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Ginger High
Since 1901, there have been many unexplained deaths at Ginger High, a school for students with special powers. Daisy, a girl with mystical gifts, her friends and others from an alternate reality help solve the mystery.
238 pages, Paperback
First published May 15, 2009
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
February 12, 2010
How to put this nicely... I did not enjoy this book. My husband was ready to kill me because I kept on reading paragraphs out loud and saying "What????". And he was EVEN more surprised when I actually finished it. And this is why:
I'm breaking it down to really explain what is wrong with this book...
The characters are bland, often described only by name or as their gender. At times, you're not even sure who the adults are and who the kids are - because there is a severe lack of characterization in both description and dialogue. Also, when you have a lot of characters and none of them stick in your head, it's hard to keep track of them and the plot.
Plot - The biggest clue of a problem with plot is if your readers have no clue what is going on. I mean, at some point it focuses to solving a string of murders. The jumping time frame really messes with your head as well. I felt like there really wasn't a central plot bringing everything together.
Fantasy elements - I love the idea of another world - Animist - unfortunately, when the characters are in Animist - well, there is a severe lack of description and you only know the characters are there because the author blatantly points it out. Vampires were also a predominant feature but even though they were evil, they weren't all that scary. Again, because of the bland descriptions or lack thereof.
What stuck with me: The ominous descriptions of wooden bracelets.
I feel severely guilty writing this review. I understand the author was 12 when writing this novel, but it's not a novel that should be published. I believe that, as a writer at 12, she did not have enough writing experiences to properly describe and develop this novel. I love the potential this book had, but the book itself was something that would need a lot more work before being sent to print. And, frankly, I'm surprised it did.
Read more: http://www.bookworminginthe21stcentur...
I'm breaking it down to really explain what is wrong with this book...
The characters are bland, often described only by name or as their gender. At times, you're not even sure who the adults are and who the kids are - because there is a severe lack of characterization in both description and dialogue. Also, when you have a lot of characters and none of them stick in your head, it's hard to keep track of them and the plot.
Plot - The biggest clue of a problem with plot is if your readers have no clue what is going on. I mean, at some point it focuses to solving a string of murders. The jumping time frame really messes with your head as well. I felt like there really wasn't a central plot bringing everything together.
Fantasy elements - I love the idea of another world - Animist - unfortunately, when the characters are in Animist - well, there is a severe lack of description and you only know the characters are there because the author blatantly points it out. Vampires were also a predominant feature but even though they were evil, they weren't all that scary. Again, because of the bland descriptions or lack thereof.
What stuck with me: The ominous descriptions of wooden bracelets.
I feel severely guilty writing this review. I understand the author was 12 when writing this novel, but it's not a novel that should be published. I believe that, as a writer at 12, she did not have enough writing experiences to properly describe and develop this novel. I love the potential this book had, but the book itself was something that would need a lot more work before being sent to print. And, frankly, I'm surprised it did.
Read more: http://www.bookworminginthe21stcentur...
August 24, 2009
I was hesitant when I asked to review Ginger High. I had never reviewed Young Adult fiction, nor had I reviewed an author as young as Melissa Burmeister.
However, to my delight Melissa Burmeister is a remarkable young author. She has brought to life a school filled with colorful characters, mystery, murder and the paranormal with a talent usually seen by much more experienced authors of this genre.
I had so many ‘Oh My Gosh moments’ and ‘I didn’t see that coming’ moments that I quickly got swept away with the storyline.
I gave Ginger High to my younger sister following reading it and she loved it, so much so that I haven’t gotten it back off her.
However, to my delight Melissa Burmeister is a remarkable young author. She has brought to life a school filled with colorful characters, mystery, murder and the paranormal with a talent usually seen by much more experienced authors of this genre.
I had so many ‘Oh My Gosh moments’ and ‘I didn’t see that coming’ moments that I quickly got swept away with the storyline.
I gave Ginger High to my younger sister following reading it and she loved it, so much so that I haven’t gotten it back off her.
October 30, 2009
Ginger High is a school unlike any other. The students are from another universe and possess powers beyond your wildest imaginations. Someone is using their powers for evil and this person is not afraid to kill. Several unexplained deaths cause some of the students to follow the clues and find out who is doing this before it's too late.
This is the author's first book and I'm so excited to see what she publishes next. The author is able to capture your attention and keep it page after page.
This is the author's first book and I'm so excited to see what she publishes next. The author is able to capture your attention and keep it page after page.
August 23, 2009
As a freshman in High school, Daisy Fisher was surprised to be paired with a senior during in-school detention. Befriending Fredrick Ramsey changed her life, first she witnessed his part in the school burning down, then she finds that he would be attending the same school as her. Mixed feelings and thoughts about him and many of her new friends at Ginger High are compounded with the new understanding that everyone at this new school has special powers. When several deaths occur shortly after her arrival at
school, a healer (Amanta) from the parallel universe of Animist arrives, between him and his best friend (Matthias) they are determined to help find the person responsible. The answers may not be as easy as they would like with Amanta in a weakened state and Matthias keeping secrets. Is anything what it appears to be?
I understand this was written by a 14 year-old, keeping that in mind, I really enjoyed the concept of the story. The parallel universe, the special powers that each of them possess has a bit of an original twist in it. The introduction of a similar situation from 1901 seemed a good way to start, even though some of it was unnecessary. There was a lot of familial characters and that did make it a little easier to follow. I would have liked to get to know the important characters a bit better. Daisy accepted thing way to easy and without question, Fredrick did things just because and seemingly without a second thought. While the little bit of back story for Amanta and Matthias was helpful in understanding these characters, there was still huge holes in the characters. I like to get attached to the characters and had trouble getting attached to any of these. There was also holes in the story, the conclusion only answered one of the dozen or so questions that came to my mind. There is several parts that I wondered how exactly they got to that position and would have liked more definition, action, conversation, description, history - something, just more of it. Decent first attempt at a novel - concept, story premise, even characters are great, the work needs to be done in the presentation of the story, the ‘painting of the picture’ and getting the story to flow so that it comes through with fewer holes and dropped sub-plots.
school, a healer (Amanta) from the parallel universe of Animist arrives, between him and his best friend (Matthias) they are determined to help find the person responsible. The answers may not be as easy as they would like with Amanta in a weakened state and Matthias keeping secrets. Is anything what it appears to be?
I understand this was written by a 14 year-old, keeping that in mind, I really enjoyed the concept of the story. The parallel universe, the special powers that each of them possess has a bit of an original twist in it. The introduction of a similar situation from 1901 seemed a good way to start, even though some of it was unnecessary. There was a lot of familial characters and that did make it a little easier to follow. I would have liked to get to know the important characters a bit better. Daisy accepted thing way to easy and without question, Fredrick did things just because and seemingly without a second thought. While the little bit of back story for Amanta and Matthias was helpful in understanding these characters, there was still huge holes in the characters. I like to get attached to the characters and had trouble getting attached to any of these. There was also holes in the story, the conclusion only answered one of the dozen or so questions that came to my mind. There is several parts that I wondered how exactly they got to that position and would have liked more definition, action, conversation, description, history - something, just more of it. Decent first attempt at a novel - concept, story premise, even characters are great, the work needs to be done in the presentation of the story, the ‘painting of the picture’ and getting the story to flow so that it comes through with fewer holes and dropped sub-plots.
August 14, 2009
After the suspicious destruction of her normal high school, Daisy Fisher gets transferred to Ginger High, a school for students for special powers. But Daisy doesn't quite fit in, as she hasn't discovered her powers yet, which isn’t good, because “normals” who find out about the secret of Animist (a parallel universe full of supernatural creatures) have to be disposed of. To top that off, students are being attacked, and a war’s breaking out in Animist. Throw in a cute, mysterious boy who’s got a thing for her, and you’ve got an action-packed adventure.
Melissa Burmeister makes her writing debut with Ginger High, a novel full of mythical creatures and intrigue. Prior to reading the book, I took a look at Melissa’s website and biography, which stated that Ginger High was published when she was fourteen! I have to say, this Ginger High is an extremely creative piece of work for a writer of such a young age. In addition, the book is grammatically sound , which is often a problem in books written by younger authors.
While being a published author is a remarkable achievement for a fourteen year-old, as a reviewer, and there were enjoyable aspects in this novel, I’m obligated to review this book as I would any other, and hand out some criticisms as well. First of all, the book seemed to be rather fast-moving, and many of the characters seemed flat and poorly developed. There was an excess of minor characters that had made so many appearances that I had trouble keeping them straight and remembering who was who. Finally, while the book is written about older characters and marketed towards teenagers, I think the writing style of the book makes it more appropriate for younger readers.
Ginger High follows the recently popular teen formula of girl meets boy, conflict arises, and girl (with help of boy and friends) overcomes conflict. These kind of novels can usually go either way, but for the audience intended, I’m afraid Ginger High falls somewhat short.
Melissa Burmeister makes her writing debut with Ginger High, a novel full of mythical creatures and intrigue. Prior to reading the book, I took a look at Melissa’s website and biography, which stated that Ginger High was published when she was fourteen! I have to say, this Ginger High is an extremely creative piece of work for a writer of such a young age. In addition, the book is grammatically sound , which is often a problem in books written by younger authors.
While being a published author is a remarkable achievement for a fourteen year-old, as a reviewer, and there were enjoyable aspects in this novel, I’m obligated to review this book as I would any other, and hand out some criticisms as well. First of all, the book seemed to be rather fast-moving, and many of the characters seemed flat and poorly developed. There was an excess of minor characters that had made so many appearances that I had trouble keeping them straight and remembering who was who. Finally, while the book is written about older characters and marketed towards teenagers, I think the writing style of the book makes it more appropriate for younger readers.
Ginger High follows the recently popular teen formula of girl meets boy, conflict arises, and girl (with help of boy and friends) overcomes conflict. These kind of novels can usually go either way, but for the audience intended, I’m afraid Ginger High falls somewhat short.
September 10, 2009
The novel begins in 1901 where a series of murders take place. All of the victims have bite marks on their necks. Could it be vampires? The story jumps forward to modern days and focuses on teen Daisy Fisher. After her school is burnt down, Daisy is sent to a new school in New York. Ginger High is a private school for students with extraordinary powers and abilities. She befriends some of the students who can teleport, heal others, and create fire. She soon finds out that people came to Earth from a parallel world called the Kingdom of Animists. A murder occurs at Ginger High, bringing the supernatural beings Amanta, Matthias, and Taeru from the parallel world. While they investigate the death, Daisy struggles with her supernatural powers, and with her mysterious new friend, Fredrick. Amanta must deal with a long time, buried family secret. What are powers? And what is with this crazy school?
My Thoughts
I am so impressed with this talented, young author! She writes this debut novel very well using good grammar and sentence structure. Her story is clever and imaginative with many details about this world and the parallel universe she created. I loved the cover too and thought it was a great choice for this book. While the characters were interesting, it would be helpful to me if they were a bit more developed. I was often confused with the quick changes back and forth between each world and the many different people and had a hard time making those transitions. I appreciated the detailed back story but there were times I couldn't quite connect all the dots to follow along. But I have to stress again how impressed I am with this teenagers efforts. I can't even imagine accomplishing so much at this age! I look forward to reading more from Melissa and expect her to have a long career in writing. She is currently at work on the next book in this series.
My Thoughts
I am so impressed with this talented, young author! She writes this debut novel very well using good grammar and sentence structure. Her story is clever and imaginative with many details about this world and the parallel universe she created. I loved the cover too and thought it was a great choice for this book. While the characters were interesting, it would be helpful to me if they were a bit more developed. I was often confused with the quick changes back and forth between each world and the many different people and had a hard time making those transitions. I appreciated the detailed back story but there were times I couldn't quite connect all the dots to follow along. But I have to stress again how impressed I am with this teenagers efforts. I can't even imagine accomplishing so much at this age! I look forward to reading more from Melissa and expect her to have a long career in writing. She is currently at work on the next book in this series.
October 13, 2009
Ginger High is no ordinary school. It is a school for students with special powers. Many years ago people came to Earth from the Kingdom of Animist, a parallel universe. Two long time friends, Matthias and Amanta, attended the school and then returned home to Animist. The school has had many unexplained deaths. Daisy Fisher attends the school after her old school burns down. Matthias and Amanta are called back to the school to help solve the mysteries. What are powers? And what is with this crazy school? Welcome to Ginger High.
First off, I would like to give major kudos to Miss Burmester for being a published author at the young age of 14. Ginger High was written at the age of 12 and the fact that she was able to have it published two years later is quite the accomplishment.
This was a very neat story ... with parallel universes, a school for kids with super powers, supernatural creatures, a war in the midst, students being mysteriously attacked, oh and, of course, a cute boy. I enjoyed the story line as well as I thought there were some great characters in the story. My only complaint would be with character definition. I really wish there would have been “more” to all the characters. I felt that I couldn’t identify or relate with any them because there just wasn’t enough substance. I also felt that the ending didn’t wrap up and left a few loose ends - but that might be because I now read that Ginger High will be a series.
This is a fast moving story with plenty of twists and just enough action and adventure to keep the pages flowing. I believe this is geared toward young adults but I can definitely recommend to younger tweens as well. This is a wonderful debut for Miss Burmester and I’ll be sure to keep an eye out for her future work.
First off, I would like to give major kudos to Miss Burmester for being a published author at the young age of 14. Ginger High was written at the age of 12 and the fact that she was able to have it published two years later is quite the accomplishment.
This was a very neat story ... with parallel universes, a school for kids with super powers, supernatural creatures, a war in the midst, students being mysteriously attacked, oh and, of course, a cute boy. I enjoyed the story line as well as I thought there were some great characters in the story. My only complaint would be with character definition. I really wish there would have been “more” to all the characters. I felt that I couldn’t identify or relate with any them because there just wasn’t enough substance. I also felt that the ending didn’t wrap up and left a few loose ends - but that might be because I now read that Ginger High will be a series.
This is a fast moving story with plenty of twists and just enough action and adventure to keep the pages flowing. I believe this is geared toward young adults but I can definitely recommend to younger tweens as well. This is a wonderful debut for Miss Burmester and I’ll be sure to keep an eye out for her future work.
June 21, 2013
Daisy Fisher is a normal freshman teenager. She enjoys spending time with her friends, shopping, and boys. But, all that changes the day her school burns down. Her parents enroll her at Ginger High and not everything appears as it seems.
Amanta Cortes and Matthias Achilles attended Ginger High years ago. Upon graduation they were told to return to their own kingdom, Animist, a parallel universe. When they left Ginger High, girls had been murdered with no culprit found, and now again years later, it is happening again. Amanta is asked by the king to investigate and Matthias, Amanta's best friend, goes with him.
Daisy makes new friends at her new school quickly and it doesn't take long before she realizes everyone who attends has a special power. Daisy doesn't though and is told that if she doesn't show hers soon, she will be killed! Talk about pressure!! As Daisy worries about her lack of power, girls are being found murdered, drained of blood.
Daisy makes a friend in Amanta, and with his friends and her new ones, they begin to investigate the murders, if they can stay alive to its shocking conclusion.
Ginger High is a riveting read with many unique characters and situations. The ending left me wanting more and I certainly hope a sequel is in the works. The only complaint I have is character development. There are quite a few characters that appear that we really don't know anything about: where they came from, who they are. Melissa may be only fourteen, but she has a very promising writing career ahead of her. A great YA read!!
Amanta Cortes and Matthias Achilles attended Ginger High years ago. Upon graduation they were told to return to their own kingdom, Animist, a parallel universe. When they left Ginger High, girls had been murdered with no culprit found, and now again years later, it is happening again. Amanta is asked by the king to investigate and Matthias, Amanta's best friend, goes with him.
Daisy makes new friends at her new school quickly and it doesn't take long before she realizes everyone who attends has a special power. Daisy doesn't though and is told that if she doesn't show hers soon, she will be killed! Talk about pressure!! As Daisy worries about her lack of power, girls are being found murdered, drained of blood.
Daisy makes a friend in Amanta, and with his friends and her new ones, they begin to investigate the murders, if they can stay alive to its shocking conclusion.
Ginger High is a riveting read with many unique characters and situations. The ending left me wanting more and I certainly hope a sequel is in the works. The only complaint I have is character development. There are quite a few characters that appear that we really don't know anything about: where they came from, who they are. Melissa may be only fourteen, but she has a very promising writing career ahead of her. A great YA read!!
October 23, 2009
This review was originally posted on my review blog : Falling Off The Shelf.
Ginger High is for special students. These students have an array of talents that no normal person is bestowed. People with these talents descended from a parallel universe called Animist, although some are unaware that is truly where they are from. When unexplained deaths start occuring at Ginger High, two long time friends, Matthias and Amanta return to Ginger High to help solve the mysteries.
Daisy Fisher is a young student of Ginger High. She comes from another town, and was forced to go to Ginger High after her own school was burned down. She will have to learn the ropes at Ginger High, and understand what it means to have powers.
This was a really quick read, although it didn't have as much appeal for me as I expected it to. I was confused with how the story jumped around between narrators, and there was some gaps in the story. The actually idea for this story was a great idea, and that is why I kept on.
Halfway through this story I was wondering about the author, and I was pleasantly surprised to learn that Melissa Burmester is only 14 years old. This is when I realized the mistakes of the novel and lack of characterization came from. This is her first novel, and she has plenty of time left in life to expand and learn from her mistakes. I'm very curious to see where this series will go, and especially curious as to how the author will transform in her work.
Ginger High is for special students. These students have an array of talents that no normal person is bestowed. People with these talents descended from a parallel universe called Animist, although some are unaware that is truly where they are from. When unexplained deaths start occuring at Ginger High, two long time friends, Matthias and Amanta return to Ginger High to help solve the mysteries.
Daisy Fisher is a young student of Ginger High. She comes from another town, and was forced to go to Ginger High after her own school was burned down. She will have to learn the ropes at Ginger High, and understand what it means to have powers.
This was a really quick read, although it didn't have as much appeal for me as I expected it to. I was confused with how the story jumped around between narrators, and there was some gaps in the story. The actually idea for this story was a great idea, and that is why I kept on.
Halfway through this story I was wondering about the author, and I was pleasantly surprised to learn that Melissa Burmester is only 14 years old. This is when I realized the mistakes of the novel and lack of characterization came from. This is her first novel, and she has plenty of time left in life to expand and learn from her mistakes. I'm very curious to see where this series will go, and especially curious as to how the author will transform in her work.
September 4, 2013
In a school where the students have special powers, unexplained deaths are popping up around Ginger High. All of the victims have bite marks on their necks. After having to back to their parallel, supernatural world of Animist, supernatural beings, Matthias, Taeru, and Amanta, are brought back to help solve the mysterious deaths. After her old school burns down, Daisy Fisher starts at Ginger. As if learning to control her newfound supernatural powers wasn’t enough, she discovers a deep, family secret. She soon makes friends with Amanta and teams up with him to try and solve the deaths, but could the family secret and the deaths be somehow connected? Will the 4 people be able to solve the mystery before they too wind up victims?
This book has a great concept and a unique plot, especially with the parallel universes. The characters were likable and entertaining, but needed fleshed out more. The plot was fast-paced, but had a few holes and the transitions weren’t smooth. It also would have been nice to have a little more detailed description in some parts. The story was a fun read, however, and well worth the time. Overall, a pretty good book for a first-time young novelist.
This book has a great concept and a unique plot, especially with the parallel universes. The characters were likable and entertaining, but needed fleshed out more. The plot was fast-paced, but had a few holes and the transitions weren’t smooth. It also would have been nice to have a little more detailed description in some parts. The story was a fun read, however, and well worth the time. Overall, a pretty good book for a first-time young novelist.
October 15, 2009
The blurb:
Ginger High is no ordinary school. It is a school for students with "special powers." Many years ago people came to Earth from the kingdom of Animist, a parallel universe. Two longtime friends, Matthias and Amanta, attended the school and then returned home to Animist.
The school has had many unexplained deaths. Daisy Fisher attends the school after her old school to help solve the mysteries. What are powers? And what is with the crazy school? Welcome to Ginger High!
Review:
Ginger High is an interesting and dialogue heavy book. I found the shifts from different time periods and from Earth to Animist a bit confusing, but it's a valiant first effort by Melissa Burmester. It's hard to believe that it is a work of a fourteen-year old.
Publisher: Infinity Publishing (May 15, 2009), 229 pages.
Review copy provided by the author and Pump Up Your Book Promotion Tours.
Ginger High is no ordinary school. It is a school for students with "special powers." Many years ago people came to Earth from the kingdom of Animist, a parallel universe. Two longtime friends, Matthias and Amanta, attended the school and then returned home to Animist.
The school has had many unexplained deaths. Daisy Fisher attends the school after her old school to help solve the mysteries. What are powers? And what is with the crazy school? Welcome to Ginger High!
Review:
Ginger High is an interesting and dialogue heavy book. I found the shifts from different time periods and from Earth to Animist a bit confusing, but it's a valiant first effort by Melissa Burmester. It's hard to believe that it is a work of a fourteen-year old.
Publisher: Infinity Publishing (May 15, 2009), 229 pages.
Review copy provided by the author and Pump Up Your Book Promotion Tours.
October 6, 2010
in ginger high,daisy fishers school burns down and she has to go to the exclusive ginger high, a high school she finds out for people with powers. when girls start to be murdered she doesn't know what to do.
tihs book was better than i thought it was going to be. i read it in 2 days. but i did think people were kind of mellow for some things where i would think they would be freaking out.all in all it was worth the time. if there is a second book i will read it.
also i got this book from goodreads giveaways which is cool.
tihs book was better than i thought it was going to be. i read it in 2 days. but i did think people were kind of mellow for some things where i would think they would be freaking out.all in all it was worth the time. if there is a second book i will read it.
also i got this book from goodreads giveaways which is cool.
August 30, 2010
I happened upon this book while trolling another web site and wanted to put in my two cents.
I am taking into account the age of the author and saying WELL DONE! You have a very developed sense of imagination and creativity. I believe you could be a bestselling author if you keep working at it. This is an excellently constructed novel for someone your age.
I wish you great success,
Ellen C Maze
Bestselling author of unique vampire fiction
I am taking into account the age of the author and saying WELL DONE! You have a very developed sense of imagination and creativity. I believe you could be a bestselling author if you keep working at it. This is an excellently constructed novel for someone your age.
I wish you great success,
Ellen C Maze
Bestselling author of unique vampire fiction
October 3, 2010
* I received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads *
(More like 3.5 stars.....)
I thought this was a good book for a quick read. I felt the plot was a bit choppy and the characters could have used a little more development but I really enjoyed the idea of the story. I feel like the author has a lot of potential and I look forward to reading more of her work in the future!
(More like 3.5 stars.....)
I thought this was a good book for a quick read. I felt the plot was a bit choppy and the characters could have used a little more development but I really enjoyed the idea of the story. I feel like the author has a lot of potential and I look forward to reading more of her work in the future!
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews