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Existing (2014)

by Beckie Stevenson(Favorite Author)

4.09 of 5 Votes: 5

ISBN

1492112879 (ISBN13: 9781492112877)

languge

English

genre

Romance

publisher

Createspace

series

Existing

review 1: I don't know that this book really should be a five star, but I enjoyed the eff out of it so to me, it's a five star. Writing was better than decent, characters were felt, length was perfect for me as was pacing and the storyline took a turn that I had a clue about but it didn't go the way I thought it would. Despite the length, I was never bored with this book and couldn't believe that the second book wasn't out yet. Shoulda checked cause now I've got another series to keep track of. Sheesh.Quick Rundown: Hard to do without spoilers but let's just say that this starts off as being a story about another loser girl who fits in NOWHERE. She sees ghosts (or at least one particular faceless ghost) and had bad boo boo's on her arm. Doe she really see ghosts? Did the gho... morest tell her to do this to herself? Is she mental? Imaginary friend? Self inflected abuse? We don't know for a while but then all the answers come out after a move to the North East. Chick suddenly finds herself with friends at this new school but having friends means her secret will come out. And it does along with a shit storm of other secrets as well.Characterization: Chick started off being a stereotype but she surprises us after her family makes this move. She stops trying to hide all the time. The impulse is there but she's making an effort to balance a "normal" teen life with the fact that no one can ever come to her home (where the secrets could be known). She juggles this pretty well considering how hard the task is for her and I felt strength in this character for that. I could see how one could be frustrated with how she handles the secret but I understand why she does it. The author doesn't just tell us why she hides it, she shows us and I don't find much of that in indie authors/cheaper books. Dude has his issues too but they come as a complete surprise and shape him into more of a full fledged character. And once he learns her secret, he handles things like any teenager would. It was completely realistic- he's a teenager, not superman.I have a lot to say for how the younger sister (6-7 or so years old) was written. This is the first time out of 500 books that I've read where the dialogue for this age was completely spot on by the author. I've read tons of books with authors that have children yet their 7 year old characters speak like 4 year old's. And being childless (thank goodness) myself, that says something (though I have a hoard of nephews and nieces). I almost wanted to hear more from this little girl because she was written so well. Major kudo's to the author for this.Secondary characters were enough and did their part. Super pissed at the Dad but I also understand his blindness as to what was going on in his own home. My own Dad is super naive when it comes to the deviousness (or evilness) that women are capable of. Sometimes people just want to assume that everything is okay and live in their bubble of delusion but once shit really hits the fan, they act on it and work to fix it. So, I felt he was spot on as well- not every Dad is superman, either. All the characters were just so well written.Plot: I pretty much covered this in my rundown but while there were some fantastical elements to the novel (paranormal), I ate it up, hook line and sinker. This book is not about the romance though there is that element within it. This book is about the girl and I was so proud of her at the end. she did was she felt was right for her family but when it became too much, she tried to take control and the outcome was riveting. The ending was great except for one minor detail. Literally, the last sentence written was part of a dialogue and as I turned the page, I was expecting a few more sentences and they weren't there. The cut-off was a little odd for me but it didn't destroy the ending which wasn't quite a cliffhanger but definitely made me want to stalk this author's page for when the second book will come out.Overall: One of the best books I've read all year (and I read about 2 a day) and probably the best YA book I've read all year. Can't recommend it enough!!! Also, it's on Kindle Unlimited so free read for me though knowing how great it was, I would have paid for it.
review 2: 4.25 Stars!!!ARC given to me by the author for an honest review. The first half of the book was a little too young adult juvenile for me, but the last 25% was outstanding!!! Great sex scene and heart pounding suspense. I'm hooked now and ready for the next book. The "teaser" from the second book that is printed at the end of the first book is awesome and makes me want it NOW!!!I'll post a more detailed review on the release date. less

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