The Taking by Kimberly Derting

Published: April 2014

Publisher: Harper Teen

Pages: 357

Copy Provided by: Library

Summary: Goodreads

Summary: 

A flash of white light . . . and then . . . nothing.

When sixteen-year-old Kyra Agnew wakes up behind a Dumpster at the Gas ’n’ Sip, she has no memory of how she got there. With a terrible headache and a major case of déjà vu, she heads home only to discover that five years have passed . . . yet she hasn’t aged a day.

Everything else about Kyra’s old life is different. Her parents are divorced, her boyfriend, Austin, is in college and dating her best friend, and her dad has changed from an uptight neat-freak to a drunken conspiracy theorist who blames her five-year disappearance on little green men.

Confused and lost, Kyra isn’t sure how to move forward unless she uncovers the truth. With Austin gone, she turns to Tyler, Austin’s annoying kid brother, who is now seventeen and who she has a sudden undeniable attraction to. As Tyler and Kyra retrace her steps from the fateful night of her disappearance, they discover strange phenomena that no one can explain, and they begin to wonder if Kyra’s father is not as crazy as he seems. There are others like her who have been taken . . . and returned. Kyra races to find an explanation and reclaim the life she once had, but what if the life she wants back is not her own? 

Review:

I don't think I've read many, if any books on alien abduction but Ms. Derting has never let me down before.  I'm a huge fan of her Body Finder series as well as The Pledge series.  

So we are introduced to Kyra Agnew and she seems to have everything going for her - great at sports, has a loving boyfriend and supportive family until she gets into a fight with her Dad and storms out of the car only to see lights all around and wakes up somewhere unexpected....5 years later.  The thing is, she hasn't changed AT ALL.  But her entire world has moved on past her.  Her boyfriend is no longer her boyfriend.  Her family has split up and she has to re-adjust to the world and the changes that happened without her.  

Of course, strange things start happening next and the only one she feels she can trust is her ex-boyfriend's little brother...who coincidentally is not so little anymore.  In fact, Tyler is now her age and seems to be incredibly understanding to her situation.  Where his brother was sweet and seemed like her match, Tyler is not afraid to take a risk in letting Kyra know EXACTLY how he feels about her.  At one point in the novel, he draws an incredible picture for her.  IN THE STREET. BETWEEN THEIR HOUSES. It is sweet and romantic and I found myself saying - Kyra!!  AUSTIN WHO???  PICK TYLER!!!

So back to Kyra's strange happenings.  She can't figure out what has happened in the last 5 years of her life until she meets someone who can help her.  Discreetly.  Her father has been coming up with theories of her being taken by aliens and while she originally dismissed the idea, she is now starting to wonder...

In terms of characters, Kyra really grew on me.  I thought she might try and lash out at her ex (Austin) for moving on  without her but I'm glad she didn't.  She was stuck in a 16 year old's body and had some of the same feelings as her teen self but she was incredibly reflective and took the time to rationalize how her friends and family could have moved on without her.

I had read a few reviews about this title which were disappointing because I LOVED THIS BOOK!  Because of the subject matter, it was a new topic for me.  There was some swearing (as a warning to those of you wishing to recommend to a younger reading audience).  The pace of the novel was also a little bit slow but overall, it was a great read.  I have to tell you though 

**SPOILER** I almost stopped reading when Tyler got sick *END SPOILER**

Glad I didn't because in the end, the intensity of the book escalated and I found myself reading faster and faster and now I've got to wait until APRIL 2015 for Book #2....sigh....

The Taking by Kimberly Derting

 

Published: April 29th, 2014

Publisher: Harper Teen

Pages: 368

Copy: Publisher through Edelweiss

Summary: Goodreads

A flash of white light . . . and then . . . nothing.

When sixteen-year-old Kyra Agnew wakes up behind a Dumpster at the Gas ’n’ Sip, she has no memory of how she got there. With a terrible headache and a major case of déjà vu, she heads home only to discover that five years have passed . . . yet she hasn’t aged a day.

Everything else about Kyra’s old life is different. Her parents are divorced, her boyfriend, Austin, is in college and dating her best friend, and her dad has changed from an uptight neat-freak to a drunken conspiracy theorist who blames her five-year disappearance on little green men.

Confused and lost, Kyra isn’t sure how to move forward unless she uncovers the truth. With Austin gone, she turns to Tyler, Austin’s annoying kid brother, who is now seventeen and who she has a sudden undeniable attraction to. As Tyler and Kyra retrace her steps from the fateful night of her disappearance, they discover strange phenomena that no one can explain, and they begin to wonder if Kyra’s father is not as crazy as he seems. There are others like her who have been taken . . . and returned. Kyra races to find an explanation and reclaim the life she once had, but what if the life she wants back is not her own?

Christinabean and I are both very big Kimberly Derting fans - her Body Finder series is superb - so I was very keen to see what she would do with a new series.  While The Taking still falls firmly under the 'paranormal' umbrella, it takes quite a different direction.  This time it's looking out into the universe, asking the question 'Are we alone?' and coming up with interesting answers.

Kyra finds herself one of many who have been 'Taken' and 'Returned' - yep, there is a difference - and the big mystery is not only why she was taken in the first place, but why it took so long for her to be returned and how it has affected her differently.

There's lots of heart stopping romance here between Kyra and Tyler, but it is of the 'insta-love' type.  I was ok with that, but there were just a few too many references to Tyler's good looks and his 'beautiful' eyes for my tastes.  He's gorgeous, OK, let's move on.  That however was more or less my only negative feeling towards the story.  There is a level of tension that increases as the story progresses and a huge twist that I was not expecting - kind of blew me away actually, until I got to the end of the book when it all made sense.

For those of you who scoff at little green men, there aren't actually any in the book, just the idea of them and lots of questions are raised for those of you who do not scoff.  I enjoyed 'The Taking" and I'm looking forward to seeing what the future brings for Kyra and Tyler.

The Offering by Kimberly Derting

Published: December 2013

Publisher: Margaret K Elderry

Pages: 336

Copy Provided by: ARC from publisher

Summary: Goodreads

Summary:

True love—and world war—is at stake in the conclusion to The Pledge trilogy, a dark and romantic blend of dystopia and fantasy.
Charlie, otherwise known as Queen Charlaina of Ludania, has become comfortable as a leader and a ruler. She’s done admirable work to restore Ludania’s broken communications systems with other Queendoms, and she’s mastered the art of ignoring Sabara, the evil former queen whose Essence is alive within Charlie. Or so she thinks.

When the negotiation of a peace agreement with the Queendom of Astonia goes awry, Charlie receives a brutal message that threatens Ludania, and it seems her only option is to sacrifice herself in exchange for Ludanian freedom.

But things aren’t always as they seem. Charlie is walking into a trap—one set by Sabara, who is determined to reclaim the Queendoms at any cost.

Review:
I was SOOO excited to get the ARC from the publisher!  But I waited until the new year to read this title because I wanted the time to savor it...and savor it I did.  Kimberly Derting is one of my favorite authors out there.  She is like a diamond in the rough when it comes to writing style and originality in the themes she chooses.  I would highly recommend her Body Finder series if you have tried The Pledge and enjoyed it.  

The Offering is the 3rd book in the The Pledge series and opens up with a fairly brutal scene.  It was definitely more violent than I remember the first two books to be.  There seems to be more action in this last title than the rest and Charlie begins to strengthen her physical abilities.  

**spoiler!!**
While in the book she did seem to want to be a stronger leader, I often questioned some of her decisions.  In one scene she leaves the palace to meet up with Elena.  It felt so WRONG!!  
**end spoiler!!**

Now, if you have been following this series, can you help me out here?  I can't remember what Charlie's inherited power is??  Does anyone remember?  I know she was powerful enough to keep Sabara under control but is that her power?

So in conclusion, this is the second series that Ms. Derting has written that I absolutely loved.  I liked it so much that I wanted to stand up and clap at the end of the novel.  Throughout the story I really had no idea how Sabara would ever be defeated.  I loved how things turned out.  I never expected things to evolve the way they did.  I am tempted to re-read the first two novels just to watch the character development all over again...and of course remember what Charlie's power is...jeesh! Now that is going to bug me all day.   Read it. Love it and tweet/comment to me about how much you did!

Waiting on Wednesday - The Offering by Kimberly Derting

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Breaking the Spine,  that spotlights upcoming releases that we’re eagerly anticipating or books that are in our TBR pile.  This week’s “can’t-wait-to-read” selection is

Summary (by Goodreads)

True love—and world war—is at stake in the conclusion to The Pledge trilogy, a dark and romantic blend of dystopia and fantasy.
Charlie, otherwise known as Queen Charlaina of Ludania, has become comfortable as a leader and a ruler. She’s done admirable work to restore Ludania’s broken communications systems with other Queendoms, and she’s mastered the art of ignoring Sabara, the evil former queen whose Essence is alive within Charlie. Or so she thinks.

When the negotiation of a peace agreement with the Queendom of Astonia goes awry, Charlie receives a brutal message that threatens Ludania, and it seems her only option is to sacrifice herself in exchange for Ludanian freedom.

But things aren’t always as they seem. Charlie is walking into a trap—one set by Sabara, who is determined to reclaim the Queendoms at any cost.

I love Kimberly Derting.  I love the Body Finder Series and I love The Pledge Series.  This title was released on January 31st and I did get an ARC from the publisher.  Please keep your eyes out for my review shortly! (TOTALLY AWESOME READ!!)

Same book, Second Look - The Essence by Kimberly Derting

Published: January 2013

Publisher: Margaret K McElderry

Pages: 341

Copy: Library

Summary: Goodreads

“Danger, dread, mystery, and romance” (Booklist) continue in the second book of The Pledge trilogy, as Charlie’s reign is under siege from the most unusual of enemies.

At the luminous conclusion of The Pledge, Charlaina defeated the tyrant Sabara and took her place as Queen of Ludania. But Charlie knows that Sabara has not disappeared: The evil queen’s Essence is fused to Charlie’s psyche, ready to arise at the first sign of weakness.

Charlie is not weak, but she’s being pushed to the brink. In addition to suppressing the ever-present influence of Sabara, she’s busy being queen—and battling a growing resistance determined to return Ludania to its discriminatory caste system. Charlie wants to be the same girl Max loves, who Brook trusts, but she’s Your Majesty now, and she feels torn in two.

As Charlie journeys to an annual summit to meet with leaders of nearby Queendoms—an event where her ability to understand all languages will be the utmost asset—she is faced with the ultimate betrayal. And the only person she can turn to for help is the evil soul residing within.

Christinabean's review

I thoroughly enjoyed The Pledge and have been waiting eagerly for The Essence to cross my path.  Unfortunately, for me, there was a little bit of something missing.  I really don't know what.  It wasn't that I didn't enjoy it, because I did - it just didn't blow me away the same way that The Pledge did.

There was quite a lot going on in the story, but I found myself becoming frustrated with Charlie.  After all the problems that Sabara has caused, WHY would Charlie not tell anyone that that her consciousness was still there.  It just seemed cowardly and somewhat selfish and I couldn't understand it, other than as a plot device. I get that Charlie was a bit embarrassed by it all, but still - it just didn't ring true for me. 

However I absolutely adored Brook this time around.  What a wonderfully strong character she is, and I loved her relationship with Aron.  I actually got more shivers from their relationship than I did from Charlie and Max.  There are some exciting goings-on throughout the book - tension and intrigue aplenty, but somehow, the spark was missing.  As it turns out, Christinabean felt much the same way as I did.  I will read #3, because I do want to find out what happens, and I feel I owe it to The Pledge, which has had so much positive press.  I just hope that Charlie is a little more sensible next time around.

The Essence by Kimberly Derting

Published: January 2013

Publisher: Margaret K McElderry

Pages: 352

Copy Provided by: Bought

Summary: Goodreads

Summary:

“Danger, dread, mystery, and romance” (Booklist) continue in the second book of The Pledge trilogy, as Charlie’s reign is under siege from the most unusual of enemies.

At the luminous conclusion of The Pledge, Charlaina defeated the tyrant Sabara and took her place as Queen of Ludania. But Charlie knows that Sabara has not disappeared: The evil queen’s Essence is fused to Charlie’s psyche, ready to arise at the first sign of weakness.

Charlie is not weak, but she’s being pushed to the brink. In addition to suppressing the ever-present influence of Sabara, she’s busy being queen—and battling a growing resistance determined to return Ludania to its discriminatory caste system. Charlie wants to be the same girl Max loves, who Brook trusts, but she’s Your Majesty now, and she feels torn in two.

As Charlie journeys to an annual summit to meet with leaders of nearby Queendoms—an event where her ability to understand all languages will be the utmost asset—she is faced with the ultimate betrayal. And the only person she can turn to for help is the evil soul residing within.

Review:

The Pledge was such a fascinating novel and I was counting down the days for the Essence to be released.  

While I did enjoy The Essence, it lacked a lot of the initial intrigue of The Pledge and I found myself frustrated with Charlie's lack of honesty with her friends.  The same friends who supported her and stood behind her in the rebellion.  Why would she not share with them that Sabara still existed? Leaning on your friends and people you trust is a part of making things work.  Making a kingdom work especially when implementing HUGE changes to societal rules requires a dedicated staff. Another thing that irked me about Charlie was her lack of interest in her personal safety.  As the monarch of a country, she should be heeding her advisor's warnings and put her safety first if she wants to rule.  This is where Sabara's influence could have come in.  Her experience could be teaching Charlie how to be successful.  I was so frustrated with Charlaina's attitude by the end of the book that I actually began to wonder if I had missed something very important in book #1.  (So much so that I picked it up from the library and I'm going to re-read it. Sad huh?)

Despite my griping on the main character's flaws, The Pledge series is still a favorite.  Kimberly Derting ranks as one of my favourite authors.  Both her series - The Body Finder and The Pledge would be in my top 10 and she definitely doesn't get enough credit for her work.  By the end of the Essence, I couldn't wait to learn more aobut the neighboring Queens and their territories.  Even though Sabara was brutally evil in book 1, we see a different side of her in The Essence when love comes into play.  She has a sense of vulnerability and, as a reader, I'm not sure whether to trust it. 

Overall, Ms. Derting quenched my thirst for a bit of fantasy and romance sprinkled with a touch of the supernatural.  Bring on Book 3!! (Still untitled and to be released in 2014...awwwww!)

Same Book, Second Look - The Last Echo by Kimberly Derting

Published: April 2012

Publisher: Harper

Pages: 360

Copy: Library

Summary: Goodreads

Violet kept her morbid ability to sense dead bodies a secret from everyone except her family and her childhood-best-friend-turned-boyfriend, Jay Heaton. That is until forensic psychologist Sara Priest discovered Violet’s talent and invited her to use her gift to track down murderers. Now, as she works with an eclectic group of individuals—including mysterious and dangerously attractive Rafe—it’s Violet’s job to help those who have been murdered by bringing their killers to justice.

When Violet discovers the body of a college girl killed by “the girlfriend collector” she is determined to solve the case. But now the serial killer is on the lookout for a new “relationship” and Violet may have caught his eye...

Kimberly Derting has done it again.  The Last Echo re-introduces characters we have come to know and love and maintains the pulse pounding suspense that we have come to expect from the series.  Yes, The Last Echo is a little formulaic in that we know there is a murder and we have to solve who it is - but that's like every other mystery out there, and it's how we solve the mystery that makes it so much fun.

Violet is coming to terms with her ability to sense where bodies are, using the echos that are left.  A creepy ability that I for one am not sorry I do not have.  She has a loving family who are very aware of her and are concerned for her safety, which is a touch unusual these days, but never seems overdone or cloying.  Jay is there to give her all the extra love and support that she doesn't get from her family. He is such a wonderful guy, I just want to hug him.

And then there are Rafe, Gemma, Krystal and Sara, who understand her ability and help her cope with it.  The organization that they all belong to is still shrouded in mystery, but this time out things get a little creepier.  You'll understand what I mean when you finish the book.  There is some amazing tension between Vi and Gemma - which is explained nicely - and Vi and Rafe - which is not, but there are going to be more books where we will be able to explore that angle.  I can't wait.

Together, the team are after a particularly disturbing serial killer. Ms Derting really seems to be able to get into the minds of these killers and, courtesy of the alternate chapters written from the killers pov, we are able to get into their minds as well.  This adds a spectacular new dimension to the story and helps to maintain a high level of tension that might otherwise be missing.  All in all, The Last Echo is an absolute must read for paranormal mystery fans.

 It looks as though the next book in this series, Dead Silence, will be out in April of next year.  Yet another brilliant cover.

and this one, The Essence - # 2 in the Pledge series will be out in January 2013.
Great stuff. Have to admit, I'm loving the red in this cover as well.






Don't forget to check out our GIVEAWAY for Pushing the Limits

Same Book, Second Look - The Pledge by Kimberly Derting

Published: November 2011

Publisher: Margaret K McElderry

Pages: 323

Copy Provided by: Borrowed

Summary: Goodreads

Summary:

In the violent country of Ludania, the classes are strictly divided by the language they speak. The smallest transgression, like looking a member of a higher class in the eye while they are speaking their native tongue, results in immediate execution. Seventeen-year-old Charlaina has always been able to understand the languages of all classes, and she's spent her life trying to hide her secret. The only place she can really be free is the drug-fueled underground clubs where people go to shake off the oppressive rules of the world they live in. It's there that she meets a beautiful and mysterious boy named Max who speaks a language she's never heard before . . . and her secret is almost exposed. 

Charlie is intensely attracted to Max, even though she can't be sure where his real loyalties lie. As the emergency drills give way to real crisis and the violence escalates, it becomes clear that Charlie is the key to something much bigger: her country's only chance for freedom from the terrible power of a deadly regime.

Review:

First off, let me explain that I LOVE Kimberly Derting.  Not only is is an amazing writer, she is humble and reaches out to her audience.  I've said it before but I do love a writer who reaches out to their fans via email, commenting on blogs, participating in chats, tweeting and going on tour.  

I first started reading Kimberly Derting's series - The Body Finder and have recommended it to just about anyone who will listen.  Its a supernatural mystery about a girl who can see the echoes of dead things.  A little creepy but the storytelling is wonderful and the characters are stellar.  Plus, another thing I love about her novels is that she doesn't have to bring out the sexuality and violence to captivate the audience.  The suspense is what keeps you reading.  Great work Ms. Derting!  Because I enjoyed The Body Finder series so much, I wanted to check out The Pledge.  Originally I thought it was another supernatural type spin but boy was I wrong!  When you first open the book, you'll discover that The Pledge was inspired by a personal account from World War II.  Keeping this in mind, I was able to delve deep into understanding what life must have been like in a world where you had to keep your identity a secret.  

The Pledge is complicated to explain and review because I don't want to give anything away.  I found the suspense to be just perfect for me to read non-stop.  I love to be surprised by a book and this one certainly surprised me. I really couldn't guess what was going to happen and it was incredibly satisfying to see how everything played out.  Can't wait for book #2!  Curlypow enjoyed it as well and you can read her original review here.

Unfortunately, I missed Kim on the Chicks Kick it Tour and she also did a signing in BC that I missed as well.  If you'd like to learn more about Kim, you can visit her blog here.  Uhh....I did notice that The Paperback Princesses was not one of the blogs she follows...I'll let it slide THIS time.... :P  And I'm still going to recommend you read her titles.  I like her that much....  

Fantastic Fairytales - The Pledge by Kimberly Derting

Published: November 2011

Publisher: Margaret K McElderry Books

Pages: 323

Copy: Library

Summary: Goodreads

In the violent country of Ludania, the classes are strictly divided by the language they speak. The smallest transgression, like looking a member of a higher class in the eye while they are speaking their native tongue, results in immediate execution. Seventeen-year-old Charlaina has always been able to understand the languages of all classes, and she's spent her life trying to hide her secret. The only place she can really be free is the drug-fueled underground clubs where people go to shake off the oppressive rules of the world they live in. It's there that she meets a beautiful and mysterious boy named Max who speaks a language she's never heard before . . . and her secret is almost exposed.

Charlie is intensely attracted to Max, even though she can't be sure where his real loyalties lie. As the emergency drills give way to real crisis and the violence escalates, it becomes clear that Charlie is the key to something much bigger: her country's only chance for freedom from the terrible power of a deadly regime.

Ok, so I realise some of you are thinking why has Curlypow put The Pledge in as one of the Fantastic Fairytales, but really I think that Ms Derting has written a marvellous, modern, dystopian fairy tale with a little bit of a fantasy twist.  It has all the best parts of a fairy tale - the wicked queen being one of them.  It's a sort of rags to riches tale with the setting being an almost generic dystopian city.  There are certain hints that the 'queendoms' could be the various no-longer-united States of America - but I freely admit that I could be totally imagining that bit. 

Charlie is a good kid with a gift that she has to hide from everyone, or risk being summarily executed - good incentive right?  She is an affectionate and caring big sister, a great friend and an all round wonderful character.  Her best friend Brook is as shallow as they come, but as the story progresses we see a depth to her character that has been skillfully hidden.  Max, well he's just gorgeous.  I loved the mystery that surrounded him and the way that he tries to protect Charlie. 

This is one of the kind of stories that I really can't tell you more about without giving away major spoilers, but it is exciting, mysterious, romantic and just plain fun.  I loved every minute of it and I'm even sorrier now that I didn't have the chance to finish it when I had access to the ARC.   I'm now waiting impatiently for the second book in the series to come out. A great start to your new series Ms Derting, thank you.

Double Take - Desires of the Dead by Kimberly Derting

Publisher: February 2011
Published: Harper

Pages: 358
Copy from: Library
Summary: Goodreads

Summary:

The missing dead call to Violet. They want to be found.

Violet can sense the echoes of those who've been murdered—and the matching imprint that clings to their killers. Only those closest to her know what she is capable of, but when she discovers the body of a young boy she also draws the attention of the FBI, threatening her entire way of life.

As Violet works to keep her morbid ability a secret, she unwittingly becomes the object of a dangerous obsession. Normally she'd turn to her best friend, Jay, except now that they are officially a couple, the rules of their relationship seem to have changed. And with Jay spending more and more time with his new friend Mike, Violet is left with too much time on her hands as she wonders where things went wrong. But when she fills the void by digging into Mike's tragic family history, she stumbles upon a dark truth that could put everyone in danger.

Curlypow - I'm in black
Christinabean - I'm in blue

Desires of the Dead' is the second installment in Kimberly Derting's Body Finder series. This novel sees the growth of Violet and Jay, both as characters and as a couple. Violet is still struggling to understand her gift and reluctant to tell anyone about it. Jay is still so very understanding of her 'gift', but the dynamics of the situation have changed now that they are going out. Their relationship really amps up a notch this time around and I enjoyed that aspect, altho' without giving away any spoilers, it might surprise some people.  I have to be honest here and say that it really bothered me how Violet kept so much from Jay and thought it was OK to do so.  Why would she start keeping secrets now?  I really felt like this drove a wedge between them and yes, it could have stemmed from her own insecurities but he certainly didn't give her many reasons to think that she was anything but his one and only.

The FBI are introduced and with them, 2 new characters, Sara Priest and Rafe - a rather quiet, enigmatic guy with lots of secrets. These 2 added very nicely to the story and the reader is now sure that the series will continue, with Sara and Rafe playing an integral part.  There is much mystery with these two and I'm interested to find out what kind of a role they will play in the future.  I am keen to discover Rafe's gift and if Violet will begin to take notice of him romantically.  (C'mon!  What's a good series without a love triangle??!! - the boy next door vs the hot steamy mystery man)

Mike and Megan - a brother and sister newly arrived at Violet's school - are the links to the mystery this time around. I have to be honest, I didn't find the mystery quite so mysterious in this book, but there were lots of other things going on that held my attention. The interaction between Violet's friend Chelsea and Mike was fun, but I suspect that if Chelsea were for real, she would get tiring pretty quickly.  You know, to tell you the truth, as I was wondering about Mike and I did question whether Mike was interested in Chelsea or more in Jay....how about a bromance twist??  I felt badly for Megan as she seemed a bit lonely and needed a role model or maybe a big sister to look up to.

All in all it was another great entry in the romantic suspense field and I'm looking forward to seeing where Ms. Derting goes with the characters. I'm pretty sure Violet hasn't found her last body - not by a long chalk!  Two thumbs up for me with this one.  I loved The Body Finder and I'm so happy to be able to review Desires of the Dead as well.  On another note, Ms. Derting has a new book coming out in November called The Pledge.  Can't wait to read more from her!

In My Mailbox - February 29

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by The Story Siren in which bloggers post about the books they have received for the week. Books may be won, taken out from the library or bought from a store.



I've been busy trying to catch up on my TBR list with books that I've got at home but I did receive a gem in the mail this week that I'm SO FREAKING EXCITED about....

Desires of the Dead is book 2 ofthe Body Finder series by Kimberly Derting. I really enjoyed The Body Finder when it came out last year and couldn't wait for this one to come out. To my surprise, the ARC arrived in the mail and it is signed by the author! Thank you! Thank you Ms. Derting!! Keep your eyes peeled for the review to come shortly!

Same Book, Second Look - The Body Finder by Kimberly Derting

Published: March 2010

Publisher: HarperTeen

Pages: 327

Copy Provided by: Library

Summary: Goodreads

Summary:
Violet Ambrose is grappling with two major issues: Jay Heaton and her morbid secret ability. While the sixteen-year-old is confused by her new feelings for her best friend since childhood, she is more disturbed by her “power” to sense dead bodies—or at least those that have been murdered. Since she was a little girl, she has felt the echoes the dead leave behind in the world . . . and the imprints that attach to their killers.

Violet has never considered her strange talent to be a gift; it mostly just led her to find dead birds her cat had tired of playing with. But now that a serial killer has begun terrorizing her small town, and the echoes of the local girls he’s claimed haunt her daily, she realizes she might be the only person who can stop him.

Despite his fierce protectiveness over her, Jay reluctantly agrees to help Violet on her quest to find the murderer—and Violet is unnerved to find herself hoping that Jay’s intentions are much more than friendly. But even as she’s falling intensely in love, Violet is getting closer and closer to discovering a killer . . . and becoming his prey herself.

Same Book, Second Look is a chance for both of us to review the same book. Both Curlypow and I are librarians but we have different opinions when it comes to certain titles. To each, her own! We want the ability to express our own opinions whether they are similar or differ. Same Book, Second Look allows the second person to do an additional review of a book that has already been posted.

Review:
WOW. And I'm not talking Waiting on Wednesday. This is how I know the Body Finder is a winner - I stayed up until 2am one night reading it until I couldn't even keep my eyes open. (I finished the last 20 pages the next day.) I also tweeted to the author TWICE to let her know how much I enjoyed her novel!

I received this at the library (one of the few times I beat Curlypow on the hold list) and unfortunately, I already had 4 books on the go so I let her read it first. I have to admit that I am slightly upset that I let Curlypow beat me to it because it was such a great read. You can read Curlypow's original post here. She did a great job of describing just how thrilling this book is.

I didn't have the same sense of surprise when the twist happened part way through the book but I definitely found that I was riveted right until the last page. That is my favorite kind of read, something that has you hooked and wondering how events will unfold right up until the very end. Fast-paced and unpredictable - love it. If I don't want to put the book down to eat, the author has me hooked.

Ahhh...young love. Watching (ok, reading) Jay and Violet dance around each other as they work their feelings from friends to lovers was so refreshing. Ms. Derting did a wonderful job of building up their relationship, sense of trust and jealousy capturing these feelings in a very believeable, realistic way. Their relationship was a secondary story. Of course the main story was a serial killer, on the loose and only Violet has the gift to stop him. Ms. Derting captured the essence of the killer well. The book was laid out so that chapters about the killer's thoughts were in italics and the rest of the story blended around. I felt like I was watching a suspense thriller movie while hiding behind a blanket. Kimberly, you captured the killer's "voice" so well, is there something you want to tell us??  Creepy good fun.  In fact, this might be the perfect read with your friends on Halloween night!  This book gets two thumbs up from me.  I was lucky enough to borrow this copy from the library but I will definitely be purchasing a copy of my own.

Can't wait for the next book in the series - Desires of the Dead. Quick sneak peak at the cover -

I love the covers of these books. The black background makes them feel mysterious, like a light reaching out from the dark...or an "echo" reaching through the night...you'll want to add it to your TBR pile. Release date is set for March 2011!