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The Jane Austen Diaries #2
Northanger Alibi
The Russo family and Seattle, Washington, are no match for Claire Hart and her savvy knowledge of all things vampire-related. Thanks to her obsession with the Twilight series, if there is anyone who would know a vampire when she saw one, it's Claire. And she's positive totally hot Tony Russo is a vampire - she just has to prove it!
In this modern retelling of Jane Austen's Northanger Abbey, follow Claire's hilarious journey on her first summer adventure away from home, where she learns everything isn't what it seems, and that in some instances, reality is way better than anything she'd ever find in a book.
In this modern retelling of Jane Austen's Northanger Abbey, follow Claire's hilarious journey on her first summer adventure away from home, where she learns everything isn't what it seems, and that in some instances, reality is way better than anything she'd ever find in a book.
254 pages, Paperback
First published June 1, 2010
38 people are currently reading
2077 people want to read
About the author
Jenni James
76 books1,283 followersCLEAN ROMANCE FOR TEENS:
*The Jane Austen Diaries*
Pride & Popularity (Aug 2011)
Persuaded (Aug. 2012)
Emmalee (Jan 2013)
Mansfield Ranch (Dec 2013)
Northanger Alibi (Feb. 2012)
Sensible & Sensational (July 2015)
Sand & Sun (2016)
The Wilsons
Queen Sydney
*Jenni James Faerie Tale Collection*
Beauty and the Beast
Sleeping Beauty
Rumplestiltskin
Cinderella
Hansel and Gretel
Jack and the Beanstalk
Snow White
The Frog Prince
Twelve Dancing Princesses
Rapunzel
The Little Mermaid
Peter Pan
Return to Neverland
The Forgotten Princess
The Princess With the Golden Touch
Little Red Riding Hood
(and more...)
MIDDLE GRADE READERS:
Prince Tennyson (May 2012)
EARLY READERS:
*Andy & Annie Collection*
A Ghost Story
Greeny Meany
WOMEN'S FICTION:
*Revitalizing Jane Series*
Drowning
Swimming
Crawling
Walking
Running
Soaring
CLEAN ROMANCE FOR ADULTS:
*Eternal Realm Series*
Eternity
Destiny
Divinity
*The Jane Austen Diaries*
Pride & Popularity (Aug 2011)
Persuaded (Aug. 2012)
Emmalee (Jan 2013)
Mansfield Ranch (Dec 2013)
Northanger Alibi (Feb. 2012)
Sensible & Sensational (July 2015)
Sand & Sun (2016)
The Wilsons
Queen Sydney
*Jenni James Faerie Tale Collection*
Beauty and the Beast
Sleeping Beauty
Rumplestiltskin
Cinderella
Hansel and Gretel
Jack and the Beanstalk
Snow White
The Frog Prince
Twelve Dancing Princesses
Rapunzel
The Little Mermaid
Peter Pan
Return to Neverland
The Forgotten Princess
The Princess With the Golden Touch
Little Red Riding Hood
(and more...)
MIDDLE GRADE READERS:
Prince Tennyson (May 2012)
EARLY READERS:
*Andy & Annie Collection*
A Ghost Story
Greeny Meany
WOMEN'S FICTION:
*Revitalizing Jane Series*
Drowning
Swimming
Crawling
Walking
Running
Soaring
CLEAN ROMANCE FOR ADULTS:
*Eternal Realm Series*
Eternity
Destiny
Divinity
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 307 reviews
June 9, 2010
Janeites will not find much Abbey in this Northanger, but Twilight fans will be delighted
What qualifies a story as a retelling of a Jane Austen novel? Reverent adherence to Austen’s plot line? Faithful interpretation of characterization? Emulation of her prose style? I asked myself these questions several times while reading Jenni James’ new novel Northanger Alibi, the first book in her Austen Diaries series of contemporary counterparts to Austen’s six classic novels. At what point does an Austen retelling diverge so far that it is not a retelling at all? And, more importantly, does it really matter? This led me to evaluate my Janeitehood. Am I a Formidable, or an Iconoclastic Austen sequel reader? Honestly, if you can answer these questions immediately, you will know if you want to read this novel or not. I could not decide, so I continued reading.
Claire Hart is a sixteen year old country girl from New Mexico whose never been kissed. Like any teenager she’d like it to be otherwise. She is Twi-hard to the extreme having read the Twilight series by Stephenie Meyer numerous times, seen the movies and obsessed over its heroes Edward Cullen and Jacob Black beyond the point of redemption. She is confident that she is now an expert on vampires and werewolves and can spot them on sight. When she and her sister Cassidy are given the chance to travel to Seattle with family friends for a summer holiday she is ecstatic to be near the epicenter of the Twi-world, Forks, Washington. Her trip to the Emerald City takes an interesting turn when she is introduced to Tony Russo, a handsome young man who likes to tease her, is interested in fine fashion, uses the word nice frequently and according to Claire’s first impression is definitely a vampire. Next she meets tall, dark and overbearing Jaden Black who is Quileute, the same local Native American tribe as the Twilight character Jacob and therefore must also be a werewolf. Everything she experiences is seen through the Gothic prism of Twilight characters and she is certain that her deductions are correct. Her sister is skeptical until she too starts reading the addictive novels that Claire has brought along with her. As both of Claire’s new supposedly paranormal male friends vie for her affections, she must learn to distinguish between fiction and reality and to trust her own instincts in matters of the heart.
