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Fish Heads
Be careful what you wish for …
Louis had exhausted the long list of babysitters his parents had compiled. At first, it was easy to get someone to come to the house. There were plenty of high school-aged kids in the neighborhood eager to make a buck, and the Millers paid their sitters well. But they lived in a small town, and word spread quickly. Louis was a likable kid, but he was a challenge.
Even Louis had to admit the validity of such a claim. There was that time he set fire to the playhouse, and his mom would never let him forget the morning he boarded a bus and crossed the state line just to see if they’d actually let a seven-year-old do that sort of thing. He never set out to cause trouble, he was just so easily bored, and most teenage girls were much more interested in social media than hanging out with a little kid. He needed adventure. He needed excitement. Heck, he’d even take a good old-fashioned game of chess, but he had yet to find a teen interested in entertainment that wasn’t found on a phone.
And then one night, Jillian came to sit for him.
Louis had exhausted the long list of babysitters his parents had compiled. At first, it was easy to get someone to come to the house. There were plenty of high school-aged kids in the neighborhood eager to make a buck, and the Millers paid their sitters well. But they lived in a small town, and word spread quickly. Louis was a likable kid, but he was a challenge.
Even Louis had to admit the validity of such a claim. There was that time he set fire to the playhouse, and his mom would never let him forget the morning he boarded a bus and crossed the state line just to see if they’d actually let a seven-year-old do that sort of thing. He never set out to cause trouble, he was just so easily bored, and most teenage girls were much more interested in social media than hanging out with a little kid. He needed adventure. He needed excitement. Heck, he’d even take a good old-fashioned game of chess, but he had yet to find a teen interested in entertainment that wasn’t found on a phone.
And then one night, Jillian came to sit for him.
247 pages, Hardcover
Published September 20, 2022
About the author
J.C. Wing
30 books220 followersJ.C. Wing is a bestselling, multi-genre indie author. She likes to pen family dramas, romantic comedies, thrillers, YA and the occasional limerick. She has written more than twenty novels, including The Color of Thunder, The Gannon Family Series ("The Skye Books"), the Goddess of Tornado Alley Series and the Whisper Creek Mysteries Series. She is the author of Acquainted with Butterflies, a collection of short stories, personal essays and poetry, and she is a contributing author of the Grey’s Harbor Series.
J.C. publishes under Black Cat Press, her own imprint. Her writing companions are Tara, the golden retriever of absolute happiness and Calvin and Cayenne, the cats of chaos.
J.C. publishes under Black Cat Press, her own imprint. Her writing companions are Tara, the golden retriever of absolute happiness and Calvin and Cayenne, the cats of chaos.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
March 19, 2023
I’m not sure what makes a Y.A. novel Y.A. Is it subject matter? Character development? Lack of (most) swearing and sex? Fish Heads, an engaging novel written by my friend J.C. Wing, is a Y.A. novel, but it had my attention from the first page.
Fish Heads is a complicated story over three periods in the main character’s life: single-digit childhood, tweens, and a brief glimpse into adulthood. Louis, this character, was hard to believe as a 7 year old, but that’s because he is written as a kid with an advanced intellect and delayed physique. Wing craftily described him as if she was peeling an onion.
The other main character, Jillian, also was a joy to meet, but I still crave more of her story. Wing left many mysteries connected to her unaddressed, which would drive me crazy usually but are somehow acceptable with this story. It could be the connections to mythology and supernaturalness (today that’s a word).
The story had me guessing and guessing wrong. Maybe that’s the Young Adult component; I expected more emotionally violent conspiratorial twists. Wing saved my imagination in some ways, but delivered satisfying twists of her own that have me pondering after finishing the book.
Fish Heads is a complicated story over three periods in the main character’s life: single-digit childhood, tweens, and a brief glimpse into adulthood. Louis, this character, was hard to believe as a 7 year old, but that’s because he is written as a kid with an advanced intellect and delayed physique. Wing craftily described him as if she was peeling an onion.
The other main character, Jillian, also was a joy to meet, but I still crave more of her story. Wing left many mysteries connected to her unaddressed, which would drive me crazy usually but are somehow acceptable with this story. It could be the connections to mythology and supernaturalness (today that’s a word).
The story had me guessing and guessing wrong. Maybe that’s the Young Adult component; I expected more emotionally violent conspiratorial twists. Wing saved my imagination in some ways, but delivered satisfying twists of her own that have me pondering after finishing the book.
August 4, 2022
Fish Heads by J. C. Wing was such a great read! I cannot say enough good things about how fantastic the character of Louis is. He's like that nerdy little professor-type kid that you just want to hug and keep close. Of course, this author does characters so very well that it's not surprising I'd fall in love with Louis.
The story, which involves, among other things, a tale from mythology is interesting and very meaty. I'm not someone who is into mythology nor do I typically find it my cup of tea, but woven into a few parts of this book, it was good. The mythological tale wasn't one I'd heard before, but wow, did it ever work well with Louis's story!
