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Devoured #1
Devour
Clara has it all. A wrestling star boyfriend, popular friends, all the right school activities...pretty much a perfect life...up until her parents died. Now she lives with the Pastor and his family and though they take good care of her, she feels alone. Then her boyfriend, Tate, starts to show signs of trouble when a new guy, Eli, comes to town. Clara is fascinated with him but hides it until something happens. Eli confesses to her that she gives him something he's never had before...something he needs. Everything is about to change for this normal pretty popular girl in a supernatural way.
273 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 28, 2011
320 people are currently reading
7032 people want to read
About the author
Shelly Crane
36 books5,829 followersShelly is a NEW YORK TIMES & USA TODAY bestselling author from a small town and loves everything about the south. She hoards paperbacks, devours sweet tea, searches year-round for candy corn, loves to site-see in the new areas they travel to with her husband's job, and adores reading but doesn’t have much time to these days with all the characters filling her head begging to come out.
Her own books happen by accident and she revels in the writing and imagination process. She doesn't go anywhere without her notepad for fear of an idea creeping up and not being able to write it down immediately, even in the middle of the night, where her best ideas are born.
Her own books happen by accident and she revels in the writing and imagination process. She doesn't go anywhere without her notepad for fear of an idea creeping up and not being able to write it down immediately, even in the middle of the night, where her best ideas are born.
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October 23, 2011I'm really loving this book because it was the first book I've written while the characters were still in high school. It was interesting and fun writing a story in the halls of a place I despised and even though it may not be like the rest of the books I've written, it still carries the same flow and romance as the others. I'm a sucker for true love and that will always be a main theme of my books. That being said, Eli and Clara face challenges that my other characters didn't have to face. There's more danger and action in this book I think.
I love Eli, he's the epitomy of changing your life and begging for redemption. Clara is a fine example of pasting on a bright smile when you feel like there's nothing to smile about. But then they meet and.....I can't say but I'm loving it! :)
I encourage you to read this book if you are a fan of true love, forgiveness, weathering the storm and fighting for the ones you love. If you read my other books this one will definately be right up your alley.
Thank you readers! You rock!
Best Wishes and Happy Endings,
Shelly Crane
I love Eli, he's the epitomy of changing your life and begging for redemption. Clara is a fine example of pasting on a bright smile when you feel like there's nothing to smile about. But then they meet and.....I can't say but I'm loving it! :)
I encourage you to read this book if you are a fan of true love, forgiveness, weathering the storm and fighting for the ones you love. If you read my other books this one will definately be right up your alley.
Thank you readers! You rock!
Best Wishes and Happy Endings,
Shelly Crane
November 15, 2012
I'm seeing a pattern here with Shelly Crane that is really making me not want to pick up her books: she moves things too fast. In terms of developing relationships, that is.
Instead of the relationships she's creating and weaving making me warm and fuzzy, they make me weary and do some eye-rolls.
In Significance, the two main characters are hyperventilating whenever they're separated, mere days after they meet. Sure, it's meant to be a paranormal book, but the believability of that relationship failed.
Now in Devour, there's a girl (Clara) with a boyfriend (Tate) who meets a new guy (Eli), and bam! Instant attraction. Soon after, Eli's getting turned on by Clara (or some weird shit like that) while on his feet whenever she's around, and he's always staring at her etc etc
Clara's boyfriend Tate is an INSANELY jealous guy who can pummel any guy who dares even talk to Clara. The first time he meets Eli, he's aggressive, ready for a fight, and as much as I applaud jealous guys, Tate came off like a possessive freak. That kind of intensity is just silly to me.
I've tried to click with these three people but everything is so badly written and unconvincing that I'm giving up on Devour. It's just not piqued my curiosity.
I completely gave up during that scene in the diner between the clique of friends after the wrestling match. They're making fun of one of their schoolmates for being Goth, and other than the meanness factor, the dialogue and the idiocy in all of them got on my nerves. You'd think that Clara would be strong enough to speak up but she just sits there like a dummy.
And shortly before all this, Clara and Tate are having their own R-rated version of a make-out session in the middle of the goddamn diner; I was wondering whether somewhere between the lines the scene had shifted to someone's bedroom.
"I completely opened myself up to it and tried to feel every sensation it gave me. I wanted to be full of Tate, my boyfriend."
What the heck was that?
Devour is just badly written, with spelling mistakes here and there (we'll instead of well). The book would probably work well for a fan fiction story, but for an original novel, it's a little too cheesy.
Instead of the relationships she's creating and weaving making me warm and fuzzy, they make me weary and do some eye-rolls.
In Significance, the two main characters are hyperventilating whenever they're separated, mere days after they meet. Sure, it's meant to be a paranormal book, but the believability of that relationship failed.
Now in Devour, there's a girl (Clara) with a boyfriend (Tate) who meets a new guy (Eli), and bam! Instant attraction. Soon after, Eli's getting turned on by Clara (or some weird shit like that) while on his feet whenever she's around, and he's always staring at her etc etc
Clara's boyfriend Tate is an INSANELY jealous guy who can pummel any guy who dares even talk to Clara. The first time he meets Eli, he's aggressive, ready for a fight, and as much as I applaud jealous guys, Tate came off like a possessive freak. That kind of intensity is just silly to me.
I've tried to click with these three people but everything is so badly written and unconvincing that I'm giving up on Devour. It's just not piqued my curiosity.
I completely gave up during that scene in the diner between the clique of friends after the wrestling match. They're making fun of one of their schoolmates for being Goth, and other than the meanness factor, the dialogue and the idiocy in all of them got on my nerves. You'd think that Clara would be strong enough to speak up but she just sits there like a dummy.
And shortly before all this, Clara and Tate are having their own R-rated version of a make-out session in the middle of the goddamn diner; I was wondering whether somewhere between the lines the scene had shifted to someone's bedroom.
"I completely opened myself up to it and tried to feel every sensation it gave me. I wanted to be full of Tate, my boyfriend."
What the heck was that?
Devour is just badly written, with spelling mistakes here and there (we'll instead of well). The book would probably work well for a fan fiction story, but for an original novel, it's a little too cheesy.
November 2, 2011
Warning: This book will devour you!
My Rating: 10 of 10!
My Cover Thoughts: I love the cover! Shelly has done it again with an amazing cover! It is of a girl and a guy just lying in the grass just staring up into the sky looking at something. They are looking at something that makes them happy because they are smiling.
My Thoughts/Review: Shelly Crane has done it again. This series will have you on the edge of your seat. She sets the background in a world where hurt and devastation is all around. People will have to make choices and stand by the decision they make. Some people will gain friends and others will lose friends. Love is always there but is it real or fake?
Would you be able to stand against your friends? Would you stand up for someone you never hung out with? Would you hurt someone’s feelings just because everyone else did? Standing up to the school bullies is never easy enough but will you be devoured or will you be doing the devouring?
What happens when Clara falls for Eli? Will she love him or will he love her? Is he right for her or wrong for her? Will they be together? Clara already has a boyfriend she loves but will he be enough. Read on to find out what happens and see if you too will be devoured?