Northanger Alibi is a charming tale written for a pre-teen audience craving more vampire and werewolf fare after reading the sensationally popular Twilight series. As such, it gently mocks the genre and its obsessive fans while following its heroine in her first experiences with love and romance. The concept of combining Jane Austen’s Northanger Abbey, a parody of the melodramatic Gothic fiction so popular in Austen’s time, with the hugely successful modern Gothic tale Twilight was intriguing to me. The story had a promising beginning and then wanders away from Austen’s classic tale to the author’s unique plot and characterizations. Her hero and heroine do have similarities to Austen’s Catherine Morland and Henry Tilney: she is impressionable, naive and obsessed with Gothic fiction; he teases, likes fashion and the word nice, but beside a few other plot comparisons and character allusions, that is just about as close as it gets to the original. The ending brings us back to some resemblance of Austen’s story, but by then this reader was baffled.
Why am I picking at this funny and exuberant debut novel written by a promising new author you ask? Because of how it has been marketed. “This modern Gothic remake of Jane Austen’s Northanger Abbey, with a nod to Stephenie Meyer’s Twilight series, will leave you in stitches.” The Formidable in me must warn readers who purchase this book because of the Jane Austen connection that they will find very little Abbey in this Northanger. On the other hand, the Iconoclast in me admires the author’s energy and creativity, and blames her editor and publisher for not pointing out the egregious omissions and addressing them. Promoting this book as a retelling of Austen’s novel is misleading. Promoting this book as a Twilight inspired story for pre-teens pairs the author’s creative choices with her target audience. Northanger Alibi is a great concept novel and a fun read for those interested in Twilight, but not the most rewarding fare for the Janeite who is expecting more than a passing resemblance to the original story.
Laurel Ann, Austenprose
What qualifies a story as a retelling of a Jane Austen novel? Reverent adherence to Austen’s plot line? Faithful interpretation of characterization? Emulation of her prose style? I asked myself these questions several times while reading Jenni James’ new novel Northanger Alibi, the first book in her Austen Diaries series of contemporary counterparts to Austen’s six classic novels. At what point does an Austen retelling diverge so far that it is not a retelling at all? And, more importantly, does it really matter? This led me to evaluate my Janeitehood. Am I a Formidable, or an Iconoclastic Austen sequel reader? Honestly, if you can answer these questions immediately, you will know if you want to read this novel or not. I could not decide, so I continued reading.
Claire Hart is a sixteen year old country girl from New Mexico whose never been kissed. Like any teenager she’d like it to be otherwise. She is Twi-hard to the extreme having read the Twilight series by Stephenie Meyer numerous times, seen the movies and obsessed over its heroes Edward Cullen and Jacob Black beyond the point of redemption. She is confident that she is now an expert on vampires and werewolves and can spot them on sight. When she and her sister Cassidy are given the chance to travel to Seattle with family friends for a summer holiday she is ecstatic to be near the epicenter of the Twi-world, Forks, Washington. Her trip to the Emerald City takes an interesting turn when she is introduced to Tony Russo, a handsome young man who likes to tease her, is interested in fine fashion, uses the word nice frequently and according to Claire’s first impression is definitely a vampire. Next she meets tall, dark and overbearing Jaden Black who is Quileute, the same local Native American tribe as the Twilight character Jacob and therefore must also be a werewolf. Everything she experiences is seen through the Gothic prism of Twilight characters and she is certain that her deductions are correct. Her sister is skeptical until she too starts reading the addictive novels that Claire has brought along with her. As both of Claire’s new supposedly paranormal male friends vie for her affections, she must learn to distinguish between fiction and reality and to trust her own instincts in matters of the heart.
Northanger Alibi is a charming tale written for a pre-teen audience craving more vampire and werewolf fare after reading the sensationally popular Twilight series. As such, it gently mocks the genre and its obsessive fans while following its heroine in her first experiences with love and romance. The concept of combining Jane Austen’s Northanger Abbey, a parody of the melodramatic Gothic fiction so popular in Austen’s time, with the hugely successful modern Gothic tale Twilight was intriguing to me. The story had a promising beginning and then wanders away from Austen’s classic tale to the author’s unique plot and characterizations. Her hero and heroine do have similarities to Austen’s Catherine Morland and Henry Tilney: she is impressionable, naive and obsessed with Gothic fiction; he teases, likes fashion and the word nice, but beside a few other plot comparisons and character allusions, that is just about as close as it gets to the original. The ending brings us back to some resemblance of Austen’s story, but by then this reader was baffled.
Why am I picking at this funny and exuberant debut novel written by a promising new author you ask? Because of how it has been marketed. “This modern Gothic remake of Jane Austen’s Northanger Abbey, with a nod to Stephenie Meyer’s Twilight series, will leave you in stitches.” The Formidable in me must warn readers who purchase this book because of the Jane Austen connection that they will find very little Abbey in this Northanger. On the other hand, the Iconoclast in me admires the author’s energy and creativity, and blames her editor and publisher for not pointing out the egregious omissions and addressing them. Promoting this book as a retelling of Austen’s novel is misleading. Promoting this book as a Twilight inspired story for pre-teens pairs the author’s creative choices with her target audience. Northanger Alibi is a great concept novel and a fun read for those interested in Twilight, but not the most rewarding fare for the Janeite who is expecting more than a passing resemblance to the original story.
Laurel Ann, Austenprose
May 26, 2013
I know this is intended to be a parody of both Twilight and Northanger Abbey. I haven't read that first one and only part of the second one thanks to my poorly stocked local library. Maybe it's good as a homage. I don't know. But this book cannot stand on its own feet.
So many things don't make sense. When Claire first meets Jaden, he mistakes her for someone named Sadie and kisses her on the spot. So, Sadie's gonna show up, right? She'll bash Claire's face in? Or at least yell at Jaden?
Nope. The only time they mention her name is later in the same chapter, when Jaden compares the two and decides he likes Claire more. Poor Sadie. I wonder what her story is.
Claire is supposed to be a diehard fangirl. She carts the entire Twilight series with her on an airplane even though she's read them several times. Yet she seems to think she's the only person on the planet who has. Four different characters confess to reading them and she's surprised each time. Has she been on the internet at all in the last few years?
The only thing I liked about Claire was her name, which backfired. I had to call her Cloya in my head so it wouldn't be ruined for me.
Then there's Tony. He's Secretive and Hot. No description of his eyes, hair, or skin other than Hot. I guess we'll have to take Cloya's word for it. Jaden's a little better. He's Native American, so I can build a picture of tan skin and dark hair. Wonder what Sadie looks like.
When Tony's Very Secretive Secret is revealed, it's random and unrealistic at best and a last-ditch effort to included the word Northanger in the book at worst. I'd rather uncover the secret of Sadie's existence.
I know Cloya's a parody of Bella, who no one likes. I know she's a reference to Jane Austen's Catherine, who's a parody of the 1800's version of a fangirl. So on some level this wins as satire. I still didn't like Cloya. She's shrill and stupid.
My favorite character: Sadie.
So many things don't make sense. When Claire first meets Jaden, he mistakes her for someone named Sadie and kisses her on the spot. So, Sadie's gonna show up, right? She'll bash Claire's face in? Or at least yell at Jaden?
Nope. The only time they mention her name is later in the same chapter, when Jaden compares the two and decides he likes Claire more. Poor Sadie. I wonder what her story is.
Claire is supposed to be a diehard fangirl. She carts the entire Twilight series with her on an airplane even though she's read them several times. Yet she seems to think she's the only person on the planet who has. Four different characters confess to reading them and she's surprised each time. Has she been on the internet at all in the last few years?
The only thing I liked about Claire was her name, which backfired. I had to call her Cloya in my head so it wouldn't be ruined for me.
Then there's Tony. He's Secretive and Hot. No description of his eyes, hair, or skin other than Hot. I guess we'll have to take Cloya's word for it. Jaden's a little better. He's Native American, so I can build a picture of tan skin and dark hair. Wonder what Sadie looks like.
When Tony's Very Secretive Secret is revealed, it's random and unrealistic at best and a last-ditch effort to included the word Northanger in the book at worst. I'd rather uncover the secret of Sadie's existence.
I know Cloya's a parody of Bella, who no one likes. I know she's a reference to Jane Austen's Catherine, who's a parody of the 1800's version of a fangirl. So on some level this wins as satire. I still didn't like Cloya. She's shrill and stupid.
My favorite character: Sadie.
March 3, 2012
Another light, fun, silly, and clean sequel. I preferred the first one because I liked Chloe and didn't mind being in her head. I also didn't mind getting to know Taylor. In this book, I did not like being in Claire's head. Then again, who would have wanted to be in Catherine Morland's head? Ug--the idea. A modern-day Catherine has to be worse! Especially when this one is obsessed with "Twilight." Double ug--and pain! But that just shows how well James wrote the character--and how gratefully she wasn't exactly like Chloe. You could tell they were two different people. Still, she felt more like a 14-year old (which is how old she should have been 2 years after the previous book) than 16 1/2. I was that bad at 14, but I hope I wasn't so awful at 16. Of course, if she wasn't 16, then she couldn't have been able to date. And thankfully, like Catherine, she grew up quite a bit by the end.
I probably would have enjoyed getting to know Tony--the Tilney character--if there weren't the Edward "similarities." Again, well done to James for tying the two together! But I was never impressed with Edward, and Tilney is my favorite Austen hero. So putting the two together was just complete oxymoron for me. But Tony as a character all his own was enjoyable. Plus we got to see him in a more positive light (thinking POV, of course) for longer than we did Taylor. Happily I still disliked the male antagonist, whether seeing him as John Thorpe or Jacob Black he was repulsive, annoying, and frustrating either way. Maybe more kissing on his part than I was comfortable with, but how else would you make the bad-but-not-too-bad John into a modern bad-but-not-too-bad boy?
Fun story. I liked finding out the secrets. I liked seeing the clever adaptation of Northanger Abbey. You don't see too many attempts at that. I liked "being in" a city I've actually been to--4 times! I wasn't always impressed with Cassidy. I still got quite annoyed with so many italics!! And I'm not a fan of finding true love as a teen, but that's a personal issue. The book and the series so far are still worth recommending.
I probably would have enjoyed getting to know Tony--the Tilney character--if there weren't the Edward "similarities." Again, well done to James for tying the two together! But I was never impressed with Edward, and Tilney is my favorite Austen hero. So putting the two together was just complete oxymoron for me. But Tony as a character all his own was enjoyable. Plus we got to see him in a more positive light (thinking POV, of course) for longer than we did Taylor. Happily I still disliked the male antagonist, whether seeing him as John Thorpe or Jacob Black he was repulsive, annoying, and frustrating either way. Maybe more kissing on his part than I was comfortable with, but how else would you make the bad-but-not-too-bad John into a modern bad-but-not-too-bad boy?
Fun story. I liked finding out the secrets. I liked seeing the clever adaptation of Northanger Abbey. You don't see too many attempts at that. I liked "being in" a city I've actually been to--4 times! I wasn't always impressed with Cassidy. I still got quite annoyed with so many italics!! And I'm not a fan of finding true love as a teen, but that's a personal issue. The book and the series so far are still worth recommending.
February 6, 2012
What a fun read. I should say that I’ve never read the original Northanger Abbey by Jane Austen, so I can’t compare the two. I had a vague idea what the story was about and thought the author did a good job recreating the story in a modern setting. Our main character Claire is endearingly naive, especially at the beginning of the book. To say she is a fan of the Twilight series is a huge understatement. I thought it was a fun element to the story though. I liked Tony, he has a few great lines and the two had good chemistry together. While I thought they were cute together, I had a hard time buying that they were truly in love, maybe SERIOUS like though. I can definitely see things growing between them, but the whole book only takes place over a couple of weeks with a handful of date/interactions, so love is a bit of a stretch for me. If you suspend reality for a couple hours though, it’s a very fun entertaining read. I thought it moved along nicely and kept me wanting to read more. I think I may have a new author to look out for. I loved the sample of her next book Persuaded at the end; I really can’t wait for that one! I also hope we get a book about Tony’s sister Nora, I really liked her character.
November 15, 2012
So far... Not impressed. Being in Claire's head makes me feel like a pre-teen, not sixteen like she's supposed to be( and I actually am). I don't mind Claire so much as I dislike the writing. Jenni tells readers what's happening instead of showing us. And there are random parts that just don't make sense in the context or that should've been edited out. I've never actually read northanger abbey so I don't know how well this sticks to the original but I can't help but think that this book doesn't do the original justice.
FINISHED
Well, I finally made it through the book, with the suffering easing up a bit towards the end. Once it got past the half way mark (which took FOREVER), it wasn't so bad. In fact, I admit that i actually wanted to find out what would happen. I can't say if it was true to the Austen version (something tells me it isn't) but it got me wanting to read Northanger Abbey to find out. I wouldn't recommend this book but it wasn't completely horrible. It had some good parts and the part that i love the most about James's books is that even if they're not necessarily interesting, they're always clean which is nice when pretty much everything else isn't. So thanks Jenni.
FINISHED
Well, I finally made it through the book, with the suffering easing up a bit towards the end. Once it got past the half way mark (which took FOREVER), it wasn't so bad. In fact, I admit that i actually wanted to find out what would happen. I can't say if it was true to the Austen version (something tells me it isn't) but it got me wanting to read Northanger Abbey to find out. I wouldn't recommend this book but it wasn't completely horrible. It had some good parts and the part that i love the most about James's books is that even if they're not necessarily interesting, they're always clean which is nice when pretty much everything else isn't. So thanks Jenni.
February 25, 2012
I loved the first book in this series, Pride and Populrity, and thought, "There is NO way this book could be as good." Boy, was I in for a pleasant surprise! I loved this story!! I love how this author takes a classic story and twists it around to completely modernize it. Very clever; very darling; very fun; and completely clean too!!
Claire and her sister are invited to go to Washington State for the summer with some of her parents friends. This is exactly Claire's dream vacation, since she is a huge Twilight fan. When Claire meets Tony, she is convinced he's a vampire. What ensues is a completely hilarious adventure that had me giggling right out loud!
Claire is such a fun character. I loved the thoughts running through her mind. I loved the situations she got herself into and how she treid to deal with them. The supporting characters were a riot as well. I seriously can't wait for the next book to come out!! A preview was included at the back.
Claire and her sister are invited to go to Washington State for the summer with some of her parents friends. This is exactly Claire's dream vacation, since she is a huge Twilight fan. When Claire meets Tony, she is convinced he's a vampire. What ensues is a completely hilarious adventure that had me giggling right out loud!
Claire is such a fun character. I loved the thoughts running through her mind. I loved the situations she got herself into and how she treid to deal with them. The supporting characters were a riot as well. I seriously can't wait for the next book to come out!! A preview was included at the back.
March 14, 2012
Read the first draft and can't wait to read the final copy of the book! This is a book about a girl named Clair who is totally obsessed with the Twilight series. She even thinks that two guys she met are a vampire and werewolf. The author does an excellent job of how a teenage girl feels, with all the ups and downs of emotions, when it comes to boys, dating, parents, siblings, and life. I would recommend this book to everyone! It will keep you reading and wanting to find out how it ends!
August 25, 2019
Rating: 4 1/2 stars.
I sped through this book, having started it yesterday and finishing today! The story is really cute and the main character is so funny--especially Tony who is such a sweet guy and has good intentions. The characters are well-developed and find a place in your heart (except for one). This is a very riveting book with a twist you do not see coming! I thought the Twilight references were entertaining and there were many times where I laughed out loud or felt frustration. It is lighthearted and a fun, quick read with depth. I highly recommend this to anyone searching for a enjoyable YA romance. Even Twilight fans!
I sped through this book, having started it yesterday and finishing today! The story is really cute and the main character is so funny--especially Tony who is such a sweet guy and has good intentions. The characters are well-developed and find a place in your heart (except for one). This is a very riveting book with a twist you do not see coming! I thought the Twilight references were entertaining and there were many times where I laughed out loud or felt frustration. It is lighthearted and a fun, quick read with depth. I highly recommend this to anyone searching for a enjoyable YA romance. Even Twilight fans!
March 27, 2013
This book is an insult to teen readers. I wish LDS authors would stop writing this kind of drivel! I'm LDS, and neither me nor my friends were *anything* like Claire (the main character of this book) when we were in high school. Give me a break. Just because an author wants to avoid vulgarity and sexual content in a YA book, it doesn't mean the book needs to be so horribly trite and sugary sweet that it's nothing like reality. It drives me crazy when middle-aged authors try to sound like teens. The dialogue in this book was a mix of outdated teen speak, modern slang that James probably picked up from her kids, and old fashioned "proper" English. So basically, James failed at portraying teenage girls and guys with any credibility, and the whole book sounded really fake. I know I'm the dummy who read it, but hey, I'm a sucker for Jane Austen and I wanted to see what Jenni James's take on it was. What could have been a clever idea was messed up with silliness. And come on--Twilight? Twilight is not generally popular anymore. No one wants to read about it.
