Whisper

Whisper #1

by Phoebe Kitanidis

I'd love a cup of coffee. . . . I wish she didn't hide how pretty she is. . . . I hope she didn't find out what Ben said about her. . . . I wish I knew how many calories were in a bite of muffin. . . .

Joy is used to Hearing Whispers. She's used to walking down the street and instantly knowing people's deepest, darkest desires. She uses this talent for good—to make people happy and give them what they want. But for her older sister, Jessica, the family gift is a curse, and she uses it to make people's lives—especially Joy's—miserable. Still, when Joy Hears Jessica Whisper I want to kill my Hearing dead, and kill me too if that's what it takes, she knows she has to save her sister, even if it means deserting her friends, stealing a car, and running away with a boy she barely knows—a boy who may have a dark secret of his own.

Whisper is an exhilarating debut novel from talented newcomer Phoebe Kitanidis.

Genres: Young Adult, Paranormal, Fantasy, Romance, Fiction, Supernatural, Urban Fantasy

292 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 27, 2010

About the author

Phoebe Kitanidis is a proud member of Team Cat. She lives in a secret lair, deep inside a blackberry bramble in Seattle, where she's currently weaving a new Urban Fantasy series as well as a New Adult Romance series. Coffee is her second-best friend.

Reviews

[Emma Michaels · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this novel. Normally I stop reading a novel once I see any cursing... okay, maybe that is an overstatement. It makes me want to put it away but in some cases, like this one, it isn't enough to warrant not finding out what happens next! It had a very emotionally raw (in a good way) feel to it not in terms of the writing style but in terms of the characters and their personalities. I am really happy I read this book and it was definitely a one sitting book for me. (Even if I was forced to take a break to sleep.) Was definitely worth my time and something I would suggest to anyone. (As long as they are okay with minor cursing. I will admit normally it feels like it isn't needed which is why I don't like it but in this case it felt like it was needed in some ways for that part of the story. It was a natural response that went along with the realism of the story.)

For more reviews:
http://EmmaMichaels.Blogspot.com

[Lala_Loopsie [fire breathing B!tch Queen] · Rating 4 out of 5]

Actual rating 3.5 Stars.

This book was good, i guess. But she seemed readlly inmature. But I really liked Jamie, or however the hell you write it.

[Raíla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Joy would be a normal girl, except for the fact that she Hears Whispers. In other words, she Hears what others desire, their desire-thoughts. In possession of this hereditary gift, Joy likes to make people happy, to give people what they want, which is the opposite of her sister's choice—use it to make people's lives miserable.

Like I have said since I closed this book: I have no words to describe how much I loved it! It is like no other "hearing thoughts" story. It is such a different, criative, unpredictable and well-written story. I dove into this and almost couldn't get off if it wasn't people calling me to do something while I was reading. I was so excited to know what would happen next that I stayed up really late. I needed to know what Joy would say and do next, who she would meet next. Although it is fast-paced, it doesn't sound like the whole story happens in only one weekend. It seems to happen in a longer time! It did surprised me, because the story is not a cliche at all, like the summary might make you wonder.

I am so sure the highest positive point of my identification with this book were the characters and the dialogues—and, as a consequence, the writing style of Phoebe Kitanidis, of course. It made Joy sound like she wasn't only fifteen, but an older, mature person with characteristics of a teenager girl. Oh, I can tell how big her heart is! Even when Jessica aka. Icka, her sister, treats her like a shit—which means always since they weren't kids anymore—, she is a sweet person, until she explodes and tells Icka the worst things she thinks about their relationship she had kept inside, which leaves Joy super-regretful. Besides all that, she still has to deal with her so-called friends and their desire-thoughts, which turn into kind of "evil" ones.

I really don't know if I can talk about J, who Joy barely knows, but steals a car and runs away with him to save her precious sister. I got so excited about it! Although they had once met, they don't completely know each othe, but get into a great, well-developed conversation after some events. They share feelings and things that even Joy's best-friend doesn't know about. J's revelation is a very interesting one. I'd love to learn more about it! Their relationship gets pretty intense in those two days while Phoebe Kitadinis shows us how two people who looks so different can be so much closer than you might think.

The ending doesn't make you think it is going to have a sequel. Not for me. It sounded lovely and peaceful for the situation the characters were in. But I want to know what is going to happen to Joy after all this. AND there is going to have a sequel!

Whisper is an amazing debut novel that might make you consider carefully every little attitude you and people around you do. Phoebe Kitadinis has totally proved her writing quality.

[Jessica (Goldenfurpro) · Rating 3 out of 5]

MY THOUGHTS
I've had this book on my to-read list ever since I first got a Goodreads account so it's about time I picked this one up. This book didn't wow me, but it has a very interesting storyline and I overall enjoyed it.

All the females in Joy's family to hear Whispers. Whispers are of people's desires, their wishes. Joy loves hearing Whispers. It lets her help people and she sees it as a gift. Jessica, aka Icka, sees it as a curse and constantly tries to make everyone miserable. When Icka disappears and Joy's gift begins changing, Joy begins to wonder more about her gift and what it might have done to Icka.

I love the idea behind this book. I've read books with mind reading, but this book is not about mind reading. Joy can only hear the desires of people and it's interesting how much she loves being able to hear Whispers. It lets her be able to help people. I feel like we didn't get to know everything about this ability, as so much was dropped near the end, but I still feel like it was a really great idea and was done very well!

I think the Whispers are important to the book, but I felt like the relationships were also important, especially Joy's and Icka's. In the beginning, you really do not like Icka. It's not because she's an outcast, but because she tried everything to make Joy miserable. It's horrible. It's hard to like her and to understand her, I still have a hard time liking her after reading the book. Even though Icka was horrible to Joy, Joy still went looking for her and Icka still cared for Joy. It's an odd relationship, but it's very important.

My one main issue with this book is how long it took to get to the major plot. Most of the book was about Joy's Whispers and it was very slow-paced leading to what happens with her sister, which isn't really until the very end. I like learning about the Whispers, Joy, and other characters, but not a whole lot happens and it kind of bothers me when they mention something in the synopsis that doesn't happen until the last half of the book.

IN CONCLUSION
This book has a very unique premise and besides some slow pacing, it's a wonderful book with a slight paranormal twist. This book is also a very quick read and a solid standalone! Overall, I enjoyed reading this book!

[Jess · Rating 2 out of 5]

To be honest, I didn't really read the whole thing, just up until the first few chapters then I skipped to the part where the story starts to happen but here's what I thought of what I DID read.

First of all, Joy really irritated me because she was so infuriatingly naive and pathetic. However, there is a point in the story where she realizes this about herself and becomes a bit of a stronger character. I may be wrong in this but I don't think I missed much from what I skimmed because it seems like it was mostly a series of desastrously embarassing situations. I did like the second half much better because that's when it finally got to the actual plot. A couple interesting things Kitanidis did with Whisper were 1)introducing a character with telepathy who has lived her whole life knowing about her ability (as opposed to other stories where the character is caught completely confused and questioning his/her sanity before figuring it out and moving on with the plot) and 2)having more than one type of mind-reader.

All in all it was an okay read but nothing incredible, just a fluff read.

[Sara Shaw · Rating 4 out of 5]

This.Was.The.BEST.BOOK.EVER!
Oh God, when I first read into it, I thought the hearing thoughts thing is a cliche, but boy could I be more wrong?
The author, Phoebe Kitanidis is a very good one indeed.
I loved Joy's Character, so innocent and sweet, thinking that her sis is the bad guy She too, couldn't have been more mistaken.
To be honest, Jessica's character is so like me.
Okay I do not do drugs or smoke, but I'm a truly Rebellious teen. I'm mean, rude and hurt people. lol its true!
Anyway, I didn't like the taking drug thing but I can't blame Jess for it. Damn what would u do if all your BFFS thought you were bad? Had no friends? No mom to trust cause I'm just too mean to her and reject her, and a sis that has gone away to so called Bffs and the most important, the curse! So no I can't blame her.
The characterization was so damn good. like REALLY good. The plot was fine too, I just thought the *searching for sis with bad boy and stolen part* is gonna be like from page 20 or something. But I didn't get bored though. I'm waiting foR BooK 2, and I know, I'm so bad in writing reviews. 3 words. I love it AKA Another favorite book!

[Peter Kahle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whispers is an excellent twist on the young woman's passage into adulthood theme. Joy is every teenager, but with something extra, the ability to hear the mental 'wishes' of others. All her life she's heard their best thoughts and hopes; now turning sixteen, she begins to hear their ugly wishes too. I enjoyed Kitanidis' humor and her ear for young people's voices.

[Precious · Rating 5 out of 5]

After years of granting people’s wishes and making the world a happier place, a night of a killer headache and deafening silence, Joy’s gift finally matured. She can now hear whispers that come from a deeper and darker place and manifest the side of humanity that centres on the satiation of wants. Disturbed and terrified, Joy found out that she can’t carry on doing the only thing that defines her: granting wishes. She was wrapped in a cloud of loss, loss for not hearing dark desires, loss of friendships and loss of the things she believed in.

Jessica has always been acknowledged as the evil sister, the one who was always making everyone’s lives miserable with the sharp truth pouring out of her mouth. Joy was convinced that her sister was beyond any point of reasoning with. Joy was about to find out more about her sister as she races to save her.

Phoebe created a world where desires and wishes – both good and bad – are unravelled, giving better judgment and helping people like Joy see the reflection of someone’s soul. Her writing, through Joy’s optimistic perspective found the best in everything and in everyone.

In this debut, the threads that bind and make a strong bond – sisterhood – are scrutinized. Every memory, every intention, every word, every whisper awakened me to the reality of a life with a sibling, a person that I can be friends and enemies with at times. It can be positive and negative depending on what angle you choose to see it through.

Whisper is a novel of realizations and revelations about the truth of familial and friendly relationships and of acknowledgement of the dark part of our souls and the desires that may be egoistic and selfish, and above all human, that dwell inside our hearts.

[Merril Anil · Rating 2 out of 5]

It’s there and it’s not there

It is sad to see that something with so much potential and interest picking up from a wrong note and going downhill from there. The book has a really good theme and had a bit more effort been put into its development this would have been one heck of a read. Technically I cannot beat my mind as to where exactly it started messing up but certain areas in the book did show that there was lack of effort.

The first page of the book is something that will make you sit down and take notice and no doubt it raises your expectation but then you proceed further to four to five chapters and you have no idea where this book is going as all you could feel is that you are reading a diary of a teenager who keeps ranting about the usual stuffs that high schooled do on a daily basis for living but why that should cover half of the book is beyond my understanding. Fortunately in spite of all the ranting, the book do keep a fast pace so before you die of lack of anything substantial coming your way, you get bombarded with an unexpected change and then before you know, the book ends with a cliché ending where everything wraps up nicely.

The problem with the book, I felt was that the narration is all over the place and the author tends to go out of path with unrelated descriptions sometimes. The starting chapters are filled with forced jokes not helping anywhere with the narration. The characters except for “icka” do not seemed to be worked upon and sadly that included our main character as well because I clearly felt that the main character “joy” was a work in progress.

The book lacks a smooth flow of events and narration and succumbs to the after effect of a good theme badly treated

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW! I knew when I read the description of this book that it had potential. I had no idea how much potential it had.

Short story: I would have preferred to read it all in one sitting, but I have three young children and just cannot. I did my best to read as much as I could, and read the whole thing in less that 10 hours. That's 280 pages in 10 hours, stopping to care of my kids – and take a nap because of a headache. I. Could. Not. Put. It. Down. Couldnotstopreading.

In case you need more: I love Joy. What a great character. So much emotional depth, and she really grows up in just a matter of a few days. What a bomb to have dropped on her later in the book.

And Jamie. Loved him. I hope they have a future together, as I really like him. I kinda had an idea what his "dark secret" was. (Possible spoiler: I think having read The Emerald Talisman somehow cued me into that. I'm not entirely sure how, but if you've read that book, it might make sense to you.)

At the end of the book, I found that I really liked Joy's dad, and couldn't stand her mom. I look forward to seeing how these characters turn out in the next installment, as well as if/how their relationship changes.

This is one (and not the first) book that I'm sorry to have to part with. I will get my own copy someday, and I DEFINITELY will read this again.

[SjA · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. I started it a few hours ago and read through the night. I went to bed thinking 'I'm so tired i'll just read for a minute.' Next thing I knew hub's alarm was going off for work.

Joy is your typical preppy girl that everyone (almost) likes. Only she -like her mother and sister- has a seemingly rare gift. They can hear 'whispers'. They hear people's most private thoughts/desires and making peoples desires come true makes Joy... eh happy? Well not technically it gives her a false sense of happy for a short period.

Joy eventually learns what most teenagers eventually learn. People aren't always what they are cracked up to be. Or rather how they first appear. Everyone has a negative/bad side. Something her sister's been trying to teach her all along. Maybe hearing peoples private desires isn't such a good thing?

Joy goes from feeling accepted and loved and part of the gang to feeling left out and alone to feeling accepted again when she 'finds' Jamie. Or he finds her.

Their friendship/relationship starts on a roller coaster of emotion. Or is that putting it mildly? Their journey together leaves Joy learning more about her gift and the people who surround her.

Was a quick and easy read for me. It left me wanting to read more about not only Joy and Jamie but wondering where her sister ends up as well.

[Tara · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this story and found the storyline to be both imaginative and engaging. The story followed a family who could listen to others thoughts or whispers. This was both a blessing and curse. The two sisters had very different experiences and followed different paths. On Joy's birthday, Jessica (her sister) makes a choice that will change their relationship forever. It was a book that provided some predictable storylines, but offered some surprises and in the end was a fun read about being yourself and embracing your gifts.

[Liliana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reviewed on Lili Lost in a Book

Whisper was very interesting. You see, all of the females in Joy’s family have the ability to “Listen,” AKA read minds. Joy’s mother taught her to make the best of it and use it to make others happy. But Joy’s sister Jessica... she’s another story. She is very bitter about this ability and Joy doesn’t understand why. Until Joy starts to slowly see for herself why Jessica is the way she is first hand. Joy’s power is changing and she doesn’t know how to deal with it—she’s slowly becoming an outcast herself. Even worse, Jessica has had enough of her family and this awful (to her) ability she never wanted, so she runs away. Shortly after, Joy starts to get this strong feeling that Jessica is in trouble and she is the only one who can help her. Luckily for Joy, Jaime, a boy she barely knows, is willing to help her out on this mission.

The characters were great! I really liked Joy, though I thought this whole “making everyone happy” thing was just bleh. The girl has to think of herself every once in awhile, honestly. Jaime was very intriguing. I liked him! And I was SO surprised to find out about his Big Secret! How insane! Jessica was a very complicated character. I kind of didn’t like her in the beginning because she was so bitter, but after seeing what she went through via Joy, I ended up understanding and even kind of liking her by the end. And then their mother, I liked her in the beginning, but by the end...



So many secrets she kept from the girls. So much that could’ve been avoided had she been upfront with them.

Whisper had a very intriguing story, and I am happy to say that I really liked it! The only thing I thought was kind of unfortunate was that it didn’t really go into how they got this ability. I would’ve loved to know where it came from/how they got it, because apparently it’s been in the family for, like, ever! However, I did like how this wasn’t your typical coming-into-your-powers type of story. Joy’s ability had already been established, but now it was changing in ways she never expected. And I love me some awesome supernatural abilities, in the first place, so this was just great for me! I loved the way it was described how these abilities worked!

With an interesting story, complex characters, action-filled plot, and an interesting mystery, it’s safe to say that I very much recommend this read! I will definitely be keeping an eye out for more books by this author!

[Kayla · Rating 2 out of 5]

Full review up on my blog:
http://www.booksrfab.blogspot.com

This book has been sitting on my bookshelf for several years, ever since college and over time it got pushed to the back and forgotten. When I first purchased this book, the premise was intriguing, different from the many vampire and werewolf novels I was reading at the time. However, today this book was not my cup-of-tea. I think my expectations were to high when it came to this book.

[Lili · Rating 5 out of 5]

Joy's whole life was summed up entirely by pleasing others, and giving what they wanted. She did this because it was what was taught to her to do with her ability to Hear. Hearing Whispers was something the women of her mom's side of the family were born with. Dealing with the constant desires--wishes, hopes, dreams--of the people around her was bombarding when she was little. By the age of eleven, Joy could handle the Whisper's and even grant some of them. However, with her sister, Jessica, it was a totally different story. Always making Joy's life a living hell at home, Icka--Jessica--wanted her baby sister to feel the constant crowding she felt everyday.

When Joy finally confronts Icka for the first time, it shocks both of them, it lights a fire to new discoveries in the family and in Joy's way of life. Instead of always trying please everyone that wants something, Joy slowly comes to terms to the revelation that she needs to please herself; and find out the truth of her gift. When she hears a stray Whisper from her sister, Joy automatically feels that something is not right and that Icka is in danger. From the very beginning, she attracted attention from an unknown follower. Always there, wondering. Then when Joy unexpectedly and indirectly knows she needs his help to find her sister, he's there along for the ride; to save her sister from killing her Whispers.


When I first started reading Whispers, I cannot deny that I had low expectations. I'd been reading one star- to two star-reviews of Whisper for a while now. When it was finally my turn to read it, I knew I was determined to see why such negative buzz was generating in the blogosphere. What I didn't expect to find was the hidden comical, slash hip referenced heartfelt read Whispers turned out to be. Frankly, I don't know what some reviewers were thinking (though I respect their opinions) but this was a brand new view between a not-so-hidden family struggle that still had problems underneath mom's bubbly exterior. Whispers centered around a gift/curse that came with spontaneous headaches when someone was trying to block their Whispers from others. The constant issues between the sisters was extremely enticing to my senses of being an only-child. And the frequent flashbacks in the beginning were a bit disturbing when I wished the book to move forth with main action of Joy's story, but really were building up the history of of Joy and Icka's relationship through their years. Having a seventeen-year-old sister who knew how to ruin Joy's birthday parties, left some mystery when she was really absent for her fifteen's. Through many people's Whispers, new and broken friendships, and heart wrenching memories, Whispers goes through a tale of one Hearer's new identity found when another stopped pushing it her toward it. By the end, you get to read for yourself Joy's new found bravery and her true love for her sister.

With funny phrases like "hiccough", and some really weird encounters with another being that may be dealing with something more wrenching than her own gift, Joy's tale will suck you in. So deep that you'll be screaming profanities at your front door when the ice cream truck drives by, vainly hoping they'll stop blaring their corny jingle so fing loud.


Recommended to all ages. Since I'd never forewarned any against this before, I'll start now: there is some profanity in the novel, and a slightly crazed scene at the end. But if you're like me, you'll love every word of it! Buy this when it releases next month, and spread the word of what you think you'd Whisper about the most.


Grade: A

[Lizzy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Whisper dealt with the idea of paranormal abilities, family issues, and self-esteem. JOy's ability has always been a positive factor in her life. She uses it to help those around her, and tends to heard fairly shallow Whispers (thoughts). Unlike her older sister, Icka, she has a group of friends, and is on good terms with their mother. Icka, on the other hand, haters her power. She hears the negative Whispers. The self-conscious, jealous, or angry thoughts of the people around her. This has led her to loathe her ability, and to distance herself from everyone. Joy often feels that Icka is trying to ruin her life, and at first it seems that she is. Icka gets in the way of her friendships, and keeps warning her that her power is going to cause her problems. At the start of the book, I thought Joy was right. Upon reading more, I realized that it was more complicated than that.

What I most enjoyed about this book was the relationship between joy and Icka. While at first I thought Icka genuinely hated Joy, it became apparent that she was only trying to protect her. As an older sister, I can understand the mindset Icka was in when she thought that making her sister miserable would help her. Despite this, when Joy hears Icka's frightening Whisper, she knows she has to help her. I know that if the situation had been reversed, Icka would have dropped everything to help Joy, too.

I was torn about Joy's character as I started the book. She used her power to help others, but sometimes it was at the expense of her own feelings and choices. For example, the loner Jamie leaves her a flower on her birthday (sweet, right?), but she ends up throwing it away because her friends don't approve. She is able to hear some negative Whispers about him, and she would rather her friends be happy. Despite this, proving that Jamie is a nice guy, she hears him Whisper that he just wants her to be happy.

The beginning of the book is slow. It's completely dedicated to introducing the characters, and what Whispers are. By the time the action started, I couldn't imagine how everything could wrap up in the pages I had left. When the action started, however, it really picked up! I don't think I set the book down at all once I hit the last third of the story, because I had to know what happened. The ending also left some things open, but Kitanidis is working a sequel, according to her Goodreads page.

Overall, I enjoyed the unique premise, despite the slow start, once the action picked up I couldn't put it down. There are also a few questions I'm looking forward to having answered in the sequel.

[Misty Baker · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well, since I’m still not finished with “The Judge” (and honestly.. I should be by now) I figured I would switch up my schedule a little and bring you the review for “Whisper” a little early.

This was a book I pre-ordered a few months ago and I’m glad I did. I have been so wound up in request lately that I have barley had time to read anything of my own, and when I finally find the time to indulge myself, I devour it in just a few hours.

There are aspects of “Whisper” that were original, and some that were a tad bit copy cattish, but thankfully, the mixture of the two made for an original plot.

Joy has a gift… she can hear everyone’s thoughts. Taking the advice of her mother (who is also a Hearer) she decides to make the world a happier place by granting peoples wishes (Have a sudden urge for chocolate? No problem 1 Snickers bar coming up), but after a knock down drag out with her clunky boot wearing, black pants sporting sister, and a migraine headache that makes the apocalypse sound like a good idea, Joy’s little gift suddenly flip flops from “Positive” to “Negative.” What happens when you suddenly realize no one likes you? What happens when your sister decides to take your advice and runaway? And more importantly what is up with that weird loaner boy from school?

As good as this book ended (in all honesty) it started off in a funk. I almost tapped out after a few chapters because of its lack of originality, and the fact that the main character just plan annoyed me with her constant need to overanalyze and whine, but thankfully, once “Phoebe Kitanidis” got past her boring setup (the “Positive”) and got to the plot (the “Negative”) the book became action packed (Yes… there were bouts of grand theft auto) and enjoyable. The writing was average, leaving me nothing to really rant about in either direction, and like I said before, once the plot was established it was clean and smooth. The character development was equal all the way around and the ending was rounded off nicely.

Overall? This is probably one of the most boring reviews I’ve ever written. Why? Because the book was good. Not great, not horrible, their were no major editing or writing flaws, and the length was just right. Whoever knew I could be so average about a book.

There were funeral home lilies, oblivious Dads, bathroom brawls, a wasted cup of coffee, drug dealers, dread-lock induced fires, and 1 very revealing drive to Seattle.

I think it’s worth the time and the cash so…Get it, Live it, Love it and pass it on.

Happy Reading my fellow Wave-riders and remember: When in doubt, ask your crazy aunt… even if she’s wrong at least she’ll be entertaining.

[Skye · Rating 3 out of 5]

This review is also posted on my blog, In The Good Books.

I’d love a cup of coffee. I wish she knew how pretty she was. I wish I could drop this kid in the dryer sometimes. I just want her to be happy. I hope she didn’t find out what Ben said about her. I wish I knew how many calories were in a bite of muffin…

Joy's been hearing Whispers - peoples thoughts, wishes, desires - all her life. Her world revolves around fulfilling those wishes and using her power to make the world a happier place.

Joy's sister, Jessica, isn't so altruistic with her power, however. She sees the gift as more of a curse and wants it gone.

When Joy's power increases, she sees Jessica's point. And when she starts hearing scared Whispers from Jessica, she puts their differences aside and knows she'd do whatever it takes to save her.


Whisper is Phoebe Kitanidis's debut novel. It combines contemporary and paranormal themes, and tells a story of family, friends, and fitting in, as well as one of the exploits of a girl who can read minds.


Joy was a likable character for the most part, though her thinking she was being selfish all the times got irritating when she wasn't. I wasn't sure about what to think of her sister. Sure, she's a bitch in the present, but that completely juxtaposed how she was when the two of them were younger and best friends: sweet, caring. Her transformation between the two was well-written and her motive was believable and understandable.


The family and friend dynamics set up in the book complimented the supernatural ones. Joy's mother and sister also have Hearing, and they live with Joy's father who has to deal with having his thoughts constantly heard. Joy has to hear her friends Whisper about what they really think of her. She has a crush on her best friend's almost-boyfriend.

The romance acts as more of a sub-plot, taking a backseat to the other events. Joy's crush is more central to the beginning of the book, but the real love interest isn't who you'd expect. I like books where the first guy you're introduced to doesn't end up with the main character.

The ending ties up the main plot in Whisper but leaves enough questions for a sequel to be appropriate. All I know is that there *will* be a sequel, but nothing else about it.

Whisper is a light read, and short, with downwards of 300 pages. It's a fast, engaging read. I give it a 4 out of 5.

[Kailia · Rating 5 out of 5]

2010 has been one heck of a year for books! All of these debuts have blown my mind away! And Pheobe Kitanidis' debut, Whisper, delivers just like all the others. The concept of this book is the fact that our protagonist, Joy, can hear thoughts, or whispers. Kitanidis put a great twist to this story making it her own. Joy can't always hear what people are thinking; she's not a mind reader exactly, and I found this to be...VERY refreshing. I literally sighed with relief when I found this out. Not only that, but there's so much that Joy, and in turn, the reader, doesn't know about Hearing. Of course, her older sister Ika isn't much help either.


So begins Joy's story. I loved this girl. She was so realistic to me! I have an older sister, and Joy reacted to her sister just like I would react to mine. Maybe not as...wordy, or more forcefully than Joy, but I understood her. The drama that almost all teens go through was there, a sub plot, but it just made the overall plot better. Joy is a strong headed, independent and overall confident girl that was a great character. Kitanidis had great character development!
**SPOILERS COMING**


Jamie was a character that I was not expecting to come in, and this shows how well Kitanidis can put in a surprise that makes the plot work VERY well. He just happens to be the younger brother of Joy's crush. Joy and Jamie don't really know each other but share their secrets with each other. Jamie steals his brother's car to help Joy. Now, that right there, was WOW! I knew that instant, well, actually before THAT event, that Jamie was going to play a big role in the rest of the story. And he did. The friendship that develops between Joy and Jamie happens over (I think) one day...but it doesn't sound as if they just really met that day. Kitanidis was able to pull off well written dialogue that made the conversations between the two flow very well. I was also very happy when Jamie became Joy's love interest. Over the course of the book, I fell in love with Jamie! Thanks for that, Pheobe!
**End Spoiler**

Whisper was an excellent debut that makes Kitanidis' writing shine. The characters are great, the plot is well thought out, the dialogue is well written. Whisper will actually make you wonder what it is that people are really thinking. Not only that, but it also shows how some decisions are not meant to be made all by one's self. Whisper is a must read!

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

Whisper was an addicting and fast paced debut novel chronicling one girl's journey through a superhero type ability- hearing people's wants and desires, otherwise known as whispers.

Joy is the polar opposite of her dark, dreary, and negative sister Jessica. Jessica views her superhero power as a curse, unlike Joy who takes it in stride, becoming a do-gooder, instead, who helps people through her ability.

Joy was a character I found to be likable from the start, because of the fact that she was a good person who always put people's wants and desires in front of her own, even if everything didn't always turn out the way she wanted it to. Plus, her relationship with a certain boy was sweet and charming, even though I would've loved to seen more development with it.

The one aspect of Whisper that I really liked was that it showed that while family, especially siblings, can have the tendency to get on your nerves, they truly are the people who care the most about you in the end. This aspect was showed mostly through Joy and Jessica's relationship. One that was a struggle, at times, kept the book moving, as you wondered if Joy and Jess would ever get through their personal issues and become friends again before time ran out.

Also, I applauded Phoebe for having such an intriguing premise, and an even better execution of the idea, even though it wasn't always what I excepted it to be.

Though there were a few things that brought Whisper down a few notches, including the lack of some key character development to a lack of closure. Thankfully, I saw on the author's goodreads that she has a sequel in process for this, so hopefully some of my burning answers will be answered with the next addition.

In all, Whisper is a book that I'm sure will be flying of the shelves come its Apirl release, and a read I highly suggest to fans of the paranormal genre, because, let me tell you, Ms. Kitanidis is a great new voice in the YA genre!

Grade: A

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Whisper is another one of those breath-of-fresh-air kind of paranormals. Although it features no monsters or sinister villains, it still managed to capture me and take me on a suspenseful, fast-paced ride.

I really love the plot and how it’s set up. Hearing people’s desires is something that most would wish they could do. Kitanidis plays on both the positive and negative side of this power by creating the happy-go-lucky protagonist, Joy and her complete opposite older sister, Jessica. The book shines light on both of their struggles with this ability as it enhances and begins to take a turn for the worst, and I was really pleased with the creativity of it all.

I think the characters could’ve been a bit more smoothed out. Joy seemed to stay in the same place, figuratively, throughout the length of the book. Jessica’s hatred of their ability and the extreme danger she leads herself into because of it came as quickly as it ended. I would’ve preferred to see a bit more development in those areas.

And more Jamie, the misunderstood loner whom takes an interest in Joy both romantically and ability-wise. I really loved his character, but I would’ve loved to see a lot more of him. Perhaps in book two? If there is a book two. I certainly hope there is!

Overall, Whisper is a fantastic debut from Phoebe Kitanidis. Packed with action, suspense, paranormal elements and even a bit of romance, I definitely recommend it to anybody in the mood for something dark and fast-paced.

[CrystalIsReading on StoryGraph · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a good book! Creative and original, with complex, mostly likable characters. An original treatment of telepathy, in what is otherwise a normal, fantasy-free contemporary young adult setting. The main characters grow and develop throughout the story, and Joy learns that things are often shades of gray, not just black and white. Learning to see the adults in your life as real people, not just parents, is a big growing up step, and it's handled artfully in this. Despite the privileged lifestyle and upbringing of Joy and Jessica "Icka", I didn't dislike Joy. She worked with what she had, and was genuinely likable. I liked Jamie too, and Parker grew on me. Also, it's refreshing to read a book that features romance without making it the central focus on the story. Family, gifts, struggles, friendship, identity--all those are more important than the boys in Joy's life, and I appreciate that healthy example for the teens reading this, as well as for my reading pleasure.
I see this is listed as number one, and that makes me happy. I'd like to revisit this world, get to know all the characters better, especially Aunt Jane and Joy's parents, and to see how Joy, Icka, and Jamie's lives and abilities develop, as well as Joy's friendships, especially with Parker.
This was a pleasure to read (without feeling like I was rotting my brain), and I'll be keeping my eyes open for any further work by the author.

[Tina (Fantastic Book Review) · Rating 4 out of 5]

WHISPER is a fresh and original take on having an ability to know someone’s deepest and darkest desires just by their thoughts. Can you imagine being bombarded with everyone’s worries, hopes, or dreams-good and bad? Yikes! I would be a headcase. This is exactly what Joy has to cope with. And to top it off, Joy has to constantly be on guard around her bad-tempered sister Jessica-who’s always on the prowl to wreck her social life.

The sisters’ extraordinary ability runs in the family from a long line of Hearers. While one sister uses her gift for good, the other uses it for bad. I couldn’t help but anticipate the fall out. Phoebe Kitanidis drew me into the warped world of these characters and locked me inside the whispers floating around in their heads. One word. WICKED. This ability is one that can wreak havoc on a full scale. I couldn’t get enough of this book, especially when trying to guess how everything would turn out in the end for the sisters.

Phoebe Kitanidis crafted an intense and mindboggling debut. WHISPER will entice readers to rethink their deepest desires and lock up those dark secrets that pound at us every day. You never know who’s listening in…

Great Debut! I can’t wait to see what Phoebe comes up with next!

[Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely adored Whisper by Phoebe Kitanidis! At first I was just reading this book because the cover really caught my eye and it was suggested to me by a friend. I checked it out from the library and I am thrilled to tell you all, that I am going to go out and buy (it is that good). I felt like I was with the main character Joy, going through everything she went through. And it wasn’t just that Phoebe Kitanidis can pull you into an emotional roller coaster but the fact that she pulled you into hearing and being distracted by the Whispers themselves.

I’m really hoping for this book to become a series because I feel like I could live in that world with the characters and never get bored. All the characters have so much potential and I want to see what happens between Jess and Joy, Joy and Jaime, Joy and Parker, and how everything else pans out. Reading Whisper was like being dipped into this different reality of a group of people who are different from the reality we have all come to know and love. Whisper is a deeply intriguing story about a girl who just wants to fit in but soon realizes she was born to stand out. Highly recommended by yours truly!

[E.J. Stevens · Rating 4 out of 5]

Joy and the female members of her family hear Whispers, the thoughts and wishes of those around them. Joy and her mom feel the need to grant these wishes whenever possible but Joy's older sister Icka watches on with disdain. Icka hints that there are more to Whispers than their mother mother is telling them and that Joy's power is about to change--for the worse. Are Whispers a blessing or a curse? What happens next may just change everything, but then again Icka could just be up to her old pranks and sabotaging ways.

I have to admit that though the concept of Whispers was intriguing I found the characters in the first few chapters shallow and unlikeable. I came close to giving up on this book and I am glad that I didn't. Whisper is a great start to a new young adult paranormal romance series.

I recommend Whisper to readers of young adult, fantasy, paranormal fiction, urban fantasy and especially to fans of paranormal romance.

** This review originally posted on my blog: www.FromTheShadows.info **

[Andrea · Rating 4 out of 5]

Being able to hear people's thoughts is a new power for me to read about. I mean, I know in some books, vampires have this ability, but this is the first time that I have read a book where this is the main characters only power. I have always said that if I had the choice, my superpower would be to read minds. But after reading this book, I would have to add that I would want to be able to switch this power on and off. I wouldn't want to always have other's thoughts in my head like Joy did in this story. I think it would drive me crazy!

I have read mixed reviews about this story so I wasn't too sure what to expect going into it. But I enjoyed it. I liked the character of Joy and I liked to hate her sister "Icka" (although towards the end I just felt sorry for her). Most of the story is a character story, until the action at the end, but that's fine with me.

I thougth the story flowed well and went quickly for me. If you're looking to read about a new power in the world of YA paranormal, then I think you should check this one out.

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Joy can hear people’s thoughts. All the women in her family can. They call them whispers. Joy uses what she hears to try and make people happier. Her sister Icka, hides from the world. During an argument, Joy hears Icka wish to kill her hearing dead. So when Icka goes missing Joy will do whatever it takes to find Icka before she hurts herself.[return][return]I almost stopped reading because this book was so slow to take off. There was a little too much setup angst between Joy and Icka. However, the take on telepathy was different and I am intrigued by the other paranormal powers that get mentioned. Overall it felt more like domestic fiction with a touch of the paranormal. Much of story revolves around Joy’s family interactions and her relationship with her sister. I felt like the paranormal side of the story could have been fleshed out more. There were lots of things that got mentioned but never really explored. I’m kinda neutral about this one. There was nothing bad about it, but there wasn’t anything to make it stand out either.

[Tammie · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars. Whisper is about accepting yourself and making yourself happy instead of trying to be what everyone else wants you to be. I liked that message. The book also shows the benefits of being able to hear other people's thoughts, but also the harm that other people's thoughts could do to us, our self-image, and our relationships. There was a lot of cursing in the book and I didn't think it was necessary to use so much of it. I also wasn't crazy about the love interest. It wasn't really clear if he was a druggie or just hanging with that crowd to hide, but it made me dislike him to an extent. Over all this was just an ok book and I don’t really think I would read a sequel is one was written.

[Jenelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another hard one to rate...can I give it a 3.75?

I wasn't sure I was going to finish at first--it was just so abrasive. But I'm glad I stuck it out: the last half of the book was so fast paced and dramatic that I realized I could feel my own heart pounding, hahaha!

I was impressed with some good character development and some unexpected plot turns that made it feel more substantive. And it's nice when this kind of paranormal/fantasy story doesn't seem like it could be that improbable after all.

Excited for more!

[Anastasia Hopcus · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just love Jamie! I can totally see him and Brody from SHADOW HILLS being best-friends. I really hope they bring out a sequel because I'd love to read more about Jamie and see how his and Joy's relationship progresses.