Memorable Quotes: ―I‘ve been called a tease before, I muttered thinking about Tate and then regretting it.
―You are not a tease. I asked for it didn‘t I? I won‘t get the wrong idea, I‘m glad to spend any time with you I can get. Sometimes...a kiss is just that.
I pulled him back to me and let him ravish my mouth furiously, turning in my seat to reach him better. His breaths were huffing like we were running a marathon and he groaned several times as my skin heated and he absorbed the want I felt for him and my happiness at the situation for the moment. It was odd to think that I was essentially feeding him what he needed to survive. When I ran my hand through his hair his grip tightened on me and he pulled me closer and I let him kiss me deeper.
I let him devour me.
Advice: Devour this book before it Devours You!
My Rating: 10 of 10!
My Cover Thoughts: I love the cover! Shelly has done it again with an amazing cover! It is of a girl and a guy just lying in the grass just staring up into the sky looking at something. They are looking at something that makes them happy because they are smiling.
My Thoughts/Review: Shelly Crane has done it again. This series will have you on the edge of your seat. She sets the background in a world where hurt and devastation is all around. People will have to make choices and stand by the decision they make. Some people will gain friends and others will lose friends. Love is always there but is it real or fake?
Would you be able to stand against your friends? Would you stand up for someone you never hung out with? Would you hurt someone’s feelings just because everyone else did? Standing up to the school bullies is never easy enough but will you be devoured or will you be doing the devouring?
What happens when Clara falls for Eli? Will she love him or will he love her? Is he right for her or wrong for her? Will they be together? Clara already has a boyfriend she loves but will he be enough. Read on to find out what happens and see if you too will be devoured?
Memorable Quotes: ―I‘ve been called a tease before, I muttered thinking about Tate and then regretting it.
―You are not a tease. I asked for it didn‘t I? I won‘t get the wrong idea, I‘m glad to spend any time with you I can get. Sometimes...a kiss is just that.
I pulled him back to me and let him ravish my mouth furiously, turning in my seat to reach him better. His breaths were huffing like we were running a marathon and he groaned several times as my skin heated and he absorbed the want I felt for him and my happiness at the situation for the moment. It was odd to think that I was essentially feeding him what he needed to survive. When I ran my hand through his hair his grip tightened on me and he pulled me closer and I let him kiss me deeper.
I let him devour me.
Advice: Devour this book before it Devours You!
December 7, 2011
Ummm...It was ok. Very predictable, extremely cheesy. A lot of the dialogue was unbelievable and had me rolling my eyes constantly. I will admit that some of the story was able to hold my attention, but all in all I was just happy to finally be done with it.
January 9, 2012
Shelly Crane has managed to do this yet again ! Make me read with a smile ( Different kinds - smug , sly , shy , grin etc ) on my face irrespective of what i'm reading . I'm stunned by the abilities she possesses . Love the lady a lot ! Devour is a very unique story , with unique kind of beings . Nice change from the usualness of what we read all the time . Clara has it all , a popular boyfriend , lot of friends but she still feels likes there's a void in her life . Enters Eli . A guy who makes Clara feel different from what she feels from all those around her . Who is Eli ? What does he want from Clara ? Why does he seem mysterious ? What will happen when Eli's secrets come face to face with Clara ?
The cover of this book is simply gorgeous ! Simple , but it makes blush just a teeny weeny bit !
I loved the plot of this book . Shelly Crane introduces us to a whole new world of creatures that we have probably never heard of . As always her writing is absolutely flawless , she's just the best . Clara and Eli were soooo good !! I loved their chemistry , especially when they met in the Reverie !! Eli was definitely swoon worthy , and his tongue ring * oooooh sweet mama * , thats a definite turn on !! On the whole , a very exciting read . I cant wait to read Consume , the second book in this series !! Gooooooooo Shelly ! :)
I recommend this book to everyone who loves paranormal romances . This one will not disappoint you at all !
The cover of this book is simply gorgeous ! Simple , but it makes blush just a teeny weeny bit !
I loved the plot of this book . Shelly Crane introduces us to a whole new world of creatures that we have probably never heard of . As always her writing is absolutely flawless , she's just the best . Clara and Eli were soooo good !! I loved their chemistry , especially when they met in the Reverie !! Eli was definitely swoon worthy , and his tongue ring * oooooh sweet mama * , thats a definite turn on !! On the whole , a very exciting read . I cant wait to read Consume , the second book in this series !! Gooooooooo Shelly ! :)
I recommend this book to everyone who loves paranormal romances . This one will not disappoint you at all !
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May 25, 2016Dnf from page 6
I know books that aren't worth my time when I see one and this showed up early. No. Just no. As soon as it starts there is insta love, something in which I despise so so much. Girl has a boyfriend but the moment she sees the new guy she is in love. I just can't and I won't even try.
I know books that aren't worth my time when I see one and this showed up early. No. Just no. As soon as it starts there is insta love, something in which I despise so so much. Girl has a boyfriend but the moment she sees the new guy she is in love. I just can't and I won't even try.
November 25, 2011
Let me tell you how i devoured DEVOUR today...
I was on my way to my boyfriend's house so i took a bus and i started reading it. Got down from the bus and rode the train and still, i was reading. Finally at my boyfriend's house and oh boy i was still reading in between conversations and lunch. Boyfriend had to go to a motorbike repair shop and i decided to accompany him there only to find my self sitting down the customer's lounge reading Devour. I was so engrossed that i didn't even noticed it was already 2 hours that i had been sitting there reading the book. When it was time to go home, i was finally near the end of the book. Again, found my self reading at the train and as i was standing inside the bus.. yes, I WAS READING DEVOUR WHILE STANDING INSIDE THE BUS.. and yet I managed finishing the book while everyone was bumping me from side to side. That is what happened today, awesome!
Now, i have to explain why i went through all the trouble just to finish the book. To me, IT WAS JUST THAT GOOD!
I always enjoy a young adult novel wherein the heroine stands up for herself. In Devour, Clara made it to my top heroine picks even though she doesn't have any powers at all. I love her because even if her whole world have certainly changed because of the death of her parents, she didn't let it become such a downer in her life. I also loved her character because she finally ditched her idiotic bitchy group of friends. One of my beloved scenes is the scene wherein she faced Dee. Mygosh, that scene is one of the scenes i wish i would've done in high school. Finally, i love Clara because she has her own virtues and manages to keep it all in tact in spite of the things that happened to her.
Okaaay.. enough about Clara and more about Eli.. hmm, Eli for me is a typical hero with a not so typical role. Errrm.. he's kinda evil yet he's not. Hmm.. how do i explain. Okay, the nearest one i can compare is Edward of Twilight who also thinks he's all evil because he's a vamp (please don't shoot me for comparing him to Edward, i like both of their characters). Eli's kind feeds of people's negative emotions yet he's drawn to Clara's positive ones. Personally, i love it that Clara bound him to her unintentionally (although not explained in the book how she managed to do this) so that he doesn't need other people's emotions to feed on. It sounds kinda creepy when i say it like that but trust me, it's all good in the book.. i just can't seem to explain it here properly. What i love about Eli is that he's drawn to Clara but not entirely addicted to her. He's not the possessive type, he's the protective one. He's just really good for and with Clara. I love it that he's somewhat the reason why Clara decided to stand up for what is right. And lastly, i love it because he is really trying to be good even though his nature is to be evil.
I think there was i time wherein i felt bad for Tate but one thing led to another and i sort of just didn't care for his character at all. I like Patrick and Sarah.. i hope i see more interaction between both of them on the next book.
All in all.. Devour is AMAZING and i love it! i think the story is quite unique and has so many possibilities. I would definitely love to read the next one. =)
perfect 5! ^_^
I was on my way to my boyfriend's house so i took a bus and i started reading it. Got down from the bus and rode the train and still, i was reading. Finally at my boyfriend's house and oh boy i was still reading in between conversations and lunch. Boyfriend had to go to a motorbike repair shop and i decided to accompany him there only to find my self sitting down the customer's lounge reading Devour. I was so engrossed that i didn't even noticed it was already 2 hours that i had been sitting there reading the book. When it was time to go home, i was finally near the end of the book. Again, found my self reading at the train and as i was standing inside the bus.. yes, I WAS READING DEVOUR WHILE STANDING INSIDE THE BUS.. and yet I managed finishing the book while everyone was bumping me from side to side. That is what happened today, awesome!
Now, i have to explain why i went through all the trouble just to finish the book. To me, IT WAS JUST THAT GOOD!
I always enjoy a young adult novel wherein the heroine stands up for herself. In Devour, Clara made it to my top heroine picks even though she doesn't have any powers at all. I love her because even if her whole world have certainly changed because of the death of her parents, she didn't let it become such a downer in her life. I also loved her character because she finally ditched her idiotic bitchy group of friends. One of my beloved scenes is the scene wherein she faced Dee. Mygosh, that scene is one of the scenes i wish i would've done in high school. Finally, i love Clara because she has her own virtues and manages to keep it all in tact in spite of the things that happened to her.
Okaaay.. enough about Clara and more about Eli.. hmm, Eli for me is a typical hero with a not so typical role. Errrm.. he's kinda evil yet he's not. Hmm.. how do i explain. Okay, the nearest one i can compare is Edward of Twilight who also thinks he's all evil because he's a vamp (please don't shoot me for comparing him to Edward, i like both of their characters). Eli's kind feeds of people's negative emotions yet he's drawn to Clara's positive ones. Personally, i love it that Clara bound him to her unintentionally (although not explained in the book how she managed to do this) so that he doesn't need other people's emotions to feed on. It sounds kinda creepy when i say it like that but trust me, it's all good in the book.. i just can't seem to explain it here properly. What i love about Eli is that he's drawn to Clara but not entirely addicted to her. He's not the possessive type, he's the protective one. He's just really good for and with Clara. I love it that he's somewhat the reason why Clara decided to stand up for what is right. And lastly, i love it because he is really trying to be good even though his nature is to be evil.
I think there was i time wherein i felt bad for Tate but one thing led to another and i sort of just didn't care for his character at all. I like Patrick and Sarah.. i hope i see more interaction between both of them on the next book.
All in all.. Devour is AMAZING and i love it! i think the story is quite unique and has so many possibilities. I would definitely love to read the next one. =)
perfect 5! ^_^
January 24, 2012
Shelly Crane amazes me! Honestly, as an author she definitely knows how to hit the right spots and writes another fantastic novel. Her other series Significance I thought, was completely unique but Devour seriously smashes Significance out of the water for its uniqueness.
Devour follows the life of Clara, a young girl who is living with a foster home after her parents are murdered. Clara attends the local high school where she sits with the popular crowd and has a popular boyfriend, who is a star wrestler and even though Clara is surrounded by people, she’s not really happy and mostly she feels alone. When new boy Eli starts her school, she feels an undeniable attraction to him and suddenly she’s thrown into Eli’s world…..one that is very dangerous and Clara seems to be right in the middle of it.
If you didn’t already guess, I loved this book. There is actually nothing to dislike about it because it’s pure awesomeness and the story line is thrilling, loving and fresh and once again UNIQUE! I’ve never read anything like it. I don’t want to tell you too much about the story because I don't want to ruin the surprise but the mystery surrounding Eli and what he really is, really leaves you guessing. I even got to one point of the book and thought “What the hell is he?” but I was completely blown away when I found out and it truly makes me think “why hasn’t this book been picked up by a publisher?” It is seriously awesome.
One of the key points of this book were the characters and I adored all of them. Even the bad guys, there’s just something about them that you like. Clara and Eli, were a fantastic couple and even with all their obstacles they overcome so much. They are bound to one other that is really touching and loving and it that makes it slightly magical. It was a real joy to read about and I want more. Now Enoch; Eli’s brother, really reminded me of Damon from The Vampire Diaries with his snarky comments and bad boy attitude. I really enjoyed him as a character and I can not wait to see more from him.
Overall, Shelly Crane has blown me away yet again and I can not wait to dive in another one of her books. Devour is a must read!
Thank you to the author for providing me with a copy of this book for review.
Devour follows the life of Clara, a young girl who is living with a foster home after her parents are murdered. Clara attends the local high school where she sits with the popular crowd and has a popular boyfriend, who is a star wrestler and even though Clara is surrounded by people, she’s not really happy and mostly she feels alone. When new boy Eli starts her school, she feels an undeniable attraction to him and suddenly she’s thrown into Eli’s world…..one that is very dangerous and Clara seems to be right in the middle of it.
If you didn’t already guess, I loved this book. There is actually nothing to dislike about it because it’s pure awesomeness and the story line is thrilling, loving and fresh and once again UNIQUE! I’ve never read anything like it. I don’t want to tell you too much about the story because I don't want to ruin the surprise but the mystery surrounding Eli and what he really is, really leaves you guessing. I even got to one point of the book and thought “What the hell is he?” but I was completely blown away when I found out and it truly makes me think “why hasn’t this book been picked up by a publisher?” It is seriously awesome.
One of the key points of this book were the characters and I adored all of them. Even the bad guys, there’s just something about them that you like. Clara and Eli, were a fantastic couple and even with all their obstacles they overcome so much. They are bound to one other that is really touching and loving and it that makes it slightly magical. It was a real joy to read about and I want more. Now Enoch; Eli’s brother, really reminded me of Damon from The Vampire Diaries with his snarky comments and bad boy attitude. I really enjoyed him as a character and I can not wait to see more from him.
Overall, Shelly Crane has blown me away yet again and I can not wait to dive in another one of her books. Devour is a must read!
Thank you to the author for providing me with a copy of this book for review.
December 4, 2013
Devour is the perfect title to this book because its just to amazing and unique to not devour it lol. I read the first half of this book in one night because I just couldn't put it down. The main character Clara has a pretty great life to everyone else except herself. Her parents are dead so she lives with the Pastor and his family. She has a boyfriend who is pretty obnoxious and friends who are downright mean to anyone they deem uncool. Clara puts up with all of this even though she doesn't like her friends, how they treat people, or how her boyfriend Tate treats her. Clara was a great character to read but I didn't like how she stood by all of them but I understand why she did it. Clara literally has nothing left because of her parent's deaths so she wants to hang on to something safe that she knows. A new guy, Eli, comes to town and immediately they are taken to each other but Clara tries not to. They have an instant connection that Clara doesn't find with anyone else, the one where you just have to know this new person because it's a gut feeling. Clara is actually really respectful because of her boyfriend and Eli is such a sweety and truly understands. Which just makes Clara fall more for him so of course bye bye Tate. Devour is such a great love story between Clara and Eli and it's not an insta love. These two get to know each other to the soul throughout the whole book. I said Eli was a sweety and oh yes he really was. Knew just what to say, when to say it, had all the right moves. I mean wow I totally fell in love with him and I don't know who wouldn't. Devour is also a very unique paranormal story with the whole supernatural part being something I have never read before and I definitely loved that very much. I won't get into much details because I don't want to spoil anything so I am just going to say Devour is a definite must read and I so can't wait til book 2.
December 2, 2016
Devour is absolutely amazing and unique book! Author tried to avoid most of those YA-paranormal clichés which accompany this genre these days and created one original story and I absolutely and totally loved it. Story was fast-paced and author never wasted time with over-describing things so I really enjoyed it. Even though there were times when style of writing seemed to be a little bit simple, story was so good that I did not mind at all and I was completely smitten with this book.
At the beginning, Eli, the new guy, was very mysterious. I could see that he was different and strange sometimes but I had no idea why or if he was a good or a bad guy. And when the supernatural stuff was revealed? OMG, I definitely did not expect something like that. It was such a fascinating thing to read about. Kudos to author for this unique idea.
And now to Clare. As a main heroine and narrator, I had hard time to like her at the beginning. She wasn't annoying or something like that. She just played the role and was a person that other poeple excpected her to be. She was not happy about such a life but had no intentions to change it at the beginning. She associated with terrible people (bullies and aggressors) and I just could not like her for that. BUT, as the story progressed, she changed and really grew on me. So overall, I have to admit that she was a likeable character and I respected her by the end of the book.
Devour is awesome book and I would recommend it to all lovers of paranormal stories!
At the beginning, Eli, the new guy, was very mysterious. I could see that he was different and strange sometimes but I had no idea why or if he was a good or a bad guy. And when the supernatural stuff was revealed? OMG, I definitely did not expect something like that. It was such a fascinating thing to read about. Kudos to author for this unique idea.
And now to Clare. As a main heroine and narrator, I had hard time to like her at the beginning. She wasn't annoying or something like that. She just played the role and was a person that other poeple excpected her to be. She was not happy about such a life but had no intentions to change it at the beginning. She associated with terrible people (bullies and aggressors) and I just could not like her for that. BUT, as the story progressed, she changed and really grew on me. So overall, I have to admit that she was a likeable character and I respected her by the end of the book.
Devour is awesome book and I would recommend it to all lovers of paranormal stories!
November 1, 2011
If you have read Significance, Accordance, Collide and Uprising, you know what an amazing writer Shelly Crane is. In Devour, she has branched out into a whole new paranormal venue and it is grand and refreshing. The characters and plot have great depth, and the emotions and sensations are vivid and magical. Of course, in true Shelly Crane fashion, the bond between the two romantic characters is filled with angst, longing and.....heat. This is not your typical YA paranormal romance. Shelly has introduced a plethora of previously unheard of elements that will make the reader gasp with joy. Read Devour for a roller coaster ride of emotions, troubles, longing and love. Sit back and get ready to be Devoured.
November 5, 2011
Shelly Crane, a brilliant author. Now that that is out of the way, lets talk about Devour, a book set around Clara, a high school senior who is living with/being raised by the town Pastor and his wife after her parents were tragically taken from her.
Clara seems to be an average student in a typical high school popular (see: mean) group. She is dating the star of the wrestling team and feeling pressure from him to do things she isn't ready for (sex!). Not to worry, in comes the dashing, yet odd, Eli with the purple eyes and the charming smile.
Of course with any good story this dashing character is cause for stress in terms of our leading lady and her Neanderthal-ish boyfriend. Which is good because you can't have a story about people in high school without some serious drama and catty goodness and this book does not fail to bring it full force.
The paranormal aspect of the book is what really made me happy, I love getting new interesting weirdies and the glorious Shelly Crane never fails to deliver in my book, or rather in hers.
I guess what I have tried to accomplish in my ramblings is that I love this book, I only read my first Shelly Crane book a week or so ago but since then I have been eager for more. I completely recommend this book for those of you that love YA Paranormal Romance.
Clara seems to be an average student in a typical high school popular (see: mean) group. She is dating the star of the wrestling team and feeling pressure from him to do things she isn't ready for (sex!). Not to worry, in comes the dashing, yet odd, Eli with the purple eyes and the charming smile.
Of course with any good story this dashing character is cause for stress in terms of our leading lady and her Neanderthal-ish boyfriend. Which is good because you can't have a story about people in high school without some serious drama and catty goodness and this book does not fail to bring it full force.
The paranormal aspect of the book is what really made me happy, I love getting new interesting weirdies and the glorious Shelly Crane never fails to deliver in my book, or rather in hers.
I guess what I have tried to accomplish in my ramblings is that I love this book, I only read my first Shelly Crane book a week or so ago but since then I have been eager for more. I completely recommend this book for those of you that love YA Paranormal Romance.
April 27, 2012
One question: Why Is Shelly Crane So Amazing?
She writes with such a flow of emotion and excruciating detail, but not so much it bores you. Her male characters are always astounding and the females are so sweet (When they're supposed to be *cough* Deidre.... }])
I have no idea where she gets these ideas! Drugs, trolls, B&B's, clouds and Eli! You think she's about to do something then she doesn't and something completely different happens.
While I was reading this, I went through a major adrenalin rush and I kinda wanted to ride the rollercoaster again! :D
Keep Writing and suprising us Shelly!
You have to devour this book before it devours you
She writes with such a flow of emotion and excruciating detail, but not so much it bores you. Her male characters are always astounding and the females are so sweet (When they're supposed to be *cough* Deidre.... }])
I have no idea where she gets these ideas! Drugs, trolls, B&B's, clouds and Eli! You think she's about to do something then she doesn't and something completely different happens.
While I was reading this, I went through a major adrenalin rush and I kinda wanted to ride the rollercoaster again! :D
Keep Writing and suprising us Shelly!
You have to devour this book before it devours you
December 4, 2019
I really enjoyed this book. Shelly did a great job with the characters. I'm looking forward to reading the 2nd book in this series. I am a sucker for a good romance and this was right up my ally!
July 19, 2014
Originally Posted Here: Readers Live A Thousand Lives_Devouor
After falling in love with the Significance Series, I had to read more Shelly Crane, so I moved on to Devour. This book did not let me down. It was just as sweet as Significance, but it was also much darker. The characters are a bit edgier and are not so innocent. It also touches on high school life and how cruel teenagers can really be. Please excuse the pun, but I have to say it: I devoured this book.
I really love how strong Crane makes her couples. There is no whiny break-up make-up nonsense. The couple is a team and handles the situation together. The author sums up my feelings on this with this quote: “‘I hate this part,’ I sighed in aggravation and jerked the sunglasses from my eyes, setting them atop my head into my hair. ‘What?’ he said in a voice that clearly didn’t understand where I could be leading things. ‘This is where the leading man tries to save the girl from herself. She is willing to give up everything for him and he, in his misguided attempt to save her, tells her he’s skipping for the hills and she has to beg him to stay and convince him that her love is real and that she is sound of mind.’” The paranormal twist to the relationship is quite intriguing. I don’t want to give it away, but it is pretty cool.
The characters in Devour are still in high school and Crane does a good job of showing that high school is not all fun and games for a lot of teens. Teenagers can be very mean. She also shows that sitting by and doing nothing while your friends bully someone is just as bad as doing the bullying yourself. High school doesn’t last forever and being on top in high school means nothing. Crane shows that you shouldn’t have to be cruel to be popular, and that being popular really isn’t everything. There are things that are much more important. Throughout the book, Eli helps Clara realize this.
Clara is a great lead, because she is relatable and believable. She hangs with the popular crowd, but doesn’t really know why or particularly like to do what they do. She feels bad when her friends are mean to others, but never has the courage to say anything about it. She has a boyfriend, but she only dates him because it is comfortable and not because she really likes him. She seems ordinary and flawed, and this makes her realistic. If she were perfect, she wouldn’t be nearly as likable as she is. I enjoyed seeing Clara grow into a much stronger person throughout this book.
Eli is also a great character to read about. He has the perfect bad boy persona combined with a good streak. He is what every girl wants. He is a bad boy without being a jerk. He is the a bad boy, that it is perfectly okay to date. However, he is not perfect. He has a lot of skeletons in his closet that do end up coming back to haunt him. Clara and Eli’s relationship is not going to be easy, but it just might be worth it.
Devour has become my new favorite Shelly Crane book. I just love how she can depict some very dark events and still make the book incredibly sweet. Anyone who is a fan of pararomance will devour this book.
After falling in love with the Significance Series, I had to read more Shelly Crane, so I moved on to Devour. This book did not let me down. It was just as sweet as Significance, but it was also much darker. The characters are a bit edgier and are not so innocent. It also touches on high school life and how cruel teenagers can really be. Please excuse the pun, but I have to say it: I devoured this book.
I really love how strong Crane makes her couples. There is no whiny break-up make-up nonsense. The couple is a team and handles the situation together. The author sums up my feelings on this with this quote: “‘I hate this part,’ I sighed in aggravation and jerked the sunglasses from my eyes, setting them atop my head into my hair. ‘What?’ he said in a voice that clearly didn’t understand where I could be leading things. ‘This is where the leading man tries to save the girl from herself. She is willing to give up everything for him and he, in his misguided attempt to save her, tells her he’s skipping for the hills and she has to beg him to stay and convince him that her love is real and that she is sound of mind.’” The paranormal twist to the relationship is quite intriguing. I don’t want to give it away, but it is pretty cool.
The characters in Devour are still in high school and Crane does a good job of showing that high school is not all fun and games for a lot of teens. Teenagers can be very mean. She also shows that sitting by and doing nothing while your friends bully someone is just as bad as doing the bullying yourself. High school doesn’t last forever and being on top in high school means nothing. Crane shows that you shouldn’t have to be cruel to be popular, and that being popular really isn’t everything. There are things that are much more important. Throughout the book, Eli helps Clara realize this.
Clara is a great lead, because she is relatable and believable. She hangs with the popular crowd, but doesn’t really know why or particularly like to do what they do. She feels bad when her friends are mean to others, but never has the courage to say anything about it. She has a boyfriend, but she only dates him because it is comfortable and not because she really likes him. She seems ordinary and flawed, and this makes her realistic. If she were perfect, she wouldn’t be nearly as likable as she is. I enjoyed seeing Clara grow into a much stronger person throughout this book.
Eli is also a great character to read about. He has the perfect bad boy persona combined with a good streak. He is what every girl wants. He is a bad boy without being a jerk. He is the a bad boy, that it is perfectly okay to date. However, he is not perfect. He has a lot of skeletons in his closet that do end up coming back to haunt him. Clara and Eli’s relationship is not going to be easy, but it just might be worth it.
Devour has become my new favorite Shelly Crane book. I just love how she can depict some very dark events and still make the book incredibly sweet. Anyone who is a fan of pararomance will devour this book.
February 13, 2012
Wow, this is a difficult review for me to write because while there are so good things in this book the bad cancelled them out. Thus, my reasoning for the 2 star review.
Clara came home from the movies to find her parents murdered 3 months ago. Her older sister re-enlists in the armed forces and she goes to live with her pastor's family while she finishes her senior year. Although Clara has suffered a tragic loss, she manages to find goodness in the world. She has a boyfriend, Nate who is the captain of the wrestling team and all around good guy. She also has her friends, the popular crowd.
Then one day in the park, while gazing at the clouds Clara meets a new boy, Eli and her life will never be the same.Eli is not a normal teenage boy, he is a devourer or a life force that feeds off the negative emotions of others. But, upon meeting Clara he no longer wants to feel anything but love. One of the things I liked about this story is that Clara has the courage of her convictions to at least try to do the right thing. Although she is attracted to Eli, she remains loyal to Nate and does not act upon it even after he becomes abusive. When her friends are bullies and cruel to others unfortunately she is silent and does not stand up for the underdog. However, that changes with the Eli's constant interest in her.
Now, what didn't I like? I really hated all of the incessant dialogues between Eli and Clara about how much they loved each other and were meant for each other. It was too cheesy and unrealistic. Also, there just was not enough suspense for me. I thought once the Hordes came, I was going to finally read some truly interesting material but it just did not hold my interest very long. There just was not enough action.
I will say this, the character of the bird has potential to truly make the story line more interesting.
In the end, I just felt this was an okay read. I know that I will not be continuing on to the next book in the series.
Clara came home from the movies to find her parents murdered 3 months ago. Her older sister re-enlists in the armed forces and she goes to live with her pastor's family while she finishes her senior year. Although Clara has suffered a tragic loss, she manages to find goodness in the world. She has a boyfriend, Nate who is the captain of the wrestling team and all around good guy. She also has her friends, the popular crowd.
Then one day in the park, while gazing at the clouds Clara meets a new boy, Eli and her life will never be the same.Eli is not a normal teenage boy, he is a devourer or a life force that feeds off the negative emotions of others. But, upon meeting Clara he no longer wants to feel anything but love. One of the things I liked about this story is that Clara has the courage of her convictions to at least try to do the right thing. Although she is attracted to Eli, she remains loyal to Nate and does not act upon it even after he becomes abusive. When her friends are bullies and cruel to others unfortunately she is silent and does not stand up for the underdog. However, that changes with the Eli's constant interest in her.
Now, what didn't I like? I really hated all of the incessant dialogues between Eli and Clara about how much they loved each other and were meant for each other. It was too cheesy and unrealistic. Also, there just was not enough suspense for me. I thought once the Hordes came, I was going to finally read some truly interesting material but it just did not hold my interest very long. There just was not enough action.
I will say this, the character of the bird has potential to truly make the story line more interesting.
In the end, I just felt this was an okay read. I know that I will not be continuing on to the next book in the series.
October 24, 2011
I am thrilled to have another series by Shelly Crane. There's just something about the way she writes that has me hooked before I can finish the first chapter. I love how she includes things very current like favorite TV shows and bands that connect with me instantly.
So Devour starts with a young girl Clara who is in highshcool and has survived some devasting losses at her age. Life seems to be moving along fine until a new guy in town, Eli, brings her unexpected feelings of desire. You see, she already has a popular boyfriend and hangs with a popular group of kids. She has to figure out why she's so drawn to Eli and find away to stand up for what she thinks is right.
Of course I would hate to give away too much of the story. But Eli isn't your average guy. You won't be able to put this book down until you know his secret. And then you're going to want more. The Author Shelly Crane has a way of making you blush along with the leading lady in the way she describes the intimate moments of the story. That ooey gooey feeling is addicting(I know, don't judge). All I can say is I'm ready for more Shelly. I love your work.
Thanks,
Gloria
So Devour starts with a young girl Clara who is in highshcool and has survived some devasting losses at her age. Life seems to be moving along fine until a new guy in town, Eli, brings her unexpected feelings of desire. You see, she already has a popular boyfriend and hangs with a popular group of kids. She has to figure out why she's so drawn to Eli and find away to stand up for what she thinks is right.
Of course I would hate to give away too much of the story. But Eli isn't your average guy. You won't be able to put this book down until you know his secret. And then you're going to want more. The Author Shelly Crane has a way of making you blush along with the leading lady in the way she describes the intimate moments of the story. That ooey gooey feeling is addicting(I know, don't judge). All I can say is I'm ready for more Shelly. I love your work.
Thanks,
Gloria
October 23, 2011
Clara is a pretty normal girl, aside from the fact she has lost her parents and her sister never makes time for her. Her friends are the typical popular kids and her boyfriend can be a smidge jealous. And it doesn't help that new guy Eli has eyes for her. When things in her life start getting out of control, Clara must follow her heart to find what and who matters most.
There is so much I want to say about this book but if I did it would give the whole plot away. I want you to read it and be surprised as I was with all the turn of events. What I will say is that Shelly Crane wrote another amazing story that you will absolutely adore. There is something about her writing that pulls you in and consumes you. When I am reading her work I seldom take breaks...the kids will go with out dinner and clean socks...hubby will begin to forget what I look like. Actually that is semi true, the kids are fed, but I cannot promise they have clean socks. Another MUST read from Shelly!
There is so much I want to say about this book but if I did it would give the whole plot away. I want you to read it and be surprised as I was with all the turn of events. What I will say is that Shelly Crane wrote another amazing story that you will absolutely adore. There is something about her writing that pulls you in and consumes you. When I am reading her work I seldom take breaks...the kids will go with out dinner and clean socks...hubby will begin to forget what I look like. Actually that is semi true, the kids are fed, but I cannot promise they have clean socks. Another MUST read from Shelly!
February 19, 2016
just one word..bad.. really really bad.
I couldnt even finish the book..I tried..I really really tried..I stopped..then told myself no come on just keep reading it will get better (will it?) but no..ı stopped and Im not gonna read it further..
Everything about this book is..fake? I dont feel or believe the romance..I just dont see what their connection is...the dialoges are..here's the word again..fake..sometimes I felt like I was reading a book written by a 12 year old..it reminded me of myself when I wrote some stories when I was that age..
I just cant believe this is the woman who also wrote significance..I love LOVE those books..and cant wait for #3.
I couldnt even finish the book..I tried..I really really tried..I stopped..then told myself no come on just keep reading it will get better (will it?) but no..ı stopped and Im not gonna read it further..
Everything about this book is..fake? I dont feel or believe the romance..I just dont see what their connection is...the dialoges are..here's the word again..fake..sometimes I felt like I was reading a book written by a 12 year old..it reminded me of myself when I wrote some stories when I was that age..
I just cant believe this is the woman who also wrote significance..I love LOVE those books..and cant wait for #3.
June 27, 2012
Bad. I'm surprised I didn't give it 1 star. Seriously. I'm amazed that I actually finished this book. Clara annoyed me so much. So much. I hated the pace of the book. I felt like Clara's change was too fast but I let that go because I was busy choking on the romance that was being forced down my throat. gah. Annoying. I was really disappointed because I expected so much more from Shelly Crane. I won't give up on you Shelly. It's me and you forever........ Well that's if you don't write books like this. Not as bad as Lauren Kate's Fallen series(only read the first book and now I know what Hell feels like). Dis-a-ppoint-ment.
October 24, 2011
I have been "Devoured"! This book was amazing from beginning to end. The characters grab your attention and keep it until the very last sentence is read. Up until a week ago I had never read anything written by Shelly Crane, but after quickly catching up in the Significance series and having the opportunity to read the arc of Devour, I won't think twice to read anything written by her in the future. DEVOUR will be released November 8th 2011..
November 6, 2011
Seriously I read this in one day. Shelly is an amazing author and i just "Devour" her books. I loved this series and adored Clara and Eli's relationship. Can not wait for the next one. It is a great read but the significance series is still my favorite but I would recomend this book along with her other books to anyone who loves to read.
September 9, 2016
Could Eli be any more mysterious?
The moment that i read about Eli's description and how Clara looked up to see him, I was hooked. I started reading this last night and finished reading it this afternoon!
I loved this book to the point of rereading it again today! I can't wait to read book two!
I Highly Recommended this book!
The moment that i read about Eli's description and how Clara looked up to see him, I was hooked. I started reading this last night and finished reading it this afternoon!
I loved this book to the point of rereading it again today! I can't wait to read book two!
I Highly Recommended this book!
November 10, 2011
Oh Shelly Crane, you really know how to hook me, don't you?!? I loved this story. The idea of the Devourers are awesome and....can I get me some Eli please?! I highly look forward to the next installment of this series!
BOTTOM LINE: It's Shelly Crane, people! Do yourself a favor and BUY IT!
BOTTOM LINE: It's Shelly Crane, people! Do yourself a favor and BUY IT!
December 6, 2014
The great thing about Shelly Crane is she knows how to write about love. And Eli and Clara are no exception. But even more than the love was the great way she weaved their story with supernatural and human issues. After this book I immediately started Consume.
January 26, 2012
LOVING this book! cant wait where this series will go. What hit home was CBs realization that she was trying to fulfill everyone's idea of who she should be and not who she was. Totally could realate to that when I was a Senior in h.s. Where were book like this in 1999??
November 3, 2011
Wow:) Ready for the sequel!
March 10, 2015
2.5 rounded up
Readable but not particularly enjoyable or memorable.
Readable but not particularly enjoyable or memorable.
April 6, 2016
Heads up: I only made it to the end of the Kindle sample. Two stars not one because given this fact only one seems unfair.
As to why I didn't make it further... here are my reactions as I was reading through the sample:
She's watching the clouds. OK, cool, solid first paragraph.
Um, OK... 'solely' seems a bit superfluous, but whatever.
Your odd fascination with your hair makes you seem a bit self-absorbed. 'Insanely'? Really?
Mary Sue alert. Seriously, being the parent of a YA heroine is the most dangerous job in the universe.
Enter some random-not-so-random guy.
And that's a Gary Stu alert. I've never ever met anyone with purple eyes - did they all stumble into YA books and get trapped there or something?
You just called him trouble. Then you say you like spending time with him... but you're clearly very aware you don't love him. It's like one of the first things you think when he rocks up. What exactly are you doing with this guy?
Seriously, what are you doing with this guy?? (Sneaking suspicion that the author is creating a hurdle because where would YA books be without angstiness, but making sure what's-her-name won't come out of it looking like the bad guy, cuz, you know, jealous bf. He'll drive her to it.)
These words. They do not fit together. And why the heck do you say even though? How about 'he was pretty nice to everyone - that's what made him popular'? Why the everlasting assumption that popular = treats everyone like dirt??
Yeah, he's real sweet. A veritable angel. I'm on page 4 and already it's becoming glaringly obvious that the protagonist is in some deep denial.
I'm confused. Am I meant to like Tate, or not? Because insanely jealous = definite turn-off, but there's sympathetic backstory.
Let's skip the next few paragraphs of Tate sneering and glaring and yelling and being downright obnoxious because she's WALKING with some guy, and what's-her-name (seriously, I don't remember and nor do I care) completely not registering that this ISN'T OK. Then he apologises and she treats him like he wasn't completely out of line, and he proceeds to act all cheesy and cute, which is apparently 'the Tate I knew and cared about'. Seriously, what is up with this guy? He's all over the place. I don't know if it's realistic or not but surely this behaviour is a definite cue to run for the hills? Let's keep going, quickly.
She keeps on making excuses for him. Lovely.
What the heck does that even mean?
Apparently his eyes are green. Of course they are. And for that reason alone, I suspect this guy won't be instantly ditched. I smell a love triangle. (For my thoughts on green-eyed people, refer to my thoughts above on purple-eyed people. Also, having green eyes doesn't magically make your character attractive. Put some work into them.)
Again, what?
He was there for her when her parents died. Methinks the author wants me to like him. Like having green eyes wasn't enough of a clue.
The pastor says no kissing in the house but doesn't mind it outside the house? That makes no sense to me. Moving on...
She helps with the kids at breakfast. Five kids under five. This just reads as a subtle attempt to make her look saintly.
Oh look, Tate is getting jealous again. Seriously dude, chill. Your girlfriend is only going to the same classes as another guy. Did you really expect her to be in a room full of girls? And girl - why are you trying to reassure a guy you've already told us twice you DON'T LOVE?
Jagged? What is he, a broken mirror?
A careless throwaway stereotyping of cheerleaders and a butt-slap from some random obnoxious guy that she doesn't seem to object to as much as I'd expect, and finally, we've made it to Chapter 2 and lunchtime with nameless girl's friends.
Yeah, they really can. Why do you like them, exactly, even a little? Why are they your friends? So far, all I can see is that they make you look good. And apparently Megan is blonde. Because no one could ever sneer and flip their brown hair whilst making a cruel remark. The YA universe would implode or something.
WHY ARE YOU DEFENDING HIM???
Oh look, snide girl number two, with 'more strawberry than blonde' hair. That's still classed as blonde though right? I mean, otherwise, how could she be snide?
Cut to the guys arguing over who gets to look after... Clara. Her name is apparently Clara. And apparently she needs a bodyguard. This scene mostly reads like the author wanting to emphasize how special she is! guys fighting to look after her! and it doesn't register on any emotional level with her because she wouldn't get all stuck up and bigheaded about it!
Let's skim the rest because I just want to get to the end now.
Apparently even to Pastor's wife Pastor doesn't have a name. And - 'wouldn't do if he was watching'?? We already know he doesn't think pre-marital kissing is evil. But surely that is a fairly private thing - he expects her to be comfortable kissing her boyfriend in front of him, and so does SHE? I smell a poorly developed inconsistent religious type/father figure. It's fine for your heroine to act and think like a teen. She is one. But adults in your world have to be adults, not Teens 2.0.
Oh look, her best friend is crazy and outgoing and overtly sexual. You are breaking exactly no moulds there. I bet she'll give her a makeover at some point, and tell her how to dress better.
And that's the end of the sample.
I don't get it. Eli is introduced on page ONE - and it seems pretty clear she's going to end up with him - so why all the effort to introduce a semi-sympathetic boyfriend and a relationship with depth? (I said effort, I didn't say successful.) I'm guessing it's to add tension and drama.
It leaves a odd feeling in my mind though. The author gave her a boyfriend presumably to add a hurdle to her reaching the 'real' relationship in the book, or it'd be too easy. She's being devoted to her boyfriend, overlooking all his faults (because apparently that's what a good girlfriend does) and not immediately ditching or even wanting to ditch him for the new guy, because that would make her the bad guy. But at the same time her boyfriend is clearly overpossessive and jealous, which gives her an out from the relationship, without being the bad guy. These two things don't go together. We are shown that he's sort of a bad guy through Clara's eyes, but at the same time the author has to keep her unaware of it. Those two things don't go together either. Hence deep denial.
And all these little things are why I will not be continuing with the book. Long years of frustrating experience have taught me that books don't get better after the sample - little niggles just turn into giant frustrations, and more and worse mistakes are made. Ain't nobody got time for that.
This wasn't a very amusing review, but I'm tired. Hopefully the next one will have more entertainment value.
As to why I didn't make it further... here are my reactions as I was reading through the sample:
She's watching the clouds. OK, cool, solid first paragraph.
I was solely entranced in my gazing.
Um, OK... 'solely' seems a bit superfluous, but whatever.
My insanely dark black hair...
Your odd fascination with your hair makes you seem a bit self-absorbed. 'Insanely'? Really?
My family used to come here together, but no more. My sister was gone... She couldn't handle the fact that our parents died...
Mary Sue alert. Seriously, being the parent of a YA heroine is the most dangerous job in the universe.
Enter some random-not-so-random guy.
His eyes were a freakishly bright violet.
And that's a Gary Stu alert. I've never ever met anyone with purple eyes - did they all stumble into YA books and get trapped there or something?
We walked and talked for about a block before trouble turned the corner. My boyfriend, Tate, was coming down the street in his big 4x4 truck... He was really good to me, very attentive, and while I enjoyed spending time with him, I wasn't in love with him.
You just called him trouble. Then you say you like spending time with him... but you're clearly very aware you don't love him. It's like one of the first things you think when he rocks up. What exactly are you doing with this guy?
And he was a very jealous guy.
Seriously, what are you doing with this guy?? (Sneaking suspicion that the author is creating a hurdle because where would YA books be without angstiness, but making sure what's-her-name won't come out of it looking like the bad guy, cuz, you know, jealous bf. He'll drive her to it.)
Tate was a sweet guy. Even though he was so popular, he was pretty nice to everyone... except guys who tried to talk to me.
These words. They do not fit together. And why the heck do you say even though? How about 'he was pretty nice to everyone - that's what made him popular'? Why the everlasting assumption that popular = treats everyone like dirt??
He once almost pummeled my science lab partner when he stopped me in the hall to get my notes.
Yeah, he's real sweet. A veritable angel. I'm on page 4 and already it's becoming glaringly obvious that the protagonist is in some deep denial.
Apparently, his mom cheated on his dad all the time and his dad had no inclination to do anything about it... But Tate had always cared.
I'm confused. Am I meant to like Tate, or not? Because insanely jealous = definite turn-off, but there's sympathetic backstory.
Let's skip the next few paragraphs of Tate sneering and glaring and yelling and being downright obnoxious because she's WALKING with some guy, and what's-her-name (seriously, I don't remember and nor do I care) completely not registering that this ISN'T OK. Then he apologises and she treats him like he wasn't completely out of line, and he proceeds to act all cheesy and cute, which is apparently 'the Tate I knew and cared about'. Seriously, what is up with this guy? He's all over the place. I don't know if it's realistic or not but surely this behaviour is a definite cue to run for the hills? Let's keep going, quickly.
She keeps on making excuses for him. Lovely.
Sometimes, I just needed to feel the glue to the envelope strain a little.
What the heck does that even mean?
Apparently his eyes are green. Of course they are. And for that reason alone, I suspect this guy won't be instantly ditched. I smell a love triangle. (For my thoughts on green-eyed people, refer to my thoughts above on purple-eyed people. Also, having green eyes doesn't magically make your character attractive. Put some work into them.)
I felt something in me burn, like slow lava.
Again, what?
He was there for her when her parents died. Methinks the author wants me to like him. Like having green eyes wasn't enough of a clue.
The pastor says no kissing in the house but doesn't mind it outside the house? That makes no sense to me. Moving on...
She helps with the kids at breakfast. Five kids under five. This just reads as a subtle attempt to make her look saintly.
Oh look, Tate is getting jealous again. Seriously dude, chill. Your girlfriend is only going to the same classes as another guy. Did you really expect her to be in a room full of girls? And girl - why are you trying to reassure a guy you've already told us twice you DON'T LOVE?
[Eli] was a little rugged and jagged...
Jagged? What is he, a broken mirror?
A careless throwaway stereotyping of cheerleaders and a butt-slap from some random obnoxious guy that she doesn't seem to object to as much as I'd expect, and finally, we've made it to Chapter 2 and lunchtime with nameless girl's friends.
Then more stories of their precious existence encounters with the commoners of our high school droned on. Mike tripped a guy and he almost spilled his chili and everyone laughed. Tommy told us how he lifted some band girl's skirt before gym and she'd cried and ran to the office. As much as I liked my friends, they could be awfully shallow and cruel.
Yeah, they really can. Why do you like them, exactly, even a little? Why are they your friends? So far, all I can see is that they make you look good. And apparently Megan is blonde. Because no one could ever sneer and flip their brown hair whilst making a cruel remark. The YA universe would implode or something.
Usually Tate wasn't involved with that stuff.
Usually Tate wasn't involved with that stuff.
WHY ARE YOU DEFENDING HIM???
Oh look, snide girl number two, with 'more strawberry than blonde' hair. That's still classed as blonde though right? I mean, otherwise, how could she be snide?
Cut to the guys arguing over who gets to look after... Clara. Her name is apparently Clara. And apparently she needs a bodyguard. This scene mostly reads like the author wanting to emphasize how special she is! guys fighting to look after her! and it doesn't register on any emotional level with her because she wouldn't get all stuck up and bigheaded about it!
Let's skim the rest because I just want to get to the end now.
'Have fun tonight and you know Pastor's rules.'
'No after midnight and don't do anything I wouldn't do if he was watching me.'
Apparently even to Pastor's wife Pastor doesn't have a name. And - 'wouldn't do if he was watching'?? We already know he doesn't think pre-marital kissing is evil. But surely that is a fairly private thing - he expects her to be comfortable kissing her boyfriend in front of him, and so does SHE? I smell a poorly developed inconsistent religious type/father figure. It's fine for your heroine to act and think like a teen. She is one. But adults in your world have to be adults, not Teens 2.0.
Oh look, her best friend is crazy and outgoing and overtly sexual. You are breaking exactly no moulds there. I bet she'll give her a makeover at some point, and tell her how to dress better.
And that's the end of the sample.
I don't get it. Eli is introduced on page ONE - and it seems pretty clear she's going to end up with him - so why all the effort to introduce a semi-sympathetic boyfriend and a relationship with depth? (I said effort, I didn't say successful.) I'm guessing it's to add tension and drama.
It leaves a odd feeling in my mind though. The author gave her a boyfriend presumably to add a hurdle to her reaching the 'real' relationship in the book, or it'd be too easy. She's being devoted to her boyfriend, overlooking all his faults (because apparently that's what a good girlfriend does) and not immediately ditching or even wanting to ditch him for the new guy, because that would make her the bad guy. But at the same time her boyfriend is clearly overpossessive and jealous, which gives her an out from the relationship, without being the bad guy. These two things don't go together. We are shown that he's sort of a bad guy through Clara's eyes, but at the same time the author has to keep her unaware of it. Those two things don't go together either. Hence deep denial.
And all these little things are why I will not be continuing with the book. Long years of frustrating experience have taught me that books don't get better after the sample - little niggles just turn into giant frustrations, and more and worse mistakes are made. Ain't nobody got time for that.
This wasn't a very amusing review, but I'm tired. Hopefully the next one will have more entertainment value.
August 18, 2017
Fantastic I couldn't put it down the book was in a perfect balance with the reality of Life and the reality of the whole Supernatural spectrum reality. The tragedy that Clara experienced that pushed her to Eli was something real. And the whole thing with the romance was moving at a steady realistic pace. You can really relate to Clara it was set in a sort of end of High School time it had humor, romance, some pretty good make out scenes, irony, betrayal, inspiration. I guarantee you will be one of those readers that will yell at your book. This book would make a great movie. The next book picks up right where this left off so you have to read them in order. All I can say is if you like a paranormal-romance with some conflict, betrayal and be able to connect to the characters then this series is for you. Warning the next book will probably make you cry. I nearly passed out at one point I was holding my breathe. It's a great story pretty short the ebook is only 128 pages. Still a phenominal read and I think if these books were turned into a movie they would totally blow The Twilight Saga out of the water.
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