Glimmer

Zellie Wells #2

by Stacey Wallace Benefiel

Zellie Wells’ life is changing. Her relationship with Avery is growing stronger every day, but their parents are still giving them ultimatums and trying to keep them apart. Her newly discovered powers have all but disappeared. Benjamin, another young Retroact, is back and has brought with him a painful shared vision and a troubled past. While working together to figure out what the vision means, Zellie discovers that Benjamin is a worthy friend and mentor. If only he could keep his hands off of her - if only she wanted him to...

Genres: Young Adult, Paranormal, Fantasy, Romance, Supernatural, Paranormal Romance, Teen

208 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 19, 2010

About the author

Stacey Wallace Benefiel writes paranormal love stories, often with a time-bending twist.
She lives in Beaverton, OR with her husband and their combined five children. Obviously, Stacey drives a minivan.

Reviews

[Lacy♪ ♫Movements of a Demigod ♪ ♫ · Rating 5 out of 5]

First let me say that I could not put this book down. I absolutely loved it and was so engaged by it that the world could have passed me by and I never would have noticed it. It seems that Zellie's life is never going to be uneventful. Zellie and Avery are struggling to take their relationship to the next level while learning to adapt to Zellie's powers and their unique parenting situation. We are also reintroduced to Ben the hottie, as Claire would call him. The arrival of Ben helps Zellie to explore more of her abilities than she had thought possible but also causes jelousy from Avery. As if Zellie's life wasn't already complicated the past begins to catch up to Zellie and Ben and someone is trying to get rid of them for good. Then the unthinkable happens and Zellie's dream of Avery death stops. Can Zellie really lose Avery? Can Zellie manage to save the day?

Benefiel's work will completely captivate you. The characters make you fall in love with them. If you are a lover of paranormal young adult books, then this book it definitely one that you will not want to pass up. I can only think that if Glimpse and Glimmer were this good then Glow is really going to blow us away.

[Stacey Benefiel]

Hey All!
I'm involved in the love tropes paranormal, sci-fi, and fantasy Goodreads book of the month club.

Join the group and you'll get a free PNR book and a chance to chat with the author of the book that month.

For instance, I'm April, and I'll be giving away The Retroact Saga (yes, all six books)!

There will also be giveaways and other fun bookish happenings.

Join us:
https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...

The club starts in October, but you can jump in anytime.

SWB

[Brianna (The Book Vixen) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Review copy provided by author

Why I Read this Book: I read Glimpse , the first book in this series, and I really enjoyed the story. This series carries a very unique paranormal story that just grabs you. I definitely wanted to read more about Zellie and the complications that surround her. If you’ve read Glimpse, you’ll definitely want to read Glimmer.

What I Liked: In Glimpse, we didn’t really get to know Benjamin, we just got to meet him. He was a very intriguing character and in Glimmer, he’s one of the characters that takes center stage. I like Benjamin; he’s cocky, funny and smart. I like that he makes Avery feel uncomfortable and keeps him on his toes.

There is a character in this book that at first seems like a new addition to the group. However, that is not the case. This character was in Glimpse a little bit, even had a few lines of dialogue. I just didn’t know that he was going to have a bigger role in Glimmer. This move was very well played by the author. There were also some interesting twists and turns to the storyline that I didn’t see coming. Just like with Glimpse, there’s no cliffhanger ending but there are some loose ends that need attention. Glimmer ends well considering there is another book in this series; you know there’s more to come, the door is not closed yet.

What I Didn’t Like: There were a couple of moments in this book that I feel could use a bit of clarity. One thing in particular that I needed clarity on involves the circumstances surrounding Rachel. Rachel’s demise wasn’t clear to me; I feel like I missed something. It was like one minute she’s alive, the next she’s telling Christopher that she’s dead. Even Christopher didn’t know she was dead!

I’m also a bit confused about the “loophole”. I’m not sure if that’s been solved with the certain turn of events towards the end of the book or if it still remains an issue. Perhaps it will be addressed in the next book in the series…

Glimmer had lots of characters to keep track of. Also the POV bounced around a lot, unlike the simplistic POVs in Glimpse.

Overall Impression: Glimmer has a bit more mature content than Glimpse did. Profanity was definitely more prominent in Glimmer than it was in Glimpse. It doesn’t bother me a bit but since this is a YA novel, it should be mentioned. Also, Zellie and Avery’s relationship…shall we say, progresses, in Glimmer. I enjoyed reading Glimmer but I enjoyed Glimpse a bit more. I look forward to the release of Glow , the next installment in the Zellie Wells series, which is set to be released sometime in 2011.

[Vicki Keire · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I saw that "Glimmer" had been released, I rushed to download it on my Kindle. I have been eagerly awaiting this sequel, and I was excited that I might be one of the first to read and review it. I rushed through the reading part- just like its title, "Glimmer" shines with wit, the return of beloved characters, unexpected twists, humor, romance, imagination, and that aching mixture of sexual attraction and innocent love most of us only experience around the magical age of sixteen or so. But then, when I got to the actual reviewing part, I stalled out a little, because I realized I had something worth thinking about on my hands. Something new, I think. Not just a good story, but an emerging talent in a vibrant new genre. Let me come back to this point. First, the book:

Did I mention humor? Stacey Benefiel outdoes herself here. I laughed out loud more times than I can count. I recounted parts of the book for friends, who laughed along with me. Just a taste: Zellie, wondering just what the heck you do with your dream boy once you have him panting in your arms, thinks: "I guess if you make a guy talk like Yoda, you're not completely messing up." I almost choked to death when I read that, I laughed so hard. Since then it's kind of gotten stuck in my head at the most awkward moments: "Mmm. Kiss you I will. Love you, I do." My husband thinks I'm crazy. Really disturbing, I know, and it's all your fault, Stacey Wallace Benefiel!

Many of the things left hanging in "Glimpse" get addressed here: we discover a lot more about the mysterious Benjamin; about the Society of Retroacts and their Lookouts; Zellie and Avery's impending little brother; and how family ties, so badly shaken in "Glimpse," wind up merely stirred but settled in "Glimmer." I loved reading about the Pacific Northwest. Without giving too much away, I have to say that setting is more important in this sequel. I loved the way Benefiel writes small towns. If you live in one, or come from one, you will recognize the authenticity with which she writes. My two wishes for this series: I would like to see a more thorough exploration of gay characters, and perhaps a deeper understanding of how they operate as Retroacts and/or Seers. Also, even the best of them come off a bit creepy. I wonder if Lookouts ever get jealous of their sister's powers? It seems to me they have a lot of grunt work and little glory.

A warning: Benefiel writes realistically, and humorously, about teen sex. She handles it in a responsible, straight-forward manner, and the actual writing is incredibly tender, highlighting the strengths and vulnerabilities of both characters. The "sex question" has got to be one of the hardest things for a YA writer to navigate, just as it is for real-life teens. I think Benefiel's handling of it is magnificent; it irritates me when people freak out about things like this, but some of them do, so consider yourself warned. What is even more curious is Benefiel's blending of Zellie's religious upbringing with her powers as a Retroact and her burgeoning sexuality. Raised to be in church every Sunday and then some, Zellie must suddenly navigate both the supernatural and the sexual, and she's not finding her answers in her father's bible. I love the way Benefiel portrays church life as not just "holier-than-thou". It's also wacky and irreverent, and the place to pick up boys. "Glimmer" is, in part, the story of a young woman who must carefully pick through the values her parents have so carefully instilled in her to find the ones that will work for her bizarrely unconventional life. She makes mistakes, of course, but Benefiel has lain enough of a small-town, family- and moral-centered universe that we can watch Zellie stumble and still hope not to see her fall.

On the whole, I think "Glimmer" is a better book than "Glimpse." Perhaps my favorite thing about reading it was seeing the ways in which her writing had become more sophisticated. "Glimmer" is a tighter, more focused book with a more cohesive magical system. I look forward to learning more about her world of Retroacts, Seers, Lookouts, of finding out more about Zellie and Avery, of finding out what happens to Benjamin, and, in general, just losing myself in her world.

[Sandra Pulliam · Rating 4 out of 5]

I want to start this review by saying that this is going to have spoilers because I don't know how to say everything I need to say with out them. First off, I really like this series. I started reading this online while at the same time reading "Infernal Devices" by Cassandra Claire at night. I was concerned that I would not be able to concentrate on this book because lets face it, Cassandra Claire's books are best sellers and just awesome. Here is where my problem starts. I could not get this book out of my head in order to read "Infernal Devices"! I kept putting down that book to come to my computer and pull up Glimmer and continue reading. What does that say? That Stacey Benefiel's books should be sitting on all of the displays at all of the book stores right next to best selling authors! Ok, that being said let me talk about the book. I gave this four stars only because I thought the story jumped from one scene to the next without fully finishing out what was currently going on. One minute Christopher is the bad guy the next he is helping save the world with Ben and Zellie. Out of no where Grandma is dead and some new character is the bad guy trying to destroy the world. I felt like there should have been more of a transition between the events that brought them together. I liked how she incorporated different sexualities into the story line without skipping a beat. She captured the teenage persona so well and the descriptive writing makes you feel as if your watching it on a movie screen. The love between Zellie and Avery is written powerfully, the action scenes are fast paced and exciting and the dreams and visions are well plotted. Another reason it only got four stars is in my opinion, as a mother of 3 teenage boys I thought the language was way to strong and the sex scenes are way to descriptive. Though I thought the struggle Zellie has about losing her virginity was very real and well thought out. However, I feel that this book will appeal to the young teens and tweens but is not appropriate for anyone younger than 16. When I think of YA a 13 or 14 year old does not come to mind. That is just me as an old 37 year old mom but to each his own! Besides that I think this series and this book were awesome. Stacey Benefiel is going to be a big deal and I for one am glad I get to go along for the ride!

[I'd So Rather Be Reading {Nat} · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sometimes YA leaves me feeling unsatisfied. Some YA novels feel too young, too light, too teen-angsty, or too recycled. Happily, none of that is the case with Stacey Wallace Benefiel's books! She has created a world just like ours except for the addition of people with powers such as communicating with spirits, rewinding events to make them go another way, and seeing the future. People with these powers have no other abnormalities and the rest of the population is left in the dark.

Glimmer picks up where Glimpse left off. Zellie and Avery are trying to be together despite warnings by their parents to stay apart to prevent Avery's death that Zellie glimpses every night. Zellis learns more about her powers and has continued interaction with her grandmother and aunt, who are also gifted like Zellie.


I found Glimmer to be faster paced than Glimpse. The story moves along quickly until the surprising conclusion. I actually gasped out loud twice---I love to be surprised like that! One of my favorite things about Benefiel's writing are her well-developed minor characters. They each have such well-defined personalities and add a lot to the story.

I would recommend Glimpse and Glimmer to fans of paranormal fiction and YA. They are such sweet books!

Just One Gripe:
Christopher is a major character in the story. He was introduced very briefly in book one, by his last name, which made his inclusion in Glimmer confusing for me until I figured out who he really was.

The Best Thing About This Book:
I just loved the sweet and tender love story. The paranormal aspect was also very unique and well done.

Appropriate for a younger audience:
Yes

Score:
Characters: 4/5
Plot: 4/5
Setting/Imagery: 4/5
Originality: 4/5
Ending: 4/5
Total Score: 20/25

[Toniann · Rating 5 out of 5]

I started reading @ 9 with the idea of getting through 3 chapters. Its 12:30 & I just finished withour stopping for a minute. While I liked the first book, the second was much better & I cannot wait to read the third-insert smiley face! The characters that I loved from the first book came to life much quicker this time around & had hot friends to boot. I usually pick up on what is going to happen early on and this time- not a clue!!! I was interested and surprised all the way until the end. I can't wait to see where we end up now that the loophole is in effect...I would start with book 1 & get on board with this series, its much better than I could have imagined- keeps you guessing & wanting more:)

[Kourtni · Rating 4 out of 5]

First I must say that I am absolutely in love with these characters. Zellie and Avery make me smile, they are adorable, and Ben is great too! The story line is amazing and I was enthralled throughout the entire book - I read it in less than 24 hours!

The only thing that kept me from giving it 5 stars is that it felt a little rushed in some places. Also, I didn't feel like the characters emotions really portrayed the severity of the situation at times. I would have really gotten worked up over certain scenes had the characters been a little less nonchalant about what was going on.

All in all it was an awesome read and I cannot wait for Glow!

[Lauralynn Elliott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stacey has kept me entertained once again. I'm really picky about YA books, so I don't read too many of them. But I love this series, and I'll keep reading the books. There was a little more sexual content than I've seen in other young adult books I've read, but the fact is that this is what really goes on with teenagers, and the author really does a good job in portraying the thoughts and feelings of young people in this age group. Another winner!

[Liz · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5/5

Zellie has recently discovered she’s a Retroact, and it’s not long before she discovers the identity of the boy who hijacked her rewind. Ben: a male Retroact, rare and unique and in full control of his powers. Zellie doesn’t appreciate having to listen to this guy tell her what to do, but desperate times call for desperate measures and soon enough everyone is in danger, and time for complaining is over. Zellie has to protect the people she loves, before it's too late.

Glimmer is an exciting follow-up to Glimpse, which further explores the world of Retroacts. Zellie learns more about her powers in this one, and we also learn a lot more about the male Retroact, Ben. Ben, I have to say, was just awesome. I mean, as much as I love Avery, and Avery and Zellie together, Ben just made me laugh so much. And he had this secretive side too which made me even more curious about him – plus I absolutely loved the way he teased Zellie. I think Zellie and Ben made quite an interesting pair, and I think Ben’s influence made Zellie even more determined than she was before. He was a more experienced Retroact in some ways and I think Zellie’s jealousy about that was realistic and well portrayed; she wasn’t whiny but you could tell Ben's control over his powers annoyed her. And Zellie isn’t the only jealous one – needless to say that Avery isn’t too happy about the situation either. I think Zellie has been through so much already, but wow, Glimmer just puts her through so much more. She has to deal with devastating loss, she’s forced to stay away from Avery (it was so awful! Poor Avery, I think I missed him just as much as Zellie did), she’s got to learn new powers – there’s just so much to do in such a short space of time. And the revelation towards the end – I was really not expecting that.

One thing I really enjoyed reading about was the relationship between Zellie’s mum and Avery’s (dead) dad. Their situation was strange to say the least, especially with the baby on the way, and I’m not too fond of either one of them, but they just seemed so happy together, despite all the obstacles between them, and it kind of gave me hope that Zellie and Avery would be able make it, against all odds. Zellie’s dad, however, seemed intent on keeping the two apart (though who can blame him really, after what happened? I have to admit I did laugh a bit at his reaction to finding Avery and Zellie alone together). Of course, Zellie wouldn’t stand for this and found a way of communicating with Avery despite the restrictions her dad had set out. I really liked reading the notes they wrote each other and thought the teen voice came across really clearly.

In conclusion, Glimmer was a great sequel to Glimpse and I really enjoyed finding out more about the world of Retroacts (especially concerning what happened to the male ones). I’d recommend the Zellie Wells series to anyone who enjoys a mixture of paranormal, comedy and romance and I look forward to reading the next book in the series!

[Sarah Elizabeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

(Source: I received a digital copy of this book as a gift.)
This is book 2 in the ‘Zellie Wells’ series, and kicks off where book 1 ‘Glimpse’ left off.
**Warning – some unavoidable spoilers for book 1 ‘Glimpse’.**
Zellie and Avery are now happy, although that’s short lived as soon as her father starts imposing restrictions on them – the biggest being that they’re not allowed to be together until they can prove it won’t kill Avery, and that they’re not allowed to have sex until they’re married.

Avery has got more than her father to deal with though, with her mother shacking up with a ghost in a cabin in the woods, and several benevolent forces all seemingly wanting her dead.
Can Zellie and Avery find a way to be together? Will Avery end up dead? And who will get to Zellie first?


This was an okay second book in the series, but the storyline did confuse me in places.

Zellie was much the same as she was in the first book. I totally got why she was ready to have sex with Avery though, and how annoyed she was that her father stopped her! I thought it was quite unfair of the limitations her father imposed on her, but then she already knew what his thoughts were on sex before marriage, and there was also the obvious risk of Avery dying!

The storyline in this was okay up to a point, but as soon as Zellie’s grandma turned up in a very different form than she had before, and started talking to the sort-of bad guy, and trying to talk him into protecting Zellie, I had no clue what was happening. The story got so convoluted and confused that I really didn’t know who was batting for which team, and really didn’t get what was supposed to be happening.

Other than this I did like the drama of the story, and I liked how Zellie finally found her loop-hole into being with Avery. I did think that the story was pretty far-fetched in places though, and I did wonder what else Zellie would be able to do as she seemed to be gaining super-powers ridiculously quickly.

The ending of this one was fairly happy though, and I hope that Zellie and Avery will be able to be happy in the final book of the series!
Overall; okay YA paranormal story, but a little hard to believe in places.
5 out of 10.

[Mundie Moms & Mundie Kids · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5-3 stars

Glimmer is the sequel to Stacey's debut book, Glimpse, which I found to be a quick read. I liked seeing how the characters grew from when we first met them to now. I think the characters will be relatable to readers as they aren't perfect and each of them have their flaws. I really liked the roles the parents play in the story, as they they make decisions best on what they feel is the best out come for their kids. I liked that they aren't absent in the story and are there looking out and protecting their kids, even if their kids don't agree with their rules. I liked that Zellie and Avery's relationship continues to grow, as the odds are stacked against them, but they are determined to make it work.

I didn't like the story as much as I wanted to, and what hindered my ability to enjoy it as much was the strong sexual content in the story. It took away from feeling like a YA book for me. I personally didn't enjoy all the sexual references and hearing about other character's fooling around. I felt that the story could have been built up more with out a lot of that.

I enjoyed the plot and Stacey's world building, as her unique paranormal spin she has in this series is one I've read in other books before. I liked seeing more of her secondary characters, and what different character motives are. This book may not be suitable for everyone as there is a lot of sexual references in this book, including two scenes and strong language. I would recommend this to older teens and adults readers who are looking for a cross over read from YA to adult.

[Taddy · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you've seen my review for Glimpse the first of the Zellie Wells trilogy. It sums up how I feel about this series.

I absolutely adore the world Stacey Wallace Benefiel has created. These characters are so new, fresh and unlike any others out there in YA supernatural/paranormal literature right now. I also love that Dtacey throws in a LGBT relationship right in the mix, and it is normal is as normal goes. Because love is love when it come right now to it at its very base human emotion. We love who we love.

There is lots of romance in this series, for those of you who want some romance/love thrown in with all the supernatural/paranormal craziness. But since this romance, no actually, I will say the LOVE is essential in these books, without saying anything more as to spoil it. These ate not your average YA romance books.

These books have love, real love in them. It's beautifully written. Dtacey understands how love can transcend and overcome the biggest roadblocks, and still find a way.

I know this review has been wishy washy and vague, but I really do not want to give away any of the fantatsic journey that you go on, starting with the firsts book, and once you get on the journey you want to see it through to the end....

Do yourself a favour, after finishing this book, just go the next book, you won't be sorry.

[Cindy C Bennett · Rating 4 out of 5]

I adored Glimpse (the first book in the series) because it's a pretty unique concept, and I had a great time on Zellie's journey. I gave the newest addition, Glimmer, 4 stars, though I would have given it four-and-a-half if possible.

Glimmer is a really good book, though it isn't quite as compelling as the first. Benjamin plays a much bigger role in this book and, SPOILER ALERT: while I had hoped for a love triangle, Benjamin isn't really likeable enough to want to see him with Zellie, let alone with anyone else. By the end of the book, I had revised my opinion of his likeability factor somewhat, but still not enough to hope for him and Zellie to be together.

I'm also of the opinion that if you are going to claim a book to be of the YA genre, you need to keep in mind that your readers are impressionable teens. Not that you need to keep your characters chaste, since teen promiscuity is not exactly a secret, but keep the explicit sex scenes out. An overview of what they're doing is more than enough for any teen to read about. And the sex scenes were more than I'd want my teens to read.

Overall, a great book for adults. Not so sure if I'd recommend it to anyone under the age of 18.

[Serena · Rating 4 out of 5]

Plot: About halfway through this book, I was a bit weary. I didn’t like the direction it was going with the introduction of the new retroacts. However, it all worked out. I loved the coming together of the two sides (even though one side had no clue there even was another side to fight against), although it seemed a little strange how quickly Christopher’s loyalty switched.

Characters: LOVE AVERY. ohmuhgosh. He’s wonderful. His devotion to Zellie makes me swoon (after the whole thing about his father is figured out). Zellie is just as devoted to Avery and together they make me very happy. The introduction of Benjamin in this book is also a welcome addition. His snarkiness and arrogance is somehow lovable.

Other Stuffs: “Ghost baby daddy” is one of the funniest things I’ve ever heard. It made me giggle every single time. SPOILER ALERT - I wanna say kudos to Miss Stacey Wallace Benefiel for one of the best sex scenes in YA type novel. I thought it was SUPER well done.

Thanks again to the author for providing me with a copy for review =D

-S

Please visit my book review blog at http://pensivebookeaters.blogspot.com and follow us =D thanks

[Keri · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just need to say that I've never been interested in reading books on my computer before Stacey Wallace Benefiel. I borrowed Glimpse from a friend and loved it so much that when Glimmer came out I needed to read it regardless of it's format, and I'm glad I did. I love books that make me stay up passed my bedtime and this was most definitely one of them. Zellie is seriously one of my favorite characters, like ever. The language used in this book is perfect, I can really imagine the teenage conversations. "Please let my gaydar be on the fritz", I think I've said that or a variation of that phrase hundreds of times. Another thing I like about this series are the covers. I love love love the artwork. So now I'm waiting for the next installment... Really excited. Oh, another thing, if you haven't read Day of Sacrifice you should probably get on that. I think Stacey Wallace Benefiel is a fantastic writer and if you agree you should read her other stuff too. :)

[Jessica Subject · Rating 5 out of 5]

Glimmer is everything a sequel should be. Ms. Benefiel brings back characters from Glimpse and continues to show their growth, while introducing new characters. She also begins the story in the middle of the action without the lengthy recap of what happened in the last book. Unlike other sequels, I did not find Glimmer to be predictable. It contains different, more intense situations than Glimpse and the twists and turns kept me glued to my Kobo for two days. I felt the emotional intensity throughout the book and Ms. Benefiel had me crying in the last chapters. With an amazing yet honest ending, I finished the book very satisfied, yet full of questions which I hope will be answered in the next book Glow.

[Jess · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoyed Glimpse so I jumped on the chance to read Glimmer.
It was a pretty fun and quick read. If you liked the first one you should like this one, as well.
I want to put more, but there is just sooo much going on in this story that I'm afraid I'll spoil something for someone. So you'll just have to take my word that it is good.


*WARNING*- There is quite a bit of language in this book. And strong sexual content. I would not suggest it for younger readers. Definitely more for the older end of the Young Adult spectrum.

My rating would be 3 1/2, mainly because of the sexual content in it. But the rest of the story is really good and sets up for the next one nicely.

[VLynch · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have to admit, as soon as I finished Glimpse (the prequel) I downloaded this book and started it immediately. I was happy to see there was just a few pages to update anyone who had not read the prequel and then the story moved quickly on. And the pace never slowed down, adding new characters and more twists and turns. I really enjoyed this series, the characters were all well developed and all had their own contributions to the story. While this is technically a Young Adult story, I am a 40+ Mom and I have to admit, there is plenty adult storyline to keep adults interested. I highly recommend this series.

[Laura's Book Addiction · Rating 5 out of 5]

didn't think this series could get any better but i was totaly wrong glimmer is awesome. i love living in zellie's world! the story line sucked me in within the first few pages everything i thought about this book before i read it did not do it justice where stacey took this story was a step up from the first book and can't wait to read the 3rd book to find out what happens in zellie's story and i thought i could not love ben more but after reading glimmer i totaly do he is fast becoming my favorite in the book after zellie! this series is a must for any YA fan =)

[Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoy this series. For a YA book the characters and dialog are surprisingly down to earth and normal. Thank You Stacey!!! Love Zellie and Avery as they continue their way through this second book and her adventures of being a retroact. Loved the first book- Glimpse and was anxiously waiting for this one. Looking forward to book 3 - Glow. This paranormal story is a nice departure from typically written YA books. Easily read in one day. Very fun read.

[Claudia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very quick read, but I was not dissapointed when it came down to the story. Glimmer was everything a sequel should be, down to the further development of characters. I can't wait to read Glow!

[Dianne · Rating 4 out of 5]

The teens in this book are VERY realistic and believable, from their actions to their language to their thoughts! I actually laughed several times at some of the things that were said. Good concept on this paranormal twist, but a little scary.

[Tabitha · Rating 4 out of 5]

I got it yesterday and finished today, I loved it!! I think I even liked it more than the first. Can't wait for the third!! Thanks for the Great Reads!!!

[Meagen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great sequel to Glimpse.....I love the premise and the characters. Very different in terms of the usual paranormal YA books out there. I love her fresh voice!

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book! It was a fun read and I found myself laughing out loud more than once! Can't wait to read the next one!

[Charl82 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Picked up speed and answered some questions, long wait for the next one!

[Irene Cruz · Rating 4 out of 5]

So much better than the first one!! The conflict really pics up with this book, while the first book was basically just an introduction to the characters and the universe where this story is set.

[Valerie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this book through a Goodreads giveaway. For a self-published book it wasn't actually that bad.

For the first half of the novel I was so focused on all the imperfections that I was unable to enjoy the story. All I could think about was how awkward the sentences seemed, how there was barely any descriptions or details of the people and places, how it was written in first person but might as well have been third since there were very few thoughts/emotions from Zellie, and how there never seemed to be enough adjectives. Also, the numbers were in numeral form instead of written out, the transitions from scene to scene didn't always work, the way the teens talked didn't seem that natural (FYI, I'm a teen, myself.), and there were mistakes in the grammer especially with the commas. To top it off I was confused about many things during the course of the book, partly because they were not explained enough (or at all), and partly because there simply didn't seem to be enough details supplied. I have to admit the above might have also been partly my fault because I didn't read the first book, but it wasn't for lack of trying. Neither my city's library or the bookstore had Glimpse and I didn't want to order it online.

Now, for the good points. For the second half of the novel I was actually able to forget about the mistakes and instead focus on the story. This book had really great ideas and a fairly good plot, they just needed to be a bit more developed. I also liked the characters, including all the ghosts. The ending was pretty good, being one of my favorite part of the book.

I think the author is a pretty good writer, but I felt like this book needed a lot more work before it got published. This book seemed more like a first or second draft than the finished product. While reading this book I was reminded of my own writing which I've been told is fairly good but I know definitely needs to be worked on. This book would have been much better if it had been published instead by a plublishing company instead of being self-published and had been worked on by editors.

All in all, I'm glad I read this book for my own benefit because I aspire to be an author, myself one day. Also, Mrs. Benefiel does have talent in writing, but still needs to have her writing more developed and edited. A lot of the "imperfections" could have been changed and been made better under the guidance of a professional book editor.

[Kylee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Originally from http://babblingofabookaholic.blogspot...



Totally sighing right now, I just adore this series. This sequel was such an amazing installment in this series! I dread sequels that are used to just fill the space between the beginning and end of a story. We were given more information in this book and there are some crazy twists that go on in this book. I thought I knew what was going on and what was going to happen but I had no clue. This book was a huge shocker for me! It was full of action which I love, I don't like books that don't have some sort of craziness going on! This was a great book also because we get to see Zellie and Avery's relationship strengthen through hard times, they stick together in this book even though people try to force them apart. It's really admirable to see them not give up like Zellie's mom did.

If you haven't read the first book you have no clue who Ben is but if you have guess what?! We get to learn about him and his past!! He is an awesome character, I absolutely adore Ben. It might sound crazy because of what happened between him and Zellie in the first book but once you read Glimmer you'll understand. We're also introduced to a psychotic character who has some crazy plans swirling around in his head, he had a small part in the beginning of the book. I will not give any names away but once you find out you'll probably be shocked, I was. This book just makes the story of the seers, retroacts, and the society so much better! If you enjoyed Glimpse you'll definitely enjoy this book more, it was just amazing. I would recommend it to anyone who like paranormal reads, young adult books, or paranormal romance books.