Human Blend

Blend Trilogy #1

by Lori Pescatore

~ALL NEW EDITION~2015Marion, Virginia seemed like a nice place to live a normal life, but she is not a normal girl. Laney has special abilities that keep her looking over her shoulder as she makes her escape from the men who had kidnapped her. A young doctor's interest is piqued when he witnesses her mysteriously curing a young child's illness. He befriends her due to his growing fascination with uncovering the true nature of her abilities, but not without harboring secrets of his own. Laney's budding relationship with a local boy puts both of them in danger when the men she was hiding from find her. All of their lives will change forever as ancient secrets become unearthed.(DRM Free)Be sure to read Earth Blend the sequel to Human Blend. Then next in the trilogy is Terminal Blend.

Genres: Paranormal, Young Adult, Fantasy, Romance, Science Fiction, Mystery, Supernatural

234 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 10, 2010

About the author

I am a married Mom of two grown men, I am also a retired preschool teacher. I have learned so much since the writing of Human Blend and hope to continue to grow and improve as a writer.

I am excited about finishing up The Blend Series trilogy and am very excited about the new book and it's characters.

I hope you enjoy the books I have written and continue to follow my journey.

Human Blend (2010)
Earth Blend (2011)
Terminal Blend (2012)

Spirit Key (Coming late 2013)

Reviews

[Gigi777 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Laney/Julie is a beautiful young woman with extraordinary gifts that set her apart from others. The mystery as to how or why she came to possess these special abilities is yet to be uncovered. Haunted by terrible flashbacks and memories of suffering at the hands of her captors, she moves to a small Virginia town hoping to start a new life. But will she find peace without ever looking over her shoulder again?

Upon her arrival Julie is befriended by an irresistible young man, Austin. His biggest dream is to leave his mother's business, attend college and become a teacher. Ignoring the warnings of her inner voice, Julie continues to see Austin while he is developing abilities similar to her own. Things now become dangerous. He sees that she is special and running from something, his only desire is to protect her.

At the hospital where Julie works as a hospice volunteer, she meets Eli, an alluring surgeon dedicated to his work harboring secrets of his own. One evening he observes Julie using her special gift with a child patient suffering from an awful disease. Eli becomes instantly mesmerized by Julie. He also learns that she is trying to get away from a frightening past and wants to help her. Julie is now equally drawn to both men. Who will she choose? With each encounter I was glued to the pages with anticipation as to what would happen next.

Julie meets an intern who may have all the answers to the questions that have been plaguing her. It's this revelation knowledge that hits her new life like a cyclone and any thoughts of going on the run are once again brought to a dead stop when her captors find her. Oh, but this is not the end... not by a long shot!

Ms. Pescatore pens a thrilling debut novel full of many exciting characters bringing together those from a modern day small town and mixing them with a world of the supernatural. Each is well developed, plays an important role and is needed to give the story its feel and added depth. I admired Julie for her strength and courage and Austin for his support and protection. Eli was intriguing and I found myself rooting for him as well. The triangle that envelopes Julie is quite fascinating. The dialogue flowed smoothly and was quite easy to read. There were some minor editing issues, but they did not detract from the story in the least. The plot was solid and kept me interested the entire way through.

I would highly recommend this entertaining tale to readers looking for a fresh new take on the supernatural world combined with lots of twists and turns and great suspense. Ms. Pescatore is a fine up and coming author and definitely someone to watch out for.


Review written by
Gina (Gigi) Lupo
Paranormal Romance Guild

[Donald Gorman · Rating 5 out of 5]

when reviewing any work, you must consider many factors, including genre, the author's viewpoint, choice of writing style, and his/her intention of what they want to bring to the reader, as well as entertainment value. this author's viewpoint and intentions were clear, concise, open, honest and delivered with a precision that is rare in new writers. we start with a young woman who is on the run, but we don't know what she's running from. she tries to begin a new life in a new town. she seeks normalcy, but there is a sense of danger in the air. an underlying tension is present right from the beginning. and as the book unfolds, her attempt at leading an average life is constantly plagued with a tension that simmers and slowly builds as the book progresses. the patience with which this young author uses this tension, building in a gradual, measured pace was achieved beautifully. the author achieves many of her goals with patience and an unexpected skill. the story of a girl who is not entirely human, trying to find out who she is and why is well-conceived and well executed. characterizations and pacing are handled with an adept, although decidedly female hand. and when the danger comes to a head (as we always know it must), the author handles the action and danger with an honest, intelligent prose that entertains and keeps your interest piqued. the story, dialogue and even love story development were navigated with professional quality and the entertainment value never faded. i was very pleasantly surprised by this up-and-coming author's skill at spinning a tale.
so to sum up, a hint of danger at the beginning, slowly-building tension, an entertaing, well-written story with paranormal elements about a girl with special gifts......a well-executed, action-packed climax......this is a wonderful book that delivers a delightful read. i highly recommend this story to fans of the paranormal.

[christal ( jen'sbookworld ) · Rating 4 out of 5]

If anyone is bored to death by reading supernatural fiction consisting only of vampires and werewolves and is planning to be done with this genre, Human Blend is The book for them, the book that will make them change their minds. If you are looking for a new breed of supernatural creatures to lose yourself into, again, Human Blend is the book for you.

Human Blend is a story about a sixteen year old runaway Laney, who later changes her name to Julie Miller to hide her true identity from the people she is running from. She is not just a normal runaway, running away from some life crises or because she is a fugitive. She is running away because she has special abilities, abilities like healing and intuitive powers, because there are people who have been abusing her and her powers for their own use since she was a child. Laney doesn’t even age like normal people do, because of which she looks a lot younger than she actually is. And also that she had suffered a lot longer than she looks she could have. Laney is also a very beautiful young woman but how she came to posses these otherworldly qualities doesn’t get revealed till the end of the book and even then she doesn’t totally get what she actually is. When she moves to Marion, Virginia in hopes to live a normal life and to stay hidden from her captors, she befriends a very attractive Austin who is equally attracted to her from the time he first sees her. They both quickly get into an intimate relationship as the attraction between them blossoms.

She also meets the captivating Doctor Eli Elsworth in a hospital she joins as a volunteer, who witnesses Laney secretly curing a young child’s illness. Dr. Elsworth’s interest in Laney increases as he asks her how she cured the child and tries to get to know about her. But Dr. Elsworth isn’t normal himself and neither is Austin, for that matter, but unlike the former the latter has no clue. Both the men are mesmerized by Laney and Laney herself is drawn to both of them. Laney tries to sort her feelings out and tries to lead her life as normally as she could but there is a constant fear in her heart that keeps on making her look over her shoulders all the time, making her worry about the safety of her loved ones. A fear of her kidnappers who had kept her with them and used her for as long as she could remember. And her fear is not improbable as her past quickly catches up to her and her captors find her again. Will she be able to escape from her frightening past this time or will it hold on to her now, more tightly than ever? And will she be able to protect the people she loves or will they suffer like all the others she cared for had before?

Finally a new thing to read about in supernatural fiction, a new concept to know, a new theme to follow. I am so glad that Lori Pescatore wrote this book because honestly, Supernatural fiction was losing its charm with the same stories coming in again and again. New books like Human Blend getting published, this genre is getting back its former glory. I loved almost everything about this book. The only thing that I didn’t like and I can’t even blame that on the author is the point of view with which the book is written. Omniscient POV does not work out for me. Everything kind of becomes all jumbled up for me in the all-seeing point of view because every character’s thoughts and feelings and dialogues, everything is given together. And it becomes kind of difficult to root for a particular character. But this thing did not influence my thoughts for the story and I really, really like it. My favorite character in the book is Eli because there is this mysterious and sexy sort of vibe that he gives off when he is mentioned in the book. I think my likeness for him will increase in the second and third book. I am really looking forward to reading the second installment in The Blend series: Earth Blend. Lori Pescatore is definitely an author readers should be watching out for, a very talented up and coming author whose books shouldn’t be missed.

[Julie Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Laney looks 16, but is quite a bit older .. you see, she does not age normally. She also has remarkable abilities - the ability to heal and the ability to foresee numbers. The latter ability makes her very valuable to the men who forcibly took her from her father at a young age and have held her ever since.

Now she has escaped them, and in her new life as Julie Miller, an 18-year-old, she finds herself in Marion, Virginia, where she meets a boy named Austin Dorsett, and gets a volunteer position at a local hospital.

Can she keep the men who are after her from finding her? Why is she so attracted to Eli Ellsworth, a senior doctor at the hospital? What are the hazy memories of when she was first abducted trying to tell her? Are there others like her?

As Laney tries to live her new, normal life, is her past is catching up to her? Will she be able to outrun it, or is she placing her new friends in danger as well?

There were some editing issues, although, as a whole, they didn't take too much away from the story. As this is a YA book, I was somewhat taken aback at the physical relationships that seemed to move far too quickly for me. Although an explanation for this eventually appears, I would have felt more comfortable if it had appeared earlier.

I loved this plot concept, and Laney's character (known as Julie through most of the narrative) was compelling. I loved her instinct for healing, even though it meant that she had to take the pain of the sickness she was healing inside of her for a while; the selflessness she showed in doing so was wonderful and endearing. As this is the first in a planned trilogy, I think we will see a bit more character development in the secondary characters; I never really understood how the "bad guys" came to meet Laney or her father or how they knew of her abilities - these are two things I'm looking forward to finding out.

All in all, I liked this read; although it didn't grab me from the start, I eventually found myself pulled into the plot and felt so much sympathy for Laney and for the life she had been forced to lead.

As with all of the YA books that come in for review, I gave this one to Not-So-Bebe-Girl Autumn to read, and she blew through it in less than a day. She said, "Well, she's a pretty fast girl" (speaking of the physicality), but she also said, "I understood more later, and I really liked it ... can I loan it to Jasmine (her bf) to read?", which is high praise, since she only wants her friends to read the books that she really likes.

BOOK RATING:

My Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars

Not-So-Bebe-Girl Autumn's Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

[Hajar Y, · Rating 2 out of 5]

A runaway with special abilities. A young girl with a difficult life. An unfortunate child with a dark, mysterious past. This is a story of a girl named Laney, who arrives at a small town in Virginia, bearing a new identity as “Julie Miller”, in hope that she will stand a chance to start a brand new life and experience some levels of normalcy. Despite her own fear that everything she feels will just be temporary, she cannot help being attracted to a local college student, Austin Dorsett, and their relationship blooms almost instantly. Her new job as a volunteer in a local hospital attracts the attention of Dr. Eli Elsworth, a doctor who bears huge secrets of his own and also the only one who witnessed the thing that Julie is capable of doing. As Julie starts enjoying her new life, troubles seek her again, though with them come several revelations that may shatter her own beliefs. Can she handle the truth, knowing that she is not the person she always thinks she is?

Human Blend may seem like many other paranormal books out there but there is a little something about this book that makes it unique. The author, Lori Pescatore, has brought forward new types of paranormal and mysterious species, adding on something rather refreshing into the paranormal world that she created. However, I do believe that readers would benefit more if she explains in a much greater detail about these creatures and the mythology in this book rather than making us wait for the next chapter in the series. Nonetheless, the special abilities possess by each of them are indeed intriguing and I find myself being quite curious as to what else that they are capable of doing.

The characters that the author introduced in this book all come with distinct personalities. I have to admit that I did not feel much towards Julie despite every hardship that she had went through. She is described as a strong-willed, independent person but the way she reacts tells me otherwise. While I can understand that she was badly affected by her past, I cannot fathom the way she suddenly gets panicked and has the desire to runaway a few times and then can be immediately calm down after a word or two from the guys she is with. This shows that she actually needs others to hold her through the ordeals that she is dealing with or else she is going to break. The supporting characters seem to capture my interest more in this book like Eli, the protective doctor, and a mysterious, manipulative character named Percone. Hope that these two characters will be explored even more in the next instalment in the series.

All in all, Human Blend is a good enough read that it keeps me reading till the final page. However, I have to say that I did not feel really attach to the characters nor the storyline of this book and I strongly feel that more concrete explanation and details are needed to make it interesting. There are also some technical and editing issues that I came across while reading the book like typos and the transition from one character's viewpoint to the next that is not being done swiftly. Though if you are not picky about these, I don’t think it’ll prohibit you from enjoying the book. Like I said earlier on, Human Blend does have a unique and interesting concept. So as a new author, Lori Pescatore deserves a round of applause for her effort in bringing something new to the community.

Taken from my book blog: The Bibliophile's Journal

[Amanda-Lee (StoryWings) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Human Blend was far better than I was expecting.

Laney/Julie is on the run from the men that stole her from her family. Stopping to rest in a small town that catches her eye she decided to stay when she meets a local boy and realises that she might have a chance at a normal life.

Laney needs to stay hidden so she assumes the new identity of Julie Miller when she arrives in the small town of Marion. Laney/Julie isn’t just a normal girl though, she has powers that let her “see” numbers meaning she’ll never lose a bet or the lottery and she can also heal others by taking the illnesses into herself and healing instantly.

Laney was a strong, independent character that expertly drove the story. She backed up her words with her abilities, not only her powers but also her survival skills and instincts. Laney was also extremely intelligent which was a refreshing change from the constant damsels in distress that we read about. Laney listens to her gut, and she doesn’t walk into her house alone in the dark after finding the door open, she gets help first from someone who is capable.

I loved that Laney just wanted to be normal even though she is so different. She went to work in a hospital just so she could be near people and use her powers to heal them, not for recognition just because she felt it was the right thing to do.

Laney also had a love interest in Austin, the local boy who takes a liking to her as soon as he meets her. Austin is a complete gentleman which is also a pleasant change from the controlling stalkers and the dangerous bad boys we are currently bombarded with in literature.

Human Blend was really well written and kept me completely engrossed from start to finish. It was not only an interesting storyline but a refreshingly new one as well. Pescatore didn’t conform to our current stereotypes of men, women and the paranormal but created something completely new and exhilarating to read.

Not only did we have a paranormal story with sci-fi themes mixed in, but we also had a beautiful YA romance that unfolded perfectly and without unrealistic devotion but with camaraderie and tenderness.

Human Blend was an excellent start to a promising new series and I absolutely can’t wait to get my hands on the next novel in this trilogy.

Find this review on storywings.com

[Laurie · Rating 4 out of 5]

An Entertaining Paranormal Suspense
4 STARS

I recently ran across the blurb for this book on one of the Amazon conversation threads. The story concept was appealing and I was looking for a light, fun read with a little romance and a little mystery. Julie, the protagonist, is a special young woman who has some very special abilities. As the book opens she has just moved into a new town, is scared, but determined to make a new life for herself. She had recently managed an escape from the thugs who had kept her captive since she was a small child. Certainly, she has every reason to be cautious and concerned.

As the story progresses, the author gives us glimpses into Julie’s past letting us relive some of those experiences through Julie’s recollections. Abused and mistreated by her captors for years, Julie struggles with questions of her personal identity. She feels isolated but is concerned she will put others at risk if she allows herself the luxury of friendships. After all, this is not her first escape and she vividly recalls the unhappy consequences of another earlier attempt. However, she has a spunky spirit, is a kind person and others just naturally seem to be drawn to her. She makes new friends and accepts a volunteer job at the community hospital where she feels she can use her gifts to ease the suffering and illnesses of others.

The author has a talent for creating unusual characters. Most of the secondary characters seem compelled to want to assist or protect the beautiful Julie though they each have their own agendas and reasons for doing so. The relationships become more tangled as the story moves along and for me that helped make this novel a more rewarding reading experience.

I enjoyed the story and loved the author’s conceptualizations of the various paranormals and alien beings. It easily held my attention and I hope there will be another book with characters like these. I think Julie is a likable person and I'd love to see her mature a bit and learn to better control (at least sometimes) her remarkable abilities. But that's just me, I really like to see us girls kick ass!

[Donna · Rating 3 out of 5]

Human Blend was a little more sci-fi than I usually read. However, it caught my attention from the very beginning and there was never a point where my attention was lost.

Laney/Julie, the heroine, is being hunted by the "bad guys" who kidnapped her as a child and used her special abilities for their own ends. She makes her way to small town Marion, VA where she meets some strange yet interesting characters, Eli, a doctor without a heartbeat, Marcus, another doctor who seems to be just like her and may hold they key to who and what she is, and Austin, another man who seems to be normal, at first. There was, of course, a love triangle, made more entertaining by Laney/Julie's siren like abilities.

Her powers/abilities are very interesting, she uses her ability to heal in a very unique way and she has an affinity for numbers that would come in handy when playing the lottery. Marcus, her doctor "friend", helps her to hone her healing ability, guiding her in a way.

The plot of this story was fast paced, with thrilling moments and original, surprising twists that made Human Blend a page turner. Laney/Julie is a likable heroine, but its really the guys who were the stars of this book for me. Especially Marcus, with his sarcasm and attitude.

The only complaint I have about Human Blend is that it ended in a way that left me with questions, so I'm hoping to see a second book from this author. I am intrigued by several of the supernatural elements introduced in this novel, and by a mischievous character introduced late in the book that I just wanted more of.

Overall, this was a quick, exciting read that I would recommend to anyone who wants to read something completely outside the ordinary.
I would rate this a 4 1/2, I loved it and really hope there is another.

I received my copy of Human Blend from the author for review.

[Moonlight Gleam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Laney escapes from a life where she has been used by others for their own personal gain. Having escaped as far away as possible, Laney, now Julie Miller, finally gets to experience the life she never had before. She is immediately befriended by two individuals; Austin, a teen who soon becomes more than just a friend, and Eli, a doctor who is fascinated and intrigued by her supernatural abilities. She finds a job as a volunteer at a local hospital and develops numerous great relationships, however, Laney aka Julie is unceasingly aware that all this could be taken away from her in a split second if ‘they’ find her.

Julie’s history and supernatural abilities are slowly unraveled throughout the course of the book. New characters appear throughout the story and they each serve a purpose in Julie’s quest to make a new life and at the same time, they help answer so many questions that lead her to discover who and what she really is.

Lori Pescatore’s self-published novel “Human Blend” will keep you wanting more. It is filled with mystery, romance and a paranormal twist. What immediately drew me to this story was the uniqueness of the characters. Lori Pescatore has a remarkable talent in creating such unique supernatural abilities which have not yet been seen in other books of this genre. The story keeps you on the edge of your seat, leaving you wanting to know more.

I am so thrilled to have had the opportunity of reading this book. It was very well-written, unique, filled with passion and mystery. I definitely recommend this book to all who enjoy paranormal novels, with plenty of romance and mystery! Lori Pescatore’s “Human Blend” is an enjoyable read with a cliffhanger ending, leaving you wanting to find out what comes next in the next book of this trilogy. I will be keeping an eye out for Lori Pescatore’s next book!


4.5/5 - Fabulous Read, Highly Recommended

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Laney's gifts have her running scared from a man that uses her to benefit his pocket book. After creating a new identity, which she calls Julie Miller, she starts fresh in the small town of Marion, Virgina. Her only hope is that she will finally be safe.

Battling the darkness of her past and the many questions she has about herself, she sets out to live a normal life. Right away she meets Austin, who shows her around Marion. She gets a volunteer job at the local hospital, reuniting with her passion for helping people. Her normal life is falling into place.

Soon she runs into the mysterious doctor, Eli. Eli has no heartbeat and there is more to him than meets the eye. Julie has finally found peace and is enjoying her new-found freedom when her past catches up with her.

The characters are well developed and bring tremendous depth to the plot. Laney/Julie is a strong willed and very caring person who takes joy in helping others. The mysteries surrounding her abilities raise questions about her family history and what she is. I was drawn to her character, finding that I wanted to know more about her, her family and, most of all, what exactly she is.

There were attractions of sorts between her and Austin, as well as Eli that kept me on the edge of my seat. Each one seemed good for her, leaving you torn and still asking who will she end up with.

Pescatore has created a tale that will leave you guessing until the very last page. The twisting plot is set at a smooth pace, bringing the characters to life. Even now I can't pick a single character that I liked more than the others. Human Blend is a suspenseful paranormal read that will leave you wanting more of Laney/Julie and her paranormal friends. A delightful read. I look forward to the continuation of Laney's story.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

Giving away an author signed copy to readers ages 18 and older here http://fireandicephoto.blogspot.com/2...

3.5 stars

I have really mixed feelings about this book. From the beginning the relationships seemed WAY too rushed until you find out a little tidbit of info. near the end. However, there were several points during my read that I almost put the book away and didn't finish due to content. I really wouldn't want my teen reading this book. While pitched as YA fiction with 18 year old main characters, I think it is written more as adult romance. The flashbacks to Laney's previous life I skimmed right past and didn't read because of how violent they were. I understand her past was hard and she is on the run but do why the need to elaborate so much?

That being said, Human Blend does have a very interesting storyline that kept me intrigued enough that I did finish the book. Lori's writing felt a bit choppy at times but the basic premise of the plot and the personalities of the characters are a winning combination. She takes a new slant on two paranormal creatures that come into contact with each other when Laney takes a volunteer position in a hospital. It has your love triangle going on but the relationships were complex and the author keeps you guessing through the whole book. I felt connected to the people and liked the new mythology introduced. Sometimes I wish that books came with filters like TV and movies do, because I genuinely would have loved this one without the sex and violence. This is a trilogy, so I am hoping the next two books are age appropriate. I can only give it 3.5 stars since I bordered between liking it and hating it all at the same time.

[Karen Fuller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lori takes her new story, Human Blend, in a fresh new direction. She introduces a new character concept to the 'Paranormal' community. Her heroine, Julie/Laney, is a very special and confused young lady. She is in possession of special abilities that she herself does not understand, but some very bad people covet. All she wants is a 'normal life'. This book takes the reader on an emotional roller coaster as Julie/Laney learns to lead a 'normal' life, and learns to 'trust' and 'love' again. It is full of action and suspense. A definite must read.
Karen Fuller, Author
Wickford High: The Revelation

[Genie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had first gave Human Blend 4 stars, even though I wanted to give it 4 1/2 now I'm changeing it to five even though I still say 4 1/2. This is because I refuse to take away a star for things so minor when truth be told, I very much enjoyed this book. The story was very well thought out and the plot extreemly different than other books I have read. The end left me hopefull for a 2nd (soon I hope?). Alot of new things were introduced in this that I found interesting.

[Catherine Mesick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Human Blend is an exciting, suspenseful tale that will keep you guessing. And Laney/Julie is a strong, resourceful heroine. I am looking forward to the next book by Lori Pescatore.

[Bonnie (A Backwards Story)]

Just when everyone starts grousing that paranormal has been done to death and there's nothing else to explore, along comes something new. Human Blend by Lori Pescatore introduces a new breed of supernatural being to readers, one that's fresh, exciting, and unique. Pescatore builds suspense over what kind of beings her characters are by delaying full revelations until later in the novel.

Human Blend starts with an eighteen-year-old named Laney on the run. While not really eighteen, she ages slowly, so she's actually older than she appears. Kidnapped as a child, she's been used and abused for years due to her special abilities. She's always been good at seeing numbers, making it easy to predict things like lottery numbers and horse race winners, making her valuable to the men who want her back after she makes her escape. Disguising herself as "Julie Miller," she begins to reinvent herself in a small town in Virginia, where the men chasing after her can never find her...or so she thinks.

Early on, she meets a college student named Austin, who introduces her to the area. It isn't long before the two are involved in a serious relationship with one another. Julie's nervous, though; everyone she ever lets into her life winds up getting hurt due to the fact that they know her thanks to the men she's hiding from and her unwanted powers. To complicate matters even more, Julie finds herself attracted to Dr. Eli Elsworth, who works at the local hospital she volunteers at. In addition to being good with numbers, Julie is also a healer. Not only that, there's more to Eli than meets the eye as well. He knows about Julie's abilities and wants her helping out at the hospital. The two have remarkable chemistry, but both attempt to hide from it due to Julie's relationship with Austin.

The novel picks up speed once Pescatore lays out her world. The second half of the book is full of action and suspense. There are parts that are true nail-biters, and when Human Blend reaches its conclusion, readers are left wanting to know what happens next, especially with the introduction of new characters leading up to the next story arc. The second book is scheduled to be released later this spring, the second in a trilogy. Throughout the novel, I had a few questions regarding backstory and how these characters became what them are. I wanted to know more about what happened before Laney/Julie arrived in Virginia. Luckily, the second book will begin as a prequel with all of the events leading up to Human Blend before moving forward to "current day."

Human Blend started out as a Smashwords novel. It can be bought digitally for nook, Kindle, etc. for the low price of $2.99. The book is also available in paperback at your local bookstore, though it may need to be special-ordered. The early edition of the book has a few typos and inconsistencies, but nothing that can't be overlooked once the story takes over. While marketed as a teen book, be warned that this title is for older teens and adults. It has both sexuality and violence in it and shouldn't be presented to anyone not mature enough to handle such themes.

[A.N. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book turned out to be something quite unexpected. I was ready for a YA paranormal read, but usually that sticks to the line of fairies, shifters, vampires, and the like. Lori Pescatore’s take on YA fiction was certainly something that I hadn’t read before. I am a sci-fi and fantasy fan as well, but am used to those books being written well within the lines of their respective genres. This book is a fantastic blend of both genres.
I’ll try to explain my view without giving too much away. The lead character is a girl named Laney, who adopts a new identity in a new town to escape her abusive past. She takes on the name Julie, and quickly sets about evaluating whether or not her new town is a suitable match to lay down some roots. The story is set in Marion, VA, which is not too far from where I grew up. From a setting point of view, she did an excellent job of doing justice to the area and it’s history. She used that to create interest in the story and I enjoyed that aspect of her storytelling.
As far as her character’s dialogue with one another, I didn’t notice any of the issues that some others have noted. Maybe it’s because I have a new edition of the book? Regardless, their dialogue was good and I wasn’t confused as to any of the character curves as I read along. Another critique that I noticed was that the heroine seems a bit flat, and because of that is difficult to connect with. I think that all depends on the reader really. Julie seems to have everything going from her, from good looks to a magical ability to heal and psychically foresee numbers. As is true for anyone with so much to gain, there are others who want to benefit from her gifts for themselves.
As a Paranormal Romance fan first and foremost, I have to address the love triangle. Julie falls fast for a local boy named Austin, and their romance feels very rushed. If you continue reading, however, there is a very good reason why. I think that her relationship with Eli, who takes on the role of her protector, seems more genuine because it develops much more like a normal human relationship would. It’s built on experiences and trust, and not so reliant on that unmistakable and sometimes baffling initial attraction.
This story really picks up pace when the people who abused Julie as a teen, find her. All the questions that have been building up get answered, and the whole thing starts to make much more sense. The concept of Human Blenders is really strange and interesting. It was also something that I didn’t expect to develop like it did. I don’t get surprised that often in my reading anymore. You know how they say that no idea is truly original. Well, this one feels like it.
I gave this book 5 out of 5 stars, and I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys YA and Sci-Fi, as well as YA Urban Fantasy fans.

[Krisi Keley · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 1/2 stars

Laney has had a terrifying and mysterious past. Kidnapped from her father and used and abused by evil men because of her unique abilities, she has escaped to a small town in Virginia to begin a new life as Julie Miller. Still plagued by broken memories of her traumas, she’s determined to live a “normal” life and, although terrified to form close relationships for fear of exposing others to harm by the pursuers who have found her before, she is unable to ignore the kindness and charm of local college student, Austin Dorsett. But her new job as volunteer at the hospital brings her to the attention of the handsome and reticent Dr. Eli Elsworth, who has secrets of his own, when he witnesses her healing a young cancer patient, and a train of events is set in motion that will lead not only to danger for Julie and her new friends, but also to the revelation of incredible secrets about her past and her identity, as well as that of Eli Elsworth, new hospital resident, Dr. Marcus Samson, and even her new boyfriend, Austin.

Author Lori Pescatore’s Human Blend is an absolutely fascinating novel because it is one of those rare stories which, while being an exciting, fast-paced and easy to read sci-fi/paranormal fantasy, great for young adult readers, it also offers the possibility of deeper philosophical reflection for the discerning more mature reader. Without wanting to reveal too much for fear of any spoilers, the unfolding mystery brings up extremely complex questions, including: Does true environmentalism mean a concern only for the earth itself, or does it necessarily include a respect and love for all earthly creatures, including human beings? Does genetic manipulation have only biological ethical concerns attached to it, or are there profound questions of individual personhood and spiritual issues involved as well? And are supernatural powers a blessing or a curse, something which volatile and conflicted creatures like human beings are not really morally-advanced enough to possess or have access to?

A cast of very likable and sympathetic protagonists, well-developed relationships and conflict, page-turning suspense and action and an intriguingly original plot make Human Blend a novel readers won’t want to put down until the mystery is solved and, although Ms. Pescatore supplies no easy answers or judgments on the ethical questions this first story provides, I eagerly look forward to the next books in the trilogy to see where she goes with this unique concept, as well as to get to know Julie, Austin, Eli and Marcus better in their continuing story. A wonderful debut novel and recommended reading!

[Nikki (Wicked Awesome Books) · Rating 4 out of 5]

More like a 4.5

Laney’s been used her entire life, but her escape allows her to live for the first time. In a new town, with a new name, Laney, now Julie Miller finally gets to experience the life she never had before. She finds a job, meets friends, and even finds herself a boyfriend, but all of that could slip through her fingers if her pursuers catch up with her. And let’s face it, pursuers don’t give up that easily.

Lori Pescatore’s self-published novel is a thrilling mystery with a paranormal twist and romance that sizzles off the page. Julie, the main character, is kind and strong, with a personality that lures the reader (and everyone else) in. The mystery about who Julie’s running from is revealed little by little as she acclimates to a new town and a new life. Austin, Julie’s first friend and soon to be boyfriend, is funny and sweet. The young doctor that takes in interest in Julie, Eli Elsworth, is swoon-worthy and, much like Austin, beyond sweet.

Pescatore slowly unravels Julie’s story and her abilities, but keeps the edge on my throwing in plenty of surprises, not to mention the hotness factor goes off the chart at times. The characters are all well-written and unique. I found myself completely engrossed in the story, desperate to find out why Julie has these powers and just what is up with this doctor. The minor characters that appear do wonders for the story. Small, seemingly insignificant scenes/characters are more than they appear and I loved that.

It’s not often I read self-published books, but I am so happy that I read this one. Well-written, unique, and filled with interesting characters, Pescatore’s debut is astoundingly fresh. Though because of some of those steamy scenes, I'd say this one is probably for a slightly older crowd. Nothing is explicitly stated, but there's still some hot and heavy making out. My only complaint is that there are a few issues with tense (past to present) but not too much to really bother me. That, and the romance picks up very quickly, but that's pretty well explained.

Human Blend is a distinctly original paranormal mystery that will make you grip the edge of your seat one minute, laugh out loud the next, then make you fan yourself from all the sexy hot makeout sessions. Pescatore has captured both my attention and my heart with her story and her characters. The cliffhanger ending has me yearning for more of Julie’s story and I only hope that Pescatore is hard at work on it.

Opening line: She vowed to be more careful this time. ~ pg. 1

Favorite line: “Face it, Julie, your life screams ‘damsel in distress’,” Marcus commented back. ~ pg. 224

[book_nymph_bex · Rating 2 out of 5]

I thought Laney's abilities were rather cool. And later on in the book when the reader, and Laney herself, discovers why she has the abilities she does, that was neat, too. There are exciting things that happen in the plot, a lot of characters with unique skills that make them interesting to read.

So while I liked the concept of the book, I had a hard time reading it because I thought the characters were underdeveloped and acted in ways that made no sense to me.

For example:

Laney is hiding from an evil man. She is afraid of him and afraid what he would do if he found her and anyone connected to her. So she moves around a lot and changes her name and hair color before settling in Marion.

Though Laney says a couple of times that she shouldn't get attached to anyone because she puts them in danger, her behavior does not match her worry. Within two days she's sleeping with her new boyfriend. For someone who has been through traumatic experiences with other men, she sure is trusting.

Laney has the skill of healing people so she wants to volunteer at the hospital so she can use it. But for someone on the run from an evil guy who knows her abilities, she isn't worried about instantly healing people who are really sick. I would be worried this would attract attention. And it does--the doctor, Eli, realizes rather quickly that something is going on. Luckily Eli doesn't want to expose her.

But Laney doesn't know this. Within minutes of meeting Eli, Laney is telling him everything about her healing skills. I just don't get why she would be so trusting of strangers when she knows what others have done with this knowledge.

There is one guy who does act suspiciously around Laney, but it doesn't raise any red flags for her. She just finds his nosey behavior rude and annoying.

But what really bothered me was the way Eli kept touching Laney's cheek and kissing her on the mouth and hugging her. Touchy, touchy! Laney thinks nothing of it, doesn't find it at all odd that this man who is practically a stranger is touching her so much. Eli obviously likes Laney, but Laney is clueless and accepts all this attention without batting an eye. All the while Laney is sleeping with someone else.

And then of course there are the other men Laney kisses. Wow. And it never crosses her mind that she is cheating on her boyfriend. It bothered me and I thought it should have bothered her.

So, mostly I had a hard time with this book because I didn't understand why the characters, especially Laney, behaved the way they did. The relationships weren't developed. And because of Laney's loose lips, I didn't really like her much

[Ivy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Human Blend is a type of book that I would never thought of reading because it is different from what I usually read. However, I gave this book a chance and LOVED it!

Laney has been running away from the guys that had captured her for a long time. She is now on the loose, so she changes her name to a Julie Miller to try to live a “normal” life. But how normal is she when she can do things not many people could do?

Laney has some special powers she was borned with. She knew little of what she could do and no one was able to explain it to her because she was taken from her father when she was young. She was told to find an Uncle G that will explain everything to her and keep her safe. It was hard for Laney because she was captured and she had to do things that she didn’t want to do told by the men who captured her, otherwise, she will get hurt, physically.

I really like Laney because I think she is smart and strong. It’s just the fact that the men have more power over her because Laney had a special ability that everyone would like to have. I like that she likes to help people and she helps people when she has the chance to. She is a caring person. She cares deeply about the people around her and the people who try to help her even though those people have been killed in the past.

She tries to runaway and changes her name to Julie Miller, hoping that the men would not find her again.

She meets a guy, Austin, who she really likes. They get very close to each other and are involved together. She thought she could finally have a relationship… She also meets a doctor who tries really hard to keep her safe. And he does try really hard. She also gets involve with him because of a lure she gives off. I get confused between who Julie really likes because it seems like she likes both, Austin and the doctor. I like her liking both guys. I don’t have a problem with her liking either of them. But who likes a two-timer, right? I don’t know who I would want Julie or Laney to really be in a relationship with.

The ending is really good. It makes me feel like I am part of a police chase. Overall, I really enjoyed the whole book. There wasn't anything I didn't like.

Lori did a wonderful job with Human Blend. She makes me not be afraid to try new genres of books to read. Excellent story and a must-read! I cannot wait for the sequel to this book, Earth Blend!

(But I am kind of dying for more Julie/Laney and Austin!!)

[Yvonne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I did not know what to think going into this book. The book has an interesting cover and a unique plot that keep me interested.

Human Blend is about Laney (Julie) who has a combination of unusual abilities. She was kidnapped as a child so she’s never been taught how to use her abilities, where they came from, or exactly what they are. All she knows is to do whatever she is told to stay alive. She has tried several times to escape, but each time they find her, anyone that has come in contact with her or tried to help her in anyway end up dead.

Human Blend is another good book that kept me wondering what would happen next. It has romance, action, a little bit of paranormal mixed with science fiction and fantasy.

I immediately liked Laney and felt her pain of wanting to fit in and just be normal. She was young and naïve so she naturally she sucked at fitting in. Her first mistake was choosing a small town where everyone knew each other and someone new would easily stand out. She also had that vibe where anyone that came in contact with her never forgot meeting her. Besides being beautiful and super sweet, her vibe drew people to her and made them take notice. At times, that vibe drew unwanted attention, but in the end, it provided her with the protection that she desperately needed.

The love triangle kept me frustrated because I couldn’t decide who I wanted Laney to end up with. Austin was the sweet, romantic guy next door that she easily fell for. But knowing her past might catch up with her at any moment, she could never be completely honest with him and tell him about her life because there was no way he’d ever understand. She also didn’t want him to get hurt.

Then there was Eli, the handsome doctor with secrets of his own. He had a way of seeing right through Laney’s lies and making her trust him enough to share. I have to admit, when Eli was introduced, all I could think about was Dr. Cullen from Twilight. Weird, but the mysterious doctor had vampire written all over him, or so I thought. I had him pegged all wrong, but I enjoyed finding out about him and the other not so human characters in this book.

Another character that I liked was Marcus. He was also a mysterious and a little too blunt with his words. All of his scenes were memorable and funny as hell.

[Stories & Sweeties {Becky} · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed Human Blend. I am so glad the author contacted me to review this, as it would have gone completely under my radar otherwise. The cover is nothing special and would have never caught my eye, but inside hides a fast paced and thrilling story!

The protagonist, Laney, has lived almost her whole life in captivity, forced to use her mysterious healing powers and her ability to "see" numbers to aid a group of criminals. She has finally escaped to a small inconspicuous town and is trying to form some sort of stable life for herself, but she is constantly wary of being found and dragged back. Laney, or Julie, the identity she creates for herself is very likable...smart, funny, kind. She immediately set out to find a hospital where she can sneakily use her powers to help people who are suffering. She knows very little about her powers and where they come from or how they really work and that puts her in a few dangerous situations.

She meets a local boy on the very first day she rolls into town. He knows she hiding something, running from something, but is respectful and doesn't push her. The really fun part of the story was watching her rediscover the little pleasures in life---good food, a day at the lake, a first kiss with someone new. The relationship was very sweet and very quickly escalated, which at first had me a little thrown. It seemed every person she met immediately formed this intense relationship with her. By the fifth encounter, I literally said to myself, "Oh, come on!". I couldn't understand why all these men were falling all over her, but then you find out why, and it all falls into place. The explanation was actually quite funny to imagine!

Lots of fun little surprises as the story goes along and everyone's true nature is revealed---no one was who I thought they would be!

The writing is sometimes a little formal for the story it's conveying, and there were a few plot points that were just a bit too convenient, but it didn't take away from my enjoyment of this. *I recommended +14 because of sexual situations, including an implied rape, and quite a bit of violence.

Definitely give this one a try! Not sure if there will be a sequel but I would definitely be eager to read more!

[Cynthia Lopez · Rating 3 out of 5]

Review posted on http://mundiemoms.blogspot.com/

2.5 Stars-

From the beginning Human Blend seemed very interesting and original. I was really enjoying the story and I liked the main character a lot, but it kind of changed for me about four chapters in. It became a little bit of a struggle to get used to the writing, it changed from just one point of view to several all of a sudden. I found that even though the storyline intrigued me I kept getting distracted by little flaws in the writing here and there, some of the sentences didn't really make sense to me.

I thought Julie (the MC) might be one of those strong female heroines, she seemed very mature at the beginning, but she changes all of a sudden and becomes whiny, childish and stubborn, I was surprised she didn't stomp her foot a couple of times through the story. She became more of a damsel in distress through the whole novel, and I was a little disappointed in that. I really didn't feel a lot of the romance in this one, it just felt like they rushed right into it and more like an infatuation or lust. It only took about a day for Julie to have an intimate relationship with one of the guys, but even then she seemed to be attracted to someone else, and that was a little irritating.


What kept me flipping the pages and actually finishing the book was the curiosity I had to find out what Julie really was. I really did enjoy the originality of it, the main character had this really amazing ability of healing others and herself also seeing numbers and predicting wins. I loved that she wanted to do good and use her powers to heal the sick while volunteering in a hospital.


I liked the mystery of not knowing what she really was, it kept me wondering and guessing but unable to figure it out until it's all explained towards the end. I also enjoyed the addition of some other paranormals that come into Julie's life and seem to have some surprising abilities of their own. The ending definitely leaves room for a sequel, not with a cliffhanger ending but one that seemed more of a beginning of a new journey. If you enjoy paranormal novels for older YA readers, with mystery and a bit of sexual tension then you might like Human Blend.

[Natasha · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book had a catchy title, a promising synopsis, and an interesting promise of science and healing. The major problem, however, was the writing.

Had this book been written by a more mature writer, I would have raved and gushed over it. As it is now, however, I am reluctant to buy its sequel because I cringed as I made my way through the pages. Much of the book was telling instead of showing, with choppy sentence structure, characters that were so close to being rounded that it made you cringe with the promise of it all, and terrible dialogue.

The writing would not be an issue if it was a middle grade book. However, it is most definitely not a middle grade book what with the amount of cursing and the adult circumstances dealt with called for a higher caliber of storytelling. I can overlook the semantics of a book if the plot is especially riveting and engaging, but it just wasn't and I had a hard time ignoring the flat "He said", "She said", and "He thought". Hardly engaging dialogue words, to say the least.

The other main problem, though not quite as prominent as the writing, is the fact that the perspective changes so frequently and unexpectedly that it throws you for a loop. You're reading about one character and mid-thought you're reading about another character. Then you double take, make sure you haven't just read the entirety of the scene with the wrong character in mind, and you get lost.

Being a scientist, I also have a problem with the "biology" portion of this book. It's hard to explain this without spoiling anything, but you go through the book thinking one thing and, out of the blue, the conclusion is totally different, a very illogical jump with nothing solid to back it up. That was completely frustrating to me and I wanted to shake the author and plead for better transitions and science. It's fine and dandy to create your own laws, but at least make them more consistent. The law of physics can be 'bent', but there's a (mostly) reasonable explanation as to why. Pescatore's laws always clashed with each other and often cancelled each other out.

I gave this book three stars because of its promise, but honestly I don't recommend reading it unless you have high hopes and are able to silence the writer portion of your brain.

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Julie as a character was really fun to read. She was a strong girl with a strong personality and knew how to take care of her self. She also had a love for helping people which I thought was great. With everything going on in her life all she wanted to do was lead a normal life and help the people around her.

When Julie comes to the town of Marion, she never intended to meet Austin. He immediately is drawn to Julie. As Austin and Julie become friends, it becomes apparent to Julie that she is getting to close to Austin. Even though she knows she needs to distance her self from him, she seems to be doing the complete opposite.

I liked Austins character, he was that sweet boy next door type. He was caring and wanted to make Julie feel special throughout the book. We see him doing all types of sweet things for Julie that would give any girl the worm fuzzies.

When Julie goes to the local Hospital to do volunteer work she meets the Eli the resident Doctor. He immediately knows her is not all human and he wants to know her secret. Julie shortly finds out that Eli isn't entirely human either. As Eli and Julie learn more about each other, they start to have feelings for one another.

I absolutely loved Eli's character, he was a protector. He wanted to help Julie at all costs and does everything he can for her. He was kind and caring but also knew when to lay down the law. As Eli and Jules relationship progresses, Julie is faced with the choice of what direction to take.

Without giving too much away, I will say this, Human Blend was a great story with mythological beings that we are introduced to that are pretty uncommon in the YA scene today. I loved the uniques story and the great relationships that were introduced.

Overall I really enjoyed Human Blend. I do feel the characters could have been described in a bit more detail. The visual details were a bit vague(hair color, and eyes) I am a very visual reader and I wish I had a better sense of who I was reading about. Other than that I really loved it. I am really looking forward to more from Lori Pescatore and am hoping that there is a sequel to Human Blend and it comes out soon!

[Stacey · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have learned that some great stories come in the form of self published material. This would be one of them.

Human Blend is the story of Julia, otherwise known as Laney in her previous settings, and her struggle to be normal. With abilities that far surpass that of a normal human she knows she is different despite her lack of knowledge about her true capabilities or her origin.

Laney finds a fresh start as Julia after she finds herself wanting to settle in a small town. She has a rule of not getting close to people and despite all her attempts she finds herself doing just that with not one, but two individuals who both, unknowingly or not, harbor secrets of their own. Both of these men who Julia finds herself being drawn to and accepting some sort of affection from are also both pulled into the web that is "Laney's" past.

With Lori's character development I couldn't help but really invest myself into a few of the characters, I don't believe I need to even mention which two really caught my attention. I also found Julia's personality very likable, she was exceptionally strong but extremely vulnerable. The complex of each character seemed real and never wavered. We never had any real Jekyll and Hyde moments which was an absolute plus and kept the story consistent.

Lori did a wonderful job at writing a unique and mysterious story that I really had no clue what was going on until it was happening. Set at a wonderful pace the highlights of the plot, and the intricacy of how the whole story came together, really shined through.

I really did love this story and can't wait for book #2 of the Human Blend trilogy
The only thing I didn't care for about this book is my inability to actually write a review without giving something away, that is how well and intricate this story fits together. That really isn't something to complain about, is it?

[Paula Phillips · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ever since Laney was a little girl , she has had powers and once others develop an awareness , it's not safe for her anymore. This part reminded me a bit of Smallville when they put the boy who Clark Kent befriended in Season One in an institution as of course , people with special powers are seen as abnormalities. When Laney decides enough is enough, she decides to escape to the smalltown of Marion, Virginia "Home of Mountain Dew" . All set with cash and a new identity as Julie Miller, she is set to start a fresh new life and blend into the background but unfortunately life has a way of going against what you plan and creating obstacles as Julie starts to fall in love with Austin , and she gets a job as a volunteer at the hospital.
On her second day, Julie is discovered that she can heal people by one of the doctors, though this doctor is also harbouring a secret identity of his own - he has no heartbeat . The doctor befriends her due to his growing fascination with uncovering the true nature of her abilities, but not without harboring secrets of his own.
Soon Laney's budding relationship with local boy Austin puts both of them in danger when the men she was hiding from find her. All of their lives will change forever as ancient secrets become
unearthed. Can Laney save not just herself but Austin and the Doctor or will the men who have hunted down Laney be too much for her and will Austin still care for her despite her secrets ?
Human Blend is a fast , suspenseful story that once you get into it , you will be hooked in anticipation to see what happens when the men Laney is hiding from catch up with her .

[Kiki · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was hooked early with the underlying, back story suspense which began on page one. Then, I became simply enthralled with the characters and the present mystery surrounding them all while hints of the back story continued to rear its ugly head.

For most of the book, the paranormal elements were so subtle, yet completely understood. I believe the settings had a lot to do with that early on. Eventually, Ms. Pescatore let me in on exactly what the characters were, and I am not too proud to admit that I was wrong in my own guesses. Yet, no matter where I was in the story, the characters were strong, and they tugged at my heart strings. They had a nice depth to them, a balance often hard achieved with so much action in a story. I quickly became attached to Laney, fell in love with Austin and became attracted to Eli right along with her. For the first time, I was presented with a love triangle where I couldn't decide between the two men.

The paranormal elements mixed with the caring and healing in a hospital setting were wonderful and emotional. The mystery & suspense which darkly juxtaposed this element heightened the whole experience. The romantic surprises were a nice touch, but I won't say more thus I give something away. Overall, I loved this story. It left me breathless. But, the ending, well all I will say is there better be a sequel, and I will be first in line to review it.

[Ellz Readz · Rating 4 out of 5]

My thoughts...Author Lori Pescatore is a fresh face in the world of paranormal authors. She introduces readers to an exciting new world of mysterious beings.

Human Blend is a very original story of a girl who is hiding from her past. The heroine Laney, changes her identity and tries to make a new life in a small town in Virgina. Unfortunately for her, this is not as easy as it sounds.

Laney has the special ability to heal illness and pain in others. Her character is very multi-dimensional. I noticed a very strong, determined side of her, but also a side that has seen the dark side too many times. There are several other characters that are memorable, including a kind doctor and the gentle Austin. I had a hard time deciding which one I liked better.

The story is written with a great blend of mystery, action, romance, and suspense. For me, the best part of the story was the introduction of some new paranoramal beings. Their inclusion felt believable. There are also plenty of twists and turns to keep readers guessing. The ending will definitely leave you wanting more.

If I would have seen this book on the shelf, I would have passed it up. I am not bowled over by the cover or the title. Fortunately, I saw several great reviews that spurred me to read it. I was not disappointed and I definitely recommend this book to fans of YA paranormal books!

[Anaiz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Laney (or Julia as she goes by to protect her identity) is on the run. She just wants a normal life after she spent many years with evil men who used her abilities for their own benefit. As soon as she arrives in town she meets Austin, he is sweet and chivalrous towards her. They hit it off immediately, at first I thought it was just too fast to be realistic. Towards the end of the book however, I changed my mind, I think there were other ah *forces* at hand. Then we meet my favorite character, Eli Elsworth, he is a doctor at a local hospital where Laney volunteers. He is tall, blond, and good-looking according to one of the nurses Laney works with. I loved his character! He is protective and like the blurb says he has secrets of his own, well those secrets made me like his character even more. Just when things are going well, those evil men show up and cause all kinds of chaos. The ending was exciting and revealing, I am seriously hoping there will be another book, I would like to know how all the characters are doing. Okay so apparently I got a little attached to some of them, but I really can't be blamed for that. This is the first self published book I've read and I did notice some mistakes, but it did not take away from the enjoyment of the story