is told to possess. This made the story kind of bland for me, and situations that should have made me squirm with anticipation left me feeling unenthused.
The only real redeeming quality for me was the last 40% of the book, where mysteries are somewhat revealed and the pacing is much more upbeat.
dnf
September 3, 2018No negatives exactly, just didn't grab me... if I'd have sampled this I wouldn't have clicked...
Want to read
August 3, 2019🎁 FREE on Amazon today (8/3/2019)! 🎁
April 16, 2020
Cassandra Gold - per RFS
.
Salve a tutte mie Fenici, benvenute allo spettacolo di magia di Sasha Urban. Preparatevi a rimanere strabiliate dai suoi incredibili numeri d’illusionismo, proverete emozioni uniche, assisterete a meravigliose visioni sin anche a percepire i limiti dell’ignoto. Ma ogni magia ha un trucco e Sasha sa nascondere molto bene i suoi. Fino a che una sera, dopo aver ottenuto l’invito a esibirsi a uno show televisivo di successo, lei capisce che non tutto ciò che fa è legato a una mistificazione. Conoscerà Dorian e Gaius così apprenderà alcuni segreti legati al suo passato. Persino la sua coinquilina Ariel, le apparirà in modo differente. Niente è ciò che sembra e il mondo nel quale è vissuta fino ad ora, nasconde numerosi segreti. Riuscirà Sasha a sopravvivere alla sua nuova vita? Cosa ne sarà dei suoi sogni di successo?
Un libro pieno di sorprese, una storia coinvolgente che ti prende e ti lascia senza respiro sin dalle prime pagine. Una costruzione complessa degli eventi e molto ben orchestrata ti trasporta in un universo nel quale tutti i miti, che noi abbiamo imparato a conoscere nel corso degli anni, vengono destrutturati e rielaborati, dandoci nuovi concetti sui quali costruire una rivoluzionaria visione dei miti. Così sappiamo che esistono degli eredi per divinità ed eroi, come Ercole e, che le divinità di un tempo passato, possono essere i vicini del tempo presente. Un mandato blocca semplicemente le loro azioni, per far sì che il mondo moderno mantenga una sua integrità.
Trovo un’idea vincente, questa particolare rielaborazione dei miti che l’autrice ha operato nei suoi scritti. Dal punto di vista strutturale, la lettura scorre fluida e le scene si palesano con facilità davanti al lettore, dando a esso la possibilità d’immergersi totalmente nella globalità degli avvenimenti. L’autrice porta avanti una doppia struttura, nella quale gli eventi reali s’intrecciano e si susseguono in maniera armoniosa con le visioni di Sasha. Lei è una veggente e le sue illuminazioni hanno il potere di condurla a cambiare la realtà, come un’autrice che, non convinta della prima scena, tira una linea per riscriverla con più ispirazione. Così fa Sasha, rielaborando il destino e prevenendo catastrofi.
Care Fenici, perdetevi nelle parole della nostra Veggente e ascoltate con me le sue miracolose previsioni. A presto!
.
Salve a tutte mie Fenici, benvenute allo spettacolo di magia di Sasha Urban. Preparatevi a rimanere strabiliate dai suoi incredibili numeri d’illusionismo, proverete emozioni uniche, assisterete a meravigliose visioni sin anche a percepire i limiti dell’ignoto. Ma ogni magia ha un trucco e Sasha sa nascondere molto bene i suoi. Fino a che una sera, dopo aver ottenuto l’invito a esibirsi a uno show televisivo di successo, lei capisce che non tutto ciò che fa è legato a una mistificazione. Conoscerà Dorian e Gaius così apprenderà alcuni segreti legati al suo passato. Persino la sua coinquilina Ariel, le apparirà in modo differente. Niente è ciò che sembra e il mondo nel quale è vissuta fino ad ora, nasconde numerosi segreti. Riuscirà Sasha a sopravvivere alla sua nuova vita? Cosa ne sarà dei suoi sogni di successo?
Un libro pieno di sorprese, una storia coinvolgente che ti prende e ti lascia senza respiro sin dalle prime pagine. Una costruzione complessa degli eventi e molto ben orchestrata ti trasporta in un universo nel quale tutti i miti, che noi abbiamo imparato a conoscere nel corso degli anni, vengono destrutturati e rielaborati, dandoci nuovi concetti sui quali costruire una rivoluzionaria visione dei miti. Così sappiamo che esistono degli eredi per divinità ed eroi, come Ercole e, che le divinità di un tempo passato, possono essere i vicini del tempo presente. Un mandato blocca semplicemente le loro azioni, per far sì che il mondo moderno mantenga una sua integrità.
Trovo un’idea vincente, questa particolare rielaborazione dei miti che l’autrice ha operato nei suoi scritti. Dal punto di vista strutturale, la lettura scorre fluida e le scene si palesano con facilità davanti al lettore, dando a esso la possibilità d’immergersi totalmente nella globalità degli avvenimenti. L’autrice porta avanti una doppia struttura, nella quale gli eventi reali s’intrecciano e si susseguono in maniera armoniosa con le visioni di Sasha. Lei è una veggente e le sue illuminazioni hanno il potere di condurla a cambiare la realtà, come un’autrice che, non convinta della prima scena, tira una linea per riscriverla con più ispirazione. Così fa Sasha, rielaborando il destino e prevenendo catastrofi.
Care Fenici, perdetevi nelle parole della nostra Veggente e ascoltate con me le sue miracolose previsioni. A presto!
October 19, 2022
That was an unexpected treat! I stumbled over this book in a library search. And I’m glad! I’ve never seen this book or author before and I enjoyed the hijinks.
I can see some hints of romance in the future for this character but this was an action packed start to the series. I really hope the other books hold up. Sadly, the second one wasn’t available through my library yet and I put it on hold.
I reserve my judgement on this series until I’ve read some more but if they continue the way this started, I may have found a new favorite.
I can see some hints of romance in the future for this character but this was an action packed start to the series. I really hope the other books hold up. Sadly, the second one wasn’t available through my library yet and I put it on hold.
I reserve my judgement on this series until I’ve read some more but if they continue the way this started, I may have found a new favorite.
March 20, 2020
Mon avis en Français
My English review
After seeing a review of one of the volumes of the series, I was curious to discover this very first novel.
It was really nice to have a different heroine, a heroine whose dream is to become a great mentalist/illusionist. She is thrilled when she can finally perform on TV. However, she doesn’t know that this performance will turn her her life down: a zombie comes on stage to kill her. From then on, she will discover a world of which she knew nothing about and which her friends share. But our heroine will not have time to understand exactly what is happening: she must try to survive!
I had a good time with the novel, it was very nice to have something different. What about Nero and Darian? Arghh, I want to know more!!!!! The style is sometimes not very fluid, but being caught up in the story, you don’t really realize it. We follow Sasha in her discovery of this new universe, of these all different creatures and especially in her understanding of what she can and cannot do. Because of course, that means she’s not quite human.
My English review
After seeing a review of one of the volumes of the series, I was curious to discover this very first novel.
It was really nice to have a different heroine, a heroine whose dream is to become a great mentalist/illusionist. She is thrilled when she can finally perform on TV. However, she doesn’t know that this performance will turn her her life down: a zombie comes on stage to kill her. From then on, she will discover a world of which she knew nothing about and which her friends share. But our heroine will not have time to understand exactly what is happening: she must try to survive!
I had a good time with the novel, it was very nice to have something different. What about Nero and Darian? Arghh, I want to know more!!!!! The style is sometimes not very fluid, but being caught up in the story, you don’t really realize it. We follow Sasha in her discovery of this new universe, of these all different creatures and especially in her understanding of what she can and cannot do. Because of course, that means she’s not quite human.
March 30, 2020
Notes:
OK start to a UF series. MC is a bit of ditz but maybe she will level up in the process of learning.
OK start to a UF series. MC is a bit of ditz but maybe she will level up in the process of learning.
November 14, 2021
This was an interesting start to a new series for me about a woman who is a mentalist. She wants to someday have her own show however she suffers from crippling anxiety in front of a crowd. She gets an opportunity to go on a show and show what she can do. When there she gets attacked and then all hell breaks loose in her world. I enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more.
August 14, 2019
A surprisingly delightful and fun read
September 13, 2021
Interesting fun
Wow right from the start Sasha was in trouble but not sure what was going on. She really had a wild ride with all types of creatures. I enjoyed the story. It was fun and the characters were a wild bunch as well. Can't wait to see what's going to happen next.
Wow right from the start Sasha was in trouble but not sure what was going on. She really had a wild ride with all types of creatures. I enjoyed the story. It was fun and the characters were a wild bunch as well. Can't wait to see what's going to happen next.
July 7, 2018
I loved this book. The story took a little bit to get going because it is told from the main character’s point of view and you discover things as they unfold, but once you figure out what is going on the story flies. Sasha wants to be an illusionist on TV but when she predicts the future during her first real show her world changes in ways she can’t explain. With walking dead, zombie battles and car chases there is plenty of excitement. By the end of this book you will be hooked on this new series.
sampled
September 2, 2018Personal note to self.
Mmm I can't say this book has a strong beginning. The sample is a couple of chapters and unfortunately it raises so many doubts:
-if she's suffering from panic attacks when in public to the point of being phobic (and needing medication) why accepting a TV appearance?
- If your host blackmails you, why do you accept it or pretend everything is all right?
- Why is the only thing you think about (above all in this #metoo world) is that you might accept his advances (he's fu** worthy/you are sex starved)? (that's not what he wants)
-Even the blackmailing isn't strong enough. He has a video of her doing her "thing". So? Unless you give me a damn good reason I don't understand. Not that her fear is anyway believable. Nor her supposed reaction..
As a reader I don't know this character, so her choices needs to be either very logic or strongly "emphatic" (here meaning I need to be able to get into her shoes).
As it is the only feeling around isn't nice: I find the heroine beyond stupid. I slightly despise her and I haven't really met her...
All of this in 3.5 chapters. Chances are I won't like the book at all. Do I go masochistic and buy it?
Mmm I can't say this book has a strong beginning. The sample is a couple of chapters and unfortunately it raises so many doubts:
-if she's suffering from panic attacks when in public to the point of being phobic (and needing medication) why accepting a TV appearance?
- If your host blackmails you, why do you accept it or pretend everything is all right?
- Why is the only thing you think about (above all in this #metoo world) is that you might accept his advances (he's fu** worthy/you are sex starved)? (that's not what he wants)
-Even the blackmailing isn't strong enough. He has a video of her doing her "thing". So? Unless you give me a damn good reason I don't understand. Not that her fear is anyway believable. Nor her supposed reaction..
As a reader I don't know this character, so her choices needs to be either very logic or strongly "emphatic" (here meaning I need to be able to get into her shoes).
As it is the only feeling around isn't nice: I find the heroine beyond stupid. I slightly despise her and I haven't really met her...
All of this in 3.5 chapters. Chances are I won't like the book at all. Do I go masochistic and buy it?
July 8, 2018
4.5 stars
I wanted to try something different and volunteered to read an advance copy of this book. Sasha drudgingly plugs away at her day job researching various stocks for her boss at a hedge fund. What she really wants to be is a master illusionist and have a career on television. She finally gets her shot to appear on a television show but before it is her turn to go on stage, she has a premonition of what is going to happen. Up until this point, she has always been able to rationalize a reason for what she “sees,” chalking it up to all of her studying to be the best she can be in this field. However, as these future events keep occurring, she is unable to hide from the truth that her life has been irrevocably changed. This is one well written engrossing story filled with witty banter, challenging obstacles to overcome, likeable characters and drama. I look forward to reading more from this series.
I wanted to try something different and volunteered to read an advance copy of this book. Sasha drudgingly plugs away at her day job researching various stocks for her boss at a hedge fund. What she really wants to be is a master illusionist and have a career on television. She finally gets her shot to appear on a television show but before it is her turn to go on stage, she has a premonition of what is going to happen. Up until this point, she has always been able to rationalize a reason for what she “sees,” chalking it up to all of her studying to be the best she can be in this field. However, as these future events keep occurring, she is unable to hide from the truth that her life has been irrevocably changed. This is one well written engrossing story filled with witty banter, challenging obstacles to overcome, likeable characters and drama. I look forward to reading more from this series.
September 28, 2018
I made it to 11 minutes (listening to the Audib;e) before the creepy male privilege vibe of Darien with the implied blackmail, the underlying idea that he might be planning untoward advances towards Sasha when he asks the staff to leave the room, and the comment describing his voice as having a predatory edge had me cringing.
Context: today Dr Ford is being questioned by the Senate Judiciary committee about allegations of sexual assault... The writers of this piece (hopefully) unconsciously echo the message that a pretty woman (or any woman) should bow to the wishes of a male...Sasha's comments even admit to the idea that Darien might be about to propose something untoward as though it's the perfectly normal response.
Sorry, we need to remove the idea that women are things to men from the narrative... Attempted blackmail within 10 minutes of the start of the story isn't a good start.
Context: today Dr Ford is being questioned by the Senate Judiciary committee about allegations of sexual assault... The writers of this piece (hopefully) unconsciously echo the message that a pretty woman (or any woman) should bow to the wishes of a male...Sasha's comments even admit to the idea that Darien might be about to propose something untoward as though it's the perfectly normal response.
Sorry, we need to remove the idea that women are things to men from the narrative... Attempted blackmail within 10 minutes of the start of the story isn't a good start.
January 30, 2022
This book didn't really do anything for me, unfortunately. It's pretty short, and I still took 6 days to finish, which is almost a new record! I don't know exactly what it was, though. The whole thing just felt very superficial and like I was far away from it. I kept finding myself avoid listening to it, and only doing so during my night time routines, because listening to a few chapters of an audiobook every evening is part of that routine. The only reason I didn't DNF it, was because I wasn't interested in any of the other books I had available either. Oh well. It's over now, so better start looking for something else to read. I do own the while series, but I really don't think I'll keep reading it, as there's no over-all mystery or ARC leading into it, other than the last sentence of how rough life might be for the MC, and that's not enough for me.
July 24, 2020
This is an interesting book in an interesting world - and I'm sure I'm going to have to read further to completely understand the world. I would rate this book higher, but it is written in present tense - and that always screws with my psyche.
October 4, 2019
I was drawn in by the synopsis but found the story confusing! And I didn't like Sasha! I found the last third of the story was the best part!
September 17, 2020
Too confusing, TSTL heroine, no satisfying payoff. I don't think I'll continue this series.
September 26, 2022
2.5 stars. I'm not sure I want to round up so for now, in the purposes of this review, I'm going to call it two stars.
This was... not my favorite. Worst about it was that the plot did not really pick up until a third of the way in. 33% of the beginning of this book was spent on minutiae. Sasha (a wannabe feminine Criss Angel) who is also, bizarrely, terrified of public speaking went on TV, demonstrated her "mentalist" abilities, was attacked, fainted due to her severe stage fright, took a sick cat to a vet, was attacked again, went to work, fainted again due to her severe stage fright, was attacked again, and then finally the plot starts moving.
I spent a lot of this book Not Caring.
And now that I've finished it, I understand why the author took so long to get things going. There were details in all that minutiae that ended up being important (which you kind of figure reading it, but it messes up the pace pretty badly while you wait for this thing to Get Going Already). Also, there wasn't really enough to fill up a full sized book. The main reason Sasha couldn't get her shit together so the plot could move along is because she spends 33% of the book having no idea what's going on and kind of chalking all these attacks up to, New York, amiright?
Dima/Anna Zales is an author team I've seen on my GR a lot lately, and by enough people that I really trust to have gotten really excited when this came up for sale. Maybe it's because Dima got top billing and things go better when Anna is in charge, but I wasn't impressed here. And that really sucks, not only because I really wanted to like this (and had already bought several other promising books thanks to the insane sale Audible did this week), but also since I spent an Audible credit on all 7 books in the series -- which is actually a pretty good deal, so if you're reading this review and like the books, and want to try the audio versions, you should go check that out.
The narrator of the audio book was... okay. Some of her line reading choices were a little odd, but overall, she did a fine job. She sounded about right, age-wise to play this type of character.
Will I keep listening to the series? Mmmm... maybe. I was pretty irritated by the end of the book, and if I didn't already have the whole series, I don't think I'd continue. I'm not sure what direction this book will go, but she had romantic chemistry with just about every dude in the book, and the only one she didn't have chemistry with was still totally in love with her. There was even a woman or two who wanted to do her, and that's cool -- I actually think that would be kind of a fun shakeup in a story like this, but I doubt that is where this story is headed. Since I'm not in a fan of love polygons, OR series where I have Heath Ledger's voice in my head, asking, "What is it with this chick, she have beer flavored nipples?"... those are two pretty big strikes. But I am a little interested in finding out more about Sasha's parentage, and I do already own the whole series.
So yeah, if I keep on with this series, that will be why. I already own it, for better or worse.
This was... not my favorite. Worst about it was that the plot did not really pick up until a third of the way in. 33% of the beginning of this book was spent on minutiae. Sasha (a wannabe feminine Criss Angel) who is also, bizarrely, terrified of public speaking went on TV, demonstrated her "mentalist" abilities, was attacked, fainted due to her severe stage fright, took a sick cat to a vet, was attacked again, went to work, fainted again due to her severe stage fright, was attacked again, and then finally the plot starts moving.
I spent a lot of this book Not Caring.
And now that I've finished it, I understand why the author took so long to get things going. There were details in all that minutiae that ended up being important (which you kind of figure reading it, but it messes up the pace pretty badly while you wait for this thing to Get Going Already). Also, there wasn't really enough to fill up a full sized book. The main reason Sasha couldn't get her shit together so the plot could move along is because she spends 33% of the book having no idea what's going on and kind of chalking all these attacks up to, New York, amiright?
Dima/Anna Zales is an author team I've seen on my GR a lot lately, and by enough people that I really trust to have gotten really excited when this came up for sale. Maybe it's because Dima got top billing and things go better when Anna is in charge, but I wasn't impressed here. And that really sucks, not only because I really wanted to like this (and had already bought several other promising books thanks to the insane sale Audible did this week), but also since I spent an Audible credit on all 7 books in the series -- which is actually a pretty good deal, so if you're reading this review and like the books, and want to try the audio versions, you should go check that out.
The narrator of the audio book was... okay. Some of her line reading choices were a little odd, but overall, she did a fine job. She sounded about right, age-wise to play this type of character.
Will I keep listening to the series? Mmmm... maybe. I was pretty irritated by the end of the book, and if I didn't already have the whole series, I don't think I'd continue. I'm not sure what direction this book will go, but she had romantic chemistry with just about every dude in the book, and the only one she didn't have chemistry with was still totally in love with her. There was even a woman or two who wanted to do her, and that's cool -- I actually think that would be kind of a fun shakeup in a story like this, but I doubt that is where this story is headed. Since I'm not in a fan of love polygons, OR series where I have Heath Ledger's voice in my head, asking, "What is it with this chick, she have beer flavored nipples?"... those are two pretty big strikes. But I am a little interested in finding out more about Sasha's parentage, and I do already own the whole series.
So yeah, if I keep on with this series, that will be why. I already own it, for better or worse.
April 26, 2020
Il y a de bonnes idées et surtout un background que j'aime bien, le mentallisme et l'illusion ce qui donne une essence particulière et originale. Mais c'est gâché par un texte brouillon et un rythme un peu redondant. Malgré 2-3 trucs chiants, il y a un petit truc qui donne envie de continuer et d'en savoir plus. Il y a peu de sorties de titres en Urban Fantasy alors c'est toujours sympa d'en découvrir encore plus quand ils sont atypiques.
Sasha a été adoptée, ses parents sont fortunés et divorcés. Elle travaille pour un fonds de placement et donnes des directives comme les mathématiciens dans les marchés boursiers. A côté de ça, son grand rêve c'est d'envoyer balader ce métier et son patron avec, et se consacrer au mentalisme de spectacle.
Le début est prometteur mais bien vite certains éléments sont mal dosés ou complètement acadabrants. Elle vit avec des collocataires et ils ont l'air d'en savoir plus sur elle, qu'elle même. Même s'il faut attendre la fin du livre pour justifier cette absence de communication, ça donne une impression d'avoir un vieux suspens au rabais. Je n'aime pas ça.
Autre élément hallucinant, c'est le nombre d'accidents qu'elle subit et la meuf n'arrête pas et n'en parle à personne... il faut attendre je ne sais combien de fois avant que quelqu'un n'intervienne. Elle voit des choses dingues mais continue, comme si elle avait l'habitude. Mais en faite non, parce qu'elle s'évanouie beaucoup. Que c'est pratique pour passer à une autre scène. On aurait pu franchement s'en passer.
D'un autre côté, moments permettent d'avoir des visions et dans ce cas, comment les éviter. Je ne sais pas, mais en alternant évidemment les moments inutiles, genre la peur de parler devant les gens aurait pu être présentée différemment.
Puis, vient le moment où les réponses commencent à apparaitre, les personnages se révèlent et on a alors à la fin du tome tout un tas de nouvelles questions. On apprécie les personnages secondaires, et oui surtout le patron, on ne peut s'empêcher de shipper car c'est l'archétype du perso froid et distant #youknowwhatimean et c'est aussi pour ça qu'on veut avoir la suite. Malgré que ce soit brouillon et construit pas forcément de manière optimale, sa patte est particulièrement efficace pour capter notre attention.
Sasha a été adoptée, ses parents sont fortunés et divorcés. Elle travaille pour un fonds de placement et donnes des directives comme les mathématiciens dans les marchés boursiers. A côté de ça, son grand rêve c'est d'envoyer balader ce métier et son patron avec, et se consacrer au mentalisme de spectacle.
Le début est prometteur mais bien vite certains éléments sont mal dosés ou complètement acadabrants. Elle vit avec des collocataires et ils ont l'air d'en savoir plus sur elle, qu'elle même. Même s'il faut attendre la fin du livre pour justifier cette absence de communication, ça donne une impression d'avoir un vieux suspens au rabais. Je n'aime pas ça.
Autre élément hallucinant, c'est le nombre d'accidents qu'elle subit et la meuf n'arrête pas et n'en parle à personne... il faut attendre je ne sais combien de fois avant que quelqu'un n'intervienne. Elle voit des choses dingues mais continue, comme si elle avait l'habitude. Mais en faite non, parce qu'elle s'évanouie beaucoup. Que c'est pratique pour passer à une autre scène. On aurait pu franchement s'en passer.
D'un autre côté, moments permettent d'avoir des visions et dans ce cas, comment les éviter. Je ne sais pas, mais en alternant évidemment les moments inutiles, genre la peur de parler devant les gens aurait pu être présentée différemment.
Puis, vient le moment où les réponses commencent à apparaitre, les personnages se révèlent et on a alors à la fin du tome tout un tas de nouvelles questions. On apprécie les personnages secondaires, et oui surtout le patron, on ne peut s'empêcher de shipper car c'est l'archétype du perso froid et distant #youknowwhatimean et c'est aussi pour ça qu'on veut avoir la suite. Malgré que ce soit brouillon et construit pas forcément de manière optimale, sa patte est particulièrement efficace pour capter notre attention.
May 6, 2020
Chronique de Diana :
https://followthereader2016.wordpress...
C’est une jolie surprise que j’ai eu avec cette lecture. Certes c’est un premier tome et il y a encore des zones troubles et un enchainement parfois un peu chaotique, mais dans l’ensemble, l’univers et les personnages sont très intéressants.
On fait la connaissance de Sasha, une jeune femme qui malgré une carrière prometteuse dans les finances, rêve de devenir illusionniste de renom. Lors de sa première prestation télévisée, son monde va basculer et prendre un tournant inattendu.
Personnellement j’ai eu un peu de mal au début, c’est un peu lent et confus mais une fois dedans j’ai réellement apprécié ma lecture, et à la fin j’en voulais clairement plus.
Sasha est une héroïne atypique et son rôle dans cette saga se matérialise petit à petit. Elle ignore ce monde qui pourtant la surveille de près et c’est ici toute la mécanique de ce premier tome. Donc ne vous attendez pas à tout comprendre ici car il y a encore de très nombreuses questions. Et c’est aussi une saga en 7 tomes, donc nous avons un peu de temps avant d’y voir plus clair.
Ce que j’ai le plus préféré c’est l’univers qui est contemporain avec des créatures comme les vampires, les garous, les nécromanciens… On est loin du glamour de certaines séries et j’ai adhéré à cet aspect.
Concernant une éventuelle romance, pour l’instant on n’en sait rien mais il y a une réelle tension entre Sasha et un autre personnage assez énigmatique. J’avoue que j’en attends beaucoup sur ce duo et j’espère que la suite continuera en ce sens.
Si je ne devais trouver qu’un seul bémol c’est que les personnages semblent tous en savoir plus sur Sasha et ce qu’elle est. De ce fait ça ralenti grandement le rythme et la découverte sur le personnage principal.
C’est un bon premier tome, même si perfectible, on sent tout le potentiel à venir. La plume de l’auteur est plaisante et j’attends la suite avec impatience.
https://followthereader2016.wordpress...
C’est une jolie surprise que j’ai eu avec cette lecture. Certes c’est un premier tome et il y a encore des zones troubles et un enchainement parfois un peu chaotique, mais dans l’ensemble, l’univers et les personnages sont très intéressants.
On fait la connaissance de Sasha, une jeune femme qui malgré une carrière prometteuse dans les finances, rêve de devenir illusionniste de renom. Lors de sa première prestation télévisée, son monde va basculer et prendre un tournant inattendu.
Personnellement j’ai eu un peu de mal au début, c’est un peu lent et confus mais une fois dedans j’ai réellement apprécié ma lecture, et à la fin j’en voulais clairement plus.
Sasha est une héroïne atypique et son rôle dans cette saga se matérialise petit à petit. Elle ignore ce monde qui pourtant la surveille de près et c’est ici toute la mécanique de ce premier tome. Donc ne vous attendez pas à tout comprendre ici car il y a encore de très nombreuses questions. Et c’est aussi une saga en 7 tomes, donc nous avons un peu de temps avant d’y voir plus clair.
Ce que j’ai le plus préféré c’est l’univers qui est contemporain avec des créatures comme les vampires, les garous, les nécromanciens… On est loin du glamour de certaines séries et j’ai adhéré à cet aspect.
Concernant une éventuelle romance, pour l’instant on n’en sait rien mais il y a une réelle tension entre Sasha et un autre personnage assez énigmatique. J’avoue que j’en attends beaucoup sur ce duo et j’espère que la suite continuera en ce sens.
Si je ne devais trouver qu’un seul bémol c’est que les personnages semblent tous en savoir plus sur Sasha et ce qu’elle est. De ce fait ça ralenti grandement le rythme et la découverte sur le personnage principal.
C’est un bon premier tome, même si perfectible, on sent tout le potentiel à venir. La plume de l’auteur est plaisante et j’attends la suite avec impatience.
December 30, 2019
HANDLUNG:
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Sasha Urban ist eine Illusionistin, die in einer Fernsehshow auftritt um berühmt zu werden, wobei sie blöderweise auch panische Angst vor Auftritten vor vielen Menschen hat.
Der Auftritt läuft aus dem Ruder - Zombies, Vampire.... tauchen auf.
MEINE MEINUNG:
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Eigentlich war der Beginn und auch das ende ziemlich interessant. Die 3er WG hat mir gefallen, Sashas Hauptjob mit ihrem sexy Boss, war auch ganz vielversprechend.
Jedoch gab es doch einige Passagen, die ich im Mittelteil überflogen hab und einige Geschehnisse waren einfach recht wirr erzählt. Deshalb weiß, ich noch nicht ob ich weiterlesen werde.
2-2.5 Sterne
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