top of page

 

Goodreads Review - Julia Brumfield

 

 "This was definitely an interesting opportunity that I was given by the author to review her book. I started off looking over the summary and skimmed the first few pages while I was thinking this is so going to be another teen book - gushy plot, overly dramatic (and possibly snobby) teens blowing their trivial problems into an imaginary main issue and your usual "teen elements" but I can say that my teen book prejudices were laid to rest.

The book still contains a largely teen feel to it while centering around teen characters but they are more your average teen than some of the other YA stories you read. The author did a great job on bringing out the personalities of each - delicate Nichole, silly yet amazingly strong Matt, compassionate and warm Will as well as treacherously friendly Scott. The main character Carrie comes off as naïve yet surprisingly strong although in places she was ditzy like we can all be sometimes even if we don't admit it. The personalities also showed in some of the other minor characters and it was a shame that some of them weren't further used in the book but maybe that is what the other books may be about.

The writing was easy and simple to follow. And once you get started on the story you don't want to put it down since you are wondering the whole time - Is this what is going to happen next? What are they going to do? I bet you this snake is..., etc. And surprisingly although it seems like the story is simple and you know which way it is going it does take a few surprise turns - some for the better and some for the worst.

I was struggling with what rating to give this book: Did I Really Like It or Was It Amazing? The reason why I chose the 5 stars instead of 4 is the emotional depth in it. I was on my seat and yelling at Scott for being such a sneaky snake (thankfully I was at home so no one could hear me yelling), I was holding my breath for sweet Nichole, glaring angrily at the miserly gas station and unabashedly I was crying at two parts within the story where it was so touching and heartfelt yet sad. There are many authors out in the world today but they write for the money or they write to meet a deadline so as a result the emotional depths of a book are sometimes pushed aside or there is the merest breath of feeling within the story so I am always happy when my emotions are challenged even if they be at the extremes for what good is a story if you can't relate and feel along with the characters?

Miss. Barkey I thank you for this opportunity and chance to read your book. From the bottom of my heart it was a true pleasure and one that I will be assuredly adding to my collection."

 

 

 

InD'Tale Magazine Review

 "Carrie Kent has a special ability - one that might help others with special abilities - so when asked, she leaves California to help her Aunt Crystal at The Institute. However, a simple side job turns into life or death race to avoid capture by a secret criminal organization called E.Y.E who are willing to do anything to use or silence the group. With the help of her new friends Carrie must take control of her ability and decide who to trust.

A dystopian/sci-fi YA adventure involving teens with special abilities, a love triangle, and a female lead with more power than she realizes. Readers who enjoy modern-day teens with powers, fleeing and fighting an evil corporation should add this book to their to-read piles, as “Waybrooke” will fit right in. The different characters with their quirks and powers are interesting, particularly since people with powers don’t seem to be a public secret, similar to later versions of X-men. However, while the premise is good,  Also the story lacks any real twists to make it stand out from the crowd. Still, a good read for a lazy afternoon."

Sarah E Bradley

 

The Real World According To Sam

 http://therealworldaccordingtosam.blogspot.com/p/the-bookshelf.html

 

"This book is fun and light. It is entertaining and a good read when you just want to read something straightforward. Its YA and is geared towards a teenage audience. It is far from perfect, but its still good and I enjoyed it. It doesn't take very long to read, but it is a wholesomely good story. There are areas that need improvement . I'd definitely buy this book and I'm very much looking forward to the second book and whatever else the author decides to write and publish."
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Waybrooke Reviews

bottom of page