What do you think?
Rate this book
The Starlight Chronicles #0
Searching
There is no surrendering your will without giving up your heart.
Long before she took up the title of Starry Knight, Raiya Cole knew she was different. Ever since she survived the car crash that killed her parents, the truth about her supernatural powers - and her destiny as a fallen Star - shaped her life, preparing her for a battle she knew would come one day. With the help of Grandpa Odd, her beloved mentor, Raiya works to maintain control over her power and train as a Starlight Warrior.
But the battle she prepared for is not the first one she must face.
As her seventh grade year begins, Raiya’s resolve is put to the test when her power unexpectedly - and exponentially - grows, threatening the fragile life she has managed to build over the last six years. Can Raiya embrace a duty that demands not only her life, but her heart as well? Can she survive paying the price that comes with her power?
Searching is the prequel to The Starlight Chronicles, an epic fantasy adventure series for teens and young adults from C. S. Johnson.
Long before she took up the title of Starry Knight, Raiya Cole knew she was different. Ever since she survived the car crash that killed her parents, the truth about her supernatural powers - and her destiny as a fallen Star - shaped her life, preparing her for a battle she knew would come one day. With the help of Grandpa Odd, her beloved mentor, Raiya works to maintain control over her power and train as a Starlight Warrior.
But the battle she prepared for is not the first one she must face.
As her seventh grade year begins, Raiya’s resolve is put to the test when her power unexpectedly - and exponentially - grows, threatening the fragile life she has managed to build over the last six years. Can Raiya embrace a duty that demands not only her life, but her heart as well? Can she survive paying the price that comes with her power?
Searching is the prequel to The Starlight Chronicles, an epic fantasy adventure series for teens and young adults from C. S. Johnson.
Audible Audio
First published December 31, 2017
56 people are currently reading
740 people want to read
About the author
C.S. Johnson
107 books630 followersC. S. Johnson is the award-winning, genre-hopping author of several novels, including sci-fi and fantasy adventures such as the Starlight Chronicles series, the Once Upon a Princess saga, the Divine Space Pirates trilogy, and more. With a gift for sarcasm and an apologetic heart, she currently lives in Atlanta with her family. Find out more at http://www.csjohnson.me.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
April 9, 2018
Thank you to the publishers for providing an ARC of this book through NetGalley.
I DNFed this book at 39%.
I loved the world building in this book, but that was about it. The characters were annoying, the plot was hard to follow and the powers of the main character didn’t really make sense. The part that I read mainly focused on Raiya sending a boy into a coma, which was explained but didn’t make much sense. I think the main issue is that the main character, Raiya, is not likeable, at least in this book.
I DNFed this book at 39%.
I loved the world building in this book, but that was about it. The characters were annoying, the plot was hard to follow and the powers of the main character didn’t really make sense. The part that I read mainly focused on Raiya sending a boy into a coma, which was explained but didn’t make much sense. I think the main issue is that the main character, Raiya, is not likeable, at least in this book.
December 5, 2017
This is the prequel novel to "The Starlight Chronicles," an epic fantasy adventure series by me, C. S. Johnson.
"Searching" features Starry Knight and her beginnings, from the death of her parents to the call of her supernatural power -- and the heartbreaking consequences that come along with it.
It is hard to imagine her life before Hamilton, but there are plenty of moments that keep you laughing and crying, and it includes an epilogue to the series.
"Searching" features Starry Knight and her beginnings, from the death of her parents to the call of her supernatural power -- and the heartbreaking consequences that come along with it.
It is hard to imagine her life before Hamilton, but there are plenty of moments that keep you laughing and crying, and it includes an epilogue to the series.
January 3, 2018
Wow. Utterly fantastic. Raina knew she was different from the time her parents were killed in an auto accident and she survived. She just couldn’t imagine how. One of a kind fantasy book to keep you intrigued from an outstanding author of many books. Received a free book.
September 9, 2018
Fantastic book with a wonderful plot and great characters!! As a huge fantasy reader, I can definitely say that this book definitely got me intrigued into reading the series which I hope to do over the summer.
February 4, 2018
I loved the entire series of the Starlight Chronicles! This was nice to see it from the other side of the two main characters through out the series. Just as beautifully and emotional racking as the rest of the series. It's not always easy to write from both sides of the story the author captured it beautifully. Definitely read the series books 1-7 first before reading this one if you want to avoid spoilers.
July 20, 2019
I absolutely loved the Starlight Chronicles. I devoured the entire series and was so excited to learn there was going to be a prequel. This is a wonderful look at the world of Hamilton, only as voiced by Raiya. I truly loved this story and was so disappointed when it was over. I feel like Hamilton and all his friends (and enemies) are a part of my world, and never wanted these books to end. I find these characters intriguing and fun to watch as they develop.
December 3, 2019
Raiya Cole is a fallen Star who needs to train as a Starlight Warrior. This Prequel to the Starlight Chronicles gives an excellent insight into the entire series. I would suggest reading the first few novels unless you want spoilers.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 31, 2018
I want to start by saying that I haven't read any other books in this series so I thought the prequel, Searching, would be a good place to start.
C. S. Johnson has written a wonderful introduction to her Starlight series and a wonderful fantasy novel.
This book follows the main character, Raiya, as she is learning about who she is and where she comes from. She is learning how to interact with the people around her without giving away that she is different.
I feel that this prequel has set up the rest of the series beautifully despite being written after the fact.
I look forward to reading the next book(s) soon.
C. S. Johnson has written a wonderful introduction to her Starlight series and a wonderful fantasy novel.
This book follows the main character, Raiya, as she is learning about who she is and where she comes from. She is learning how to interact with the people around her without giving away that she is different.
I feel that this prequel has set up the rest of the series beautifully despite being written after the fact.
I look forward to reading the next book(s) soon.
January 8, 2019
I received a free copy via Netgalley in exchange for a honest review.
This is a reasonable Teen fantasy.
Although I am a long way from being a Teen the characters are engaging with a good story to back them up.
This is a reasonable Teen fantasy.
Although I am a long way from being a Teen the characters are engaging with a good story to back them up.
Want to read
July 2, 2019It was nice the read through the mind of the other protagonist. It was great to actually read more than snippets of her life.
January 3, 2018
This was an amazing book. I can't wait to read the rest of this series. 5 stars!
February 5, 2018
Searching, a prequel companion to CS Johnson’s Starlight Chronicles Series, introduces readers to the beloved character, Astraiya aka Raiya in an origin story of sorts from her time here on Earth as a fall Star, trying to navigate the social graces of Rosemont Academy.
The fantasy element of this story is not immediately revealed to readers. Readers, like myself who have never had the pleasure of reading any of the other starlight books may be duped into thinking that they are reading a coming-of-age teen romance novel. Even with the slow progression of the story-line, readers who will commit to seeing this book through to the end will not be disappointed.
Reading this book paved the way in creating the necessary excitement and interest to continue reading the rest of books in the series. I’m proud to say that I was given a free copy and this is my honest review.
The fantasy element of this story is not immediately revealed to readers. Readers, like myself who have never had the pleasure of reading any of the other starlight books may be duped into thinking that they are reading a coming-of-age teen romance novel. Even with the slow progression of the story-line, readers who will commit to seeing this book through to the end will not be disappointed.
Reading this book paved the way in creating the necessary excitement and interest to continue reading the rest of books in the series. I’m proud to say that I was given a free copy and this is my honest review.
February 9, 2018
I enjoyed reading Searching, as it gives Raiya's side of her story and why/how she acts in The Starlight Chronicles. It's good how you learn about her past in more depth as you only get snippets in the other books and you can relate to her more. I would still personally read The Starlight Chronicles first about Hamilton (all 7 books - they are excellent) so you don't get the little spoiler at the end of this book before you read the others.
I love how C.S. Johnson writes and portrays her characters and you just get so wrapped up in the story that you just want to keep reading and reading :)
I love how C.S. Johnson writes and portrays her characters and you just get so wrapped up in the story that you just want to keep reading and reading :)
April 7, 2019
Wow, nice prequel. A couple notes. At the very first, the author warns of spoilers in the book. The spoilers at the beginning are not that bad and you might have already guessed. The big spoiler comes at the end, in the epilogue. You can read the whole book with no problem, but if you don't want to know the future, 15-20 years, then don't read the epilogue. You don't miss anything, if you skip the epilogue. It is a great story, but remember, the first half is about a 13 year old girl, building up to when the demons come out and the fireworks start.
January 5, 2018
Searching, the prequel to The Starlight Chronicles was interesting. I read Slumbering first, so reading the prequel made it all worth it. Some things were cleared up as far as character development and now I have a better understanding of the character's behaviors. I enjoyed this book and definitely recommend it.
July 26, 2018
Good to know Starry Night's beginning in the sequel.
This book is insightful to Starry Knight's beginning, before the first book in the series. It answers the question of why she is the way she is and her reaction to seeing Ham and recognizing him as her love. I quite enjoyed the book, loved the entire series and fell in love with the characters. Well done, C. S. Johnson.
This book is insightful to Starry Knight's beginning, before the first book in the series. It answers the question of why she is the way she is and her reaction to seeing Ham and recognizing him as her love. I quite enjoyed the book, loved the entire series and fell in love with the characters. Well done, C. S. Johnson.
July 26, 2018
This is a great read. It is well written, with a great plot and characters. I will definitely be reading the rest of the series. I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book from Netgalley.
February 20, 2021
A nice young adult 'Christian Fantasy' novel and prequel to the Starlight Chronicles Series which I have not read. This is the first C.S. Johnson book for me. I purchased this as an audio book edition from Chirp. Goodreads has no edition listing for the audio book edition.
Being new to the writings of C.S. Johnson and the Starlight Chronicles Series, the character of Starry Knight, Raiya Cole, and her 'fallen star' persona and her transformation with shiny boots, tunic, and wings caught me off guard. I must admit it took 50% of the book before I understood Raiya or even really liked her. Perhaps it was when she began to show compassion for her boy friend in the hospital bed. Yes, even to 50%, I am no quitter - even on one really worthless Heinlein novel (a nightmare of breasts and time traveling flying Fords).
I can see how C.S. Lewis has positively influenced the writing style and themes of C.S. Johnson. I now better appreciate this genre. I was inspired by Raiya's sacrifices to help, save, protect, and defend her friends.
I am far from a young adult, and in the beginning I wondered how well I would relate as my Junior High days were in the early 70's. As I listened, I was worried that the story line was a little too disjointed for me follow - let alone a young adult. Perhaps, it would have been less disjointed if I had read another book in the series. I may at some time read book one about Hamilton.
Now on to the scathing part of my review . . .
The audio book production was very poor and I almost gave up because of that. But, as I said I am not a quitter. I felt that this audio production was a rough first draft that should have never been released to the public. The reading by Alexandra Cohler was veeery slooooww! It was as if it was her first time reading the novel or she was sedated while reading. I had to play the novel at 130% speed to keep my interest. It is evident that Alexandra has voice talent. I fault the production crew. Someone should have told Alexandra to try again and this time use a different voice for Grandpa - who sound like he is dying of Emphysema. Many times the audio volume or distance from the microphone jumped from loud to soft to far away within the same paragraph. A little post production on this rough draft or a second take of the reading was really needed.
Dear Christina, the poor audio book production severely detracted from capturing the story within your book. Someone should have been a good friend and told you and Alexandra this before it was released. Perhaps, if you can afford it, a second edition of the audio book should be recorded and then released to an eager audience.
BTW- Fans, has anyone noticed that with all of her books and good reviews that C. S. Johnson or Christina S. Johnson does not have a Wikipedia page? Perhaps someone could start one with at least her bibliography and short biography.
Being new to the writings of C.S. Johnson and the Starlight Chronicles Series, the character of Starry Knight, Raiya Cole, and her 'fallen star' persona and her transformation with shiny boots, tunic, and wings caught me off guard. I must admit it took 50% of the book before I understood Raiya or even really liked her. Perhaps it was when she began to show compassion for her boy friend in the hospital bed. Yes, even to 50%, I am no quitter - even on one really worthless Heinlein novel (a nightmare of breasts and time traveling flying Fords).
I can see how C.S. Lewis has positively influenced the writing style and themes of C.S. Johnson. I now better appreciate this genre. I was inspired by Raiya's sacrifices to help, save, protect, and defend her friends.
I am far from a young adult, and in the beginning I wondered how well I would relate as my Junior High days were in the early 70's. As I listened, I was worried that the story line was a little too disjointed for me follow - let alone a young adult. Perhaps, it would have been less disjointed if I had read another book in the series. I may at some time read book one about Hamilton.
Now on to the scathing part of my review . . .
The audio book production was very poor and I almost gave up because of that. But, as I said I am not a quitter. I felt that this audio production was a rough first draft that should have never been released to the public. The reading by Alexandra Cohler was veeery slooooww! It was as if it was her first time reading the novel or she was sedated while reading. I had to play the novel at 130% speed to keep my interest. It is evident that Alexandra has voice talent. I fault the production crew. Someone should have told Alexandra to try again and this time use a different voice for Grandpa - who sound like he is dying of Emphysema. Many times the audio volume or distance from the microphone jumped from loud to soft to far away within the same paragraph. A little post production on this rough draft or a second take of the reading was really needed.
Dear Christina, the poor audio book production severely detracted from capturing the story within your book. Someone should have been a good friend and told you and Alexandra this before it was released. Perhaps, if you can afford it, a second edition of the audio book should be recorded and then released to an eager audience.
BTW- Fans, has anyone noticed that with all of her books and good reviews that C. S. Johnson or Christina S. Johnson does not have a Wikipedia page? Perhaps someone could start one with at least her bibliography and short biography.
February 4, 2018
"Searching" tells us the story of Raiya, the 'chosen one', who is a teenager but also a fallen star (like, really, a fallen star, I'm not kidding). At the beginning of the book she has sent to the hospital one of her best friends. It was an accident that happened when he tried to declare his love for her. And she knows she is at fault, that he is in a coma because of her.
First, Johnson makes a mess trying to explain all of this clearly. It is never clear what Raiya's powers are, or how they work, or why are 'demons' trying to find her to, what, kill her? Use her friends? What really? It is never really clear what Johnson's purpose is, what Raiya's journey is supposed to be or why the things that happen... well, happen.
But if that was the only problem, it could be more or less forgiven. Unfortunately, the book also offers poor character construction (who is Raiya?; and all those other characters?; and except their hair style, what are their characteristics, fears, desires, behavior?), poor character development (there's no arc for any of the characters, just roaming around); a plot where nothing happens (apart from Raiya being frustrated because she is the chosen one) and things make little sense (I couldn't buy for even one second Johnson's world; on top of being a little bit tired with characters feeling, seeing, touching, finding lights inside them and inside others; more originality, please)
"Searching" is far from horrible, but it is not a very good book. It is not engaging, and it lacks depth and gravitas. On the other hand, there are some good points (like the last chapter and the coda, where the author seems to have tried harder to create a better narrative).
3.5/10
(Original English Version)
First, Johnson makes a mess trying to explain all of this clearly. It is never clear what Raiya's powers are, or how they work, or why are 'demons' trying to find her to, what, kill her? Use her friends? What really? It is never really clear what Johnson's purpose is, what Raiya's journey is supposed to be or why the things that happen... well, happen.
But if that was the only problem, it could be more or less forgiven. Unfortunately, the book also offers poor character construction (who is Raiya?; and all those other characters?; and except their hair style, what are their characteristics, fears, desires, behavior?), poor character development (there's no arc for any of the characters, just roaming around); a plot where nothing happens (apart from Raiya being frustrated because she is the chosen one) and things make little sense (I couldn't buy for even one second Johnson's world; on top of being a little bit tired with characters feeling, seeing, touching, finding lights inside them and inside others; more originality, please)
"Searching" is far from horrible, but it is not a very good book. It is not engaging, and it lacks depth and gravitas. On the other hand, there are some good points (like the last chapter and the coda, where the author seems to have tried harder to create a better narrative).
3.5/10
(Original English Version)
September 21, 2022
I just needed to read this prequel but am very glad that I read it after book 1, as it does have some spoilers but fills in so many important details regarding Starry Knight aka Raiya. This is her awakening story to the fact that she was a fallen star, an Astroneshama, and sent here to Earth to be the protector of it's citizens, but also in order to redeem herself. She had lived in her past live in the Celestial Kingdom and was known as Lady Justice, beloved of Prince Adonaias himself, and she vowed she would one day return to him after doing her duty. However she was just an orphaned young girl with no memories of her past life but she had a grandpa who helped her remember who she was and why she was here, he trained and guided her. Raiya believed that she had broken her best friends heart and that her power which could not help him was doing more harm than good, so she decided that the only way to protect her friends was to cut herself from them completely. She believed she was to be on her own for the whole of her life on earth. She grew into her powers and fought many demons who came to threaten her city, saving many lives but she was giving up on her own life until she met someone who made her re-consider. Raiya is so different to Hammy, the other fallen star and superhero who we met in book 1, and I loved her story which was quite sad really but very courageous, and we got to know why she took the name of starry knight too. This series is really growing on me and I look forward to book 2.
July 27, 2018
Thank you to the author for sending me a free copy of this book.
DNF at 27% (page 78). I may come back to this in the future because I hate not finishing books but at this point in time, I can't find any connection with the characters or the world. I'm kind of in a slump right now as well as really into a different genre at the moment so these could factor into why I don't like this. I just found it boring and a bit mediocre as well as confusing and odd.
This is also written in the perspective of a 13 year old and it feels way too mature in the mind of a child. Maybe that's the point but I wasn't convinced.
I've never read any fallen star novels and I'm not really sure it's my kind of thing but maybe I'll change my mind in the future.
DNF at 27% (page 78). I may come back to this in the future because I hate not finishing books but at this point in time, I can't find any connection with the characters or the world. I'm kind of in a slump right now as well as really into a different genre at the moment so these could factor into why I don't like this. I just found it boring and a bit mediocre as well as confusing and odd.
This is also written in the perspective of a 13 year old and it feels way too mature in the mind of a child. Maybe that's the point but I wasn't convinced.
I've never read any fallen star novels and I'm not really sure it's my kind of thing but maybe I'll change my mind in the future.
August 23, 2018
I liked how different it was, I haven’t read a book yet about angels and fallen stars. That being said I am not a huge fan of books based in high school. I always find it a bit weird that a hero who here to defend earth has to go to school. I know it all about blending in and everything, but I just have always found it a little odd. With that said, it was different.
Even though she was this super being in human form, she was not invincible. Her heart was broken, literally so whenever something really emotional and bad happened, she had to see a doctor. I know, I know your thinking how does she fight bad guys with a broken heart? Read the book you’ll see, it pretty cool.
(Disclaimer: I received a free copy from Author. Does not affect my review)
Even though she was this super being in human form, she was not invincible. Her heart was broken, literally so whenever something really emotional and bad happened, she had to see a doctor. I know, I know your thinking how does she fight bad guys with a broken heart? Read the book you’ll see, it pretty cool.
(Disclaimer: I received a free copy from Author. Does not affect my review)
March 16, 2018
A little slow starting and since I haven’t read the rest of the series a little confusing, but once everything settles in, you get a fallen star with teenage drama. I’ve read two different stories about a fallen star and this is the best one, given its got superhero elements to it. Be prepared for lots of fainting, a broken heart and questionable friends.
June 11, 2021
Love this series. In fact, I love every book that I've read that was written by this author. If you like fantasy books, you will love them, too. Give her books a try. You won't be sorry.
February 2, 2018
I love all the twist and turns in this book and I love the storyline
August 20, 2018
Searching is a prequel to the Starlight Chronicles series. There is an author note at the beginning that explains it might not be the best place to start if you haven't read that series first because there are spoilers at the end. I have read the series, and I agree that if you want to keep some of the tension and mystery of The Starlight Chronicles this should probably be read after you finish it. That being said, this *could* still work as a true prequel if you don't mind some spoilers.
This book stands alone in that it is not necessary to have knowledge of the world or characters before starting it. It has its own story arc - beginning, middle, and end - that doesn't rely on any of the other books. I do find it satisfying to have a contained story despite being a prequel to a series.
This is also a true YA novel. The main protaganist is 13 years old, but like many YA fantasy novels, she takes on challenges far more than any normal 13 year old could handle. Good thing she isn't quite normal... The character development is good, and relationships grow and change throughout the course of the book. Some fo the conversations seem a little stilted and not realistic, but there isn't too much dialog where that is noticeable.
I listened to this book in audio, and I'm not sure if this is a different narrator from the other books or if she just did a better job. Some of the things that were annoying to me in the other books were much, much better in this one. The voices are more distinct (and less "weird"), the pacing was good, and the inflection was on point.
Overall, this is a really solid, entertaining book that I would recommend.
I received a free copy of this audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left my honest review. The free copy did not influence my review in any way.
This book stands alone in that it is not necessary to have knowledge of the world or characters before starting it. It has its own story arc - beginning, middle, and end - that doesn't rely on any of the other books. I do find it satisfying to have a contained story despite being a prequel to a series.
This is also a true YA novel. The main protaganist is 13 years old, but like many YA fantasy novels, she takes on challenges far more than any normal 13 year old could handle. Good thing she isn't quite normal... The character development is good, and relationships grow and change throughout the course of the book. Some fo the conversations seem a little stilted and not realistic, but there isn't too much dialog where that is noticeable.
I listened to this book in audio, and I'm not sure if this is a different narrator from the other books or if she just did a better job. Some of the things that were annoying to me in the other books were much, much better in this one. The voices are more distinct (and less "weird"), the pacing was good, and the inflection was on point.
Overall, this is a really solid, entertaining book that I would recommend.
I received a free copy of this audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left my honest review. The free copy did not influence my review in any way.
June 5, 2018
Wow to this cover! I'm the type of reader that reads Book 1 (Slumbering) first and THEN the prequel and I'm glad for that because it makes more sense to me :) Raiya is 13 years old when she remembers her past identity and what she is called to do. She immediately makes every attempt to let go of all her friends so as not to endanger them when the demons come for battle (that was cringe worthy to read how she pushes everyone away and breaks her own heart).
It was interesting that Hamilton's father is her doctor, love also Grandpa Odd in this story and Rachel, of course :)
My favorite scene is when she uses her abilities to save the life of an infant who is born premature. She also saves adults who get trapped in an accident. I liked those scenes best. Hamilton's mom was another interesting character and it helped see what his family is like before we even meet him.
It was awesome how Johnson describes the paintings Raiya creates, really hard to picture what a painting could look like from a book description but it was done well. The music was even harder to picture and impossible to enjoy but also described how Raiya felt accurately while the music played.
I didn't fully understand how Raiya's powers worked, she kind of went into another realm while connecting to Adonaias, but I did relate to wanting to be closer to her Maker that way. Loved Raiya's heart beyond anything else described in this story. She is desperate and determined to do the right thing even if it means never falling in love or living a long life in order to fulfill her calling in protecting humans. So looking forward to reading more about her in this series! There's a spoiler at the end that I didn't see coming, but it was so great!
It was interesting that Hamilton's father is her doctor, love also Grandpa Odd in this story and Rachel, of course :)
My favorite scene is when she uses her abilities to save the life of an infant who is born premature. She also saves adults who get trapped in an accident. I liked those scenes best. Hamilton's mom was another interesting character and it helped see what his family is like before we even meet him.
It was awesome how Johnson describes the paintings Raiya creates, really hard to picture what a painting could look like from a book description but it was done well. The music was even harder to picture and impossible to enjoy but also described how Raiya felt accurately while the music played.
I didn't fully understand how Raiya's powers worked, she kind of went into another realm while connecting to Adonaias, but I did relate to wanting to be closer to her Maker that way. Loved Raiya's heart beyond anything else described in this story. She is desperate and determined to do the right thing even if it means never falling in love or living a long life in order to fulfill her calling in protecting humans. So looking forward to reading more about her in this series! There's a spoiler at the end that I didn't see coming, but it was so great!
July 20, 2018
Well, I started at the very end, I think! I saw the list of books in the series and saw that this was the prequel, at the very end of the list! I couldn't figure out what was happening when I read the last chapter of the story - wow, time sure did jump!
I didn't read through the whole story, I skipped to the ending only because it was written in a young adult style and language and I just couldn't get into it. Hanging out in high school or talking about all the hang ups that go with that was so many years ago for me, well, it just didn't ring a bell with me.
I'm an action or conversation reader, I don't like cogitation - this story cogitated a bit more than I liked; even though there was plenty of action too.
I gave it four stars though because, as a wise author once said, you don't judge an author on your own tastes. It's not her fault I'm not into a teen novel. The writing was excellent and I was transported to the scene she was portraying and could feel the emotions of her characters. I could see the characters in my minds eye and didn't have to read through long descriptions, subtle clues in conversations or in short responses gave me those descriptions. If I were younger I think I would have easily gotten into it.
This is a clean read (at least through the first half.)
I didn't read through the whole story, I skipped to the ending only because it was written in a young adult style and language and I just couldn't get into it. Hanging out in high school or talking about all the hang ups that go with that was so many years ago for me, well, it just didn't ring a bell with me.
I'm an action or conversation reader, I don't like cogitation - this story cogitated a bit more than I liked; even though there was plenty of action too.
I gave it four stars though because, as a wise author once said, you don't judge an author on your own tastes. It's not her fault I'm not into a teen novel. The writing was excellent and I was transported to the scene she was portraying and could feel the emotions of her characters. I could see the characters in my minds eye and didn't have to read through long descriptions, subtle clues in conversations or in short responses gave me those descriptions. If I were younger I think I would have easily gotten into it.
This is a clean read (at least through the first half.)
June 18, 2018
A huge thank you to BooksGoSocial; via Netgalley, for allowing me to read Searching, by C.S. Johnson in exchange for an honest review.
What makes Searching different is that in Searching the main character knows she has to face a battle—-she has apparently been prepparing her whole life for it. — Another thing that makes this book different is that the main character, Raiya is younger than the usual 15, 16-18 years most YA characters are. She’s actually 13 years old. Which makes this book a middle school/ really young YA book.
Before I get into anything else, I just want to say that I genuinely and honestly wanted to like Searching. I feel so bad that I couldn’t get more into the novel..
Reasons why I stopped reading:
I couldn’t connect with the story, or the characters.
Some parts of the story, i.e. the wings, is for some reason, truly unbelievable to me
I found the writing, and this prequel to the series feels forced.
At times the story was kind of predictable.
Overall, I couldn’t get into the book when I really wanted to.
What makes Searching different is that in Searching the main character knows she has to face a battle—-she has apparently been prepparing her whole life for it. — Another thing that makes this book different is that the main character, Raiya is younger than the usual 15, 16-18 years most YA characters are. She’s actually 13 years old. Which makes this book a middle school/ really young YA book.
Before I get into anything else, I just want to say that I genuinely and honestly wanted to like Searching. I feel so bad that I couldn’t get more into the novel..
Reasons why I stopped reading:
I couldn’t connect with the story, or the characters.
Some parts of the story, i.e. the wings, is for some reason, truly unbelievable to me
I found the writing, and this prequel to the series feels forced.
At times the story was kind of predictable.
Overall, I couldn’t get into the book when I really wanted to.
November 2, 2018
Enjoyed this story. Loved the characters and the story line. Looking forward to the next chapter
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews