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Touch #3
Deadly Little Games
High school juniors Camelia and Ben have discovered a powerful They both possess the power of psychometry, the ability to see the future through touch. For Ben, the gift is a frightening liability. When he senses a strong threat or betrayal, he risks losing control. Camelia's gift is more mysterious. When she works with clay, her hands sculpt messages her mind doesn't yet comprehend.
Before either one has a chance to fully grasp their abilities, a new danger surfaces, but this time, Camelia is not the target. Adam, a familiar face from Ben's past, is drawn into a puzzle he can't solve...and his life is on the line. As the clues pile up, Camelia must decide whether to help him and risk losing Ben or do nothing and suffer the consequences. But in these games, who can be trusted?
Packed with the suspense and romance that made Deadly Little Secret and Deadly Little Lies breakout hits, Deadly Little Games is sure to be a bestseller.
Before either one has a chance to fully grasp their abilities, a new danger surfaces, but this time, Camelia is not the target. Adam, a familiar face from Ben's past, is drawn into a puzzle he can't solve...and his life is on the line. As the clues pile up, Camelia must decide whether to help him and risk losing Ben or do nothing and suffer the consequences. But in these games, who can be trusted?
Packed with the suspense and romance that made Deadly Little Secret and Deadly Little Lies breakout hits, Deadly Little Games is sure to be a bestseller.
304 pages, Hardcover
First published December 21, 2010
124 people are currently reading
7122 people want to read
About the author
Laurie Faria Stolarz
36 books3,169 followersLaurie Faria Stolarz grew up in Salem, MA, attended Merrimack College, and received an MFA in Creative Writing from Emerson College in Boston.
Laurie Faria Stolarz is an American author of young adult fiction novels, best known for her Blue is for Nightmares series. Her works, which feature teenage protagonists, blend elements found in mystery and romance novels.
Stolarz found sales success with her first novel, Blue is for Nightmares, and followed it up with three more titles in the series, White is for Magic, Silver is for Secrets, and Red is for Remembrance, as well as a companion graphic novel, Black is for Beginnings. Stolarz is also the author of the Touch series (Deadly Little Secret, Deadly Little Lies, Deadly Little Games, Deadly Little Voices, and Deadly Little Lessons), as well as Bleed and Project 17. With more than two million books sold worldwide, Stolarz's titles have been named on various awards list.
Laurie Faria Stolarz is an American author of young adult fiction novels, best known for her Blue is for Nightmares series. Her works, which feature teenage protagonists, blend elements found in mystery and romance novels.
Stolarz found sales success with her first novel, Blue is for Nightmares, and followed it up with three more titles in the series, White is for Magic, Silver is for Secrets, and Red is for Remembrance, as well as a companion graphic novel, Black is for Beginnings. Stolarz is also the author of the Touch series (Deadly Little Secret, Deadly Little Lies, Deadly Little Games, Deadly Little Voices, and Deadly Little Lessons), as well as Bleed and Project 17. With more than two million books sold worldwide, Stolarz's titles have been named on various awards list.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 530 reviews
November 17, 2011
Recently I saw this for a good price at the used bookstore... I remember not being overly impressed with the first two books in this series, but couldn't remember the specifics. So, I picked this one up... unfortunately. I'm sure that pre-teen readers looking for a mystery will love this. Or even adults who happen to read YA and love afternoon soap operas. It's just not my cup of tea. These books aren't horribly written... ah, who am I kidding? In a way they are horrible. But who am I to judge? Or write a snarky review? It's my own fault for purchasing all three books from a series which I didn't really like in the first place. *sigh*
Camelia's paranormal power allows her to sense danger. Her boyfriend's super power allows him to sense strong emotion when he touches another person. So when Cam's super power makes her sense that something is wrong with another guy (Adam), normally he is on her mind. Yet, when Ben kisses Cam, he senses that Adam is on her mind... insert countless pages of relationship drama here :( It's just too, too much. Bad drama, lots of random stalking...really, isn't there another theme to introduce to this series? Must it be filled with psychotic stalkers?!
Bottom line, if you liked the first book and aren't looking for an intellectual challenge, then by all means continue with this series. Not so say that younger girls won't enjoy it. But adult readers of YA should stay far away.
But on the bright side, the covers for these books are consistently quite lovely.
Camelia's paranormal power allows her to sense danger. Her boyfriend's super power allows him to sense strong emotion when he touches another person. So when Cam's super power makes her sense that something is wrong with another guy (Adam), normally he is on her mind. Yet, when Ben kisses Cam, he senses that Adam is on her mind... insert countless pages of relationship drama here :( It's just too, too much. Bad drama, lots of random stalking...really, isn't there another theme to introduce to this series? Must it be filled with psychotic stalkers?!
Bottom line, if you liked the first book and aren't looking for an intellectual challenge, then by all means continue with this series. Not so say that younger girls won't enjoy it. But adult readers of YA should stay far away.
But on the bright side, the covers for these books are consistently quite lovely.
February 18, 2011
Laurie Faria Stolarz's books are all starting to be the same. Stalkers, some kind of magic and some tragic love story where despite having some sort of 'gift', the female lead makes incredibly dumb decisions. The first book in the series was good, the second one was okay, but this one? Come on, really? How many stalkers can Camelia come in contact with? I guess that's one of the problems with a series. She's just a teenage girl living in an ordinary town. She meets this extraordinary boy who has a supernatural gift and suddenly she meets danger at every turn. It's beyond unbelievable. And it's kind of tiring. There's always something that she thinks she can hide from her boyfriend (who can basically read her mind when he's touching her, hello!) and he knows things that are important but doesn't tell her because he wants to 'protect' her, but then she just goes and does something stupid anyway. Boo!
January 3, 2011
This one was Cree-py.I loved the first two, but then book 3 is just a big turn around. All the characters seem to change and are different from the first book. I found myself not caring for Ben anymore like I used to for some reason because I just didn't feel the same way for him than on the first and second book.Ben seemed too guarded and always blowing off camelia (just like in every book.) He always leaves but then comes running back just to leave again.
Now I for sure love Adam more, but yes I still have hope in Ben for the 4 upcomming book: deadly little voices. I actually think the thing that got me was the part where Ben gets stabbed and is rushed to the hospital because he loses alot of blood. And then camelia rushes after him and lifts up his hospital gown to find he had a tattoo of a chamelian, I just thought that was too weird and was just a huge turn around for the series and sadly a turn off. If you read the book you will find out the significance of the tattoo.
Yes I will be reading the fourth book because I intend to finish every series I start no matter what! It actually makes it more anticipating because it makes me wonder what's going to happen next. Oh, and I thought the crossword puzzles inside the book were a clever touch because it gives you a clear image of what the characters are looking at. I was tempted to actually solve them but then again I didn't want to wrtie in my book and ruin it.
SPOLIER::Ben does leave again sadly and forsome reason camelia is ok with it because they both need time to think...::
PREDICTION FOR DLV: I have a feeling, since Ben leaves he is not going to be in this book alot. And Camelia will turn to Adam more (Just like NEW MOON from twilight) But Camelia will be hearing voices inside her head and sense something about Ben and they will have some distant connection. And either she will sense he is in danger and try to find him (doubt it) or She will blow off what shes hearing and not do anything (defenitly). And also with her aunt I think she is probubly going to try and take her out of the mental institution and she will be living with Camelia. And she will help her with her ablilities.
Now I for sure love Adam more, but yes I still have hope in Ben for the 4 upcomming book: deadly little voices. I actually think the thing that got me was the part where Ben gets stabbed and is rushed to the hospital because he loses alot of blood. And then camelia rushes after him and lifts up his hospital gown to find he had a tattoo of a chamelian, I just thought that was too weird and was just a huge turn around for the series and sadly a turn off. If you read the book you will find out the significance of the tattoo.
Yes I will be reading the fourth book because I intend to finish every series I start no matter what! It actually makes it more anticipating because it makes me wonder what's going to happen next. Oh, and I thought the crossword puzzles inside the book were a clever touch because it gives you a clear image of what the characters are looking at. I was tempted to actually solve them but then again I didn't want to wrtie in my book and ruin it.
SPOLIER::Ben does leave again sadly and forsome reason camelia is ok with it because they both need time to think...::
PREDICTION FOR DLV: I have a feeling, since Ben leaves he is not going to be in this book alot. And Camelia will turn to Adam more (Just like NEW MOON from twilight) But Camelia will be hearing voices inside her head and sense something about Ben and they will have some distant connection. And either she will sense he is in danger and try to find him (doubt it) or She will blow off what shes hearing and not do anything (defenitly). And also with her aunt I think she is probubly going to try and take her out of the mental institution and she will be living with Camelia. And she will help her with her ablilities.
July 17, 2017
Και εκεί που το 2ο βιβλίο της σειράς μάς τα έλεγε μια χαρά... τσουπ, έρχεται το 3ο για να ταράξει το νευρικό μας σύστημα. Ειλικρινά, τα συναισθήματά μου διαβάζοντάς το ήταν μια πάνω, μια κάτω, μια δεξιά, μια αριστερά, μια μου άρεσε, μια όχι! Πλέον, πιο ψύχραιμα και ώριμα, μπορώ να πω ότι μου άρεσε στα πλαίσια του να περάσω την ώρα μου, αλλά δεν με καθήλωσε όπως το προηγούμενο. Το όλο θεματάκι ανάμεσα στην Καμέλια και στον Μπεν έχει αρχίσει να μου δίνει στα νεύρα, και κάποια στιγμή πρέπει να αρχίσει να υπάρχει μια κάποια σταθερότητα και από τις δύο μεριές, για να ξέρουμε κι εμείς πως να νιώσουμε, βρε αδερφέ. Όσο για το άλλο θέμα, αυτό του κρυφού ψυχοπαθή... ίσως να είχε μεγαλύτερο ενδιαφέρον και να μην φάνταζε τόσο παράταιρο στα σημείο, αν δεν βρισκόταν εν μέσω των εξελίξεων των σχέσεων των πρωταγωνιστών που είναι... χάος!!!
January 3, 2011
To start, this was a good book - fast paced, attention getting plot, and likable characters. But I have some serious issues with the characters and plot.
1 - The whole kiss with Adam thing. Ben and Camelia are both to blame. I get his whole lack of trust issues, but if he warned Camelia that he had this vision then they could have worked it through. Secondly, she should have put her relationship first. If she truly loved Ben, then she would have respected his feelings and put herself in his position.
2 - Ben and Camelia as a whole. They have only survived the last dilemma by what 4 weeks? Yes, teenagers fall in love fast and hard and think that the world will end if the relationship ends. I just think the author should have kept them together in this story and let them learn how to be a couple. They already broke up in book 2, why again?
3 - Her parents - HELLO? Anyone else out there want to smack them? Their daughter's boyfriend has now saved her 4 times! Do you not see a problem here? Where is there support and follow through? How could they not wrap themselves around her and get more involved? They see that she looks tired, she gets up in the middle of the night to sculpt, and is recovering from near death situations. I love YA, but must the parents always be clueless?
4 - Her friends - Kimmie and Wes are going through their own personal hells. The author puts them through too much to be side characters. Divorce, dating, and parental judgement as side issues? Again, a little healthy dose of good parenting would not kill the story line.
5 - Aunt Alexia - I actually like where her story is going. I predict that she will move in with the family and that Camelia will help her through her problems while Alexia helps Camelia hone her skills.
Overall, can't believe that I have to wait another year for a story that will most likely be less than 250 pages. Also, how can the author drag out two more books? I guess Camelia has to see Ben date other girls while she dates Adam in Book 4 and then decides life is not worth living without him in Book 5. I may be complaining, but I will definitely read both stories.
1 - The whole kiss with Adam thing. Ben and Camelia are both to blame. I get his whole lack of trust issues, but if he warned Camelia that he had this vision then they could have worked it through. Secondly, she should have put her relationship first. If she truly loved Ben, then she would have respected his feelings and put herself in his position.
2 - Ben and Camelia as a whole. They have only survived the last dilemma by what 4 weeks? Yes, teenagers fall in love fast and hard and think that the world will end if the relationship ends. I just think the author should have kept them together in this story and let them learn how to be a couple. They already broke up in book 2, why again?
3 - Her parents - HELLO? Anyone else out there want to smack them? Their daughter's boyfriend has now saved her 4 times! Do you not see a problem here? Where is there support and follow through? How could they not wrap themselves around her and get more involved? They see that she looks tired, she gets up in the middle of the night to sculpt, and is recovering from near death situations. I love YA, but must the parents always be clueless?
4 - Her friends - Kimmie and Wes are going through their own personal hells. The author puts them through too much to be side characters. Divorce, dating, and parental judgement as side issues? Again, a little healthy dose of good parenting would not kill the story line.
5 - Aunt Alexia - I actually like where her story is going. I predict that she will move in with the family and that Camelia will help her through her problems while Alexia helps Camelia hone her skills.
Overall, can't believe that I have to wait another year for a story that will most likely be less than 250 pages. Also, how can the author drag out two more books? I guess Camelia has to see Ben date other girls while she dates Adam in Book 4 and then decides life is not worth living without him in Book 5. I may be complaining, but I will definitely read both stories.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 18, 2024
The book was okay but the end dragged on a bit
August 17, 2012
Wow this series is dwindling a bit with each book.
Loved the first one, kinda loved/liked the second one but this one had nothing to add or give to the series.
I mean OK, in the first book Camelia meets Ben who saved her life, she found out he had psychometric powers and someone started talking to her, her and Ben fall for each other as he tries to help her solve who it is.
Then we find out its her EX who's consumed by jealousy and wants her back. Ok next.
Book 2 Debbie who also got stalked as a prank we later find out in book 1, and then ran over blames Ben. Even though her friends fessed up. So it makes sense she wants to get revenge on Ben by trying to make it look like hes trying to kill Camelia. So it's ok.
But them this book? Well its just like the author wrote about the first idea that came to her head.
Book 2 brought Adam into the story which also kept it going even though it had a good poor I mean the guy Bens old girlfriend saw behind his back. Yay more drama, but the fact we didn't know this until the end was better, I mean wh would've suspected?
But this contributes none only confuses Camelia about her feelings for both gs which was totally frustrating.
I don't see where this can go in book 4, other than Camelia finally choosing a guy. (Hopefully Ben) since he's well drool worthy, and since Adam technically stole his girl and he's bad boyish while Adam reminds me if the preppy good guy, although their both made out to be hot.
But yeah it's definitely didn't match up to the other books in the series.
Shame.
Loved the first one, kinda loved/liked the second one but this one had nothing to add or give to the series.
I mean OK, in the first book Camelia meets Ben who saved her life, she found out he had psychometric powers and someone started talking to her, her and Ben fall for each other as he tries to help her solve who it is.
Then we find out its her EX who's consumed by jealousy and wants her back. Ok next.
Book 2 Debbie who also got stalked as a prank we later find out in book 1, and then ran over blames Ben. Even though her friends fessed up. So it makes sense she wants to get revenge on Ben by trying to make it look like hes trying to kill Camelia. So it's ok.
But them this book? Well its just like the author wrote about the first idea that came to her head.
Book 2 brought Adam into the story which also kept it going even though it had a good poor I mean the guy Bens old girlfriend saw behind his back. Yay more drama, but the fact we didn't know this until the end was better, I mean wh would've suspected?
But this contributes none only confuses Camelia about her feelings for both gs which was totally frustrating.
I don't see where this can go in book 4, other than Camelia finally choosing a guy. (Hopefully Ben) since he's well drool worthy, and since Adam technically stole his girl and he's bad boyish while Adam reminds me if the preppy good guy, although their both made out to be hot.
But yeah it's definitely didn't match up to the other books in the series.
Shame.
August 29, 2016
The worst book out of the bunch. It was the most predictable book in the series. I don't expect young adult novels to be the most intense writing in the world, I just expect better storytelling. It was painfully obvious who the new stalker was. I guessed it the moment the character was introduced. If its that easily guessed, I don't find the story interesting.
January 10, 2014
Plot spoilers
At first I didn’t realize that Adam was the other guy. It’s been so long since I’ve read the 2nd one that I forgot a lot. She starts off talking about how she regretted that she didn’t let Adam kiss her, and it wasn’t until the next page when she said he was her boyfriend Ben’s biggest enemy that I was like wtf? That’s just great, start off with her wanting to kiss another guy. And the whole “working the clay,” “sculpting it,” and “working the clay through her fingers” is really old. You can’t have a character do the same thing in every single book. And how many pottery classes can this girl take?
Then Camelia says “you deserve to die” out loud, I don’t even know who she’s talking about, but her friend Kimmie, who I have no memory of, thinks she’s talking about her. And Camelia doesn’t even correct her. She just lets her think she’s talking about her. Wtf?
There’s a weird doctor-patient convo. that goes unexplained, as well as a crossword puzzle that I can’t figure out the purpose of.
It was really stupid how Camelia was worried that Ben would pick up on her thoughts of Adam, and then went seeking him out in his gym class and asks for a “squeeze good-bye.” Didn’t you think he would pick up on your fascination with Adam, you know, because of that psychometric ability you were just narrating about the page before?
Kimmie was getting on my nerves, what with all the vintage fishnet leggings, cable-knit sweater dress, swanky pair of kitten heels, and using words like macking. I don’t like characters that are so materialistic and worried about shallow, inconsequential things all the time. I want a story, not constant drops of what the author thinks is popular. I want a story. I don’t care what kind of clothes you’re wearing. If I was interested in fashion I’d be reading a fashion magazine.
Usually I’m a fan of perverted jokes, but in here they were just too much. I don’t remember the author being so trashy and classless, what with the “I presume you’re hankering for a Ben Burger right about now. This question is, will that burger come with a pickle on the side or between the buns?” and “His dad, a former juicehead turned dickhead, hates the fact that Wes isn’t ‘more dick, less chick.’—he actually says that.” And “But you still want his tongue in your mouth,” Wes says, pointing at me with a sausage. &: “You’re sick,” I tell him.
“But tasty.” He takes a bite of sausage.
When the author recapped what happened in the previous book, I was shocked to learn that Adam had been cheating with Julie on Ben, and that Adam was just using Camelia to make Ben jealous.
"I take a step closer, able to feel the sheer electricity between us."
I don’t remember any electricity phrases from the previous books, and I really wish authors would step away from that cookie-cutter description and branch out to create something with substance.
“I couldn’t bear to lose you.” His dark gray eyes look wounded.
I don’t remember Ben being so needy, and what guy, that isn’t in the 1800s, says I couldn’t bear to lose you?
And Camelia really is an idiot, worse than I remember. She’s fantasizing about another guy, regretting she didn’t kiss Adam, and when Ben gets hurt she treats him like a baby, acting like he’s overreacting and nothing happened.
“You’ll never lose me,” I say, joining him in his chair. I rest my head against his chest and feel his heart beat. “We’re meant to be together, remember?” I move to kiss him, but his lips are cold, still, brooding. And he doesn’t try to kiss me back.
“I mean, what are the odds that we’d even meet?” I continue. “That two people with psychometric powers would ever find each other?”
Ok…when you met Ben you didn’t have psychometric powers, so why are you spinning it like you were two supernaturally destined people? And she’s not even worthy of the power.
The writing is just boring, and I see the author is still keeping up with her pattern for overthinking and overanalyzing:
"Ben doesn’t say anything. And we don’t talk about Adam again for the rest of our time together. We actually don’t say much at all. There’s a tense silence between us.
A silence that we can’t seem to kill even with small talk about school or our families.
A silence that gnaws away at the moment and prompts us to leave shortly afterward."
She always has to leave off the chapter on several boring narrations.
"Loopy blonde hair."
What does that look like?
I flip to the back cover, to the author’s picture. Yep, loopy.
“Is there something you’re not telling me? Some ex-girlfriend of mine is telling everyone in town what a sexy playa I am?”
Wow. Adam sounds like a real loser.
It was on the 2nd audio transcript that I thought it was Adam. The mention of school just made me think of him, because he’s in college.
“It’ll only be for the weekend, but I was thinking about asking her if I could go, too. Maybe I could get a last-minute flight.”
“I don’t know. Two days without seeing you?”
Make me gag.
He comes over to her house, she wants to touch him, which is stupid considering what happened, and he touches her, which is stupid when she’s having thoughts about another guy. They kiss, again, he senses her thinking about Adam, again, he gets distance and leaves. This pattern is already getting on my nerves.
“Maybe tomorrow,” he says, visibly shaken.
I’m shaken, too, not quite sure what just happened. Or how I can undo it."
There we go again. Her stupid thoughts at the end of the chapter.
“So, then, what if this stuff with Ben doesn’t blow over? Find another squeezie?”
Seriously, who says squeezie about a guy? Lame!
Right on time, end of ch. 9. Dumb thoughts: "I reach for the phone and dial his number, but then click it off just shy of the last digit. Because maybe talking to him isn’t the best answer right now. But maybe taking a little break is."
Maybe you should quit doing that. Maybe it’s a little annoying.
“Are we going to be okay?”
“We have to be.” I wipe my eyes again. “Because I’m not so sure I can make it through all of this without you.”
“So you need me, is that it?” He grins.
I bite my lip, wishing I had the courage to tell him how I really feel.
That this is so far beyond need for me.
That it’s beyond anything I’ve ever experienced before."
I don’t remember their relationship being so clingy and desperate, and so unhealthy. This is way too heavy for teens. &why do you have to repeat this thought process thing by using the same word in the beginning of the sentence? It’s really annoying.
Ben comes over after she gets back. They talk about the drama and get close, only for Adam to call, and again, Ben gets distant and says he needs time alone. It’s like a broken record. You can’t keep doing the same things.
Camelia is worried that Adam is in danger, so when she meets him for coffee and sees the snail logo she foresaw on his jacket, she tells him nothing. She doesn’t warn him or anything. What’s up with that?
"As Kimmie predicted, Adam doesn’t question the excuse. I’m not even sure he hears it. Because, no sooner do I mutter the words, “Do you think we could stop by?” than he’s giving me directions, landmarks, and alternate routes."
When she finds a crossword puzzle fitting the same descriptions as the mysterious ones throughout the book, it only enforces my opinion that it’s Adam, and I also think it could be Tray, his roommate, maybe because he’s mad at Adam because Melissa likes Adam instead.
When the doctor notices the scar on the patient’s arm, it’s clearly supposed to make the reader think it’s Ben.
When Camelia asked Ben to cpme over so they could figure stuff out, he says he has to look at his aunt’s car, and she thinks he’s blowing her off. So she goes to see Adam to discuss the crossword puzzles. When he drops her off at her house afterward, Ben is there, and I’m expecting her to be mad, but this is what happens:
“Maybe you turned it off because you were upset with me.”
“Maybe,” I say, giving him a pointed look.
“For the record, I really did need to help my aunt, but—”
“Forget it,” I say, cutting him off. I press myself against his chest and snake my hands beneath his coat.
“But you come first,” he whispers, finishing his thought and drawing me close.
Seriously? He’s been distant, blowing you off, and keep secrets from you, and you just immediately go into his arms. This is getting on my nerves, their constant touching and almost-arguments but quick makeups with mushy lines.
"I reach out to touch the scar on his arm—the branchlike lines and the one broken limb—wishing I could climb up inside the strongest part of him.
And never let go."
Whoa, hold up there. When did this relationship go from interesting to completely unhealthy? I didn’t think she was weird and creepy, wanting to climb up inside his arm. That’s stalker material.
Adam comes to the school and shows her the puzzle that says I WANT TO SEE YOU BLEED. So instead of going with Ben, she tells Ben that Adam really needs her right now. Ben looks down to hide his disappointment, and she apologizes and says she wishes there was another way. There could be another way. You don’t go with Adam. What does he need you for? To make some vague comments about everything being ok? That’s all she does. And then she leaves. Yeah, he’s in desperate need of your help. So Ben leaves on his motorcycle. How many times can Ben leave? Seriously, keep having him go to her and then leave. It makes for great reading!
As Ben leaves on his motorcycle, Lily Randall goes after him in her Volkswagen Bug. Just what we need. Other girls with Ben. Camelia gets an “uneasy feeling” in the pit of her stomach, but I guess the thought of losing Ben isn’t enough to deter her from playing detective with Adam.
As in the last books, there are definitely undertones of Twilight. It has the same feel. She’s with the “dangerous” guy that can’t get close to her and so fights in; she’s always touching him and wanting more, saying he won’t hurt her. He sneaks into her house and stays with her at night, not falling asleep and leaving before she’s awake.
Ben and Adam didn’t even sound like teenagers, or even guys for that matter. They used words like shall, must, certainly, beneath, and said things like quite the contrary. They came off as being much older than they were, and sounded a little girly sometimes.
“Were you alone at the library?” I ask.
“Initially, but then I saw Tray and Janet.”
Why would you have Adam say initially? What teenager uses that word?
When the doctor referred the patient to someone else, and then Camelia’s mom tells Camelia that her aunt has been referred to another therapist, I didn’t know if that was a clue or if it was just meant to make us think it was her. The author’s set up many possibilities.
Camelia doesn’t see Ben at school, and she’s disappointed that he didn’t call her last night, “especially after our argument in the parking lot, and especially after I stopped by his house, cutting time short with Adam.”
Yeah, be all resentful because you had to leave another guy.
Adam said he’s been talking to someone, so it’s leading readers to believe he’s the one. I wish she wouldn’t have so many people vying for the role of stalker.
Camelia kisses Adam in the car after she’s had a semi-argument with Ben, and it sucked because she wasn’t broken up with Ben. If she would have called it off with him, I wouldn’t have even had a problem with it because of the way Ben had been acting. He was kind of asking for it.
But then I found out that Ben had been acting all distant because he touched Camelia he had seen the vision of her and Adam kissing, and it actually came true. So he’s explaining this and saying he trusts her and knows she would never do that, and she’s consumed with guilt. She not only doesn’t tell him that she kissed Adam, she eats the bagels that he brought her.
Adam receives an envelope with a picture of them kissing, and the stalker says that they made copies of it, so Camelia races over to Ben’s house, and falls into his arms, telling him to hold her. You might need comfort because you’re feeling guilty, but would Ben want to be hugging you and comforting you because you’re guilty about kissing another guy? She sees an envelope and is asking him to get her a glass of water and one of his sweaters to wear, because she’s cold and thirsty, trying to distract him from seeing it. Then she asks if they can go somewhere else to talk, on his bike. Why would you be asking him for all this when you’ve cheated on him?! Do you think he wants to go for a ride with you, and then what, have to drive you back to your house?
The fight that ensues when we find out that Piper is the stalker, and she’s tied Adam up to the bed, was completely pathetic and frustrating. She’s sliding around, stumbling, fumbling and doing every other klutzy action that a person could possibly accomplish. And Adam kisses Piper to distract her, which was disgusting. Camelia can’t do anything, until after Ben is stabbed in the stomach. What an idiot.
When I found out that he had gotten a tattoo of a chameleon, because she had been named after them, I thought it was sweet, even though the image that left me in my head was a little stupid and childish. It also explained why she felt the electrical sensation from touching his thigh, because I was starting to feel really weird about that.
All Camelia could talk about was herself. Oh, she made a couple of feeble attempts to talk about Kimmie’s parents. I guess the author didn’t want Camelia to be too self-absorbed and so thought those 2 tries would even things out. I got news for you: it didn’t. It was all her, all the time. There wasn’t one moment that didn’t revolve around all the drama, and I almost feel like I’ve been put through it myself. Then there was Wes, who I assumed was gay, but couldn’t remember for sure. The author could’ve explained his sexuality as a refresher, but I guess didn’t think it was important enough, even though the topic was discussed many times, like his dad forcing the old cleaning lady on him, wanting to take him hunting, and calling him names about being feminine. Wes paid a girl to date him, and even went out with this one girl twice, and was generally talking about her like she was a contender. But not one single time was it addressed that he was gay and wasn’t actually attracted to girls. What’s up with that?!
The plot was repetitious not only in this book but in the entire series. Every book a nutcase appears, showing all classic signs of stalking, and sending out threatening messages, and I couldn’t even bring myself to care. Even when it said you deserve to die and talking about bleeding, it didn’t have an effect on me. It was kind of a surprise as to who it was, because I hadn’t had her as a suspect, but it’s just crazy that every year a teenager surfaces that is willing to kill. It’s unrealistic, outlandish, and ridiculous. You can’t do the same thing in every book. It gets boring fast. When I first started reading this, I might have classified this as a mystery, but not I definitely don't. There was really no mystery. The author set up clues to lead us to suspect other characters, but it was no great plot twist to find out who it was. All the notes and things weren't intriguing. It was a drama, with relationship problems and a love triangle.
The book did not interest me in any way. I had to force myself to pick it up each time I read. It was more “mystery” combined with worry over her romantic life: Ben or Adam? &it was starting to get on my nerves. It was all she could think about, her problems with her bf and her “ex.” I want a character with more substance than that. The humor of Kimmie and Wes was forced, and Camelia’s nonexistent personality faded away into mere nothingness in their shadows.
I didn’t know where the book was going. Maybe it’s going in a good place. Maybe it’s going in a bad place.
And maybe I just don’t care.
At first I didn’t realize that Adam was the other guy. It’s been so long since I’ve read the 2nd one that I forgot a lot. She starts off talking about how she regretted that she didn’t let Adam kiss her, and it wasn’t until the next page when she said he was her boyfriend Ben’s biggest enemy that I was like wtf? That’s just great, start off with her wanting to kiss another guy. And the whole “working the clay,” “sculpting it,” and “working the clay through her fingers” is really old. You can’t have a character do the same thing in every single book. And how many pottery classes can this girl take?
Then Camelia says “you deserve to die” out loud, I don’t even know who she’s talking about, but her friend Kimmie, who I have no memory of, thinks she’s talking about her. And Camelia doesn’t even correct her. She just lets her think she’s talking about her. Wtf?
There’s a weird doctor-patient convo. that goes unexplained, as well as a crossword puzzle that I can’t figure out the purpose of.
It was really stupid how Camelia was worried that Ben would pick up on her thoughts of Adam, and then went seeking him out in his gym class and asks for a “squeeze good-bye.” Didn’t you think he would pick up on your fascination with Adam, you know, because of that psychometric ability you were just narrating about the page before?
Kimmie was getting on my nerves, what with all the vintage fishnet leggings, cable-knit sweater dress, swanky pair of kitten heels, and using words like macking. I don’t like characters that are so materialistic and worried about shallow, inconsequential things all the time. I want a story, not constant drops of what the author thinks is popular. I want a story. I don’t care what kind of clothes you’re wearing. If I was interested in fashion I’d be reading a fashion magazine.
Usually I’m a fan of perverted jokes, but in here they were just too much. I don’t remember the author being so trashy and classless, what with the “I presume you’re hankering for a Ben Burger right about now. This question is, will that burger come with a pickle on the side or between the buns?” and “His dad, a former juicehead turned dickhead, hates the fact that Wes isn’t ‘more dick, less chick.’—he actually says that.” And “But you still want his tongue in your mouth,” Wes says, pointing at me with a sausage. &: “You’re sick,” I tell him.
“But tasty.” He takes a bite of sausage.
When the author recapped what happened in the previous book, I was shocked to learn that Adam had been cheating with Julie on Ben, and that Adam was just using Camelia to make Ben jealous.
"I take a step closer, able to feel the sheer electricity between us."
I don’t remember any electricity phrases from the previous books, and I really wish authors would step away from that cookie-cutter description and branch out to create something with substance.
“I couldn’t bear to lose you.” His dark gray eyes look wounded.
I don’t remember Ben being so needy, and what guy, that isn’t in the 1800s, says I couldn’t bear to lose you?
And Camelia really is an idiot, worse than I remember. She’s fantasizing about another guy, regretting she didn’t kiss Adam, and when Ben gets hurt she treats him like a baby, acting like he’s overreacting and nothing happened.
“You’ll never lose me,” I say, joining him in his chair. I rest my head against his chest and feel his heart beat. “We’re meant to be together, remember?” I move to kiss him, but his lips are cold, still, brooding. And he doesn’t try to kiss me back.
“I mean, what are the odds that we’d even meet?” I continue. “That two people with psychometric powers would ever find each other?”
Ok…when you met Ben you didn’t have psychometric powers, so why are you spinning it like you were two supernaturally destined people? And she’s not even worthy of the power.
The writing is just boring, and I see the author is still keeping up with her pattern for overthinking and overanalyzing:
"Ben doesn’t say anything. And we don’t talk about Adam again for the rest of our time together. We actually don’t say much at all. There’s a tense silence between us.
A silence that we can’t seem to kill even with small talk about school or our families.
A silence that gnaws away at the moment and prompts us to leave shortly afterward."
She always has to leave off the chapter on several boring narrations.
"Loopy blonde hair."
What does that look like?
I flip to the back cover, to the author’s picture. Yep, loopy.
“Is there something you’re not telling me? Some ex-girlfriend of mine is telling everyone in town what a sexy playa I am?”
Wow. Adam sounds like a real loser.
It was on the 2nd audio transcript that I thought it was Adam. The mention of school just made me think of him, because he’s in college.
“It’ll only be for the weekend, but I was thinking about asking her if I could go, too. Maybe I could get a last-minute flight.”
“I don’t know. Two days without seeing you?”
Make me gag.
He comes over to her house, she wants to touch him, which is stupid considering what happened, and he touches her, which is stupid when she’s having thoughts about another guy. They kiss, again, he senses her thinking about Adam, again, he gets distance and leaves. This pattern is already getting on my nerves.
“Maybe tomorrow,” he says, visibly shaken.
I’m shaken, too, not quite sure what just happened. Or how I can undo it."
There we go again. Her stupid thoughts at the end of the chapter.
“So, then, what if this stuff with Ben doesn’t blow over? Find another squeezie?”
Seriously, who says squeezie about a guy? Lame!
Right on time, end of ch. 9. Dumb thoughts: "I reach for the phone and dial his number, but then click it off just shy of the last digit. Because maybe talking to him isn’t the best answer right now. But maybe taking a little break is."
Maybe you should quit doing that. Maybe it’s a little annoying.
“Are we going to be okay?”
“We have to be.” I wipe my eyes again. “Because I’m not so sure I can make it through all of this without you.”
“So you need me, is that it?” He grins.
I bite my lip, wishing I had the courage to tell him how I really feel.
That this is so far beyond need for me.
That it’s beyond anything I’ve ever experienced before."
I don’t remember their relationship being so clingy and desperate, and so unhealthy. This is way too heavy for teens. &why do you have to repeat this thought process thing by using the same word in the beginning of the sentence? It’s really annoying.
Ben comes over after she gets back. They talk about the drama and get close, only for Adam to call, and again, Ben gets distant and says he needs time alone. It’s like a broken record. You can’t keep doing the same things.
Camelia is worried that Adam is in danger, so when she meets him for coffee and sees the snail logo she foresaw on his jacket, she tells him nothing. She doesn’t warn him or anything. What’s up with that?
"As Kimmie predicted, Adam doesn’t question the excuse. I’m not even sure he hears it. Because, no sooner do I mutter the words, “Do you think we could stop by?” than he’s giving me directions, landmarks, and alternate routes."
When she finds a crossword puzzle fitting the same descriptions as the mysterious ones throughout the book, it only enforces my opinion that it’s Adam, and I also think it could be Tray, his roommate, maybe because he’s mad at Adam because Melissa likes Adam instead.
When the doctor notices the scar on the patient’s arm, it’s clearly supposed to make the reader think it’s Ben.
When Camelia asked Ben to cpme over so they could figure stuff out, he says he has to look at his aunt’s car, and she thinks he’s blowing her off. So she goes to see Adam to discuss the crossword puzzles. When he drops her off at her house afterward, Ben is there, and I’m expecting her to be mad, but this is what happens:
“Maybe you turned it off because you were upset with me.”
“Maybe,” I say, giving him a pointed look.
“For the record, I really did need to help my aunt, but—”
“Forget it,” I say, cutting him off. I press myself against his chest and snake my hands beneath his coat.
“But you come first,” he whispers, finishing his thought and drawing me close.
Seriously? He’s been distant, blowing you off, and keep secrets from you, and you just immediately go into his arms. This is getting on my nerves, their constant touching and almost-arguments but quick makeups with mushy lines.
"I reach out to touch the scar on his arm—the branchlike lines and the one broken limb—wishing I could climb up inside the strongest part of him.
And never let go."
Whoa, hold up there. When did this relationship go from interesting to completely unhealthy? I didn’t think she was weird and creepy, wanting to climb up inside his arm. That’s stalker material.
Adam comes to the school and shows her the puzzle that says I WANT TO SEE YOU BLEED. So instead of going with Ben, she tells Ben that Adam really needs her right now. Ben looks down to hide his disappointment, and she apologizes and says she wishes there was another way. There could be another way. You don’t go with Adam. What does he need you for? To make some vague comments about everything being ok? That’s all she does. And then she leaves. Yeah, he’s in desperate need of your help. So Ben leaves on his motorcycle. How many times can Ben leave? Seriously, keep having him go to her and then leave. It makes for great reading!
As Ben leaves on his motorcycle, Lily Randall goes after him in her Volkswagen Bug. Just what we need. Other girls with Ben. Camelia gets an “uneasy feeling” in the pit of her stomach, but I guess the thought of losing Ben isn’t enough to deter her from playing detective with Adam.
As in the last books, there are definitely undertones of Twilight. It has the same feel. She’s with the “dangerous” guy that can’t get close to her and so fights in; she’s always touching him and wanting more, saying he won’t hurt her. He sneaks into her house and stays with her at night, not falling asleep and leaving before she’s awake.
Ben and Adam didn’t even sound like teenagers, or even guys for that matter. They used words like shall, must, certainly, beneath, and said things like quite the contrary. They came off as being much older than they were, and sounded a little girly sometimes.
“Were you alone at the library?” I ask.
“Initially, but then I saw Tray and Janet.”
Why would you have Adam say initially? What teenager uses that word?
When the doctor referred the patient to someone else, and then Camelia’s mom tells Camelia that her aunt has been referred to another therapist, I didn’t know if that was a clue or if it was just meant to make us think it was her. The author’s set up many possibilities.
Camelia doesn’t see Ben at school, and she’s disappointed that he didn’t call her last night, “especially after our argument in the parking lot, and especially after I stopped by his house, cutting time short with Adam.”
Yeah, be all resentful because you had to leave another guy.
Adam said he’s been talking to someone, so it’s leading readers to believe he’s the one. I wish she wouldn’t have so many people vying for the role of stalker.
Camelia kisses Adam in the car after she’s had a semi-argument with Ben, and it sucked because she wasn’t broken up with Ben. If she would have called it off with him, I wouldn’t have even had a problem with it because of the way Ben had been acting. He was kind of asking for it.
But then I found out that Ben had been acting all distant because he touched Camelia he had seen the vision of her and Adam kissing, and it actually came true. So he’s explaining this and saying he trusts her and knows she would never do that, and she’s consumed with guilt. She not only doesn’t tell him that she kissed Adam, she eats the bagels that he brought her.
Adam receives an envelope with a picture of them kissing, and the stalker says that they made copies of it, so Camelia races over to Ben’s house, and falls into his arms, telling him to hold her. You might need comfort because you’re feeling guilty, but would Ben want to be hugging you and comforting you because you’re guilty about kissing another guy? She sees an envelope and is asking him to get her a glass of water and one of his sweaters to wear, because she’s cold and thirsty, trying to distract him from seeing it. Then she asks if they can go somewhere else to talk, on his bike. Why would you be asking him for all this when you’ve cheated on him?! Do you think he wants to go for a ride with you, and then what, have to drive you back to your house?
The fight that ensues when we find out that Piper is the stalker, and she’s tied Adam up to the bed, was completely pathetic and frustrating. She’s sliding around, stumbling, fumbling and doing every other klutzy action that a person could possibly accomplish. And Adam kisses Piper to distract her, which was disgusting. Camelia can’t do anything, until after Ben is stabbed in the stomach. What an idiot.
When I found out that he had gotten a tattoo of a chameleon, because she had been named after them, I thought it was sweet, even though the image that left me in my head was a little stupid and childish. It also explained why she felt the electrical sensation from touching his thigh, because I was starting to feel really weird about that.
All Camelia could talk about was herself. Oh, she made a couple of feeble attempts to talk about Kimmie’s parents. I guess the author didn’t want Camelia to be too self-absorbed and so thought those 2 tries would even things out. I got news for you: it didn’t. It was all her, all the time. There wasn’t one moment that didn’t revolve around all the drama, and I almost feel like I’ve been put through it myself. Then there was Wes, who I assumed was gay, but couldn’t remember for sure. The author could’ve explained his sexuality as a refresher, but I guess didn’t think it was important enough, even though the topic was discussed many times, like his dad forcing the old cleaning lady on him, wanting to take him hunting, and calling him names about being feminine. Wes paid a girl to date him, and even went out with this one girl twice, and was generally talking about her like she was a contender. But not one single time was it addressed that he was gay and wasn’t actually attracted to girls. What’s up with that?!
The plot was repetitious not only in this book but in the entire series. Every book a nutcase appears, showing all classic signs of stalking, and sending out threatening messages, and I couldn’t even bring myself to care. Even when it said you deserve to die and talking about bleeding, it didn’t have an effect on me. It was kind of a surprise as to who it was, because I hadn’t had her as a suspect, but it’s just crazy that every year a teenager surfaces that is willing to kill. It’s unrealistic, outlandish, and ridiculous. You can’t do the same thing in every book. It gets boring fast. When I first started reading this, I might have classified this as a mystery, but not I definitely don't. There was really no mystery. The author set up clues to lead us to suspect other characters, but it was no great plot twist to find out who it was. All the notes and things weren't intriguing. It was a drama, with relationship problems and a love triangle.
The book did not interest me in any way. I had to force myself to pick it up each time I read. It was more “mystery” combined with worry over her romantic life: Ben or Adam? &it was starting to get on my nerves. It was all she could think about, her problems with her bf and her “ex.” I want a character with more substance than that. The humor of Kimmie and Wes was forced, and Camelia’s nonexistent personality faded away into mere nothingness in their shadows.
I didn’t know where the book was going. Maybe it’s going in a good place. Maybe it’s going in a bad place.
And maybe I just don’t care.
November 3, 2018
I liked Ben, not so much with Camelia, she was too wishy washy for me.
September 25, 2022
pls, they're all so predictable-
idk, i feel emberrased for giving it two stars but what can we do 🥰
idk, i feel emberrased for giving it two stars but what can we do 🥰
January 31, 2011
Even though the story kept me intrigued I felt like this is just too much for one character to keep going through (stalking/sensing/getting saved by Ben), and it looks like there will be another Touch book (Deadly Little Voices). With that being said I did enjoy some aspects of the book. I liked the crossword puzzle, which was interspersed throughout the story with a few clues given at a time and then the puzzle actually becomes part of the plot for Camelia and Adam (I even photocopied it so I could follow along as the clues were revealed). I liked that we got to see more of Camelia's aunt, and I do hope we get to learn more about her in the next book. I liked the friendship aspects brought out between Camelia, Kimmie and Wes. However, what bothered me besides the repetitive story line was how Camelia still hasn't learned to go to her parents or the police for help, but then again, if she did, we wouldn't have much of a story would we? Also, Ben started bothering me too because he wasn't being open and honest with Camelia. Many scenes in the book are very reminiscent of that whole moment in a scary movie when you are screaming at the main character to not open the door or go in that room, so I do have to give it to the author because she writes a great suspense book, I just wish we could get a different story line that doesn't involve Ben coming to Camelia's rescue yet again.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 19, 2013
In Deadly Little Games, Camelia for the third time gets herself into a sticky situation. It's hard to believe one teenage girl can get into so many life-threatening situations in one school year, but the story was nonetheless enjoyable.
I have to say that the hot & cold relationship between Camelia and Ben is getting really old - just make up your minds already! Another thing that is getting annoying is Camelia not telling her parents about what's going on in her life - she has really got to start trusting them.
The author again did a great job of leaving you in suspense about who was behind everything. There were so many people that I thought it could be, but I never could decide on one of them and was surprised when the person was revealed - which I loved!
Deadly Little Games was a fast and suspenseful read and a great third installment to the touch series. The way this book is written you could read it without reading the first two and you wouldn't feel lost at all - the author does a great job of including all the key details from the first two books. However, if you did read this one first the other two would most likely be spoiled for you, so you probably wouldn't want to do that.
I would recommend this book/series to older teens and adults because I don't feel that the content would be appropriate for younger teens.
I have to say that the hot & cold relationship between Camelia and Ben is getting really old - just make up your minds already! Another thing that is getting annoying is Camelia not telling her parents about what's going on in her life - she has really got to start trusting them.
The author again did a great job of leaving you in suspense about who was behind everything. There were so many people that I thought it could be, but I never could decide on one of them and was surprised when the person was revealed - which I loved!
Deadly Little Games was a fast and suspenseful read and a great third installment to the touch series. The way this book is written you could read it without reading the first two and you wouldn't feel lost at all - the author does a great job of including all the key details from the first two books. However, if you did read this one first the other two would most likely be spoiled for you, so you probably wouldn't want to do that.
I would recommend this book/series to older teens and adults because I don't feel that the content would be appropriate for younger teens.
January 4, 2016
So far my favorite in the series. I really loved this one and I can't wait to get started on the next one. There are so many secrets. Ugh and Ben! Ughhhh I love him, but he's just so distant in this one, there was so much more with Adam then there was with Ben. I'm excited to see where the 4th book takes us next.
January 2, 2025
It got me guessing from the beginning!
October 13, 2016
Deadly Little Games
Brooklynn W Borden
October 12, 2016
English 10-1
Laurie Faria Stolarz, borned and raised in Salem, Massachusetts, she attended Merrimack college and received an MFA in creative writing from Emerson college in Boston. She also has wrote Deadly Little Secret, Deadly Little Lies, and Project 17. Her inspirations is more about the touch series more than just this one book but Deadly Little Games is included in the series of course, so it has a bit part in her inspiration. She wanted to write a story where the main character has to struggle with the idea of falling in love with someone who could potentially kill her and who’s already allegedly killed someone in the past. She also wanted to continue with the supernatural; showing how we all have our own inner senses and intuitions and how with work we can tap into those things and make them stronger. This is her page for more information (http://www.lauriestolarz.com/faq.html) and the website I got my information off of (http://www.fantasticbookreview.com/20...) as well as from the book to.
There isn’t really a time, mainly after school although sculptures do take place at school nothing serious happens, the place could be high school because events do happen there but nothing serious or the main events, I would say the main place at Adam’s apartment where the threats “puzzles” and stalking takes place.
At Adam’s apartment where Adam receives weird puzzles but really messages, takes time to figure out who is doing the stalking and threatening Adam.
Camelia- the main character, high schooler, has psychometry power of sculpting what she see’s in her head that is important, dating someone who also has psychometry powers, helps out her friend ex-boyfriend in a way from getting killed or seriously hurt. Ben- Camelia boyfriend who also has psychometry powers of senses things, who has accidentally killed his ex-girlfriend because of his psychometry power, ex-best friend of Adam., also a high schooler. Adam- A guy from Camelia past, in college, has feeling for her and is Ben’s ex-bestfriend, is the victim of the stalking. Kimmie- Camelia best friend who is supportable and helps Camelia through her relationship drama and Adam situation, high schooler. Wes- Also Camelia best friend who tags along to help figure out the stalking situation with Adam and jokes a lot, high schooler. Aunt Alexis- Camelia Aunt who also has psychometry powers, hers and Camelia powers are pretty much the same, she is in a mental institution because she’s considered “ crazy”, “unstable” Camelia Parents, Kimmie's Parents, Wes’s Father- Minor Characters who are just there in the background image for the main characters. Tray, Melissia, Janet- Minor Characters, Adam's friends, college students. Piper- The stalker, college student as well.
Who is sending the puzzle threats, What to do about Ben and Camelia relationship.
Camelia really wanted to help Adam figure out who was sending him puzzle messages threats and figure out who it was and what to do about it and she did even though it was causing issues with her relationship with Ben, She couldn’t live with the guilt of not helping Adam and then something happening to him and she did nothing, so she figured the clues out and made it to Adam's apartment just in time to find him tied up and the stalker there which was Piper who Camelia ended up in a fight with and Piper had a knife and was cutting Camelia on the neck when Ben came just in time to save her because of his psychometry power he sensed Piper and danger, Ben got stabbed and Piper was shoved into the dresser which knocked her out and broke her nose, Ben survived and it’s still determined what’s going to happen to Piper yet, depends on if Adam presses charges or not, apparently Piper has been going to therapy since she was a kid.
Camelia would sculpt objects like Adam’s mouth which took her back to their date and kiss, which made her start thinking of him and she also sculpted tiles and words which represented the puzzle threats, a knife and Ben’s initials which indicated that Ben was going to get hurt, a lot of symbolism.
Camelia- “You deserve to die” a sentenced stuck in her head that slipped out of her mouth which later was a puzzle message. “Mark it with a detention-worthy kiss” Kimmie remarked for Camelia to go mark her territory (Ben). “Romantic in a stalker-bludgeoning-bedsheet sort of way” Wes says talking about the fake blood message that was written on Adam’s bedsheet.
Brooklynn W Borden
October 12, 2016
English 10-1
Laurie Faria Stolarz, borned and raised in Salem, Massachusetts, she attended Merrimack college and received an MFA in creative writing from Emerson college in Boston. She also has wrote Deadly Little Secret, Deadly Little Lies, and Project 17. Her inspirations is more about the touch series more than just this one book but Deadly Little Games is included in the series of course, so it has a bit part in her inspiration. She wanted to write a story where the main character has to struggle with the idea of falling in love with someone who could potentially kill her and who’s already allegedly killed someone in the past. She also wanted to continue with the supernatural; showing how we all have our own inner senses and intuitions and how with work we can tap into those things and make them stronger. This is her page for more information (http://www.lauriestolarz.com/faq.html) and the website I got my information off of (http://www.fantasticbookreview.com/20...) as well as from the book to.
There isn’t really a time, mainly after school although sculptures do take place at school nothing serious happens, the place could be high school because events do happen there but nothing serious or the main events, I would say the main place at Adam’s apartment where the threats “puzzles” and stalking takes place.
At Adam’s apartment where Adam receives weird puzzles but really messages, takes time to figure out who is doing the stalking and threatening Adam.
Camelia- the main character, high schooler, has psychometry power of sculpting what she see’s in her head that is important, dating someone who also has psychometry powers, helps out her friend ex-boyfriend in a way from getting killed or seriously hurt. Ben- Camelia boyfriend who also has psychometry powers of senses things, who has accidentally killed his ex-girlfriend because of his psychometry power, ex-best friend of Adam., also a high schooler. Adam- A guy from Camelia past, in college, has feeling for her and is Ben’s ex-bestfriend, is the victim of the stalking. Kimmie- Camelia best friend who is supportable and helps Camelia through her relationship drama and Adam situation, high schooler. Wes- Also Camelia best friend who tags along to help figure out the stalking situation with Adam and jokes a lot, high schooler. Aunt Alexis- Camelia Aunt who also has psychometry powers, hers and Camelia powers are pretty much the same, she is in a mental institution because she’s considered “ crazy”, “unstable” Camelia Parents, Kimmie's Parents, Wes’s Father- Minor Characters who are just there in the background image for the main characters. Tray, Melissia, Janet- Minor Characters, Adam's friends, college students. Piper- The stalker, college student as well.
Who is sending the puzzle threats, What to do about Ben and Camelia relationship.
Camelia really wanted to help Adam figure out who was sending him puzzle messages threats and figure out who it was and what to do about it and she did even though it was causing issues with her relationship with Ben, She couldn’t live with the guilt of not helping Adam and then something happening to him and she did nothing, so she figured the clues out and made it to Adam's apartment just in time to find him tied up and the stalker there which was Piper who Camelia ended up in a fight with and Piper had a knife and was cutting Camelia on the neck when Ben came just in time to save her because of his psychometry power he sensed Piper and danger, Ben got stabbed and Piper was shoved into the dresser which knocked her out and broke her nose, Ben survived and it’s still determined what’s going to happen to Piper yet, depends on if Adam presses charges or not, apparently Piper has been going to therapy since she was a kid.
Camelia would sculpt objects like Adam’s mouth which took her back to their date and kiss, which made her start thinking of him and she also sculpted tiles and words which represented the puzzle threats, a knife and Ben’s initials which indicated that Ben was going to get hurt, a lot of symbolism.
Camelia- “You deserve to die” a sentenced stuck in her head that slipped out of her mouth which later was a puzzle message. “Mark it with a detention-worthy kiss” Kimmie remarked for Camelia to go mark her territory (Ben). “Romantic in a stalker-bludgeoning-bedsheet sort of way” Wes says talking about the fake blood message that was written on Adam’s bedsheet.
June 11, 2012
Brought to you by OBS reviewer member Annabell
I have been a fan of Stolarz’s Touch series since the books first came out. Camelia, Ben, Wes, and Kimmie were such great written characters. The mystery behind Camelia and Ben’s powers was a wonderful journey to go on. The suspense throughout each of the books builds gradually and one of my favorite things (from the first book) was the stalker journal entries. I liked the way the antagonists were developed in each book. I had liked the way the story was told from Camelia’s point of view since she was a good hearted and relatable character.
So you could imagine my excitement at being able to finally have the chance to read the third installment . . . But my joy was soon depleted. Camelia and Ben get lost in Deadly Little Games. Camiela is so unsure of herself and she makes choices that made me really dislike her. Ben isn’t really part of the story and when he is all he does is whine about Camelia getting closer to Adam and act too much like a punk (not in a good way). Wes and Kimmie are still their banter witty selves which I was grateful for. They were the only salvageable part to the book, outside of the creepy psych sessions with the killer.
The plot was sterile and dragged on to the point of numbing. The entire book basically consisted of Camiela and Adam driving around in his car or hanging out at his apartment (instead of Camiela working her relationship with Ben) discussing the killer who is after Adam, but for some reason they never bother going to the cops even though Camiela keeps saying they should. There was just no point to the plot! The two main characters get completely lost. Adam, the secondary main character, is shallow and has no common sense or brains whatsoever. The revelation of who the villain is, was incredibly anti-climatic and the villain was just so boring and whinny!
I had to force myself to read and finish the book. I kept hoping there would be a point where the story would liven up but sadly, to the bitter end, the story remained just as pointless from the first page. The ending was disastrous!
For fans of the Touch series, you may want to skip over this one and wait for the next installment. Crossing my fingers that the author will redeem herself and bring back the characters I once enjoyed reading.
http://openbooksociety.com/article/de...
I have been a fan of Stolarz’s Touch series since the books first came out. Camelia, Ben, Wes, and Kimmie were such great written characters. The mystery behind Camelia and Ben’s powers was a wonderful journey to go on. The suspense throughout each of the books builds gradually and one of my favorite things (from the first book) was the stalker journal entries. I liked the way the antagonists were developed in each book. I had liked the way the story was told from Camelia’s point of view since she was a good hearted and relatable character.
So you could imagine my excitement at being able to finally have the chance to read the third installment . . . But my joy was soon depleted. Camelia and Ben get lost in Deadly Little Games. Camiela is so unsure of herself and she makes choices that made me really dislike her. Ben isn’t really part of the story and when he is all he does is whine about Camelia getting closer to Adam and act too much like a punk (not in a good way). Wes and Kimmie are still their banter witty selves which I was grateful for. They were the only salvageable part to the book, outside of the creepy psych sessions with the killer.
The plot was sterile and dragged on to the point of numbing. The entire book basically consisted of Camiela and Adam driving around in his car or hanging out at his apartment (instead of Camiela working her relationship with Ben) discussing the killer who is after Adam, but for some reason they never bother going to the cops even though Camiela keeps saying they should. There was just no point to the plot! The two main characters get completely lost. Adam, the secondary main character, is shallow and has no common sense or brains whatsoever. The revelation of who the villain is, was incredibly anti-climatic and the villain was just so boring and whinny!
I had to force myself to read and finish the book. I kept hoping there would be a point where the story would liven up but sadly, to the bitter end, the story remained just as pointless from the first page. The ending was disastrous!
For fans of the Touch series, you may want to skip over this one and wait for the next installment. Crossing my fingers that the author will redeem herself and bring back the characters I once enjoyed reading.
http://openbooksociety.com/article/de...
January 8, 2011
Deadly Little Games still provides all the suspense and tension as the first two in the series. In fact, i'm beginning to find it a little too repetitive. The book starts out with Camelia sculpting and hearing things surrounding Adam, who has previously interfered with her and Ben's relationship and it seems it's about to happen again. It's very clear someone's out to get Adam and Camelia feels the need to help save him despite his previous behavior, which makes her relationship with Ben all the more complicated and distant, as with the other books. At this point i've chalked this series into these steps 1. mysterious premonitions, 2. dissolving relationship, 3. a crazy climax scene where survival is questioned, and 4. an ending that leaves you wondering about the state of things. You know because this would really happen to the same person three times and i'm assuming four with the next book, right? Wrong! The predictibility is getting quite boring and i'm begging for some much needed change. Yes, I suppose the plot makes for a quick and entertaining read but i'm craving something more from these characters that i've come to like so much! The best thing about the book to me, were Wes and Kimmie - always meddling in to provide much needed comic relief and remind you of your own friends. On another positive note, more information is provided about Camelia's Aunt Alexia which assures Camelia that despite what people think her aunt is sane, she just doesn't know how to handle the power they share. Another fun aspect to this book were the therapy transcripts from the person who wanted revenge on Adam and the crossword puzzles included after each. The crossword puzzles play a significant part in the book, and it was very fun to be able to play along and decipher clues, even if they were fairly easy. I do plan on reading the next installment, Deadly Little Voices, when it's released but if it proves to have a similar storyline yet again I think that'll be my breaking point.
April 16, 2011
As always, Stolarz's books in this series do not disappoint and this was no exception. However, I wished that there was something else to the plot for these books since the last two have been about Ben and Camelia's powers and them using their powers to figure out what is going on.
Having said that, there are many things in this book which I liked- firstly, we get to see more of Adam and him as a person. He has changed for the better, I suppose and it's a good thing. Also, we see more of Aunt Alexia, who may not be that different from Camelia, but is just misunderstood as being crazy. In addition, the crossword puzzles were definitely something interesting and made the read rather enjoyable.
One thing that I liked quite a lot was the development between Ben and Camelia's relationship. Instead of portraying their relationship as one that is perfect and smooth-sailing, Stolarz's writing shows the fragility, the problems and realism behind that, which is something not often found in YA fiction. Ben's abilities sometimes allow him to sense things that he doesn't like, which would happen in the future, and this is definitely a source of tension between both of them. I really like how these matters are dealt with in the book.
I hope the next book will continue to push Ben and Camelia further in terms of character powers and their abilities.
A 3.5 stars from me.
Having said that, there are many things in this book which I liked- firstly, we get to see more of Adam and him as a person. He has changed for the better, I suppose and it's a good thing. Also, we see more of Aunt Alexia, who may not be that different from Camelia, but is just misunderstood as being crazy. In addition, the crossword puzzles were definitely something interesting and made the read rather enjoyable.
One thing that I liked quite a lot was the development between Ben and Camelia's relationship. Instead of portraying their relationship as one that is perfect and smooth-sailing, Stolarz's writing shows the fragility, the problems and realism behind that, which is something not often found in YA fiction. Ben's abilities sometimes allow him to sense things that he doesn't like, which would happen in the future, and this is definitely a source of tension between both of them. I really like how these matters are dealt with in the book.
I hope the next book will continue to push Ben and Camelia further in terms of character powers and their abilities.
A 3.5 stars from me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 24, 2011
I like this series, I really do. And I think that Laurie has done a good job in keeping the reader interested. I do wonder at times, how far can she take it? Will Camelia's town be over-run with stalker-killers forever?
Truth: It reads like a CW show unfolding in front of you.
Truth: It makes me want to "tune in" every time a book is released.
Lie: I don't care about Camelia and Ben.
Okay, I DO CARE. I want them together and I understand all the reasons why Laurie is keeping them in this push-pull-push-pull-stop-it-already-and-get-together-for-my-sakes-if-not-for-yours mode. I mean, I keep turning pages, don't I?
But here's the thing, I wonder how long I can hang on? Laurie does a fine job with answering my nagging doubts by introducing Cameila's aunt and making the reader wonder if Camelia will end up just like her. And that's the most believable angle in all of this, the hey, does having superpowers make you crazy angle. It's what keeps me reading. Well, that and Ben. Maybe Adam. Oh, you get the idea.
If you're looking for a page-flipping, fast read, pick up this series. I'm waiting for the inevitable TV show, because this would make an awsome TV series.
Truth: It reads like a CW show unfolding in front of you.
Truth: It makes me want to "tune in" every time a book is released.
Lie: I don't care about Camelia and Ben.
Okay, I DO CARE. I want them together and I understand all the reasons why Laurie is keeping them in this push-pull-push-pull-stop-it-already-and-get-together-for-my-sakes-if-not-for-yours mode. I mean, I keep turning pages, don't I?
But here's the thing, I wonder how long I can hang on? Laurie does a fine job with answering my nagging doubts by introducing Cameila's aunt and making the reader wonder if Camelia will end up just like her. And that's the most believable angle in all of this, the hey, does having superpowers make you crazy angle. It's what keeps me reading. Well, that and Ben. Maybe Adam. Oh, you get the idea.
If you're looking for a page-flipping, fast read, pick up this series. I'm waiting for the inevitable TV show, because this would make an awsome TV series.
November 25, 2011
Reading this third book on the Touch Series I can’t help but be frustrated and annoyed. Why? Well, first there’s Ben. The boy can’t make up his mind. Sheesh, I was totally irritated with him (well, that’s a first! Me irritated with the boy MC than with the girl which often happens). Boy, make up your stupid mind! Do you trust Camelia? Do you want to be with her? Or do you want to go your separate ways? He’s very fickle minded for a boy (maybe he’s a boy trap in a girls body). Second, the story was very very predictable even from the start. It was bland, I wasn’t even excited while reading it. It was just plain bleh! But why the hell did I even finish the book? Well, it was short. I love Camelia’s friends Kimmie and Wes (especially Wes) I find both of them funny. Probably that’s the only reason I tolerated it till the end. Speaking of the ending, what happened between Camelia and Ben…they had it coming. Good for both of them.
The big question, will I read the fourth book? Hmmm….probably. I think I would like to know what happens with Camelia’s aunt Alexia.
The big question, will I read the fourth book? Hmmm….probably. I think I would like to know what happens with Camelia’s aunt Alexia.
April 1, 2015
This is the third book of the "Touch" series and out of all three that I've read so far, this one had the strongest level of tension and I was drawn into the book very quickly. This novel is about suspense and a bit of romance in between. In this book, Camelia, the main character finds a very rare, mental connection with her aunt, Alexia - they both had the ability to sense the future through art. For Camelia, it was making pottery and for Aunt Alexia, it was through painting. They soon realised that one of Camelia's close friends was in danger and was being threatened with crossword puzzles and other anonymous messages. Camelia knew that she was the only one who could help him by using her rare powers because no one else knew what she was truly capable of. The story continues on with a very interesting plot and has a huge twist at the very end that even surprised me. Overall, this is an incredible book and I'm looking forward to reading the fourth book of the series.
January 10, 2012
Deadly Little Games is the third book in the Touch Series by Laurie Faria Stolarz. Haven't read the first book? Why you be reading this review?! Go grab yourself a copy of Deadly Little Secret and let the fun times begin. fin. ;)
I absolutely love Ms. Stolarz writing style. It's quick. It's snarky. It's creepy. It's awesome.
I did feel the love-triangle introduced in this novel was a tad bit of a wth?. Firstly, the new "love" interest was the bad guy in the last novel, secondly, in my humble opinion, no boy could compete with Ben who can "touch-a-touch-a-touch-a-touch-a-me" any day of the week. Did I just go there? Sure did.
Overall, I did enjoy this book, had my heart ripped out by the ending, and am hopeful that it will be patched up in the next novel.
*crosses fingers*
If you like a good mystery with a side of paranormal, and a hottie on a bike this be the book for you.
I absolutely love Ms. Stolarz writing style. It's quick. It's snarky. It's creepy. It's awesome.
I did feel the love-triangle introduced in this novel was a tad bit of a wth?. Firstly, the new "love" interest was the bad guy in the last novel, secondly, in my humble opinion, no boy could compete with Ben who can "touch-a-touch-a-touch-a-touch-a-me" any day of the week. Did I just go there? Sure did.
Overall, I did enjoy this book, had my heart ripped out by the ending, and am hopeful that it will be patched up in the next novel.
*crosses fingers*
If you like a good mystery with a side of paranormal, and a hottie on a bike this be the book for you.
March 3, 2011
I have really enjoyed the Touch series and this novel is no exception. There were some things I didn't care for, but overall, this book is a must read if you like paranormal romances.
The writing was great, as it always has been. I feel like the characters got a little more depth with them as they mature in the series. I have to say though, Wes and Kimmie totally stole the show away from Camelia and Ben in my opinion. They are SO funny and so imperfectly perfect that I want to put them in my pocket.
The suspense was really good as well. Though I did have an inkling as to whodunit, I thought the audio transcriptions and crosswords were very clever and a good way to keep the reader going.
The ending was a little cheesy for me, and predictable, but I still am looking forward to Deadly Little Voices, due to come in November of 2011.
The writing was great, as it always has been. I feel like the characters got a little more depth with them as they mature in the series. I have to say though, Wes and Kimmie totally stole the show away from Camelia and Ben in my opinion. They are SO funny and so imperfectly perfect that I want to put them in my pocket.
The suspense was really good as well. Though I did have an inkling as to whodunit, I thought the audio transcriptions and crosswords were very clever and a good way to keep the reader going.
The ending was a little cheesy for me, and predictable, but I still am looking forward to Deadly Little Voices, due to come in November of 2011.
July 23, 2011
This entire series has been one long guessing game for me. Each book brings to the table a new mystery with tons of twists and turns. Some a bit more predictable than others. This particular book definitely tested my problem solving skills. I had my theories from the beginning and then I switched them up half way through...and then I changed my mind again...only to be completely surprised at the end!!! I didn't see that coming at all! Or did I! OMG it was all there right in front of my face all along!! Indeed a clever little mystery you've created Laurie Faria Stolarz! Props to you! This was a truly great read. I loved the mystery. The characters themselves are simply amazing. And the downright cleverness deserves praise all it's own! Good job! Really good job! 5 stars from me! Bring on Deadly Little Voices! I can't wait to read it!
February 15, 2011
Same old storyline, just switching up the characters a bit. I hope Deadly Little Voices doesn't have a stalker. The first book was great, I even liked the second book despite it's similiarities to book one. But a third book, with the same storyline and the constant turmoil of Ben and Camelia? It was just too much. What are the chances that anyone would be associated with three different stalkers, much less in one year?! I'll probably read the fourth book, because I'm a sucker for series', but I sincerely hope Stolarz creates an original storyline instead of recycling the same one for the fourth time.
June 28, 2011
The concept of this series is great: a boy and a girl who can sense things supernaturally through touch and art. However, this is the third book in the series and each novel is basically the same. All three books consist of someone being stalked, and Camelia and Ben working on their relationship. That's about it. I was hoping for a fresh idea or at least some interesting new characters, but I was disappointed. I'm surprised Stolarz is even writing a fourth book, Deadly Little Voices. I would bet anything it contains the same old plot lines. However, I will admit I am mildly interested in Camelia's Aunt Alexia, but we'll see how it all plays out. Even though I'm no longer enjoying the touch novels, I'll read the next one. Otherwise I've gone this far for nothing.
February 21, 2011
Camelia and Ben are back in the third installment of the touch series. Camelia is back with Ben, who reminds me of an array of male, bad boy characters, but Camelia is still getting premonitions and sculpting about something happening to Adam, Ben's ex best friend. In a pretty formulaic story, there is the overarching issue of Camelia's "crazy" aunt who suffers from the same psychometric issues, grappling with her premonitions, and always having to "help" someone and Ben having to rescue her from it. The story gets moved just ever so slightly to continue the series and still make it intriguing, so I will definitely be picking up Deadly Little Voices. I enjoyed the interruptions with the psychiatrists and the crossword games, it was an exciting little insert.
October 23, 2012
Okay, so let me start off by saying I wasn't really fair to this series because I read this book, but not the two before it. However, what generally had happened was pretty easy to pick up and didn't take me long to piece together. To be honest, the writing style of this book was kinda crappy, the characters kinda annoyed me abit, and the whole plot was very predictable. While I do think the little games with clues in them were a pretty cool idea, I got tired of them pretty fast. This whole book was a let down for me, and if that's because I didn't read the first two, or if its because it is just a bad book, I'm not really sure. Either way I definitely wouldn't consider recommending this book to friends
March 5, 2011
This book was good, but not as good as the others. There was too much focus (for me) on Adam, when I felt there should have been more of a focus on Ben and Camelia. The two of them continued to go back and forth in this book, which I found really frustrating. Either you're together, or you're not, make up your mind. Stop all these silly little disagreements, and not being able to talk about things. I did enjoy the inclusion of Camelia's Aunt, and am again looking forward to the role she will play in the next book. Hopefully by the next book, the author will resolve the issues between Camelia and Ben, and make Adam more of a background character.
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