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Rouen Chronicles #0
Unleashed
Seventeen-year-old Claire Williams’ tough upbringing has taught her how to throw a punch or two to survive, especially when it involves a man’s unwanted attention. But her strength waivers when she visits Bodian Dynamics, a medical research facility, and stumbles upon classified information—someone has stolen a drug that not only changes a person's appearance, but also unleashes the darkest, most evil part of their inner psyche.
After an intimidating security guard threatens the lives of her friends if she speaks to anyone about the incident, Claire pretends the drug never existed. But when she finds a dead girl in her school and is attacked herself, she thinks the events are connected. Especially when she meets Gage, a teenage boy who doesn’t seem to have a conscience and who is hell-bent on making her just like him by unleashing her dark side.
The police try to catch Gage, but his increased strength and speed, a side effect from the drug, make him impossible to kill. But Claire knows a secret—he can only die while in his normal state. And since Gage knows personal information about her, Claire thinks she knows who it is: either her best friend or her recent boyfriend. But this doesn’t change Claire’s resolve. Gage has backed her into a corner so Claire does what she does best: fights. And once she figures out which boy Gage is hiding behind, she’s going to kill him, even if it breaks her heart.
After an intimidating security guard threatens the lives of her friends if she speaks to anyone about the incident, Claire pretends the drug never existed. But when she finds a dead girl in her school and is attacked herself, she thinks the events are connected. Especially when she meets Gage, a teenage boy who doesn’t seem to have a conscience and who is hell-bent on making her just like him by unleashing her dark side.
The police try to catch Gage, but his increased strength and speed, a side effect from the drug, make him impossible to kill. But Claire knows a secret—he can only die while in his normal state. And since Gage knows personal information about her, Claire thinks she knows who it is: either her best friend or her recent boyfriend. But this doesn’t change Claire’s resolve. Gage has backed her into a corner so Claire does what she does best: fights. And once she figures out which boy Gage is hiding behind, she’s going to kill him, even if it breaks her heart.
300 pages, Paperback
First published September 8, 2014
42 people are currently reading
685 people want to read
About the author
Rachel McClellan
36 books546 followersRachel lives in New Hampshire, a place secretly known for its supernatural creatures. When she's not in her writing lair, she's partying with her husband and four children. Her love for storytelling began as a child when the moon first possessed the night. For when the lights went out, her imagination painted a whole new world. And what a scary world it was…
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
January 11, 2015
This book started out so strong but went downhill I think after some 30 or 40% and that's to bad. I love the cover, I loved the premise and was so happy to get my hands on this book for free ( Amazon).
What went wrong?
Claire is a though girl she hides her emotions well and that’s why her character is so much harder to believe.
Even though the blurb sounds very good the execution was bad:
Clair is getting information on a school project at Bodian Dynamics, a medical research facility when she overhears classified information not meant for her ears, her life changed drastically and after that the creepy pervert security starts keeping tabs on her.
Claire tries to forget and keeps quit about this, but then she meets Gage. Gage is an alter ego of someone else and he’s a total psycho but his situation has so much to do with the secrets she heard.
Gage has unnatural strength and is a dark evil person, he likes to torture people. His home situation is bad he just wanted some more self confidence. That’s why he tried the drugs stolen at his dad work. The thing is Gage is someone close to Claire but she doesn't know who: her boyfriend or best friend!????
Gage is ready to torture Claire and take her on the dark side; will she find out who he is?
Claire home situation is fucked up her mother is drunk (maybe a hooker don’t know for sure) and her father is in jail, I didn't read what happened or why he was in jail but something big happened.
Her sister died of cancer she is basically raising herself. My biggest issue with Claire was her dumb decisions and the fact that she couldn't even put two and two together. The hospital, the accident all the drama was so unrealistic. When in trouble she doesn't tell the police, even when she knew somebody close to her was Gage she still kept telling all her information to the both of them.
Her friend Kate was such a mean bitch.
Than we have Gage I won’t giveaway who he was but his home situation was so fucked up that it came straight out of a horror movie.
The police is very nice but when they advice Claire to stay home she just leaves and they let her.
You would think that with a psycho after your ass a 17 year old girl would be very afraid for every sound, person, walking on the street at night, sleeping in her house. Nope not Claire YOLO is her slogan and psychos don’t stop her. Instead of being a strong female heroine she came over a idiotic and unreal.
So the whole book is full with unreal and strange characters: Claire, the pervert security guard, mean friend Kate, Gage with his parents and the whole research thing.
It was to much over the top.
What went wrong?
Claire is a though girl she hides her emotions well and that’s why her character is so much harder to believe.
Even though the blurb sounds very good the execution was bad:
Clair is getting information on a school project at Bodian Dynamics, a medical research facility when she overhears classified information not meant for her ears, her life changed drastically and after that the creepy pervert security starts keeping tabs on her.
Claire tries to forget and keeps quit about this, but then she meets Gage. Gage is an alter ego of someone else and he’s a total psycho but his situation has so much to do with the secrets she heard.
Gage has unnatural strength and is a dark evil person, he likes to torture people. His home situation is bad he just wanted some more self confidence. That’s why he tried the drugs stolen at his dad work. The thing is Gage is someone close to Claire but she doesn't know who: her boyfriend or best friend!????
Gage is ready to torture Claire and take her on the dark side; will she find out who he is?
Claire home situation is fucked up her mother is drunk (maybe a hooker don’t know for sure) and her father is in jail, I didn't read what happened or why he was in jail but something big happened.
Her sister died of cancer she is basically raising herself. My biggest issue with Claire was her dumb decisions and the fact that she couldn't even put two and two together. The hospital, the accident all the drama was so unrealistic. When in trouble she doesn't tell the police, even when she knew somebody close to her was Gage she still kept telling all her information to the both of them.
Her friend Kate was such a mean bitch.
Than we have Gage I won’t giveaway who he was but his home situation was so fucked up that it came straight out of a horror movie.
The police is very nice but when they advice Claire to stay home she just leaves and they let her.
You would think that with a psycho after your ass a 17 year old girl would be very afraid for every sound, person, walking on the street at night, sleeping in her house. Nope not Claire YOLO is her slogan and psychos don’t stop her. Instead of being a strong female heroine she came over a idiotic and unreal.
So the whole book is full with unreal and strange characters: Claire, the pervert security guard, mean friend Kate, Gage with his parents and the whole research thing.
It was to much over the top.
May 21, 2015
Unleashed is an intense, fast-paced read with creative sci-fi flair and a kickbutt heroine. Packed with action and entwined with a dark and fabulously executed mystery, it's unputdownable.
I've always been intrigued by the story of Jekyll and Hyde, and as with all retellings of classic books, I was a little wary of the spin McClellan would put on this particular tale. However, I was pleased with her modern-day teenage twist on the original. She's struck a great balance of suspense, romance, and regular teen life.
I loved the mystery. Not your typical "Whodunit" tale, Unleashed features the viewpoints of both the protagonist Claire and the main antagonist Albert, someone of unknown identity but close to her. I'm not usually captivated by this kind of story (I always find the outcome predictable), but Unleashed kept me on my toes until the very finish, where I was both shocked and delighted by a total twist ending. Puzzling together the identity of the Hyde figure proved futile until the big reveal.
Claire is tough and smart, one of those characters that shatters every stereotype about girls in YA lit. She fights her way out of difficult situations, but is mature enough to tell an adult when she gets in over her head. She carries some heavy emotional baggage, all the details of which aren't disclosed. Readers packing the same burden on their shoulders will identify with Claire and find inspiration in her strenghth.
Claire is also a regular teenage girl and enjoys singing in a band with her girlfriends. Details like this created a layered, realistic teenage character.
Claire's love interest Ethan was sweet and immediately likable, and I enjoyed their cautious budding relationship. Claire's best friend Logan is fiercely loyal, and though he had feelings for Claire, I appreciated that she wasn't fickle or flighty and stuck to her decision, unlike participants of many of YA's love triangles.
One of my favorite characters in Unleashed was Smith, captain of the police force and Claire's father figure. His love fcr Claire and protective nature made for a powerful adult character, something often lacking in the genre.
The plot is perfectly paced, a total page turner. Set aside some time for this one; you won't be able to stop. The cover suggests a dark, slightly creepy read, and Unleashed doesn't disappoint. A story of the darkness inside us and the consequences of succumbing to it, Unleashed is a perfect addition to a mystery/action/sci-fi lover's bookshelf.
I've always been intrigued by the story of Jekyll and Hyde, and as with all retellings of classic books, I was a little wary of the spin McClellan would put on this particular tale. However, I was pleased with her modern-day teenage twist on the original. She's struck a great balance of suspense, romance, and regular teen life.
I loved the mystery. Not your typical "Whodunit" tale, Unleashed features the viewpoints of both the protagonist Claire and the main antagonist Albert, someone of unknown identity but close to her. I'm not usually captivated by this kind of story (I always find the outcome predictable), but Unleashed kept me on my toes until the very finish, where I was both shocked and delighted by a total twist ending. Puzzling together the identity of the Hyde figure proved futile until the big reveal.
Claire is tough and smart, one of those characters that shatters every stereotype about girls in YA lit. She fights her way out of difficult situations, but is mature enough to tell an adult when she gets in over her head. She carries some heavy emotional baggage, all the details of which aren't disclosed. Readers packing the same burden on their shoulders will identify with Claire and find inspiration in her strenghth.
Claire is also a regular teenage girl and enjoys singing in a band with her girlfriends. Details like this created a layered, realistic teenage character.
Claire's love interest Ethan was sweet and immediately likable, and I enjoyed their cautious budding relationship. Claire's best friend Logan is fiercely loyal, and though he had feelings for Claire, I appreciated that she wasn't fickle or flighty and stuck to her decision, unlike participants of many of YA's love triangles.
One of my favorite characters in Unleashed was Smith, captain of the police force and Claire's father figure. His love fcr Claire and protective nature made for a powerful adult character, something often lacking in the genre.
The plot is perfectly paced, a total page turner. Set aside some time for this one; you won't be able to stop. The cover suggests a dark, slightly creepy read, and Unleashed doesn't disappoint. A story of the darkness inside us and the consequences of succumbing to it, Unleashed is a perfect addition to a mystery/action/sci-fi lover's bookshelf.
May 16, 2014
I love how this book picks up so quickly! I read this faster than any other book, it kept me interested and wanting more! McClellan has created strong, unique characters that make this read exciting and entertaining. The book is told in two different views by the main characters. I love that spin and trying to figure out who the bad guy is. Very original! It was like watching a movie in my head, creative, dramatic, climatic and had me guessing until the very end. I'm so happy I found this book, I highly recommend it to anyone!
August 30, 2014
Dark, moody and suspenseful...McClellan does it again! Modern-day characters are fresh and original. The heroine is relatible and engaging. Even though its a story, "Unleashed" is suspenseful enough to make you look over your shoulder while reading. Don't read in the dark unless you can keep the light on somewhere in your room! What a great re-telling of Jekyl and Hyde!
October 19, 2014
3.5 stars.
Interesting. Thought it was a standalone but I'm not completely sure now.
Interesting. Thought it was a standalone but I'm not completely sure now.
February 3, 2015
I received a copy of this book for my stop on the blog tour at Donnie Darko Girl.
It's been a long time since I've read a good YA thriller, and Unleashed is a great one. Although I haven't read Robert Louis Stevenson's Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, I know the story and have always been fascinated by it. The way McClellan handles her re-imagining of this classic is clever and suspenseful. Unleashed takes you on a fast action-packed ride from beginning to end.
Claire is a high school student who's in a band and wants to get out of the town she lives in. She doesn't have a great home life, and she's had to protect herself because neither of her parents will. Once she accidentally overhears classified information at the medical research facility in her town, her life is in danger from a security guard who's been tasked to find out what she knows and a guy she runs into named Gage. Luckily, she has a father figure in her life who also happens to be a policeman. He looks out for her just like a father would his own daughter.
Soon it becomes apparent that one of two important people in Claire's life play a role in the information she overheard - she just doesn't know which one, and neither does the reader. That was one of my favorite aspects of Unleashed - not knowing and trying to figure out who Gage's identity before he could harm Claire. You only know Gage could be Claire's friend, Logan, or her boyfriend, Ethan. McClellan writes both characters in a way that either one could be the culprit, and you use clues and hints she drops to take a guess.
I really didn't know which one was Gage and was kept guessing until the end. The ending was spectacularly intense and kept my pulse pounding! McClellan did a stellar job with her re-imagining of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde in Unleashed. And what a perfect title for the book! I'd recommend this to anyone who is looking for a YA thriller with romance sprinkled in.
It's been a long time since I've read a good YA thriller, and Unleashed is a great one. Although I haven't read Robert Louis Stevenson's Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, I know the story and have always been fascinated by it. The way McClellan handles her re-imagining of this classic is clever and suspenseful. Unleashed takes you on a fast action-packed ride from beginning to end.
Claire is a high school student who's in a band and wants to get out of the town she lives in. She doesn't have a great home life, and she's had to protect herself because neither of her parents will. Once she accidentally overhears classified information at the medical research facility in her town, her life is in danger from a security guard who's been tasked to find out what she knows and a guy she runs into named Gage. Luckily, she has a father figure in her life who also happens to be a policeman. He looks out for her just like a father would his own daughter.
Soon it becomes apparent that one of two important people in Claire's life play a role in the information she overheard - she just doesn't know which one, and neither does the reader. That was one of my favorite aspects of Unleashed - not knowing and trying to figure out who Gage's identity before he could harm Claire. You only know Gage could be Claire's friend, Logan, or her boyfriend, Ethan. McClellan writes both characters in a way that either one could be the culprit, and you use clues and hints she drops to take a guess.
I really didn't know which one was Gage and was kept guessing until the end. The ending was spectacularly intense and kept my pulse pounding! McClellan did a stellar job with her re-imagining of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde in Unleashed. And what a perfect title for the book! I'd recommend this to anyone who is looking for a YA thriller with romance sprinkled in.
April 11, 2024
Unleashed has recently been transformed, thus reviews prior to October 2017 are not referring to the 'new' book. Here's a quote from the author about Unleashed: Part One.
Some of you may have already read this dark paranormal romance, but I've since updated the content and divided Unleashed into three parts.
I am reviewing a copy of the book with the cover shown below.
There is so much mystery in this book. We have Claire, a very troubled teenager, and the mystery of what her father did. Then we have the Albert/Gage character but who is Albert, since only his parents call him this. There are a couple of suspects for who he really is, but both sides of the person are obsessed by Claire, only Gage's interest isn't in a good way.
Claire has a flaky mother and relies on Smith, a local policeman, for parental support. She has a close group of friends, but they are all in their last year of school, so all still have a lot of growing up to do. It's no wonder Claire doesn't feel she can tell anyone about the super creepy Gary.
This book is very much one of introducing the characters, setting the background to the story and building the plot. The story does end on a cliffhanger, not an "OMG what happens next?" one but rather the story isn't over yet ending. I was definitely hooked by what I've read so far and will definitely be reading the rest of the story.
Some of you may have already read this dark paranormal romance, but I've since updated the content and divided Unleashed into three parts.
I am reviewing a copy of the book with the cover shown below.
There is so much mystery in this book. We have Claire, a very troubled teenager, and the mystery of what her father did. Then we have the Albert/Gage character but who is Albert, since only his parents call him this. There are a couple of suspects for who he really is, but both sides of the person are obsessed by Claire, only Gage's interest isn't in a good way.
Claire has a flaky mother and relies on Smith, a local policeman, for parental support. She has a close group of friends, but they are all in their last year of school, so all still have a lot of growing up to do. It's no wonder Claire doesn't feel she can tell anyone about the super creepy Gary.
This book is very much one of introducing the characters, setting the background to the story and building the plot. The story does end on a cliffhanger, not an "OMG what happens next?" one but rather the story isn't over yet ending. I was definitely hooked by what I've read so far and will definitely be reading the rest of the story.
September 9, 2014
This is a great YA take on the classic Dr. Jeckyll and Mr. Hyde. McClellan keeps the pages turning with never ending conflict and just a touch of romance which doesn't overwhelm the book's other themes. My favorite thing about this book is that it keeps the reader guessing. Not much is predictable. It is also a great springboard for discussions about self-esteem, addiction, and right vs wrong.
May 24, 2014
What an amazing read! Rachel has captured the ability to suck you into the story. I found myself feeling every emotion, fear, pain, and love and questioning myself as I tried to find the evil in the characters. I was on the edge of my seat and thankful my over protective dog was lying at my feet.I recommend this to anyone who like dark suspense and being left with the need for more.
February 21, 2018
Unleashed by Rachel McClellan is Part 1 of the Unleashed Series and is McClellan’s take on the classic Jekyl and Hyde story with a unique YA twist.
Unleashed gets a middle of the road rating; while I enjoyed the idea of the story I wasn’t overly impressed with its execution. There were a lot of issues with details throughout the story that were overlooked, not to mention the fact that this read is approximately 105'ish pages and is an installment read with a cliffhanger. This story had so much potential but it fell short and left me disappointed by the end.
Please note that an ARC was generously provided in exchange for an honest review of which this is both honest and completely voluntary.
Unleashed gets a middle of the road rating; while I enjoyed the idea of the story I wasn’t overly impressed with its execution. There were a lot of issues with details throughout the story that were overlooked, not to mention the fact that this read is approximately 105'ish pages and is an installment read with a cliffhanger. This story had so much potential but it fell short and left me disappointed by the end.
Please note that an ARC was generously provided in exchange for an honest review of which this is both honest and completely voluntary.
November 27, 2017
What a different kind of story. It was creepy yet addicting at the same time. Once I started reading it I found myself glued to the end to see what would happen next. I liked that Gage was creepy and mysterious. Who exactly is Gage? Plus a few other mysteries abound that get introduced yet not explained in part one. I honestly liked it more then I thought I would. It was actually clean read considering the creepiness. Just a really cool story line that I thought was well written with just that special spark to keep me interested and sad when I reached the ending. Now I need to read part 2 to see what happens next.
April 4, 2021
Wow
This is the first book I’ve read by this Author and am looking forward to reading some more.
The twists and turns, the unexpected bumps along the storyline, the strong characters, well what can I say, enjoyed reading and this Author definitely surprised me with Claire, Ethan, Logan and Detective Smith, their loyalty and concern for Claire’s Safety and well being. Ethan, Logan, I don’t know
Scary and nothing like I expected
This is the first book I’ve read by this Author and am looking forward to reading some more.
The twists and turns, the unexpected bumps along the storyline, the strong characters, well what can I say, enjoyed reading and this Author definitely surprised me with Claire, Ethan, Logan and Detective Smith, their loyalty and concern for Claire’s Safety and well being. Ethan, Logan, I don’t know
Scary and nothing like I expected
February 6, 2017
I enjoyed this book a lot, especially the mystery of which guy, Ethan or Logan, was the one wearing a false face. The author did a great job of keeping me guessing all the way up until the end. The ending is satisfying enough, but it looks like there could possibly eventually be a sequel or series based off this book and if McClellan decides to write it, I'd definitely read it.
December 29, 2017
Great world building and character development. I found myself totally immersed in that world. And as usual, nobody listens to me trying to help them with suggestions. I have book 2 in my reading queue.
January 18, 2018
Teenage drama
As far as teenage drama goes this book is really good. Although this is not my type of book, I was still drawn into the story. It's going to be interesting to see how the story plays out.
As far as teenage drama goes this book is really good. Although this is not my type of book, I was still drawn into the story. It's going to be interesting to see how the story plays out.
January 19, 2019
Body an Dynamics is in all.her books!
Five stars.for.a.who.is.it!.It keeps.you guessing for.sure and Gave is.so.very.lethal.and.evil.
Albert sure didn't know what.he was.getting into when he started taking the serum!
In to book two!
Five stars.for.a.who.is.it!.It keeps.you guessing for.sure and Gave is.so.very.lethal.and.evil.
Albert sure didn't know what.he was.getting into when he started taking the serum!
In to book two!
April 28, 2020
This one is my favorite I love the twist and a classic story and really wish there was a second one.
December 13, 2021
I was so hooked, I finished it in one sitting. I cant wait to read the next one.
January 17, 2023
This book grabs you from the beginning and doesn't let go until the last word. This is a great Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde re-telling.
February 9, 2024
Not for me at all. Just could not get into the story. This is part of Wicked Legends.
June 5, 2019
This novel is an interesting contemporary take on Robert Louis Stevenson's Jekyll and Hyde that struggled from the off to hold my interest in the same way as Stevenson's had. I felt it all to be a bit of a chore at times, despite the writing itself being quite good and an interesting psychological representation that was well thought out. Certainly by no means was it a bad read but it has been done better by Stevenson and others.
March 23, 2015
Amanda: Let me start by saying I really wanted to like this book. It got off to a good start! Then about 40% into Unleashed, it all…went…down…hill…………
There were lots of inconsistencies throughout the book. For example: Claire has a police officer drop her off at band practice because she doesn’t own a car. Her boyfriend, Ethan, also carless, comes to pick her for a date on his dirt bike (because that’s normal), and asks about her bike that’s parked outside. So, off they go for a ride, each of them on their respective dirt bike.
But when they get back, Claire and Ethan go out to dinner in a new mystery car. A vehicle that just appeared out of nowhere? Where’d the car come from and where did it go, because it was never mentioned again. Maybe Harry Potter used the Summoning Charm? “Accio car!”
I focus a lot on how details match up.
And these types of mistakes ruined it for me.
*SPOILER ALERT*
The story had a good plot. “Broken girl fell in love with a boy., but there was another crazy boy who stalked her.” Come to find out…that the stalker was her boyfriend’s inner-self, Gage, after taking a drug he stole from his father’s research lab. The drug caused him to change the way he looked, so she had no clue it was him. What the…?
I wanted to flounce, but I hoped it would redeem itself in the end. Umm…guess it was wishful thinking on my part.
Teresa: I wanted to like this....really I did, but there were too many inconsistencies all throughout the story.
Amanda: 1 star!!
Teresa: DNF!!
February 4, 2016
All I can say is this book is mind blowing! Bodian Dynamics has a secret and when Claire stumbles upon a conversation not meant for her ears, a whirl wind of danger and mystery begins. Vials have gone missing from Bodian that cause strength, darkness and evil a Jekyll and Hyde affect if you will. Claire's best friend Logan and boyfriend Ethan coming to Claire's rescue as a dark and sinister Gage of super human strength terrorizes Claire vowing he is her Savior that can take away her painful past, setting his plans in motion by injecting Claire with the mysterious vial substance. But soon it is evident someone closest to Claire, may actually be Gage in their alter evil dark form, thanks to the dangerous concoction that was stolen from Bodian. You think you know who it is? This book keeps you guessing right up to the end! I have chills! The first time I read the book I read three quarters the way through and without knowing, I started all over again. I thought I knew who this masterful Jekyll and Hyde character was, but I was dead wrong! One of my new favorites and I will be rereading again and again!
August 7, 2014
This fresh take on the Jekyll and Hyde story stays true to the classic's dark and twisted feel. Set in modern day with a young teen as Jekyll/Hyde, the story is told from several viewpoints, primarily from that of Claire, a high school girl with a troubled past who finds herself unwittingly swept into the demented and dangerous world of a boy with split personalities. The best part about Unleashed is the mystery of who the villain actually is. McClellan keeps this a secret, creating multiple characters in Claire's circle of friends who all seem to be suspicious. The reader is constantly looking for clues to uncover the true villain, and just when they think they know, she throws them off the scent. This makes for a fast-paced, edge-of-your-seat read that has you wondering till the very end what will happen next. Unleashed is an intriguing, mysterious thriller great for young adults and adults alike. Just don't read it alone in the dark!
July 7, 2014
Unleashed is a delightfully creepy modern take on the Jekyll and Hyde story. It brings to light the question - are men inherently evil or inherently good? What would you do without a conscience? Claire is a highschool student in backwoods Oregon that has plenty of issues of her own. To add to her problems, there is now a humanoid monster stalker her and roaming her town. This is written from both her point of view and the poor boy who is the monster. What I loved most about this story was the intrigue and intensity, I had to keep reading to find out who was actually Mr. Hyde, and just when I thought I had it figured out - I was wrong!!! Rachel McClellan has a way of writing that makes me triple lock my doors and keeps me looking over my shoulder to make sure nothing is behind me.
I loved this book, 4.5 stars.
I loved this book, 4.5 stars.
March 12, 2016
I like the idea of taking a classic tale and putting a YA spin on it. I just think it could have been done better. For example, we are kept in the dark about who the villain is for ll of like what six chapters, though I was able to tell right away... Where's the suspense there? I didn't like switching POVs. It's a really effective tactic when done right, but it was not the best route to go in this case. Also, the narrative style was a little weak. But I find that's the case with the majority of YA fiction... I guess writers don't see YA readers as intellectuals? The story was good, but I didn't like the characters very much at all. The author hints at things, but never bares the characters' souls to us enough to make them relatable. This is a big problem for me. Ultimately, if there's a sequel, I don't think I'll read it.
September 9, 2014
I pretty much adored this book from start to finish. Fast paced, suspensful, expertly written with prose that keeps the narrative going and voice that is as clear as it is unique, Unleashed takes the reader on a journey they wont soon forget.
I love stories that take familiar tales and twist them in new and exciting ways, and it doesn't much newer or more exciting than Unleashed.
The story pulls you in quickly and doesn't let go. Fans of fastpaced plots that deliver twists and turns without ever sacrificing an iota of character or atmosphere have found their dream in Unleashed. I really can't say enough good things about it and will be sure to keep an eye out for Rachel McClellan in the future
I love stories that take familiar tales and twist them in new and exciting ways, and it doesn't much newer or more exciting than Unleashed.
The story pulls you in quickly and doesn't let go. Fans of fastpaced plots that deliver twists and turns without ever sacrificing an iota of character or atmosphere have found their dream in Unleashed. I really can't say enough good things about it and will be sure to keep an eye out for Rachel McClellan in the future
December 28, 2016
Okay so at first I was confused, like who is Albert/Gage? But then I thought I figured it out! But then I thought I was wrong because of the AMAZING writer of the story. Mrs. McClellan made sure that you kept guessing! The story flow was awesome, the descriptions were amazing.
I think that my favorite part had to be the ending, when you go....NO WAY THAT CANNOT POSSIBLE BE IT. Like you really really hope for more, a to be continued or something.
The ending is great, but I secretly hope for a book two. There is just so much more that can be done to close out the story. I hope that the writer is able to make another book!
This could be the next hit, The Chemist by Stephanie Myers comes to mind when you read this book, but it's much faster paced!
I think that my favorite part had to be the ending, when you go....NO WAY THAT CANNOT POSSIBLE BE IT. Like you really really hope for more, a to be continued or something.
The ending is great, but I secretly hope for a book two. There is just so much more that can be done to close out the story. I hope that the writer is able to make another book!
This could be the next hit, The Chemist by Stephanie Myers comes to mind when you read this book, but it's much faster paced!
January 30, 2015
I loved this YA take on Jekyll and Hyde. It was a dark, moody, and suspenseful ride from beginning to end. As usual, Rachel McClellan's writing style keeps me on the edge of my seat and reading late into the night when I was supposed to be sleeping.
This story lets you see the darker nature that resides in us all and asks the question of what would happen if that nature was enhanced scientifically. The story is told from two different points of view and those characters were rich in their flaws. I especially loved how the book kept me guessing on who had been Unleashed.
This is a fast paced story that will send chills down your spine and may make you sleep with a light on.
This story lets you see the darker nature that resides in us all and asks the question of what would happen if that nature was enhanced scientifically. The story is told from two different points of view and those characters were rich in their flaws. I especially loved how the book kept me guessing on who had been Unleashed.
This is a fast paced story that will send chills down your spine and may make you sleep with a light on.
June 4, 2014
Unleashed is an original, edge-of-your-seat take on Jekyll and Hyde. McClellan weaves a tale of love and pain, and fighting for what you believe in, with characters you won't easily forget. Claire has had more than her share of pain and loss, only to find herself the obsession of “Gage” (the “Hyde” persona). I had no idea who "Gage" was until it was revealed due to McClellan's skillful storytelling. Seriously, this is a tale that will leave you breathless until the last page! And probably beyond. I highly recommend this book to anyone who likes a good story.
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