Rant:
I often get really annoyed with LDS fiction. With the exception of Gerald Lund, Chris Heimerdinger, and a few others I can't think of right now, most LDS authors are so ultra concerned with looking at the positive side of life and keeping their writing squeaky clean that the stories they tell have no value whatsoever. As a member of the LDS church, I make it a point to try my best to live the way I feel is right and support others around me. I try to avoid the filth in modern entertainment as much as I can. But the truth is, life is hard. Things don't always work out the way you want them to. People are mean and nasty, and a lot of teenage girls never end up going out with the guys they like. We learn and progress because of the struggles we go through, but James, it seems, would have teen girls believe that the worst problem in life is when things aren't working out perfectly with their boyfriends. And teenage boys are nothing like Tony, the kid that Claire ends up with in the book. I'm sorry, but no. I do not recommend this author's books.
Rant:
I often get really annoyed with LDS fiction. With the exception of Gerald Lund, Chris Heimerdinger, and a few others I can't think of right now, most LDS authors are so ultra concerned with looking at the positive side of life and keeping their writing squeaky clean that the stories they tell have no value whatsoever. As a member of the LDS church, I make it a point to try my best to live the way I feel is right and support others around me. I try to avoid the filth in modern entertainment as much as I can. But the truth is, life is hard. Things don't always work out the way you want them to. People are mean and nasty, and a lot of teenage girls never end up going out with the guys they like. We learn and progress because of the struggles we go through, but James, it seems, would have teen girls believe that the worst problem in life is when things aren't working out perfectly with their boyfriends. And teenage boys are nothing like Tony, the kid that Claire ends up with in the book. I'm sorry, but no. I do not recommend this author's books.
June 8, 2010
Sixteen-year-old Claire Hart is a huge fan of the Twilight books, and as a result has always wanted to go to Washington State. She's so thrilled when friends of her parents invite her to spend the summer with them in Seattle that she doesn't even mind when her mother insists that her older sister Cassidy is included.
Claire is so obsessed with Twilight that she's certain there are actually vampires and werewolves in abundance in Washington. When they meet the Halloways' Seattle friends the Russos, whose twins are about the same age as Claire, she's unimpressed at first. Then she bumps into Tony and feels as though she's hit a wall. When Tony seems to know what she's thinking, she's certain that he's a vampire, even though Cassidy attempts to make her see reason.
As the title suggests, this book is based on Jane Austen's Northanger Abbey. The plot of Ms. James' book is quite similar to that of Miss Austen's, with the main exception, of course being the chronological setting. Claire's fascination with the Twilight novels and inability to separate fiction from reality parallels Catherine Morland's character nicely.
The changes in the plot suit the sensibility of the modern teen admirably; Claire's summer experience could possibly be the dream of every sixteen-year-old on the planet, Twilight aficionado or not.
This is a charming, amusing tale that captures today's teens accurately. I don't know if the author intended Alibi to lead young readers to the original Northanger; probably not, but who knows?
Claire is so obsessed with Twilight that she's certain there are actually vampires and werewolves in abundance in Washington. When they meet the Halloways' Seattle friends the Russos, whose twins are about the same age as Claire, she's unimpressed at first. Then she bumps into Tony and feels as though she's hit a wall. When Tony seems to know what she's thinking, she's certain that he's a vampire, even though Cassidy attempts to make her see reason.
As the title suggests, this book is based on Jane Austen's Northanger Abbey. The plot of Ms. James' book is quite similar to that of Miss Austen's, with the main exception, of course being the chronological setting. Claire's fascination with the Twilight novels and inability to separate fiction from reality parallels Catherine Morland's character nicely.
The changes in the plot suit the sensibility of the modern teen admirably; Claire's summer experience could possibly be the dream of every sixteen-year-old on the planet, Twilight aficionado or not.
This is a charming, amusing tale that captures today's teens accurately. I don't know if the author intended Alibi to lead young readers to the original Northanger; probably not, but who knows?
December 21, 2012
Northanger Alibi is a quick, fun, light-hearted read I would recommend to Twilight fans and lovers of clean tween/teen fiction. It is an enjoyable, silly escape of a book. I found my self chuckling and rolling my eyes at Claire's antics. Northanger Alibi isn't my favorite of Jane Austen's novels but Jenni did a great job writing a modern day parallel that will hopefully turn some Twilight loving teens and adults into Jane Austen lovers.
The best thing about this series is that I can recommend them to anyone no matter their age as they are squeaky clean. If you are in the mood for a cute story that's a lot of fun to read then pick this one up. If you are looking for something with more substance than pick up Jane Austen's original Northanger Abbey.
Rating: 4.5 Stars - Great Book
Content: Clean
Source: From Publisher
The best thing about this series is that I can recommend them to anyone no matter their age as they are squeaky clean. If you are in the mood for a cute story that's a lot of fun to read then pick this one up. If you are looking for something with more substance than pick up Jane Austen's original Northanger Abbey.
Rating: 4.5 Stars - Great Book
Content: Clean
Source: From Publisher
October 2, 2016
Why does everyone keep saying Tony looks familiar? Claire can't believe that she's in Washington for part of the summer. It's her most favorite place ever. A dream come true. And okay, people seem to be a little strange here. A perfect stranger hugs and kisses her and then won't go away. But what's the deal with Tony?
I totally loved Tony! This is a young adult read, but I don't think I'll ever be too old for young adult reads!!! Throw in a vampire and a werewolf and the story was pretty wild!
I totally loved Tony! This is a young adult read, but I don't think I'll ever be too old for young adult reads!!! Throw in a vampire and a werewolf and the story was pretty wild!
March 19, 2017
this was a very cute book and I enjoyed it
February 26, 2021
SO GOOD!! Jenni James us a truley amazing author. This book involved twilight wich made it that much better!!
August 5, 2024
I … have no words
September 24, 2012
This was a fun rewrite of Northanger Abbey. It was hilarious at first to read about Claire's obsession with Twilight and her insistence that vampires were real--very true to the spirit of the original Northanger Abbey--but the original reason Jane Austen wrote the book (to make fun of gothic novels) seemed to get lost by the end. Maybe Jenni James was being tactful and didn't want to be rude to Stephanie Meyer, but I thought that the book was lacking for not emphasizing the absurdity of the Twilight craze.
The dialogue was even harder to swallow than Pride and Popularity. My eyes were about to get stuck, rolled into the back of my head, if there had been any more interaction between Claire and Jordan Black. Don't get me started on the whole crisis at the end. I was floating in a bog of far-fetched idiocy, drowning in plot holes.
Also, if I read the phrase "He's so hot" or the word "giggled" one more time, I might start chopping the heads off of flowers and other unspeakable crimes.
However, if you're looking for a completely brainless read, this is it.
Anyway, if I gave this book more than two stars, it would be pity points. I reserve the one star rating for books I loathe and it wasn't that bad. Two stars are because it was good subject material (the original Northanger Abbey) and because it was clean. I really appreciate clean books. Thanks for Trying, Jenni.
The dialogue was even harder to swallow than Pride and Popularity. My eyes were about to get stuck, rolled into the back of my head, if there had been any more interaction between Claire and Jordan Black. Don't get me started on the whole crisis at the end. I was floating in a bog of far-fetched idiocy, drowning in plot holes.
Also, if I read the phrase "He's so hot" or the word "giggled" one more time, I might start chopping the heads off of flowers and other unspeakable crimes.
However, if you're looking for a completely brainless read, this is it.
Anyway, if I gave this book more than two stars, it would be pity points. I reserve the one star rating for books I loathe and it wasn't that bad. Two stars are because it was good subject material (the original Northanger Abbey) and because it was clean. I really appreciate clean books. Thanks for Trying, Jenni.
January 28, 2012
Another great book in The Jane Austen Diaries! Just reading the summary made me laugh. A book about a girl who loves the Twilight series by Stephanie Meyer and gets to go to Washington where she thinks she finds a real vampire sounded hilarious. Yes, it was super fun to read and very funny. I was laughing out loud.
Claire is the younger sister of Chloe from Pride and Popularity. This book takes place a few years later. We didn't get to know Claire very well in the first book so it was fun to learn more about her and to see her quirky parents and other older sister Cassidy again.
I'm embarrassed to admit this but after I saw the first Twilight movie I drove home on some country roads in the dark, and I was totally scared some vampire was going to jump on my car. LOL! So I can see where Claire is coming from when she gets wrapped up in her fictional world. The boy she thinks is a vampire happens to be cute, and she thinks she's found her Edward. This is such a fun book.
Northanger Alibi comes out February 3rd! It would be a fun Valentine's Day gift for a friend or maybe yourself. ;)
Also reviewed on my book blog. Clean Teen Fiction
Claire is the younger sister of Chloe from Pride and Popularity. This book takes place a few years later. We didn't get to know Claire very well in the first book so it was fun to learn more about her and to see her quirky parents and other older sister Cassidy again.
I'm embarrassed to admit this but after I saw the first Twilight movie I drove home on some country roads in the dark, and I was totally scared some vampire was going to jump on my car. LOL! So I can see where Claire is coming from when she gets wrapped up in her fictional world. The boy she thinks is a vampire happens to be cute, and she thinks she's found her Edward. This is such a fun book.
Northanger Alibi comes out February 3rd! It would be a fun Valentine's Day gift for a friend or maybe yourself. ;)
Also reviewed on my book blog. Clean Teen Fiction
February 22, 2012
(Note: This review is coming from the perspective of someone who has not yet had the pleasure of reading or watching anything from the Twilight series.) - I know, how shocking, right?
In the second installment in her young adult series, The Jane Austen Diaries, author Jenni James takes up her pen and fashions a modern-day retelling of Jane Austen's Northanger Abbey, infused with cellphones, malls, and vampires...
What sixteen year old girl doesn't want adventure and romance? Claire Hart, younger sister to Chloe (heroine of Pride and Popularity) and avid Twilight fan, is most anxious for her share of romance and adventures to begin. But alas, just like Catherine Morland there is no adventure or romance for Claire in her home town, so “she must seek them abroad.” Receiving an invitation to spend the summer in Seattle, Washington, Claire is beside herself with anticipation and excitement! There are two things Claire knows for certain: that vampires really do exist and that Seattle, Washington is the place to find them...
To continue reading, go to: http://janeaustenreviews.blogspot.com...
In the second installment in her young adult series, The Jane Austen Diaries, author Jenni James takes up her pen and fashions a modern-day retelling of Jane Austen's Northanger Abbey, infused with cellphones, malls, and vampires...
What sixteen year old girl doesn't want adventure and romance? Claire Hart, younger sister to Chloe (heroine of Pride and Popularity) and avid Twilight fan, is most anxious for her share of romance and adventures to begin. But alas, just like Catherine Morland there is no adventure or romance for Claire in her home town, so “she must seek them abroad.” Receiving an invitation to spend the summer in Seattle, Washington, Claire is beside herself with anticipation and excitement! There are two things Claire knows for certain: that vampires really do exist and that Seattle, Washington is the place to find them...
To continue reading, go to: http://janeaustenreviews.blogspot.com...
February 3, 2013
Pride and Prejudice retellings have been done to death and the same goes for Sense and Sensibilities, so you can imagine my delight to see a retelling of Northanger Abbey! Granted, Jenni James preceded this story with a retelling of Pride and Prejudice called Pride and Popularity, but you can’t have everything.
Claire Hart is obsessed with the Twilight series and jumps at the chance to take a summer trip with a family friend to Seattle. What better place to find a hot vampire of her very own? She knows what to look for and when she meets the Russo family, she is sure that the mysterious Tony Russo is the undead man she’s been looking for.
The Hart sisters are a lot of fun and I was glad to re-visit them in this story. Jenni James is doing a good job with her series and fitting the storylines into the modern world. Comparing Catherine’s obsession with horror novels in the early nineteenth century to the modern teen’s obsession with Twilight novels is inspired.
Bottom-line: If you enjoy young adult romances, definitely give Jenni James a try.
Claire Hart is obsessed with the Twilight series and jumps at the chance to take a summer trip with a family friend to Seattle. What better place to find a hot vampire of her very own? She knows what to look for and when she meets the Russo family, she is sure that the mysterious Tony Russo is the undead man she’s been looking for.
The Hart sisters are a lot of fun and I was glad to re-visit them in this story. Jenni James is doing a good job with her series and fitting the storylines into the modern world. Comparing Catherine’s obsession with horror novels in the early nineteenth century to the modern teen’s obsession with Twilight novels is inspired.
Bottom-line: If you enjoy young adult romances, definitely give Jenni James a try.
May 3, 2010
While I didn’t enjoy it as much as I had hoped, Northanger Alibi was incredibly adorable and delightfully entertaining.
Claire Hart is an exact replica of the standard crazy and young Twilight fan; gullible, obsessed and in love with the idea of vampires and werewolves actually being real. I’ve met real girls like this, as most of you probably have as well, but Jenni James brings it to life in Claire, making her humorous and real at the same time. Needless to say, I was never bored with this story.
The plot fell a little flat for me. Besides the struggle of sorting her feelings out for Tony, the mysterious but charming boy she believes to be a vampire and Jaden, the sarcastic and outgoing boy she believes to be a werewolf, I didn’t see much of a story. I think that and the excessive cheesiness of the boys interactions with Claire were what made the novel a bit too eh for me.
But regardless, Northanger Alibi is great for any Twilight fan! Mixing humor, romance and the ultimate crazy Twilight fan antics, this book will have you giggling from start to finish!
Claire Hart is an exact replica of the standard crazy and young Twilight fan; gullible, obsessed and in love with the idea of vampires and werewolves actually being real. I’ve met real girls like this, as most of you probably have as well, but Jenni James brings it to life in Claire, making her humorous and real at the same time. Needless to say, I was never bored with this story.
The plot fell a little flat for me. Besides the struggle of sorting her feelings out for Tony, the mysterious but charming boy she believes to be a vampire and Jaden, the sarcastic and outgoing boy she believes to be a werewolf, I didn’t see much of a story. I think that and the excessive cheesiness of the boys interactions with Claire were what made the novel a bit too eh for me.
But regardless, Northanger Alibi is great for any Twilight fan! Mixing humor, romance and the ultimate crazy Twilight fan antics, this book will have you giggling from start to finish!
May 21, 2012
I'm sorry. I can't do it. I just can't. The protagonist is too childish for my taste. It has taken me way too long to read this book and, frankly, I just can't do it anymore. Claire acts more like a 12-year-old than a 16-year-old. I cannot possibly suspend disbelief so much as to actually believe that a teenage girl would find herself reasonable (and logical!) in thinking that Tony is a vampire and Jaden (Black *rolleyes*) is a werewolf. Seriously?! Jenni James had me hooked on her writing with Pride and Popularity. I thought Chloe, Claire's sister, was adorable if a bit judgmental. But Claire is just too much. The story could've been sweet as was P&P but Claire is just too immature for me. Maybe it's because I'm not exactly the focus audience of the novel? I have no idea. I loved James's P&P and scooped this companion to it as soon as I could. Unfortunately, it'll go in my did not finish shelf. I just can't stomach it any longer. :( However, I AM excited about Cassidy's (Chloe's and Claire's sister) story! So, bring it on!
August 1, 2015
7/28/15 - Second read and enjoyed it just as much. I'm a huge Twilight fan (the novels of course over the movies) so this was fun. Wished she had been a little older like her sister, like 18, but whatcha goin do?
6/21/12-
This was just a light, fun, fluffy read. I thought it had more to do with Twilight than Northanger Abby, but that was ok, because what girl that has read Twilight hasn't had an "meeting Edward fantasy". A quick, clean read.
Moral Note: One guy swears a lot, doesn't say the words, but she says he was swearing like a sailor, etc.
***MILD SPOILER: ***
***If you haven't read these yet DO NOT read them in release order. Ms. James said they need to be read like this: Pride & Prejudice, Persuasion, Emmalee, Mansfield Ranch, Northanger Alibi, and Sensible & Sensational***
6/21/12-
This was just a light, fun, fluffy read. I thought it had more to do with Twilight than Northanger Abby, but that was ok, because what girl that has read Twilight hasn't had an "meeting Edward fantasy". A quick, clean read.
Moral Note: One guy swears a lot, doesn't say the words, but she says he was swearing like a sailor, etc.
***MILD SPOILER: ***
***If you haven't read these yet DO NOT read them in release order. Ms. James said they need to be read like this: Pride & Prejudice, Persuasion, Emmalee, Mansfield Ranch, Northanger Alibi, and Sensible & Sensational***
May 15, 2013
More like a re-telling of Twilight, aha!
Don't get me wrong, I LOVE Twilight, it's that series that made me interested in this genre and all...minus Bella, so when Claire stated her undoubted affection of Bella saying "She's the best female character ever written", I knew we were going to face difficulties liking each other.
The book is pretty funny and interesting, if you are still in your teens I guess, because I couldn't relate to it that well, because obviously I've outgrown myself.
The one character I love, love, loved is Jaden Black (You know who I'm talking about if you've read or not read Twilight, yap) along with his quirkiness. That introduction was wacky, but oh yeah, a girl can dream (Why won't you come to me Jaden, I love shopping and wandering at malls too! Sigh)
Anyway, go for Northanger Alibi if you're a Twihard, but I can't say much for the Janeites, because I havn't read the original, guilty!
Don't get me wrong, I LOVE Twilight, it's that series that made me interested in this genre and all...minus Bella, so when Claire stated her undoubted affection of Bella saying "She's the best female character ever written", I knew we were going to face difficulties liking each other.
The book is pretty funny and interesting, if you are still in your teens I guess, because I couldn't relate to it that well, because obviously I've outgrown myself.
The one character I love, love, loved is Jaden Black (You know who I'm talking about if you've read or not read Twilight, yap) along with his quirkiness. That introduction was wacky, but oh yeah, a girl can dream (Why won't you come to me Jaden, I love shopping and wandering at malls too! Sigh)
Anyway, go for Northanger Alibi if you're a Twihard, but I can't say much for the Janeites, because I havn't read the original, guilty!
May 16, 2012
After reading Jenni James' Pride and Popularity, I was excited to read Northanger Alibi. I came to realize that a big reason why I enjoyed the first book in The Jane Austen Diaries series is that I had read it right after a somewhat disappointing YA, and it was a cute story that was CLEAN, so it was especially refreshing.
Northanger Alibi's main character is 16, and she is . . . silly. She has barely started dating, and guys are falling at her feet. She has an unhealthy obsession with Twilight, and assumes that Tony is a vampire and Jaden is a werewolf.
Claire's personality and the rushed relationships were a bit hard to take, but the story would probably be enjoyed by the younger crowd it is no doubt intended for.
Northanger Alibi's main character is 16, and she is . . . silly. She has barely started dating, and guys are falling at her feet. She has an unhealthy obsession with Twilight, and assumes that Tony is a vampire and Jaden is a werewolf.
Claire's personality and the rushed relationships were a bit hard to take, but the story would probably be enjoyed by the younger crowd it is no doubt intended for.
March 9, 2012
Ok, I LOVED this book! It was funny, there was a lot of romance and a surprise! Teen romances crack me up, but I do totally see her as a 14 year old (but glad they have her as 16). The whole Twilight fascination also cracks me up! I have read the books and can safely say I am very happy my husband is not a vampire or werewolf! I can't imagine being so convinced that people around me were mythical creatures. Especially bloodthirsty ones. But, a very interesting take on Northanger Abbey. I will definitely be reading this again and reading the rest of the series!
October 25, 2014
This book was adorable! It follows the idea from Austen's book, where the main character is caught up in the novels of the day and can't keep her real life and the fictitious stories separate. So, the main character in this book is obsessed with the "Twilight" novels. I thought it was so clever and funny. The only thing I didn't like was how caught up in romance this 16 year old girl was. Don't get me wrong, I was 16 once, but they're SO serious, as if they'll be with their high school romance forever. Very clean, as this is the goal of this author, clean reads for teens.
April 22, 2016
Seriously? The silliness quotient in this book is off the charts.
This is about a 16 year old Twi-hard girl who honestly and determinedly believes that the two hot guys she's met in Seattle are a vampire and a werewolf (a la Edward and Jacob). This is a girl who stamps her foot when she's angry and faints when she's overcome by emotion. I thought a couple of the earlier books in this series were cute YA books, but this one I wouldn't even recommend to my teenager. I'd hand this one to a pre-teen girl who loves the Twilight series and probably Justin Bieber, too.
This is about a 16 year old Twi-hard girl who honestly and determinedly believes that the two hot guys she's met in Seattle are a vampire and a werewolf (a la Edward and Jacob). This is a girl who stamps her foot when she's angry and faints when she's overcome by emotion. I thought a couple of the earlier books in this series were cute YA books, but this one I wouldn't even recommend to my teenager. I'd hand this one to a pre-teen girl who loves the Twilight series and probably Justin Bieber, too.
March 31, 2010
I can't wait to read the others in this series...although it'll probably be awhile since this copy is an ARC so it hasn't even been published yet and it's the first one.
This retelling was nicely done. I have to admit I was a little afraid when I started to read it but the author modernized it very well.
I'm not a teacher but books like this make me think it'd be cool to have them read the original Jane Austen story and then this book.
This retelling was nicely done. I have to admit I was a little afraid when I started to read it but the author modernized it very well.
I'm not a teacher but books like this make me think it'd be cool to have them read the original Jane Austen story and then this book.
April 19, 2012
This was a cute, light, teenager book. I like crossover books on the premise of Jane Austin books. I really appreciate that these books are clean. No swearing, no sex. They have the young, fun teenage love. The teenage "voice" come through loud and clear. The main character in this book is also obsessed with all things Twilight which is funny to me because I totally know some young girls exactly like this!
This book was fun to read, a nice distraction. It made me smile.
This book was fun to read, a nice distraction. It made me smile.
August 28, 2012
I thought this was so funny. I loved Jenni James creative modern version of Northanger Abbey with Claire believing her life was the book Twilight, just like Katherine thinking her life was gothic fictional novel. I loved Claire's strong sense of self and how she didn't put up with crap, but was so innocent and naive to think Twilight could actually be her reality. Super cute book. I had fun reading it.
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