This is a YA book, again, not my typical cup of tea, but it's so much more than YA. It touches deeply on many levels and will appeal to a wide variety of readers I think. If you like stories about families, cute nerdy little boys, mythology, and coming of age, you'll definitely want to pick up a copy of Fish Heads. I truly think there is something here for everyone.
Thank you to the author and publisher for an ARC at my request. My thoughts are my own and happily shared.
The story, which involves, among other things, a tale from mythology is interesting and very meaty. I'm not someone who is into mythology nor do I typically find it my cup of tea, but woven into a few parts of this book, it was good. The mythological tale wasn't one I'd heard before, but wow, did it ever work well with Louis's story!
This is a YA book, again, not my typical cup of tea, but it's so much more than YA. It touches deeply on many levels and will appeal to a wide variety of readers I think. If you like stories about families, cute nerdy little boys, mythology, and coming of age, you'll definitely want to pick up a copy of Fish Heads. I truly think there is something here for everyone.
Thank you to the author and publisher for an ARC at my request. My thoughts are my own and happily shared.
August 27, 2022
Fish Heads by J.C. Wing
This is such a great book! After reading it, I had to take a couple of days to think about it and how I would describe it to you without giving anything away. Trust me, this is hard to do!
Louis is a precocious child. He has gone through so many sitters until now, until Jillian. She is the perfect sitter for Louis and his family. But everything is not quite as it seems.
This book is listed as a YA. However, I think it is enjoyable for all ages. Louis starts out as a young boy, but as they story line progresses, the reader is privy to more than just Louis’ story.
Curl up with this great book!
This is such a great book! After reading it, I had to take a couple of days to think about it and how I would describe it to you without giving anything away. Trust me, this is hard to do!
Louis is a precocious child. He has gone through so many sitters until now, until Jillian. She is the perfect sitter for Louis and his family. But everything is not quite as it seems.
This book is listed as a YA. However, I think it is enjoyable for all ages. Louis starts out as a young boy, but as they story line progresses, the reader is privy to more than just Louis’ story.
Curl up with this great book!
August 16, 2022
From the first page of the story I was captured by Louis and Jillian. As usual JC Wing's characters are so well written that you would swear they are actual people you know. I felt a level of tension and concern for Louis throughout the storyline and well, you will just have to read Fish Heads yourself to find out if my concern was justified. I enjoyed every page of this book and would recommend it to readers of varying ages. It is definitely not just a YA story.
August 16, 2022
I loved this book! J.C. Wing’s writing flows from sentence to sentence and then from paragraph to paragraph keeping you entranced in the story from beginning to end.
And the story! Strange, scary, heartwarming, fun. It’s all there woven into every day life situations and weird “was that real?” happenings.
The characters are developed so well that you think you could actually meet them on the street and know who they are.
Fish Heads is such a wonderful imaginative story told in a very well written book. Highly recommended and not just as a YA read.
And the story! Strange, scary, heartwarming, fun. It’s all there woven into every day life situations and weird “was that real?” happenings.
The characters are developed so well that you think you could actually meet them on the street and know who they are.
Fish Heads is such a wonderful imaginative story told in a very well written book. Highly recommended and not just as a YA read.
August 9, 2022
I have read everything that J. C. Wing has written and I love this book so very much. Louis and Jillian are the greatest characters ever! Louis is so very smart, he is a challenge sometimes! Just read it to see how it goes, you will love it!
January 1, 2023
When Mythology Meets Mystery—Fish Heads by J.C. Wing
Seven-year-old Louis is a bright, inquisitive child, but lonely. His emotional maturity and brilliance set him apart from his peers. As an only child, his parents gave him a lot of attention. Still, it did little to hamper Louis’s precocious, curious nature and his creative penchant for getting into trouble. As a result, Louis’s parents go through babysitters like others go through napkins. Most sitters were kind enough but didn’t know how to interact with such a solitary child.
Then Jillian shows up on the scene—and checks off all the boxes: she’s intelligent, friendly, a great story-teller, dependable, and seems good at pretty much everything she does, especially in the manner she speaks and handles Louis, which both appeals and piques his curiosity. However, seven years old or not, Louis doesn’t miss much. While he enjoys her company — and even admires her — Louis cannot discount the troubling trail of unexplained incongruities surrounding Jillian’s presence.
Author J.C. Wing masterly inserts many creative red herrings throughout the chapters. In one instance, she’s describing a heartwarming familial scene of Hallmark caliber, only to clobber you with an uh-oh, the next. Throughout the story, the reader senses something is up, and the author drops plenty of clues, just not enough to unravel the mystery, which makes it fun.
Fish Heads, by J.C. Wing, is a fast-paced, well-written, family-friendly, YA/Teen, Fantasy/Supernatural thriller and an intriguing story sure to please.
Seven-year-old Louis is a bright, inquisitive child, but lonely. His emotional maturity and brilliance set him apart from his peers. As an only child, his parents gave him a lot of attention. Still, it did little to hamper Louis’s precocious, curious nature and his creative penchant for getting into trouble. As a result, Louis’s parents go through babysitters like others go through napkins. Most sitters were kind enough but didn’t know how to interact with such a solitary child.
Then Jillian shows up on the scene—and checks off all the boxes: she’s intelligent, friendly, a great story-teller, dependable, and seems good at pretty much everything she does, especially in the manner she speaks and handles Louis, which both appeals and piques his curiosity. However, seven years old or not, Louis doesn’t miss much. While he enjoys her company — and even admires her — Louis cannot discount the troubling trail of unexplained incongruities surrounding Jillian’s presence.
Author J.C. Wing masterly inserts many creative red herrings throughout the chapters. In one instance, she’s describing a heartwarming familial scene of Hallmark caliber, only to clobber you with an uh-oh, the next. Throughout the story, the reader senses something is up, and the author drops plenty of clues, just not enough to unravel the mystery, which makes it fun.
Fish Heads, by J.C. Wing, is a fast-paced, well-written, family-friendly, YA/Teen, Fantasy/Supernatural thriller and an intriguing story sure to please.
August 17, 2022
What a book! I honestly thought I had it all figured out, but no, I was wrong! Jillian and Louis are great! Jillian is an absolute enigma. Read this book for yourself and you will see! Louis is such a cool kid, and his family is great, supportive, and one I would love to join. I enjoyed seeing the change Jillian brought about in him. (See what I did there?) I honestly felt like they were real! If you want to read a great story that is slightly twisted then this is the book for you! It's not just a YA book but one that any age will enjoy!
April 15, 2023
I’ve previously read the author’s Goddess of Tornado Alley series, a romance series combined with mythology. The author takes their knowledge of mythology and uses it for the young adult fantasy novel Fish Heads. Louis is a mischievous kid, who tends to run off his babysitters. However, he meets his match when he meets Jillian.
Fish Heads does a great job of combining suspense, mythology, and fantasy. Throughout the story, you’re left wondering what’s going to happen next and what danger is lurking. Although this is a book geared toward young adults, anyone would enjoy this story.
Fish Heads does a great job of combining suspense, mythology, and fantasy. Throughout the story, you’re left wondering what’s going to happen next and what danger is lurking. Although this is a book geared toward young adults, anyone would enjoy this story.
August 19, 2022
Amazing read! Once again JC Wing mesmerizes us with a tale of such quality characters that you wish you could meet them in person. A tale of both mythological and human nature entwined that at times you are not sure which one is stepping up next. There is a touch of thrill, a touch of family, a touch of friendship, and a touch of history coming back around. Hold on for another wonderful ride into literature that will leave you breathlessly awaiting for the next chapter to unfold
September 25, 2022
What a crew!
Fish Heads by the talented JC Wing did not disappoint. The characters are well developed and likeable, descriptions vivid and writing flawless. I really enjoyed the story of Louis and his personality will stay with me for awhile. This is a bit of a genre bender. Paranormal? Shifter? A bit of both....but not overkill. Oh, is someone going to be eliminated? You'll have to read and find out.
Fish Heads by the talented JC Wing did not disappoint. The characters are well developed and likeable, descriptions vivid and writing flawless. I really enjoyed the story of Louis and his personality will stay with me for awhile. This is a bit of a genre bender. Paranormal? Shifter? A bit of both....but not overkill. Oh, is someone going to be eliminated? You'll have to read and find out.
January 7, 2023
Another great read
Although this book is marketed as YA, I would recommend it for all readers.
Mix together a smart little boy plus some mythology plus a mysterious sitter and you end up on an exciting ride. You quickly start to figure out what you think is happening, but you are never 100% sure until the end when the last curveball hits
Although this book is marketed as YA, I would recommend it for all readers.
Mix together a smart little boy plus some mythology plus a mysterious sitter and you end up on an exciting ride. You quickly start to figure out what you think is happening, but you are never 100% sure until the end when the last curveball hits
September 20, 2022
Fishes, craziness and suspense. Oh, my!
Fish Head is a great YA book by a talented author. If you like suspense, twists and games this is the book for you to pick up. The characters have a personality of their own and all readers will fall in love with them. You’ll feel like you are in the book sitting on the couch with the characters how captivating the book is. I highly recommend the book be read along with everything else written by J.C. Wing.
Fish Head is a great YA book by a talented author. If you like suspense, twists and games this is the book for you to pick up. The characters have a personality of their own and all readers will fall in love with them. You’ll feel like you are in the book sitting on the couch with the characters how captivating the book is. I highly recommend the book be read along with everything else written by J.C. Wing.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews